LOOK WHO'S COMING, 1: THE PROMISE

2 Peter 3:3-4 – “³Know this first of all, that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts, ⁴and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation.”

            People sometimes wonder what a local church teaches.  The Assemblies of God embraces sixteen fundamental Biblical truths.  Yet, sixteen core values can be difficult to remember. How about remembering four?

            When people ask, “What does your church believe?” give them these four truths: People are to have a personal relationship with God through His Son Jesus. The Holy Spirit empowers believers to dynamically reveal Jesus to others. Supernatural healing is available because of the death and resurrection of Jesus. Believers are to live each day with expectation of Jesus’ second coming.

The second coming of the Lord is referred to as the “Blessed Hope.” Are your conversations indicating indifference to this special hope? Have you developed a “business as usual” mentality?  Rarely, if ever, do people use the phrase, “Should Jesus tarry…” when speaking about future plans.

A lot of emphasis is placed on the Christmas holiday.  The glorious truth of Scripture is the immense step from the Babe of Bethlehem to the triumphant Lord returning to earth for His own people. Whenever church bells ring the joys of Christmas, they should cause greater alertness for the final trumpet announcing His second coming.  The value of Christmas, other than helping the economy, is to remind everyone Jesus is coming again.

This end-time series is divided into three groups.  The first is in four parts entitled, “Look Who’s Coming.”  The second is in two parts entitled, “Notice the signs.”  The third is in five parts entitled, “Living with the promise.”

Through the ages people have mocked the idea of His coming.  When we think of mockers, we normally think of the unchurched.  What the unchurched say is of little value to those in Christ. The church is not of the world and should not expect beliefs to be viewed favorably.  The mockers of this world will one day become the mourners of His coming.  (Revelation 1:7)  Beliefs are based on the Bible, not the opinions of the unchurched.

Of greater concern are mockers in the church; people who mock His coming by the way they live.  Second Peter 3:3 defines a scoffer as one who follows their own evil desires.  A form of mockery about His coming is to pursue the excessive accumulation of possessions and live solely for worldly pleasure.

Life-changed believers demonstrate transformation by rendering service to God.  The property thought to be owned are more accurately resources that are managed and are for the Lord’s usage.  Some who attend church hoard the little they have and build higher fences to keep people out.  Believers distance and isolate themselves so nobody can lay claim to their treasures.

Jesus is coming for a ready church, a church more concerned about adorning herself for her Redeeming Groom, than with acquiring notoriety and fame.

Scriptures do not leave “Jesus is coming again!” as a question but as a statement.

Reasons to consider His second coming

            How you view all of Scripture is dependent upon this event. Over 300 references are made in the New Testament to His coming. One out of twenty-five verses make reference to His coming. Whole chapters are devoted to this event; Matthew 24-25, Mark 12, Luke 21, 1 Corinthians 15. Whole books deal with this promise; 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, Revelation. What you believe about the Second Coming will decide how you understand Scripture and will impact how you live for Jesus.

            Your beliefs about God will be influenced by when you think the rapture will occur. Believers use terms such as pre-tribulation (pre-trib) or mid-tribulation (mid-trib). Some speak of a pre-wrath rapture when discussing the “meeting in the air.”

            Your anticipation of eternity will be influenced by your thoughts about the millennial reign of Christ. His second coming is important to your understanding of all God’s word.

            The signs of His coming are intensifying. Although signs will be considered later, present-day events take on a whole new dimension when seen in the light of Scripture. The conflicts of the Middle East take on greater meaning when Scripture is studied. Though Hollywood and the Media loosely use the term “Armageddon,” a genuine worldwide conflict will take place on a piece of real estate located at the crossroads of the world.

            God wants prepared believers. Is the church ready for His coming? Hebrews 12:1 declares, “…let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”

            Is there anything still entangling you? Is there anything holding you down when being called up?

            Some believers desire to experience more of life. They want Jesus to come, just not yet. Women want a big wedding and marriage, or have a baby, then He can come. Men want to explore the world and hope He holds off His return for awhile. If not careful you can find yourself void of a “first love” relationship. His second coming should not be second place in your life.

