Faithful on Fridays Blog

Leadership

As we look back into the Old Testament we find the number seven clearly used by God as a template for leadership. He instructed Moses to appoint 70 elders filled with wisdom and understanding which is undoubtedly why the New Testament Sanhedrin (the religious Supreme Court) was also made up of 70 elders. Jesus stayed true to form and sent 70 of His followers to every place He was about to visit with His authority (Luke 10). These examples show us the value of anointed, consecrated, and the holy leadership for Christ-followers today. 

God instructed Moses to anoint the Tabernacle, the place of His Presence, with oil seven times; we call that ‘anointing’. He then moved to Aaron, the first High Priest, his sons who were priests, and their garments receiving the anointing for seven days (Lev. 8:10-13). This number wasn’t random, it set the stage for the end times when God used seven angels or messengers to the seven lampstands or churches with His anointing for leadership. These weren’t literal angels or lamps, angel means ‘messengers’ as well (Luke 9:52) who bring the message of God’s Word to His Churches who shine for Him for all time. 

John’s vision included seven lampstands (or churches) and seven stars (messengers) in Rev. 1. These seven churches were in real time, but also were foreshadows of the commendation and correction Jesus has for churches today (Rev. 2-3). All churches need godly leadership, messengers of the gospel bringing light to a dark world: seven stars that burn for Him. The spiritual leadership of the church is necessary to bring comfort, encouragement, and even warning to believers for all time.

As the great counterfeiter, Satan also has a hierarchy of leadership that John envisioned as seven heads with seven crowns (Rev. 12:3, 13:1). It’s fascinating since ‘heads’ are the top guys with authority, like heads of state, and ‘crowns’ picture a visual of that position. 

But I am not surprised! Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no wonder that his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. In the end they will get the punishment their wicked deeds deserve. 2 Corinthians 11:14-15 

Thankfully, we know that believers wear an ‘imperishable crown’ (1 Cor. 9:24-27), a ‘crown of rejoicing’ (1 Thes. 2:19-20), a ‘crown of righteousness’ (2 Tim. 4:8), and the ‘crown of life’ (James 1:12; Rev. 2:10). 

The position and authority (lampstands and stars) in Revelation is either God-given or Satan-driven and our church leadership, the seven stars, must be anointed with the Spirit, walk in holiness, and be dedicated to their calling. John the Baptizer was a ‘messenger’ of God, the same word as angel (Luke. 7:24, 27) who exemplified a holy life. Like the first seven deacons (Acts 6:3) church leadership brings the Light of the World (Jesus) to those in darkness while serving the Body with anointing and wisdom.

Body of Christ: Scene Ten

As we bring this drama to a conclusion let’s remember why God chose a community of people to represent Him: He promised His Son a Bride. She would be holy and blameless, without spot or wrinkle, and recreated in His image. The Body of Christ, the Church, is empowered by God, the Holy Spirit to accomplish all He has destined us to be and to do; we’re not in this alone.

We learned that a healthy body grows as it’s equipped and built up by the Spirit and each other; we’re interdependent, joined, and in harmony as we work side-by-side in ministry using our unique gifts. That’s God’s way.

The last aspect of the Body of Christ is that we are expected, like a human body, to mature. 

Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good. 1 Peter 2:2-3 

Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of His body, the church. He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love. Ephesians 4:15-16

What does spiritual maturity look like? How do we know, practically, that we’re growing in Christ-likeness? Ephesians 4 gives us many attributes of Christ that we can imitate and grow more comfortable in as we honor Him with our life. 

Forgiveness, compassion, truthfulness, generosity, encouragement, kindness, thankfulness, this is a good place to begin, but maturity means that we show more and more of these characteristics as we work together.

This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. Ephesians 4:13

After Jesus taught His last parable (Matt. 25:14) where He stressed using our gifts to minister to others He launched into a teaching of His Return and our receiving of the predestined inheritance: the Kingdom of God in its fullness. 

And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these My brothers, you did it to Me.’ Matthew 25:40 

Living in the Kingdom of God, our new culture, expresses a life of victory as we overcome, in His strength and power, the enemy of our souls. We recognize the enemy faster, we’re not ignorant of his devices, and we know what to do because we know who we are: the triumphant Church. 

