The Missing Weapons of Our Warfare*

Recent events have created a discussion about weaponry: nuclear weapons that are being developed by nations, and other weapons needed to fight or defend current wars such as in the Ukraine, but there are also spiritual weapons that are necessary here and now for use by believers in the spiritual warfare that is all around us. We are not using the right weapons in our spiritual warfare, and we are therefore not being effective. As Jesus described the condition of the kingdom of God that would be found before His return, He commented that only half of those who were supposed to attend the wedding of the Bridegroom were prepared, having oil for their lamps. He called this half, "wise", and the unprepared, He called "foolish". All of them, however, were found to be asleep when the moment of the Bridegroom's arrival came (Mt. 25:1-5). In our warfare, we are often reacting to situations that have already occurred, like trying to close the barn door after the horses have already gotten loose. Paul also saw the problem of spiritual slumber in the Church writing: "And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light..." (Rom. 13:11-12). We are now even closer to the moment of Christ's return than Paul was at the time he wrote this. We need to make a change. Paul refers to Isaiah in telling the Church: "...Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is." (Eph. 5:14-17). Again there is a call to the Church to wake up, even from being dead. Paul also described the weapons of warfare that we may be neglecting: "Speaking to yourselves in songs and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord. Giving thanks always for all things unto God..." (v. 19-20). Praise is a powerful weapon in the hands of the believer. Scripture says that God is enthroned, or inhabits, the praises of His people. (Ps. 22:3). How often, rather than giving thanks to God in the middle of trying circumstances, we begin complaining instead? God has given us promises that make provision for us through every trial, and we should be remembering those promises before God with thanks. The Israelites continually murmured and complained in the wilderness despite the miraculous provision and deliverance of God. We have those great promises combined with thanksgiving to Him as part of the weapons of our warfare, but are we using them? Paul told us to be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might, but often, we rely upon our own strength and understanding instead. Paul wrote that each believer has access to powerful spiritual armor, but we must put it on. This armor is the only thing that can keep us standing in the evil day, such as exists today. It is necessary to put on this spiritual armor because our enemies are not flesh and blood, but they are principalities, powers, rulers of the darkness of this world, and spiritual wickedness in high places (Eph. 6:10-13). This armor consists of having our loins girded about with truth, against this age of lies and even the father of lies, the devil; having on the breastplate of righteousness at a time when all, especially those in political, religious and business leadership, have been found unrighteous; having our feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace when peace in this world is so rare; taking up the shield of faith which quenches the fiery darts of the enemy, especially when faith and the name of Jesus are mocked as they are now; the helmet of salvation, the hope and assurance of which sustains us through every threat and trouble; and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, which is the truth that never fails us (v. 14-17). Putting on this armor, Paul wrote that we are to be praying always in the Spirit, and watching - not sleeping and unprepared (v. 18). Paul again refers to the armor of God in the warfare of the believer, whom he says are "the children of light" (1 Thess. 5:5-8). He again wrote "...let us not sleep as do others; but let us watch and be sober." All of these things are given to us by God because "He hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ..." (v. 9). Paul wrote, "Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good." (v. 16-21). He said that we were to abstain from all appearance of evil (v. 22), and to flee evil things, and rather to follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness (1 Tim. 6:11). These things are all part of "fighting the good fight" and laying hold of eternal life (v. 12). The Apostle James also wrote of the great value of prayer in all things, including spiritual warfare: "Is any among you afflicted (meaning to suffer evils, hardships, and troubles)? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray for one another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (James 5:13-16). As a ministry, we have always prayed for those who have made requests, and we have sent prayer cloths to minister to those who were at a distance. We have received many miracle testimonies as a result of this. The church and believers in general, however, have been using the wrong weapons in warfare. Our warfare is not won by anger, or through political powers, but we and our nation are healed by prayer, waking from spiritual slumber, watching, pursuing righteousness and godliness. The LORD promised: "If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people; If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." (2 Chron. 7:13-14). *Based on Dr. Kenneth E. Stevenson's 5/1/2022 message to the church. To contact us, submit a prayer request, give a praise report, or to support this ministry: P.O. Box 154221, Waco, TX, 76705 OR Everlastingcovenant@ymail.com. You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter, and endtimeschool.com.