Five Biblical reasons His second coming will happen

            The fact that Jesus came a first time testifies that He is coming a second time. There are 300 references in the Old Testament to His first appearance. His birth, life, ministry, trial, death and resurrection are revealed in the Old Testament. Every one of the prophecies was fulfilled.

            There is more stated about His second coming in the Old Testament than stated about His first coming. How He will appear, His rulership over Israel, His judgment upon the nations, and many details of the coming conditions of the earth under His leadership are recorded in the Old Testament. These prophecies will also be fulfilled, as were the prophecies of His first appearance.

            Jesus said He would come again. A follower of Jesus lives with the assurance that what Jesus said is true. To believe He is God and confess He is Lord yet deny His return is to call Him a liar.

            Jesus said, “For the Son of Man is going to come in His Father’s glory with His angels, and then He will reward each person according to what he has done.” (Matthew 16:27)

            Jesus said, “For I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’” (Matthew 23:39)

            Jesus said (after being asked if He was the Christ), “I am; and you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.” (Mark 14:62)

            Jesus said, “In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you.  I am going there to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” (John 14:2-3)

            Jesus will fulfill what he promised.

            The angels declare He will come again. The heavenly messengers sent from God, who surround His throne, who have a special audience with the Almighty, who minister to us, declare He is coming. “They were looking intently up into the sky as He was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them.  ‘Men of Galilee,’ they said, ‘why do you stand here looking into the sky?  This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.’” (Acts 1:10-11) All of heaven is waiting with expectancy for this event.

            The Apostles declared He is coming again. Those who were His eyewitnesses, who heard what He said, saw what He did, walked with Him along the shores of Galilee, and did signs and wonders in His name, believed without doubt that Jesus would come again. If an eyewitness testimony cannot be disputed in their lifetime, it stands as true.

            Paul declared, “According to the Lord’s own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep.  For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.”  (1 Thessalonians 4:15-16)

            The writer of Hebrews wrote, “So Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.” (Hebrews 9:28)

            James declared, “You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.” (James 5:8)

            Peter declared, “But in keeping with His promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and new earth, the home of righteousness.” (2 Peter 3:13)

            John quotes Daniel and Zechariah in Revelation and affirms, “Look, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him….” (Revelation 1:7)

            Jude writes, “See, the Lord is coming with thousands upon thousands of His holy ones to judge everyone….” (Jude 1:14-15)

            The Apostles proclaimed with assurance that Jesus will come again.

            The ordinances Jesus gave to the church inform us He is coming again. Participation in water baptism and communion is based on believing in His eminent return.

            Water baptism is a testimony of a future resurrection. You identify with His death and resurrection, declare new life has come in place of a dead nature, and give a physical statement of looking ahead to the day of your bodily resurrection.

            Communion is a testimony of His return. “For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.” (1 Corinthians 11:26)

            Jesus said, “I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father’s kingdom.” (Matthew 26:29) The best way to prepare for His coming is to never forget His continual presence, which is the purpose and design of communion.

            These ordinances keep before the church Jesus will return for His own.

The final victory over evil

            Some think the ultimate triumph over evil will come by human advancement, the gradual evolution of human potential. Given enough time mankind can make the perfect utopia. World War I gave the idea a major blow and World War II broke its spirit. Vietnam laid it in the grave and terrorism has shoveled the dirt of interment over it.

Will human progress stop people and nations from sinning? Will human progress and achievement ever wipe away all tears from our eyes or heal our broken hearts? To ask these questions is to answer them.

The final victory will not come through some natural progress of human development or through the religious forces that are operative in the world right now. The victory will not come by an improvement of the present order.  The high point of human history will be the sudden appearance, on the field of battle, the Captain of our salvation. He will come in glory, and it will be comparable to what John beheld: “Look, I see a great white horse. And there is a Rider on that horse whose name is Faithful and True, and there are many crowns upon his head.” (Revelation 19:11-16)

Jesus, who is the King of kings and Lord of lords, is coming for His people. Are you included?  Are you entangled with the cares of this world?  Is there something able to hold you down when the trumpet sound calls you up? Do not mock the promise of His coming by how you live.

