And we are ready to begin
our study portion for
today's broadcast.
And our study topic today
has the potential to
impact you personally
in a significant way.
And I hope it does, I hope
that at the end of today's
broadcast you will have
been inspired to get off
your easy chair and do
something for our heavenly
father.
And you know when Yahweh
created Adam and Eve from
the dust of the ground, he
didn't just sit them in a
glass, case and say O
look what I did you know.
He created them to
accomplish something, to
take dominion and subdue
the earth, and to tend the
garden and keep it, to be
fruitful and to multiply.
He had a vision for them
and so it is with you, he
has a vision and he has a reason why he created you, and it's not just to sit and watch TV or sit and surf the Internet or waste your time away and all kinds of different pursuits that have no eternal value. When he created you he has a reason for you to exist, a few things can pull someone out of a depression faster than actually fulfilling the purpose for which Yahweh created us collectively as a human race and individually.
Now Yahweh wants to use each of you, I know that's the truth because he gave each one of your talents, callings, gifts, things that can be used for the advancement of his kingdom and taking dominion over the earth for him, just as when he created Adam and Eve. He told them to subdue the earth, take dominion right; our purpose as a new creation in the Messiah Yahushua is to take dominion and subdue the earth. When Yahushua gave his disciples the great commission he says, well I'm with you always even to the end of the age in this great commission, and here we are at the end of the age Yahushua is with us. It's important to understand that each of us has a role in fulfilling this great commission and the mechanism through which he will fulfill this great commission can be different for every person, not everyone is a teacher, although you kind of wonder sometimes. Not everyone is a teacher, not everyone has the same function, not everyone has the same gifts and that's okay. But we need to understand what the spiritual gifts are and the importance of using them, very very important. And so our study topic today is entitled spiritual gifts, walking out Yahweh's intended purpose for our existence is the most fulfilling, the most inspiring thing a person can possibly do.
We are all inherently happiest when we are doing what we are created to do, we are created to be active, vibrant people who have dedicated themselves to ministry. We were created to just take up the ground, our joy does not simply come from the state of being a believer, our joy comes from being a believer and
taking ground for Yahweh, our joy comes from being a believer and being in that relationship with the father and letting him use you to pour love and poor life into other people.
And so the question is what gifts do you have and what gifts does he want to use for what purpose? We've got to know, you have to know, Paul knew he was called to go to the Gentiles. Yahweh directed the lives of Yahushua's disciples to go in various places proclaiming the word of Yahweh wherever they went, every single one of us has a calling to love Yahweh and love our fellow men and the gifts that he gave us are an important mechanism through which we walk in love. The purpose of the gifts is to use them to walk in love toward Yahweh and toward our fellow men. It's very important that we understand that, everyone is born with natural abilities that can be the means through which Yahweh works to his spirit and if we use the talents Yahweh gives us for his glory, when we lay up spiritual treasures in heaven for ourselves then Yahweh will be with us and we will be in a pretty place in the age to come. Because so many people are just pew warmers, others the couch potatoes and then there are the pew warmers you know. And we need to be not bearing our talent in the sand, if we're burying our talent in the sand we're simply not walking in love, I hope you know what I'm talking about. The parable of the men with the talents, every one of you have talents, every one of you has spiritual gifts, it's every bit as much as fulfilling the law as keeping the Sabbath or observing the feast day. In fact Yahweh can actually be displeased with our observances of feast days if we are failing to take care of our fellow men and use our gifts for his glory. In the book of Isaiah it is written, bring no more futile sacrifices; incense is an abomination to me (why?); the new moons the Sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot endure...What? What was it he couldn't stand? Two things in the same place; iniquity and sacred meetings. He cannot stand the two. The sacred meeting, everyone's is just like, O praise Yahweh, he is so wonderful, isn't it just great, isn't he just a wonderful Elohim, in a sacred meeting so and you combine that with iniquity. He can't stand it. Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hates, now some people would say well he's talking about pagan festivals. No, he's not because Isaiah was a prophet during a time of
Josiah the king, so they are a trouble to me; I am weary to bear them. When you spread out your hands, I will hide my eyes from you: even, though you make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood. Why were their hands full of blood?
Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; put away the evil of your doings from me before my eyes; cease to do evil; Learn to do good; seek justice, rebuke the oppressor, defend the fatherless, and plead for the widow. What was the evil?
Complacency, they weren't seeking justice, they weren't rising up rebuking the oppressor: they weren't rising up and defending the fatherless, they weren't rising up and pleading for the widow. It's what they weren't doing that bothered him.
Let me tell your brothers and sisters there are plenty of people today who are in a state of oppression, who are in a state of injustice, a lot of children out there have no fathers in their lives and a lot of widows running away in nursing homes who have not yet come to Yahushua and
because out of sight out of mind we don't care like we should.
Come now, and let us reason together, says Yahweh: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land. Now these aren't the only problems in the world today okay, there are lots of problems in the world today and this isn't the only one, there are so many things out there that we as believers should be trying to do something about.
Matthew 25 it says, feed the hungry, the sheep were the ones that fed the hungry, gave drink to those who were thirsty, visited the ones that were sick and imprisoned and cared. And the goats were just, it wasn't that they are
out there killing people and doing terrible things, it's just what they weren't doing. They weren't using their gifts, they weren't using the gifts and they weren't really loving their fellow men because they were not using their gifts.
Just fail to use them is all you need to do in order to be in sin because you're failing to love.
This world has so many needs, take a look around you and maybe some of you think well our tax money takes care of the fatherless and the widow, check that concern off wrong, they don't. The truth is and I found this out, they're elderly people out there having to choose between healthcare and food and there are children visiting our coffee shop who are getting food and we've been feeding them by the grace of Yahweh. So there are people out there not getting the basic fundamental needs either through neglectful parents, parents who are overwhelmed in poor communities, sometimes these parents just don't know how to take care of their children. But the truth is the body of Messiah is who this world ought to be looking to for answers and for help, not governments because we have a heavenly father that works through us, we have a heavenly father that wants to be that provider through us and wants to draw people to himself through us.
And that's the truth and what are we doing about it? Instead of watching TV or playing video games or out in a golf course or, you know, wasting away time and looking for time to waste or trying to build our own houses and build up our own kingdoms and we need to be out and about our father's business. The body of Messiah ought to be the one everyone looks to for answers and for help. Yahushua admitted the goats that did not care for their neighbor, is he lamenting that we are not caring for our neighbor? That's an important question. Now, it's important we understand that the health of the body in Messiah is very important if we would be most effective in our witness and our ability to proclaim his ways and for this reason ministry to the body of Messiah itself is an important thing, to be able to effectively minister to the world anyone who has a ministry that's involved in building up the body of Messiah is contributing toward taking ground for Yahweh.
So even if you're ministering to brothers and sisters out there you are taking ground away from the enemy and you're taking ground for Yahweh. I want to show you something here in the book of Jeremiah it says; behold, the days are coming, says Yahweh, I will raise to David a Branch of righteousness, a King shall reign and prosper, and execute judgment and righteousness in the earth. In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell safely: now this is his name by which he will be called, YAHWEH OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS. This is what the Messiah is going to be called Yahweh Tsedkinu in the Hebrew okay. Now notice this Jeremiah 33:15; in those days, and at that time, I will cause to grow up to David a Branch of righteousness; he shall execute judgment and righteousness in the earth. In those days Judah will be saved, and Jerusalem will dwell safely: and this is the name by which she will be called, Yahweh our righteousness. And so the city and the Messiah will have the same name why?
Take a look here Revelation 21 verse 9 says; then one of the seven angels who had the seven balls filled with the seven last plagues, came to me and talked with me, saying, Come, I will show you the bride, the Lamb's wife. And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from Elohim. Now, the great city is the lamb's wife? I thought the body of believers was the Lamb's wife, the bride. Having the glory of Elohim: her light was like a most precious stone, like a jasper stone, clear as crystal.
And also she had a great and high wall, had twelve gates, and twelve angels at the gates, and names written them, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel. Three gates on the east; three gates on the north; three gates on the south; and three gates on the west. Now the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. And so the lamb's wife is the holy city of Jerusalem, how does that fit with your theology?
Interesting to consider that right, now there's a connection between the city and us the people, there's a connection between the two. And we can see this connection in other scriptures for instance do you not know that he who
is joined to the harlot is one body with her? But for the two, shall become one flesh. But he who is joined to the Master is one spirit.
