Living Word February 2014

Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path (Psalm 119:105)

Hear the Word of the Lord IN THIS ISSUE

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In this month’s issue: 3.

Lowliness the Goal

4.

The Kingdom Comes First

5.

Grace: More Powerful than Addiction

Ken Legg (Australia)

7.

Making Our Lives Better for Others

Vicki L. Julian (USA)

10.

The Time of the End Begins

13.

Faith-builders Bible Study Mark 5

Derek Williams (UK)

18.

In Depth Study – 1 Corinthians 12

Mathew Bartlett (UK)

Edwin & Lillian Harvey (USA) Daniel Kolenda (CfaN)

Mathew Bartlett (UK)

©Photos above © Showface Cover: © Photowitch Left © from top: Franz Pfluegl, A. J. Cotton, Sebastian Grecu, and Jostein Hauge Facing Amandee Back Cover: A. J. Cotton

Living Word Magazine is published in the United Kingdom by Sharon Full Gospel Church, 7 Park View, Freeholdland Road, Pontnewynydd, Pontypool, NP4 8LP Editor: Mathew Bartlett 1

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Lowliness the Goal An extract from “Royal Insignia” by Edwin & Lillian Harvey Image © Jostein Hauge

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I was brought low, and he helped me (Psa. 116:6).

MALCOLM Muggeridge was a searcher after truth for many years. In the course of this search, he travelled to Russia in order to explore the possibilities of Communism, only to be bitterly disappointed and disillusioned. Finally, he found in Christ the End of his search and exhorts us thus: “Let us as Christians rejoice that we see around us on every hand the decay of the institutions and instruments of power; intimations of empires falling to pieces, money in total disarray, dictators and parliamentarians alike nonplussed by the confusion and conflicts which encompass them.

“For it is precisely when every earthly hope has been explored and found wanting, when every possibility of help from earthly sources has been sought and is not forthcoming, when every recourse this world offers, moral as well as material, has been explored to no effect, when in the shivering cold the last faggot has been thrown on the fire and in the gathering darkness every glimmer of light has finally

flickered out—it is then that Christ’s hand reaches out, sure and firm, that Christ’s words bring their inexpressible comfort, that His light shines brightest, abolishing the darkness forever. So, finding in everything only deception and nothingness, the soul is constrained to have recourse to God Himself and to rest content with Him.” George Fox, the founder of the Quaker movement, was brought to see this amazing truth: “When all my hopes in all men were gone, so that I had nothing outwardly to help me, then, oh, then, I heard a voice which said, ‘There is One, even Christ Jesus, that can speak to thy condition,’ and, when I heard it, my heart did leap for joy.”

C. A. Fox, yet another Englishman and one of the first speakers at the Keswick Convention, reiterates the Scriptural truth that when we are brought low we find help: “We learn who it is whom the Lord helps: ‘It is those who are brought low.’ We thought it was when we were getting on, showing pluck, keeping up to a good place, that the Lord helped. But now we know something deeper, that those 3

who are saved are the sinful ones: that it is not those who are wise, and not many who are noble, but the fools and the despised whom God hath chosen. ‘Father, I thank Thee, that Thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes!’

“You little thought that was the way to Heaven! You thought it was through shining lights, the avenues of angels, but He has shown you now that it is by the dark stair of sorrow that He helped you when brought very low. Oh, blessed be God for the dark stair which leads us down to His Heaven!”

Thy home is with the humble, Lord! The simplest are the best; Thy lodging is in childlike hearts; Thou makest there Thy rest.

Dear Comforter! Eternal Love! If Thou wilt stay with me, Of lowly thoughts, and simple ways I’ll build a house for Thee. Who made this beating heart of mine But Thou, my heavenly Guest?

Let no one have it, then, but Thee, And let it be Thy rest.— Lyra Catholica.

God has two thrones—the one in the highest heavens, the other in the lowliest hearts. — Unknown.

The Kingdom Comes First A Bible Study by Daniel Kolenda (CfaN) Photo: © Sebastian Grecu An extract from Daniel’s new book- Live before you die. £9.99 BUY NOW. Imagine you are a member of the crew of an aircraft carrier in the US Navy. Like all the other crew members, you have been assigned a specific task. You might be a mechanic or a landing signal officer. You might have a prestigious as a Repentance is suchposition an oftentop gun fighter pilot or misunderstood concept. Contrary something as modest as a to janitor. what While manythepeople specific think, roles repentance is not a dirty word.

It’s and functions will vary from notperson just fortothe sinner every who wants person, crew ultimately working to member get saved,isnor is it just for those toward the same gross objective: to who are committing sins and fulfill the mission of that vessel. living in blatant immorality. For the child of God repentance should be In the military, depending on a your lifestyle.

To and repent to position rank,means you may “turn,” toprivy change one’s mind and not be to the purpose for direction. which your ship has been deployed, but in God’s kingdom Butourhere is where many commanding officerpeople has misunderstand.

We tend objective to think made the ultimate and if we this mission of clear, repentance as keep primarily turning before our eyes, it will help us to away from something, as in turning discover and fulfill God’s will for away from sin and making a oneour lives. Regardless of the hundred-eighty-degree change to specific role we each are called thetoopposite direction. is play, God’s plan forBut ourthis lives missing the bereal point.

For will always aligned with the larger amission, and turn we away can example, sinner could eliminate any initiative that is from a sin and still be lost. In fact, not are in sync with it. there many religions that teach morals and abstinence from So what is God’s supreme various butworld that asinrevealed and of agendasins, in our itself does not anyone. in Scripture?

We save need look no Therefore, from thewhoChristian further than Jesus, was in every way the andaway full perspective, whatcomplete you turn expression of God’s will from is not really the issue. It in is action.

In the Lord’s Prayer Jesus what you turn to that makes the prayed, “Your kingdom come. difference.

Your will be done on earth as it

is in heaven” (Matt. 6:10, NKJV).

The prayer Jesus taught us to pray will one day be answered; God’s kingdom will come, and His will shall be done on earth as it is in heaven! Let’s fast-forward in time to see what this glorious fulfillment will look like.

Consider the amazing words of 1 Corinthians 15:28: “And when all things shall be subdued unto him [Jesus], then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.” That God may be all and in all. What could be more complete than this?

What could be more thorough than this? No more darkness; no more sin. Only righteousness in every corner of creation, God’s will being done everywhere all the time.

We see prophetic glimpses of this all throughout Scripture, even in the Old Testament.

Isaiah and Habakkuk both declare, “The earth shall be full of the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea” (Hab. 2:14; see also Isa. 11:9). A more thorough covering could not be articulated. It is a total and complete saturation.

The last chapter of the Bible paints a prophetic picture of what creation will ultimately look like. Revelation 21:4 says, “There shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are 4

passed away.” Isaiah 11:6 describes a time when wolves and lambs and leopards and goats will lie down together and be led by children.

Redemption has been the divine agenda since Adam and Eve fell in the Garden of Eden, and throughout human history God has been working diligently and unrelentingly to this end. Both Old and New Testament scriptures contain hundreds of references that run from start to finish in a seamless thread of single-minded intention.

In fact, according to Acts 3:21 every one of God’s holy prophets since the beginning of the world has spoken about the restoration of all things. Those prophecies will be fulfilled, the prayer of Jesus will be answered, and God’s kingdom will come.

What a day that will be!

This is what we long for. This is what we pray for. This is what we work for—for God’s kingdom to come and His will to be done on earth as it is in heaven!

Regardless of what we do as an occupation, we all share a singular calling and mission in this life: to build God’s kingdom on earth. This is why our “ship” has been deployed. This is the business we should all be investing in, and if we find ourselves moving in any other direction, we can be sure we are moving away from God’s will for our lives.