What Will It Take?*

As we see events throughout this country and the world taking place, my question is: "What will it take?" What will it take for the Church to be that called out assembly of God's people in these last days. Jesus described the events that would usher in the end of the eage to His disciples. He warned first, "Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am the Christ; and shall deceive many." (Mt. 24:4-5). Jesus continued, "And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars...For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes in divers places." (v. 6-7). We are seeing thev=se things now. Jesus also said that because iniquity would abound, "the love of many shall wax cold". (v. 12). As we see wickedness and sin increase, we respond like the way of the world. Prayer overthrows wickedness. Are we praying continually? Jesus told the parable of the unjust judge (Luke 18:1-8). The judge feared neither God nor man. Yet a widow woman sought him to avenge her against her adversary. He decided to help her in order to avoid her wearying him with her continual petitions. Jesus told His listeners, "Hear what the unjust judge saith. And shall not God avenge His own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?" (v. 6-8). Even the world understands and has confidence in how persistent requests achieve action. However, Jesus wondered if the people of God have enough faith to be in prayer before God continually until His response is given to them. Immediately after, Jesus told a parable about those who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, but despised others. Many churches believe that they are right, but the Word says that we have all sinned and come short of the glory of God. The scriptures, especially Isaiah 53, tell about the Messiah who took away our sins. What will it tke for the Church to turn to their Savior in repentance, and in prayer for others? Scripture tells us to pray, and don't faint - not vain prayers, but prayers from our hearts. Peter wrote to the Church in order to stir up their pure minds, to remember the words of the prophets and the commandments of the apostles (2 Pet. 3:1-2). Are our minds washed pure and renewed in the Word of God? Are we living up to the designation as the called out assembly of God? Peter said that this is knowledge that would be necessary in the last days (v. 3). This steadfastness of knowledge in the Word of God that transforms the mind also stands against what Peter prophesied as coming: the scoffers who ridicule the idea that God's judgment is coming. These same scoffers willfully disregard the fact that God previously judged the whole world by flood (v. 3-6). The next judgment coming, however, will be by fire, rather than water. God's timing, Peter said, is not the same as man's. To God, one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years is as one day, and we are in the third day, in terms of thousands of years. The LORD waits as long as possible to execute judgment in order to give man every chance to repent: "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." (v. 9). Peter warns that this knowledge should have an impact on what kind of life we choose to lead. Some Christians have the appearance of Christians, but their words and ways do not. Where is the Church? The Book of Revelation mentions the importance of the prayers of believers: "...four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sung a new song saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; and hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we should reign on the earth." (Rev. 5:8-10). We are made kings and priests unto God by the same blood of the Lamb that saved us from sin and death. The called-out assembly of God is from every kindred, tongue, and nation. There are none that are excluded. In Revelation 7, a great multitude in white robes is identified as having come out of great tribulation (v. 9-14). Their robes were made white, not by their own righteousness, but having been washed in the blood of the Lamb. Do we consider ourselves more righteous than them? While we are not appointed to the wrath of God, we are in the beginning of tribulation now, and will experience more of it. This is an opportunity given for prayer and repentance. Revelation 9 speaks about those who did not take the opportunity to repent throughout the plagues: "And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see , nor hear, nor walk: neither repented of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts." (Rev. 9:20-21). We are in a time when men reject repentance. However, there will come a moment when time runs out: "And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer." (Rev. 10:5-6). Where is the Church, and what will it take for the Church to walk in the calling of God? The signs of the end are around us, and God requires us to pray, take the Gospel to others, repent, and make up the hedge for our nation and for souls. *Based on Dr. Kenneth E. Stevenson's 1/9/2022 message to the church. To contact us, submit a prayer request, give a praise report, or to support this ministry: P.O. Box 154221, Waco, TX, 76705 OR Everlastingcovenant@ymail.com. You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter, and endtimeschool.com.