Now we are joined to the Messiah spiritually right, he says: Now therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and member of the household of Elohim. Having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Yahushua Messiah himself being the chief cornerstone. In whom the whole building being joined together grows into a holy temple in Yahweh. In whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of Elohim and the Spirit. So like the book of Revelation the foundation, apostles, right we see that, we see that we are being built together as a dwelling place, we are the temple of Elohim and this city will be a temple of Elohim. Now Ephesians 2:8 says, I'm sorry hold just for
one minute I need to make an adjustment here to my PowerPoint and I'll fix that. I don't have a verse but it says 1 Peter 2:4 says; coming to him, as a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen of Elohim, and precious. You also, as living stones, are built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to Elohim through Yahushua Messiah. And that's 1 Peter chapter 2 in verse 4 and so we are considered to be one spirit with Yahushua, we are called to be the dwelling place of Yahweh's spirit; the new euro Sulayem will be called Yahweh Tsedkinu because Yahweh is the one who made us righteous, because Yahweh is our righteousness through Yahushua the Messiah our Master. And there's a connection between us, the earth, and the city of euro Sulayem. Now take a step further we were created from the dust of the earth therefore we are actually a little piece of the earth from which we were created. We require, in fact a continuous supply of vitamins and nutrients from the earth in order for us to survive physically. And so when we offer up our members to be a holy offering to Yahweh we are taking dominion over the earth. And our members were formerly yielded to the enemy, we use these members of the earth as instruments of unrighteousness and now we are using these members as instruments of righteousness. And so for that reason when we yield our members to the will of Elohim we are actually taking dominion over the earth, see the connection?
So Romans chapter 6 verse 12 says; do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts. And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin: but present yourselves to Elohim, as being alive from the dead and your members as instruments of righteousness to Elohim. So as we grow in our walk with Yahweh and we become more like Messiah we are actually taking dominion over the earth for Yahweh and we are building up a dwelling place for the presence of Yahweh, it says our bodies are the temple of the living Elohim and so we become Yahweh our righteousness because our bodies joined to the Messiah's body the holy dwelling place and there are lots of mysteries in this but it's like the Messiah and the assembly. And so there's a tremendous concept in this kingdom mandate in that we are taking dominion over the earth when we take our members of the earth which our bodies are members from the earth, because we were created from the dust of the ground. We're taking dominion over the earth through allowing our members from the earth to be yielded to the will of Elohim. And when we bring other people into the body of the Messiah we are bringing their members which were also from the earth from a state in which they were not yielded to the Father's will and we are bringing it back to the father's will. And we don't earn it all in one day, it's a process as we repent that means we are sincere, we are seeking righteousness, we don't make excuses for our sin we seek righteousness and we're taking ground for Yahweh as we grow in him. And so our ministry is not just about bringing other people into the body of Messiah, it's about discipling people we bring in and allowing ourselves to be discipled by the body of Messiah through Yahushua HaMashiach. And so many times people will give their lives to Yahushua and because there's a lack of support from the body of Messiah they get weak and they fall away. And sometimes people who are in the body of Messiah do things that are offensive and wrong and it causes the caught little ones, the spiritual babes so to speak to stumble. And we need to be finding ways to serve one another, to build up one another, to edify one another so that we are more effectively able to reach others who are completely given over to the enemy. And so the body of Messiah is a place where someone is always available to help, a place of healing, a place to be served and to serve, a place to love and to be loved and anyone, who wouldn't want to be a part of that? That's what the world needs and so what's that mechanism through which all this love and all this service and all these wonderful things can take place? That's our spiritual gifts, in one gift we all
have is the gift of salvation.
It says; for by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of Elohim.
So you have received a gift right there just right off the back right away you've got a gift right now. And that gift is grace; not of works, lest anyone should boast. It's not something you did of yourselves; it is something that Yahweh has given you. So we all have a gift, right, and that's an important gift that we all need to remember and never forget, right? Okay. So and because of his grace he's filling us with the spirit of joy, I remember after my baptism I was just rejoicing and that's the first gift we've got right there as a gift of grace. down to receive that gift two things you need to do and if you've never done this you need to do it this is the good news, this is the gospel, you will say to them repent and let everyone to be baptized in the name of Yahushua Messiah for the omission of sins and you shall receive the gift of the holy spirit. Yahweh promises his holy spirit to those who believe in the Master Yahushua who agree to be baptized and those who repent. Repent means turn away from sin, don't make excuses, don't blame, turn away from it. Humble yourself in the sight of Elohim and get baptized in the name of Yahushua Messiah and then he will give you the gift of the holy spirit, that is a gift right there that's the first thing he gives you right there after grace, you've got the gift of the holy spirit, beautiful thing. When I got baptized I could not stop smiling for anything and prayers like the windows of heaven opened up, I felt like my prayers came easy and I've never had that as a non-believer; just I really genuinely had a sense of being clean and new and loved by my father. I knew at that time he had a plan, he had a vision for me, I didn't fully understand what it was but I knew he had called me into a service.
And that's that joy that's in heaven, there is joy in the presence of the angels of Elohim over one sinner who repents. If you've never done that you need to do it, I encourage you to do it, it's true for everyone who
has faith in Messiah Yahushua he has a plan and vision for you need to be obedient to that, obedience it's not just to the revealed word of Yahweh through the scriptures but to what he's directing you to do on a personal level.
You may not understand everything it entails but he does have that for you and some of you might not even want to do what he feels like he's called you do and that's why you don't do it. Moshe had that problem he kept telling Yahweh, you know I can't do that I'm slow of speech; you know I'm not eloquent how could I be the voice through which you speak to the people and even ask Yahweh to send somebody else to do it. And so even if you don't think you have the gift
you can use it anyway, don't assume, O, that's not my gift. Don't miss your calling because you don't think you got the gift in reality, you have just what he needs right.
And sometimes that plan or that calling he's placed on your life is an unpleasant thought in your mind, you assume O he wouldn't want me to do that. Matthew 26 says in verse 37; he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. He said to them, My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death: stay here, and watch with me. And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me (see, he didn't wanna really do it, a man like Moshe didn't really wanna go through with it but he did): not as I will, but as you will. So in reality he wanted to do it because he knew that Yahweh's way was best, he knew Yahweh's ways were
best, but it was but it was very very difficult. He might have a cup for you and for me and we just assume because it's hard that O well maybe he's too hard with you. But, in reality, yeah it's a tough one but the reality
is he has this for you and you have been sitting on it, even bearing this thing in the sin and you know you're supposed to do it, and you know he wants you to do it somewhat, maybe someday far away, someday in the future when in reality he's been telling you to do this for years and you haven't been doing it. Romans chapter 1; Elohim is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers, making request if, by some means, now at last I may find a way if it is the will of Elohim to come to you. For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established. That is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.
So spiritual gifts are sometimes imparted and so for this reason at baptism when someone goes down into the watery grave and come up a new creation, even if you've been baptized before, I go ahead and pray for them to receive spiritual gifts and for Yahweh to show them what their spiritual gifts are and for them to be used by him. And if it's a child you know it's a young person even I encourage the parents to cultivate their spiritual gifts in their children. Your children have spiritual gifts that Yahweh wants to use for his glory and maybe he's not, they're not at a place where they're supposed to use them right now, but sometimes they can use them even in a small way, even young people. Scripture says 1 Timothy 4:12; Let no one despise your youth; but be an example to the believers, in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was
given to you by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. So don't neglect the gift that is in you, he says to
Timothy a young man, young person what is that gift
that's in you that maybe you're neglecting? And you don't think about it or want to think about or you haven't considered it may be I don't know, Yahweh knows your heart I don't know. But there is one there and so a lot of times there is a whole lot more than one there. So what is it? What are the gifts? Ephesians 4:9; there is one body, and one Spirit, just as you are called in one hope of your calling. One Master, one faith, one baptism, one Elohim and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Messiah's gift. So we all got the grace praise Yahweh, in that grace you have certain spiritual gifts.
Now if you don't know whether or not you have what your gifts are or anything like that, ask Yahweh what they are. Luke 11:11 Yahushua said; If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks him for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of the fish? Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children: how much will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him? He knows how to give you the good gifts he does and he wants to give them to you. The only question is whether or not you're willing to receive them and use them. Now Yahweh's spirit does not necessarily have to be imparted to us by others because example Acts chapter 10:44 says; while Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon those who heard the word. And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. For they heard them speak with tongues (or languages), and magnify Elohim.
Then Peter answered, can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?
So they already received not only the Holy Spirit but one of the gifts of the spirit, just by listening and believing.