THE GOD THAT SUPPLIES

Philippians 4:10-20 – “¹⁰I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. ¹¹I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. ¹²I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. ¹³I can do everything through him who gives me strength. ¹⁴Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. ¹⁵Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; ¹⁶for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need. ¹⁷Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. ¹⁸I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. ¹⁹And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. ²⁰To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

            Philippians is one of four books known as the “Prison Epistles” (Prison Letters), the other are Ephesians, Colossians and Philemon. They were written around the same time, when the Apostle Paul was imprisoned in Rome awaiting his “appeal to Caesar.” (Acts 25:11)

            The theme of Philippians is summed up in one word, “Rejoice!”  Philippians 4:4 reads, “⁴Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”

Followers of Jesus have everything to rejoice about. A believer’s lifestyle is designed for rejoicing.  Yet people wonder, “How can you rejoice when so many situations are sad?  How can you rejoice when life has become more stressful?  How can you rejoice when human misery is increasing?”

 Paul reveals the possibility of such a lifestyle is achieved by being content in every circumstance and faithfully serving in every situation. He concludes by declaring, “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”  (Philippians 4:13) 

Failing to have a lifestyle of rejoicing is not about “ability” but about “desire;” not about “I can’t” but “I won’t.”  Rejoicing is a matter of choice.

Just as rejoicing is a choice, another decision needs to be made. What am I going to do with finances? The answer impacts the ability to have a rejoicing lifestyle. A direct connection exists between joy and giving, between rejoicing and financial stewardship.

When going to a doctor for a check-up, they poke, prod and press various places, all the while asking, “Does this hurt?  How about this?”  If you cry out in pain, one of two things has happened.  Either the doctor pushed too hard, or, more likely, there’s something wrong. The doctor says, “We’d better do some tests; it’s not suppose to hurt there!” 

The same thing is true when talking about money, either too much pressure is applied or, more likely, something is wrong.  You may need to go to the Great Physician; it is not suppose to hurt when financial stewardship is given attention.

A friend asked in a Sunday gathering for everyone to write down a current struggle.  He compiled the responses and developed a list of ten top things people are wrestling with. In a weekly series he gave a Biblical response, starting from the last and going to the first. The tenth struggle was “discouragement,” the ninth was “worry.” In his unscientific survey the greatest strain was “finances.”

As it pertains to the provisions of life; “… my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19) Note the key elements to having a life in which God meets needs.

Needs being met is provisional.

            The believers in Philippi gained a “renewed” interest in Paul’s situation. Their concern for Paul was revived. This gave them an opportunity to help. Would they respond to his needs? Would they join his efforts? Since they were sensitive to God’s work and made an effort to meet the need, God would give special attention to their needs.

            Reviving speaks of a heart condition, not a financial situation. Failing to give is not about money but about attitude. You can always give something, great or small, according to what you have. Giving is a decision each individual must make.

            Luke 6:38 is a great promise: “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” This is not about “give” to “get.” Stewardship is not a heavenly get rich quick plan. Biblical giving is not the Believers way to earthly wealth. If you give out of what you have then an abundant reaping will follow. You cannot give what you do not have.

            A poor woman gave a small amount of money and, yet, gave more than others who had wealth. (Luke 21: 1-4) Jesus gave only a little attention to the amount and more attention to what was available. Are offerings measured by how much is given or by how much is left?  People generally measure by what is given. God may measure by the proportion of available funds.

            Offerings come from the resources entrusted to you by God. You can never be overly generous. No one can ever out-give Him.

            God watches over your interests. When giving as unto the Lord expect great dividends, one of which is a rejoicing heart. The Bible speaks of being a “cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7), which translates “giving like you are crazy.”Ask yourself, “Can friends, relatives, bankers and the IRS accuse me of being crazy by the way I give?”

            God’s attention to your needs corresponds to your treatment of His work. God provides funds for ministry through His people. When you become a joint-participate in the work of the Kingdom, God notices.

            Everyone should faithfully and regularly add to their heavenly depository. God will recompense far better than anyone. His resources are limitless and He does everything in a “glorious” way.

What is the intent of your giving?

            Are you giving to get or getting to give?

            What are you doing with His tithe, the first 10% of all income? Do you tip or tithe?

            Statistics show the average church attendee gives 2%. In other words, a token! It is like giving gratuity, without paying the bill.