Pray for a Fifth Awakening*

We have put forth the call to the Ekklesia to begin fasting and praying in repentance, and for a spiritual revival to fill America. Revival is accompanied by onfirming signs and miracles, and by large numbers of people coming to the salvation of Christ. There have been four previous awakenings or revivals in American history. The First Great Awakening covered the years 1700-1755. These years were marked by the preaching of men like Jonathan Edwards and his famous sermon, "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God", which is still a very powerful and timely message today. The Second Great Awakening took place in the years of the late 1700's to about 1850. It is remembered by the New York Revival, started by one businessman dedicating an hour at lunchtime for prayer, and soon spread to include many. The Third Great Awakening, between the years 1855-1930, included the Azusa Street Revival, again started by a handful in earnest prayer at Azusa St. in Los Angeles, California. It was led by a black preacher named William J. Seymour. Many new denominations, especially Pentacostal, came out of the Azusa Street Revival, but racism divided the new churches, who would not put themselves under the authority of a black man. Segregated churches continued to be the norm. During these same years, there was a growth in a "social Gospel", the purpose of which was to start works for social change. Finally, the Fourth Great Awakening took place between 1960-1980, some believing that this is an ongoing renewal. This Awakening was known for The Jesus Movement, and the Charismatic Renewal, which began in the Catholic Church. All of these great spiritual awakenings started out in a great spiritual outpouring. Then social and political reforms would came out of these awakenings. Finally, there would come spiritual challenges like racism, and then eventually a decline in the revival fervor. The Church needs to begin preparing a spiritul foundation for a new awakening to fill America. This is what I am bringing forth in today's message. Scripture gives us the first component of preparation. Ephesians 6 tells us to be strong in the Lord, and the power of His might, and to prepare ourselves spiritually with the whole armour of God (v. 10-17). That armour covers us from our heads to our feet. The spiritual armour's purpose is not to do battle against other people who are flesh and blood, but against the wiles of the devil that seek to entrap us, and "against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places" (v. 12). We put on our armour, we take our stand, and we build the first part of the foundation of spiritual awakening and revival - we pray: "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints." (v. 18). We pray for all the saints, regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, or denomination. Almost all, if not all, of the previous historical Awakenings began with selfless prayer. Our second component of preparation requires us to recognize sin, and to determined to keep it from our lives. For the sin in our lives, we need to repent. Proverbs 1 carries the teaching of wisdom regarding the destructive nature of sin, and the estrangement from God and the consequences that it causes (Prov. 1:28-33). Proverbs 1 calls us to wisdom, understanding, and "To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, judgment, and equity." In these things dwell the righteous precepts of God. It is the nature of sin to entice, however. It is by the knowledge, and understanding that comes with the worship and awe of the LORD, that we are warned to resist it (Prov. 1:7-8). Our third component in preparation for a spiritual awakening in this nation is faith. There are those in the Body of Christ who do not believe in miracles. They do not believe that God can sweep a nation in revival and renewal by His Holy Spirit. Whatever we do in Christ, we must do it with this understanding: "But without faith, it is impossible to please him (God): for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." The history of our faith is full of people who believed God's promises, who believed HIM. We have an example in scripture of a great awakening. In obedience to a risen Christ, His disciples gathered together in an upper room, situated above David's tomb, on the Feast of Pentecost. In fulfillment of Christ's promise to send them a Comforter, and in Christ's fulfillment of this feast of the LORD, the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples that day: "And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." (Acts 2:1-4). However, as is the nature of great awakenings, the effects did not remain with the group of disciples only, but impacted those Jews from all nations who had come to Jerusalem, to David's tomb below, for the Feast of Pentecost. Though they were from many different nations, they heard the disciples speaking their own various native languages (v. 5-6). At first, they didn't understand what this could be, and some thought that the disciples were drunk. This gave Peter not only the opportunity to present the full Gospel of Christ, but to point to the prophetic promise from God of this kind of awakening through the prophet Joel:"But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on my servants, and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy..." (Acts 2:16-18/Joel 2:28-29). Peter's preaching of repentance and salvation moved the hearts of the many listeners, and they asked what they needed to do (v. 37). Peter answered: "...Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call...Save yourselves from this untoward generation." (v. 38-40). Three thousand souls were saved in just that one day of awakening. We must understand, though, that the outpouring of the Holy Spirit that Day of Pentecost, and the subsequent outpourings that have followed, come in a context. The prophet Joel revealed that this spiritual awakening comes before the great and terrible day of the LORD. These awakenings come with impending days of darkness, fire, blood and smoke, of terrible signs in the heavens and on earth. The spiritual outpouring of Joel, upon which all other outpourings have been modelled, came after an urgent warning of trumpets had gone forth, and the people were gathered together in a solemn assembly to fast, pray and repent; to cry out to God: "Spare thy people, O LORD..." (Joel 2:12-17). The Church is being called by God to set the foundation for revival, a fifth Great Awakening, in this nation. He is calling us to fasting, prayer,repentance, and faith. *Based upon Dr. Kenneth E. Stevenson's 2/7/21 message to the Church. To contact: P.O. Box 154221, Waco, TX 76705 or Everlastingcovenant@ymail.com You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter, and endtimesschool.com

Proper Prior Prayer*

 

 

There is a saying: "Proper Prior Planning Prevents Pitifully Poor Performance".

I would like to amend that proverb this way: "Proper Prior PRAYER Prevents Pitifully Poor Performance".

As Jesus and the Apostles taught about the events or signs of the end times, which we are seeing every day now, and the return of Christ, they warned that prayer was a vital ingredient in our preparation, and for our survival through those things to come. As Jesus discussed specifically the events before His return, He concluded:

"...take heed to yourselves...for as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth...Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man." 