Grace: The Power to Reign by Ken Legg

we enjoy it releases endorphins as a reward. This encourages us to repeat the behaviour each time we need relief from emotional pain. It serves as a coping mechanism.

Once a person has learned they can manipulate their emotions by running to the refuge of their habit/drug the basis for addictive behaviour has been set. Of course the relief never lasts, necessitating a return to the same sinful practice and, eventually, bondage to it.

Order your copy online The pdf version is just $9 Australian Dollars Print version $19 ($22 outside Australia) Grace: More Powerful than Addictive Behaviour Often, people believe that sin is the pathway to pleasure; otherwise they wouldn’t do it.

People become addicted to anything that gives temporary pleasure as a means of distraction from the emotional pain they are going through.

The brain works in such a way that when we do something

I always smile when I hear that well-worn cliché, “Grace is just a license to sin.” Paul teaches the opposite. Grace is the only power that can deal with habitual sinful behaviour. He assures us that sin will no longer have dominion over us because we are not under law but under grace (see Rom.6:14).

Dealing with sinful habits and addictive behaviour is different for a believer than it is for a non-believer. A believer is now free not to sin.

Why do Christians choose sin?

So why would a Christian still choose to live in sin? This is a very important question. In Romans 6, Paul asks, “Do you 5

not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?” (Rom. 6:16).

The reason he asks this question is not so much because we might not know that sin leads to death, but that we might not believe it.

We often need convincing that sin really is the source of our pain and grief.

Now if we believe that sin is what would make us happy, and God appeals to us not to yield the members of our bodies to sin but to yield them to righteousness, then in our heart we would conclude that God is the source of our unhappiness!

He is withholding good from us.

Does that sound familiar? It was the logic behind the temptation in the Garden of Eden. From the beginning of time Satan has deceived people into believing that what God has forbidden is the very thing they need for happiness and fulfilment in life. This makes God the source of our unhappiness.

Many Christians would never admit this openly, but it’s

what they believe it in their heart.

Having set before us life and death, God gives us the freedom to choose for ourselves. Why does He do this knowing that we may choose sin and death? If we do not believe Him when He tells us that sin leads to pain and unhappiness, then He allows us to learn it by tasting the fruit of the choices we make. He says, “You choose; and you live with the consequences.”

Similarly, Paul counsels us to reflect upon the fruit of our behaviour when we were under the dominion of sin. He asks, “What fruit did you have then in the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death” (Rom.6:21). We need to be honest with ourselves.

What good fruit ever resulted from going down the road of sin, either before we were saved or after?

Contrast this with the fruit of making our bodies available to God: “But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life” (Rom.6:22).

Being free indeed Jesus said, “If the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed” (Jn.8:36).

Real freedom consists not merely of breaking free from habitual sinful behaviour, but of wanting to do so and having no desire to go back there.

People don’t genuinely repent because they are told to. They change their behaviour when they change their minds about sin. That’s what the word ‘repent’ means.

Sometimes it is only after a long, painful process that we come to truly believe - in our heart as well as in our mind that sin is our enemy and God is our Friend; sin is the cause of our pain and God is the fountain of all true, lasting pleasure.

Maybe you are puzzled by Paul’s terminology. He said that we are either a slave to sin or to righteousness. It seems strange to speak of our freedom in terms of slavery.

In my book This Is The Life I wrote, “A slave is in the total grip of the master whom he serves. Whenever a person chooses to sin he is no longer in control of what will take place. That’s the deceptive power of sin. It makes you think you are getting what you want. In fact, you lose 6

control the moment you give yourself over to its power. Sin always takes us much further than we want to go.” Adam had no idea that committing that one sin would result in him and the planet coming under Satan’s control.

If sin is so powerful, how much greater is grace! When we are in the grip of grace God will take us much further than we ever imagined possible! Is there a limit to what God has in store for those who yield their bodies to do His will?

“…as it is written: ‘Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.’ But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit” (1 Cor.2:9 & 10).

MAKING OUR LIVES BETTER FOR OTHERS Image © Franz Pfluegl

When we live our own lives better, the result is that we make life better for others, too. Not only do we become an example, goodness and positive actions just seem to follow. So what are some of the truths to living our lives better?

Two Wrongs Don't Make a Right Our nature is sometimes a desire to get even, even the score, or punish.

But if you choose one of these options, the wrongs are still wrong, and then you are, too. The Bible makes it clear that we are not the ones to react (Hebrews 10:30). It’s important to fight injustice when wronged, but retaliation just adds to the problem, and then it all becomes a perpetual wrong (1 Thessalonians 5:15).

Take Responsibility and Atone When Possible It's easy to make a mistake. Humans err. But when we learn that we have erred, it's important to take responsibility and make it right

(Numbers 5:6-7). A sincere, "I'm sorry," is a very powerful step toward righting a wrong, but it must be followed with action. If it isn't possible to erase what was done, then do something else that is positive, even if it is a vow to not repeat the offense in the future.

challenge. Alexander Pope knew this when he penned, "to err is human, but to forgive divine." But first we need to remember forgiveness isn't excusing the other person or entity for any wrong that they might have done - it is simply “letting go.”

Forgive More

Sometimes we may even have to forgive ourselves and that can be more difficult than forgiving someone else. In such cases it’s good to remember that hindsight is always 20/20. The best decisions are generally made with information available at the time.

We can only learn from our experience and atone for what we can.

We often think that forgiveness is only something we do for the person we feel has wronged us, but it may be equally or even more important to do it for ourselves and those with whom we come into contact. Anger can consume us to the point of letting it influence our decisions, and even our outlook on life. (Mark 11:25). Forgiving then becomes important to do not just for ourselves, but for our fellowman because our attitude affects others.

How can we expect to be forgiven when we do wrong, if we are unable to forgive (Matthew 6:1415)?

Granted, forgiving is not easy, and it may even be an overwhelming 7

Forgiving yourself or someone else might not be something you can do on your own. It may take many prayers or the help of a professional to accomplish true forgiveness. The bottom line on forgiving is always a choice; live in hurt or anger, or move on. Choosing the latter

ultimately makes the world a better place.

Don't Blame Others We may not be able to change what might happen or has happened to us, but we are the sole owners of how we respond. Our backgrounds and environment may be an influence, but being the victim of our past can be very detrimental to us as well as others. Remaining wounded and defensive makes it difficult to think beyond our own circumstances, and how can anyone make this world better for his fellowman when he cannot do it for himself?

For some, it may again take many prayers or seeking the outside help of a professional. No longer thinking only of oneself gives freedom to make more choices. (Romans 8:31).

It is impossible to wallow in self-pity when you look beyond yourself.

Keep Your Word Perhaps nothing defines character more than keeping one's word.

There also may be no greater letdown than to depend upon someone who doesn't meet our expectations. And this is particularly true if that person made a promise.

Since Jesus told us how we treat one another is basically the same as if it were himself, that would seemingly apply to promises we make (Numbers 30:2). But because we are human, there will be times when we disappoint others and cannot honor our promises. It then becomes our obligation to promptly tell the person, to whom we made the promise, that it can’t be fulfilled.

Remember your words represent you (Matthew 12:37). And your

actions, combined with your words, not only demonstrate your personal integrity, but send a clear message of how you value others. “Lip service,” even well intentioned, benefits no one. Only actions speak your true love and caring for others (1 John 3:18).

naïve or gullible. Although we are expected to be good stewards of our resources, we aren’t asked to judge if we deem someone worthy (Matthew 5:42). The judgment of any person who takes advantage falls to God, not us (Ecclesiastes 12:14).