As this drama comes to completion, scene after scene, Jesus will return for His Bride who looks and acts just like Him. As we follow His charge we can be assured of His response, “Well done.”

The Holy Spirit

John addressed this prophetic letter to the seven churches, but it was from our triune God (Rev. 1:4-5): Father, Son, and specifically the Spirit. John writes the ‘seven spirits’ before the throne, our first seven to investigate. As we back into the future we find the prophet Isaiah (11:2, 61:1-2) listing many characteristics and empowerments of the Spirit that point to His fullness. The Holy Spirit is fully God and seven indicates His divine Presence in the Throne Room with the Father and the Son (3:1, 4:5). We don’t look literally at the number seven, that’s the lower story, but we focus on the upper story, the spiritual reality of the comprehensive perfection of the Spirit. He has all we need in these latter days: He’s the full supply, the seven, of God.

Looking back into the Old Testament notice the only light in the Tabernacle or Temple was a golden lampstand with seven branches; the number seven also means the illumination exuding from His divine Presence. Later, the prophet Daniel fasted for three sets of seven (three weeks) and had a supernatural vision of the Messiah (10:5-9) similar to the picture of Jesus John received (Rev. 1:12-16). Additionally, Zechariah’s visions revealed an image of Messiah as a ‘single stone’ with seven eyes (3:8-9) and a lampstand with seven branches and wicks. The angel interpreted the vision for us,

… “These seven are the eyes of the LORD, which range through the whole earth.” Zechariah 4:10b

These visions give us revelation of God, His complete vision and sufficiency for what we need at all times that’s not by human might or power, but by the Spirit (vs. Zech. 4:6).

This letter was written to encourage the Church for all time with revelation of Himself (seven spirits) to carry us through any time of tribulation. The Holy Spirit is also seen as seven burning torches of fire (Rev. 4:5) which, again, is His illumination and passion, but also His full strength (horns) for us,

And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. Revelation 5:6 

That’s a lot of sevens, I know, but stay with me.  

In summary, the number seven in Revelation is the Presence of God, the Spirit, giving divine illumination of His fullness, preparing us to patiently endure the latter days in faith and confidence in His ample supply of all we need. The Church for all time and anywhere on the globe is encouraged that the Holy Spirit sees our circumstances, guides us with His light on our journey, and fills us with Himself,

And the church is His body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with Himself. Ephesians 1:23 

The Body of Christ: Scene Nine

When your body is sick it’s important to look not only at your symptoms, but also at the underlying cause. Symptoms are indicators that help us to determine what’s wrong or to get some medical help; it’s the same with the Body of Christ. Since we re-present Jesus to the world, using the body metaphor, when His body is sick there are symptoms.

An obvious symptom that gets our attention is lack of energy. Our body needs energy that produced by the food we eat as it’s changed or reformed into strength for an active life. It’s the same with the Body of Christ, His Church. Do you sense a divine energy at your church which translates into an active lifestyle of loving and helping each other? Are people active in the opportunities available to them or do they sit on the sidelines? Do you sense that the members of your Body are so exhausted with their natural life that they have no energy left for their spiritual life? Is the Body healthy?

… and what is the immeasurable greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His great might that He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places … Ephesians 1:19-20 

His power is actively working in us because He is in us; His resurrection power is the divine energy we need for ministry. If we’re a tired, worn-out church with few people working in ministry then it’s time for God’s energy to be infused back into us: we call that revival. 

Maybe it’s time for devoted prayer for revival and a fresh move of the Spirit into our tired church; the Holy Spirit’s supply of energy is what we need to be a healthy body.

Does He who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith—” Galatians 3:5 

… from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. Ephesians 4:16 

Is your church working properly (the Greek word for energy)? Do you sense passion and the gifts of the Spirit working together like a human body while faith and love are evidenced? Is there a deep appreciation for God’s grace shown to you that you can’t help but seek out ways to minister?

Paul wasn’t talking about growing in numbers, having a bigger church, he was encouraging us to grow in maturity of faith and give evidence by action.

For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. Philippians 2:13

Both of those words above, working and power, are God’s divine energy empowering you for ministry. The question remains, “Is your church strong and healthy?”

