"At that time the Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah) took place at Jerusalem; it was winter and Yeshua/Jesus was walking in the Temple in the portico of Solomon."
(John 10:22-23)
BELIEVE GOD'S WORD & MIRACULOUS SIGNS & WONDERS
..."There shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth."
(Numbers 24:17)
..."And I will give him the Morning Star.." (Rev. 2:28)
Yeshua haMashiach was born in Bethlehem of Judaea during the reign of King Herod. Following his birth Magi, from the east arrived in Jerusalem, enquiring:
"Where is He who has been born, King of the Jews? We observed the rising of his star, and we have come to pay him homage." (Matt. 2:2)
Herod was distrubed at the news, calling together the chief priests and scribes of the Jews and asked them where Messiah was to be born. They replied: "At Bethlehem in Judaea, "for this is what the prophet wrote:
"But as for you Bethlehem Euphratah, too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you One will go forth for Me, to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, from the days of eternity." (Micah 5:2)
Herod summoned the wise men or Magi and met with them secretly, to determine the exact time that the star appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying:
"Go and make a careful search for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, so that I may go myself and pay him homage." (Matt. 2:8)Before them went the star whose sudden and miraculous appearing was a guiding light. They had seen it's rising, and it went ahead of them until it stopped above the place where the child lay. They were overjoyed at the sight of it and, entering the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother. Bowing low in homage to him; they opened their treasure chests and presented gifts to him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Then they returned to their own country by another route, for they had been warmed in a dream not to go back to Herod.
An angel appeared to the shepherds announcing Messiah's birth. "And the glory of the Lord shone around them."(Lk. 2:9) Another miraculous light which appeared to hereld the Messsiah, was that of the star which shone over the city of Bethlehem where Yeshua/Jesus was born. Again, at the Mount of Transfiguration, his glory was revealed in the shekinah and his clothing became brilliant and dazzlingly white. (Mk. 9). "The star they had seen when it rose led them on until it reached and stood over the place where the babe was." (Matthew 2:9). The Magi traveled in the light of a miraculous star, which they observed at their homes in the east, and continued to follow it until they reached Jerusalem.
"For on their way as far as Palestine it [the star] appeared leading them, but after they set foot within Jerusalem, it hid itself: then again, when they left Herod, having told him on what account they came, and were on the point of departing, it showed itself again."
Ask yourself: How can I be like a star to point others to Messiah. Be like those the Prophet Daniel prophesies of:
"And those who have insight will shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever! (Dan. 12:3)Dedicate yourself to God that He might reveal His Son in you! (Gal. 1:16)
SANCTIFYING & DEDICATING YOURSELF AS THE TEMPLE OF GOD
"Then I answered and said: What are the two olive trees on the right side of the lampstand and on it's left? And I answered the second time to him, What are the two olive branches which are beside the two golden pipes which empty the golden oil from themselves? So he answered me saying: Do you not know? No my lord. Then he said: These are the sons of oil, standing by the Lord of the whole earth." (Zech 4:12) ..."And the wine which makes man's heart glad, so that he may make his face to glisten with oil." (Psalm 104:15)
Yeshua/Jesus preached three sermons in which he declared Himself the "Light of the World." These messages could have been during Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights. They were delivered some time between the Feast of Tabernacles and the Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah) as both of these celebrations focused on light).
"He is like a Refiners Fire and like fullers soap...And he will sit as a smelter and purifier of silver, and He will purify the Sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver so that they can present to the Lord offerings in righteousness." (Malachi 3:2) Then Yeshua Jesus said unto them, "Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them (John 12:35-36)."
At Hanukkah, (the Feast of Dedication) Yeshua haMashiach/Jesus Christ walked in Solomon's Porch. What's Solomon's Porch? It was a place where the Lord could touch the outside world, to bring salvation, healing and deliverance. God wants to live in you and walk in you, to do His mighty works, not just during this season, but throughout the coming year. Throughout your life, as you live for Him.
There's a propecy concerning this wonder, which says: "I will dwell in them and walk among them; And I will be their God, and they shall be My people. Therefore come out from among them and be separate says the Lord. And do not touch what is unclean; and I will welcome you and I will be a Father to you. And you shall be sons and daughters to Me, says the Lord Almighty. (2 Corinthians 6:18) In Rev. 21:22, the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are seen as the holy Temple of the New and Heavenly Jerusalem. Similar is the phrase Jerusalem above is free, the mother of us all. (Gal. 4:26) Don't just stand by Him. Walk in Him and He in you. Live your whole life in His marvellous light. In the Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matt. 25: 1-13) Yeshua/Jesus warns those who are wise believers to keep oil in their lamps, until the coming of the Heavenly Bridegroom.