Be Less Judgmental

Resolve Issues Fairly

The Bible has much to say about judgment with numerous warnings and admonitions, especially because we respond to the world through our own perceptions.

Unfortunately, even strong perceptions are sometimes contrary to what’s real.

It can take years to learn good conflict resolution. But individuals, who have a quarrel with each other, should always try first to work it out between themselves. If they cannot, then they should both go at the same time to a supervisor or other intermediary who can act as arbitrator. That way, neither can distort the truth or the outcome.

(Matthew 18:15-16).

We cast judgment on people based upon how we would think or feel if we made the same statements or actions. But this can be so wrong!

No one can know what another person is feeling or thinking unless he or she honestly shares that with you (1Corinthians 2:11).

Before placing possible misconceptions on another (John 7:24), it’s always wise to think about our response options. You can give the benefit of a doubt now and later address it if necessary, or assume the worst and act upon it.

The danger in the second option is possibly discovering afterwards that you perceived things incorrectly, and it can sometimes be difficult or impossible to make amends.

Remember, too, that people have a way of living up to or down to expectations (Ephesians 4:29).

There is also one other element to judgment – pride. We tend to judge another person’s worth when being asked to give or donate. We don’t want to be taken advantage of, but if that should occur, it does not mean that we are 8

Avoid Negatives Negatives can't always be avoided in life, and sometimes they shouldn't be (Proverbs 28:27). Being immune or apathetic to the plights of others prevents us from helping to make things better for those whom we can. But negatives that color our world and diminish our humanity can be avoided, or have a lesser impact if we are aware of them. Humans are great at generalizing so it’s important to know the influences that might affect our choices to do good things for others.

Remember the saying, "garbage in, garbage out?" This can be especially true if we let what entertains and surrounds us color our perceptions (Mark 4:24).

For instance, some people may be entertained by watching performance competitions, but be aware that the sometimes "humorous" comments by those judging can mask unkind or cruel things said at the expense of the participant. This can lead to judging individuals on a personal level and not just their abilities or needs (Luke 6:37).

There are also many reality shows that attempt to entertain by evoking laughter at people who respond with incredibly inane answers to questions, or focus on people succumbing to the worst part of humanity by their behavior.

Just remember that a bias could be formed regarding ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or even appearance.

This is also a good time to think about our choice of reading materials, music, topics of conversation, and jokes. Our choices ultimately convey to others what we believe (Proverbs 11:27).

The simple fact is, if we aren’t aware and don’t think about it, outside influences that put down our fellowman can cause prejudice as to how we see others in general.

Those influences might cause us to compare ourselves to others, and promote judgmental views. If it makes us question whether someone is worthy of our help or is an equal, how will we make this world better? Instead, we need to make sure that regardless of what we find entertaining or what surrounds us, that we concentrate upon the common life that all we humans share (Romans 15:7).

AND FINALLY Live Every Moment to the Fullest Realistically, always living life to the fullest isn't possible to do, but it is akin to the goal of giving 100% all of the time. It, too, is not always possible, but the moment we strive for less, the less we will achieve. Our goal then becomes to make the most of the time we have. A Cherokee proverb states, "When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced. Live your life so that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice."

If you knew your life would soon end, would you grieve more for what you have done, or for lost opportunities? Dickens,’ A Christmas Carol, is perhaps the best wake-up call for what we are compelled to do - to make this world a better place for our fellowman (Luke 12:48).

Image © xxknightwolf

He loved us enough to give His son to die so that we may be made sinless. But because He desires for us to love Him, He left it up to us whether to “plug” into Him or to live in the darkness. Just like the lamp, we too need a source of power in order to shine. God is our power source. He is to us what the electrical outlet is to a lamp.

This is an extract from Vicki L. Julian’s lovely new book ‘Simple Things’.

Available now from Amazon.com Buy Paperback $8.96 9

Buy for Kindle

The Message of the End

The Time of the End Begins Revelation 10 &11

John sees a mighty angel appear, coming down from heaven to earth. He plants one foot on the land and the other on the sea, signifying God’s authority over all creation.

Whilst the description of the glory and power of this angel is reminiscent of John’s earlier description of Christ, this mighty angel is certainly not Jesus Christ. Rather “the angel reflects the glory of God and comes with Christ’s authority” (Wesley) and “descends with the evidences of Christ’s power” (Ellicott).

Derek Williams points out that this angel is surrounded by a cloud of the glory of God, reminding us that Christ ascended to heaven in clouds of glory and will return in clouds of glory; has a “rainbow” on his head, the symbol of God’s covenant mercy with His people.

His face shone like the sun i.e. with a radiance that told of his might, just as the face of the Lord Jesus is described in Rev. 1:16 and His feet as pillars of fire signify his strength to subdue all things, a power which belongs only to Christ.

Christ sent this angel with the task of revealing to John greater details about the time of the end. These details are obviously contained in the little book. The fact that the book was open in the angels hand suggests that its contents were to be fully disclosed.

10

Like the roar of a lion the angel gives a great shout, which is answered by a sevenfold thundering voice. The source of the thunder is not clear, but it is reasonable to think that it came from heaven. (Psa. 29:3-9).

Whatever the message, it was not to be revealed at this time, but will be for the time of the end.

The angel himself brought a message about the time of the end. With a solemn oath in the name of the eternal God of creation, He swears that this time, the time of sounding the seventh trumpet, was the time for God’s will to be accomplished. His wrath would be poured out on the earth and His Son return to reign in glory for when the seventh angel sounds (11:15) God’s purpose for man would be completed just as He had made known through His servants the prophets.

8. The Lord tells John to take the open book from the angel’s hand, and as he asks the angel for it, the angel instructs him to “devour it”, that is, take in every word of its message thoroughly.

But he warns him that although the reading of it will be sweet, like eating honey, the digesting, or understanding of it, will give him great discomfort - for it was a message of great solemnity.

It was essential for John to prophesy again about the time of the end, for this subject is of deepest importance to every

people, nation and language on earth. Clearly the contents of the little book are the subject of John’s prophecies in the coming chapters.

The Visions of the End Jerusalem These prophecies are given by a series of visions concerning the nation of Israel, and specifically to the time on earth immediately prior to the coming of the Lord. It is a time during which there will be great trouble for the people of Israel, which will last 42 months (or 3 ½ years). John is taken in the Spirit by the angel to Jerusalem to “measure the temple”. He was told only to measure the part of the temple used by the Jews.

Measuring the worshippers could be a reference to counting their number (God had already numbered them) or as some commentators suggest, to measuring the sincerity of their devotion. However, John was not to measure the court of the Gentiles, for this had been rejected by God and given into the hands of the nations who would dominate Jerusalem by “ruthless oppression and merciless brutality.” TATFORD It is the “time of Jacob’s trouble” (Jer. 30:7) lasting for a period of 3 ½ years.

judgement He is about to bring upon them.

Their dress (sackcloth) signifies how solemn their message will be.

4. “These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands standing before the God of the earth.”

They are identified as being the two spoken of in Zechariah 4:3 & 11 - 14 who wait on God as His servants. The two olive trees and two lampstands refer to the same two individuals.

Speculation as to their identity is unhelpful. They are likely to be men who belong to the time during which they minister.

V5 They are given supernatural power to kill anyone who tries to harm them - “fire proceeds from their mouth”. Not literal fire, but the Word of God will be so powerful from their lips that it will consume their enemies (Jer. 5:14; 23:29) 6 They also have power to stop it raining during the time of their prophecy and to turn the waters into blood. They can strike the earth with all kinds of plagues as often as they wish. The whole ministry of the two witnesses speaks not of salvation but of judgement.

