Category: Kingdom Thought

Kingdom Thought, Praying In Tongues, Spiritual Growth, The Great Commission, THE RAPTURE

WE ARE A PECULIAR PEOPLE

| THOMAS HART CLEMENTS

There is much talk about revival. Some Churches have revival every year. Many of us are on the lookout for the next Revival of Fire. We often talk of past revivals, those of last year, five or ten years ago and even one hundred or two hundred years ago. 

Miracles were seen as people received salvation and were healed and delivered. All these events were short lived with the lookout for the next one being launched.  

I see no consistent evidence of a display of The Great Commission as was commanded in the book of Mark chapter 16 verses 16-20. 

What is worse, though, is that the backward progress of the so-called apostate church (1 Timothy 4:1-3) is taking an “in your face” posture. 

Those of us who profess to be in the Church need to examine ourselves. Is Jesus the Resurrected Son of God? Do I harbor unforgiveness in my heart? Do I love my neighbor as myself? Have I received Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior? been water baptized and filled with The Holy Spirit of Fire at the Hand of Jesus Christ? This is no light thing. Careful consideration is necessary.  

Lately, I have been giving the Millennial Reign role of the Church a lot of thought. At this point I desire to share broadly some of my thoughts in favor of expanding in more detail later.  

Essentially, We the church are in sort of a bootcamp. We have been amply trained (Hebrews 5), told that we reside in Heavenly Places with Christ (Ephesians 2:5-7), told that we are “a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people” (1 Peter 2:9), and told that we are Sons (Children) of God (1 John 3:1-2). 

Additionally, we know that once transitioned into the new world (Millennial Reign) we (The Church) will have glorified bodies (1 Corinthians 15:51-53). We will be unlike the other inhabitants of the earth. Flesh and Bone like the Lord! 

Two last things: Importantly, also we will rule and reign with a rod of iron with Him for one thousand years (Revelation 2:26-28). Secondly, I petitioned the Lord as to what we will be called during the Millennial Reign. Will we be the Church still, the Bride, the Saints the Body of Christ? He will get back to me with the response to that question and when He does, I will let you know. 

So, what am I saying? I am saying let us recognize who we are. Let us be “partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world” (2 Peter 1:4). 

Let us grasp this concept! 

DISCERNING OF SPIRITS, DIVERS KINDS OF TONGUES, FAITH (THE GOD KIND OF FAITH), INTERPRETATION OF TONGUES, Kingdom Thought, PROPHECY, The Great Commission, UTTERANCE

THE INTERPRETATION OF TONGUES

| THOMAS HART CLEMENTS

How does one interpret Tongues? This is the question that I hear most often about Speaking in Tongues.

Tongues, for our purposes here has its first mention in the book of Mark, reading:

And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; (Mark 16:17)

If you are a believer, you should be speaking in Tongues.

The second mention of Tongues is in the Book of Acts, Chapter 2.

 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.

And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.

And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (Acts 2:1-4)

Speaking in Other Tongues is introduced to the 120 visitors to that Upper Room meeting that day. Those gathered there were from different areas and spoke different languages (tongues). They heard their languages as being spoken by those who did not know their language (vs 5-11).

And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this? (Vs 12)

Peter said to them:

But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;

 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:

 And on my servants and on my handmaidens, I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: (Acts 2:16-18)

The essence of the pouring out of the Spirit of God is Tongues. He pours it out incessantly (Acts 2:33). Visions, Dreams, Anointing, Light, Revelation, Faith, Prophecy, Power, Healing, Deliverance, Wisdom, Shalom and much more are the by-production of this “Living Water” (John 7:38).

God works by His Word (John 1:1-4). The purest form of His Word is Tongues or as He is commonly called, Unknown Tongues.

The primary use of Tongues equates to Him proclaiming those things which He decrees through His Mouthpiece; His Body, the Church even the Church Members (The Saints).

These transactions are meant to be done in private. Even when “Speaking in Tongues” happens in the church building during the Assembly it should occur in “ones own space”.

Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue. (1 Corinthians 14:19)

The Bible tell us that when Speaking in Tongues in the “open” Assembly there is to be the “Interpretation of Tongues”.

The Bible says this:

If any man speaks in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.

 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God. (1Corinthians 14:27-28)

Tongues (divers kinds of Tongues with the word divers being added by the translator) with Interpretation of Tongues is equal to Prophecy. These Spoken Manifestations are given for the edification (building up), exhortation (encouraging) and comfort of the Local Assembly.  

One simple thing to remember is that when Tongues or Divers Kinds of Tongues with the Interpretation of Tongues happens GOD IS ALWAYS IN THE ROOM.

God is in the room giving the Utterance when meditational Prayer in the Spirit or when Ministerial Tongues with Interpretation happens.

HE IS GIVING THE UTTERANCE. We, His Body are a co-laborer. His Spirit works through our spirit with the natural tongue being the mechanical part or necessary apparatus for the execution. HE GIVES THE INTERPRETATION.

We do well to keep our minds (souls) out of this Spiritual/spiritual transaction.   

AWAKENING, Kingdom Business, Kingdom Thought, Sanctification, Spiritual Growth

THE LIGHT MAN

| THOMAS HART CLEMENTS

 

There once was (and still is) a man. An ordinary man. This man had a glimmer of light in his heart – in the center of his being. Faint it was, hardly noticed by anyone except his parents. It stayed that way for years and years but was obtaining a solid position in there – like a tree as it stretches out its root system to be able to stand even to reach the clouds. 

  

One day this nice gentleman was made aware of an outside source of light. One that was exterior to him but that is very much like the light which he owned. This Light is the greatest of all light. It is the Light of the world. It is the Source of all life in the universe. 

  

He somehow knew that that light was beckoning him to let It come into him. It wanted to join him and grow in him. This most powerful Light would be a co-laborer with the light of our friend whom we mentioned first in this little story. It would be a Helper. The Great Light is a source of Eternal information and Jethro; let us call our friend Jethro, can access this information and increasingly so as he builds his relationship with the Light. 

  

Once choosing to cohabitate with the Light – join his light with that Light – change was swift and exponential. The light that was in him was no longer just a flicker. It had grown, filling his abdominal cavity to an explosive ability. His cranial cavity became alive and radiant with activity because of the Light. He began to know things, to see and hear more clearly. His sense of right and wrong became keener. Key components of the two referenced systems are now more aware of each other and working together. Compassion and love are intrinsic in his personality. 

  

His thoracic cavity is also infiltrated by the Light giving him increased ability to spew out words of encouragement here and there and upon those whom he chooses or when he is petitioned to do so. His message is one of love. That Light shown throughout his whole body. His movement is more graceful and displays positive intent. 

  

The Light is no longer contained inside his body. It emanates from his body and becomes like a force field of love and all that is positive. Those meeting him senses this Power (that is what it is, power) not fully, if at all, understanding what it is. 

  

But that is not all. Remember that I said that that Light is external to that of Jethro. Well, the Great Light while it works within Jethro, it (He) also has a life and agenda all His own. That Light is always everywhere Jethro goes, even if the atmosphere is dark. In fact, there are times when the Light will pick, for example, to intervene in the ordinary course of nature to bring about some change. An example of this might be to open blind eyes or to cause a cripple person to walk. 

  

The Light (you noticed the upper-case L) now that He has opened a line of communication (communion even) with Jethro is able to conduct such work in the natural realm using a natural person. 

Kingdom Thought, Spiritual Growth, The End Time Church, The Great Commission, Uncategorized

“EVEN WHEN I DON’T SEE IT, YOU’RE WORKING!”

| THOMAS HART CLEMENTS

And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen. (Mark 16:20)

Way back before time started there was Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:19-21 says this : 

But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,

Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.

In the THE BOOK OF ENOCH, Enoch records that during his visit to heaven (And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him. Genesis 5:24) and while being given a tour of the Same by the Angels, that there was a Person in the midst of the host of heaven, present with the Head of Days that had a face that was full of Grace Whom they referred to as the Son of Righteousness. This was none other than Jesus Christ pre-incarnate. 

Even now, the fact that Jesus Christ is Omnipresent must become more than just a cliche term but rather a reality for the believer.

What’s more, the Authority of His Name spoken by the believer enables the Power of Heaven in the earth.

We don’t have to see Jesus to know that He is present. He always has been and always will be.

Here is a story that I like to tell about Healing and Deliverance: About a year ago when I visited a Church for the second time, I was asked by the Pastor to pray for the sick people that were present.

I prayed for several of the people and God healed and ministered within the midst of them. One of the ladies that I prayed for got the Pastor’s attention to tell him (and the congregation) of a vision that she had while I laid my hands on her and prayed.

She said that while I prayed, she had a vision in which she saw the Lord. She described Him as being dressed all in white. She could not see His face clearly. This lady was due to have a surgical procedure within the week and the Lord told her that the procedure would be a success.

So, you see the Lord was working amid us. As far as I know, no one saw the vision except that one lady. I certainly had no indication of what the Lord was doing.  The vision was the sign. Can there be any doubt as to the lady’s testimony?

FAITH (THE GOD KIND OF FAITH), Kingdom Business, Kingdom Thought, The End Time Church, The Great Commission

CONFIRMING THE WORD WITH SIGNS FOLLOWING

| THOMAS HART CLEMENTS

And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen. (Mark 16:20)

The Bible verses leading up to the above scriptural reference is the Lord Jesus Christ giving the disciples some final instruction as to how they were to carry on the work that He had started in the earth.

“These signs shall follow them that believe.” “In my name” He said. “They shall cast out devils, speak with new tongues, pick up serpents, not be harmed by poisonous things that they drank and that they shall heal the sick by laying hands on them.”

I believe that the operative verse that is highlighted above is often overlooked and many times to the peril of well-meaning Saints, both the Laity and the Ministers.

As I have tried to gain a true Spiritual perspective of what God is trying to teach us about how He is going to bring about His Kingdom “on Earth as in Heaven”, much has been revealed to me.

Healing and Deliverance is near and dear to me, so I am going to say just a little more about that in this piece.

