Print Friendly

A Sent-One Mentality

We are about to explore three inter-related accounts concerning the apostolic and the number twelve.  However, we must understand the context for the  accounts that follow; "Now when Jesus came back [to Galilee], the crowd received and welcomed Him gladly, for they were all waiting and looking for Him." (Luke 8:40 Amplified Bible)

What was the context? Many were waiting and looking for Christ to return!  I believe that this is definitely a picture of where we are today, as many are waiting and looking for the return of Christ!  However, His return might not be as many are expecting it to be; "When He comes to be glorified IN HIS SAINTS [on that day He will be made more glorious IN His consecrated people], and [He will] be marveled at and admired [in His glory reflected] IN all who have believed..." (2Thess 1:10 Amplified Bible)

In Biblical symbolism, twelve is the number of the apostolic.  The word apostolos in Greek means a delegate, messenger, one sent forth with orders.  It is from apostello in Greek, meaning set apart, to send out (properly on a mission).

There is currently a plethora of teaching on the ascension gift of the apostle, and their importance and function in the Church... we are not going that direction in this study.  I don't know how many messages I have sat through concerning "Apostles" knowing that 99 percent of the people in the audience could not relate the information being given into their everyday lives, simply because most people are not apostles.  I have actually met very few genuine apostles in my life (no matter what their business card said).  However ALL believers are called to be apostolic, set apart and sent out on a mission!  You see, the primary function of the apostle is to equip the saints in order that Christ may appear...to impart a sent-one mentality into the people of God!

It is within this context of imparting a "sent-one" mentality in order that Christ may appear, that we will look at the following accounts... one concerning a young woman, one concerning a mature woman, and the calling of the twelve.

Power of Agreement

"And, behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue: and he fell down at Jesus' feet, and besought him that he would come into his house: For he had one only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she lay a dying. But as he went the people thronged him." (Luke 8:41-42)

In Hebrew the name Jairus means "whom God enlightens."  So we see that Jairus was enlightened; he was ruling, yet a humble man as he fell at Jesus feet, and he invited Christ into his "house" or his sphere of influence.  I believe that Jairus is a spiritual picture of a people that are enlightened, ruling with humility, and have invited Christ into their sphere of influence.  This sounds like the church that is truly pressing into present truth, desiring more, and wanting to go deeper.  I have ministered in many churches and groups that fall into this category of sold out believers.

As I have pondered this account of Jairus' daughter, I am reminded of a principle that we studied in depth recently.  Once again, let us revisit this principle that I call the "Power of Agreement."

"While he yet spake, there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue's house, saying to him, Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master. But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole." (Luke 8:49-50)  So here we have the "official" report from the household- Your daughter is dead.  This type of a report would certainly not be based on feelings, heresay, or anything intangible.  This report is based on the cold hard facts of mortality. 

Have you ever faced a negative situation in life where the report was not based on feelings, hearsay, or anything intangible, but rather based on the cold hard facts?  Some people agree with the facts, some people deny the facts, some people ignore the facts and go on as if the facts didn't exist.  The primary thing we must understand is that the "facts" do not necessarily determine the reality!  "While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal." (2 Corinthians 4:18)  Rather than agreement, denial, or avoidance, we must bring the "facts" and submit them to God, and He will determine the reality. 

As we progress in our illustration we find that, "And when he came into the house, he suffered no man to go in, save Peter, and James, and John, and the father and the mother of the maiden. And all wept, and bewailed her: but he said, Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth.  And they laughed him to scorn, knowing that she was dead." (Luke 8:51-53)  I find it fascinating that Jesus is looking at the "fact" of death, yet He says she is sleeping.  In this situation the temporal fact is death, and yet the eternal reality is sleep.  The difference here is that the temporal realm cannot comprehend "resurrection" (because it is eternal) and yet the temporal must bow to the eternal.  They even laughed at Him!  After all they KNEW she was dead!  Friend, when you and I begin to operate in this realm of the eternal, there is a good chance we might get laughed at.  However, as the old saying goes - He who laughs last, laughs best!  Christ KNEW she was sleeping!

Like Jairus, we may be a people that are enlightened, ruling with humility, and have invited Christ into our sphere of influence, but the real issue is this - With whom or what are we in agreement?  Will we come into agreement with the temporal or will we come into agreement with the eternal?

They "all wept and bewailed her..." and their agreement with death actually empowered death.  Jesus would not come into agreement with death, and He made them all leave.  I find it interesting that there were a few that He allowed to stay; "And when he came into the house, he suffered no man to go in, save Peter, and James, and John, and the father and the mother of the maiden." (Luke 8:51)  Aside from the parents, only Peter, James and John were allowed to go in and I believe that they serve as a portrait of the spiritual characteristics that empower agreement with the eternal.

Some may make fun of Peter and his idiosyncrasies, but who was the first to receive the "revelation" of the Christ? "And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 16:16-17) And who was the one to BOLDLY DECLARE his revelation on the day of Pentecost? "But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words... But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;" (Acts 2:14,16) I believe that Peter represents REVELATION and a BOLDNESS to DECLARE it.

John also represents a spiritual characteristic. "Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also LEANED ON HIS BREAST at supper..." (John 21:20) John was the disciple that Jesus loved, he leaned on Jesus chest, he could clearly hear the heartbeat of his Lord. John speaks of "revelation" through INTIMACY.

Remember that John certainly received deep revelation, as we have recorded in the book of the Revelation. Consider also exactly where John received his greatest revelation. We know that he was "IN THE SPIRIT on the Lord's day" (Revelation 1:10), that speaks of intimacy. He was also "in the isle that is called Patmos..." (Revelation 1:9). The Greek word Patmos means "my killing." Perhaps, like John, the place we will receive our greatest revelation is the place of "our killing," the place we "DIE to our selfish concerns."

James is a loud and clear spiritual picture for us, especially those of us who are more oriented towards "revelation."  James speaks to us of actually putting our "revelation" into operation... he speaks to us of WORKS.  "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works...For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also." (James 2:17-18, 26)  Basically James is saying that what we believe needs to be put into action.  It doesn't matter how deep our "revelation" is, if it cannot be put into action and applied in everyday life, it is just so much fluff.