The Death Witnesses

of

the

Two

The Two End Time Witnesses During this end time God will raise up two prophets who will bear witness to all people of God’s authority and the

7 When the two witnesses have finished their God given task, “the beast” who arises out of the abyss is permitted of God to overcome and kill them. This is 11

the first mention of “the beast” who ascends first from the abyss, and is pictured later as “rising out of the sea” (13:1).

This makes it clear that the two witnesses stand for God during the worldwide reign of “the beast”- also called the AntiChrist.

8,9. These men are held in such contempt by a wicked world that their bodies are left to rot in streets of Jerusalem, referred to as Sodom, which is how Isaiah described Jerusalem (Isaiah 1:10), a name indicating the moral corruption of the city whilst Egypt refers to its spiritual bondage to Satan. Their bodies will not be allowed burial and people from many nations will come to gloat over them. There their bodies will remain for three and half days.

10. “And those who dwell on the earth will rejoice over them, make merry, and send gifts to one another, because these two prophets tormented those who dwell on the earth.”

The whole world will celebrate the death of these two “antagonists”. They will declare a holiday, throw parties and send presents to each other.

They rejoice because they no longer have to endure hearing the truth from these men who “opposed the prevailing errors and rebuked the vices of the age” (Barnes).

The Resurrection of the Two Witnesses

11,12 . After three and a half days the “Spirit of life from God” raised them from the dead and they stood on their feet, an event which brings abject terror to those who witness it. At the sound of a loud shout from heaven the two witnesses ascend to heaven in a cloud of glory, as their enemies look on.

13,14. That same hour a powerful earthquake will destroy one tenth of the city of Jerusalem, killing seven thousand people, God’s judgement for their opposition to His witnesses. Those who survive will in mortal fear attribute this act to the power to God, even though, like Pharaoh before them, they still refuse to repent (Rev. 9:21). The second of the three woes, which were announced in Rev. 8:13 is past and the third one will follow immediately.

The End of Announced

all

Things

The last of the trumpets proclaims the end of all things which is at hand, for John hears mighty voices in heaven proclaiming that the time had come at last. The kingdom of the world was from henceforth to be the possession of God and of His Christ. Having been taken out of the hands of Satan, the “god of this world” (2 Cor. 4:4) it is again in the hands of its rightful owner. “They were always so in title, both by creation and purchase.

They thankfully observe His actual possession of

them, and reign over them; they give Him thanks because He had taken to Him His great power, asserted His rights, exerted His power, and so turned title into possession” (Matthew Henry).

He shall reign for ever more.

16,17 The twenty four elders (representative of the church) rise from their thrones and fall before God to worship Him. They express their gratitude to the Lord God Almighty, the Eternal One because by exerting His mighty power He had at last exercised His right to rule over the whole earth.

18. At this time the heathen, those who were enraged against God, opposed Christ and persecuted His people, will experience God’s wrath.

Whatever their position in life, the time had come for them to be judged and destroyed. On the other hand, it is time for all those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life, who faithfully served Christ and bore witness to His word to be rewarded.

19 There is no literal temple or an ark of the covenant in heaven (Rev. 21:22). The word “Temple” refers to the place where God dwells and the word used here does not refer to the whole temple but the Holy Place. John saw that the way into the immediate presence of God was open.

In the Old Testament the Ark of the Covenant held the Law of God, the manna, and Aaron’s 12

rod that budded. The lid of the ark was called the mercy seat.

On the day of Atonement the mercy seat was sprinkled with the blood of the sacrifice. It was before the mercy seat that God met and spoke to Moses (Ex. 25:22). So the ark was a symbol giving the assurance of God’s promises, His presence and His covering for sin. The ark in the OT foreshadows the ministry of Christ. As Stephen was stoned to death he saw heaven opened and the Lord Jesus Christ standing at the right hand of God (Acts 7:56). Hence the “ark of His covenant” is symbolic of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Clearly the way is open for the Church to enter the Holy Place, where Christ has gone before.

Yet the opening of the Temple at this point in John’s vision signifies the imminent return of Christ to earth with His saints.

Accompanying this sign was a demonstration of the mighty power and majesty of God in lightning, thunders, earthquake and hail.

Conclusion Unlike the predictions of men, these God-given predictions cannot fail to come true. Ask yourself Are you following the Lamb, the Lord Jesus Christ, into his heavenly glory, or are you rejecting him, making yourself one of the millions that will be judged by him? In the light of scripture, I would urge you, if you have not already, decide for Jesus today.

The Faith-builders Bible study series The ‘Faith-builders Bible study series’ has been developed a useful resource for today’s students of God’s Word and their busy lifestyles.

Pastors, home or study group leaders and indeed for anyone wishing to study the Bible for themselves will benefit from using Faith-builders studies.

Each volume is the result of many years of group Bible study, and has been revised again and again to be relevant, challenging and faith building whilst remaining clear and easy to understand.

Each chapter had thought provoking questions to aid study and sample answers are provided.

Below are the study notes for Mark chapter 3.

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Mark Chapter 5 (abstract)

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The Man of Gadara

Pastors, home or study group leaders and indeed for anyone wishing to study the Bible for themselves will benefit usingheading Faith-builders studies. of the nearbyfrom graveyard

Mark Chapter 2 (abstract)

straight for Jesus.

5:1 So they came to the other side of the lake, to the region of the Gerasenes.

even with a chain.

After the stilling of the storm, Jesus and his disciples arrived safely on the other side of the lake; in the region of the Gerasenes (or Gadara). Here they faced a storm of a different kind. In our Christian experience we find that no sooner are we delivered from one situation that we are faced with another.

5:2 Just as Jesus was getting out of the boat, a man with an unclean spirit came from the tombs and met him.

As soon as the boat reached the shore a man who was possessed by an unclean spirit came charging out

The people had no answer to this

Each volume is the result of many years spiritual of group Bible man's bound condition, study, and has been revised again and again to be 5:3 He lived among the tombs, and only a physical one and that was to By Derek Williams & Mathew Bartlett (UK) Image © Rorem relevant, challenging and faith building whilst remaining no one could bind him anymore, not try and restrain him with chains and clear and easy to understand. fetters that proved to be useless.

They were questions trying to fight the Each chapter had thought provoking to aid This man’s dwelling was among the spiritual powers of darkness with study and sample answers are provided. dead; even as all outside of Christ the natural and found it was an are dead Below in their aretrespasses the study and notes sins for impossible chapter 2. task (Eph. 6:12) They (Prov. 21:16). Such was our were trying to find a physical cure Buy in paperback nowwe for £7.99 condition times past when for a spiritual sickness and it did not wereKindle bound by sin and the devil Edition only £2.01 work. The powers of darkness can (Eph. 2:2-3). No one could control only be fought by putting on the the forces of evil that drove this whole armour of God and by the man; he could not even be spiritual weapons provided for us restrained with chains. by the Lord Jesus Christ (Eph. 6:1117). Only he is able to deliver and 5:4 For his hands and feet had often save. been bound with chains and shackles, but he had torn the chains 5:5 Each night and every day among apart and broken the shackles in the tombs and in the mountains, he pieces. No one was strong enough to subdue him.

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would cry out and cut himself with stones.

presence of the Holy One caused him great distress and pain.

This man was not able to control himself because he was completely taken over by the unclean spirit who drove him into the mountains and among the graves as a restless tormented soul, “always shrieking, screaming, beating, bruising and cutting himself with stones.” (Amp. N. T.) He would have eventually been driven to his death.

5:8 (For Jesus had said to him, ‘Come out of that man, you unclean spirit!’)