And so Yahweh can choose to allow his spirit to fill a person even before they've been baptized, the key is the baptism is an outward sign and everything, he doesn't have to even use a person, he can fill them directly. Nevertheless we see the practice of the early congregations were to lay hands on people especially after baptism and so we do that. Now what are some of the spiritual gifts, now you understand one thing spiritual gifts isn't a new thing that just arrived on the scene when Yahushua came and died for our sins. They were gifts the came from Yahweh's spirit that was experienced by believers long before Yahushua ever came and died for us. Exodus 28 says; take Aaron your brother, his sons with him, from among the children of Israel that he may minister to me as a priest's, Aaron and Aaron's sons Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar. And you shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother for glory and for beauty. So you shall speak to all who are gifted artisans, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom (that came from Yahweh), that they may make Aaron's garments to consecrate him, that he may minister to me as a priest. And so here is a spiritual gift he gave artisans, he gave them the spirit of wisdom. Exodus 31:2; See, I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. I have filled him with the spirit of Elohim, in all wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, to design artistic works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in bronze, in cutting jewels, for setting, and in carving wood, into work in all manner of workmanship. And so this kind of thing is a spiritual gift, and the spirit of Yahweh had placed upon Bezaleel the artistic abilities that he had, it was a spiritual gift. My daughter Michelle has an artistic gift, well somebody came to the coffee shop and painted a mural on the wall, 16 years old, she is 16 years old and it is tremendous it's amazing and Yahweh
gave her that artistic ability, it's from the spirit of Yahweh and so through painting or graphic designs or other gifts, I think would be included in artistic stance would be musical ability. 1 Chronicles 15:27; David was clothed with a robe of fine linen, as were all the Levites who bore the ark, the singers, and Chenaniah the music master with the singers: David also wore a linen ephod. Now Chenaniah was the master of music that was because of his musical skill. Chenaniah leader of the Levites was an instructor in charge of the music because he was skillful. Ezra 2:41; the singers: the children of Asaph, one hundred twenty and eight. And so it's evident based on the skills of Chenaniah that Yahweh had placed on him the gift of music, it was a spiritual gift and these things can run in families, sons of Asaph you know, these were men who were you as family, family singers. So as believers in Yahushua, Yahweh has given each one of us spiritual gifts, sometimes it gives are very plain and very evident to see. We do have to wonder what they are sometimes they're a little more depth, more hidden and maybe we don't realize that they're even a spiritual gift. And so we need to pay attention to some of the things that scripture says are spiritual gifts. Romans chapter 12 in verse 1; I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of Elohim, that you present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to Elohim, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world: but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of Elohim. It's not until we have renewed our mind and Yahweh instructs our mind that we can even prove what is that good and acceptable perfect will of him, but we have to refuse to be conformed to the world and all of its trappings right.
For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, as Elohim has dealt to everyone a measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same functions. So we, being many, are one body in Messiah, and individually members of one another. Now he just talked about taking our bodies and letting it be a living sacrifice, right. Holy acceptable to Elohim which is due reasonable service, not just existence but service and our bodies, our bodies are joined to Messiah we are one body together in Messiah and therefore we are individually members of one another did you catch that? We are all together, part of one body together in Messiah Yahushua and we're individually members of one another, okay. Continuing, having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them; if prophesy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith. Or ministry, let use it in our ministering: he who teaches, in teaching. He who exhorts, on exhortation: he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
These are gifts that come from Yahweh all right so
we have in the scriptures we have the gift of prophecy, ministering that's serving, teaching, exhortation, giving, leading in the ministration, mercy and then we read earlier artistry and workmanship or music and singing, these are all spiritual gifts.
And you need to know what your gifts are and practice them and use them for edifying the body of Messiah and those who are outside the body of Messiah bring them into the body of Messiah. You need to use them, so the question is, are you using them? I encourage you, use it or lose it, no he can't say that. Use it if you don't have it, then you're just bearing your talent in the sand and not doing anybody any good, right? Okay. 1 Corinthians 12; Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant. You know that you were Gentiles (yeah see that you were Gentiles at one time, you are not gentile anymore, you were Gentiles), carried away to these dumb idols, however you were led. Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of Elohim calls Yahushua cursed: and no one can say that Yahushua is Master, except by the Holy Spirit. There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Master. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same Elohim who works in all. So your ministry could be different than my ministry, but every bit is important. Your gift could be different than my gifts yet every bit is important, your activity could be different than my activity yet every bit is important. When we host the feast of tabernacles in Steelville, Missouri every year, there are people who just have that gift you know they see like people wiping the tables down you know that, what they're doing in my mind is every bit as important as whoever sitting on the stage or standing on the stage is doing, sharing the word or sharing music or whatever. We're all using our gifts, we're willing to be used by Elohim to contribute toward the effort and that's what matters. Whatever your gift is use it, whatever your ministry is use it, hallelujah.
But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all. For to one is given the word of wisdom through the spirit; to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit. To another faith by the same Spirit; to another gift of healing by the same Spirit. To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another different kind of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues. And so there are many different kinds of gifts, I don't think is the complete list either. There are other scriptures that talk about gifts, so we could add these to the list, word of wisdom, word of knowledge, faith, gifts of healings, working of miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, various tongues are languages and the interpretation of those tongues or languages. There are many different gifts that Yahweh has given the body of Messiah and we need to be attentive to using them. And that's very important that we do, we can't just again sit back and do nothing. 1 Corinthians 12:28 talks about gifts of healings and helps administrations or varieties of tongues. So you know there are all kinds of gifts, a gift to help say another: my daughter Leanne has the gift of helps. She loves to help. So it's not necessarily that you know a complete list here but they are out there and we need to use them. He has appointed these in assembly, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracle, gifts of healings, helps, administrations, and diversities of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? Do all have the gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? But earnestly desire the best gifts: and yet I show you a more excellent way. So we need to use these gifts and first recognize they exist and then use them, miracle-working is a gift. Lots of important gifts in the body of Messiah and I think one of biggest problems is we just, we're not connected to believers, we're not connected to the body of Messiah the way we should be, be able to start using them. And so it's more difficult when you're out there by yourself you know to find places to use them but there are places to use them even amongst unbelievers use your gifts to draw people into the faith, use them. And when you use them use them correctly it says in Romans chapter 12 verse 6-9; having then gifts differing according to the grace given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith. Ministry, use it in ministering: he who teaches, in teaching. He who exhorts, in exhortation: he who gives, in liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor what's evil; cling to what's good. This is our way of choosing to love, using these gifts once again are a way to love and that's how we fulfill the Torah by walking in love, that's what our faith is all about walking in love. And so he wants to use these gifts, are you using your gift? I hope so, verse 10 says: Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love; in honor giving preference to one another. Not lying in diligence; fervent in spirit; serving Yahweh; rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints; given to hospitality. Bless those who persecute you: bless, and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Be the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. 1 Corinthians 12:7 says; but the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all. So we need to make sure that we are using these gifts and none of those gifts mean anything unless they're expressing the love of Elohim. And I think that's really why 1 Corinthians 13 the next chapter talks about the importance of Yahweh's love. So 1 Corinthians 12:11 says; but one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as he will. For as the body is one, has many members, all the members of that body, being many, are one body: so also is Messiah. For by one Spirit we are all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free; and all have been made to drink to one Spirit. For in fact the body is not one member, but many. And so the body of Messiah you know if you're using your gift in one way and someone's got a different gift and they're using their gift in a different way, don't assume everybody has to have your gift, everybody has different gifts. Your place of ministry may not be somebody else's place of ministry, don't look down upon your brother who is doing something different than you are because that's where his gift is and you're using your gift where your gift is. I remember the feast of tabernacles last year, I was so impressed how Yahweh worked with each person, it was really beautiful. Whenever someone had a need there was someone there to fulfill it, whenever someone had something had happened there was someone with that gift to be able to resolve or work on or bless the person that needed that ministry. And that's the body of Messiah working together beautifully in cohesion, it's just awesome, it's fun to watch really is. So we all have different things that we do and it says; if the foot shall say, because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? If the ear shall say, because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were the hearing, where would be the smelling? But now Elohim has set members each one of them in the body, just as he pleased. So we all have that gift, we all have a part in this
body and the only thing we are terrible is if we have these gifts and we don't use them. And if they were all one member, where would the body be? Now indeed there are many members, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, I have no need of you: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. No, much rather those members of the body, which seem to be weaker, are necessary: and those members of the body, which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty.
So its really a very very beautiful thing that you know even which is not commonly highly esteemed we ought to give them the esteem, right we ought to. Because we all have an important role to fulfill but our presentable parts have no need, Elohim has composed the body having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, so there will be no schism in the body. But the members should have the same care for one another, if one member suffers all the members suffer with it, if one member is honored all members rejoice with it.