            King David, the great worshiper, said, “I will not give to the Lord that which cost me nothing.” Is there something lacking in your worship experience? It could be connected to your giving habit.

            What is worship costing you? When was the last time you went without something, you sacrificed, to advance the Lord’s work?  Sacrificial giving is part of spiritual living.

            Most churches live below their giving potential. This harms both the individual believer and the faith community. His tithe is given out of obedience, as a testimony of Lordship. Offerings are given out of love, as a testimony of devotion.

            The tithe belongs to the Lord. This is the minimum that should be given. Offerings demonstrate an additional commitment to spreading His story.

            The tithe goes to the general work of the Kingdom (undesignated). What is given to a specific work of the Kingdom (designated) comes out of passion and burden. Glen Cole, one of my early mentors, used to say, “We need a revival of love that impacts our loot.”

            A benefit of faithfulness is blessing and provision. “⁷The LORD your God has blessed you in all the work of your hands. He has watched over your journey through this vast desert. These forty years the LORD your God has been with you, and you have not lacked anything.” (Deuteronomy 2:7)

How does God supply?

            God provides the best way. Given the situation, what is best for you and for everyone concerned?

            One thing is consistent:  God will not raise lazy children. “¹⁰For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: ‘If a man will not work, he shall not eat.’ ¹¹We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies. ¹²Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat.” (2 Thessalonians 3:10-12)

            God causes everything to work together for good. (Romans 8:28) If we do not attempt to prescribe a solution to God, if we do not try to box Him in, He meets needs in a variety of ways. In one or another or a combination of ways, God will supply.

            Three major avenues are regularly used when He helps people in their financial situation.

            Through opportunities! The way most financial problems are solved is by work. We feel best when we have earned money instead of received money. We have divinely-given skills that, among other reasons, take care of personal needs.

            Through people! The Lord sometimes places a need upon someone’s heart and they generously help you. This is a humbling experience. We are to graciously accept gifts as coming from the Lord. He blesses them as they act in obedience to His leading.

            Through the supernatural! The Lord is a God of miracles. He supernaturally meets needs. Scriptures reveal some divine healing occurred because the recipient could not afford medical treatment. God also miraculously prolongs the usefulness of equipment that should have given up the ghost a longtime ago. His hands are on possessions we dedicate to Him.

            When God supplies a need it will always be honest. Finding stolen money is not God’s provision. This is a test of character. Receiving too much change from a cashier is a test of character. Finding a billfold full of money in a parking lot is a test of character.

            In many small towns people commonly leave their car engine running while checking their mail in the Post Office. If someone needed a car and came upon a vehicle with its engine running, would this be God supplying the need? Of course not! The idea sounds foolish but, unfortunately, some think this way. His supply will always be honest and respectable in order that He might be glorified. All provisions will be able to bring glory to God.

            Philippians give a tremendous promise:  If responsive to the needs of His Kingdom, if believe it is more blessed to give then receive, if not trying to obligate God to do something in return, then there will be no deficiency of provisions.  God will supply through opportunity, through people and through the supernatural any need, according to His glorious riches.

THE EFFECTIVE PRAYER

James 5:16-18 – “The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.”

1 Peter 3:12 – “For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

            Prayer is a major component of Spirit living.  Praying addresses mountainous problems. It alters events, brings peace to anxious hearts and solutions to difficult troubles.

            What makes prayer successful?  The word “prayer” helps answer the question. Effective praying involves the expression of prayer.

Three New Testament words are translated “prayer.”

            The most common Greek word is “pro-seu-cha.” The idea being communicated is to “ask” or to “wish” and is used only when addressing God. The root meaning carries a strong element of respectability, as seen when someone addresses a president or king.

            In the presence of nobility a person knows all requests are subject to the desire of the ruler. While addressing the king of Persia, the wicked Haman stated, “If it is pleasing to the king.” (Esther 3:8-9) He was saying, “I hope my evil wish fits into the will of my leader.”

            A pro-seu-cha prayer addresses God with reverence to His will toward personal wishes. Asking is involved but the door is left open in case the request is not in tune with His desire.

            Another Greek word is “de-a-sis.” The term means to “want,” to “desire,” to “long for,” to “beg,” and to “urge.” It is predominately used when expressing needs.

