On the 18th of November 2012, the President of the Republic of South Africa’s brother, Mr Michael Zuma, visited us at our Sunday am Church service.

I was humbled by this precious mans presence and knew that this would be a great opportunity for God to speak and share concerning His plans and purposes, not only for the President, but also for our beloved country! God has shared so many secrets with me concerning the incredible future of South Africa. However, God also began to unveil and reveal some dark, sinister, satanic plans, and demonic strategies of satan to me! These included attacks against both our President as well as South Africa. This is not a strange phenomenon for Gods true Prophets to access satan’s plans -  they have access, not only to Gods secrets, but also to what the destructive plans of the enemy are. As a prophet, whenever I ‘see’ satan planning and scheming, it is my function and responsibility to prophesy God’s word of contradiction against these satanic suggestions. Prophets preserve, and were almost always instrumental in protecting God’s people, as well as giving council, guidance and warnings to those in authority – if they listened, they were spared!

2 Kings 6:8–19 8 One time when the king of Aram was at war with Israel, after consulting with his officers, he said, “At such and such a place I want an ambush set.”9 The Holy Man sent a message to the king of Israel: “Watch out when you’re passing this place, because Aram has set an ambush there.”10 So the king of Israel sent word concerning the place of which the Holy Man had warned him. This kind of thing happened all the time. 11 The king of Aram was furious over all this. He called his officers together and said, “Tell me, who is leaking information to the king of Israel? Who is the spy in our ranks?” 12 But one of his men said, “No, my master, dear king. It’s not any of us. It’s Elisha the prophet in Israel. He tells the king of Israel everything you say, even what you whisper in your bedroom.” 13 The king said, “Go and find out where he is. I’ll send someone and capture him.” The report came back, “He’s in Dothan.” 14 Then he dispatched horses and chariots, an impressive fighting force. They came by night and surrounded the city. 15 Early in the morning a servant of the Holy Man got up and went out. Surprise! Horses and chariots surrounding the city! The young man exclaimed, “Oh, master! What shall we do?” 16 He said, “Don’t worry about it—there are more on our side than on their side.” 17 Then Elisha prayed, “O GOD, open his eyes and let him see.” The eyes of the young man were opened and he saw. A wonder! The whole mountainside full of horses and chariots of fire surrounding Elisha! 18 When the Arameans attacked, Elisha prayed to GOD, “Strike these people blind!” And GOD struck them blind, just as Elisha said. 19 Then Elisha called out to them, “Not that way! Not this city! Follow me and I’ll lead you to the man you’re looking for.” And he led them into Samaria.

As I climbed onto the platform the Spirit of The Lord came upon me and I began to prophesy! I shared some of His secrets concerning the future He has for our beloved country. He addressed the finances, the children, politics, change, revival etc. God had specifically been warning me about an assassination attempt and bomb plot against our President as well as other ANC officials; with a plan to overthrow the government. I began to reveal glimpses that I had of satans plans as far back as 2011!  As I ‘looked’ I saw that these plans were satanic in nature, once again, satan would make an attempt to plunge our Nation into chaos, because of the great things God is going to do in South Africa and even Africa – my prophetic team and I began to wage a good warfare! (1 Tim 1:18)

Below is an edited excerpt of the Prophetic word delivered off the platform to the Church, the Nation, our President and the Presidents brother on the 18th November 2012:

“Those that plot an evil thing; those that plot to overthrow; those that plot to overthrow even the president of this nation; those who plan to bring destruction in this land; those who plan to bring division and destruction; those who desire to throw this nation into a quagmire – I see you. But I say to you, your plans – yes, your plans against our President shall not prevail. You who have planned destruction; you who have planned death and bloodshed; you who have planned to make this nation ungovernable; you who have planned to bring chaos to our land – I prophesy to you. You shall not prevail. You shall not succeed.”

“NO …  My hand shall prevail. My plans shall prevail. My tomorrow shall prevail. My future shall prevail. I shall prevail,” says the Spirit of the Lord. “But now watch,” says the Lord, “I shall uncover them speedily. I shall expose them quickly and it shall come to the fore and they shall say we have never seen anything like this. People are making plans for destruction. People are making plans for bloodshed, but they cannot, they cannot get it right.”

Below is a quote from the News Media:

Quote from Eye Witness News

“BLOEMFONTEIN – Disturbing details about a plot by four right-wingers to kill President Jacob Zuma and several other top government officials was made public on Tuesday. Mark Trollip, John Keevy, Johan Prinsloo and Hein Boonzaaier were arrested over the weekend in connection with a plot to kill Zuma and other leaders at the ANC’s 53rd National Conference in Mangaung.

They face charges of treason, after allegedly plotting to overthrow the government and establish an independent Boer nation. The families of the accused quietly observed court proceedings as evidence against the men was read out to Magistrate Monde Mahlaya. Details heard in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court included a plan to fire mortar bombs on marquees housing ANC delegates at the party’s Mangaung conference and the execution-style murder of Zuma and some cabinet ministers during a dinner.