Now you are the body of Messiah and members individually and Elohim has appointed these in the congregation. And this we have read already, right, so the point is these different people have different gifts but the point of using them all is love; let's not divide up over you know this person is not doing what I'm doing or anything of that nature. Let each one of us use our gifts and appreciate the gifts that other people have and use them and walk in love with them. When you read 1 Corinthians 13 you will understand what love is in this context, I mean Paul said I wish all men were like I myself but each one has his own gifts from Elohim, one in this manner another in that.
And that's okay if your gift is in teaching I'm not gonna look down on you that's not your gift it's okay. We should recognize our differences don't have points of division or condemnation, Yahushua is in the heavens right now he wants to live out his glorified life through you and through me, none of us are the whole man of Yahushua in all his glory partly because we cannot be Omnipresent ourselves. Yahushua had all the gifts but we are each a part of him and we need to use those gifts responsibly.
You know we can misuse a gift; someone who has a gift of teaching could use that gift to destroy people through harsh and cruelty in their speech
and the speaking in such a way that is condemning toward those whom Yahweh would not condemn. Someone who has the gift of mercy could misuse their gift, giving mercy to people that really Yahweh wants to judge. People who have a gift of giving maybe giving to people that Yahweh doesn't want them to give to, he wants them to experience a little bit of tribulation. So you know, change something in their life, they're being judged and we're actually working against him. So when we have our gifts we need to make sure we're using our gift correctly, every gift is subject to an abuse of that gift or a misuse of that gift and we need to be very attentive to that possibility and make sure we're using those gifts biblically. 1 Peter 4 says; as each one has received a gift, to minister to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of Elohim. If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of Elohim; if anyone ministers, let him do it with the ability which Elohim supplies: that in all things Elohim may be glorified (the point of using your gift is to glorify Elohim) through Yahushua Messiah, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever.
So if you have a gift you are not the one to be glorified, Yahweh is the one to be glorified and if one will glorify you in that gift then you point that glory to the proper location and that is Yahushua HaMashiach and that is to Elohim. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, comes down from the father of lights, with whom there is no variation, or shadow of turning. Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. So we know where that gift came from and we use that to minister to one another and we need to have a passion for using it not just use it on occasion as we know of the kind of feel like we're forced to. But have a passion to use it, look for places, pray for places to use it and let Yahweh direct your paths as to where that gift can be used. And you have a love for people I mean if you don't have a love for people you're not going to use it. it. If you have a love for yourself you are just going to be up all by yourself and just focus on what you want and your needs and your comfort and all that. But if you have a love for other people then you're going to find people out there who need your gift.
Your passion for the state of the body of Messiah which is often broken and fragmented and in need of serious attention and identification, right? 1 Corinthians 14:12; since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, he says, let it be for the edification of the congregation that you seek to excel. I want to excel in my spiritual gift, why, because I want to edify the body of Messiah. We can't fix ourselves we need Yahweh to come into our lives, our hearts, our minds and fill us with that zeal for edifying and building upon another. And Yahweh can work through us to resolve our issues with one another and the problems in the body of Messiah. You don't have to be perfect to be effective,
when there's a man who denied Yahushua 3 times,
and he was still used in a mighty way because he repented. Yahweh is not is not looking for a perfect people, Yahushua died for imperfect people. And we're not yet perfected and so what he's looking for is not necessarily a perfect people but a people who are willing to be used by him. Alone we're just body parts sitting all by itself but together we can function more effectively and so I encourage you band together with other people of similar gifts and use them together.
We are a holy priesthood on the earth, everyone's a contributor to the organism that is the body of Messiah don't hide the light under a bowl, get it
out, put it on the lampstand. You don't have to have a college degree, the only degree you need is a high degree of heat on the thermometer and we can't be lukewarm anymore, you need to step away from the American playground and into the spiritual battleground and take dominion for Yahweh; and beware of the competing forces of unfruitfulness found in gangs, movies, entertainment, chasing after the wind, your riches will be carried away like an eagle. See those things to contain elements of challenge in taking dominion, you find yourselves wasting a lot of time getting involved in challenge and dominion and things that will not benefit anyone but yourself.
And don't be afraid to use your gifts, don't worry about mockery and ridicule, don't worry about what people will say about you. It's one thing I know standard goes with the territory, the enemy may try to do those things to discourage you from taking ground for Yahweh and make you just sit around not do anything, that's really all he needs to do. The only thing for the need for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing. And therefore the good men sit on that shelf you know and with a little happy, little place where they don't have to experience any troubles or trials. But Elohim is not giving you a spirit of fear, with power of love and sound mind. So don't be ashamed of the testimony or our Master as Paul said or of me his prisoner but share it with me in the sufferings for the good news according to the power of Elohim. Who has saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Messiah Yahushua before time began. Before time began, he willed that you would do the things he's calling you to do, wow.
But it's now being revealed by the appearing of our Saviour Yahushua Messiah, who has abolished death, and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: to which I was appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. For this reason I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and persuade he is able to keep what I have committed him until that day. See the unclean spirit trying to drive us into fear, intimidate us into submission to do nothing. And his will is that we just do nothing and do not multiply and are not fruitful. His will is that the earth is under the enemy's dominion and rule, actually the enemy has a lot of servants working for him yielding their members to him, suiting his unholy purposes in fear of men as one of the most effective devices. Yahushua said do not fear those who kill the body, but cannot kill the soul: fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father's will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore, you are of more value than many sparrows. So we can't be afraid of rejection, in fact we can consider rejection a blessing. Blessed are you, when men hate you, and when they exclude you, and revile you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy (hallelujah, because you are blessed): indeed, your reward is great in heaven: for in like manner their fathers did to the prophets. Nothing new same old story, so walk away from fear, from the trivial glories of later to see and lifestyle, the silly pleasures of Babylon come out of her by walking like men, by walking like women who are residents of new Jerusalem, and build that city on a hill that can't be hidden.
Together we are in that city on the hill that cannot be hidden, are we willing to use our gifts?
Yahushua said whoever seeks to save his life
will lose it; whoever loses his life will preserve it. You need to give up your own life for a minute, Ah not for a minute but just give up your own life completely. Because the truth is whoever loses his life
will save it, who always worried about saving his life is going to lose it. You're thinking about saving your lives, you don't go therefore and you willing to walk in fear rather than walking in love. And you're willing to bury that talent in the sand, what happened to the man who buried his talent in the sand? He didn't make it to the kingdom, he didn't. There are more souls to be won, in fact Yahushua hasn't come back yet because he knows there are more souls to be won, he's waiting for someone to go out and win them, maybe your next door neighbor, maybe somebody you meet at Wal-Mart, maybe one of your family members he's waiting. We think we're the ones waiting on Yahushua to come back , no, he's waiting on us to go out and go therefore until every last soul on the planet who could be reached will be reached. He says, the good news will be preached to the whole world and then the end will come.
Too often we stay in our secure little homes when they're hurting people all around us, you're in desperate need of a father's love, let's shine the light to the world. Ensure the testimony of Yahweh's love to the people we meet and glorify him, serving one another in love through the gifts Yahweh has given to us and thereby being that bright light that Yahweh wants us to be, praying diligently and asking Yahweh to reveal the gifts he's given to us if he hasn't already. Then out of love for one another using those gifts to build each other up, so that we would be a stronger body fully nourished, full of the spirit and full of truth, worshipping our father in the way he desires to be worshipped. And being that city on the hill that cannot be hidden. Yahweh Tsedkinu, Yahweh our Righteousness, that bride of Messiah who is purified and made herself ready to be one spirit with the bridegroom. Where rejoicing and gladness can come: because the marriage of the Lamb comes, his wife has made herself ready. And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. You read about the Acts of the apostles, what are the acts that Yahweh is doing through you?
It's our righteous act to tell our fellow man that there is a more excellent way, it's our righteous act to care for the ones who are sick, who are lonely and in need of a visit to refresh their weary soul. It's our righteous act to love the unloved, to love those who don't love you.
Who wants to do this? Who wants to make this a part of their life? I hope it's you. O, Father Yahweh, I pray in the name of Yahushua HaMashiach, everyone within the sound of my
voice will hear this message, will walk it out:
not be hearers of the word and not doers, but here is a doer.
Get out of their easy chairs, off the American playground, into the spiritual battleground. And father I pray that you would give them that bold step of faith needed to begin ministry.
It's a lie we hear it from Catholicism that the priests are the ones that front in the pew when we sit back and get served. We are all called to serve Father, expose the lies that have been inherited from my fathers.
And cease from following the Catholic model and follow the model of Yahushua HaMashiach, and the way he and his disciples lived their lives.