I believe that we should see Healing and/or Deliverance every time we pray for the same. Knowing the applicable scriptures (promises) is essential.

First, let us look at Mark 16:20 above and break it open a little bit or “unpack” it as some would say. This is easy.

It says, “they went forth and preached everywhere the Lord working with them and confirming the word with signs following.” My point is about ninety-nine percent made if we just take these words at face value. They went and preached everywhere, and the Lord was working with them and there were signs following that confirmed the Word.

Let me tell you this important story from which I received Extreme Revelation and Light about Healing and Deliverance. About a year ago when I visited a Church for the second time, I was asked by the Pastor to pray for the sick people that were present.

I prayed for several of the people and God healed and ministered within the midst of them. One of the ladies that I prayed for got the Pastor’s attention to tell him (and the congregation) of a vision that she had while I laid my hands on her and prayed.

She said that while I prayed, she had a vision in which she saw the Lord. She described Him as being dressed all in white. She could not see His face clearly. This lady was due to have a surgical procedure within the week and the Lord told her that the procedure would be a success.

So, you see the Lord was working amid us. As far as I know, no one saw the vision except that one lady. I certainly had no indication of what the Lord was doing. The vision was the sign. Can there be any doubt as to the lady’s testimony?

Here is another quick story. A few months ago, I had a conversation with a friend that lives about 3000 miles away. She told me that her sister was sick and had been told by the doctors that there was little hope. “Any time” were his words.

They had started to move her things from her apartment and were just biding the time.

It is important that when we pray for someone’s healing that we pray the right prayer. What I mean by that is that we pray in agreement with the sick person and their family. We must know and believe the promises that God has given us about healing.

Long story short, after a considerable time, my friend called me to say that her sister was much improved. I believe this to be a miracle. Praise the Lord for that. I said, “Praise the Lord for that!

“The Lord working with them and confirming the word with signs following.” There are different avenues in which God may heal or deliver a person. God can heal people that we pray for even if they are found some distance away. We see a story of this kind of healing here.

There are situations where the touch of the Lord sometimes absent a believer and sometimes through a believer will bring about an instantaneous healing or deliverance. This operation is usually dynamic in that the Weight of the Lord is present. God can be felt.

The following passage, I view as sort of an insurance policy. If all else fails, He (The Lord) says that where there is agreement of at least two believers that whatever they ask for shall be done for them. Does not this include healing and/or deliverance?

Again, I say unto you, that if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.

For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them. (Matthew 18:19-20)

You see there in verse 20 that the Lord says that He is in the midst of them. The Lord is always in the  midst of us and working with us. Signs following!

AWAKENING, Kingdom Thought

DON’T BELIEVE THE LIE!

| THOMAS HART CLEMENTS

When time is no more, how will you fare? Are you thinking reincarnation? Perhaps soul sleep? Just pure nothingness?

There is only One Truth and He is Jesus Christ!

See the below scriptural passage and the links below to some disturbing current events. Don’t believe the lie.

And when ye see the south wind blow, ye say, There will be heat; and it cometh to pass.
Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it that ye do not discern this time?
Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right? (Luke 12:55-57)

 

The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up.
And the second angel sounded, and as it were a great mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea: and the third part of the sea became blood;
And the third part of the creatures which were in the sea, and had life, died; and the third part of the ships were destroyed. (Revelation 8:7-9)

 

russia-launches-floating-nuclear-reactor-in-arctic-despite-warnings

The Amazon is ablaze

Kingdom Thought, Revival Forthwith, Sanctification

Biblical, Right?

| THOMAS HART CLEMENTS

What is right?  

Here is the way that one dictionary defines “right”:  

morally good, justified, or acceptable.  

synonyms:  

just, fair, equitable, good, upright, righteous, virtuous, proper, moral, morally justified, ethical, honorable, honest, principled; lawful, legal   

But, from a Biblical perspective, what is right? I.e., what is the right way to treat my neighbors, should I not regard those around me who deviate from traditional moral norms? Are some people superior to others? Are some sins justifiable in favor of a greater good? Who is really in ownership of one’s body? The merchant undercharged me — I get to keep the difference, right? It is okay for immoral and dishonest individuals to represent me before others and before God, right? I am a good person — I help the needy and contribute to the poor — I will go to heaven if there is one, right?  

I once heard a man say, “you don’t know what you know”. Sounds silly, right? Well, it is not so silly. You have heard me speak about the inner man, you know, our spirit man or human spirit.  

One of the three primary attributes of our inner man is conscience. The other two are communion and intuition. These on-board attributes of the spirit man all have additional attributes within themselves that represent things that we know but do not know that we know. For example, if we go into a country and kill off 43 million of the inhabitants and destroy their food source, we may not know that it is wrong, but we know that it is wrong because our conscience tells us that it is wrong.  

The same above reference but unnamed dictionary defines conscience as:  

an inner feeling or voice viewed as acting as a guide to the rightness or wrongness of one’s behavior.  

Watchman Nee says this about the conscience in his book The Spiritual Man:   

“The conscience is the discerning organ which distinguishes right and wrong; not, however, through the influence of knowledge stored in the mind but rather by a spontaneous direct judgment. Often reasoning will justify things which our conscience judges. The work of the conscience is independent and direct; it does not bend to outside opinions.”  

This scriptural passage makes my point:  

Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for His (God’s) seed remains in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.  

In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.  

For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. (1 John 3:9-11 King James Version)  

 The Book of proverbs cites the word right or righteous ninety-one times in the KJV. Check them out here.  

  

 

 

Kingdom Thought, Praying In Tongues, UTTERANCE

Utterance, The Seventh Spirit of God

| THOMAS HART CLEMENTS

And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. (Revelation 4:5)

In the Book of Revelation we find three mentions of “The seven Spirits of God”. We are able to glean from these three occasions that these Seven Spirits are (1) found before the Throne of God (Rev 1:4) and are called “Eyes of God” (Rev 5:6). Thirdly, Revelation 3:1 speaks of a relationship between the Three Spirits of God and seven stars.

Moreover, in chapter 11 of the Book of Isaiah, we find out the name of six of the Spirits of God. The name of the seventh one isn’t made clear. Here are verses 1-4:

And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:
And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord;
And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears:
But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth: with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.

The Spirit of Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Might Knowledge and Fear of the Lord are six. Some surmise  that the Spirit of the Lord is the seventh. Does that not sound redundant? For me, sorting the answer out seemed totally feasible through prayer and listening.

Additionally, by reflecting on the referenced attributes of the Lord God the absence of one of His attributes — one that one could argue is the most important — seems to be missing.

Reading further into verse 4 above we see “he shall smite the earth: with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked“. “The breath of his lips” refers to speech or utterance. Speaking or Utterance is an essential Attribute or Spirit of God. Nothing gets done in the entire universe unless God Speaks.

 

 

 

StickyKingdom Business, Kingdom Thought, Sanctification, UTTERANCE

“I’m BATMAN”

| THOMAS HART CLEMENTS

You remember those words, right? A typical scenario for the utterance of the same is when a bad guy gets cornered by the hero and frustratingly requests of him as to who he is. “Who are you” the bad guy asks? The response that he gets is “I’m Batman.” 

So, Batman knows who he is. My question for you, though, is who are you? As you know, my current work is all about spiritual growth. Growing in the Spirit. Spiritual/spiritual maturity.  

The concepts and processes are multi-faceted. The gamut goes from the newly regenerated spirit to the Holy Ghost (Fruit) Filled and Holy Ghost Baptized human spirit. 

Given the question that prompts the title of this post, let me say that the reason for the post is to ask you “who are you“. More specifically who does the condition of your spirit portray you to be to others? 

You have heard it said that “the spirit is the real you”. You (we) are spirit. We have a soul, and we live in a body. Personality is an attribute of the spirit.  

The condition of the (your) spirit can cause you to present as a herd of elephants or as a gentle breeze, a cute little puppy, or a protective police officer. 

As we conduct our day-to-day business, we contribute to a world of quiet spirits, fervent spirits, oppressed spirits, contrite spirits, uplifted spirits, broken spirits, fresh spirits, stale spirits, light spirits, afflicted spirits, gentle spirits, haughty spirits, and these are only a sprinkling of the manifold assortment of spiritual conditions that present themselves all the time. What to do? 

My initial intent here was to name 25 spiritual conditions and give just a little background about each of them. What I found, though, is that there are hundreds out there and just talking about the characteristics of the conditions would fall short of looking into why they were manifest in the first place and what are some of the potential evolutionary consequences. 

As an example of an evolutionary consequence is, let us say that a person has a prideful or haughty spirit. That does not seem so bad, huh? Well look at this. 

I am finding that in presenting this cute little blog, I am opening a complex issue, for few of us know who we are. The dilemma obviously is to identify who it is that is at work in our hearts and to get him on the right track. Each condition is a track, so we must establish which are the right ones. 

This is way easier said than done but I think it to be a delightful journey. For the believer, the likely first step is to renew your mind. Renewing your mind by the Word of God will cause you to identify your condition (the condition of your spirit) providing instructions that will cause you to have an afflicted spirit and a lowly spirit and such as these that are acceptable to God. 

“It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor than to divide the spoil with the proud” (Prov.16.19) “He who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor” (Prov. 29.23). “And also, with him who is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble” (Is. 57.15). 

So let me ask you again. Who are you? 

  

 

 

AWAKENING, Kingdom Business, Kingdom Thought, Praying In Tongues, Spiritual Growth, The End Time Church, UTTERANCE

DON’T MESS THIS UP

| THOMAS HART CLEMENTS

I will get right to the point with this one. I screen shot the inserted image from Google Earth on  about 8 a.m. this past Sunday morning. Some of you will find this to be as fascinating as I did and some of you won’t. This is the actual satellite image. I will tell you what I see and what I think and I will also give some scripture and background to support my thoughts.

Remember, this was live when I viewed it and that the weather is fluid (always moving). In the middle of the image there is a Man’s head. See His eyes, ear, nose mouth and chin. I will come back to some of those in a moment.