THE MIRACLE OF THE OIL
John the Baptist stated clearly that "the miracle of the oil" to dedicate God's holy Temple after it's been cleansed, comes from Yeshua/Jesus. "He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire." What defiles the Temple? Sin. The Apostle Peter, said: Repent, be baptized everyone of you in the name of Yeshua haMashiach/Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:38, Acts 8:16, Acts 10:46-48, Acts 19:5) ...O Jerusaem the holy city, for the uncircumcized and the unclean shall no more come out of you. (Isaiah 52:1)
Hanukkah is a peaceful and enjoyable time at our house, because we focus on enjoying the spiritual aspect of God's presence, and what Yeshua haMashiach/Jesus Christ is doing as He walks among us as a family. The scriptures say: "Wherever two or more are gathered, there I am in the midst." But sharing the joy of the season can turn into a real spiritual battleground! We must value God's abiding presence in our earthly Temple, that is His presence in us! Rest, nurture ourselves spiritually with fellowship and time in prayer and in God's word.
THE HOME AS A HOLY TEMPLE
And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to His Temple...(Mal. 3:1)
The man Jacob was a seeker...In Genesis 28:12 we read:
"And he came to a certain place and spent the night there, because the sun had set; and he took one of the stones of the place and put it under his head for a pillow, and lay down in that place. And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it. And behold the Lord stood above it, and said: I am the Lord, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac; the land whereon you lie, I will give it to you and to your descendants...Jacob called the name of the place (where he slept and saw the vision) Bethel meaning: House of God) however previously it had been called Luz. (Light)" (Genesis 28:12)
45) Philip finds Nathanael and says to him: "We have found him of whom Moses in the law and the prophets wrote, Jesus, son of Joseph, from Nazareth." 46) And Nathanael said to him: "Can anything good come from Nazareth?" Philip says to him: "Come and see." 47) Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and he says concerning him: "Behold indeed an Israelite in whom there is no guile!" 48) Nathanael says to him: "From where do you know me? Jesus answered and said to him: "Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you." 49) Nathanael answered him: "Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!" 50) Jesus answered and said to him: "Because I said to you that I saw you under the fig tree, you believe. Greater things than these shall you see." 51) And he says to him: "Amen, amen, I say to you [plural], you [plural] will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man." (John 1:45-51)
As lovely as those familiar faces shining in the warm glow of the candlelight, as we kindle the flames on the candles in our menorah, we want the beauty of the light we receive during this sacred time, to be God's light. "In him was life, and that life was the light of mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not suppressed it. This was the true light, which gives light to everyone entering the world." (John 1:4-5, 9)
There are various things we do to keep materialism from encroaching. We never stack gifts around the menorah at our house. It stands alone as a sole reminder of the miracle of the oil! We know Yeshua is in our midst to replentish our spiritual supply, and He brings gifts with Him. Gifts we buy prior to Hanukkah are small token gifts. Or gifts such as clothing are given earlier in the day, so these can be worn to the Hanukkah meals and gathering. Major purchases can be given, unwrapped and enjoyed preceeding Hanukkah altogether, so this time can be a time of spiritual reflection and renewal.
ZION'S KING IS IN HER
They took palm branches and went out to meet Him crying "Hosannah! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel. And Yeshua/Jesus finding a young donkey, sat on it, as it is written: Fear not Daughter of Zion. Behold, your King comes to you riding on a donkeys colt...(John 12:15)
Our five year old daughter Zani loves giving gifts. Her artwork is one of the things that she dearly loves to share! One day she was building the gates of "Jerusalem," out of some pieces of firewood. When she finished, she asked me to come and see. As I looked at it, there was a tall main gate with a wall on the top with a king looking out over the land. It was marvellous! I told her how the gates were for protection, and the wall was where the watchmen stood, to detect approaching friends or enemies. The building of Jerusalem was accompanied by Zani playing on her harp. These times often come forth as part of our life-style in a very natural way, arising to God throughout the day and night. Praise and worship are an important element in our house, at all times.
GUARDING THE BARS & GATES OF YOUR LIFE & HOME
God personified as Wisdom declares: "Blessed is the man that listens to me, watching daily at my gates." (Proverbs 8:34)
Hanukkah doesn't come uncontested. Messiah himself fought a battle during this holy season that Israel might have the revelation of God's presence. On what level was He contested? His identity as Messiah was the battleground!