Introduction

This book is actually a prophecy written by the Apostle John on the isle of Patmos, a place of isolation for criminals and political prisoners. It was about 60 years after Jesus ascended into heaven, sent His Spirit, and now His Church was birthed and growing. God never stops communicating with His Church, but now its unique from Jesus’ preaching and teaching; these visions are His words to the Church for all ages.

Revelation is brimming over with symbolism helping us understand the end times; the number seven is one of those mysterious, repeated ways holding great value to our understanding. Our brains are wired for detecting patterns, therefore, our goal is to find the patterns of seven to guide us in interpreting what God is saying to His Church in these latter days. As we look at passages with repeating patterns of seven we’ll find some repeating truths alongside them.

Those truths are for every believer, for all time, and reveal God’s character to help us know Him. It’s vital for the Spirit to show us spiritual truths (upper stories) from physical images (lower stories). Jesus said,

“If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things?” John 3:12 

And Paul echoes,

And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual. 1 Corinthians 2:13 

Hebrew thinking moves into the future by always looking back: they literally ‘back themselves into the future’. In the same way we look back into the Old Testament, the gospels, and other letters in the New Testament in order to gain more understanding of the vision of Revelation and its purpose. Since visions are upper stories, spiritual in nature, we’ll dig out some truths that point us in the right direction for this mysterious way of communicating with us. It’s said that the Old Testament conceals and the New Testament reveals; that’s clearly true in Revelation as we’ll see the number seven weaved throughout Scripture. Each case must be decided on its own, in light of its context, to take us deeper into spiritual truths. Mystical meanings are obscure and vague, not dependable for revelation in the Scriptures (that’s numerology or gematria), the only way upper story meaning can be confirmed is through other Scriptures confirming and pointing us to the same truth. 

That being said, Biblical Numerology is the direction I’m headed with numbers representing Biblical truths that are repeated and remain in the flow of meaning always helping us understand the last days portrayed in Revelation. 

The New Testament Church knew they were living in the last days, as we are, consequently, the encouragement of Revelation remains valid for us today. Jesus warned that times of tribulation and trouble were coming and He gave us a heads-up with the prophetic vision of these ‘last days’ (Matt. 24). Next week: The Holy Spirit as a seven.

The Body of Christ: Scene Eight

When God came to earth in bodily form it’s called the incarnation. That means that Jesus left His divine form in heaven and took on the form of man: He received a body. When He left earth returning to heaven that incarnation remains, only this time it’s Christ ‘in us’ or the upper story. We are His Body, His spiritual incarnation. With that in mind it makes perfect sense that we are the hands and feet of Jesus.

Paul emphasized that we should understand the spiritual gifts and use them to help people see Jesus through our actions. Whenever we minister to people in His name it’s as if He’s ministering to them. Undoubtedly that’s why Paul called prophecy the highest gift. Simply put, we become God’s speaker to people who need words of encouragement, comfort, building up, or teaching.

My intention is not to explain every gift listed in scripture, but to encourage you to find that sweet spot in your church and use the grace-gifts He’s given you. He chose them specially for you and He desires to minister to others through you. 

You may find people drawn to your gifts of wisdom and knowledge (1 Cor. 12) in specific situations as the Spirit leads them to you. When the gift of faith operates it encourages others to trust God in the face of impossible circumstances or maybe you have the gift of giving generously (Rom. 12); that’s Jesus supplying those needs through you. You, as part of His Church, are His incarnation: His body.

When the Body of Christ experiences revival, refreshment, and renewal the outcome is always people desiring to serve God in more effective ways; that’s where the gifts of the Spirit enter. Learning about them, examining yourself and motives, and checking out the ministries you’re drawn to all lead you to discover in greater depth who you are in Christ. 

Check out the opportunities in your church and try some new ones; the Spirit often gives several gifts over time and they can change as He sees fit. Maybe the area of ministry isn’t offered at your church; could it be that the Spirit is nudging you to explore that area and be part of a team that meets that need outside the church? Talk to some people and get their perspective on how they see your individual gifts, what they observe that stirs up passion in your heart, and then brainstorm.