This is my concern with a people that are enlightened, ruling with humility, and pressing into the deeper revelation of Christ.  If there is any shortcoming to be found among them, it is usually in the area of WORKS and fully exercising a "sent-one/ on a mission" mentality.  It seems that in the quest for enlightenment and deeper revelation, sometimes the evangelistic "sent-one" mentality gets left behind.  Often times a strong belief in the sovereignty of God can contribute to this mentality... "After all, if God wants them ministered to, He will do it."  And yes, this statement is true.  However He wants to use US to do the ministering!

I believe we can see this mentality as a spiritual picture exemplified in Jairus' daughter that lays dying.  The seed potential for reproduction that is within her has not yet manifested.  I remember when our girls were twelve years old.  They wanted to be so grown up and be mature.  This is where I believe that the Third Day/ Deeper Life church is at in our mentality.  We want so much to be mature, however we sometimes forget that part of being mature is putting our beliefs and faith into action.  We certainly don't want to fall back into a performance oriented "works" mentality, however our revelation and faith without WORKS is useless!  We need Peter, John, AND James!  The "Power of Agreement" with boldness, intimate revelation, and action/ works will bring resurrection life!  It is time for the "sleeping girl" within us to awaken- "...Talitha cumi;  which is, being interpreted, Damsel,  I say unto thee, arise." (Mark 5:41)

Power of Alignment

Let's move on to our next account of the number twelve that speaks to us of the apostolic; "And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any, Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched." (Luke 8:43-44)  This woman is in a very different situation than the young girl we just spoke of.  The seed potential for reproduction that is within this woman is fully mature, however we find that she is constantly hemorrhaging, thus affecting her ability to reproduce. 

She has an issue of blood.  In Biblical symbolism the "blood" speaks of a certain type of life referred to as the nephesh; "For the life (nephesh in Hebrew) of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls (nephesh): for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul (nephesh)." (Leviticus 17:11) I find it interesting that here in the very same verse we find "nephesh" being translated as the words both life and soul. We can also find "nephesh" referred to in some very familiar Messianic passages; "Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul (nephesh) an offering for sin... Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul (nephesh) unto death:" (Isaiah 53:10-12) Brown-Driver-Briggs' Hebrew Definitions defines "nephesh" as soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, seat of the appetites, seat of emotions and passions, activity of mind, activity of the will, activity of the character; its' part of speech is a feminine noun. Given these Scriptures and Hebrew definitions, it is easy see that "nephesh' clearly speaks of the "soul life", and this life is in the blood.

We can also read of this "soul life" in a familiar Scripture in Genesis, "But flesh with the life (nephesh) thereof, which is the blood thereof, shall ye not eat." (Genesis 9:4)  Once again, the "soul life" is the life that is in the blood.  And the "soul life" is the life that had to die, that is why Jesus had to shed His blood on the cross.

What is the "soul life?"  It is the life that is all about ME...is self-centered.  It is everything that springs from the "self-nature."  We see that this woman has an issue of blood... she has issues with her soulish life, issues with her self-nature.  Now then, before we begin to look down our noses at her, I think if we are all honest we can probably relate quite well with her.  Perhaps you, my friend, have overcome all issues with your self-nature and are walking in absolute divine perfection, but I am still a work in progress.

As I have pondered her situation, I have begun to realize that the real "issue" is NOT that she has issues... we all have issues.  I am once again reminded of a principle that we studied in depth recently.  Let us revisit this principle that I call the "Power of Alignment."

The problem that is causing her reproduction, her ministry, to be ineffective is her Alignment.  The Scripture tells us that she had been "...having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any..." (Luke 8:43)  For twelve years her total Alignment, her energies, her money, her focus, her very act of "living" has been on dealing with her issues.  I know people like this, their whole lives revolve around dealing with their issues.  Often times these are good people who want to be pleasing to God, but their Alignment is with their issues.  Part of the reason for this is that their "spiritual diet" at church consists of hearing messages focusing on sin and shortcomings.  Listen preachers, it is EASY to preach about what is wrong with people and the world... it requires no faith, no prayer, no vision.  Just turn on the television news and then mimic it in the pulpit, with a Scripture thrown in now and then for emphasis.  Voila, you have a typical sermon!

Then there is the "issue" of dealing with issues with what many call inner healing.  Is there a place for inner healing?  Certainly, yes!  Is there a place where the cure (inner healing) can be worse than the disease?  Certainly, yes! 

Most of us sustain some type of hurts and wounds of varying nature and severity throughout our lives.  Often times our issues in life come from these hurts and wounds that can be hidden in deep recesses of our soul.  The key to victory over thoughts and behaviors that stem from these scars is understanding where they abide. 

We are created as a "three part" being; "And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Thessalonians 5:23)  We are spirit, soul and body.  Our soul is made up of our mind, will and emotions.  Obviously, physical abuse is borne in the body, but it is also borne in the soul.  Many of our scars are emotional or mental in nature, what many call emotional "baggage" and this is also borne in the soul.

As we come to the knowledge of Christ, our spirit becomes one with His Spirit; "But the person who is united to the Lord becomes one spirit with Him." (1 Corinthians 6:17 Amplified Bible)  Our human spirit is joined in oneness to the Spirit of God.  We then have the opportunity to begin living a  Life that originates and is directed by the Spirit... a Spirit that is perfect and complete, with no scars, because the Spirit of God has no hurts and wounds.

Unfortunately, things don't always work out quite so ideally.  Once again, the key to victory is understanding where these wounds occur and reside.  They reside in the soul, the mind, will and emotions.  The book of Romans tells us that our old nature, our old self-oriented soulish identity, was nailed to the cross with Christ; "Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin." (Romans 6:6)  This happened in order that the "body of sin" would be destroyed, so that we would no longer have to "serve sin."