22) Then came the Feast of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, 23) and Jesus was in the temple area walking in Solomon's Colonnade. 24) The Jews gathered around him, saying, "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly. 25) Yeshua/Jesus answered, "I did tell you, but you do not believe. The miracles I do in my Father's name speak for me, 26) but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. 27) My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. 29) My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. 30) I and the Father are one."
What hindered the revelation of Yeshua in Jerusalem during Hanukkah, was simply "unbelief!" The battle ground was faith in Yeshua as Messiah. He told them "I and My Father are one!" Yeshua/Jesus lived before Abraham. " (John 8:56,58) The Jewish apostle Thomas, acknowledged Yeshua/Jesus to be God. " (John 20:28)
Guard the gates of your heart and home in the coming year so that you can receive God's best gift. The gift of His abiding presence and continued revelation of Himself to you and your family, friends, coworkers, or to whomever He sends you!
The heart first of all, as Mashiach's home, is an important place! A move of God the size of Pentecost began first in the hearts of believing Jews in Jerusalem, before it could ever begin as a prayer meeting in the upstairs room of a home there. The eternal home of the believer is heaven, and we are strangers and pilgrims here. One day the scriptures say, we shall see God face to face, and know as we are known. (I Corinthians 13:12) There is a significant need however, to know the Lord in an intimate way here and now. The heavens will one day roll up like a scroll and earth melt with fervent heat, and God will prepare "a New Heaven and a New Earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness." The fact that heaven is real, and life as we now know it on this planet only temporary, does not however, negate the importance of the quality of life that we live while here earth. Though heaven is eternal, we are building the eternal work of God, by the power of His Spirit here and now. God cares about all the families of the earth. The families of Israel were camped about the Tabernacle. Israel itself was destined by God to be a light to the nations.
WHEN A HOUSE IS NOT A HOME
One's presence in the home must be a "quality presence," in the house or you can be there without really being there. By this I mean that you can allow yourself to become so distracted by business, that you miss the true import of your presence and others being gathered there. Sometimes where there is obvious distraction without regard to spiritual fellowship, there is a wound that needs healing there. We all need for our home to be more than just a place to hang our hat. The place one lives can be quite hollow, when it's missing the ingredients that truly make it a home, by God's standards. Although home is where we are nurtured, it must be more than just a pit stop, where people roar in, out, without thought of God or those residing in the home. The home is a base with the praise and worship of God at it's center, and a missions purpose.
President Carter realizing the importance of the family as a home base, once wrote a handwritten memorandum to his top White House Staff, that he wanted them to spend an adequate amount of time with their families to assure a stable home life. He stated: "I am concerned about the family lives of all of you. I want you to spend an adequate amount of time with your husbands, wives, and children, and also to involve them as much as possible in our White House life. We are going to be here a long time, and all of you will be more valuable to me and the country with rest and a stable home life." Someone once penned the following words in describing the gifts that God gives to a house so that it can truly be a real home:
THE FIRE GOD KINDLES
As the people of God, we are admonished in the parable of the Ten Virgins, to be watchful, and not allow the oil to go out of our lamps. When people get "burned out," they do not watch and pray as they should. If we will read the scriptures, seek God's face, meet to strengthen one another's faith, there will be replentishing. Although there are enemies to ones faith, God must be our focus, as we obey the first commandment, to love the Lord our God with all of our heart, with all of our mind and with all of our strength. God takes care of the enemies, in His own time, and in His own way, and His ways are higher than ours. Does this mean we sit by and do nothing? Certainly not. But we do what God instructs us to do, as we seek His face. The fire shall try every mans works of what sort they are. ut God gives this promise in Is. 43:2: "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you. And when you pass through the rivers they shall not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, neither will the flame kindle upon you. The Lord that guards the holy flame of His Holy Spirit in the believer's heart, kindles a flame of fire in the day of battle, upon His enemies when His anger is kindled against them. Here are some scriptural examples of this!
THE BEAUTY OF A HOUSEHOLD BAPTIZED IN THE HOLY GHOST & FIRE And He shall baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. (Luke 3:16)
The beauty of a house is harmony
The security of a house is loyalty
The joy of a house is love
The plenty of a house is children.
The rule of a house is service
The comfort of a house is God Himself.Frank Crane
THE GIFT OF GOD HIMSELF
"And the greatest of these is love..." (I Cor. 13)
The greatest gift that we can ever have is the revelation of God in Messiah as Yeshua our salvation. His divine presence is in Mashiach/Christ reconciling the world to Himself. We need the abiding presence of God within our homes and lives. God alone can guide the home. The father, and mother cannot guide the home properly without God's instruction. As I awoke today, I heard the voice of the Lord say to me Acts chapter 2. As I opened the scriptures, I knew that the Lord wanted me to write about strengthening the home. The strength of our lives is Yeshua, and we find this strength within the pages of God's Word, and by abiding in His love.