At the top of the image next to Iceland are two angels. This reminds me of the story of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis chapter 18 and how that the Lord traveled with two angels when He met with Abraham and judged Sodom and Gomorrah.

Across the image from the snout of what I have discovered to be an antelope (or of the antelope species) are two fishes. These are the same as those which are sometimes referred to as Pisces. They are actually representative of The Church and the Jewish Nation (The Elect of Messiah or The King of Kings) — yes, Jesus Christ.

They are depicted as being tethered together in astrology which as you know is a corruption of God’s true intent to show the Gospel in The Stars. There is at least one other person in that group but I don’t know who that is (or they are).

Additionally, looking again at the Man in the center of the image and to the right side of His mouth (to your left as you view it) there is a man like image extending out from it.

My first thought was to suggest that the major image depicts The Father God. I step away from that conclusion, though, as He would probably have white hair.

I believe the Primary Person in the image is the Lord Himself. Again, Jesus Christ. That Which is proceeding from His Mouth, I believe to be Utterance (The Holy Spirit).

Now, to the elephant in the room. What’s up with the snouted creature that appears to be resting its head upon the head of the Lord?

There are apparently four essential considerations regarding this. One is the actual animal itself. It is an antelope — I will not speculate at this time as to which one. Secondarily, is that which is derived from the antelope; namely, the Shofar, which is made from the horns of the antelope. Please note that the Shofar is not exclusively taken from the antelope, but the ram as well as others.

The Shofar is a very important instrument in Judaism and Hebrew customs, past and present of which I am apologetically not well informed. See this though.

I believe that the reason the creature is  resting upon the Head of the Lord is an indication from the Lord that there is something on His mind and that He is getting the Word out.

But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. (Matthew 24:36)

Fourthly, as a Christian, this scriptural passage says it all for me:

For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.

For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. (1 Thessalonians 4:15-17 KJV)

I see Him in everything.

 

Kingdom Business, Kingdom Thought, Praying In Tongues, Spiritual Growth, The End Time Church

A Talking Ass and a Bucket of Water

| THOMAS HART CLEMENTS

As you know, my work emanates from my mandate from God to propagate Utterance as the life force of Speaking in Tongues and the manifestation of the Gifts of the Spirit.

Utterance for our purposes to this end most nearly means the incessant pouring forth from Heaven of the Voice, Mind, Spirit, Creative Power, Resurrection Power, Revelation, Wisdom, Sanctification, Anointing and More, from God.

The same is that promise often spoken of and sought after by those of us who love God and who are earnestly seeking to have his essence present in our lives. The apostle Peter says this by the Spirit just as well an anyone in Acts 2:38-40.

You all know the story of the prophet Balaam, right? Balaam was very busy in the the book of Numbers. He was also mentioned in several other books of the Bible. He sold out to a fellow by the name of Balak, the king of Moab. Balak wished that Balaam would prophesy a curse upon Israel for which he would be paid money.

Each time Balaam attempted to curse Israel, the Lord would change his words to blessing rather than cursing Israel. Balak was not pleased. We find that God also was not please with Balaam as Balaam attempted to circumvent God’s command not to deal with the Moabites. Balaam was eventually slain by Israel.

There was an occasion that while Balaam rode his ass (donkey) toward Moab that the donkey saw an angel with his sword drawn sent by God to thwart the trip. The donkey refused to go further and fell to the ground injuring Balaam.

Balaam smote the donkey and the donkey asked him why he had done such as she had always been reliable. Additionally, the Lord opened Balaam’s eyes so that he too could see the angel.

Now I said all of that to get to the following verse of scripture that was spoken by Balaam while he was in a trance. I believe it to be a prophecy relating to what is currently my favorite subject,  namely Utterance:

He shall pour the water out of his buckets, and his seed shall be in many waters, and his king shall be higher than Agag, and his kingdom shall be exalted. (Numbers 24:7)

Here, Balaam is speaking of none other than the Holy Spirit that is being poured out (shed forth) by Jesus Christ Himself. I find that the Bible is laden with this prophecy.

Here is what Peter said on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2) as he it expounded upon Joel Chapter 2: But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; 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: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:

Look closely at this passage and tell me what you see. Pray first:

 A garden inclosed is my sister, my spouse; a spring shut up, a fountain sealed. Thy plants are an orchard of pomegranates, with pleasant fruits; camphire, with spikenard, Spikenard and saffron; calamus and cinnamon, with all trees of frankincense; myrrh and aloes, with all the chief spices: A fountain of gardens, a well of living waters, and streams from Lebanon. Awake, O north wind; and come, thou south; blow upon my garden, that the spices thereof may flow out. Let my beloved come into his garden, and eat his pleasant fruits. (Song of Solomon 4: 12-16)

Try and picture Christ standing at the Right Hand of the Father pouring out (shedding forth) His Spirit from a large urn (buckets). The same being the referenced Power mentioned in paragraph #2 above.

Raise your hands toward Heaven because that is where your help is coming from!

AWAKENING, Commentary, Kingdom Thought, Spiritual Growth, UTTERANCE

Dealing With and Being Dealt With by God

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I know that the subject line piqued your interest and possibly occurs to you as being sacrilegious. Please indulge me in this though and see the Light in it.

Practically the best context for the given subject is within the vein of prayer. After all I believe that it is that many of us only consider God when we need something; when finances are low or someone is sick. We need something and we know that He has it and ours is to petition that He gives it to us.

Here is what I am going to do. I am going to show you a couple of stories from the bible in which the characters were trying to accomplish something–something that required movement or the approval of God. This should be interesting! I will talk a little bit about positioning oneself for establishing a dialogue with the Omnipotent, Omnibenevolent, Omnipresent and Omniscient Sovereign Potentate?

I will give brief summaries of these stories because I want you to go and read them for yourselves. Story number one has to do with Abraham. It is found in chapters 18 and 19 of Genesis. What happens here is Abraham is visited by three men (the Lord and two angels).

The Lord was handling two very important matters. Matter number one was to advise Abraham that he and Sarah were about to have a child. Abraham was 100 years old and Sarah was 90. And even as God was prophesying the birth of Isaac (and the Jewish Nation) they both found this amusing.

More to the point of this post though, as they departed from Abraham the Lord wondered out loud as to whether they should make him privy to their next order of business which was to investigate for judgement goings on down in Sodom. For the cry of the folks of Sodom had come before His Throne and a grievous cry it was.

Knowing the pending destruction of Sodom, Abraham requested of the Lord if He would spare Sodom if there were righteous folks there– fifty perhaps. The Lord agreed to his proposition. The dealing or negotiating had started. Abraham apparently thinking this thing through suggested that perhaps forty-five righteous people was a more likely number. The Lord agreed to that number.

To make a long story short and to emphasize the humility and reverence in which Abraham petitioned the Lord his case they finally agreed that if the Lord found ten righteous persons in Sodom that He would spare her. We see here dealings between the Lord and his servant.

Sodom did not fare well though!

Gideon a character in the book of Judges probably pushed all of God’s buttons, if that were possible. In an initial meeting with God in chapter six he acknowledged His miraculous works in previous generation of the Jews and required of Him as to why He had apparently forsaken them.

The Lord advised Gideon that He was about to deliver the Jews through him. He assured Gideon that He would be with him. The dealing began in earnest. God set the tone for the coming  events by supernaturally consuming a meal that Gideon had prepared for Him by fire out of a rock.

Gideon who was later in the story referred to as Jerubbaal because he had thrown down an altar of Baal (an idol) still was not convinced that the Lord surely had his back. He required more evidence from the Lord that He would be with him as he completed his task of defeating the Midianites and the Amalekites. He wanted a sign.

Gideon proposed to the Lord that he would place a fleece of wool on the earthen floor over night and if the next morning the fleece alone was wet and not the floor that he would know that the Lord was with him. And so it was that the next morning the fleece was wet to the point of yielding a full bowl of water and the floor was dry.

Just to be doubly sure, Gideon requested  the Lord that if he left the fleece of wool once again on the floor if God would indulge him by having the floor be wet with the fleece being dry the following morning. The Lord obliged him.

There are a few stories in the bible where we see dialogue (dealings) between the Lord and a servant (believer). God, not being a respecter of person, will also deal with you and me.

Here are a few pointers to consider when approaching the Lord to deal:

  1. What do I have to deal with? Am I clear that He has everything and I have nothing?
  2. Do I Know Him or what do I know about Him?
  3. How am I qualified to even be in His presence?
  4. Will God be merciful to hear my case?
  5. Will I have to petition the Lord in stages or are transactions cut and dried?
  6. How long will it take to make a deal?
  7. What does it mean to be “dealt with by God”?

Many years ago, I requested of the Lord that He would bring me into a more dynamic life and relationship with Him. Shortly thereafter the Lord responded to me by way of a dream in which He showed me some steps that I was to take and that much study was involved. He said “I will teach you.”

I have just finished my first print book and this results from that which the Holy Spirit has taught and is teaching me. The is ongoing and dialogue/dealings and sanctification/breaking in my life at the Right Hand of the Lord.

Here is what I have found. God is a person. He is in fact High and Mighty but He is not arrogant. I believe that God greatly desires to be in fellowship with His friends–us. He is however Holy and so the unclean and sinful are unable to enter into His presence. He has made a way for those whom He loves to supersede sin. Here is how.

 

 

 

AWAKENING, Kingdom Business, Kingdom Thought, Praying In Tongues, Revival Forthwith, Revival is At Hand, Spiritual Growth, The End Time Church, UTTERANCE

THE LIGHT MAN

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There once was (and still is) a man. An ordinary man. This man had a glimmer of light in his heart – in the center of his being. Faint it was, hardly noticed by anyone except his parents. It stayed that way for years and years but was obtaining a solid position in there – kind of like a tree as it stretches out its root system to be able to stand even to reach the clouds.

One day this nice gentleman was made aware of an outside source of light. One that was exterior to him but that is very much like the light which he had. This Light is the greatest of all light. It is the Light of the world. It is the Source of all life in the universe.