I believe that this concept is easy enough to grasp as it applies to the sins that I have committed.  However, we must understand that the "body of sin" includes not only my sins, but the sins that have been committed against me!  How many of us carry the wounds and scars of sins committed against us and emotionally are slaves to those sins?  Is there provision only for the "body of sin" that we have personally perpetrated?  Is there no provision for those victimized by the sin of others?  Certainly there is as much provision for the victim as for the perpetrator, as we have all been marred by sin one way or the other.

The provision is this- we were nailed to the cross with Christ, we died when He died!  "For when a man dies, he is freed (loosed, delivered) from [the power of] sin [among men]." (Romans 6:7 Amplified Bible)  We are delivered from the power of sin, and this applies just as much to the sins we were victimized by, as it applies to the sins we have committed.

The book of Romans goes on to tell us, "Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:11)  We must reckon ourselves dead to the entire "body of sin"... our sins, and the sins against us.  We must see not only our sin, but also the victimizing sin of others laid upon Jesus Christ on the cross.

In an attempt to help us deal with the pain of being sinned against, there are those who would take us on a spiritual journey of sorts back to the origin of our pain, in order to try and bring healing.  Remember, these wounds are borne in the soul, so this type of journey requires us to enter into that soulish realm and often times even re-live the painful event.  My friend, by focusing our attention and energy there, we may actually empower the very thing we seek to be free from!  Instead, we must reckon ourselves dead to that sin!  Don't try to communicate with, resurrect and heal that which Father has declared as dead... this is the equivalent of spiritual necromancy (communicating with the dead).

You see, inner healing is not so much healing or patching up something old, as it is receiving something entirely new!  Inner healing should be like going to the hospital for a precision replacement surgery with a speedy recovery.  People who stay in the hospital for a long time usually die... if you stay in inner healing "mode" for too long, the result can be the same.  My friend, focusing and constantly dwelling on your issues will never bring you healing!  And focusing on your issues will certainly hinder an apostolic, set apart and "sent out on a mission" mentality.

Like a skilled surgeon, allow Christ to unveil the hurts, wounds and believed lies hidden in the deep recesses of our soul... let them be reckoned dead, the body of sin destroyed... and like a transplant, let Him give us something entirely new!  "And I will give them one heart [a new heart] and I will put a new spirit within them; and I will take the stony [unnaturally hardened] heart out of their flesh, and will give them a heart of flesh [sensitive and responsive to the touch of their God]" (Ezekiel 11:19 Amplified Bible)

In our illustration, we find that this woman had an "issue" for twelve years.  To me this speaks of those recurring and/ or besetting issues that so many of us struggle with.  For some they are merely minor irritations, however for others they are life altering and possibly debilitating.  So the question is this- How do we effectively deal with recurring/ besetting issues?  I believe that this entire issue is determined by our Alignment.

Aligning Thoughts

"For as he thinks in his heart, so is he..." (Proverbs 23:7) 

It all begins with thoughts!  Thoughts that are repeated become attitudes.  Attitude is a settled way of thinking or feeling, typically eventually reflected in a person's behavior.

Attitudes generally develop into a disposition.  Ones' disposition is a habitual inclination; a tendency.  Attitudes and dispositions eventually come out in our words.  Our words tend to do two primary things - Words are the seeds to create our perceived reality, and words lead to our actually acting upon those words.  We generally talk about things before doing them and we rarely do things without talking about them first.  Actions that are repeated become habits.  Words and actions and habits combined create not only our perceived reality, but have tremendous impact on our actual environment.  Our personal "environment" impacts the environment around us...we change the atmosphere... either for better or for worse!  When many people begin to think and act in a similar fashion, then a culture is formed.  This is the Kingdom of God!  Do you want to change and shape culture? Change and shape your thoughts!  It all begins with thoughts!

Thoughts can be based in truth or based in lies (or partial truth/ partial lies)!  Just because a thought comes into my mind doesn't mean it is based in truth.  For centuries people thought the world was flat...and that thought was based upon the evidence available at that time.  Just because I might "feel" something doesn't necessarily mean that the emotion I am experiencing is based in truth.

Most of our recurring personal issues in life are the result of thoughts that are based in lies... specifically, lies that we believe.  "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:32)  Just as thoughts based in truth make us free, thoughts based in believed lies produce bondage.  For example, let's say that you have experienced some type of injustice or abuse in life.  That may be the facts, but often the thought will occur that maybe you deserved it, or that God does not care (just examples).  These are lies that, if believed, can impact our lives adversely and even produce destructive behaviors.  We must understand however, that a lie in and of itself has no power...it is our belief that empowers a lie.

This brings us to the key question; "Pilate saith unto him, What is truth?..." (John 18:38)  Jesus had addressed this subject just one chapter earlier in the book of John; "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth." (John 17:17)  Fathers' Word is truth.  The word translated as "word" in that verse is logos in Greek.  Logos is primarily the written Word, but also the spoken word.  One of the definitions of "logos" is - a word, uttered by a living voice, embodies a conception.  Now if that definition doesn't get you excited, there might be something wrong with you!  Friend, THE Living Voice uttered a Word that embodied YOUR conception!  Everything that you were created to be in life was embodied within that Word... your conception contained your completion and your consummation!  And anything that does not align with that conceptual Word of the Living Voice is a lie!

"As for you, keep in your hearts what you have heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the first dwells and remains in you, then you will dwell in the Son and in the Father [always].  And this is what He Himself has promised us--the life, the eternal [life]." (1 John 2:24-25 Amplified Bible)  Keep in your heart (your mind will and emotions) that conceptual Word that was spoken into your very DNA and do not align your thoughts with anything that is contrary to that conceptual Word.

True spiritual warfare is all about Alignment; "(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;" (2 Corinthians 10:4-5) Strongholds are not some type of spiritual entities hovering over cities and regions (like in those fiction books we read years ago).  Strongholds are believed lies, imaginations, high things in our minds that are contrary to the intimate knowledge of God, and His purpose for us.  Our thoughts must be brought into captivity in order to truly be set FREE!