THE GIFT OF HARMONY
We are believers in biblical as well as personal prophecy at our house, and I cannot hear the word harmony without being reminded of a work God did in the heart and life of a psalmist named David Ingles. As a new convert, the Lord used this man's music, solidly based on God's word, to ground me in the faith! This "new anointing" David Ingles received came by way of a prophetic word, in which God said:
"You'll begin to write with a new anointing. And through the music and through the singing as you minister forth, that anointing will flow out from you. The people who believe that and receive that anointing, as you sing, they will be healed in their body; their financial need will be met; harmony will come to the home. The yoke of bondage will be broken because it's the anointing that breaks the yoke."
A house prospers greatly in Messiah's presence. When we believe that Yeshua haMashiach/Jesus Christ and His Father are one, this greatly aids our understanding of our own oneness or unity as a family in God. Harmony speaks of divine order. America's Ambassador to Japan, Douglas MacArthur II, served as Counselor of the State Department under John FOster Dulles. Like Dulles, MacArthur was a hard worker. Once when Dulles called the MacArthur home, asking to speak with Doug, Mrs MacArthur mistook him for an aide, and snapped: MacArthur is where MacArthur always is--weekdays, Saturdays, Sundays, and nights! In that office! Within minutes, MacArthur got a telephoned order from Dulles: "Go home at once boy. Your home front is crumbling.
THE GIFT OF ZEALOUS LOYALTY
And was clad with zeal as a cloak... (Isaiah 59:17)
The biblical concept of "loyalty" is seen in the Hebrew quality of God's covenant keeping nature, called "faithfulness." It's implied in the covenant name of Jehovah. (Exodus 3:13-15) The Hebrew term Aman denotes "faithful," while emeth and emunah" mean faithfulness." These stem from the root "To be firm". It signifies the firmness of that which supports something. We see it used in Numbers 11:12, 2 Sam. 4:4, and Isaiah 49:23. It's used of a well founded house in I Sam. 2:35. Of a kingdom firmly established in 2 Sam. 7:16. Hence it's true meaning is of being in agreement concerning words and assertions with reality; for example of words and revelations. (Gen. 42:20, Hos. 5:9) As we behold God's glory in the person of Messiah, we are changed from glory to glory into that same image and likeness, by the Spirit of the Lord.
In the New Testament, the faithfulness of God is upheld in His covenant through the blood of Messiah's atoning sacrifice. Messiah is described as Faithful and True." Emphasis is placed upon the Lord's faithfulness to His promises.
THE GIFT OF HOLY LOVE
God is Love and through Him comes the sanctifying gift of love. Love is God's nature (I John 4:8, 16) and the greatest of human virtues. (I Cor. 13:13) It lies at the heart of the relationship of the believer to haMashiach/Christ. All human love has God as it's source. It's power can only truly be seen in the cross of Calvary. (I John 4:7-10)
The New Testament word for love is doulas, meaning "in bondage." It's used of service to Mashiach/Christ, and signifies the biblical custom of the bond-servant, or voluntary service of a freeborn servant.
THE GIFT OF CHILDREN
Your children like olive plants around your table...(Psalm 128:3)
The children of a home are deemed a gift from God in the scriptures. "Children are the heritage of the Lord and the fruit of the womb is His reward." (Psalm 127:3) Many pictures of the lives of Hebrew children are seen in scripture, such as the tender care shown by Moses parents as they worked by faith to preserve the life of their infant son, in the face of an evil government that had ordered the deathes of Jewish children. Samuel's mother's longing for a son is described in I Sam. 1:20-3:19. In the New testament, we read of the birth, childhood, maturing and ministry of Messiah. (Luke 2:7-40)
The Lord has given parents the primary job of training up a child in the way he or she should go. Or raising children in the faith. (Proverbs 22:6) Discipline of children in scripture is loving but firm. (Prov. 22:15, 23:13; 29:15) The affection of parents for children is strikingly portrayed in David's love for the child that died. Of Elijah in raising children to life. (I Kings 17:17-24) By Elisha (II Kings 4:18-37) and by Messiah whose love for children is seen in Matt 18:1-14, 19:46-48; 18:15-17.
Some like Messiah, do not marry and produce natural flesh and blood children, ye they are fruitful in every good work. Theirs like the priviledge of all believers is to count it an honour to work as co-workers together with God, in bringing souls into His kingdom.