            The Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 1:11 used the word when wanting the church to pray for him to be saved from his adversaries. They were to urge  God, on behalf of his urgent need.

            The word is used in 2 Corinthians 9:14 when telling them others were praying on their behalf. The church was in the midst of a struggle. Others were begging God to intervene.

            The term carries a sense of “desperation” and “persistence.” The gospels writer Luke addresses the importance of determination.

            Luke 11: 5:10 records, “Suppose one of you has a friend, and he goes to him at midnight and says, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, because a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have nothing to set before him.’ “Then the one inside answers, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is already locked, and my children are with me in bed. I can’t get up and give you anything.’ I tell you, though he will not get up and give him the bread because he is his friend, yet because of the man’s boldness he will get up and give him as much as he needs. “So I say to you: [Continually] Ask and it will be given to you; [continually] seek and you will find; [continually] knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.”

            Luke 18:1-8 records, “Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. He said: “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared about men. And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’  “For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care about men, ⁵yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually wear me out with her coming!’” And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”

            Praying for someone’s salvation is a de-a-sis prayer – an urgent need, prompting persistence.

            Praying for a fresh move of God is a de-a-sis prayer – begging God to clearly reveal His presence and intervention.

            A de-a-sis prayer conveys earnestness. The prayer is not satisfied with a single request. The heart repeatedly cries out, “Lord, You must answer. You are our only hope.”

            The Bible sometimes uses the words “entreating” and “petitioning” for this term. Ephesians 6:18 uses both pro-seu-cha and de-a-sis – “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.”

            The least used Greek word in the New Testament is “en-teuk-sis.” It means to address God “with childlike confidence,” to have “conversation” with Him. The word suggests a meeting of minds; to reason together when seeking God’s counsel, comfort and consolation.

            This form of communication is the “why” prayers. God does not condemn honest questioning.

            A child is full of questions. Some appear unimportant to an adult. Parents may get tired of endless questions but do not condemn a questioning child. As God’s children, he does not condemn either. We come with confidence to Him and hold a conversation. No question is insignificant. We want to understand what is happening or want clarification on His instructions and direction.

            Abraham and Isaac went to a special mountain to worship the Lord. Isaac understood the normal practices of worship and noticed they were not bringing all the necessary provisions. The activity did not make sense to him. Isaac asked his father, “Where is the sacrifice for the offering?” Abraham did not condemn the question by saying, “None of your business! Be quiet! Just do as you are told!” Recognizing the deviation, he replied, “God will provide.”

            Questioning God is not about doubting His ability but acknowledging confusion over the situation. Things are not happening as they normally do. In these moments God hears His children say, “I do not quite understand, Lord.”

            An en-teuk-sis prayer has the closest meaning to “intercession,” being a “go between,” to “meditate.” The practice has a childlike quality.

            All three terms are used is 1 Timothy 2:1: “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone.”

            Pleading for God’s intervention, as Moses did on behalf of rebellious Israel.

            Asking in accordance to His will, as Hannah did for a son.

            Interceding or reasoning together, as Abraham did over Sodom’s fate.

            All these kinds of prayers are to be done with thanksgiving.

            James 5 uses two of these words. In verses 13 through 18, when addressing the subject of healing and suffering, “pro-sue-cha” is predominately used; meaning, asking in accordance to His will and in reverence to God’s desire. In verse 16, however, “de-a-sis” is used; meaning pleading with perseverance and determination.

            An incident from Elijah’s life is referenced. Rain had not occurred for years. After confronting a group of idol-priests he positioned himself in a birthing position and travailed for rain. Elijah demonstrated that pleading earnestly births results.

            The severity of the need is seen by the desperation of the pray-er. The James text can be amplified to read, “The effective, desperate begging to God of a righteous person can accomplish much.”

            Are you praying over needs with a sense of desperation? Are you praying like this for the church? Are you desperately petitioning God to produce life-changing results through you?

Another important term in James is the word “effective.”

            The Greek word means “strong, mighty or powerful.” The term carries the idea of overcoming strength. It suggest being sure of God’s power and of the need’s severity.