The court heard that the men had been plotting the attack since February. But all the alleged planning was brought to an abrupt halt once the Free State police got wind of it from a tip-off and apprehended the men on Saturday. Trollip was arrested on the road between Kimberley and Douglas in the Northern Cape, while Keevy was arrested at a guest house in Bloemfontein, Prinsloo in Springs and Boonzaaier in Centurion.”

http://ewn.co.za/2012/12/19/Court-is-told-of-plans-to-kill-Zuma

The plot and assassination attempt was halted, uncovered and exposed, just as God had decreed it would! The men were arrested on Sunday the 16th of December 2012 just 4 weeks after the Prophecy on the 18th of November 2012. Go to http://www.destiny.co.za/latest-prophecy/page/2/ for the unedited full prophecy for South Africa and our President. You can read the transcription or listen to the entire audio. The prophecy is titled – “Mr President, Could We Make History Together?”

There were other utterances warning the President, and any who had an ear to hear what the Spirit was saying, specifically relating to satan’s plans to murder and destroy our President!

Below are some excerpts from other relevant predictions:

1. 8 February 2011 – “There shall be a turnaround. There shall be a turnabout and I shall cause the president of your nation to acknowledge that I am the protector of this nation. I shall cause the President of this nation to lift holy hands to Me and declare that, ‘There is but one God. There is but one Law. There is but one Savior. There is but one Spirit. And I shall cause unity to come out of the chaos. There shall be an attempt – there shall be an assassination attempt, but I shall stop it. And you shall discover that I am on the steps of the highest house in the land, because of your prayers.” - The Unedited version of this Prophecy in it’s entirety can be read and listened to on the following link titled ‘A Turnaround’ - http://www.destiny.co.za/prophecy/page/3/?y=2011

2. 27  September 2011 – Doxa Deo – Pretoria “Do not doubt this word Pretoria, do not doubt Me. There is a man, he hides. He has a plan, a plan of assassination, but I shall protect the President of this land because of the prayers of My saints that have come up before Me as a memorial.” – The unedited version of this prophecy in its entirety can be read and listened to on the following link titled ‘Do Not Fear Pretoria!’ – http://www.destiny.co.za/prophecy/?y=2011

3. 27 November 2011 – “And I will protect you in this hour, and many, many, shall see. There is a suggestion; there is a suggestion that shall come to this nation, even in next year, there will be a suggestion – what is this I see? A plot! A plot to produce bloodshed, a plot to produce destruction. A bomb plot, a plot to blow up, yes, even in this nation,” but the Spirit of the Lord says, “I shall stop it, I shall stop it just in time and I will get the glory. I will get the glory for My protection, I will get the glory in this hour for My salvation, I will get the glory in this hour for My deliverance and even those in high places shall lift up their hands and they shall declare Me as King. They shall declare Me as God, they shall declare Me as great.” – The unedited version of this prophecy in its entirety can be read and listened to on the following link titled ‘A Mighty army Arises’ - http://www.destiny.co.za/prophecy/?y=2011

To the Church and the leaders of the Body of Christ in South Africa , I say – are you listening?

We at Destiny, together with many others in South Africa, have committed to fast every Thursday, joining together in prayer, from 5am to 9am – for our Nation, for our President, all leaders, all forms of government as well as all Church leaders. Lets stop criticizing lets start praying! Its time – No longer shall Africa be the ‘Dark Continent’, but shall develop over the next 30 years to become a ‘Continent of Light!’

In His love,

Marc

1 Corinthians 10:1–12 Remember our history, friends, and be warned. All our ancestors were led by the providential Cloud and taken miraculously through the Sea. They went through the waters, in a baptism like ours, as Moses led them from enslaving death to salvation life. They all ate and drank identical food and drink, meals provided daily by God. They drank from the Rock, God’s fountain for them that stayed with them wherever they were. And the Rock was Christ. But just experiencing God’s wonder and grace didn’t seem to mean much—most of them were defeated by temptation during the hard times in the desert, and God was not pleased. 6–10 The same thing could happen to us. We must be on guard so that we never get caught up in wanting our own way as they did. And we must not turn our religion into a circus as they did—“First the people partied, then they threw a dance.” We must not be sexually promiscuous—they paid for that, remember, with 23,000 deaths in one day! We must never try to get Christ to serve us instead of us serving him; they tried it, and God launched an epidemic of poisonous snakes. We must be careful not to stir up discontent; discontent destroyed them. 11–12 These are all warning markers—DANGER!—in our history books, written down so that we don’t repeat their mistakes. Our positions in the story are parallel—they at the beginning, we at the end—and we are just as capable of messing it up as they were. Don’t be so naive and self-confident. You’re not exempt. You could fall flat on your face as easily as anyone else. Forget about self-confidence; it’s useless. Cultivate God-confidence. (The Message Bible)

What can we learn from Israel in relation to prophets and prophecy?

Exodus 6:8-9 And I will bring you into the land which I swore to give to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob; and I will give it to you as a heritage. I am the Lord. So Moses spoke thus to the children of Israel, but they did not heed Moses because of anguish of spirit and cruel bondage.

Right from the very start, God and Moses battled to get the majority of God’s people to align their thoughts and ways with God’s. Their bondage had become so extremely oppressive that they had lost all hope of ever being redeemed from it. Their labour had been so excessively harsh and unremitting that they hardly had time to breathe. They battled to believe that, in the midst of this cruel bondage, God could fulfill the promise of His goodness to them.

Their negative, fearful and bad attitudes were a constant challenge to the prophecy, God’s will for their lives and His great promise!