He somehow knew that that light was beckoning him to let It come into him. It wanted to join him and grow in him. This most powerful Light would be largely subservient to the light of our friend whom we mentioned first in this little story. It would be a Helper. The Great Light is a source of Eternal information and Jethro; let’s call our friend Jethro, can access this information and increasingly so as he builds his relationship with the Light.

Once electing to cohabitate with the Light – join his light with that Light – change was swift and exponential. The light that was in him was no longer just a flicker. It had grown, filling his abdominal cavity to an explosive ability. His cranial cavity became alive and radiant with activity because of the Light. He began to know things, to see and hear more clearly. His sense of right and wrong became keener. Key components of the two referenced systems are now more aware of each other and working together. Compassion and love are intrinsic in his personality.

His thoracic cavity is also infiltrated by the Light giving him increased ability to spew out words of encouragement here and there and upon those whom he chooses or when he is petitioned to do so. His message is one of love. That Light shown throughout his whole body. His movement is more graceful and displays positive intent.

The Light is no longer contained inside his body. It emanates from his body and becomes somewhat like a force field of love and all that is positive. Those meeting him senses this Power (that’s what it is, power) not fully, if at all, understanding what it is.

But, that’s not all. Remember that I said that that Light is external to that of Jethro. Well the Great Light while it works within Jethro, It (He) also has a life and agenda all His own. That Light is always everywhere Jethro goes; even if the atmosphere appears to be dark. In fact, there are times when the Light will choose, for example, to intervene in the ordinary course of nature to bring about some change. An example of this might be to open blind eyes or to cause a cripple person to walk.

The Light (you probably noticed the upper-case L) now that He has opened a line of communication (communion even) with Jethro is able to conduct such work in the natural realm using a natural person.

AWAKENING, Kingdom Business, Kingdom Thought, Praying In Tongues, Revival Forthwith, Revival is At Hand, Spiritual Growth, The End Time Church, Uncategorized, UTTERANCE

What Are You Waiting For?

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“And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.”

When Ananias communicated to Paul his commission from Jesus it was clear that time was of the essence. Let the Church agree that the same Spirit of urgency should apply to us now.

See Acts chapter 22.

AWAKENING, Kingdom Thought, Spiritual Growth

Me, Myself and I

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The heart, according to the Biblical concept, is the conscience of man’s spirit plus the mind in man’s soul. The spirit communes with God and is the organ for knowing His will, whereas the heart is the steward of the spirit, working towards the expression of all which is in the spirit. Whatever is in the spirit is expressed through the heart. The heart is therefore the link or the place of exchange for the workings of the spirit and of the soul. It is like the operating center of a telephone system where all the lines will converge and be connected. All that enters the spirit enters from the heart. Hence the heart is the connecting point of all communications. The spirit reaches the soul via the heart; and through the heart the soul conveys to the spirit what it has gathered from outside. The heart is where our personality is located. It is our real self. Since it is the link between the spirit and the soul, the heart may be considered as the real “I”. Watchman Nee, Spiritual Knowledge.

AWAKENING, Kingdom Thought, Praying In Tongues, Revival Forthwith, Revival is At Hand, Spiritual Growth, The End Time Church, UTTERANCE

A Higher Plane

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A few days ago I heard a preacher proclaim his hope and belief that believers are approaching a time of a higher level of Spiritual existence. While many believers are anticipating another (final perhaps) revival or awakening before the rapture; the speaker called it a higher plane. The essence of what I am currently writing about, Utterance and Spiritual Gifts, concern the path to Spiritual growth. I capitalize the S in the word Spiritual to distinguish the Divine Spirit from the human spirit.

I greatly pondered the idea of a “higher plane” to an extent that was somewhat grandiose. My thinking was that somehow the Lord would graduate us to a level of independence where we could operate with great, great power from Heaven without having to wait for the “Spirit upon”, that supernatural Power of the Holy Spirit that comes upon the believer as God determines.

This morning though, I am back down to earth as I read “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).

The key to Spiritual growth is the sanctification that results from dying to self and being resurrected with Christ. “But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you” (Romans 8:11 KJV).

Kingdom Thought, Spiritual Growth

PREACH THE WORD

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“How absurd that many so-called spokesmen of God do not even expect to speak God’s word nor anticipate His revealing Himself while they preach on the Bible. Their whole interest is to display the doctrine they formulate. They are primarily if not entirely interested in their own doctrine, in their own good thoughts. As long as their doctrine or thoughts are released, they feel content. But let us not forget that the word of God is the coming forth of God. If He does not come out, people hear only your words. When He comes forth, men begin to obtain revelation. Without God, whatever is said merely passes from one person to another, from one mouth to another, and from one brain to another” (Watchman Nee, THE MINISTRY OF GOD’S WORD).

Kingdom Business, Kingdom Thought, Praying In Tongues, Revival Forthwith, Revival is At Hand, Spiritual Growth, UTTERANCE

I BEG YOU BROTHERS

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Praying in Tongues Renews Your Mind. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:1-2).

“If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness” (Ephesians 4:21-24).

For as he thinketh in his heart (or mind), so is he (Proverbs 23:7).

“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:5-8).

Simply stated, renewing you mind is changing your “Mindset” from the natural disposition of that of the fallen man to that of the Supernaturally, Holy Spirit-taught individual. It could be said that Paul is pleading with believers to yield to the Holy Spirit, turn away from the world and be renewed in the spirit of the mind in the similitude of God.

The spirit of man just like the Spirit of God does not work on its own accord but processes instructions or information that it is charged with from the soul, be it worldly or Godly. Serving up the Word of God to the human spirit produces the “mind which is also in Christ Jesus.” Praying in Tongues (as it is the language of the spirit) additionally aids in the renewal of the mind. “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come” (John 16:13).

Kingdom Business, Kingdom Thought, Praying In Tongues, Revival Forthwith, Revival is At Hand, Spiritual Growth, The End Time Church

DIVERS KINDS OF TONGUES

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“To another Divers Kinds of Tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues” is an excerpt from 1 Corinthians chapter 12. The original Greek text did not include the word “divers”. The translators added it. “Kinds of Tongues” is how it read with the distinct connotation of diversity (different nations). Diverse Kinds of Tongues is one of the Spiritual Gifts. It is a ministry gift and is prophecy when coupled with The Interpretation of Tongues.

Tongues the Spiritual Gift (Diverse Kinds of Tongues) is distinguished from Tongues the sign. Tongues the sign is for communing with God and not for presentation in public. Tongues the sign is also for the edifying or building up one’s self spiritually. He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself  (1 Corinthians 14:4).  “For he that speaks in an unknown tongue speaks not unto men, but unto God: for no man understands him; howbeit in the spirit he speaks mysteries” (1 Corinthians: 14:2). Speaking in Unknown Tongues is the only manifestation of the Spirit that has the direct aspect of worship; said to be “not unto man, but unto God.”

“To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another Divers Kinds of Tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:” (1 Corinthians 12:28).

The tongues that were spoken at Pentecost were Divers Kinds of Tongues. The Pentecost outpouring of Tongues were dual purposed; they also were the initial indications that the Pentecost believers were filled with the Holy Spirit.

We know, too, that they were referred to as Other Tongues as well. A demonstration of believers speaking a language that they didn’t know that was understood by others that were standing by as occasioned in Acts chapter 2. “And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. And they were all amazed and marveled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galileans? And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?”

Divers Kinds of Tongues is a Supernatural Spiritual Gift manifested by God through a yielded believer. He (God) confirms as much by offering the accompanying gift of The Interpretation of Tongues.

Tongues with interpretation is prophecy and is given for the exhortation, edification and comfort of the Church.

Kingdom Thought, Praying In Tongues, Revival is At Hand, The End Time Church

INTERPRETATION OF TONGUES

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“Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal” (1 Corinthians 12:4-7).

Paying very careful attention to the following phrases from the above scripture is essential; “diversities of gifts”, “differences of Administrations”, “diversities of Operations” and “the Manifestation of the Spirit.”

Simply stated, the Supernatural Manifestations of the Holy Ghost are varied and don’t always look the same. The nine Gifts of the Spirit are all examples of God doing Ministry in conjunction with a Believer.

If there is the Interpretation of Tongues, the Speaking of Divers Kinds of Tongues need to have occurred. The Manifestation of God moving upon the speaker or speakers would be in evidence. Interpretation of Tongues, as do the other Spiritual Gifts, flow from Heaven.

Here is a case in point. The other day I observed two believers discussing a testimony. They belonged to the same Church and had participated together in a prayer meeting. One of the men laid his hand upon the stomach of the other man and prayed in tongues as he was led by the Spirit. Normally this would be a questionable demonstration of Speaking in Tongues, as there was no accompanying interpretation. Both men are English speaking.

A few days later, at a subsequent meeting, the man receiving the prayer in the unknown language thanked the other man for prophesying into his life. The man who prayed was dumbfounded. All he knew is that he had prayed for his friend in An Unknown Tongue. He had been led by the Holy Spirit to do so.

The prayer was heard by the man being prayed for in English. He had heard some very specific words regarding his life, his calling and some family matters. The two of them rejoiced and thanked and praised the Lord for this blessing. This occasion of the manifestation of Tongues is like that of the Acts chapter two Pentecost event. There was the speaking in Tongues and the hearing in one’s own language.

Fundamentally, there was Tongues and there was the Interpretation of Tongues. In both cases it is evident that the manifestation was of the Holy Spirit.

One note regarding the example that we used; in a case where the two subjects are acquainted, there is little need to question the nature of the spirit at work as they were both Spirit Filled Believers.

In the example given, the “administrations” concept leaves room for the speaker to have outpoured the Tongues and given the interpretation, or the recipient of the outpouring could have interpreted, or a stander-by could have interpreted.

From a “diversities” standpoint the same prophetic end could have been accomplished by the Word of Wisdom, the Word of Knowledge or Prophecy. The manifestation of the Spirit would be causal in either case.

“For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; “To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another Divers Kinds of Tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will” (1 Corinthians 12:8-10).

The previous paragraph gives the complete list of the Spiritual Gifts. The Interpretation of Tongues is last on the list. Speaking in Tongues with the Interpretation of Tongues equals Prophecy. It is ministry for edification, exhortation and comfort to the Church.

