 1 Corinthians 14:3-But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort…or edification, exhortation and consolation… or building up, stirring up and binding up.
As we explore the potential of the prophetic gifts we use today, we must also look at Old Testament prophetic types. Why? Even as Jesus Christ is the fulfillment and “the end of the law to those who believe”, Paul said many things that happened in the Old Testament were to be “examples” for us to follow. 1Cor 10:11 As we look at all the prophets in bible, we see they manifest their gifts in different ways. As we learn more about this gift and how it functions through, we will see that a “one-size-fits-all”description does not apply. Each person is uniquely gifted to fulfill a specific assignment in the earth at that time in history. Acts 13:36  Every man or woman of God will face barriers to their movement forward. Once a believer realizes they were allowed to be placed on earth at a specific place and time in history for a specific reason, then the challenge for them is to discover what that calling is,develop it, then deploy it in the world to change history! One person who finds their calling and walks in it is more significant to fulfilling God’s purpose than an auditorium filled with immature, unbelieving believers, always wondering about it yet perpetually wandering from it. And it’s not good enough just to know it in our heart, but to get to that place where we are actually doing it,deploying it efectively. Whatever it is we are called to do, we are to do it heartily as unto the Lord. But unfortunately, even in the process of doing it,some don’t make it.
Jesus said in Mt 22:1:14 “Many are called but few are chosen” and the best translation of the Greek word kletos is called, with the implication of AN INVITATION. An invitation is great because it means we are invited, but whether or not we get there is up to us. We have to do certain things to ensure we can comply with the calling and be chosen.We actually have to prepare to be chosen in this sense and God wil give us grace. 2 Pet 1:3 Chosen is the Greek word eklektos which means, “the one who showed up,participated and stayed for the wedding”. Just like when a close friend asks you to be in his wedding, whatever that requires for you to do to get there,what you should wear ,what you should bring, is up to you to accomplish. Each of us must determine whether the cost ,time and effort is worth it to us. To be “chosen” is more accurately then, those ones who counted the cost and endured to the end,almost as in an athletic contest. Paul also uses this racing analogy of Olympic-type competition when referring to the Christian’s race in life in 1 Cor 9:24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win.  Leaders will face these barriers on their way to the finish line. Determine to finish well.  |
AuthorPastor Marc Lawson Archives
December 2017
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AboutThere are 168 hours in every week. The 166 Factor is the answer to the question: "Who are you the OTHER 166 hours a week when you are NOT in church?" Join the community here as we will be discussing this and other topics related to Reformation in the Church, The End of Church (As We Know It) & The 166 Lifestyle.
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