Exodus 13:17–18 17 It so happened that after Pharaoh released the people, God didn’t lead them by the road through the land of the Philistines, which was the shortest route, for God thought, “If the people encounter war, they’ll change their minds and go back to Egypt.” 18 So God led the people on the wilderness road, looping around to the Red Sea. The Israelites left Egypt in military formation. (The Message Bible)

They did not want to fight that good fight of faith! As a result what should have been an approximate 8-day journey became a never-ending story! When they finally reached the Promised Land, ten of their twelve leaders returned from spying out the land with a negative report

Numbers 13:26–14:4 26–27 They presented themselves before Moses and Aaron and the whole congregation of the People of Israel in the Wilderness of Paran at Kadesh. They reported to the whole congregation and showed them the fruit of the land. Then they told the story of their trip: 27–29 “We went to the land to which you sent us and, oh! It does flow with milk and honey! Just look at this fruit! The only thing is that the people who live there are fierce, their cities are huge and well fortified. Worse yet, we saw descendants of the giant Anak. Amalekites are spread out in the Negev; Hittites, Jebusites, and Amorites hold the hill country; and the Canaanites are established on the Mediterranean Sea and along the Jordan.” 30 Caleb interrupted, called for silence before Moses and said, “Let’s go up and take the land—now. We can do it.” 31–33 But the others said, “We can’t attack those people; they’re way stronger than we are.” They spread scary rumors among the People of Israel. They said, “We scouted out the land from one end to the other—it’s a land that swallows people whole. Everybody we saw was huge. Why, we even saw the Nephilim giants (the Anak giants come from the Nephilim). Alongside them we felt like grasshoppers. And they looked down on us as if we were grasshoppers.” (The Message Bible)

Their negative attitude towards the circumstances, despite the powerful prophecy from God through Moses, caused the fruit of sadness and mourning to defile the entire congregation.

Numbers 14:1 The whole community was in an uproar, wailing all night long. All the People of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron. The entire community was in on it: “Why didn’t we die in Egypt? Or in this wilderness? Why has GOD brought us to this country to kill us? Our wives and children are about to become plunder. Why don’t we just head back to Egypt? And right now!” 4 Soon they were all saying it to one another: “Let’s pick a new leader; let’s head back to Egypt.” (The Message Bible)

Negativity and unbelief can destroy God’s plan for your life. There were two leaders who believed they were able to destroy the threat of death facing them. There was no fear of the giants from the two because they believed that the Lord was with them and His report was the one to be trusted. Caleb had a different spirit and was positive that God was able to fulfill His will for their lives, (Numbers 14 : 24), whereas the negativity of the people was causing them to be contradictory to God, putting themselves in union with satanic powers. This is evidenced by the fact that those who embraced the negative report of doom and gloom and destruction, decided to kill Joshua and Caleb for daring to be positive about the future of the congregation.

Numbers 14:9-10 “Only do not rebel against the Lord, nor fear the people of the land for they are our bread; their protection has departed from them, and the Lord is with us. Do not fear them” And all the congregation said to stone them with stones. Now the glory of the Lord appeared in the tabernacle of meeting before all the children of Israel.

When those who have heard from God begin to move in the realm of faith, those who operate by the law of knowledge of good and evil will desire to kill. Out of that entire generation, only Joshua and Caleb inherited the promise, together with another generation that God raised up; the promise was fulfilled in the lives of those who believed, and in the next generation. Our attitudes are crucial to the fulfillment of our personal prophecies. Firstly, we need to have the attitude of faith. If we do not believe that prophecy is scriptural and we despise the truth of this precious ability of the Holy Spirit to prophesy through people, we will be in danger of harboring unbelief, which insults God.

Heb 4:2 For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it.

This verse tells us that the Israelites’ attitude caused them not to profit from the prophetic word given to them, because they did not combine it with faith. The good news that they received through the prophet Moses was a promise of entering into an earthly rest. The promised good news that we have received is that of entering into an eternal rest.

If you have the attitude of faith, the attitude of obedience will need to accompany your faith. The prophetic word you receive brings the necessary understanding to obey and do God’s will with faith and obedience present in your life. Patience will also be necessary to inherit the promises received by your prophecy.

Hebrews 6:11-12,15 And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises … And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.

If you choose to receive God’s word of prophecy with an attitude of faith, obedience and patience, you will need to protect your heart from pride. An attitude of humility, meekness and submission to one another in love, is very important. If someone prophesies a true word from God, and your response is an attitude of anger, doubt, resentment, criticism, self justification or arrogance, you will reveal immaturity or, even worse, a wrong spirit. A bad attitude rising up out of ignorance or hardness of heart will neutralise much of what God wants to accomplish by the prophetic word spoken. It is important for you to have a witness in your heart to a prophecy spoken over your life. The way you bear witness is the same way you would bear witness to the truth that you are a child of God, by the Holy Spirit.

Rom 8:16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.

It is the Spirit that must bear witness with our spirits. The reason that many people respond with a bad attitude is because what was prophesied does not confirm their theology, or they do not like what was said, and consequently their emotions react negatively to the prophecy. We must not bear witness to a prophetic utterance with our soulish minds according to our theological beliefs, or our personal opinions, desires or goals. Our traditions, beliefs and strong opinions are not a true witness to prophetic truth. I once called out a young man in a meeting and began to prophesy the future will of God for his life. Part of the message that was prophesied was that God would cause him to walk in the power of the Spirit, and that signs, wonders and miracles would follow his ministry, I could see that the young man’s attitude held a mixture of pride, anger, doubt, resentment, criticism and arrogance. He stormed out the building. I was later to learn that he was part of a denomination that believed that there were no more miracles for our day, and that speaking in other tongues was no longer applicable to the church today. With that attitude, and without repentance in the young man’s life, it is very unlikely that God would be able to accomplish His will for that young man.