Everyone ministering to one another, everyone serving one another, everyone busy about your business, open up the floodgates in Yahushua's name. And forgive us where we have failed you in these areas, and establish your kingdom on the earth: for truly yours is the kingdom and power and glory and majesty and all praise and honor and worship belongs to you, Yahweh Eloheinu, Yahweh our Mighty One, forever and ever in Yahushua's great name we pray, Amein.
has a vision and he has a reason why he created you, and it's not just to sit and watch TV or sit and surf the Internet or waste your time away and all kinds of different pursuits that have no eternal value. When he created you he has a reason for you to exist, a few things can pull someone out of a depression faster than actually fulfilling the purpose for which Yahweh created us collectively as a human race and individually.
Now Yahweh wants to use each of you, I know that's the truth because he gave each one of your talents, callings, gifts, things that can be used for the advancement of his kingdom and taking dominion over the earth for him, just as when he created Adam and Eve. He told them to subdue the earth, take dominion right; our purpose as a new creation in the Messiah Yahushua is to take dominion and subdue the earth. When Yahushua gave his disciples the great commission he says, well I'm with you always even to the end of the age in this great commission, and here we are at the end of the age Yahushua is with us. It's important to understand that each of us has a role in fulfilling this great commission and the mechanism through which he will fulfill this great commission can be different for every person, not everyone is a teacher, although you kind of wonder sometimes. Not everyone is a teacher, not everyone has the same function, not everyone has the same gifts and that's okay. But we need to understand what the spiritual gifts are and the importance of using them, very very important. And so our study topic today is entitled spiritual gifts, walking out Yahweh's intended purpose for our existence is the most fulfilling, the most inspiring thing a person can possibly do.
We are all inherently happiest when we are doing what we are created to do, we are created to be active, vibrant people who have dedicated themselves to ministry. We were created to just take up the ground, our joy does not simply come from the state of being a believer, our joy comes from being a believer and
taking ground for Yahweh, our joy comes from being a believer and being in that relationship with the father and letting him use you to pour love and poor life into other people.
And so the question is what gifts do you have and what gifts does he want to use for what purpose? We've got to know, you have to know, Paul knew he was called to go to the Gentiles. Yahweh directed the lives of Yahushua's disciples to go in various places proclaiming the word of Yahweh wherever they went, every single one of us has a calling to love Yahweh and love our fellow men and the gifts that he gave us are an important mechanism through which we walk in love. The purpose of the gifts is to use them to walk in love toward Yahweh and toward our fellow men. It's very important that we understand that, everyone is born with natural abilities that can be the means through which Yahweh works to his spirit and if we use the talents Yahweh gives us for his glory, when we lay up spiritual treasures in heaven for ourselves then Yahweh will be with us and we will be in a pretty place in the age to come. Because so many people are just pew warmers, others the couch potatoes and then there are the pew warmers you know. And we need to be not bearing our talent in the sand, if we're burying our talent in the sand we're simply not walking in love, I hope you know what I'm talking about. The parable of the men with the talents, every one of you have talents, every one of you has spiritual gifts, it's every bit as much as fulfilling the law as keeping the Sabbath or observing the feast day. In fact Yahweh can actually be displeased with our observances of feast days if we are failing to take care of our fellow men and use our gifts for his glory. In the book of Isaiah it is written, bring no more futile sacrifices; incense is an abomination to me (why?); the new moons the Sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot endure...What? What was it he couldn't stand? Two things in the same place; iniquity and sacred meetings. He cannot stand the two. The sacred meeting, everyone's is just like, O praise Yahweh, he is so wonderful, isn't it just great, isn't he just a wonderful Elohim, in a sacred meeting so and you combine that with iniquity. He can't stand it. Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hates, now some people would say well he's talking about pagan festivals. No, he's not because Isaiah was a prophet during a time of
Josiah the king, so they are a trouble to me; I am weary to bear them. When you spread out your hands, I will hide my eyes from you: even, though you make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood. Why were their hands full of blood?
Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; put away the evil of your doings from me before my eyes; cease to do evil; Learn to do good; seek justice, rebuke the oppressor, defend the fatherless, and plead for the widow. What was the evil?
Complacency, they weren't seeking justice, they weren't rising up rebuking the oppressor: they weren't rising up and defending the fatherless, they weren't rising up and pleading for the widow. It's what they weren't doing that bothered him.
Let me tell your brothers and sisters there are plenty of people today who are in a state of oppression, who are in a state of injustice, a lot of children out there have no fathers in their lives and a lot of widows running away in nursing homes who have not yet come to Yahushua and
because out of sight out of mind we don't care like we should.
Come now, and let us reason together, says Yahweh: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land. Now these aren't the only problems in the world today okay, there are lots of problems in the world today and this isn't the only one, there are so many things out there that we as believers should be trying to do something about.
Matthew 25 it says, feed the hungry, the sheep were the ones that fed the hungry, gave drink to those who were thirsty, visited the ones that were sick and imprisoned and cared. And the goats were just, it wasn't that they are
out there killing people and doing terrible things, it's just what they weren't doing. They weren't using their gifts, they weren't using the gifts and they weren't really loving their fellow men because they were not using their gifts.
Just fail to use them is all you need to do in order to be in sin because you're failing to love.
This world has so many needs, take a look around you and maybe some of you think well our tax money takes care of the fatherless and the widow, check that concern off wrong, they don't. The truth is and I found this out, they're elderly people out there having to choose between healthcare and food and there are children visiting our coffee shop who are getting food and we've been feeding them by the grace of Yahweh. So there are people out there not getting the basic fundamental needs either through neglectful parents, parents who are overwhelmed in poor communities, sometimes these parents just don't know how to take care of their children. But the truth is the body of Messiah is who this world ought to be looking to for answers and for help, not governments because we have a heavenly father that works through us, we have a heavenly father that wants to be that provider through us and wants to draw people to himself through us.
And that's the truth and what are we doing about it? Instead of watching TV or playing video games or out in a golf course or, you know, wasting away time and looking for time to waste or trying to build our own houses and build up our own kingdoms and we need to be out and about our father's business. The body of Messiah ought to be the one everyone looks to for answers and for help. Yahushua admitted the goats that did not care for their neighbor, is he lamenting that we are not caring for our neighbor? That's an important question. Now, it's important we understand that the health of the body in Messiah is very important if we would be most effective in our witness and our ability to proclaim his ways and for this reason ministry to the body of Messiah itself is an important thing, to be able to effectively minister to the world anyone who has a ministry that's involved in building up the body of Messiah is contributing toward taking ground for Yahweh.
So even if you're ministering to brothers and sisters out there you are taking ground away from the enemy and you're taking ground for Yahweh. I want to show you something here in the book of Jeremiah it says; behold, the days are coming, says Yahweh, I will raise to David a Branch of righteousness, a King shall reign and prosper, and execute judgment and righteousness in the earth. In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell safely: now this is his name by which he will be called, YAHWEH OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS. This is what the Messiah is going to be called Yahweh Tsedkinu in the Hebrew okay. Now notice this Jeremiah 33:15; in those days, and at that time, I will cause to grow up to David a Branch of righteousness; he shall execute judgment and righteousness in the earth. In those days Judah will be saved, and Jerusalem will dwell safely: and this is the name by which she will be called, Yahweh our righteousness. And so the city and the Messiah will have the same name why?
Take a look here Revelation 21 verse 9 says; then one of the seven angels who had the seven balls filled with the seven last plagues, came to me and talked with me, saying, Come, I will show you the bride, the Lamb's wife. And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from Elohim. Now, the great city is the lamb's wife? I thought the body of believers was the Lamb's wife, the bride. Having the glory of Elohim: her light was like a most precious stone, like a jasper stone, clear as crystal.
And also she had a great and high wall, had twelve gates, and twelve angels at the gates, and names written them, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel. Three gates on the east; three gates on the north; three gates on the south; and three gates on the west. Now the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. And so the lamb's wife is the holy city of Jerusalem, how does that fit with your theology?
Interesting to consider that right, now there's a connection between the city and us the people, there's a connection between the two. And we can see this connection in other scriptures for instance do you not know that he who
is joined to the harlot is one body with her? But for the two, shall become one flesh. But he who is joined to the Master is one spirit.