                                                                                                        Lk. 21:34-36

Scripture says that we are not appointed unto wrath, however, we are not assured escape from the tribulation, those earth-churning events, except by the possibility provided through prayer. The Apostle Paul also taught regarding the times of the end, and our preparation for them:

"But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief...Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."   1 Thess. 5:4, 17-18

Apostle Peter similarly wrote:

"But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer." 

                                                                                                           1 Pet. 4:7

Something is very wrong if we do not have a constant attitude of prayer, especially in these times of signs. The latest sign to us is the world wide spread of the Corona Virus, or Covid19. Many are acting foolishly tempting God by the assembling of themselves carelessly. Others are being careful and sober to observe all physical precautions, but are we including the prayerfulness that Jesus and the Apostles urged?

Paul wrote:

"...The Lord is at hand. Be careful (anxious) for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."   Phil. 4:5-7

Many are anxious and fearful at this time. Enter into prayer with thanksgiving, and through it, the peace of God found in Christ will be available to you.

As Paul wrote about the spiritual preparation necessary and available to all saints daily (Eph. 6:10-17), he included in his final instructions:

"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance, and supplication for all saints."  v. 18

As Solomon completed the building of the temple in Jerusalem, which is a house of prayer for all nations, he prayed to the LORD concerning it, and the LORD answered him. Solomon asked the LORD that in the case of catastrophic events and circumstances, which would include famine, pestilence, locusts, and attacking enemies, brought about by the sins of God's people, if the people of God, and also the stranger in the midst, return to Him, confess, and pray towards that special place of prayer, the house of God, that God would then forgive His people and maintain their cause (2 Chron. 6, 7). Even as Solomon ended his prayer at the altar, fire from heaven came down and consumed the offering being made, and the glory of God filled the temple. The LORD then made this solemn promise in answer to Solomon's humble prayer on behalf of God's people:

"...I have heard thy prayer, and have chosen this place to myself as a house of sacrifice. If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people; If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.. For now have I chosen and sanctified this house, that my name may be there forever: and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually."  2 Chron. 7:11-16 (excerpt)

This physical house of God spoken of above, held His presence and glory. It was a house of sacrifice. Each item of furnishing within it testified prophetically of His Son, the Messiah Jesus who would come. Now Jesus has built that same house, or temple, within each of us who call upon His name, and are filled with His Holy Spirit. Jesus was zealous for this precious "temple" of prayer, forcefully cleansing it of thieves and merchandisers, and would allow nothing to defile it.

Even as Israel prepares to rebuild the physical temple on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, as is also prophesied in scripture, we, the believers in Christ, have a special responsibility as God's most holy spiritual temples. We have been called to be a house of prayer for all nations.

"Proper Prior Prayer Prevents Pitifully Poor Performance".

 

*The above is based upon the 4/19/20 message to the Church from Dr. Kenneth Stevenson. 

To Contact/Submit prayer requests/Support the ministry/Order the book, "NAZAH-White Linen and the Blood of Sprinkling", and to help us get out the message, to contribute to the Book of Remembrance for Sean Stevenson:

Dr. Kenneth Stevenson
P.O. Box 154221
Waco, TX  76705

https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8

http://endtimeschool.com/

To watch/hear Dr. Stevenson's complete message:

https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8

Sermon.net/EverlastingCovenant
 

Prayer of Salvation for all who desire to receive Jesus as their Savior: Lord Jesus, I desire to know You, and to know Your salvation. I believe that You died for me, and that You were resurrected for me. Forgive me of my sins. Come into my heart, change me, fill me with Your righteousness. Inscribe my name in the Lamb's book of life. Baptize me in Your Holy Spirit, so that I can learn the truth of Your Word and ways, and be strengthened in my walk all the days of my life. You are the hope of my life, and You are my eternal life. I place my trust in You, Lord, for myself, and my whole household. Use me to do the will of the heavenly Father, Who sent You, in Whose name You came. In Your name, and in thanks and praise I pray, Amen.

 

Dr. Stevenson's newest book is now available:
  

To order "NAZAH": https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8     http://endtimeschool.com/ 

To send testimonies for the Book of Remembrance to be published in the memory of Sean Stevenson:
 

You can send your testimonies to:

everlastingcovenant@ymail.com or PO Box 154221, Waco, TX  76705.

 



Sean Stevenson

 





Thanksgiving Everyday and in Every Way*

 

Historically, we have an image of Thanksgiving that involves Pilgrims and Native Americans, who offered the first settlers help to survive in an unfamiliar land. To Native Americans now, Thanksgiving is associated with the beginning of a campaign of genocide against them.