There are some people who reject prophecy because what they receive is not a confirmation of something already in their hearts. It is taught to some that prophecy is only for confirmation. This is the ideal, but not the real. It is easier to ‘bear witness’ if a prophecy is a confirmation of what has already been spoken or is already in our spirits. However there is no indication in scripture that this needs to be the case. In fact, there are many cases of prophecy where the words spoken were not in confirmation of what was already known.

One was through the prophet Agabus to a local church, as recorded in Acts 11, where he predicted that a great famine was coming upon the entire Roman world. The decision to send relief to the believers in Judea, made subsequent to the word spoken, makes it clear that this was a fresh word with no previous indication from God.

Acts 11:28-30 Now in these days there came down prophets from Jerusalem to Antioch. And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there would be a great famine over all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius. And the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren that dwelt in Judea: which also they did, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.

A second instance is that of Peter on the rooftop where he received revelation regarding the Gentiles, a revelation which was completely new to the church of that time, so much so that, subsequent to his obedience to the vision, he had to give an account of his actions regarding salvation for the Gentiles, to the Church in Jerusalem.

Acts 10:17-20 Now while Peter was much perplexed in himself what the vision which he had seen might mean, behold, the men that were sent by Cornelius, having made inquiry for Simon’s house, stood before the gate, and called and asked whether Simon, who was surnamed Peter, were lodging there. And while Peter thought on “the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men seek you. But arise, and get down, and go with them, nothing doubting: for I have sent them.”

We are not suggesting that God will not confirm his word or that it is wrong to ask for confirmation, but it is error to teach that the prophetic word should only be for confirmation. One of the scriptures used in support of the view that prophecy must only be for confirmation is taken from 2 Corinthians 13 : 1. “This will be the third time that I am coming to you. By the mouth of two or three witnesses every word shall be established.”

This scripture has nothing to do with prophecy, but everything to do with judicial cases that would require witnesses. The Mosaic law insisted on there being witnesses in all cases that come before a judge. It was necessary to have at least two witnesses to confirm an accusation against a person. Paul was quoting from Deuteronomy 19:5. It was not quoted in reference to prophecy.

There is a real necessity for prophecy to be recorded, read and meditated upon. Paul told Timothy to meditate over his personal prophecy so that everything spoken would be made manifest and become profitable to the whole body of Christ (1 Timothy 4 : 14, 15). It is obviously not possible to meditate on the promise that God has given you through prophecy, unless it is recorded or written down. In every church I visit, if the people are not familiar with the principles governing the prophetic, I ensure that my team have ensured recordings will be available, as well as equipment for recording every word of personal prophecy over each individual. This helps to be able to judge the prophecy if the person does not clearly understand, and for the individual to be able to meditate on the promise so that they might run with it (Habukkuk 2:2). This procedure also helps to protect me and makes me accountable for what I have said.

Don’t let your own bad attitude or the negative attitudes of others rob you of your peace, delay God’s plans for your life and become the ultimate dream thieves!!

Rev 19:10b Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus Christ is the spirit of prophecy!

In His love,

Marc

Don’t be afraid, don’t be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you!

I have had so many concerned South Africans contact me in absolute fear and terror as a result of the many strike actions, the ‘Marikana’ disaster and the ‘uprisings’ taking place in the country. Many seem convinced that what has happened in the North of Africa and what is happening in the middle East, will now occur here in South Africa! IT WILL NOT!

As I warned Julius Malema, by the Word of the Lord, so too, God has been speaking to our President, Mr Jacob Zuma, as well as South Africa. My prayer is that both the President and South Africans will heed their prophet!

On the 27 February 2011 God spoke comfort to South Africans as a result of the revolution that was taking place in Libya at that time and because of the destruction that seemed to want to raise it’s ugly head all over the continent! God spoke clearly then and that prophecy still stands for now:

‘The Spirit of the Lord says, “I will not allow destruction to spill over into this nation or cross over the borders. Why will I not allow it? Because I am that I am. And I have ordained this nation for divine influence because I have given My angels charge over you …” (Entire prophecy available at www.destiny.co.za)

On the 23 September 2012 the Word of the Lord was released for the President, Mr Jacob Zuma, and on behalf of all  South Africans. The following are excerpts from the prophecy available in it’s entirety at www.destiny.co.za

The Spirit of the Lord says, “Destruction won’t come to this land. I speak to the principalities that say destruction will come.” God says, “No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no.

The Spirit of the Lord says, “My kingdom will come. My church, my bride – will say – come. My Spirit will say, come – and I, yes I, yes I have come to this land – now. Don’t be afraid my child – I say rejoice. Rejoice at the alter rejoice with joy. I, I, I am – taking this land to a new place, a higher place, my place,” says the Lord. “I want you to hear today South Africa for those of you who fear, do not fear, my love is here. My love is here. My love is here. The only fear that will come is the fear of Me,  for My Son shall arise in this land, because of My people who are called by My name – are looking to Me – they say it’s not by might nor by power. No, no, it’s by My Spirit says the Lord.”