When there is a demonstration of Speaking in Tongues, there should be the Interpretation of Tongues. It is expected that such Interpretation would accompany the Outpouring by the speaker. The example that we presented shows that the operation must be discerned and sometimes waited for.

The Interpretation of Tongues should be expected when Diverse Kinds of Tongues are presented. Early on in his discussion on Spiritual Gifts in 1 Corinthians chapter 12, Paul says this: “Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.” John sums this up by saying: “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1).

This admonition is given by the Holy Spirit for good reason; “If any man speaks in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God” (1 Corinthians 14:27-28).

Kingdom Business, Kingdom Thought, Praying In Tongues, Revival is At Hand, The End Time Church

OTHER TONGUES

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Other Tongues are Utterances given by the Holy Spirit through a Spirit filled individual in a language or tongue that is not known to the speaker. The first mention of man speaking in Tongues in the bible is found in the Book of Acts Chapter 2 verse 4. It reads, “And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” “Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language” (verse 6).

To put this into better context, verses 1-3 are most helpful; thus “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.”

The afore mention is the very first incidence of so called “speaking in tongues” found in the bible. This phenomenon didn’t just happen. Further down in Acts chapter two we find Peter explaining what had just happened. He said in verses 16-18, “But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; 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: And on my servants and on my handmaidens, I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy.” Peter was quoting from Joel chapter two. The promise of Spiritual endowment was made good.

Other Tongues means another language; a language that is spoken by some other group of people. The Holy Spirit gives the Utterance. He in effect puts the words on the tongue of the cooperating Saint as a supernatural sign to a close-by unbeliever in the unbeliever’s language. He works through the spirit of that believer. “Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not” (1 Corinthians 14:22).

Other Tongues is literally God speaking through a yielded believer. The likely (but not exclusive) setting for Utterance in Other Tongues is in the open Assembly. As Interpretation of Tongues should always accompany a display of Tongues in the open assembly, the Holy Spirit will always orchestrate the same by another using the initial speaker, a standing-by Saint or perhaps in some other way making it known to whom the message of edification and exhortation and comfort was meant.

Kingdom Business, Kingdom Thought, Praying In Tongues, Revival is At Hand, The End Time Church

THE MANDATE

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It is recorded in all four Gospels that after the crucifixion of Christ, and His Resurrection that He appeared to the Disciples with instructions that they were to follow in continuing to carry out the work that He had started.

Chapter 28 of Matthew, verses 18-20 reads “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, all power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.”

Chapter 24 of Luke, verses 36-49 gives greater detail regarding the preparing of His followers for things to come; “And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. And he said unto them, why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet.

And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat? And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of a honeycomb. And he took it, and did eat before them. And he said unto them, these are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, and said unto them, thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.”

The previous passage is lengthy but add needed context to this meeting and dialogue between a Risen Savior the disciples some of whom still had doubt.

In the book of John, chapter 20 we see that the disciples are assembled in a locked room when Jesus appeared to them apparently by walking through the wall. Interestingly, He showed them, too, the scars on His hands. “Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, receive ye the Holy Ghost: Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained” (vs. 21-23). Basically, to remit is to forgive and to retain is to not forgive. It appears that He provided this group a precursor of that which was to come in the way of the Holy Ghost.

Further instructions were given to them in Acts chapter 1, verses 6-8 where they were told to wait in Jerusalem where He said “ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”

In the book of Mark, chapter 16 and verses 17 and 18 it is recorded that the Lord said this to the Disciples: “And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.”

“They shall speak with new Tongues.”

Kingdom Business, Kingdom Thought, Praying In Tongues, Revival is At Hand, The End Time Church

Preface

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It has been 2000 years since Jesus Christ ascended to His Throne at The Right Hand of the Father. His purpose for becoming incarnate in the world was to make right wrongs committed by the devil. “He that commits sin is of the devil; for the devil sinned from the beginning. For this purpose, the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil” (1 John 3:8).

The devil deceived man, causing him to disobey God resulting in the relinquishing of man’s dominion of the earth. Man died (spiritually) and was separated from God.

God, having given said dominion to man now was at a disadvantage (of sorts) in terms of ruling the earth as the devil had become “the prince of this world” (John 12:31). God had to conduct all His business in the earth through man who was now severely handicapped because of the fall.

For about 4000 years God accomplished this through men such as Enoch, Noah, Abraham (to whom He made The Promise) and Moses (The Law). Too, the old testament prophets were vital mouthpieces of God.

Jesus Christ, during the time that He walked the earth was limited in what He could accomplish. He was restricted (primarily not wholly) to working within the geological location where He was present. He taught and displayed an example of how those that would follow Him should conduct themselves.

Before His ascension, The Lord promised His followers that He would send another Comforter. He stated that that Comforter would “abide with them forever” (John 14:16). He further stated that the Comforter would “dwell with them and be in them” (John 14:17). He was speaking of the Holy Spirit.

This indwelling presence in the Saints by the Holy Spirit is a step toward returning believers to a spiritual state much like that of the first man (Adam).

The stage is set now for believers to become fully immersed in the Spirit of God carrying out his instructions from Mark 16:15 i.e. “And he said unto them, go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.”

“These signs” when demonstrated by the Church at lodge will signal Revival. Revival will happen when the Saints of the Church have become spiritually mature. Spiritually maturity begins when believers have received the Holy Spirit and are baptized in the same. They are become co-laborers with the Spirit of Jesus Christ and conduits of the Anointing of Heaven in this world.

UTTERANCE (Speaking in Tongues) is an essential step toward spiritual maturity.

Kingdom Business, Kingdom Thought, Praying In Tongues, Uncategorized

THE INNER MAN

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THE INNER MAN

The inner man is the spirit of man. It is said that “man is a spirit, he has a soul and he lives in a body”. “That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man;” (Ephesians 3: 16).
Man is a tripartite creation. Man is spirit, soul and body. “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 5:23). “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). The two above scriptural passages show that spirit and soul are distinct one from the other.

The foundation of our relationship with God, the spirit is called the element (member) of God-consciousness. God dwells in the spirit, self dwells in the soul and senses dwell in the body.

Hierarchically, “the order which God presents to us is unmistakable: “your spirit and soul and body” (1 Thess. 5.23). It is not “soul and spirit and body,” nor is it “body and soul and spirit. The spirit is the pre-eminent part (member), hence it is mentioned first; the body is the lowest and therefore is last mentioned; the soul stands between, so is mentioned between” (Watchman Nee).

Spirit, Soul and Body are presented in reverse order here since our topic is Speaking in Tongues (UTTERANCE) which is a function of the spirit and the Holy Spirit (so we deal with the spirit last).

1. The body is sometimes referred to as the Outermost Man. It is the sheath of the soul. It is the corporeal aspect of man. It is through the corporal body that man contacts the material world. It is that part of us that gives us world-consciousness.

2. The soul; “And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul” (Genesis 2:7).

• The soul of man consists of his mind, will, intellect, emotions and self-consciousness. The soul is sometimes referred to as the outer man. It is the sheath of the spirit. It is the organ of our personality.
• The soul is the meeting-point of spirit and body. The soul makes it possible for the spirit and the body to communicate and to cooperate.
• Man’s prime factor is the soul.
• We are told to present our bodies unto God and to renew our minds. This renewal of the mind comes through our spirit from the Holy Spirit as we read the Bible, hear the Word and Pray. Instructions, guidelines, Light and Revelation are deposited into our spirits whereby we are transformed as our minds (souls) are renewed by the perfect will of God. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (12:1-2).

3. Spirit, Soul and Body; “Of these three elements the spirit is the noblest for it joins with God. The body is the lowest for it contacts with matter. The soul lying between them joins the two together and also takes their character to be its own. The soul makes it possible for the spirit and the body to communicate and to cooperate. The work of the soul is to keep these two in their proper order so that they may not lose their right relationship—namely, that the lowest, the body, may be subjected to the spirit, and that the highest, the spirit, may govern the body through the soul. Man’s prime factor is definitely the soul. It looks to the spirit to give what the latter has received from the Holy Spirit in order that the soul, after it has been perfected, may transmit what it has obtained to the body; then the body too may share in the perfection of the Holy Spirit and so become a spiritual body” (The Spiritual Man).

The three primary attributes of the human spirit are:

• Conscience; the conscience is the discerning organ which distinguishes right and wrong. “And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst” (John 8:9).
• Intuition; is the sensing organ of the human spirit. The intuition of the spirit differs from that of the soul and body. Believers must heed the voice of conscience and the teaching of intuition. “And said unto them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives” (Acts 27:10).
• Communion; worshiping God. “The organs of the soul are incompetent to worship God. God is not apprehended by our thoughts, feelings or intentions, for He can only be known directly in our spirits. Our worship of God and God’s communications with us are directly in the spirit. They take place in “the inner man,” not in the soul or outward man.”
“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen” (11 Corinthians 13:14).
The human spirit is said to be regenerated when one receives salvation. The Holy Spirit resides within this regenerated human spirit. “That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man;” (Ephesians 3: 16).

The spirit is subject to many conditions i.e. fervent, contrite, joyful, poor, afflicted, broken, quiet and broken are a few examples. Beyond being aware that we have a spirit, being conscious of our spirit and its condition is essential for spiritual growth.

The inner man or so called (human spirit) is often referred to in the secular world as the subconscious mind as it is not understood there. The supposed functions of the same are those of the inner man.

The spirit of man is akin to the Spirit of God in that he does not speak of himself but that which he hears, he speaks (John 16:13). He conducts that which he (the inner man) discerns to be his instructions from the soul. It is extremely important that what the spirit receives from the mind (soul) is flavored by the Word of God as indicated in Romans chapter 12 verse 2 (renewing the mind). Hearing and reading the word (Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God; Romans 10:17) is also pertinent to edifying the human spirit.

UTTERANCE flows through our spirit.