In scripture, however, thanksgiving is often taught, not as a one-day holiday, but as a spiritual principle and way of life that should permeate our relationship with God. The Psalms make multiple references to the importance of giving thanks to God. Our thanksgiving relationship with God begins even before we are fully formed in the womb (Ps. 139). The apostles also taught the importance of thanksgiving as a daily part of our worship and prayers:

"Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice...The Lord is at hand. Be careful (anxious) for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."  Phil. 4:4-7

The apostle does not say that we are thankful for everything, but in everything. Our prayers should never be without thanksgiving. In return, that thanksgiving keeps us in the peace of God, and keeps us in Christ Jesus. Thanksgiving to God is so vital in scripture, that it is described as "the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you" (1 Thess. 5:18). The practice of thanksgiving to God then, spiritually impacts each of us personally.

However, not only does thanksgiving affect our personal spiritual growth, but thanksgiving in the mouth of a believer affects our state of peace and our pursuit of godliness in our society, and also the salvation of all people:

"I exhort therefore that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth."  1 Tim. 2:1-4

We certainly need our society today, which is hostile to all mention and belief in God and Christ, to allow us to live in peace to worship God as we are commanded to do by His word. Regardless of how we may think about the political representatives and bodies in our land, we are commanded to pray for them with thanksgiving for our own benefit.

Do we want to see men saved and coming to the knowledge of the truth of God? This starts in our thanksgiving to God for all men, according to the scriptures. Paul continues, "I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting." (v.8).

David wrote many psalms of thanksgiving, including this one following the miraculous defeat of the Philistines, and the joyful return of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem among songs of praise:

"Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people...Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually...Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice: and let men say among the nations, The LORD reigneth...O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever. And say ye, Save us, O God of our salvation, and gather us together, and deliver us from the heathen, that we may give thanks to thy holy name, and glory in thy praise."  1 Chron. 16 (excerpt)

A later king, Jehoshaphat, also used praise and thanksgiving to worship the LORD, who then brought about a miraculous victory against surrounding and outnumbering enemy armies:

"...Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the LORD your God, so shall you be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper...he appointed singers unto the LORD, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the LORD; for his mercy endureth for ever. And when they begin to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten."  2 Chron. 20:20-22

Not only were the armies of the three enemy nations defeated, but Israel spent three days gathering spoil, because it was so abundant (v. 25). The spoil was so great, it was more than they could carry away.

We should use this time at our Thanksgiving holiday as a "life review", and a "miracle review". Are we incorporating thanksgiving in our lives everyday and in everything? The Word says that we would see great and mighty changes, personally and on a large scale,  if we do so.

 

*The above is based upon the 12/1/19 message to the Church from Dr. Kenneth Stevenson. 

To Contact/Submit prayer requests/Support the ministry/Order the book, "NAZAH-White Linen and the Blood of Sprinkling", and to help us get out the message:

Dr. Kenneth Stevenson
P.O. Box 154221
Waco, TX  76705

https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8

http://endtimeschool.com/

To watch/hear Dr. Stevenson's complete message:

https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8

https://everlastingcovenant.sermon.net/main/main/21320220
 

Prayer of Salvation for all who desire to receive Jesus as their Savior: Lord Jesus, I desire to know You, and to know Your salvation. I believe that You died for me, and that You were resurrected for me. Forgive me of my sins. Come into my heart, change me, fill me with Your righteousness. Inscribe my name in the Lamb's book of life. Baptize me in Your Holy Spirit, so that I can learn the truth of Your Word and ways, and be strengthened in my walk all the days of my life. You are the hope of my life, and You are my eternal life. I place my trust in You, Lord, for myself, and my whole household. Use me to do the will of the heavenly Father, Who sent You, in Whose name You came. In Your name, and in thanks and praise I pray, Amen.

 

Dr. Stevenson's newest book is now available:
  

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Memorial Day-The Concept of Memorials in the Bible

 