This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:6-7 

The body of Christ cannot reach it’s fulfillment until each part recognizes and operates in their gifts and the Spirit’s empowerment.

And the church is His body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with Himself. Ephesians 1:23 

Part Twelve

As this big picture of Isaiah’s prophecies closes God reminds us of the beginning and repeats some promises. Yes, there’s punishment for their sin, but there’s forgiveness for those who repent (ch. 1). That’s always the key with God. In chapter 2 Isaiah looked into that prophetic telescope and saw a glimpse of the ‘latter days’ when nations will be coming to Jerusalem where He’ll appear in majestic splendor to judge the nations. There’s one day (2:12), that day (2:11 and 20) when Jesus returns. Picking it up in chapter 65:17-25 that specific day ushers in a new heaven, new earth, and new Jerusalem for believers in Jesus Christ. There will be no memory of past hurts, but only joy and gladness as God’s people, both Jew and Gentile, new creations, enter into His presence for eternity (ch. 4).

The picture that’s painted for us in chapter 66 is Jesus sitting on the throne beside His Father with earth below where His people temporarily reside. His Spirit dwells in the hearts of those who are humble enough to repent, however, not so for unbelievers (vs. 3-5). Reading Revelation gives you a solemn warning for the pride and rebellion of those who refuse Him, but this chapter in Isaiah tells us there’s a new sound coming for us. It’ll come fast, signaling His return and Judgment Day (vs. 6-14). That supernatural sound is like a trumpet blast (Jer. 10:13), a war cry (Josh. 6:10), and Victory Day.

Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever.”

Revelation 11:15 

Isaiah’s last words help us imagine the Day of the Lord when He returns on chariots with fiery passion for His Church and fiery judgment for the rebellious. However, there’s a sign, an end-time harvest coming as well (vs. 18-20), a global harvest of souls, world evangelism reaching the nations before the final gathering.

And another angel came out of the temple, calling with a loud voice to Him who sat on the cloud, “Put in your sickle, and reap, for the hour to reap has come, for the harvest of the earth is fully ripe.” Revelation 14:15 

These promises are for you, dear reader, and for your families (vs. 22) so don’t give up hope if they’re not all saved yet … keep praying! Let the gospel be heard without words, the way you handle yourself, but also with words and deeds that are evidence of your faith. They’ll see it and hear it and God will move in their hearts. 

And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are You to take the scroll and to open its seals, for You were slain, and by Your blood You ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, Revelation 5:9. 

Body of Christ: Scene Seven

What’s the most enjoyable part of Christmas? Yes, that Jesus was born, but truthfully, what’s the most fun? Gifts!!! God gave us the first gift of His Son and now we, in turn,  give gifts to our loved ones as well. However, Jesus also gave gifts:

But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Therefore it says, “When He ascended on high He led a host of captives, and He gave gifts to men.” Ephesians 4:7-8 

That quote (Ps. 68:18) prophesied the Messiah giving out gifts to His people; and so He did. They’re not lower story gifts as we give, but they’re tremendously more valuable to the Body of Christ. The spiritual gifts, the upper story, are Jesus’ way of demonstrating love to His Church in His absence. We are the hands and feet of His Body, therefore, when we move with power and purpose people experience His love through us. 

Interestingly, there are many ‘spiritual’ references in the New Testament: spiritual gifts, spiritual things, spiritual thoughts and words, spiritual people, spiritual food and drink, spiritual blessings, songs, forces, wisdom, house, sacrifices, and a spiritual body. Think the Spirit is making a point? All of these references are filled and empowered by the Holy Spirit so that He can express Himself through us: through you.

The spiritual gifts are the charismata, grace-gifts from Jesus to demonstrate His love within the Church. When you become a believer you receive His gifts and desire to express His love to everyone: It should be your passion.

God has given each of you a gift from His great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.

1 Peter 4:10 

It’s fascinating to explore the gifts of the Spirit and how they operate within the Body, however, let’s continue with the big picture. Scripture tells us that the Spirit gives a variety of gifts:

Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. In His grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. Romans 12:4-6a NLT

We are all unique parts of Christ’s body with specific purposes and when we work together, as a human body does, there is a natural movement. The Head sends the signal that there’s a need and we move to meet that need: That’s a healthy body.