1 John 2:25 declares that He promised us The Life, the Eternal Life.  Eternal Life is not merely my life extended throughout eternity.  Eternal Life is a different type of Life, a different quality of Life, originating from a different realm.  Eternal Life is living from the eternal, rather than the temporal, and I can live that Life NOW, in the Eternal Now.  Eternal Life is a Life free from lies, it is a Life of Truth...it is a Life of the conceptual Word of the Father coming into fruition and completion in me!

After years of aligning her life with her issues, finally this woman locks her eyes on Jesus and presses through the throngs of distractions to apprehend her true identity.  "And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years..Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched." (Luke 8:43-44)  The obvious natural implication was, because of her condition she was considered "unclean" and really had no socially acceptable business pressing through the crowd or trying to touch Jesus.  To the religious mind this was a reprehensible thing she did, as everyone she bumped into was now "unclean" according to religious standards.  However, her belief in the "cleanness" of Christ and is ability to make all things new superseded her belief in her own "uncleanness." 

How many in Christendom today have a stronger belief in their own "uncleanness" because of their issues, than in His ability to make them a New Creation?  Many believe that His redemption is strong enough to save them from some type of punishment, but that is as far as it goes... "After all, we are just ole' sinners tryin' to get to heaven someday!"  This mentality is an insult to the absolute efficacy of the Cross and the blood of Christ!  He makes all things NEW!

His Kraspedon

She pressed through the throng of rejection and shame and touched the hem of His garment.  The word translated as "touched" is haptomai in Greek, and means to fasten one's self to, adhere to, cling to.  She touched His garment.  In Biblical symbolism garments speak of identity, as we studied out when we looked at being "clothed" with Christ.  However, she touched a specific part of His garment.  The word translated as the "hem or border" is kraspedon in Greek.  The kraspedon in New Testament times was a little appendage hanging down from the edge of the mantle or cloak, made of twisted wool, a tassel, a tuft.  The Jews had such appendages attached to their mantles to remind them of the Law.

So here we find this "unclean" woman violating the Law and touching the very part of the clothing worn by Jews to remind them of the Law!  To the religious mind I imagine some might have expected lightning to strike from the heavens and smite the woman.  However, instead we find that she is healed rather than smitten.  Why did this happen?  Because she touched HIS tassel, HIS kraspedon...as HE was the only one who perfectly fulfilled the Law!

Friend, if you have been suffering with the recurring issues of life, it is time to press through the throng of rejection and shame and cling to the kraspedon of the One who perfectly fulfilled the Law.  As we cling to His tassel, His righteousness, we apprehend His virtue, His garment, His Identity, which is our true identity! 

Religion is filled with kraspedons...constant reminders that we must perform, we must try harder, we must DO more.  Some people seem to display their kraspedons with great religious pride, always letting you know how much they are doing for God and how hard they are "trying."  Personally, I find them "trying" all right!  Then there are the "deep revelation" kraspedons that people display, always reminding you how deep and spiritual they are, ready with their latest third-heaven experience or revelation to boast about.  "Deep revelation" kraspedons are just as religious as performance-based kraspedons... because they ARE performance-based... "My revelation is deeper than yours, nah, nah na, boo boo!"  The only kraspedon we need be concerned with is the kraspedon of Jesus the Christ!  Let us cling to His righteousness, His virtue!

This is not the only account of "kraspedon healing" we find in the New Testament; "And besought him that they might only touch the hem (kraspedon) of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole." (Matthew 14:36)  "And whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border (kraspedon) of his garment: and as many as touched him were made whole." (Mark 6:56) 

I don't believe it is just coincidental that so many were healed while touching His kraspedon, especially given its' symbolism.  Everybody knew what the kraspedon was for and its' pointing to the Law.  I believe the message being displayed was that wholeness and healing did not come through observance of the Law, but rather through the grace and mercy of the One who fulfilled the Law, the One who was the "end" of the Law.  "For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth." (Romans 10:4)

Sin, sickness, recurring personal issues are all a result of the curse of Adams' fall.  Indirectly but ultimately, the Law (which was ordained unto life) was established as a result of the fall and consequent curse.  Sin, sickness, recurring personal issues (among other things) are all part of the Law of sin and death. 

Often times we try to deal with sin, sickness and recurring personal issues within the framework of the Law.  We get the idea that if we do good things we will be healed... if we do good things we will be forgiven... if we do good things we will be set free from our issues.  We try to balance out the bad with good.  This is our kraspedon.  This is our performance.  "For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them....Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree." (Galatians 3:10, 13) 

Our kraspedon will only bring more sin, sickness and recurring personal issues because it is under a curse.  However, His kraspedon supersedes the Law; "For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death." (Romans 8:2)  Some laws supersede other laws.  The law of lift and thrust supersedes the law of gravity, thus allowing planes to fly.  The law of sin and death is all around us, but the law of the Spirit (which is life in Christ Jesus) supersedes sin and death.

What law will we align our lives with?  Will we cling to our kraspedon, our performance of the law, as religion has taught us to?  Or will we cling to His kraspedon and be set free?

You see, there is always a throng around Jesus... but few will apprehend His virtue and live as a New Creation.  I find Jesus' reaction quite fascinating; "And Jesus said, Who touched me?  When all denied, Peter and they that were with him said, Master, the multitude throng thee and press thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?  And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me." (Luke 8:45-46)  This woman stopped aligning with her issues and aligned herself to press in and touch Him.  Let us be a people who stop aligning with our issues and align ourselves to press in and touch Him!  May Jesus say of us, "Somebody has touched Me!" 

I said all that to say this - One of the biggest deterrents to the advancement of the Kingdom is not demonic powers, the occult, or even television (smile).  The best way to defeat an apostolic, on a mission "sent one" mentality is to have a people that are always aligned and focusing on our own personal issues!  I can see Virtue flowing out and flowing through a Woman who is no longer unable to reproduce, bound by her soulish issues!