Now we are joined to the Messiah spiritually right, he says: Now therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and member of the household of Elohim. Having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Yahushua Messiah himself being the chief cornerstone. In whom the whole building being joined together grows into a holy temple in Yahweh. In whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of Elohim and the Spirit. So like the book of Revelation the foundation, apostles, right we see that, we see that we are being built together as a dwelling place, we are the temple of Elohim and this city will be a temple of Elohim. Now Ephesians 2:8 says, I'm sorry hold just for
one minute I need to make an adjustment here to my PowerPoint and I'll fix that. I don't have a verse but it says 1 Peter 2:4 says; coming to him, as a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen of Elohim, and precious. You also, as living stones, are built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to Elohim through Yahushua Messiah. And that's 1 Peter chapter 2 in verse 4 and so we are considered to be one spirit with Yahushua, we are called to be the dwelling place of Yahweh's spirit; the new euro Sulayem will be called Yahweh Tsedkinu because Yahweh is the one who made us righteous, because Yahweh is our righteousness through Yahushua the Messiah our Master. And there's a connection between us, the earth, and the city of euro Sulayem. Now take a step further we were created from the dust of the earth therefore we are actually a little piece of the earth from which we were created. We require, in fact a continuous supply of vitamins and nutrients from the earth in order for us to survive physically. And so when we offer up our members to be a holy offering to Yahweh we are taking dominion over the earth. And our members were formerly yielded to the enemy, we use these members of the earth as instruments of unrighteousness and now we are using these members as instruments of righteousness. And so for that reason when we yield our members to the will of Elohim we are actually taking dominion over the earth, see the connection?
So Romans chapter 6 verse 12 says; do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts. And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin: but present yourselves to Elohim, as being alive from the dead and your members as instruments of righteousness to Elohim. So as we grow in our walk with Yahweh and we become more like Messiah we are actually taking dominion over the earth for Yahweh and we are building up a dwelling place for the presence of Yahweh, it says our bodies are the temple of the living Elohim and so we become Yahweh our righteousness because our bodies joined to the Messiah's body the holy dwelling place and there are lots of mysteries in this but it's like the Messiah and the assembly. And so there's a tremendous concept in this kingdom mandate in that we are taking dominion over the earth when we take our members of the earth which our bodies are members from the earth, because we were created from the dust of the ground. We're taking dominion over the earth through allowing our members from the earth to be yielded to the will of Elohim. And when we bring other people into the body of the Messiah we are bringing their members which were also from the earth from a state in which they were not yielded to the Father's will and we are bringing it back to the father's will. And we don't earn it all in one day, it's a process as we repent that means we are sincere, we are seeking righteousness, we don't make excuses for our sin we seek righteousness and we're taking ground for Yahweh as we grow in him. And so our ministry is not just about bringing other people into the body of Messiah, it's about discipling people we bring in and allowing ourselves to be discipled by the body of Messiah through Yahushua HaMashiach. And so many times people will give their lives to Yahushua and because there's a lack of support from the body of Messiah they get weak and they fall away. And sometimes people who are in the body of Messiah do things that are offensive and wrong and it causes the caught little ones, the spiritual babes so to speak to stumble. And we need to be finding ways to serve one another, to build up one another, to edify one another so that we are more effectively able to reach others who are completely given over to the enemy. And so the body of Messiah is a place where someone is always available to help, a place of healing, a place to be served and to serve, a place to love and to be loved and anyone, who wouldn't want to be a part of that? That's what the world needs and so what's that mechanism through which all this love and all this service and all these wonderful things can take place? That's our spiritual gifts, in one gift we all
have is the gift of salvation.
It says; for by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of Elohim.
So you have received a gift right there just right off the back right away you've got a gift right now. And that gift is grace; not of works, lest anyone should boast. It's not something you did of yourselves; it is something that Yahweh has given you. So we all have a gift, right, and that's an important gift that we all need to remember and never forget, right? Okay. So and because of his grace he's filling us with the spirit of joy, I remember after my baptism I was just rejoicing and that's the first gift we've got right there as a gift of grace. down to receive that gift two things you need to do and if you've never done this you need to do it this is the good news, this is the gospel, you will say to them repent and let everyone to be baptized in the name of Yahushua Messiah for the omission of sins and you shall receive the gift of the holy spirit. Yahweh promises his holy spirit to those who believe in the Master Yahushua who agree to be baptized and those who repent. Repent means turn away from sin, don't make excuses, don't blame, turn away from it. Humble yourself in the sight of Elohim and get baptized in the name of Yahushua Messiah and then he will give you the gift of the holy spirit, that is a gift right there that's the first thing he gives you right there after grace, you've got the gift of the holy spirit, beautiful thing. When I got baptized I could not stop smiling for anything and prayers like the windows of heaven opened up, I felt like my prayers came easy and I've never had that as a non-believer; just I really genuinely had a sense of being clean and new and loved by my father. I knew at that time he had a plan, he had a vision for me, I didn't fully understand what it was but I knew he had called me into a service.
And that's that joy that's in heaven, there is joy in the presence of the angels of Elohim over one sinner who repents. If you've never done that you need to do it, I encourage you to do it, it's true for everyone who
has faith in Messiah Yahushua he has a plan and vision for you need to be obedient to that, obedience it's not just to the revealed word of Yahweh through the scriptures but to what he's directing you to do on a personal level.
You may not understand everything it entails but he does have that for you and some of you might not even want to do what he feels like he's called you do and that's why you don't do it. Moshe had that problem he kept telling Yahweh, you know I can't do that I'm slow of speech; you know I'm not eloquent how could I be the voice through which you speak to the people and even ask Yahweh to send somebody else to do it. And so even if you don't think you have the gift
you can use it anyway, don't assume, O, that's not my gift. Don't miss your calling because you don't think you got the gift in reality, you have just what he needs right.
And sometimes that plan or that calling he's placed on your life is an unpleasant thought in your mind, you assume O he wouldn't want me to do that. Matthew 26 says in verse 37; he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. He said to them, My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death: stay here, and watch with me. And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me (see, he didn't wanna really do it, a man like Moshe didn't really wanna go through with it but he did): not as I will, but as you will. So in reality he wanted to do it because he knew that Yahweh's way was best, he knew Yahweh's ways were
best, but it was but it was very very difficult. He might have a cup for you and for me and we just assume because it's hard that O well maybe he's too hard with you. But, in reality, yeah it's a tough one but the reality
is he has this for you and you have been sitting on it, even bearing this thing in the sin and you know you're supposed to do it, and you know he wants you to do it somewhat, maybe someday far away, someday in the future when in reality he's been telling you to do this for years and you haven't been doing it. Romans chapter 1; Elohim is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers, making request if, by some means, now at last I may find a way if it is the will of Elohim to come to you. For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established. That is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.
So spiritual gifts are sometimes imparted and so for this reason at baptism when someone goes down into the watery grave and come up a new creation, even if you've been baptized before, I go ahead and pray for them to receive spiritual gifts and for Yahweh to show them what their spiritual gifts are and for them to be used by him. And if it's a child you know it's a young person even I encourage the parents to cultivate their spiritual gifts in their children. Your children have spiritual gifts that Yahweh wants to use for his glory and maybe he's not, they're not at a place where they're supposed to use them right now, but sometimes they can use them even in a small way, even young people. Scripture says 1 Timothy 4:12; Let no one despise your youth; but be an example to the believers, in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was
given to you by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. So don't neglect the gift that is in you, he says to
Timothy a young man, young person what is that gift
that's in you that maybe you're neglecting? And you don't think about it or want to think about or you haven't considered it may be I don't know, Yahweh knows your heart I don't know. But there is one there and so a lot of times there is a whole lot more than one there. So what is it? What are the gifts? Ephesians 4:9; there is one body, and one Spirit, just as you are called in one hope of your calling. One Master, one faith, one baptism, one Elohim and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Messiah's gift. So we all got the grace praise Yahweh, in that grace you have certain spiritual gifts.
Now if you don't know whether or not you have what your gifts are or anything like that, ask Yahweh what they are. Luke 11:11 Yahushua said; If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks him for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of the fish? Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children: how much will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him? He knows how to give you the good gifts he does and he wants to give them to you. The only question is whether or not you're willing to receive them and use them. Now Yahweh's spirit does not necessarily have to be imparted to us by others because example Acts chapter 10:44 says; while Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon those who heard the word. And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. For they heard them speak with tongues (or languages), and magnify Elohim.
Then Peter answered, can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?
So they already received not only the Holy Spirit but one of the gifts of the spirit, just by listening and believing.