5:6 When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and bowed down before him.

Here is one of those all-important “buts” of the Bible, because Jesus came! As Jesus drew near the light of his glory and his power drew the man to him, in spite of the powers of darkness that possessed the man, and he fell down and worshiped him.

5:7 Then he cried out with a loud voice, ‘Leave me alone, Jesus, Son of the Most High God! I implore you by God — do not torment me!’

From this verse to verse 12 the conversation is between Jesus and the chief demon that possessed the man. This demon confesses and acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God for he could do none other for he knew that all power and authority had been given into the Lord's hand (Matt. 28:18). The demon asks “what is there in common between us?” The answer is nothing for they were entirely two opposites. The demon was unclean, unholy, darkness, and was of the Devil. Jesus is pure, holy, light, and is the Son of God and he did not need a demon to confess this. Surprisingly perhaps, this demon implores Jesus in the name of God not to torment him. The very

In Mark's account the demon cries out as Jesus is casting him out of the man but according to the following verses he did not leave until his request was granted.

However in Matthew's account (Matt. 8:29-32) Jesus did not command that they leave the man until after their request. At the command of the Lord they had to obey.

5:9 Jesus asked him, ‘What is your name?’ And he said, ‘My name is Legion, for we are many.’

For some reason Jesus questions this chief demon and asks his name which was Legion because he was the leader of the many demons who possessed the man. In the Roman army a legion comprised of anything between three to six thousand men.

5:10 He begged Jesus repeatedly not to send them out of the region.

The demon knew that he along with his many companions had to leave the man but they did not want to leave the region. This says quite a lot about this area as being a place of darkness where Satan's forces were very much at home and perhaps made to feel very much at home. So they kept on begging Jesus not to send them away from the area.

5:11-12 There on the hillside, a great herd of pigs was feeding. And the demonic spirits begged him, ‘Send us into the pigs. Let us enter them.’

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And as there was a large herd of swine at hand, that should not have been there because the pig was classed as an unclean animal in the law of God (Lev. 11:7). This fact again speaks of the nature of the people of the area. (There are two suggestions given regarding the keeping of the pigs in Israel: that it was an area that Gentiles lived in and thus it was these who owned the pigs; and that they belong to Jews who bred them to sell to the Gentiles. Whichever may be correct, they should not have been there). As children of God we should make sure that we keep nothing in our homes that could be used as channels or instruments for the devil to use.

5:13 Jesus gave them permission. So the unclean spirits came out and went into the pigs. Then the herd rushed down the steep slope into the lake, and about two thousand were drowned in the lake.

No demon when faced with the power and authority of the Lord Jesus Christ can do what it chooses; he has to give them permission.

They knew this and so does their master the Devil who is a defeated foe (Heb. 2:14). So he permits them to go into the herd of swine that they immediately send charging to their death in the lake. This incident seems to suggest that demons need to possess living things in order to carry out their destructive purposes therefore when the pigs died the demons would have been bound in the dead pigs and therefore could do no more harm.

5:14 Now the herdsmen ran off and spread the news in the town and countryside, and the people went out to see what had happened.

The swineherds who saw all this happening fled in fear telling everybody they met what had occurred.

5:15 They came to Jesus and saw the demon-possessed man sitting there, clothed and in his right mind — the one who had the ‘Legion’ — and they were afraid.

On hearing this the people go to where Jesus and the man is and to their astonishment they find the man whom they could not hold with fetters and chains sat meekly at the feet of Jesus. He, who had gone about naked, was now fully clothed; he whom the demons had tormented and driven to wander in the mountains among the graves was now sitting peacefully in his right mind talking with Jesus. This man was in fact a “new man”, a “new creation” (2 Cor. 5:17). We cannot fail to see in this event the similarity of experience of the sinner who is bound by the world, the flesh and the devil, being set free and clothed in robes of righteousness by the Lord Jesus Christ. The people became afraid of what they saw, they could not understand it.

5:16-17 Those who had seen what had happened to the demonpossessed man reported it, and they also told about the pigs. Then they asked Jesus to leave their region.

When they had heard the full story from the swineherds their reaction was to beg Jesus, not to stay and show them the mighty works of God or to set them free, but to leave their area!

5:18 As he was getting into the boat the man who had been demonpossessed asked if he could go with him.

Which he did for he never forces his presence on anyone. The man who had been delivered naturally wanted to go with Jesus after all that he had done for him.

5:22 Then one of the synagogue rulers, named Jairus, came up, and when he saw Jesus, he fell at his feet.

But Jesus would not allow him to for he had other work for him to do.

Although the people had begged him to leave them, he did not completely abandon them for he told the man to go back to his friends and tell them how much the Lord had done for him and how he had compassion and mercy upon him.

The first of the two people needing help from Jesus arrives whose name was Jairus. We are told that he was none other than a ruler of the synagogue and would have been a member of the ruling body, the Sanhedrin. Therefore it was no light matter for him to come seeking out Jesus for he knew his fellows members hated and was plotting to get rid of him. It cost him a great deal to come and humble himself before the Lord falling down before him in worship. In falling at his feet he was acknowledging Jesus as his Lord, certainly as someone who was far above his own standing in life.

5:20 So he went away and began to proclaim in the Decapolis what Jesus had done for him, and all were amazed.

5:23 He asked him urgently, ‘My little daughter is near death. Come and lay your hands on her so that she may be healed and live.’

And the man did as the Lord commanded him. We are told that the people were amazed and marvelled at the man's testimony but it does not say that they believed and received the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour.

He further humbled himself in confessing his need of Jesus to help him even to the point of earnestly begging him to come to his house and lay his hands on his daughter who had a sickness unto death. He did not count the cost of losing his position in life or of being thrown off the Sanhedrin and out of the synagogue. He had no doubt whatsoever that Jesus was able and that he would heal his daughter.

Such faith!

5:19 But Jesus did not permit him to do so. Instead, he said to him, ‘Go to your home and to your people and tell them what the Lord has done for you, that he had mercy on you.’

Jairus’ Daughter and the Woman with the Issue of Blood 5:21 When Jesus had crossed again in a boat to the other side, a large crowd gathered around him, and he was by the sea.

This time Jesus and the disciples cross back over the sea of Galilee without any trouble where crowds of people again gather to him.

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5:24 Jesus went with him, and a large crowd followed and pressed around him.

The Lord had compassion upon the man and immediately went with Jairus followed by the crowd.

5:25 Now a woman was there who had been suffering from a haemorrhage for twelve years.

5:29 At once the bleeding stopped, and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease.

Somewhere along the way a woman who had suffered with a continual loss of blood for over twelve years catches up with him.

As soon as she touched his garment she felt in her body that the flow of blood had stopped and that she was completely healed. This would seem to be one case when feelings could be counted on as proof of faith being fulfilled.

5:26 She had endured a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all that she had. Yet instead of getting better, she grew worse.

This woman had become poverty stricken by spending all that she had in seeking a cure for her illness from the doctors. All to no avail for instead of getting better she grew worse.

Man's extremity of weakness, becomes God's opportunity to help.

5:27 When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, On hearing about the many miracles of healing that Jesus had performed faith arose in her heart and although she had not seen them for herself she believed that if she could only reach him and but touch his clothes she would be healed.

5:28 for she kept saying, ‘If only I touch his clothes, I will be healed.’

Jairus believed that if the Lord touched his daughter she would be healed. The women believed if she could only touch his clothes she would be healed. Such faith! The woman would have come behind Jesus in order to touch him as she would not have wanted to be seen.

The sickness she had was classed as ceremonially unclean by the law just like leprosy and she was not allowed to have fellowship in the synagogue.