Memorial Day is a day designated for the honor and remembrance of those in the military who gave their lives in service for us. The day was first known in history as "Decoration Day", when the graves of soldiers lost in the Civil War were decorated. The first known occurrence of this practice was as it was performed by slaves in Charleston, South Carolina, but it was also subsequently practiced in other states as well. In 1966, this day was officially declared by the President as Memorial Day, to honor fallen soldiers throughout America. In doing this, there was an official recognition of the connection of a memorial, or remembrance, and a sacrifice made. This concept of an eternal remembrance is founded in the Bible. It is a principle of God first mentioned in association even with His very name.
Moses, when first called by God, asked God what His name was, that he should tell the children of Israel:
"And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and He said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me to you....this is my name forever, and this is my memorial unto all generations."  Ex. 3:14-15 (see also Ps. 135:13)
We have said that a memorial is connected to sacrifice, so how does the name of God indicate a sacrifice? The Hebrew representation for the name "I AM THAT I AM" is YHWH, represented by the pictographic letters yod, heh, vaw, heh. Each individual letter in the Hebrew "alphabet" also represents a concept. The letters of the name of God revealed to Moses here represent, "Behold the hand, Behold the nail." The sacrifice of Christ was embedded into the name and character of God, and that name serves as a memorial to Israel, and before God.
Sacrifice and memorial are mentioned in the account of Passover. As the lamb, whose blood would cover and preserve the Israelite household from death, was selected, it was examined for any blemishes. Only a spotless lamb could be used, according to the instructions given to Moses by the LORD. After fourteen days of being examined for imperfection, the lamb was to be killed by the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel (Ex. 12:1-6).
"And they shall take of the blood and strike (given, bestowed) it on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses, wherein they shall eat it...and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt. And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and you shall keep it as a feast to the LORD throughout your generations; you shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever."  Ex. 12:7, 13-14
Again, the sacrifice in this instance prophetically refers us to Jesus, the "Lamb of God" slain before the foundation of the world (Rev. 13:8), who was also revealed to all by John the Baptist who declared, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world."  (Jn. 1:29, 36).
Later, after fleeing Egypt, Moses and the Israelites were attacked by the Amalekites at Rephidim ("rest, support") on their journey to the Promised Land (Ex. 17:8-16). Joshua leading the army, finally secured the victory under the supported raised hands of Moses. The LORD commanded that this battle be kept as a memorial:
"...write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua: for I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven.. And Moses built an altar (meaning "sacrifice"), and called the name of it Jehovah-nissi."  Ex. 17:14-15
It was a place of physical sacrifice in battle by the Israelites, and a place of spiritual sacrifice at the altar of the One who is raised up on a pole as a sign for all to see, named "The LORD our Banner". The LORD commanded a memorial out of this event, so Joshua and the people would remember it always.
The New Testament tells of a Roman Centurion, named Cornelius, who was devout and feared God with all his house. He continually gave alms (charitable giving) to the people, and prayed always (Acts 10:1-3). An angel appeared to him in a vision one day, saying to him:
"Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God." Acts 10:4
Cornelius, as a soldier, must have been acquainted with sacrifice in battle, but it was his spiritual sacrifice, both in prayer and in possessions, that created a memorial before God. Out of this memorial came the salvation of his whole household, and the opening of the Gospel message to the Gentiles, in addition to Israel.
The LORD commands that we keep His word, and these memorials, not only for our benefit, but for the benefit of our children, and future generations:
"And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children...And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes."  Deut. 6:7-8
Our children, like never before, have suffered the consequences of a people who have failed to remember, and have failed to teach their children, the life-changing memorials created out of the sacrifices of not only brave soldiers and citizens, but more importantly the sacrifices of God, on our behalf. Let us remember, and let us teach our children, and let each of our lives come up as a memorial before God.

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Back To Pentecost

 

Pentecost, or the Feast of Weeks, is the next appointed feast of Israel on the calendar. Pentecost was necessary to the Church in order to keep the directives, also known as The Great Commission, that the risen Jesus, gave to His disciples while appearing to them. Pentecost is also the fulfillment of the prophetic promise of God as told to His prophet, Joel. As we shall see, this prophecy was for the end time, so its fulfillment is a very important event in discerning the times in which we live.

Jesus' commands to His disciples were specific, and must have sounded to their ears virtually impossible for them to achieve, as they were already struggling with doubt (Mk. 16:14):

"And Jesus came and spake unto them saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world (age). Amen...Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; in my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

So then after the Lord had spoken to them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And they went forth and preached every where, the LORD working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen."  Mt. 28:18-20, Mk. 16:15-20

As we look at The Great Commission of Christ that was given to His disciples, and all of the Church, there are several important points to understand.

The directives were born out of the POWER that Christ had been given in heaven and in earth.

The disciples were to go and teach all nations, and preach the gospel to every creature. From this point on, the gospel was also to go to the gentiles, as well as the Jews (first:Rom. 1:16), and to all creation. The Kingdom of God is made up of every race, tribe, and tongue (Rev. 5:9, 14:6). Racism and prejudice do not belong in the Church, and are not acceptable in any society that claims a Judeo-Christian heritage.

The disciples were to teach what Christ had taught them-man's doctrines and traditions have nothing to do with Christ's directives.

Because the disciples were fulfilling the commands of Jesus, they would have protection in their work. This is not an invitation to put on displays with serpents and poisons, as some practice. Several incidents in scripture depict the fact that the disciples were delivered from death that would have resulted from the performing of their Commission.