And so Yahweh can choose to allow his spirit to fill a person even before they've been baptized, the key is the baptism is an outward sign and everything, he doesn't have to even use a person, he can fill them directly. Nevertheless we see the practice of the early congregations were to lay hands on people especially after baptism and so we do that. Now what are some of the spiritual gifts, now you understand one thing spiritual gifts isn't a new thing that just arrived on the scene when Yahushua came and died for our sins. They were gifts the came from Yahweh's spirit that was experienced by believers long before Yahushua ever came and died for us. Exodus 28 says; take Aaron your brother, his sons with him, from among the children of Israel that he may minister to me as a priest's, Aaron and Aaron's sons Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar. And you shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother for glory and for beauty. So you shall speak to all who are gifted artisans, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom (that came from Yahweh), that they may make Aaron's garments to consecrate him, that he may minister to me as a priest. And so here is a spiritual gift he gave artisans, he gave them the spirit of wisdom. Exodus 31:2; See, I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. I have filled him with the spirit of Elohim, in all wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, to design artistic works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in bronze, in cutting jewels, for setting, and in carving wood, into work in all manner of workmanship. And so this kind of thing is a spiritual gift, and the spirit of Yahweh had placed upon Bezaleel the artistic abilities that he had, it was a spiritual gift. My daughter Michelle has an artistic gift, well somebody came to the coffee shop and painted a mural on the wall, 16 years old, she is 16 years old and it is tremendous it's amazing and Yahweh
gave her that artistic ability, it's from the spirit of Yahweh and so through painting or graphic designs or other gifts, I think would be included in artistic stance would be musical ability. 1 Chronicles 15:27; David was clothed with a robe of fine linen, as were all the Levites who bore the ark, the singers, and Chenaniah the music master with the singers: David also wore a linen ephod. Now Chenaniah was the master of music that was because of his musical skill. Chenaniah leader of the Levites was an instructor in charge of the music because he was skillful. Ezra 2:41; the singers: the children of Asaph, one hundred twenty and eight. And so it's evident based on the skills of Chenaniah that Yahweh had placed on him the gift of music, it was a spiritual gift and these things can run in families, sons of Asaph you know, these were men who were you as family, family singers. So as believers in Yahushua, Yahweh has given each one of us spiritual gifts, sometimes it gives are very plain and very evident to see. We do have to wonder what they are sometimes they're a little more depth, more hidden and maybe we don't realize that they're even a spiritual gift. And so we need to pay attention to some of the things that scripture says are spiritual gifts. Romans chapter 12 in verse 1; I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of Elohim, that you present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to Elohim, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world: but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of Elohim. It's not until we have renewed our mind and Yahweh instructs our mind that we can even prove what is that good and acceptable perfect will of him, but we have to refuse to be conformed to the world and all of its trappings right.
For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, as Elohim has dealt to everyone a measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same functions. So we, being many, are one body in Messiah, and individually members of one another. Now he just talked about taking our bodies and letting it be a living sacrifice, right. Holy acceptable to Elohim which is due reasonable service, not just existence but service and our bodies, our bodies are joined to Messiah we are one body together in Messiah and therefore we are individually members of one another did you catch that? We are all together, part of one body together in Messiah Yahushua and we're individually members of one another, okay. Continuing, having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them; if prophesy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith. Or ministry, let use it in our ministering: he who teaches, in teaching. He who exhorts, on exhortation: he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
These are gifts that come from Yahweh all right so
we have in the scriptures we have the gift of prophecy, ministering that's serving, teaching, exhortation, giving, leading in the ministration, mercy and then we read earlier artistry and workmanship or music and singing, these are all spiritual gifts.
And you need to know what your gifts are and practice them and use them for edifying the body of Messiah and those who are outside the body of Messiah bring them into the body of Messiah. You need to use them, so the question is, are you using them? I encourage you, use it or lose it, no he can't say that. Use it if you don't have it, then you're just bearing your talent in the sand and not doing anybody any good, right? Okay. 1 Corinthians 12; Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant. You know that you were Gentiles (yeah see that you were Gentiles at one time, you are not gentile anymore, you were Gentiles), carried away to these dumb idols, however you were led. Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of Elohim calls Yahushua cursed: and no one can say that Yahushua is Master, except by the Holy Spirit. There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Master. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same Elohim who works in all. So your ministry could be different than my ministry, but every bit is important. Your gift could be different than my gifts yet every bit is important, your activity could be different than my activity yet every bit is important. When we host the feast of tabernacles in Steelville, Missouri every year, there are people who just have that gift you know they see like people wiping the tables down you know that, what they're doing in my mind is every bit as important as whoever sitting on the stage or standing on the stage is doing, sharing the word or sharing music or whatever. We're all using our gifts, we're willing to be used by Elohim to contribute toward the effort and that's what matters. Whatever your gift is use it, whatever your ministry is use it, hallelujah.
But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all. For to one is given the word of wisdom through the spirit; to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit. To another faith by the same Spirit; to another gift of healing by the same Spirit. To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another different kind of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues. And so there are many different kinds of gifts, I don't think is the complete list either. There are other scriptures that talk about gifts, so we could add these to the list, word of wisdom, word of knowledge, faith, gifts of healings, working of miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, various tongues are languages and the interpretation of those tongues or languages. There are many different gifts that Yahweh has given the body of Messiah and we need to be attentive to using them. And that's very important that we do, we can't just again sit back and do nothing. 1 Corinthians 12:28 talks about gifts of healings and helps administrations or varieties of tongues. So you know there are all kinds of gifts, a gift to help say another: my daughter Leanne has the gift of helps. She loves to help. So it's not necessarily that you know a complete list here but they are out there and we need to use them. He has appointed these in assembly, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracle, gifts of healings, helps, administrations, and diversities of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? Do all have the gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? But earnestly desire the best gifts: and yet I show you a more excellent way. So we need to use these gifts and first recognize they exist and then use them, miracle-working is a gift. Lots of important gifts in the body of Messiah and I think one of biggest problems is we just, we're not connected to believers, we're not connected to the body of Messiah the way we should be, be able to start using them. And so it's more difficult when you're out there by yourself you know to find places to use them but there are places to use them even amongst unbelievers use your gifts to draw people into the faith, use them. And when you use them use them correctly it says in Romans chapter 12 verse 6-9; having then gifts differing according to the grace given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith. Ministry, use it in ministering: he who teaches, in teaching. He who exhorts, in exhortation: he who gives, in liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor what's evil; cling to what's good. This is our way of choosing to love, using these gifts once again are a way to love and that's how we fulfill the Torah by walking in love, that's what our faith is all about walking in love. And so he wants to use these gifts, are you using your gift? I hope so, verse 10 says: Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love; in honor giving preference to one another. Not lying in diligence; fervent in spirit; serving Yahweh; rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints; given to hospitality. Bless those who persecute you: bless, and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Be the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. 1 Corinthians 12:7 says; but the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all. So we need to make sure that we are using these gifts and none of those gifts mean anything unless they're expressing the love of Elohim. And I think that's really why 1 Corinthians 13 the next chapter talks about the importance of Yahweh's love. So 1 Corinthians 12:11 says; but one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as he will. For as the body is one, has many members, all the members of that body, being many, are one body: so also is Messiah. For by one Spirit we are all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free; and all have been made to drink to one Spirit. For in fact the body is not one member, but many. And so the body of Messiah you know if you're using your gift in one way and someone's got a different gift and they're using their gift in a different way, don't assume everybody has to have your gift, everybody has different gifts. Your place of ministry may not be somebody else's place of ministry, don't look down upon your brother who is doing something different than you are because that's where his gift is and you're using your gift where your gift is. I remember the feast of tabernacles last year, I was so impressed how Yahweh worked with each person, it was really beautiful. Whenever someone had a need there was someone there to fulfill it, whenever someone had something had happened there was someone with that gift to be able to resolve or work on or bless the person that needed that ministry. And that's the body of Messiah working together beautifully in cohesion, it's just awesome, it's fun to watch really is. So we all have different things that we do and it says; if the foot shall say, because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? If the ear shall say, because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were the hearing, where would be the smelling? But now Elohim has set members each one of them in the body, just as he pleased. So we all have that gift, we all have a part in this
body and the only thing we are terrible is if we have these gifts and we don't use them. And if they were all one member, where would the body be? Now indeed there are many members, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, I have no need of you: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. No, much rather those members of the body, which seem to be weaker, are necessary: and those members of the body, which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty.
So its really a very very beautiful thing that you know even which is not commonly highly esteemed we ought to give them the esteem, right we ought to. Because we all have an important role to fulfill but our presentable parts have no need, Elohim has composed the body having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, so there will be no schism in the body. But the members should have the same care for one another, if one member suffers all the members suffer with it, if one member is honored all members rejoice with it.
Now you are the body of Messiah and members individually and Elohim has appointed these in the congregation. And this we have read already, right, so the point is these different people have different gifts but the point of using them all is love; let's not divide up over you know this person is not doing what I'm doing or anything of that nature. Let each one of us use our gifts and appreciate the gifts that other people have and use them and walk in love with them. When you read 1 Corinthians 13 you will understand what love is in this context, I mean Paul said I wish all men were like I myself but each one has his own gifts from Elohim, one in this manner another in that.