“My people recognize my fire. My people recognize my voice. My people recognize my blood. My people recognize my power. My people recognize my resurrection power. They recognize the hour, the hour, the hour it is not Satan’s hour. No, no – this is my hour and I will do what I said I’d do South Africa, for you. Don’t be afraid. I say in this land – to the highest seat – I say President – yes, President Zuma – I say to you this day in this land – I say to you – do not fear. Yea I say – do not fear, because My presence is here in this land. Because the salt the light of the earth is here burning, burning, burning, burning bright. I am here My church. I am here South Africa. I am here Mr. President. I speak to you sir. Yes, yes I say – President Zuma – fear has gripped you in the night. Fear has tried to cause a fright.”

Mr. Zuma, I say to you, “the spirit of fear has tried to grip your heart and draw you near, near, near to destruction.” But I say to you, “you will not fear you will not fear. I say to you Mr. President do not fear, do not fear, because I am here – and I am. Mr. President, I say to you today, “Lift up your eyes and you will see that I am here and I am here. South Africa I am not against you, I am for you,” says the Lord. “Who are these rabble rouserS? Who are these who would roar? They roar like a lion.

But I say to you, my church, I say to you – I am, I am the lion of the tribe of Judah – and I am here. And as you’ve praised me this morning, yes, you’ve sent out a message of war. A message of war against the enemy and you are saying to him by your clap and by your shout -You are saying by your clap that God is for us, not against us. You are saying by your clap that we will have total victory. I said total victory. This land will not be Satan’s – this land will belong to Jesus.”

‘I Am’ speaks to you today Mr President – I’m gonna touch your soul. I’m gonna touch you and if you will respond to me in the way I have declared to you, I’ll give you victory, but if you don’t, if you don’t Mr. President, you will discover that I will invade this land and then I will remove you speedily. But if you will turn to me,” says the Lord, “I will cause you to become a light shinning bright and I will change yes I will change the politics of this land. For I have put things in motion,” says the Lord.

I am praying for this nation, our President, our leaders and all her precious peoples. God bless South Africa – God bless Africa – God bless our President.

In His love,

Your servant,

Marc

Just because someone prophesy’s, does not make him or her a prophet! Too many people are deceived into believing that if someone is able to prophecy that this immediately qualifies them to operate in the ‘Office of the Prophet’ – this is simply just not true! In this teaching we will seek to establish from His Word the different realms of the prophetic as well as distinguish the different levels of prophetic expression.

Communication in the spirit cannot be attained without the partnership of the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit is a Prophetic Spirit. In the Old Testament when the English word used in relation to God’s Spirit – often described as the wind, or breath of God – is the Hebrew word ‘ruach’. When this word is used in reference to God’s Spirit, it means an inspiring, ecstatic state of prophecy, war-like energy, an unaccountable impulse and administrative power. In essence, divine communication, illumination and divine inspiration is the work of the prophetic Spirit and, therefore, is prophetic in nature. There are three levels of the prophetic:

- The Prophetic Spirit

- The gift of prophecy

- The office of the prophet

All three of these levels operate from the Holy Spirit’s working through a person. Every believer who is saved and has the Holy Spirit can now operate in the first level of the prophetic. God has always desired all His people to have access to divine communication with Him by His Spirit. The Old Testament prophet was established only because the people did not want to hear God’s voice for themselves. They wanted somebody else to hear from God concerning their lives.

Exodus 20:19 Then they said to Moses, “You speak with us, and we will hear; but let not God speak with us, lest we die.

Their spirits were no longer compatible with God’s Spirit to hear Him because sin had led to a destructive fear in their lives. They feared God’s voice. There could be no spiritual communion and, as a result, no personal illumination. As a result of sin that had entered man’s make up, God’s voice had become unclear. God established the order of the Prophet to speak to man on His behalf. This was never the perfect order.

1. The Spirit Of Prophecy.

Numbers 11:25 Then the LORD came down in the cloud and spoke to him, and took some of the Spirit that was on him and put it on the seventy elders. And as soon as the Spirit rested on them, they prophesied. But they did not continue doing it. (ESV)

As a result of the Holy Spirit’s influence, Moses leaders had the ability to discover hidden things, to settle difficult things and operate in the wisdom of God. When Joshua wanted Moses to stop the people from prophesying, Moses expressed God’s desire as he envisioned a nation of prophets.

Numbers 11:27–29 27 And a young man ran and told Moses, “Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp.” 28 And Joshua the son of Nun, the assistant of Moses from his youth, said, “My lord Moses, stop them.” 29 But Moses said to him, “Are you jealous for my sake? Would that all the Lord’s people were prophets, that the Lord would put his Spirit on them!” (ESV)

Even enemies prophesy when the Spirit comes upon them. The Holy Spirit is a prophetic Spirit.

1 Samuel 19:20 Then Saul sent messengers to take David. And when they saw the group of prophets prophesying and Samuel standing as leader over them, the Spirit of God came upon the messengers of Saul and they also prophesied.

In Numbers 11: 25 we see that they only prophesied once. Therefore, one cannot conclude that they had the gift of prophecy, or even functioned in the office of a prophet. But what we can conclude is that they had the prophetic Spirit. When the Spirit of prophecy is present i.e. the Holy Spirit, people who don’t normally prophesy may do so. Under the influence of the Holy Spirit, prophesying was a task that could not be avoided.