 

 

Kingdom Business, Kingdom Thought, Praying In Tongues

Grubbing

| THOMAS HART CLEMENTS

Now here is a term that I didn’t find in my recent cursory examination of the Urban Dictionary. Not to worry though because the term was used in my “old school” days to refer to someone who was having a meal. He or she would be said to be “grubbing”.

So what does that have to do with the price of tea in China? Well as you know, I have recently published an eBook entitled UTTERANCE in which my intent is to do my part to help bring about what I feel will be the last worldwide revival of the Saints of God so as to be able to present to the Bridegroom His Bride Who will be without spot or wrinkle.

Grubbing; for our purposes here today is what came to my mind  as I went  back again to look at the so called “Great Commission” in Mark Chapter 16: 15-18. What I found was that in verse 14 it says that when He appeared to the eleven (remaining disciples) He found them “as they sat at meat” (eating) ” and upbraided  (severely scolded) them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.”

The Greatest Event to happen in the Earth since the Creation had happened and they  (the eleven) who had just spent three and a half years with the Principal discounted word that He was Resurrected (as He told them He would be) and were sitting around grubbing.

It was at this meeting, after the Resurrection and just prior to His ascension that the Lord gave what we have come to know as the Great Commission.

So, what should we do. Should we grub or should we carry out (to the letter) our instructions from the Lord? I don’t think that we have another 2000 years to decide.

 

Kingdom Business, Kingdom Thought

AN INEXHAUSTIBLE SPRING OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

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48.1 And in that place I saw an inexhaustible spring of righteousness and many springs of wisdom surrounded it, and all the thirsty drank from them and were filled with wisdom, and their dwelling was with the Righteous and the Holy and the Chosen. 

48.2 And at that hour that Son of Man was named, in the presence of the Lord of Spirits, and his name brought to the Head of Days. 

48.3 Even before the Sun and the constellations were created, before the Stars of Heaven were made, his name was named in front of the Lord of Spirits. 

48.4 He will be a staff to the righteous and the Holy, so that they may lean on him and not fall, and he will be the Light of the Nations, and he will be the hope of those who grieve in their hearts. 

48.5 All those who dwell upon the dry ground will fall down and worship in front of him, and they will bless, and praise, and celebrate with psalms, the name of the Lord of Spirits. 

The Book of Enoch. 

It goes on. Who is he talking about? 

JESUS CHRIST IS LORD AND GOD! 

 

 

Kingdom Thought

IS THIS THE MAN

| THOMAS HART CLEMENTS
How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!
 
They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms;
 
That made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof; that opened not the house of his prisoners? (ISAIAH Chapter 14)
 
 
 
Kingdom Thought, Uncategorized

Knock-Knock, ACQUIRED SAVANT SYNDROME

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So, “Acquired Savant Syndrome”.

You have heard of that right? Example: person gets clunked on the head. Has a headache for a couple of days and suddenly determines that he now has a new talent. She can play the piano like Wagner or is now a math genius or suddenly understands and speak a new language that they never learned or spoke before.

Calendar calculating is a fun one. Give them the date (out of the past) and they tell you what day of the week it was. This could be fun; try giving them a date of the future and see what happens. 

Child prodigies with extreme musical talent or other talent. There is no scientific (or otherwise) explanation for this phenomenon. It is presented to us, and we are to just go with it in the anticipation that one day someone will provide a logical explanation. 

The answer here is more sinister than you would imagine. You see we reside in a world where there are unseen realms and dimensions in which unseen persons reside. The unseen persons from those other realms and dimensions may enter our world at will and yes may even enter earthly bodies and even take control either partially or fully depending upon the vulnerability present at the time. 

Disembodied spirits are present on the earth and carry with them all sorts of agendas.

Scripture for consideration! 

 

 

 

Kingdom Thought, Praying In Tongues

Walking Throughout The Whole Earth

| THOMAS HART CLEMENTS

This morning I lifted my eyes and my voice toward God’s Throne as I usually do. 

I started out praying the Lord’s Prayer. I usually yield my vessel after this to God so that He might say a word or two into the earth realm for Kingdom purposes. God had plenty to say today. 

As God spoke and did His work, he took me along with him in the Spirit as He walked throughout the earth. 

As I spoke in tongues as the Spirit gave the Utterance, we went from place to place. In many countries, I heard God speak and I saw Salvation happen where those previously beguiled were now enlighten. Where storms were present, I saw the power of His word calming the storms and comforting the people. 

He was not wasting His time but was moving fast from situation to situation and speaking Rhema words that healed little children, brought deliverance to the tormented, stayed wars and worked many other works as was His good pleasure. 

It is important to remember from this is that without my help these works could have gone undone. 

I say these works could have gone undone because had I not been available for God to work through, He could have used YOU. Yes, He could have used you if you are Spirit filled and not adverse to co-laboring with the All Mighty (Most High) in the completion of what is certainly His end time work. 

Let us Praise Him forevermore. 

 

Kingdom Thought

Praying In Tongues

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Causing rivers of living water to flow

 

John 7:38-39 reads “He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)”

 

Further study (John 4:14) reveals this: “But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.”

 

Be mindful that the reference to water (living water) is symbolic of the Holy Spirit.

 

Studying on we see in Job 32:19 “Behold, my belly is as wine which hath no vent; it is ready to burst like new bottles” and Proverbs 10:11 “The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked”.

 

Acts 1:8 reads “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”

 

The study of the word power reveals “δύναμις dýnamis, doo’-nam-is; from G1410; force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself):—ability, abundance, meaning, might(-ily, -y, -y deed), (worker of) miracle(-s), power, strength, violence, mighty (wonderful) work.”

 

Being filled with the word of God in general i.e. knowing a lot of scripture as to have it to draw from in the time of need is in itself a mighty powerful thing but is an explosive proposition when you are filled to a point of bursting like unvented wine in new bottles as is sometimes the feeling when the Utterances of the Holy Spirit find you as a yielded conduit for miraculous “dynamis” power to be spoken into the earth.

 

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: (acts 2:17).

 

The time is now.

Kingdom Thought

Ophiuchus

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More than just the 13th zodiac sign.
More than just the 13th zodiac sign.

Ophiuchus is a large constellation. It is sometimes referred to as the 13th zodiac sign. Serpentarius is another name for this sign. This sign (constellation) has long been known but more recently brought to light.

Including this sign into the so called zodiac (mazzaroth) as we know it throws all the other so called birth sign dates out of kilter. This means that you may be a sign other than what you thought. This does not matter in the grand scheme of things.

I digress here, though, because the bible strictly forbids fooling around with astrology.

Plasms 19 tells us that the zodiac depicts the gospel in the sky. This story was known by all populations throughout all the world in the former days. The devil has corrupted the story and blinded the folks with the ridiculous so called astrology because he does not want the truth to be revealed. Too bad devil. Revelation is at hand.

It is clear to me that Ophiuchus represents The Lord Jesus Christ and His victory over the serpent (Satan) as he lays hands on him to lock him up once and for all.

 

 

Kingdom Thought

Praying In Tongues And The Whole Armor Of God

| THOMAS HART CLEMENTS

The sixth chapter of Ephesians instructs us in this fashion “Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places”.

We are admonished to girt our loins about with truth, have on the breastplate of righteousness and our feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. Above all, we are told to take on the shield of faith with which we shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicket. We are to take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God: praying always and with all supplication in the Spirit and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.

With regard to this most powerful passage of scripture, have we not been taught that the “sword of the Spirit” reference was to the Bible? The word “word” in the bible is thought to have one of two meanings. One use is logos which fundamentally means written and the other is Rhema which connotes life or anointing upon the work. There is some controversy and further depth regarding this matter which I shall deflect to another time.

What I wish to demonstrate here is that the sword of the spirit/word of God that is referred to here is actually the process of praying in tongues (praying in the Spirit). This scripture also says that all supplication (fervent/aggressive prayer) and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.

Praying in Tongues (praying in the Spirit) is an essential element of waging spiritual warfare. It is our most effective weapon.

More about speaking/praying in Tongues.

 

Kingdom Thought

How Will I Know And Why Is It Funny?

| THOMAS HART CLEMENTS

Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him that sat on the horse, and against his army. Him being the Lord Himself.
 
Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?
The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against His anointed, saying, let us break Their bands asunder, and cast away Their cords from us (bands and cords??).

He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. Then shall He speak unto them in His wrath, and vex them in His sore displeasure.

 
1 Timothy 4, Revelation 19 and Psalms 2. KJV as always.
Kingdom Thought

5 Must Know Things About Tongues In The church

| THOMAS HART CLEMENTS

My Initial Thoughts

While I haven’t been to a great number of Churches, I have visited a reasonably diverse cross section of them. In the great majority of churches the concept of Tongues (praying/speaking in Tongues) is not understood and those speaking in Tongues in the assembly are looked upon as odd. In some churches the Preachers will utter a few syllables here and there that are meant to be conveyed as Tongues. This is mostly done without the scripturally required interpretation. Likewise praise leaders in some churches do the same thing in an attempt to appear “holy or spiritual”. I wish they wouldn’t do that.

MOST churches are void of Tongues which limits the work of the Holy Spirit. There is not likely to be Power in a church where the work of the Holy Spirit is restricted (where the members aren’t filled with the Holy Spirit) and Tongues will not be present if the Holy Spirit is only present as abiding (present with the believers but not living in them). Essentially God’s hands are tied because He needs bodies to work through to speak and do works in the earth.

Speaking in Tongues is actually a sign (required attribute) of the BELIEVER. “And these signs shall follow them that believe; in my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;”

Why Tongues

Before Christ came to earth, God did work in the earth by men generally one at a time, such as with Enoch, Noah, Moses, Abraham and so on. We know that the bible talks about how the Spirit of God came upon men for supernatural work.

2000 years ago God came to the earth Himself in the Person of Jesus Christ. Jesus, being a man and legal in the earth (remember dominion had been given to man at creation who had squandered it over to the devil) and with access to the power of Heaven was able to go about the earth working miracles.