The signs that would confirm the Word of Christ, would follow believers, not just those who are of a certain rank in the Church, but all who believe. This Word of the gospel casts out demons, and causes the sick to recover, not just then, but also now and forever. These signs don't follow and confirm tradition, or religion, but the Word, which is Jesus.

On the last occasion when Christ would discuss His directions, having shown Himself to them for forty days following His crucifixion, He began to reveal how these simple men from Galilee would be able to carry out this world-changing Commission that He had given them:
"And being assembled together with them, (Jesus) commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water, but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence....ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost has come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."   Acts 1:4-8 (excerpt)

The power to fulfill the Commission which Jesus gave not only to those disciples, but also to all believers, comes by the baptism with the Holy Ghost. This baptism, which the disciples must wait for, is the one prophesied and promised by God, and we will read the details of that prophecy later. Because of this description of the baptism given by Jesus, the disciples also asked Him if this meant the kingdom was being restored to Israel at that time (v. 6). As we know from history and scripture, Israel was under the dominion of the Romans. Jesus answered that it was not for them to know what the Father has kept in His own power and authority.
After this appearance by Jesus, the disciples saw Him ascend into heaven, and two men, clothed in white, appeared to tell them that Jesus would come again in the same manner that they had just witnessed Him ascending, directly from heaven (v. 10-11). This is important for us to know, because in these last days, we have heard many claiming to be a messiah figure, some even claiming to be Christ, and others will make the claim in the days ahead. However, according to these verses, the only true Christ will come from heaven through the clouds when He returns.

A few days later, on the day of Pentecost, as the disciples gathered together in one place, and in one accord, the baptism of the Holy Ghost, as promised by the Father, and assured by the Son, fell upon them. A sound (voice) from heaven, and a mighty wind filled the place. This baptism appeared as fire upon each one. The Spirit gave them the utterance of other tongues as they were filled. There were many witnesses to this supernatural event. Devout Jewish pilgrims from many nations were in Jerusalem and at the same location, because the tomb of David was located below the place where the disciples had gathered. (It is still there to this day.) All of these pilgrims from other lands heard the disciples proclaiming the wonderful works of God in all of the foreign tongues represented by the pilgrims. These witnesses were astounded because it was obvious that the disciples were Galileans, and not familiar with all of the various languages with which they spoke (Acts 2:11). The witnesses wondered how it was possible that they were hearing the gospel in their own languages.Some thought they were witnessing drunkenness.
Peter, once a frightened man who had denied Christ three times, now stood and addressed the crowd with boldness and with scriptural knowledge. He told them that what they had just witnessed was not drunkenness, but the fulfillment of the promise that God had made through His prophet, Joel:
"And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: and on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy...And it shall come to pass that whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord, shall be saved." 
                                                                                            Acts 2:17-21 (excerpt)
This Holy Ghost outpouring witnessed by many that day, and explained by Peter, was also one of the signs and wonders that would precede that "great and notable day of the Lord", according to Joel's prophecy (v. 19-20).
The baptism of the Holy Ghost is not just for two thousand years ago, but is for us also. This power from heaven still enables each believer to fulfil the Commission of Christ. Signs and wonders still follow and confirm the teaching and preaching of the Word.
As we approach Pentecost, let each of us faithfully walk in this baptism. Let us seriously return to Pentecost, and pray for the unity of the faith, and the stature of Christ among us. Let us pray for our nation, and for the repentance and revival that leads to eternal life. Neither the problems of the world, nor the solutions, are political, but spiritual, and the ministry to these things is in the hands of the believers in Christ, filled with the Pentecost Spirit of God.
If you have never received Jesus as your Savior, nor the baptism of the Holy Spirit, both are available to you today. All you have to do is ask:
"Lord Jesus, I believe You Word and Your promises to me, and I ask that You come into my heart, and cleanse me from my sins. Fill me with the Holy Ghost fire from heaven, promised by the Father. Fulfill in me the Feast of Pentecost, so I can have the power to live in Your righteousness, and minister Your saving truth to others in these last days. Thank You for the precious gifts that You died, and rose from the dead, to provide for me. I ask and receive this in Jesus' name, Amen."

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Preparing for the Feasts:Learning How to Pray

 

 

The upcoming fall feasts of Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Succoth (Tabernacles), this year falling on Oct. 2, 11, and 16, become even more important as we see the unfolding of End Time events, and the imminent return of Jesus drawing near. Jesus will fulfill the fall feasts just as He fulfilled the spring feasts of Israel.

