| Newsletter for 6/14/07- The Value of the Prophetic |
Good Morning,
Recently, we have been sharing some teaching with you about the Five-Fold Ministry. I want to continue that teaching
today, but first let me remind you of a few things. This Saturday, we will be having our ACTS Service (All
Churches Training Service) at 6 pm in the Rainier Assembly of God Fellowship Hall. Everyone is welcome
and we hope you will join us!
Also, a reminder about our upcoming Prophetic and Healing Conference. The "I Am A Friend of God" Conference
will be July 27-28 at Rainier Assembly of God. We will be ministering with Pastor Bob Hill from Renewed
Hope Ministries in Vancouver, WA. The Conference is FREE and will offer several forms of ministry that
you will be blessed by. Please register by going to our web site (www.kingdompowernow.com) or by
calling Rainier Assembly of God @ 503-556-8211. You can get more information at our web site.
Now let's get some teaching!
A few weeks ago, I began speaking to you about the Five Fold Ministry and I would like to share with you regarding
the Gift of Prophecy. First some scripture:
16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: 17 'And it shall come to pass in the last days, says
God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your
young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams. 18 And on My menservants and on My
maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; And they shall prophesy. 19 I will show wonders in
heaven above And signs in the earth beneath:... Acts 2:16-19a
This scripture from Acts, which was prophesied in the book of Joel, declares some pretty broad statements when it
comes to who shall prophesy. Many people believe that this interpretation is much too broad, so let's look at some
other scriptures that may clarify things.
1 Corinthians 14:31 For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged.
Paul is pretty clear here as he gives directions for order in services, about there shouldn't be just a select few
prophesying. In fact, if you are filled with the Holy Spirit, there can be a case made that you should be prophesying.
Acts 19:6 When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues
and prophesied.
In fact going back to 1 Corinthians 14:1-6, Paul speaks more clearly:
1 Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. 2 For anyone
who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters
mysteries with his spirit. 3 But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening,
encouragement and comfort. 4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies
the church. 5 I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. He
who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may
be edified.
6 Now, brothers, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some
revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction?
Paul writing to us in clear terms, expresses to us the importance of utilizing the spiritual gifts that we have all been
offered. In all of the above verses, Paul utilizes terms like "all" and "everyone," so that we will come to terms on the
power of these gifts to the church and their availability. Jesus didn't just die to provide us with salvation but also so
that the "comforter" or Holy Spirit could come, to allow us to operate in a greater manner. This is why the early church
(first three centuries) was so powerful! This is why our predecessors were able to turn their world upside down. We,
on the other hand have reduced our relationship with the Creator of the Universe, down to a religious ritual. The
church that we see and experience today, can not be what the Lord dreamt about and propehecied about! There has
to be more!
I agree that we are accomplishing good things, but not as much as what we could and should. Scripture says that if
God is on our side, then who can be against us?!? If this is true then we should be turning the world upside down! I
am sorry to tell you that I don't think that it is God's fault, I believe that we have not done and been all that we could
be or are called to be!
Not just the church but the world today, is begging for more! They need direction, healing and answers. We have told
them that we have all of these (power, healing, answers, etc.), but then we don't have the faith or the theology to
provide it. Our faith in what God can do through us, is hampered by our low self esteem. We sound like Christian
Cartoon Characters as we hang our heads and state, "Oh Golly, Jesus wouldn't want to utilize me for any of these
things! I am not worthy to be used!" We have always been taught that we are not worthy! That's why He sent His Son,
because you and I aren't worthy but through the price paid by His Son, we become worthy! In essence, God says,
"Quit undervaluing yourselves! You are worthy! If you say that you are not worthy, then you devalue my Son!" We can
step up to the plate and say, "Here am I, send me Lord!"
This is not a matter of pride on our parts, this is a matter of pride on the Father's part. He says that we are worthy of
not only sending His Son, which is an amazing price in itself, but also to send us the gifts that He has given us and the
Holy Spirit to power them. Just as Jesus did, we must be plugged into the Holy Spirit, so that we can hear what the
Father is instructing us to do. If we are praying for someone without hearing from the Father, then how do we know
whether we are praying His Will?? We may be praying in opposition to what the Father wants. Jesus even said, "I do
what the Father tells me to do." Wow! That was Jesus!