As I said before, it all begins with thoughts and how they are aligned!  "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." (Philippians 4:8)

Power of Advancement

Let's move on to our next account of the number twelve that speaks to us of the apostolic; "Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick." (Luke 9:1-2)  As I read this I am once again reminded of a principle that we studied in depth recently.  Let us revisit this principle that I call the "Power of Advancement."

Before we fully launch into unpacking this verse in Luke, I believe there is a precedent we must look at in the book of Mark; "And he ordained twelve, that they should be with Him, and that He might send them forth to preach..." (Mark 3:14) He ordained them to BE with Him. BE-ing precedes DO-ing. Be-ing is the foundation upon which all of our do-ing is predicated. When we try to do things that we are not be-ing, it produces something that is hollow, something without substance. He sent them forth to preach, to do, as the result of a natural outgrowth of their be-ing with Him.

It is not enough to just be "around" Jesus...remember there is always a crowd around Jesus. We want to be the ones that "touch" Him... the ones that are being "with" Him! Be-ing, specifically being "with" Him, is the door that opens up to do-ing.  Join me for a moment as we look at two doors.

"After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven..." (Revelation 4:1)

I don't know about you, but I am intrigued by this door. I love the visual imagery of an open door in heaven. It seems to be such a paradox, as a door is something we can relate to, something we have definition for, yet heaven seems to defy imagination. I don't know that this is a regular door, like the doors in my house, though. The word translated as door, thura in Greek, means a portal or entrance. I believe this is significant, as it sheds a different light on the 'door' idea. I think of a 'portal' as being an entrance to another realm, a change of environment. Also, note that it is not a window that merely bids us take a look into what lies beyond, rather it is a portal that bids us to enter into what lies beyond!

I also find it fascinating that we find this door within the same context of another 'door' we are all very familiar with. "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." (Revelation 3:20) You might be thinking that this door we are looking at in Revelation chapter 4 is not necessarily related to the door in Revelation 3:20. After all, our primary verse begins with the words "after this" which seem to denote a chronological shift, or a passage of time. However this is, in reality, an unfortunate assumption we can make. The words translated as 'after this', are two words in Greek, meta tauta. Meta is a primary preposition denoting accompaniment or being AMID. This word occupies an intermediate position between the Greek ek (a primary preposition denoting ORIGIN, the point whence action or motion proceeds) and eis (a primary preposition indicating the point REACHED or entered). Tauta simply means 'these things'. So, translated literally, the verse would read, 'In the MIDST of, or accompanying these things I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven.' I don't mean to belabor a grammar lesson here, but I believe it is important to see the correlation between the two doors in these two chapters.

You see, the door of Revelation 3:20 speaks of intimacy, as it says, "I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me." The door of Revelation 4:1-2 speaks of understanding and implementing the eternal purpose of God from the higher perspective and authority of the Throne, as it says, "...Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter... and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne." May I suggest that we will never enter the "door" of understanding and implementing the eternal purpose of God without first opening the "door" of intimacy? And why is this?... it is because if He can trust us with His heart in the place of intimacy, then He can trust us with His authority in implementing His purpose in the earth.

Intimacy is not necessarily that "warm fuzzy" feeling we long for and experience as we draw close to Him, although that IS a good thing and to be desired. Rather, intimacy is being ONE in purpose with Him. We can read of this intimacy in John 17:21-23; "That they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in Us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest Me I have given them; that they may be one, even as We are one: I in them, and thou in Me, that they may be made perfect in one." God's purpose is that there be NO separation, that we be ONE with Him and IN Him!

Now then, we just read in Revelation 3:20 as it says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door..." Personally, I believe that this door requires a 'key'. Let us read as the prophet Isaiah speaks of this key; "And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder; so he shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open." (Isaiah 22:22) We can also read of this key in our context of Revelation chapter 3; "These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth..." (Revelation 3:7) I also believe that we can glean much from a quick study of this "key."

If we back up to verses 20-21 of Isaiah 22, it speaks of governmental authority, fathering and Eliakim the son of Hilkiah; "And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will call my servant Eliakim the son of Hilkiah: And I will clothe him with thy robe, and strengthen him with thy girdle, and I will commit thy government into his hand: and he shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to the house of Judah." (Isaiah 22:20-21) The name Eliakim, Elyaqiym in Hebrew, means God of raising. The name Hilkiah, Chilqiyah in Hebrew, means portion of Jah (God). Indeed, He IS the God that desires to raise up those who are His portion! Those who are intimately "His portion," with no divided allegiances, He will exalt in wisdom and authority.

It is from this intimate place of being raised up in wisdom and authority that we can then understand and appropriate the revealed purpose and plan of God. I say this because in Revelation 4:1 we read, "...Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter." As I discussed in my book entitled "Deep calls to Deep", the word unfortunately translated as 'hereafter' is two words in Greek, meta tauta. Meta is a primary preposition denoting accompaniment or being amid. Tauta simply means 'these things'. Translated literally, the Voice in Revelation is saying, "I will show you what needs to occur in the midst of, or accompanying these things." John is being shown things which MUST BE in the midst presently. In other words, God's stated eternal purpose is that which MUST BE. The word translated as "must be" is dei in Greek, meaning necessary (as binding), it is the third person singular active present tense of deo -meaning to bind. Deo is the word used in Matthew 16:19, "...whatsoever thou shalt BIND on earth shall be BOUND in heaven..." So to put all this together, John is being shown a vision of what MUST BE, or what is bound in heaven, in order that we may grasp that vision and bind it (bring it to manifest) in the earth by our words and our lifestyle!

In our text, several Bible versions translate it as "a door standing open in heaven." I like this idea of the door (portal) standing open. It speaks to me of an 'open heaven'! This idea of an open heaven ties in closely with the Key of David, as Revelation 3:7-8 states, "These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth... behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it..." Also in Isaiah 22:22, "And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder; so he shall open, and none shall shut..."