Amos 3:8 A lion has roared! Who will not fear? The Lord God has spoken! Who can but prophesy?

Another prophet who expressed God’s heart to have a nation of people who would enter into divine communication with Him, was Joel. Peter saw Joel’s prediction in Joel 2:28-29 being fulfilled by the outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost in Acts 2.

Acts 2:1–4 2 When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. (ESV)

This was not only for the disciples of that time as has been erroneously supposed by many so called self appointed ‘heretic hunters.’

Acts 2:39 The promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.

Peter, defending those operating under the Spirit’s power, declared them not drunk as was ‘supposed’ by their accusers and those ‘perplexed’, makes mention of Joels prediction as being fulfilled!

Acts 2:14–18 14 But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words. 15 For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. 16 But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel: 17  “ ‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; 18  even on my male servants and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy. (ESV)

His reference to ‘Upon all flesh‘ referred to every category of person who would repent, not to every individual. The Holy Spirit would no longer be confined to only a few individuals, as He was in the Old Testament. He would become available to every believer in Christ, regardless of age, status or gender. The prophetic would no longer be relegated to a few, but would become available to all.

Now all, by the Spirit, can communicate with God and speak forth the mind and councils of God under divine inspiration. This does not mean that someone is a prophet just because they prophesy, or even that they are exercising the gift of prophecy.

Rev 19:10And I fell at his feet to worship Him. But he said to me, “See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren that have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy”.

1 Cor 14:31 For you can all prophecy one by one, that all may learn and be encouraged.

2. The Gift Of Prophecy

1 Cor 14:1 Pursue love and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.

‘Desire’ means To be zealous for, to burn with desire, to pursue ardently and to desire eagerly or intensely.

1 Thes 5:19-20 Do not quench the spirit. Do not despise prophecies.

‘To Despise’ means to set at nought, be in contempt, to make of no account, to despise utterly. We are encouraged to passionately seek the gifts of the Spirit, but above all that we may prophesy. The gift of prophecy is the second level of the prophetic (and to another workings of miracles; and to another prophecy; 1 Corinthians 12:10)

To fully understand the gifts of the Spirit, we must study 1 Corinthians Chapter 12, 13 and 14 together. If we do not, there is a serious danger of taking what Paul is saying out of context as many have done throughout the ages. When Paul wrote this letter there was tremendous abuse, confusion and misunderstanding in the church, very much like today. His desire was for the church not to remain ignorant concerning the expression of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Paul responds to this problem by writing about the need for varied and multiple manifestations of the Spirit in Chapter 12. In Chapter 13 he writes about the need for loving and unselfish motives in these manifestations. He reveals the qualifying factor for the exercise of these gifts, testing the spirits to ensure that those who operate in the gifts are pursuing love. In chapter 14 he expresses the need for self-control and for maintaining an orderly and edifying expression of the gifts in the corporate services.

Paul’s conclusion on this matter is revealed to us in 1 Cor 14:38-40. But if anyone is ignorant, let him be ignorant. Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy and do not forbid to speak with tongues. Let all things be done decently and in order.

It is unfortunate that most of the church has only focused on the “decently and in order” portion of this scripture. God also tells us to let “all” things be done. Some scholars would like to suggest that there is no such thing as the gift of prophecy. This occurs because chapter 13 is taken out of context and one scripture is used to support this view. 1 Cor 13:10 But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.

Human opinion and presumption would reason that this reference of scripture refers to the closure of the canon of the Scriptures. Its completion at the end of the first century, they reason, signals an end to the continuing operation of the very powers it describes. On the contrary, the Word instructs us to welcome the Holy Spirit’s gifts and ministries in our lives, to touch a needy world through the Word preached and the Word confirmed. There is no reason to believe that this verse, or chapter, is declaring that the demise of the gifts of the Spirit is Paul’s intention.

He is merely drawing the contrast between love (the qualifying factor) and the gifts. Love is complete, eternal, and never fails. Gifts on the other hand are partial, temporal, and can fail. (Not because of any imperfection on the Holy Spirits part, but rather as a result of the imperfection of the person who exercises them.) The purpose for the gift of prophecy is made very clear.

1 Cor 14:3 But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men.

3. The Office Of The Prophet.

1 Cor 12:38 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.

Prophets, Thayer’s definition: 1 - In Greek writings, an interpreter of oracles or of other hidden things. 2 - One who, moved by the Spirit of God as His spokesman, solemnly declares to men what he has received by inspiration, especially concerning future events, and in particular such as relate to the cause and kingdom of God and to human salvation. (strongs – a foreteller.)

The prophetic ministry functions best in the local church when both Pastors and the people in the congregation have a unified view and understanding of the prophetic and how it should operate. If there is any ministry in the Body that needs to be taught to the people of God, it is the prophetic ministry. It can be a powerful tool for good and blessing in the Body, but also one of potential danger at the some time. A scalpel in the hand of the unruly can cut or maim, but the same scalpel in the hand of a surgeon can operate and heal. So the prophetic has great potential for building or destroying, depending on the skill, training, equipping and motivation of the one prophesying. We must learn to value the gift of the office of the prophet. We usually don’t value something because we don’t understand its purpose or positioning, and what we don’t understand we either ignore or abuse.