When Jesus was 12 years old, He was unintentionally left behind by His parents as they left in the caravan to head
home. It wasn't until a couple of days later that they realized that they had left young Jesus behind. (Of course, if this
were done in modern day, Mary and Joseph would have had the children taken away and they would have been in
jail!!!) In Luke 2:52, it says that Jesus grew in "wisdom, stature and favor with God and men." I figure that if Jesus had
room to grow in relationship and favor with God and men, then I have plenty of room! Maybe, we haven't arrived yet!
Maybe, we as lay people or leaders in the church, just aren't the experts that we make ourselves out to be!!!
Let's get back to the gifts. Paul told us to eagerly seek these Gifts, especially the Gift of Prophecy! It wasn't just to
one church either! Paul tells the church of Thessalonica, "Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise
prophecies." (2 Thessalonians 5:19-20) Paul does not leave us guessing here! He speaks very clearly about his
feelings of whether this an important part of The Kingdom.
Lest you think that these gifts were only for the early church, Peter speaks clearly after delivering a powerful sermon
that included the Prophecy by Joel-
"Men and brethren, what shall we do?" 38 Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be
baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy
Spirit. 39 For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord
our God will call." Acts 2:37-39
Yes, I agree that salvation is the most important thing that we can bring to people, but that is not all that Peter is
talking about. He talks about the gift of the Holy Spirit being not just for those that day.
We are those that are afar off. Christ desires to move in our midst today! What will we do to embrace His will? Will we
stand by and allow the enemy to continue taking our harvests or will we move out in this strategic time to embrace our
destiny and bring those hurting souls to the Christ that will love and heal them? It is up to you and I! Will we continue
on the same way that we have or will we ratchet it up another level and go for more?!? I am going to burn my bridges
and put all of my chips in!
Working while it is still day,
Pastor Jeff McCracken and the Kingdom Power Now Ministry Team
www.kingdompowernow.com
Recently, we have been sharing some teaching with you about the Five-Fold Ministry. I want to continue that teaching
today, but first let me remind you of a few things. This Saturday, we will be having our ACTS Service (All
Churches Training Service) at 6 pm in the Rainier Assembly of God Fellowship Hall. Everyone is welcome
and we hope you will join us!
Also, a reminder about our upcoming Prophetic and Healing Conference. The "I Am A Friend of God" Conference
will be July 27-28 at Rainier Assembly of God. We will be ministering with Pastor Bob Hill from Renewed
Hope Ministries in Vancouver, WA. The Conference is FREE and will offer several forms of ministry that
you will be blessed by. Please register by going to our web site (www.kingdompowernow.com) or by
calling Rainier Assembly of God @ 503-556-8211. You can get more information at our web site.
Now let's get some teaching!
A few weeks ago, I began speaking to you about the Five Fold Ministry and I would like to share with you regarding
the Gift of Prophecy. First some scripture:
16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: 17 'And it shall come to pass in the last days, says
God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your
young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams. 18 And on My menservants and on My
maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; And they shall prophesy. 19 I will show wonders in
heaven above And signs in the earth beneath:... Acts 2:16-19a
This scripture from Acts, which was prophesied in the book of Joel, declares some pretty broad statements when it
comes to who shall prophesy. Many people believe that this interpretation is much too broad, so let's look at some
other scriptures that may clarify things.
1 Corinthians 14:31 For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged.
Paul is pretty clear here as he gives directions for order in services, about there shouldn't be just a select few
prophesying. In fact, if you are filled with the Holy Spirit, there can be a case made that you should be prophesying.
Acts 19:6 When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues
and prophesied.
In fact going back to 1 Corinthians 14:1-6, Paul speaks more clearly:
1 Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. 2 For anyone
who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters
mysteries with his spirit. 3 But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening,
encouragement and comfort. 4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies
the church. 5 I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. He
who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may
be edified.
6 Now, brothers, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some
revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction?