5:30 Jesus knew at once that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and said, ‘Who touched my clothes?’

The woman thought that what she had done would go unnoticed especially as there were so many people about. But Jesus knew immediately that faith had reached out and touched him and that power had gone from him. He looks around and asks who had done this.

Not because he did not know who had but he wanted the woman to confess so that he could give her the word of assurance that she was indeed healed and that the disease would not come back on her.

5:31-32 His disciples said to him, ‘You see the crowd pressing against you and you say, 'Who touched me?'‘ But he looked around to see who had done it.

The disciples could hardly believe their ears considering the number of people who were around him and who were touching him. They could not understand the difference of a touch of faith and that just brushing him.

5:33 Then the woman, with fear and trembling, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell down before him and told him the whole truth.

16

The woman was filled with terror at being found out. It was not enough to believe in the heart: the woman must as well confess with the mouth (Rom. 10:9). It cost a great deal to do so for she had to tell him her whole story before all the people.

5:34 He said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your disease.’

But she need not have feared Jesus.

In fact like so many of our fears we need not have them. He spoke comfort to her, revealing that the reason for her healing was her faith in him. She was not only healed but she received his peace and assurance of complete healing.

5:35-36 While he was still speaking, people came from the synagogue ruler's house saying, ‘Your daughter has died. Why trouble the teacher any longer?’ But Jesus, paying no attention to what was said, told the synagogue ruler, ‘Do not be afraid; just believe.’

By this time Jairus must have begun to worry about his daughter and what this delay could mean and when messengers came from his home to tell him that his daughter had died and not to bother Jesus about coming to see her, his faith waned and fear took over. Fear is the opposite of faith and when fear comes in faith goes out. That is why there are so many exhortations from the Lord not to fear (Isaiah 43:1-3). When he heard the news what was Jairus' reaction? What would our reaction have been?

Were they to blame the woman for what had happened because she caused the delay?

Whatever his reactions may have been Jesus knew and was quick to deal with them by assuring Jairus that there was nothing to fear and encouraged him to “only believe”.

5:37 He did not let anyone follow him except Peter, James, and John, the brother of James.

At this point Jesus stopped the crowd from following him and chose just three of his disciples to go on with him. From the gospels we see that Peter, James and John seem to be the disciples who desired to walk close with Jesus the most and their desire was rewarded

by Jesus involving them more in his ministry (e.g. in the garden of Gethsemane).

5:38 They came to the house of the synagogue ruler where he saw noisy confusion and people weeping and wailing loudly.

When they arrive at the house it was not an encouraging sight that met them. From the weeping and wailing it was evident that the child had definitely died 5:39 When he entered he said to them, ‘Why are you distressed and weeping? The child is not dead but asleep.’

The words of Jesus must have absolutely astounded the mourners.

What was wrong with the man, did he not realise that death had visited the home? What did he know; he had not been there to see the dying moments of the child, asleep not dead? What nonsense! How often in different situations do we thus reason within ourselves and with the Lord?

5:40 And they began making fun of him. But he put them all outside and he took the child's father and

mother and his own companions and went into the room where the child was.

5:43 He strictly ordered that no one should know about this, and told them to give her something to eat.

How quickly their grief, weeping and wailing turned to laughter and mockery. Because of this and their unbelief they were excluded from going with him and they missed the opportunity of witnessing a miracle.

Only the father, mother and the three disciples were allowed to see the power that Jesus had over death.

Why did Jesus command them not to tell anyone about what had happened? Surely they would find out soon. Before the miracle those outside did not what to know, they were full of unbelief and had mocked, by so doing they had excluded themselves from not only witnessing the miracle but also in participating in the joy of it.

5:41-42 Then, gently taking the child by the hand, he said to her, ‘Talitha koum,’ which means, ‘Little girl, I say to you, get up.’ The girl got up at once and began to walk around (she was twelve years old).

They were completely astonished at this.

He did not do as Jairus had requested of him, that was, to lay his hands upon his daughter. So often the Lord does not answer our requests in the way we ask him to for “his ways are not our ways and his thoughts are not our thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8). Jesus gently takes her hand in his, as you would of a child that was alive and speaks to her in her own native language and immediately she arose from the dead and walked about to prove it.

Mark points out that she was twelve years old and therefore of the age of understanding. It is obvious from the reaction of those present that they were not expecting to see the miracle of the dead being raised although they had believed for healing. Jairus only had faith to believe that Jesus was able to heal the living it did not stretch to believing that with God all things are possible; death is no obstacle to him.

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Discussion Questions for Chapter 5 1. vv.1-15. What impresses you most about how Jesus delivered the man of Gadara?

2. vv. 16-17. Why do you think the people of Gadara asked Jesus to leave their region?

3. vv. 18-20. What was the impact of this man’s witness to the people of Decapolis?

4. vv. 21-43. Why do you think it was difficult for Jairus to come to Jesus?

What made him finally do it?

5. vv. 25-34. What lessons might we learn from the faith of the woman with the issue of blood?

Our In Depth Study.

1 Corinthians 12:1-11

By Mathew Bartlett Photo © Godfer Scripture taken from the NET Bible®.

Our In Depth Study.

1 Corinthians 9:1-27 Chapter 12 The Origin of Spiritual Gifts

12:1 With regard to spiritual gifts, brothers and sisters, I do not want By Mathew Bartlett Photo © Godfer you to be uninformed.

Scripture taken from the NET Bible®.

Paul did not want his converts to be uninformed about spiritual matters and in particular about spiritual gifts. Paul considered this an important subject. It is because many Christians are ignorant of the origin and use of spiritual gifts that they miss out on many blessings which could otherwise be theirs.

Jesus had promised His followers that upon His return to heaven, He would send the Holy Spirit who had anointed and indwelt Him, to indwell them. He spoke of this as the promise of the Father, and also referred to it as being baptised with the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:5; 11:16).

Jesus had promised to send his disciples another Comforter who will abide with them forever. It was on the Day of Pentecost that this heavenly guest came to dwell within the hearts of those present in the upper room, and later was poured out on believers everywhere, though notably not always at the same time as conversion (e.g. Acts 8:15-17). The presence of the Holy Spirit among God’s people was the cause of the amazing signs and wonders which were performed in the name of the Lord Jesus (e.g. Acts 5:12).

Paul insists that these diverse miraculous gifts are available for every member of the church to seek and to use. He further maintains that they are not to be the basis of division, but a means to build up of the body of Christ in faith and unity.

Some have made the error of supposing that receiving the Holy Spirit together with His miraculous gifts ought to make the recipients more spiritual and more holy.

Evidently, in the case of the Corinthians, this had not been the case. From the entire content of Paul’s letter we can be sure the Corinthian believers were young converts, not yet spiritually mature.

Furthermore, these gifts were not given particularly to apostles or prophets (who may have been among the most spiritual of believers), but were manifested even among the ‘ordinary’ believers.

Peter and John, after receiving the Holy Spirit, made clear that this experience had not in itself made them more holy (Acts 3:12). True, the Holy Spirit worked through these human channels as He provided miraculous witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus; but even those endued with such supernatural gifts had to go through the same lifelong process of sanctification and spiritual development as every other believer. Hence we see that the 18

gifts of the Spirit are intended to help the believers on their way to spiritual maturity, but that the possession of them is by no means a short cut to that maturity.

The Corinthians, although having received many gifts from the Holy Spirit, were a little like children holding adult tools; they needed to be instructed about what these gifts were for and how to use them correctly. Paul did not want to stop the use of any of these gifts – on the contrary he wanted them to come behind in no gift (1:7), and to use and enjoy them fully. He did, however, clearly see the necessity of giving instructions as to their correct use in the context of public worship.