He taught about the Kingdom of Heaven/God, paid the sacrificial ransom for our redemption with his own life and went back to Heaven making available to us His Holy Spirit. He/The Father lives (makes their abode) in/with us and works severally through us “as He will” when/where we are yielded; that is to say, “filled with the Spirit”. All of the resources of Heaven are made available on earth through us by His Spirit.

There are quite a few more items that should be addressed concerning Tongues in the Church. I will present the more of them in a subsequent work and place a link to them at the end of this post. All Bible quotes are from the KJV and are enclosed in quotations, so do some legwork. Here are five: 

1 They Came Together And They Belong Together (Acts 2: 1-4)

“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”

The Holy Spirit and Tongues are like wet and water. You cannot have one without the other.

2 Gibberish

Sounds essentially like gibberish.  “Other Tongues” which is when the person that the Holy Spirit is speaking through is speaking a language that is known to someone present other than the speaker is the exception. “Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not:” “For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.”

3 “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

Praying in the Spirit is likely the very best way to build faith. If faith cometh by hearing the word of God, what better source than Gods own words as He speaks through you? Don’t worry about the interpretation because your own spirit understands the language of God, The Holy Spirit. “But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost.”

4 Speaking in Tongues is the Gateway to Operating in the Gifts of the Spirit

 We have already seen how that when the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost He was accompanied by Tongues and that He gave the utterance. When a Christian is filled with the Spirit today, it is said that the infilling is evidenced by their speaking in Tongues.

Dynamically speaking when one speaks in Tongues it is his spirit that now is in communion with the Holy Spirit that speaks through the body (mouth). It has been scientifically demonstrated that this process bypasses the brain. The individual doesn’t know what was said.

God is speaking words into the earth realm in order to effect who knows what. But we know that it is all good for the Kingdom.

My point, though, is that where God can find a yielded individual who allows his use for Tongues, the same individual can also use by God to conduct His “gifts of the Spirit” business.

The term “gift of the Spirit” is a misnomer of sorts as the action is conducted by God (the Holy Spirit) through the believer on God’s terms (as the Spirit will) and timetable.

5 The Church Assembly example from the bible (1 Corinthians 14)

Probably the best and simplest way to properly administer Tongues in the Church is to require that an interpretation accompany every utterance of Tongues in the open church assembly. “But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.” Your prayer closet is a good place for this.

“If any man speaks in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.” There should be no exception to this rule. As a note, interpretation of Tongues equals prophecy.

The Pastor or Prophet in the Church should judge the previously stated. “Let the Prophets speak two or three and let the others judge.”

Purchase the book.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kingdom Thought, Praying In Tongues

His Name Is Not Jesus

| THOMAS HART CLEMENTS

Ok, I actually said that to lure you in.

Can it be that the reason the Church isn’t demonstrating the level of power and authority in the earth that the Lord indicated that we would is because we don’t follow instructions?

Jesus said “And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.”

So what exactly is his name?

In the book of Acts and in the Epistles, the Saints Prayed and Prophesied in the name of JESUS CHRIST wherever a miracle or answered prayer occurred. Go look.

Using just the name Jesus may be akin to receiving a check where the maker only signed his/her first name.

This Black Man On The Street invites your feedback.

Kingdom Thought

Alzheimer’s, What Really Causes It

| THOMAS HART CLEMENTS

Several years ago my mother passed away of Alzheimer’s after suffering with the disease for more than ten years. The doctors have many theories as to what causes Alzheimer’s but aside from recognizing the general characteristics or symptoms of the disease, with the most common being memory loss. They know little about what the cause is and there is no medical cure at this time.

I am going to share a dream with you that my brother told me shortly after Mom died, after which I will present a little about what we presently know about Alzheimer’s which apparently isn’t much, as it is winning and we are not.

I will talk a little bit about how we as humans work and what the three main systems are that make up who we are. The most revealing aspect of this article will be included there. Three new characters will also appear prior to the close of this article and I will close it with the interpretation of the dream.

The dream

My brother shared with me shortly after our Mother’s death that he dreamt that he had gone looking for her out of concern because he had not seen her for a while. He says that while he waited for her outside a gate he thought that he saw her in the distance but there was a herd of elk in front of her intentionally obstructing his view of her as she attempted to get out. He says that finally she was able to get around the elk and through the gate.

Once exiting the gate, he says that she turned to her right and entered onto and climbed some stairs. Now I will come back to this dream and the likely meaning of it after I develop my theory about what causes Alzheimer’s.

Where did the name, Alzheimer’s come from

Sometimes called Alzheimer disease or Alzheimer’s the origin of the term dates back to 1906 when Dr. Alois Alzheimer, a German physician presented a case history before a medical meeting about a 51-year-old female who suffered from a rare brain disorder.

What is Alzheimer’s

Wikipedia says that Alzheimer’s accounts for 60% to 70% of cases of dementia. It is a Neurodegenerative disease that usually starts slowly and gets worse over time. The disease and its cause is poorly understood with professionals hypothesizing such factors as genetics, head injuries, depression, hypertension, plaques and tangles in the brain and several other possible causes that run the gambit. The diagnosis processes include such things as medical imaging and blood tests.

A most interesting observation of note

One extremely interesting observation is that individuals who maintain active lifestyles and engage in activities that demands exercising of the brain have a lower incidence of Alzheimer. It appears that this is across the board and points to a need for strenuous medical mandates for maturing people to become active participants in brain challenging activities such as playing board games, playing musical instruments and learning a second language. Diet and regular social interactions are also mentioned in the Wikipedia piece.

Alzheimer’s Process

The process or stages of Alzheimer’s include pre-dementia, early, moderate and advanced memory loss. The patient goes from occasionally forgetting things to progressing to becoming completely dependent on caregivers and being unable to perform any task. They become bedridden and unable to feed themselves. They lose bodily functions and eventually die.

The three of us and a look at how we work

The bible tells us that we (humans) are tripartite individuals. You will find this in the book of Genesis chapter two, initially where we are told that “the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul”. You see, the dust is what we now see as our bodies, the breath given is what we (many of us) now know to be our human spirits and the joining of the two caused us to become individuals commonly referred to as souls or perhaps, persons. So, while we see ourselves as individuals, the truth is that we are actually three-in-one creations (sounds familiar, huh); spirit, soul and body. The body, while generally directed by the mind (the mind is an attribute of the soul) seems to have a mind all its own and one that is bent on its own destruction; see Romans 8:13. Our soul is that place in us where volition (our will) resides. Other attributes of the soul are thought to be the mind, the intellect and others.

Contemporary secular society (and dictionary.com) portrays the soul and the spirit as being pretty much the same and refers to it (them) as the immaterial part of man. It gives several options as definitions. I found definitions for spirit and soul in more than one dictionary to be disturbing in terms of its content.

I reiterate, as per the bible, we are tripartite beings. We are spirit, we have a soul and we live in a body. Here is another scripture; 1 Thessalonians 5:23 “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” The concept of the spirit of man is disturbingly neglected in the secular world and probably to a great extent even in the church. Contemporary professionals (psychologist and psychiatrist etc.) commonly referred to the spirit of man as The Subconscious Mind.

More about The Subconscious Mind – so who is this guy and how does he work

The term The Subconscious Mind was coined about 150 years ago when the psychologists, psychiatrists and the like needed a name for this system that obviously transcended or undergirded the easily contacted conscious mind. Napoleon Hill in his book, THINK AND GROW RICH says this about The Subconscious Mind; “The subconscious mind consists of a field of consciousness, in which every impulse of thought that reaches the objective mind through any of the five senses, is classified and recorded, and from which thoughts may be recalled or withdrawn as a letter may be taken from a filing cabinet”.

He goes on to say that “plans, thoughts or purposes may be voluntarily planted into the subconscious mind and that the subconscious mind works day and night and sometimes draws upon the forces of Infinite Intelligence for power with which it transmutes one’s desires into their physical equivalent and always through the most practical media available”.

As I previously mentioned, the subconscious mind as we have been taught is a name that the mind and behavior professionals gave a human system that they didn’t fully understand but whose presence is obvious. They have determined that this system is a vast reservoir of all memory and that it stores everything that one is exposed to from all stimuli and by all the senses. It is like a great motor working day and night, sorting information. It is constantly building and creating based on the information that it has received causing ones’ thoughts, verbal commands and imagination to become manifest. It essentially evaluates all the information that it receives, whether it be by default because we didn’t bother to check (evaluate) the information at the gate (the mind) or by auto-suggestion which is basically self-programing.

Brian Tracey says this about The Subconscious Mind: “Your conscious mind commands and your subconscious mind obeys. Your subconscious mind is an unquestioning servant that works day and night to make your behavior fits a pattern consistent with your emotionalized thoughts, hopes, and desires. Your subconscious mind grows either flowers or weeds in the garden of your life, whichever you plant by the mental equivalents you create. Your subconscious mind has what is called a homeostatic impulse. It keeps your body temperature at 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, just as it keeps you breathing regularly and keeps your heart beating at a certain rate. Through your autonomic nervous system, it maintains a balance among the hundreds of chemicals in your billions of cells so that your entire physical machine functions in complete harmony most of the time. Your subconscious mind also practices homeostasis in your mental realm, by keeping you thinking and acting in a manner consistent with what you have done and said in the past. All your habits of thinking and acting are stored in your subconscious mind. It has memorized all your comfort zones and it works to keep you in them.”

Watch Nee (who is in my opinion is the greatest known authority on the spirit of man aside from the bible itself) says this in his book The Spiritual Man; “Spirit, Soul and Body The ordinary concept of the constitution of human beings is dualistic-soul and body. According to this concept soul is the invisible inner spiritual part, while body is the visible outer corporal part. Though there is some truth to this, it is nevertheless inaccurate. Such an opinion comes from fallen man, not from God; apart from God’s revelation, no concept is dependable. That the body is man’s outward sheath is undoubtedly correct, but the Bible never confuses spirit and soul as though they are the same. Not only are they different in terms; their very natures differ from each other. The Word of God does not divide man into the two parts of soul and body. It treats man, rather, as tripartite-spirit, soul and body. 1 Thessalonians 5.23 reads: “May the God of peace Himself sanctify you wholly; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” This verse precisely shows that the whole man is divided into three parts. The Apostle Paul refers here to the complete sanctification of believers, “sanctify you wholly.” According to the Apostle, how is a person wholly sanctified? By his spirit and soul and body being kept. From this we can easily understand that the whole person comprises these three parts. This verse also makes a distinction between spirit and soul; otherwise, Paul would have said simply “your soul.” Since God has distinguished the human spirit from the human soul, we conclude that man is composed of not two, but three, parts: spirit, soul and body.”