And that's okay if your gift is in teaching I'm not gonna look down on you that's not your gift it's okay. We should recognize our differences don't have points of division or condemnation, Yahushua is in the heavens right now he wants to live out his glorified life through you and through me, none of us are the whole man of Yahushua in all his glory partly because we cannot be Omnipresent ourselves. Yahushua had all the gifts but we are each a part of him and we need to use those gifts responsibly.
You know we can misuse a gift; someone who has a gift of teaching could use that gift to destroy people through harsh and cruelty in their speech
and the speaking in such a way that is condemning toward those whom Yahweh would not condemn. Someone who has the gift of mercy could misuse their gift, giving mercy to people that really Yahweh wants to judge. People who have a gift of giving maybe giving to people that Yahweh doesn't want them to give to, he wants them to experience a little bit of tribulation. So you know, change something in their life, they're being judged and we're actually working against him. So when we have our gifts we need to make sure we're using our gift correctly, every gift is subject to an abuse of that gift or a misuse of that gift and we need to be very attentive to that possibility and make sure we're using those gifts biblically. 1 Peter 4 says; as each one has received a gift, to minister to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of Elohim. If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of Elohim; if anyone ministers, let him do it with the ability which Elohim supplies: that in all things Elohim may be glorified (the point of using your gift is to glorify Elohim) through Yahushua Messiah, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever.
So if you have a gift you are not the one to be glorified, Yahweh is the one to be glorified and if one will glorify you in that gift then you point that glory to the proper location and that is Yahushua HaMashiach and that is to Elohim. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, comes down from the father of lights, with whom there is no variation, or shadow of turning. Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. So we know where that gift came from and we use that to minister to one another and we need to have a passion for using it not just use it on occasion as we know of the kind of feel like we're forced to. But have a passion to use it, look for places, pray for places to use it and let Yahweh direct your paths as to where that gift can be used. And you have a love for people I mean if you don't have a love for people you're not going to use it. it. If you have a love for yourself you are just going to be up all by yourself and just focus on what you want and your needs and your comfort and all that. But if you have a love for other people then you're going to find people out there who need your gift.
Your passion for the state of the body of Messiah which is often broken and fragmented and in need of serious attention and identification, right? 1 Corinthians 14:12; since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, he says, let it be for the edification of the congregation that you seek to excel. I want to excel in my spiritual gift, why, because I want to edify the body of Messiah. We can't fix ourselves we need Yahweh to come into our lives, our hearts, our minds and fill us with that zeal for edifying and building upon another. And Yahweh can work through us to resolve our issues with one another and the problems in the body of Messiah. You don't have to be perfect to be effective,
when there's a man who denied Yahushua 3 times,
and he was still used in a mighty way because he repented. Yahweh is not is not looking for a perfect people, Yahushua died for imperfect people. And we're not yet perfected and so what he's looking for is not necessarily a perfect people but a people who are willing to be used by him. Alone we're just body parts sitting all by itself but together we can function more effectively and so I encourage you band together with other people of similar gifts and use them together.
We are a holy priesthood on the earth, everyone's a contributor to the organism that is the body of Messiah don't hide the light under a bowl, get it
out, put it on the lampstand. You don't have to have a college degree, the only degree you need is a high degree of heat on the thermometer and we can't be lukewarm anymore, you need to step away from the American playground and into the spiritual battleground and take dominion for Yahweh; and beware of the competing forces of unfruitfulness found in gangs, movies, entertainment, chasing after the wind, your riches will be carried away like an eagle. See those things to contain elements of challenge in taking dominion, you find yourselves wasting a lot of time getting involved in challenge and dominion and things that will not benefit anyone but yourself.
And don't be afraid to use your gifts, don't worry about mockery and ridicule, don't worry about what people will say about you. It's one thing I know standard goes with the territory, the enemy may try to do those things to discourage you from taking ground for Yahweh and make you just sit around not do anything, that's really all he needs to do. The only thing for the need for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing. And therefore the good men sit on that shelf you know and with a little happy, little place where they don't have to experience any troubles or trials. But Elohim is not giving you a spirit of fear, with power of love and sound mind. So don't be ashamed of the testimony or our Master as Paul said or of me his prisoner but share it with me in the sufferings for the good news according to the power of Elohim. Who has saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Messiah Yahushua before time began. Before time began, he willed that you would do the things he's calling you to do, wow.
But it's now being revealed by the appearing of our Saviour Yahushua Messiah, who has abolished death, and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: to which I was appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. For this reason I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and persuade he is able to keep what I have committed him until that day. See the unclean spirit trying to drive us into fear, intimidate us into submission to do nothing. And his will is that we just do nothing and do not multiply and are not fruitful. His will is that the earth is under the enemy's dominion and rule, actually the enemy has a lot of servants working for him yielding their members to him, suiting his unholy purposes in fear of men as one of the most effective devices. Yahushua said do not fear those who kill the body, but cannot kill the soul: fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father's will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore, you are of more value than many sparrows. So we can't be afraid of rejection, in fact we can consider rejection a blessing. Blessed are you, when men hate you, and when they exclude you, and revile you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy (hallelujah, because you are blessed): indeed, your reward is great in heaven: for in like manner their fathers did to the prophets. Nothing new same old story, so walk away from fear, from the trivial glories of later to see and lifestyle, the silly pleasures of Babylon come out of her by walking like men, by walking like women who are residents of new Jerusalem, and build that city on a hill that can't be hidden.
Together we are in that city on the hill that cannot be hidden, are we willing to use our gifts?
Yahushua said whoever seeks to save his life
will lose it; whoever loses his life will preserve it. You need to give up your own life for a minute, Ah not for a minute but just give up your own life completely. Because the truth is whoever loses his life
will save it, who always worried about saving his life is going to lose it. You're thinking about saving your lives, you don't go therefore and you willing to walk in fear rather than walking in love. And you're willing to bury that talent in the sand, what happened to the man who buried his talent in the sand? He didn't make it to the kingdom, he didn't. There are more souls to be won, in fact Yahushua hasn't come back yet because he knows there are more souls to be won, he's waiting for someone to go out and win them, maybe your next door neighbor, maybe somebody you meet at Wal-Mart, maybe one of your family members he's waiting. We think we're the ones waiting on Yahushua to come back , no, he's waiting on us to go out and go therefore until every last soul on the planet who could be reached will be reached. He says, the good news will be preached to the whole world and then the end will come.
Too often we stay in our secure little homes when they're hurting people all around us, you're in desperate need of a father's love, let's shine the light to the world. Ensure the testimony of Yahweh's love to the people we meet and glorify him, serving one another in love through the gifts Yahweh has given to us and thereby being that bright light that Yahweh wants us to be, praying diligently and asking Yahweh to reveal the gifts he's given to us if he hasn't already. Then out of love for one another using those gifts to build each other up, so that we would be a stronger body fully nourished, full of the spirit and full of truth, worshipping our father in the way he desires to be worshipped. And being that city on the hill that cannot be hidden. Yahweh Tsedkinu, Yahweh our Righteousness, that bride of Messiah who is purified and made herself ready to be one spirit with the bridegroom. Where rejoicing and gladness can come: because the marriage of the Lamb comes, his wife has made herself ready. And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. You read about the Acts of the apostles, what are the acts that Yahweh is doing through you?
It's our righteous act to tell our fellow man that there is a more excellent way, it's our righteous act to care for the ones who are sick, who are lonely and in need of a visit to refresh their weary soul. It's our righteous act to love the unloved, to love those who don't love you.
Who wants to do this? Who wants to make this a part of their life? I hope it's you. O, Father Yahweh, I pray in the name of Yahushua HaMashiach, everyone within the sound of my
voice will hear this message, will walk it out:
not be hearers of the word and not doers, but here is a doer.
Get out of their easy chairs, off the American playground, into the spiritual battleground. And father I pray that you would give them that bold step of faith needed to begin ministry.
It's a lie we hear it from Catholicism that the priests are the ones that front in the pew when we sit back and get served. We are all called to serve Father, expose the lies that have been inherited from my fathers.
And cease from following the Catholic model and follow the model of Yahushua HaMashiach, and the way he and his disciples lived their lives.
Everyone ministering to one another, everyone serving one another, everyone busy about your business, open up the floodgates in Yahushua's name. And forgive us where we have failed you in these areas, and establish your kingdom on the earth: for truly yours is the kingdom and power and glory and majesty and all praise and honor and worship belongs to you, Yahweh Eloheinu, Yahweh our Mighty One, forever and ever in Yahushua's great name we pray, Amein.