The office of the prophet carried the greatest anointing, authority and responsibility in the realm of the prophetic. A prophet has a stronger utterance and has the grace to go beyond the realm of edification, exhortation and comfort. This office is a gift extension of Christ Himself as the Prophet. The office of the prophet is anointed and authorized to operate in a higher realm than the one who is endowed with the Holy Spirit’s gift of prophesy and operates on the level of the prophetic Spirit. Because the prophetic ministry is often very dramatic, there is also a tendency in the Body of Christ to exalt this gift above the other ministries of Ephesians 4. This is a critical error. All these gifts are needed to bring truth, power, balance, equipping and maturity!

The Ministry anointing of this office may differ from prophet to prophet, in the actual administration of the gift; some prophets are stronger in certain areas than others. John the Baptist did no miracles and yet was considered great. Elijah and Elisha raised the dead. Daniel was strong in the area of visions and dreams. Ezekiel was a visionary prophet. They had different administrations. Some were stronger on deliverance, others in the area of discernment.

Prophets prophesy in a different realm from the spirit of prophecy, or the gift of prophecy. They prophesy with more: Authority – Revelation – Direction – Impartation and Activation! Utterances that come forth are charged with the power and anointing of God.

1) Authority

Jer 1:10 See, I have this day set you over the nations and over the kingdom, to root out and to pull down, to destroy and to throw down, to build and to plant.

The prophets administration of authority has a dual purpose. For the destruction of satan’s kingdom (root out, out, pull down, destroy, throw down). There will be a love and compassion for people, but an intense hatred and intolerance for satan and his activities. For the establishing of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God (to build up and to plant).

Twice as much emphasis is given to destroying the kingdom of darkness as to building up the Kingdom of God. Prophets who administer authority in this realm are often misunderstood because they really love to fight. They will often find themselves being thrown into direct conflict with the powers of darkness. Prophets are often confrontational and provocative. This prophetic anointing is a spiritual weapon in the hand of the Lord. Prophets will often carry a strong deliverance anointing, setting people, cities and nations free by prophetic utterances. There have been many occasions while in prayer and fasting when God took me into the Spirit and caused me to deal with the satanic activity working against the people of a specific nation, city, region or household.

2. Revelation

Amos 3:7 Surely the Lord God does nothing, Unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets.

‘Reveals’ means to uncover, reveal, open, lay bare, strip away, disclose, unveil – this word in its present reference has to do with the Lord revealing His secret plans to the prophets. As a result of greater revelation, the prophet will often find himself in greater realms of struggle.

Heb 10:32-33 But recall the former days in which, after you were illuminated, you endured a great struggle with sufferings: partly while you were made a spectacle both by reproaches and tribulations, and partly while you became companions of those who were so treated;

‘Spectacle’ – Theatritzo: To bring on a stage …

This verse suggests that once you access revelation, you are put on a stage and people watch you as spectators, not participators. They bring reproaches, which means ‘to speak vulgarities of’ and if that is not bad enough, tribulations also come ie. life comes against you to such an extent that it seems as if it is something from a fairy tale novel. We endure because we submit to the revelation, and not the circumstances. Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; But happy is he who keeps the law. (Proverbs 29:18)

3. Direction

2 Kings 6:8–12 8 Once when the king of Syria was warring against Israel, he took counsel with his servants, saying, “At such and such a place shall be my camp.” 9 But the man of God sent word to the king of Israel, “Beware that you do not pass this place, for the Syrians are going down there.” 10 And the king of Israel sent to the place about which the man of God told him. Thus he used to warn him, so that he saved himself there more than once or twice. 11 And the mind of the king of Syria was greatly troubled because of this thing, and he called his servants and said to them, “Will you not show me who of us is for the king of Israel?” 12 And one of his servants said, “None, my lord, O king; but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the words that you speak in your bedroom.” (ESV)

There have been many times where leaders would have made serious mistakes or even given up had they not received me into their midst as a ‘grace gift’ in the office of the prophet. Had the ‘Prophet’ not been present to grant a ‘directive’ word calamity might not have been averted! I have often seen the plans of the enemy for a President of a Nation, City, Church leader, believer and even my own children – if they listen they are spared, if not, destruction is often the sad result.

4. Impartation

1 Tim 4:14 Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.

Prophets can impart great blessings to the church, causing people’s relationship with God to prosper. Also families’ health, social life and even finances can prosper within the congregation if the office of the prophet is celebrated as opposed to being merely tolerated.

2 Chron 20:20b … Believe in the LORD your God, and you will be established; believe his prophets, and you will succeed. (ESV)

Prophets have the ability, as do the other grace gifts, to impart spiritual gifts and anointings to people. This can take place via prophetic utterances, and or, by the laying on of hands.

5. Activation

Eze 37:9-10 Then He said to me, “Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, ‘Thus says the lord God: “Come from the four winds, 0 breath, and breathe on these slain that they may live.” So I prophesied as He commanded me, and breath came into them, and they lived, and stood upon their feet, an exceedingly great army.

Prophets have the power to activate individuals, ministries and even nations into the will of God for the hour! Even the dead may be raised by the power of the words of a Prophet when the gift is understood, received and accepted. God is raising up true prophets around the world as well as in South Africa – Go God!!