            The term involves an element of insight. You know your personal standing with God, the critical nature of the need and the urgency for an answer. When sure God is able, when sure God is concerned, when sure the issue lines up with His word, when sure the need must be met, when sure the request is made from a pure heart (without selfishness), THEN there is a freedom to pray forcibly and mightily, with confidence that the need will be met. Effective praying is confident praying.

The person praying is also important for results.

            The “effective prayer” is offered by the “righteous.” The root meaning is “a person who upholds the divine and human law.” The prayer is offered by someone imputed with the righteousness of the Lord Jesus. The person praying is revealing a life consistent with Jesus’ life and teaching. This promise is to every sincere believer.

            Effective praying cannot be done with selfishness or sinfulness. Carnal junk acts like “noise,” drowning out the sound of the earnest plea. Loose living leads toward ineffective communication with God. 1 Peter 3:12 adds weight to what James declares: “For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer….” Praying effectively comes from living right.

            The passage in James concludes with the promise, “can accomplish much” and is “powerful.” The prayer will be successful and perform results.

            James 5:16 can be amplified to read, “The strong, mighty, powerful pleading to God over personal needs or the needs of others, from people who live obediently, will result in success due to the earnest, desperate act of confident praying.”

            The act of praying is as important as the content of prayer. Never grow weary in prayer. Value a conversation with God. Praying means a great deal to Him. Earnestly praying adds weight to the request. Taking time to pray demonstrates the seriousness of your burden.

            Linger in His presence when praying. Listen as well as talk. Wear out the knees of your pants. Most pants wear out in the seat; they will be of greater service if first worn out at the knees.

            Effectual prayer involves a strong sense of urgency over the need, strong character by the person making the request and strong pleading for the answer. 

            If you are desperate you will not stop until the problem is solved. How desperate are you?

TALE OF TWO SAMS

THE TALE OF TWO SAMS

     Isaiah 61:1 – “The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.”

     1 Samuel 16:13 – “So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the LORD came upon David in power. Samuel then went to Ramah.”

     Psalms 133:1-2 – “¹How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! ²It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down upon the collar of his robes.

            God has gifted those who follow Jesus for ministry and great rewards are connected to doing His work.  Leading others to a meaningful relationship with the Lord is Biblically fulfilling. Helping someone develop greater faith is spiritually satisfying.  Readying converts for the coming of the Lord is personally enriching.  Life becomes greatly blessed by blessing others.  What makes this possible is God’s anointing.

            Many thoughts are associated with the term.  Through the Baptism in the Holy Spirit the church has an increased anointing to effectively and supernaturally communicate His story to the world.  There is a direct correlation between the gift of the Holy Spirit and anointing. The Lord desires everyone to be filled with the Spirit.

            Another focus is the sweet anointing that accompanies those who live in unity. When people are of one mind, one heart and one accord, the harmony produces a sweet spiritual fragrance of divine presence.

            Believers want anointed church gatherings.  Deeply moving events or activities are referred to as “anointed by the Holy Spirit.”  The word is synonymous with something or someone having a special touch of God.

            When someone becomes an ordained minister, they are examined to discover if God’s anointing is upon them.  The Ordination Certificate in the Assemblies of God reads, “…having proved the Divine gift and calling of God.”

            An element of caution is necessary. Anointing is not the sole criteria for ministry. Anointing speaks of divine attestation and supernatural ability.  Anointing communicates consecration and blessing.  Ministry also includes moral fiber and practical skill. Ministry comes out of integrity and needs to be done competently.

In the 1980’s the American church went through a season of scandal and public ridicule. Immoral actions were exposed, done by prominent people known for anointed ministry. One person refused help from their peers with the defense, “My ministry should not be hindered by man since it is still anointed by God.” The offense became intensified by failing to embrace the accountability factor.

The concept of anointing has also led to abuse.  Wise credentialed ministers know their thoughts, motives and actions are not indisputable simply because “the Spirit of the Lord is upon me.”  Human nature is very much involved in ministry.  Those who disagree with a pastor sometimes get warned to not oppose the Lord’s anointed.  The Biblical reference to “touch not the Lord’s anointed,” means to not wish ill, to intentionally harm or to seek their life. 

Unfortunately people, professing Christ, have been vindictive towards prominent people who have made mistakes. They have wished ill-will and have personally found delight in public humiliation. They are as equally wrong as the offender.