"Lift up your eyes and look around; all your sons gather and come to you. As surely as I live," declares the LORD, "you will wear them all as ornaments; you will put them on, like a bride. "Though you were ruined and made desolate and your land laid waste, now you will be too small for your people, and those who devoured you will be far away. The children born during your bereavement will yet say in your hearing, "This place is too small for us; give us more space to live in." Then you will say in your heart, "Who bore me these? I was bereaved and barren; I was exiled and rejected. Who brought these up? I was left all alone, but these— where have they come from?" (Isaiah 49:18-21)
SHAMASH & THE GIFT OF SERVING
"And for their sakes I sanctify myself." (John, 17:19)
"Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:5-11)
This sanctifying, or consecrating of Himself as a sacrifice for us, implies the greatness and dreadfulness of sin made between God and us. There was a breach --A gap between God and man that only God could fill. "Sacrifice, and offering, and burnt-offering for sin, thou wouldest not; but a body hast thou prepared me." (Heb. 10:5) "But God was in Mashiach/Christ, reconciling the world to himself."
Had Mashiach/Christ not sanctified Himself to this very end, for this purpose, judgment would have abided upon the human race forever. He set himself apart for you as believers. Will you also set yourselves apart peculiarly for Messiah/Christ? In Psa. 73: 25, the Psalmist said: "Whom have I in heaven but thee? and on earth there is none that I desire in comparison of thee."
"Being in the form of God, Messiah thought it not robbery to be equal with God; but emptied Himself, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and was found in fashion as a man. This is the truth of the incarnation. God robed Himself in Messiah. He came in the outward form of a servant. He is the Eternal Word, "by whom all things are made." A Servant He was "made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law."
As Christ sanctified himself, that we might be sanctified by (or in) the truth; then true sanctification is the best evidence of our interest in his shed blood. "As he that called you is holy, so be ye holy," as the servant of Mashiach/Christ. (1 Pet. 1:15) God is holy in all his ways; and "his works are holy." (Psa. 145:17)
THE GIFTS OF GOD
God gives the Patriarch Job a marvellous gift after his trial ends, and his accusers are silent. The gift took the form of a double-fold recompence. Moses received the gift of the revelation of God's presence in the reveation of the name "I Am," which God gave to him at the burning bush. The expression of that presence is seen in the gift of Yeshua haMashiach/Jesus Christ, who many times revealed that He is "I Am." And who is Immanuel (God with us), the manifestation or gift of God's divine love. In the Bread and Wine, we celebrate that God is truly among us in the Spirit of Yeshua haMashiach/Jesus Christ. Before Messiah ascended into heaven, He said: "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be of me witnesses." (Acts 1:8)
On the Day of Pentecost, Yeshua haMashiach kindled a flame upon the heads of His disciples in Jerusalem, and made every one of them ministers who were a "flame of fire." The cleansing fire of God spread rapidly as His ministers preached the gospel of Yeshua haMashiach across the land. Upon all flesh that Pentecost, God poured out of His Spirit. There were 120 Jews in Jerusalem gathered to celebrate that Pentecost, who initially received this marvellous prophetic promise, which was and is for all. God has raised up a people filled with the Holy Spirit and power. On the Day of Penteost, Peter stood and preached, quoting from the Prophet Joel.
1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other btongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.
6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.
7 And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?
8 And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?
9 Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,
10 Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and aproselytes,
11 Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.
12 And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?
13 Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.
14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:
15 For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.
16 But this is that which was spoken by the Prophet Joel:
17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:
18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:
19 And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:
20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come:
21 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. 22 Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man aapproved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:
23 Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have ccrucified and slain:
24 Whom God hath araised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.
25 For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved:
26 Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope:
27 Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
28 Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.
29 Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day.
30 Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an aoath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;
31 He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.
32 This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.
33 Therefore being by the bright hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.
34 For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,
35 Until I make thy foes thy footstool.
36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their bheart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
41 Then they that gladly areceived his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of cbread, and in prayers.
43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and bsigns were done by the apostles.
44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.
46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
(Acts 2:1-4) The gifts of God's presence and the freedom it creates are related to "saving grace," the gift that rescues us from sin and establishes us as righteous before God's throne.
The New Testament teaches us of "spiritual gifts," (1 Cor. 12) or "charismata." These flow from man as the result of baptism in Yeshua's name. These gifts are given to bless and protect believers, who walk in the anointing of the Lord, and do His mighty works in this our day.
Tom & Alana Campbell 5214 South 2nd Avenue, Everett, Wa. 98203-4113 Telephone (425) 252-2981