Paul writing to us in clear terms, expresses to us the importance of utilizing the spiritual gifts that we have all been
offered. In all of the above verses, Paul utilizes terms like "all" and "everyone," so that we will come to terms on the
power of these gifts to the church and their availability. Jesus didn't just die to provide us with salvation but also so
that the "comforter" or Holy Spirit could come, to allow us to operate in a greater manner. This is why the early church
(first three centuries) was so powerful! This is why our predecessors were able to turn their world upside down. We,
on the other hand have reduced our relationship with the Creator of the Universe, down to a religious ritual. The
church that we see and experience today, can not be what the Lord dreamt about and propehecied about! There has
to be more!
I agree that we are accomplishing good things, but not as much as what we could and should. Scripture says that if
God is on our side, then who can be against us?!? If this is true then we should be turning the world upside down! I
am sorry to tell you that I don't think that it is God's fault, I believe that we have not done and been all that we could
be or are called to be!
Not just the church but the world today, is begging for more! They need direction, healing and answers. We have told
them that we have all of these (power, healing, answers, etc.), but then we don't have the faith or the theology to
provide it. Our faith in what God can do through us, is hampered by our low self esteem. We sound like Christian
Cartoon Characters as we hang our heads and state, "Oh Golly, Jesus wouldn't want to utilize me for any of these
things! I am not worthy to be used!" We have always been taught that we are not worthy! That's why He sent His Son,
because you and I aren't worthy but through the price paid by His Son, we become worthy! In essence, God says,
"Quit undervaluing yourselves! You are worthy! If you say that you are not worthy, then you devalue my Son!" We can
step up to the plate and say, "Here am I, send me Lord!"
This is not a matter of pride on our parts, this is a matter of pride on the Father's part. He says that we are worthy of
not only sending His Son, which is an amazing price in itself, but also to send us the gifts that He has given us and the
Holy Spirit to power them. Just as Jesus did, we must be plugged into the Holy Spirit, so that we can hear what the
Father is instructing us to do. If we are praying for someone without hearing from the Father, then how do we know
whether we are praying His Will?? We may be praying in opposition to what the Father wants. Jesus even said, "I do
what the Father tells me to do." Wow! That was Jesus!
When Jesus was 12 years old, He was unintentionally left behind by His parents as they left in the caravan to head
home. It wasn't until a couple of days later that they realized that they had left young Jesus behind. (Of course, if this
were done in modern day, Mary and Joseph would have had the children taken away and they would have been in
jail!!!) In Luke 2:52, it says that Jesus grew in "wisdom, stature and favor with God and men." I figure that if Jesus had
room to grow in relationship and favor with God and men, then I have plenty of room! Maybe, we haven't arrived yet!
Maybe, we as lay people or leaders in the church, just aren't the experts that we make ourselves out to be!!!
Let's get back to the gifts. Paul told us to eagerly seek these Gifts, especially the Gift of Prophecy! It wasn't just to
one church either! Paul tells the church of Thessalonica, "Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise
prophecies." (2 Thessalonians 5:19-20) Paul does not leave us guessing here! He speaks very clearly about his
feelings of whether this an important part of The Kingdom.
Lest you think that these gifts were only for the early church, Peter speaks clearly after delivering a powerful sermon
that included the Prophecy by Joel-
"Men and brethren, what shall we do?" 38 Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be
baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy
Spirit. 39 For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord
our God will call." Acts 2:37-39
Yes, I agree that salvation is the most important thing that we can bring to people, but that is not all that Peter is
talking about. He talks about the gift of the Holy Spirit being not just for those that day.
We are those that are afar off. Christ desires to move in our midst today! What will we do to embrace His will? Will we
stand by and allow the enemy to continue taking our harvests or will we move out in this strategic time to embrace our
destiny and bring those hurting souls to the Christ that will love and heal them? It is up to you and I! Will we continue
on the same way that we have or will we ratchet it up another level and go for more?!? I am going to burn my bridges
and put all of my chips in!
Working while it is still day,
Pastor Jeff McCracken and the Kingdom Power Now Ministry Team
www.kingdompowernow.com