Two Sams, recorded in Scripture, reveal some truths about anointing and the responsibilities associated with it.  The two were similar, yet different.  In their differences the heart of ministry is discovered.  Their full names are Samson (Judges 13-16) and Samuel (1 Samuel 1-8).

The similarity of Samson and Samuel was God’s unmerited favor.

            Both were born of barren women. Samson was born to a women married to Manoah. Samuel was born to Hannah. Neither were mothers; both desired a child.

            Both births were an outgrowth of consecrated parents. When an angel pronounced his birth, Samson’s parents provided sacrifices to the Lord. Samuel’s mother, while weeping, also provided sacrifices to God.

            Both children were under a divine vow. The parents of Samson agreed to the Nazarite vow. The mother of Samuel promised to dedicate him to the Lord’s service. Like Samson, Samuel never cut his hair.

            Both were anointed by God’s Spirit. Scripture records: “…the LORD blessed him [Samson], and the Spirit of the LORD began to stir him….” (Judges 13:24-25) Scripture also records: “The LORD was with Samuel as he grew up, and He let none of his words fall….” (1 Samuel 3:19)

            Both were Judges of Israel. Samson was the 14^th Judge mentioned in the Bible. Samuel was the last Judge, just before King Saul.

            Both had a divine calling. Their circumstances were identical. Their environment was the same and the anointing was evident. They were called by God to save Israel from the exact same enemy.

The difference of Samson and Samuel was the heart.

            Samuel walked in the Spirit. He was submissive to his parent’s vow.

            Samson walked in his own way. He treated his parent’s vow with contempt.

            Samuel had a keen ear to the voice of God. The Lord called and Samuel responded by faith.

            Samson chose his own doings and expected God to perform. “I want, Lord; do it!”

            Samuel was self-giving. He was continually seeking the well-being of others. His concern was for God’s people. He was motivated to bring a solution to the nation’s oppression.

            Samson was self-serving. He sought personal benefit from his situations. Battles against the enemy were personal. His actions demonstrated the desire, “I will win this one for me.” Events were prefaced with “I want this” and “get me that.”

            Samuel was financially clean. He demonstrated good stewardship. Unlike the sons of Eli, he did not pilfer the sacrifices.

            Samson was greedy. He gambled in hopes of financial gain. Seeking opportunity from God’s enemies, he made a wager, “Let me share a riddle….”

            Samuel was ethical. His record is a testimony of fidelity.

            Samson was immoral. His record is of promiscuity.

            Samuel was a Scripture-keeper. He heeded the requirements of God’s word and was faithful to the end.

            Samson was a Promise-breaker. He violated the three conditions of the Nazarite (Drank fermented drink; ate from something unclean; had his hair cut) and was morally bankrupt in the end.

            Samuel was a team player. Others were involved when he went to battle.

            Samson was a loner. He preferred to go by himself when he went to battle; others would simply be in the way. He did not want help or appreciate counsel.

            Samuel sought the Lord at all times; Samson sought the Lord in crisis times. God used Samuel while Samson used God. If the Lord is only sought during crisis, He is being used, not loved.

The people experienced similar results but not the two Sams.

            Israel gained deliverance through both men’s anointing. Samson and Samuel defeated the enemy. Both brought victory.

            Although Israel gained freedom from oppression, the Sams did not reap the same results. The cost to Samson was dignity, honor and life. The book of Hebrews recognizes his faith but his life ended in disgrace. The reward to Samuel is the recognition of being the greatest Judge of all.

            The anointing upon Samson was the very instrument that destroyed him. When used carelessly the touch of God is harmful.  The difference between Samson and Samuel was the desires of their heart.

            The measurement of ministry goes beyond divine anointing.  While rendering service to the Lord a question must be answered: “Is God using me or am I using God?”

            Ask yourself tough questions: “Is the ministry being done more like Samson or Samuel?  Am I walking in my own way – self-centered, stubborn and greedy?  Or, do I love God wholly, know Him intimately and serve Him solely? Am I a Scripture-keeper or a Promise-breaker?”

            If motives are wrong and desires are not right, God’s anointing may bless the people but ruin the divinely-inspired servant.  Ministry should be humbly done as a Samuel and not associated with the shortcomings of Samson.