As Israel and Jews and Christians around the world observe the feast days ahead, it is at a time when Israel, as a nation, observes its 68th year. Daniel, the prophet, describes the major events of 69 weeks of years, so we must consider this time in the history of Israel to be significant.

As the feasts approach, prayer becomes a vital preparation for all of us.

The disciples knew that there was something powerful about Jesus in prayer that they desired to know. Even after they had returned triumphantly telling Jesus that the demons were subject to them, Jesus informed them that there was something greater in which to rejoice:

"Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven."    Lk. 10:20

 

It was immediately following this, that the disciples noticed the special time of prayer that Jesus experienced. They asked him to teach them about it (Lk. 11:1-4):

"And He said unto them, "When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name."

Jesus instructed them to speak directly to our Father in heaven. It is not prayer, according to the teaching of the rabbis, unless it is spoken to God. The Israelites sought to escape from direct communication with God when God descended upon Sinai. They begged Moses that they should not talk to God, but rather Moses do so for them:

"...let not God speak with us, lest we die."     Ex. 20:19

Many believers also pray to others, rather than praying to God, Himself. However, Jesus did not teach this, as we can see above. By using the address "Father", He also emphasized having an intimate, loving, familial relationship with God, as a child with a father.

Jesus continued teaching:

"Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth."   Lk. 11:2

We recognize that the purpose of prayer is to agree with God's will. His will is His Word-they never contradict each other. We recognize that His will should be in our mouths, rather than our own.

"Give us, day by day, our daily bread."   Lk. 11:3

We attest by our mouths that God sustains and provides us with all we have need, not only the physical bread for food, but the spiritual bread of life, His Son, His Word. Jesus asks His disciples, "If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish, give him a serpent?...if ye then,...know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him?"  Lk. 11:11-13

He will not ignore our needs, as we ask Him.

"And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive everyone that is indebted to us."   Lk. 11:4

We come to God asking for that mercy blood of Jesus that cleanses us of sin, and resurrects (redeems) us from death. Even though by our own efforts, we are not righteous, we can approach Him with confidence knowing that we have been rescued from this condition by our Savior.

Equally important, as we rely upon His forgiveness of us, we must also forgive others. How can we come before Almighty God bearing unforgiveness towards others? How can we come before Him without first examining our own hearts? Let us approach with a reverent heart, a humble heart "...forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." (Eph. 4:32)

"And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil."   Lk. 11:4

Let us know that there isn't one of us who is beyond temptation. Temptation comes with every thought, word, and deed. Jesus says that we need the help of our Father to guide us away from these evil things.

 

 

Jesus told us that when we see the signs of the end begin to happen, "...look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh."   Lk. 21:28

We certainly see the signs of the end of this age all around us. As we prepare for the feasts, we are also preparing for the nearness of our redemption. All creation is waiting and groaning for this redemption, through which we manifest as the sons of God. We ourselves, along with the rest of creation, "groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our bodies."   Rom. 8:19-23

We have been sealed by the Holy Spirit unto the day of redemption. The communications out of our mouths, and the thoughts of our hearts should reflect this Seal, and not grieve Him. (Eph. 4:29-32).

Prayer, as a type of communication acceptable to the Holy Spirit, reaffirms our seal in Him as we await that redemption. The word "pray" in Hebrew is spelled with the letters pe, lamed, lamed. Pe means to open the mouth, to command, to speak, a beginning. Lamed, which is used twice in the word for emphasis, means a shepherd's staff, to teach, to learn, to urge forward, tongue. As Jesus taught about prayer, it is as much a preparation, and an affirming, as it is a petition.

 

 

As scripture emphasizes the communications out of our mouths as all creation awaits the soon-coming redemption, or resurrection, of our bodies, God talks about "tabernacling" with our mouths:

"And the LORD said unto him (Moses), "Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing or the blind? have not I the LORD? Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say."   Ex. 4:11-12

This is the very definition of the letters of the Hebrew word "pray".

The communication that should be in our mouths, as Jesus and Paul taught their disciples, is the same communication that God instructed Joshua:

"This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night...Have I not commanded thee?...For the LORD thy God is with thee withersoever thou goest."   Josh. 1:8-9



God promises that as His Word is in our mouths, He is in our mouths.

Daniel told us that in the Latter Days:

"... the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits...and they shall be wise that shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they shall turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever."   Dan. 11:32, 12:3

We desire to do exploits for God, even turning many to righteousness. What greater exploit can there be than to open our mouths in prayer being led, taught, and urged forward by the Shepherd's staff, with the promise of God that He is with us, and with our mouths? It is the prayer out of our mouths that prepares creation and ourselves for these fall feasts, and the soon-coming Redemption.

 

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