I think all of us are interested in an open heaven... all of us are interested in the favor of God. In the past I have always thought of an "open heaven" or the "favor of God" as resting primarily on individuals. I have seen it operating powerfully in my own life. At times I have even felt somewhat guilty for walking in such "favor," as I knew I certainly didn't deserve it. However, I am beginning to glimpse the possible immaturity in my thinking. You see, although an "open heaven" or the "favor of God" may manifest through an individual, it's really more a matter of the "favor" resting upon the purpose of God. Yes, I believe the "favor" actually rests upon the purpose of God and when we align ourselves with His purpose, the "favor" utilizes US as a conduit through which to flow. You see, His favor really isn't ABOUT ME, it's about His purpose.

Key of David

As I began writing this, I was proceeding with the thought that intimacy was the Key of David. After all, David is known as "the man after God's heart."  However, now I am seeing that intimacy is actually the avenue that takes us to God's purpose- God's eternal purpose is the KEY! We must remember that David was not only "the man after God's heart," but because of his intimate relationship he was aligned with and implementing God's eternal purpose as he set up the Davidic Tabernacle. Think about it for a moment... why didn't David just take the Ark a few miles back to Gibeon where it had been for years? You see, the Ark represented the very presence of God, and not only represented it, but the shekinah glory of the Presence of the Lord literally manifested between the wings of the cherubim. Because of his intimate relationship, something inside of David compelled him to prepare a special place, "And David... prepared a place for the ark of God..." (1 Chronicles 15:1)

Whether he was totally aware of it or not, David was participating in the implementation of the Father's ultimate plan. We can read of this in Acts 15:16-17, "After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up: That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things." I personally believe that the restoration of the Davidic Tabernacle is absolutely paramount to the fulfillment of God's present purposes.

However, may I suggest that it is a living and breathing restored Davidic Tabernacle, a Third Day People with no veil of the fleshly self-life to hide the Christ that dwells within them, a people that manifest the presence and glory of God! God's original purpose was and still is, through a corporate Man in His image and likeness, and to exercise dominion (not domination) FROM the Davidic Throne of mercy and justice, THROUGH the corporate Body of Messiah. His purpose is to have a Throne (a seat of authority) in the earth to bring heaven to earth! "In mercy the THRONE will be established; And one will sit on it in truth, in the tabernacle of David, Judging and seeking justice and hastening righteousness." (Isaiah 16:5 NKJV) This ties in directly with our context in the book of Revelation; "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock (the call to intimacy)... To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with Me in My throne (the call to authority), even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His throne."

So many in Christendom have set their hopes on, and ordered their lives on the idea of leaving the earth to GO TO HEAVEN, when all along God's eternal purpose is for us to order our lives on the idea of BRINGING HEAVEN TO EARTH! This is the purpose of God's favor, this is the purpose of an "open heaven"... in order that the Kingdom of heaven that is within us (Luke 17:21) would invade the earth around us! Jesus said it this way, "But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you. Or else how can one enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house." (Matthew 12:28-29) The carnal thinking of the world-system is the "strong man's house" and it is time we enforced the victory of the cross to "spoil his house." It is time we believed the Scripture when it says, "Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out." (John 12:31) and "...the prince of this world is judged." (John 16:11)

Listen to this Psalm penned by "the man after God's heart."  Because of his intimate relationship, David truly had a revelation of the eternal purpose of God: "The earth is the LORD's, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. (No mention of escape because the devil is in control!) For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods. Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? (The call to come higher and draw near to Him in intimacy.) He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart... (Those who are the undivided 'portion of God'.) Lift up your head, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting DOORS; and the King of glory shall come in. (Once again we read of open doors!) Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting DOORS; and the King of glory shall come in. (And for what purpose are there open doors?  That the King of glory shall come in!  That heaven invade earth!) Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah." (Psalms 24:1-10 my input in parenthesis)

I sense something stirring in the Body of Christ these days, an unsettling expectancy. I believe that many in the church are "beholding the door" that bids us to enter into what lies beyond, many are standing at the "portal" right now; "After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven..." And like the sounding of a trumpet (the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me...), the prophetic call today is, "Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be..." (Revelation 4:1) Those who respond to this call will be given a fresh vision of the Throne of God, "And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne." (Revelation 4:2)

The Father is declaring, "And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder; so he shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open. And I will fasten him as a nail in a sure place; and he shall be for a glorious throne to his father's house." (Isaiah 22:22-23) Through intimate relationship, a living and breathing restored Davidic Tabernacle, He desires to give us a fresh vision of the Kingdom of heaven within us, a fresh vision of the Throne of God, and its' invasion of the earth, and its' establishment in the earth. Knowing and understanding His eternal purpose, we become the very CONDUITS, the open doors through which the King of glory comes in, that heaven invade earth! "And in mercy shall the throne be established: and he shall sit upon it in truth in the Tabernacle of David, judging, and seeking judgment, and hasting righteousness." (Isaiah 16:5)

THIS is the day of an open door. THIS is the day of an open heaven. THIS is the day of the Key of David.

Advancement

"Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick." (Luke 9:1-2)  Let us continue in this principle that I call the "Power of Advancement." 

Notice that "He called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority..."  He did not call them separately.  He did not take Peter aside and say, You know Peter, because you are so bold, you are pretty special so I am going to give you power and authority.  He did not take John aside and say, You know John, because you lay your head on my chest you are pretty special so I am going to give you power and authority.  Unfortunately, this is how many think and operate in the church today.  Our culture and society, especially in the West, seems to put much emphasis on "rugged individualism" and this mentality has found a stronghold in the church also.  Power and authority is given within the context of being called together, not just as individuals! 

You see, as Jesus called the twelve together, when they joined Him they became thirteen as a complete unit.  Thirteen is the number that bonds multiplicity into oneness.  While twelve is the number of government, it is only Divine Government as it is joined with the Kingship of Jesus the Christ, making it complete as thirteen.

It is my belief that true apostolic governmental power and authority is given within the context of being summoned and called together, rather than as separate lone individuals.  This is why those who refuse to join themselves with a like-minded local expression of the Body of Christ will never operate in apostolic governmental power and authority... the days of the "John the Baptist" lone voice crying in the wilderness are over, my friend!