But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where He wants it. How strange a body would be if it had only one part! Yes, there are many parts, but only one body. 1 Corinthians 12:18-20 NLT

If we desire to express the love of Jesus Christ in our personal lives and churches then the spiritual gifts become our job description, therefore, we should become familiar with them. More next week.

Part Eleven

As the New Testament progressed from Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection, in like manner, so does the book of Isaiah as we arrive at the closing chapters: 63, 64, and half of 65. This prophet is privileged to envision the crucified Christ, dressed in garments of red shades, returning for Judgment Day. Isaiah questions who this is and Jesus responds, “It is I, speaking in righteousness, mighty to save.”  Isaiah asks why He’s dressed in red, like wine stains, and Jesus took this opportunity to explain, using the prophetic telescope, that those stains are actually the blood of those who refused His salvation.

He wore a robe dipped in blood, and His title was the Word of God. The armies of heaven, dressed in the finest of pure white linen, followed Him on white horses. From His mouth came a sharp sword to strike down the nations. He will rule them with an iron rod. He will release the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty, like juice flowing from a winepress. Revelation 19:13-15 

Isaiah’s emotions over this revelation drove him into prayer for God’s people, who had also rejected Him, grieving the Spirit. He’s their Father (vs. 16), their Redeemer, and his prayer asks God to look down from heaven and see, even rip open the heavens and come down (Ch. 64). Yes, sin has hidden Your face, but God, remember You’re our Father, the divine Potter, and we are Your clay to mold back into your image (vs. 7-8). 

In chapter 65 God responds to Isaiah’s fervent plea for his people with a reminder that He’s always ready, for Jew or Gentile: “Here I am, here I am.” You may fit into the category of ‘those who didn’t ask or seek God’ (vs. 1) like the parable of the treasure found in the field that a man stumbled upon … he wasn’t looking and yet he found God. That’s grace. 

God looks back to His sin-stained people that were led into Babylonian captivity, however, He promised a new type of wine coming,

“A host always serves the best wine first,” he said. “Then, when everyone has had a lot to drink, he brings out the less expensive wine. But You have kept the best until now!” John 2:10

The warning is there, don’t forsake the Lord, don’t trust in prosperity, answer God when He calls, listen, and serve Him (vs. 11-12). Then (vs. 13-16) you’ll never be hungry, thirsty, shamed, in pain, receive a new name (repeating Is. 56:5 and 62:2), and all your former troubles are forgotten and hidden from God’s eyes. That’s our future as Christ followers,

And I will give to each one a white stone, and on the stone will be engraved a new name that no one understands except the one who receives it.” Revelation 2:17c

Next week we close this book with more end times prophecies of new things that you won’t want to miss!

The Body of Christ: Scene Six

Last week I discussed synergy and symphony in the Body of Christ. When ministry teams are joined together with a mutual goal and work jointly there’s a symphonic sound. Let’s now move on to another great concept: symbiosis.

… from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. Ephesians 4:16

Not only are we joined by mutual interests but we are held together in symbiosis. Paul meant that ministry is interdependent; no one is independent in a healthy church. We need interdependence because we learn and grow from each other and as each ministry values one another’s gifts it becomes symbiotic: its held together and works properly. Whether it’s Men’s, Women’s, or Children’s Ministry we need to depend on each other in order for the Body to grow healthy.

Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:4

Small groups or ministry teams mutually benefit each other as we listen and share; Paul knew we’re better together:

… being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ,

… and not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God. Colossians 2:2, 19

I think its pretty clear why spiritual gifts were so important to Paul as he taught the church how to be a healthy body,

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 1 Corinthians 12:4-7

If the Spirit of Christ gives out gifts, service, and activities with empowerment to create a symphony (common good) then as a believer you need to receive His gifts and use them for His glory.

For the body does not consist of one member but of many … But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as He chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body … Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.

1 Corinthians 12:14, 18-20, 27

Let’s take the time to evaluate the ministries we’re involved with; do we depend on each other, is each member’s perspective recognized, are we praying for each other and for other teams, are our goals being reached as we work in synergy and symbiosis creating a symphony, but most importantly, are we growing in our understanding of Christ Jesus and His Body?