12:2 You know that when you were pagans you were often led astray by speechless idols, however you were led.

Before the Corinthians were converted, they had not known God or Christ, but were idol worshippers. Very forcefully Paul pictures them as driven to idol worship by the unseen powers which bound them - demonic personalities who influence and seduce men to participate in idol worship (1 Cor. 10:20). The purpose of these powers is to blind men to the truth of God, so that they may not be saved (2 Cor. 4:4). In his letter to the Ephesians Paul explains

that we all once walked according to the dictates of the ruler of this world, who is Satan (Eph. 2:1-2) and that as Christians we are still engaged in a struggle against the evil powers which are present in the world (Eph. 6:10-12).

Some of the heathen religions were accompanied by manifestations of a spiritual nature, including ecstatic or prophetic ‘messages’ from the ‘gods’ or ‘spirits’.

Such manifestations of supernatural power are still evidenced in some pagan religions today. What matters is the source of these manifestations. Some Corinthians may have had past experience of supernatural manifestations which were Satanic in origin. When they trusted Christ as Saviour they were set free from the power of Satan that they might experience the true and glorious power of the Holy Spirit. It is against this background that Paul finds it necessary to tell the young converts how to discern between true and false manifestations of God's power. This instruction may have been especially meant to safeguard the church from false prophets.

12:3. So I want you to understand that no one speaking by the Spirit of God says, "Jesus is cursed," and no one can say, "Jesus is Lord," except by the Holy Spirit.

All prophetic utterances are to be tested by their faithfulness to Scripture and to Christ. Any spiritual utterance, no matter how ecstatic, that maligns or blasphemes the name of Christ cannot possibly come from God. Any spirit which denies Christ's deity and thus attempts to rob Him of His glory is the spirit of antichrist (1 John 4:1-3).

Demons curse and hate the name of Jesus, for it is the all-powerful name by which they can both be bound and cast out – and they have no choice but to obey the commands given in that name by those who have the authority to use it - which Jesus declares to be those who believe (Mark 16:16-18).

On the other hand, no one can truly acknowledge the Lordship of Christ and ascribe the corresponding glory to Him without first having been enlightened by the Holy Spirit. It is not, of course, impossible for unbelievers to say the words ‘Jesus is the Lord’. They may do so in ignorance or even in mockery. But to speak of this subject in all its truth and meaning indicates that the speaker has been enlightened by the Holy Spirit; and has had an experience of God through the ministry of the Spirit.

The Diversity of Spiritual Gifts 12:4-7 Now there are different gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are different ministries, but the same Lord. And there are different results, but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. To each person the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the benefit of all.

The Holy Spirit is the only source of true spiritual gifts. His power is manifested in believers’ lives in many different ways, enabling each one to perform the ministry which He has apportioned to them. Since we are all living stones in the building of God, which is the church, we have all been called to share in the work of building.

Through the various ministries He has allotted within the church, the Holy Spirit is at work to achieve His 19

ultimate aim, which is to develop within His people the likeness of Jesus (Eph. 4:12-13).

However diverse these spiritual gifts might be, there is only one Holy Spirit who bestows them; and though believers may serve Christ in many different ways, they all serve the same Lord. It is the same God who is at work in the lives of all His children to equip and inspire them for works of service, and who allots to each his task. So although each has a different job to do, God superintends the complete picture, and is fulfilling His purposes through these diverse means.

Thus, the diversity of gifts is not a basis for division, though the Corinthians had made it so. Morris says, ‘The Corinthians had regarded the possession of gifts as a basis for pride, and set up one against another according to what gifts they had. Paul insists that this is the wrong attitude.’

Paul underscores that if someone has a spiritual gift, it is not for their benefit alone, but is to be used responsibly for the benefit of the local church. Spiritual gifts are not given for Christians to gratify themselves but are for the glory of God and the growth of His church.

Nine Gifts or Manifestations of the Holy Spirit 12:8-10. For one person is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, and another the message of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another performance of miracles, to another prophecy, and to another

discernment of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues.

Whether Paul intends here to set out a list of all the gifts of the Holy Spirit is unclear, for in verse 28 he refers to other ministries, which are none the less imparted by God. On the other hand, it is only the gifts listed in verses 8 to 10 that he specifically designates as the manifestation of the Spirit.

Whatever the case, certainly all of the manifestations listed here are intended by God to be evidenced among His people for their spiritual benefit.

Paul’s list of the gifts of the Holy Spirit allows us to usefully categorise them in three groups: there are three gifts of revelation, three of demonstration and three of inspiration. We shall examine the nature of each gift briefly.

The Gifts of Revelation The Word of Wisdom This is a miraculous impartation of divine wisdom. The possessor of this gift is not wiser than others, nor will he or she necessarily have a greater understanding of God's will.

Such wisdom is to be gained in another way - by the fear of God and the study of His Word. It is not wisdom in general, but the word of wisdom referred to here. The possessor of this gift will at certain times receive a revelation of divine wisdom sufficient to guide them in a particular situation. Wisdom is knowledge applied, for though a person may know what is going to happen, wisdom enlightens them concerning what should be done about it. Horton describes this gift

as says, ‘a fragmentary revelation of [God’s] infinite purpose.’

W. R. Jones alleges that this gift may be communicated in a variety of ways: it may take the form of visions and dreams, or that is may be conveyed through another of the gifts, such as prophecy or whilst someone is preaching. Through this gift the counsel of the Lord is given to individual Christians or the local church about a particular situation.

For instance, although it was through a prophesy that the church of Antioch was informed of a coming worldwide famine, it may well have been the word of wisdom which guided their decision regarding what to do about it (Acts 11:28-30).

The Word of Knowledge Similar to the above, the word of knowledge is an impartation of a fragment of divine knowledge. Only God knows all things. He alone knows the hearts of all people. Yet God may reveal a part of that knowledge by His Spirit for a particular purpose. This gift does not increase the general or spiritual knowledge of the receiver. It is not a keen knowledge of the Word of God, but a revelation by the Spirit of a certain facts known by God. Peter displayed this gift in his dealing with Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:3). When such a revelation is received, the recipient may or may not impart it to others verbally, but they will certainly act upon it in some way.

When I was at university, I recall sitting in the campus canteen, reading my Bible, when two men sat opposite me, whom I had never met. Suddenly I knew something about one of them, and felt that 20

God would have me speak to him.

‘Excuse me,’ I began, ‘I am a Christian. God tells me that a woman in your life is a believer and that she has been witnessing to you.’ It was his wife. We discussed the gospel, and I left him to think over our encounter. I think that God had clearly demonstrated His reality to this young man through the impartation of this gift.

Harold Horton cites the notable example of William Branham, an American Evangelist who whilst praying for the sick, stopped and turned to a young man in the audience, saying, Young man, the Lord tells me you are living in sin. You are not only smoking but drinking heavily.

Moreover, the Lord gave you a call to the ministry long ago and you ignored it. Again, you are suffering from TB in an advanced stage of development, and you are wondering how you can be healed.

Is that right?’ ‘Yes sir,’ came the prompt reply. ‘Then come out now and the Lord will restore and heal you [And the Lord did just that].

The Discerning of Spirits This gift is a supernatural insight into the unseen realm of spirits. Its action is momentary and limited to a particular instance, meaning that those who possess this gift will not be able to detect satanic inspiration or demon possession in every case.

Rather they will receive instantaneous revelation regarding the true nature and origin of a particular spiritual manifestation.

This gift is not insight into the human heart or mind; nor is it fault finding. It is not the discerning of character or psychological problems - it is the discerning of spirits. Evil spirits are still at work in the world

today. Paul knew that the girl who followed him was demon possessed by using this gift (Acts 16:16-18).