We see also that He "...gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases." (Luke 9:1)

The word translated as "power" is dunamis in Greek.  Its' meanings include- strength power, ability, inherent power, power residing in a thing by virtue of its nature or which a person or thing exerts and puts forth, power for performing miracles.  The word translated as "authority" is exousia in Greek.  Its' meanings include - the power of rule or government, the power of Him whose will and commands must be submitted to by others and obeyed, specifically the power of judicial decisions.

Power

This is certainly not a comprehensive study of all the different types of "power", but I want us to consider and important aspect of power within the context of relationship and intimacy that we have been looking at.

A very common analogy of this word dunamis-power is with dynamite.  That type of power can be attributed to dunamis but it is perhaps not the best analogy.  Another analogy is that dunamis is where we get our English word dynamo from.  A dynamo is an interesting device that when one puts an electrical "charge" to it, it will then reproduce electricity.  So a dynamo points to something that reproduces the particular "charge" it is empowered with.

We can see this example displayed in Acts 1:8, "But ye shall receive power (dunamis), after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."  Certainly the dunamis they received resulted in signs, wonders and miracles, but the main expression of this dunamis was REPRODUCING disciples.  The primary power residing in a thing by virtue of its nature is to reproduce that very nature.

Friend, you and I were designed to be spiritual dynamos, reproducing the "charge" that we have been empowered with!  And what exactly IS that "charge?"  That charge is none other than the very Life of Christ Himself flowing through us!  We are Christ Dynamos, reproducing the Life of Christ not only in our own lives but "charging" others with that same Life.

This brings us to an important question for our consideration in today's world...  Are we still to pursue the type of dunamis-power exemplified by signs, wonders and miracles?  I believe that the answer is yes, and no.

Many today seek a display of power in signs, wonders and spiritual experiences as an end unto themselves.  I believe that a display of power simply for power's sake could possibly be just another form of carnality... like flexing one's spiritual muscles for others to admire.

The primary purpose of signs, wonders and miracles is to reproduce the Life of Christ in the form of making new disciples or strengthening the faith (which is part of Christ's Life) in those who are already disciples.  So YES, dunamis-power exemplified by signs, wonders and miracles should definitely be sought, but for the purpose of reproduction!

Authority

This brings us to the concept of authority I want to discuss, that is within this understanding of reproductive power.  In order to understand this analogy, we must temporarily remove our minds from our modern day parameters of social acceptability.  In Biblical times especially, one who was born out of wedlock was greatly looked down upon, considered second-class, known as illegitimate, and generally did not have much of an inheritance.  Only the intimate bonds of marriage gave one the "authority" to reproduce.  To reproduce outside of the "authority" of marriage was considered a damaging thing.

I believe that as we look at spiritual "power and authority," much of this same concept is true.  To display dunamis/ reproductive power outside of the "authority" of an intimate "marriage" with Christ is to produce something that is spiritually illegitimate. 

Allow me to explain...  Today I sat in an architecturally amazing structure that was built by the "religious system" that I was raised in.  As I looked around at this amazing display of strength and power displayed in a physical building, and then thought of the millions across the globe who have been "birthed" into this system, it made me reflect for a bit. I want to be careful in my remarks as I can only speak from my own experience, I am not saying that this has been the experience for all.  For me personally, this "system" produced something illegitimate, as I did not even know my Father under that system.  I believe that true spiritual authority is born of relationship.

Here is a fascinating account that I believe sums it up quite well; "Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth. And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so. And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?" (Acts 19:13-15)  I love that last statement...Who the heck are you?

Once again, true spiritual authority is born of relationship.  This brings us two critical aspects of spiritual authority that need to be understood, especially in Western Christianity- Ecclesia and Jurisdiction.

Let Us First Look at Ecclesia

It seems that there is a certain amount of "anti-church" sentiment among Present Truth/ Third Day/ Deeper Life people. Some are saying that we are moving from the Church Age and that church is no longer relevant because we are shifting into the Kingdom Age.

The word translated as "church" is ecclesia in Greek. We must understand that ecclesia was not a new word coined in the New Testament, it was a very familiar word and concept.  Ecclesia was a "gathering of those summoned," it was the principal assembly of ancient Athens during its "Golden Age."  The Ecclesia opened the doors for all citizens, regardless of class, to appoint magistrates, have the final decision on legislation, war and peace, and have the right to call magistrates to account.  They would meet as often as four times a month to vote on decrees, treaties, and law proposals. 

In essence, this group of people was a civil or a governmental body convened to legislate affairs that pertained to the nation.

Freedom of speech was essential to the idea of the Ecclesia Assembly. Regardless of his status, a citizen could speak; however, those over 50 could speak first. What the Ecclesia Assembly decreed was preserved and made public, recording the decree, its date, and the names of the officials.  A rogue individual could certainly make a "decree" if they wanted to, apart from Ecclesia, however there would be no authority to enforce such a "decree," therefore it would be pointless.  Unfortunately, today we seem to have a plethora of rogue individuals making "decrees" and I question their effectiveness because they are not in relationship with any local Ecclesia.

Jesus did not come to establish another religion, He came to build Ecclesia; "And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church (ecclesia), and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." (Matthew 16:18-19)

The word translated here as Peter is from the Greek word petros which literally means a piece of stone. Jesus went on to say that He would build His Church upon the rock - which is translated from the Greek word petra. The word petra is not a piece of rock, but is THE ROCK! It is literally much larger and more complete by definition than a petros. About 50 miles south of the Dead Sea lies the city of Petra. It is appropriately named "the rock" because the entire city is carved from a rock, not merely built with rocks - which would be petros. In a symbolic fashion, the Body of Christ is also being carved out of the Rock Jesus Christ.

The rock that Christ is building His Ecclesia with is the "Rock" of the Personal revelation of Christ. Back up to Matthew 16:16-17, "And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not REVEALED it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven."  The personal revelation of Christ then leads us to the revelation of Christ in His corporate Body of Ecclesia!