Finally Regarding The So Called Subconscious Mind

Clearly what has been referred to as The Subconscious Mind is in actuality The Spirit of Man. Watchman Nee says many, many words about the spirit. I do feel lead to point out that he speaks about three important attributes of the spirit, namely intuition (spiritual sensing), conscience (preforms the task of correcting and reprimanding us) and communion. Communion speaks to the human spirit and the Spirit of God interacting with each other.

The Promised Three New Characters Revealed

As I close this article, I suppose that what I wish to impress upon those reading it is the importance of understanding that there are three components to our make up as humans and that we should recognize who they are and how we must manage them. The most important part (person) of our makeup is our human spirit and do understand that that is who he is and not the so called subconscious mind. He is that part of us who communes/interacts with God (The Holy Spirit actually our second character). The final character that is important to note in the presentation is the devil. The bible tell us that he comes but to steal, kill and destroy. I believe that he has targeted many folks to destroy and kill via Alzheimer disease.

What Causes Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s is a disconnect between the conscious mind (brain) and the spirit of man (the seat of his memory). This disconnect happens when the interaction between the mind and the spirit breaks down. Such a breakdown is likely to occur where one has limited day to day thought provoking activity. The spirit relies on the mind for ongoing assignments and absent these assignments the communication connection is damaged. The resulting passiveness of the mind gives the devil an excellent opportunity to further corrupt the relationship between the soul and spirit. Watchman Nee says this; “The mind suffers the onslaughts of the powers of darkness more than any other organ of the whole man. We should realize that satanic spirits are directing special attention to our minds and are attacking them unrelentingly-as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning”.

What’s The Answer

Exercising of the mind, just as one exercise his body appears to be one common sense action. Feeding to the mind a diet of positive and active mental food is yet another strategy. The bible tells us to think on things that are just, pure, lovely, honest, true, of good report, things of virtue and things that are praise worthy. Further, the bible tells us to judge every thought; this is an extremely important point. Daily biblically based recitals, I think, is an excellent idea. There is one bible verse that says that God has given us a sound mind.

Consciously resisting negative thoughts is recommended. Think of your mind as having an open door and that someone should be there at all times to only let in that which is good. All else should be turned away.

About that dream

The elk in the dream represents the devil and the obstructed state of mom represents the disconnect between where she was (behind the gate) and where she wanted to be (out of the gate). The eventual exiting out of the gate and up the stairs represents her passing away and ascending into heaven. Death is currently the only cure for Alzheimer’s.

Copyright © 2015 THOMAS HART CLEMENTS

THOMAS HART CLEMENTS

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Kingdom Thought, Revival Forthwith

3 Pointers As To Why Myles Munroe Died

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It is my hope that some of you reading this are saying Myles WHO? Okay, I am glad you asked. Myles Munroe is an international renowned pastor and motivational speaker. I say this because a very large body of his work goes right on blessing and helping people 24/7 even though he is currently with the Lord. I in fact believe that God decided that bringing him on into Heaven would be a better use of His (God’s) resource that is Myles Munroe.

I can see it all now; Dr. Myles Munroe and eight other souls are on final approach to Grand Bahama International airport when in a heavenly kind of “sudden way“ angels appeared requesting that they all adorned the backpacks that they were being handed. As soon as they had attired themselves with the backpacks, they found themselves winged and moving swiftly toward heaven and the Father and the Lord. Upon glancing back to see what had happened to the perfectly good airplane that they were just riding in they saw that it had flown into a crane and that their natural bodies were still present in the earth to be retrieved at such a time as designated by the Lord. I suspect that the likelihood is that while they have loved ones left behind, they are adventuring in heaven checking out their mansions, visiting with loved ones who have gone on before them and saying hello to the likes of the Lord, Abraham, Joseph, David, Job, Paul, Peter, John and just all the other biblical greats.

My guess is that many of you wondered like I did, “what just happened”? Why would, how could God let such a man as Dr. Munroe die at such a young age? Why did he not protect him? Well like I said bringing attention to his earthly departure sheds light on his message, ministry and mission on the earth.

I believe that God through the life and death of Dr. Munroe intends to accomplish the following:

  1. To bring to the attention of the church what Jesus taught and instructed us to teach, namely, The Kingdom of God (interestingly The Kingdom of Heaven in the book of Matthew); “And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick” Luke 9:2. Somehow the church has been off point in teaching this message for 2000 years.
  2. To encourage folks like you and me to dig deeper into the real message and mandate of the Lord to understand and exercise the authority in the earth that the Lord has taken from the devil and delegated to us that which was stolen from Adam and Eve. We may now proceed to subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moves upon the earth. “Thy kingdom com, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven”. I think that we should think of ourselves as existing on earth in a fashion that is parallel to the current situation that is in Heaven and as kings, priest and prophets binding and loosing to that end.
  3. And, thirdly, interestingly after studying out the kingdom message and pursuing  an answer as to why we the church are not currently routinely displaying the mandate of the Lord where He says “And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall  speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.”  I have discovered that we are likely praying all wrong. Jesus said If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. What I have discovered, though, is that the church typically closes prayers in the name of “Jesus” that is to say “Savior” but the New Testament example in the Book of Acts and in the Epistles for closing every prayer therein and where miracles were worked was to invoke his full name encompassing all the power of His Name, Christ, the Anointed one and Jesus the Savior; Jesus His authority on earth and Christ all the resources of Heaven. No prayers are offered or miracles done in just the name of Jesus. Think about this; if I give you a check and just sign my first name, isn’t there a good likelihood that you won’t be able to cash it? I think the same principle applies to just using part of Jesus’ name. Again now check out how it’s done in the Book of Acts and in the Epistles. I recommend the KJV when researching.

So understand that Jesus Christ is Lord and God and there in none other beside Him.

Go see this.

 

Kingdom Thought

10 Things That You May Not Know About Darkness

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1. Darkness is akin to a default situation. Where there is no light, there is only darkness. And the earth was without form and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep; Genesis 1:2.

2. Darkness is to evil as Light is to good; Ephesians 5:8. For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:

3. Darkness has a place where it lives/an abode. “God ask Job if he knew where to find it. Job 38:19 Where is the way where light dwelleth? and as for darkness, where is the place thereof,”

4. Darkness is mentioned 142 times in the bible.

5. There is absolutely no darkness in God; This then is the message which we have heard of Him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all; 1 John 1:5.

6. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and terrible day of the Lord come; Joel 2:31.

7. Darkness is a state of sin. 1 John 2:11 But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.

8. Darkness is symbolic of the inability to see. Romans 2:19 And art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness,

9. Darkness can be caused by man under the authority of God. Exodus 10:22 And Moses stretched forth his hand toward heaven; and there was a thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days:

10. Darkness can be thick to the extent that it may be felt. Exodus 10:21And the Lord said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, even darkness which may be felt.

Oh yea, and as a bonus, do know that the removal/dispersing of darkness by light is an hostile act. When light comes in and it does come in as a “mighty rushing wind”, darkness gets right out of the way.

 

Kingdom Thought

Multi-Level Benefits

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Did you know that witnessing to someone and leading them to Jesus Christ is akin to multi-level marketing. How so, you say? Well let’s say you lead someone to Christ and they lead ten other folks, well you will share in that harvest. Here is the one that I like; let’s say you lead someone to Jesus Christ and they become a great Preacher and end up having a million folks answer the altar call, well you can get a piece of that action too (Dan 12:3).

Kingdom Thought, Spiritual Growth

The Subconscious Mind

| THOMAS HART CLEMENTS

 

The concept of The Subconscious Mind is largely if not totally a myth. The term was coined about 160 years ago or so and is thought to be a layer or layers of consciousness underneath the layers of critical-thought functions of the so-called conscious mind.  

Now of course if the concept is a myth, then everything that you have been taught about it needs to be re-thought. While there is, nor can be any documented scientific support for this concept, there is a lot of valid documented historical information related to this subject; though putting a different spin on it and taking it in an entirely different direction.  

I am going to present here an initial outline of what (who) is really at work here and if you follow along, you will be eternally empowered and rewarded. 

Folks such as Napoleon Hill “Think and Grow Rich” Psychologists Gavin De Becker and Pierre Janet as well as Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung also reference the subconscious mind. A contemporary, Brian Tracy teaches extensively on this topic. 

Okay, here is the truth. What is often referred to as The Subconscious Mind is the spirit of man (man is spirit, soul and body) Gen 2:7, 1 Thessalonians 5:23. It (he) is the depository of everything that we have ever been exposed to and is the essence of who we are relative to how this information was voluntarily or involuntarily (degree to which it is “checked at the door”) allowed to influence our spirit; 2 Corinthians 10:5. Memory resides within the spirit and is provided when called up by the brain. The spirit works on its (his) own in an automatic fashion based on what he has been commanded to do either voluntarily or involuntarily. Interestingly voluntary control of the spirit results in involuntary control of the mind (will) by the spirit. 

Our desire should be to be Spirit led in our actions. This would make for a purer and more profitable life. Just as the Spirit of God created (re-created) the world; Gen 1:2-3, it is our spirit who brings things into manifestation for us. Our thoughts and imagination have much weight in this regard. 

I have plenty more to say about this but need to add these three substantial attributes (functions) of the spirit:  

Communion, our direct interaction with God, conscience a built-in mechanism that warns us corrects and reprimands us to do the right thing and intuition the somehow knowing things (because they are revealed by the spirit) such as “don’t go that way”, or “be weary of that person”, or “take your umbrella”. 

As Arnie would say;  

“I’ll be back“.