Notice how Jesus sometimes prayed with the deaf, dumb, or insane and healed them (e.g. Mark 7:32-35), whilst on other occasions He cast out devils which were causing the infirmity (e.g. Matt. 12:22). Christ knew the difference, and so would we if we were equipped with this supernatural gift.

In order to actually exorcise an evil spirit, another gift such as miracles or faith must also be used. It is certain that no suggestion should ever be made that a person is demon possessed unless God clearly reveals, through this gift, that such is the case. Whilst all believers are called to cast out demons, they should first be filled with the Holy Spirit and living close to God (Matt. 17:16-21) before attempting to do so in Jesus name.

The Gifts of Demonstration The Gift of Faith The gift of faith is different to the faith that all believers share, though this also is called the gift of God. A person with the gift of faith will be supernaturally enabled by the Spirit to believe that something which is not yet seen shall certainly be.

Wischmeyer regards it as ‘faith to perform some extraordinary work’.

Jesus said, Truly I tell you, whoever says to this mountain, be lifted up and thrown into the sea! and does not doubt at all in his heart but believes that what he says will take place, it will be done for him’ (Mark 11:23). In fact it is only possible to believe in this way by the supernatural gift of faith. The story of Elijah illustrates how this gift of faith works; for Elijah's declaration that it would not rain except by his

word may have been based on a similar impartation of divine faith (1 Kings 17:1). Such faith cannot be worked up, but when it is given by God the believer is able to stand firm until His Word is fulfilled. It must be emphasized, as with all the gifts, they are brought into operation for specific situations. A person with the gift of faith will not be able to believe for everything he wants on all occasions, but only for that which the Spirit enables him to believe for on certain occasions.

The Gifts of Healings Notice that the gift is not called ‘the gift of healing’. Every separate healing is itself a fresh gift of the Holy Spirit. Though God can heal without using human instruments, He has decided to distribute these gifts to believers so that they might impart them to others by the laying on of hands. This is what Peter meant when he said ‘such as I have, I give you’ (Acts 3:6).

When a Christian receives this gift for another believer, then it is being used to minister to the body of Christ; when it is given for the benefit of an unbeliever, its purpose is evangelistic, God giving witness to the living Christ who confirms His Word with signs following – signs which include healing for the sick (Mark 16:17-18).

The Working of Miracles Harold Horton defines miracles as ‘works contrary to nature, accomplishments of the impossible, sudden and unaccountable reversals of the order to which we are accustomed’ and asserts that miracles have no other explanation than the ‘sovereign power of the Lord’. Jones calls them ‘explosions of almightiness!’ Since healings 21

have been dealt with under a separate heading, we should note that although all healings are miraculous, they are not in view here. Certain conditions may require a miracle cure rather than a healing, as in the case of a child born without certain organs receiving these organs.

In the Old Testament we see God parting the Red Sea, making the sun stand still for a whole day, flattening the walls of Jericho and sending fire from heaven, to name but a few of His miracles. In the New Testament Jesus turned water into wine, walked on the water, calmed the storm and fed the five thousand. The judgment of God uttered by Paul against Elymas the sorcerer was a miracle, as the man was blinded for certain days; this unusual miracle of judgment led to the conversion of the Roman proconsul (Acts 13:8-12).

The Gifts of Inspiration The Gift of Prophecy Paul refers to this as one of the greater gifts of the Spirit (see chapter 14) because of the manner and scope of its effects. It ministers edification, exhortation and comfort to the whole local church simultaneously. To edify is to build up spiritually, whilst to exhort is to teach and challenge; indeed, the original meaning of the word exhort is ‘a calling near’ (paraklesis).

Horton speaks of the ‘balmy words of the Holy Ghost that encouragingly lead us away from the world and its sin and care, and call us near to heaven and God's sweet presence’. To comfort is to console or solace when in trial or distress. So as Ellicott says, prophecy is meant for ‘building up, stirring up [and] cheering up’. A gift

of healing may benefit a person's body in this life; but prophecy ministers to a person's spirit and prepares them for the next life.

Prophecy helps the church on the heavenly road, imparting the will and mind of God, and strengthening believers for the fight of faith. Its effect is immediate and far reaching, for the gift ministers directly to a person's spirit.

Prophecy is a divinely inspired and anointed utterance. It is not deliberated, and so is not to be confused with the ministry of preaching. Horton realised this and wrote: ‘as speaking in tongues is a supernatural utterance in an unknown tongue, so prophecy is a supernatural utterance in a known tongue’. Although prophecy does not originate from the human mind, the prophet is only enabled to prophesy according to the measure of faith. This appears to indicate that as a person matures as a Christian, so they should also mature in their use of this gift. It is not that the gift itself has been improved, but that the Holy Spirit takes hold of whatever measure of faith and spiritual experience is present in the individual’s life, so that those who are more spiritually mature are able to sustain a greater degree of inspiration.

To have the gift of prophecy does not entitle a person to claim the office of a Prophet, although there are some who have been entrusted with this office by Christ for the benefit of His church. Although they are all gifts of grace, the gifts of the Holy Spirit are not exactly the same thing as the ministry gifts of Christ, listed in Ephesians 4. The difference is that whilst any believer may possess and use the gift of prophecy (14:5), a Prophet is himself or

herself a gift to the church, ordained by Christ perpetually to that office.

The Gift of Tongues This is a supernatural utterance by the Holy Spirit in a language wholly unknown and unlearned by the speaker. The utterance is never understood by the speaker and generally not by the hearer. It is a manifestation of God by His Spirit speaking through the channel of the human speech organs. In private or personal use, the gift enables the human spirit to pray directly to God without engaging the understanding of the mind (14:14); whereas in public use, these utterances are God speaking to people through human channels in a language not understood by the hearers. It is a miraculous sign (Mark 16:17), but if those present cannot understand what is said then clearly it has no other benefit unless it is accompanied by its companion gift the interpretation of tongues. Hence Paul’s instruction that in public worship, if there is no one present with the gift of interpretation, the person with the message in tongues should not give it (14:28).

There have, of course, been many anecdotal instances of persons being present at the time that a message in tongues was given who understood the language being used. For example; a close friend of mine is a well-known author, and a fluent French speaker. He related how he had scorned the idea of such a gift as tongues being available to believers today until he heard an uneducated young man in his home church in Sheffield speaking in absolutely flawless French; and my friend became even 22

more amazed when the pastor of that church (who was not a French speaker either) gave by way of interpretation a word for word translation of the original message into English. Whilst such an occurrence provides the hearer with a more substantial proof of the gift’s reality; and hence of the reality of the great Source of all gifts; it appears to be the exception rather than the rule.

The Interpretation of Tongues The person using this gift has not understood the message in tongues; nor have they been given the supernatural ability to translate.

Rather, they have been given by the Spirit the same message (not necessarily the same form of words but the same meaning) that was given to the person who uttered the tongue. The difference being that this time it is given in the speaker's own language. The interpreter does not translate what was originally said, but gives the sense and meaning of what was said. When used together, these two gifts are equivalent to the gift of prophecy in their effect on the body of Christ.

12:11. It is one and the same Spirit, distributing as he decides to each person, who produces all these things.

How diverse these gifts are! Not every believer has them all, nor do all believers have the same ones; the Holy Spirit gives to each one according to His own will. Yet His will is not arbitrary; for God gives His gifts to those who ask for them.

The gifts of the Holy Spirit are available to the body of Christ, and Christians are encouraged to ask that they might receive and be equipped for their involvement in God's purposes.

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