Notice that these are keys OF the Kingdom, not keys TO the Kingdom... they do not unlock the Kingdom of heaven. Rather, the keys represent authority in binding and loosing on the earth. The word translated as bind, deo in Greek, means to bind, knit, tie, to wind; it is closely related to dei which means 'it is necessary as binding, needful'. Also, when it says whatsoever we bind on earth SHALL BE BOUND in heaven, the Greek is a perfect passive participle meaning that things are in a state of HAVING BEEN ALREADY in the heavenlies.

We are to discern, not by natural observation and common sense, but by revelation, the PURPOSE and will of God which is ALREADY established in the heavenlies, and as we manifest the nature of Christ and declare that revealed purpose, we are BINDING on earth that which IS already in the heavenlies. "Thy Kingdom COME, Thy will BE DONE, on EARTH AS IT IS in heaven!" Now then, we cannot declare one thing and LIVE something else! We are to BE the REVEALation of Jesus Christ in the earth... we do this BINDING not just by our words, but by WHO we manifest in our lives. "Forever O Lord, Thy WORD is settled in heaven." (Ps.119:89 )  And just as the Word became Flesh and dwelt among us in the body of Jesus Christ, so we also are to be the Word being made flesh. When I say we are to become the Word being made flesh, I am speaking of the Engrafted Word (Christ) which has the power to bring us to FULL salvation.

This is the power of binding on earth; we bind to the earth who we ARE in the earth. The question is this: are we binding in the earth the man who is OF the earth - Adam?... or are we binding in the earth the Man Who is OF heaven -Christ? Just as mass and gravity interact in the natural realm, I believe we ARE the spiritual 'mass' that bends the spiritual realm which surrounds the earth, and this in turn impacts the natural realm. "And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church (ecclesia), which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all." (Ephesians 1:22-23)  His Body, the Ecclesia, is the fullness of Him who fills all in all!

Jesus did not come to establish a "spiritual hospital," although people Do find healing here, and He did not come to establish a spiritual nursery to warehouse grown up "babies" still on spiritual milk!  He came to displace one kingdom with Another Kingdom, to establish a governmental body of Ecclesia, summoned together to legislate affairs that pertain to the earth!

Jurisdiction

I believe that the issue here concerns jurisdiction. "And as soon as he knew that he belonged unto Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who himself also was at Jerusalem at that time." (Luke 23:7)  Jurisdiction can be defined as the geographic area over which authority extends; legal authority; the authority to hear and determine causes of action. Jurisdiction generally describes any authority over a certain area or certain persons or certain circumstances. In the law, jurisdiction sometimes refers to a particular geographic area containing a defined legal authority.

That word translated as jurisdiction in Luke 23:7 is also used in Matthew 7:29, however it is translated differently; "For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes."  Jesus taught as one having jurisdiction!  Although the scribes had man-made authority, they had no spiritual jurisdiction.  Jesus had jurisdiction based upon His relationship with His Father. 

Jesus makes a very poignant statement in John 5:30 as He says, "I can of mine own self do nothing: as I HEAR, I JUDGE: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me. If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true." (John 5:30-31)  The word translated as judge, krino in Greek, is a legal term meaning to distinguish, i.e. decide mentally or judicially; by implication, to try, decree, determine, go to law, pronounce sentence.  Jesus' judicial legal decree was predicated upon His relationship with His Father, and of hearing His Father's Voice.

My friend, "Church/ Ecclesia" is the "gathering of the summoned" into the inner court of the King to execute the decree of our King.  Ecclesia IS Kingdom!  Ecclesia is a Kingdom gathering!  Ecclesia is the embodiment of Christ in the earth!  True spiritual authority is born of relationship within the context of Ecclesia.

I also believe that Ecclesia somewhat defines jurisdiction... allow me to explain.  Even though I am pastoring a local expression of Ecclesia (a local Church), I still travel some in ministry.  If I go to minister in France, for example, my spiritual jurisdiction as a pastor in North Carolina does not mean much in France.  My spiritual jurisdiction as one called as an apostle does not even hold much weight in France.  However, when I as an apostle, join with the jurisdiction of a local expression of Ecclesia in France, then the result is a shifting of the spiritual atmosphere.  I do believe that an apostolic calling carries a certain amount of inherent spiritual power, however if that power is exercised without the authority of jurisdiction, then nothing lasting will result.  "If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true." (John 5:31)

An integral part of Father's purpose in the earth is that Christ's Kingdom rule be made known THROUGH the Church/ Ecclesia to principalities and powers in the heavenly sphere.  "[The purpose is] that through the CHURCH (Ecclesia) the complicated, many-sided wisdom of God in all its infinite variety  and innumerable aspects might now be made known to the angelic rulers and authorities (principalities and powers) in the heavenly sphere.  This is in accordance with the terms of the eternal  and  timeless purpose which He has realized  and  carried into effect in [the person of] Christ Jesus our Lord." (Ephesians 3:10-11 Amplified Bible)  Note that this happens through the authority of Ecclesia... and Ecclesia is not a lone individual.  Too many out there are "beating the air" trying to exercise power without the authority of Ecclesia.

The authority and jurisdiction of Ecclesia releases the power of reproduction and as a natural consequence, signs and wonders follow! This is the Power of Advancement!

Conclusion

Friend, I believe it is time for the apostolic message to come to maturity.  We must not agree with what the temporal natural realm is presenting as "facts."  We must understand is that the "facts" do not necessarily determine the reality!  We must bring the "facts" and submit them to God, and He will determine the reality.  Just like the woman with the issue of blood, we must re-align our lives.  For twelve years her total Alignment, her energies, her money, her focus, her very act of "living" had been on dealing with her issues.  It is time to align with Him and apprehend His kraspedon, His identity as our identity, and see our "issues" healed.  It is time to advance in reproductive and miraculous power, within the relationship of authority and jurisdiction through Ecclesia. Friend, let us agree, align, and advance in power and authority!

Doug Fortune