In His love,

Marc

Ephesians 4:11–16 11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. (ESV)

If Prophets are no longer relevant for today then every ‘Prophet’ is a false Prophet. We must therefore ascertain whether the gift of the ‘Office of the Prophet’ is still valid for today? Once this is firmly established we will be able to look at scripture and see how we, as the Body of Christ, are to determine and establish the difference between a true prophet and a false prophet!

1. Are Prophets Still Valid For Today?

Some Theologians question whether or not there is even a place in the modern Church for Prophets. They believe that we have no use for prophets today because we now have the Bible. The Bible, they say, reveals all of God’s principles, ways, wisdom, word, direction and revealed will for every person, (Logos word). Of course this is true, but it is false to assume there is therefore now no need for the prophet? If it were true that a divinely inspired book of instruction eliminates the need for the prophet, then why didn’t God do away with the office of the prophet after Moses wrote the Pentateuch, (the first five books of the Bible?) Priests and Levites taught the written word of God (logos), while prophets spoke God’s present (rhema) word to specific situations and needs.

The Pentateuch contains the law of God with detailed instructions for every area of human life. Yet even though Israel had the law, God still continued to raise up prophets to give specific messages to leaders, nations and individuals. During this period of time, (dispensation) the law of Moses was the complete revealed word of God to Israel just as the New Testament is for the dispensation of the Church. In both dispensations, God’s prophets are needed.

Some say that we don’t need prophets anymore because the Holy Spirit as revelator has replaced them. Then we wouldn’t need teachers because 1 John 2:27 states – But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him. (ESV)

This would be a serious error, as the context does not eliminate teachers as the previous verse mentions - verse 26 says – I write these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you. (ESV) This reasoning would have to replace the Apostle, Evangelist and Shepherd as well?

If the above reasoning is true, then we should just give everyone a Bible and let the Holy Spirit save everyone; the Holy Spirit would give everyone direction, council and shepherd them, personalizing the Bible to every individual? There is a measure of truth to this, but we cannot now remove the gifts given in Romans 12, Corinthians and Ephesians? This would eliminate all the gifts of God and the ‘Body’ is no longer needed and ‘ministry’ (serving) would be obsolete? This is absurd! The five fold ministers are most certainly still needed! There is not one scriptural indication anywhere in the Bible that any of the five gifts mentioned above have been recalled, dispensationally depleted, or removed from their Christ appointed ministry to the Church throughout her existence on earth!

Each age, dispensation and covenant of God has added and dropped terminology concerning certain ministries. First, there was the time of the Patriarchs. Then the law defined priests, Levites, scribes and kings. In the New Testament we have mention of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers, elders, deacons, bishops and saints. As a matter of interest, the only ministry that is found consistently functioning in every age and dispensation, from Genesis to Revelation, is that of the prophet. Prophet’s are still a valid ministry today!

2. Who Is A False Prophet?

Deuteronomy18:20 But any prophet who falsely claims to speak in my name or who speaks in the name of another god must die.’ (NLT)

Deuteronomy 18:20 But a prophet who presumes to speak in my name anything I have not commanded him to say, or a prophet who speaks in the name of other gods, must be put to death.” (NIV84)

a) A false prophet is someone who ‘presumes’ that they are a prophet! One who ‘presumes’ is proud, arrogant, and audacious and supposes that something is the case on the basis of probability! A person who ‘falsely claims’ to be a prophet, speaking in the name of Christ! God never appointed them as a prophet, they appointed themselves! You can never teach someone to be a prophet, you can teach principles that govern the prophetic, but you have to be called and appointed by God divinely to be a true prophet! There can be no ‘presumption’. In my case, the calling came to me numerous times through personal prophecy, words given by recognized and true prophets and scripture. However, being called to be a prophet doesn’t ‘make’ you one! God came to me in a vision and a door went open for me and He said “And now you can step into the door of the office of the prophet”Anything outside of a divine appointment to the office of the prophet makes one a false prophet.

We must understand that there are three realms to the prophetic:

i) Spirit of prophecy – Rev 19:10b Worship God.” For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. (ESV)

ii) The gift of prophecy – 1 Corinthians 12:10 -11 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills. (ESV)

iii) The office of the prophet – Eph 4:11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, (ESV)

Just because someone prophesies, doesn’t make him or her a prophet! By virtue of the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, ‘all may prophecy’. This happened in both the Old and New Testaments. Often the Holy Spirit would come upon men and woman and they would prophecy. This did not make them a prophet, nor could they presume themselves to be!

Numbers 11:25 Then the LORD came down in the cloud and spoke to him, and took some of the Spirit that was on him and put it on the seventy elders. And as soon as the Spirit rested on them, they prophesied. But they did not continue doing it. (ESV)

1 Samuel 10:6 Then the Spirit of the LORD will rush upon you, and you will prophesy with them and be turned into another man. Acts 2:15–18 (ESV)

Acts 2:15-18 For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. 16 But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel: 17 “ ‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; 18 even on my male servants and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy.

b) A false prophet is one who speaks in the name of ‘other gods’, or desires to turn you away from God. This is crucial to understand! A false prophet is one who may prophecy accurately and even a true word; even performing great signs and wonders. However, this does not make them a true prophet of God. Their motive is to lead you astray and into rebellion and disobedience.

Acts 16:16–18 16 As we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners much gain by fortune-telling. 17 She followed Paul and us, crying out, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation.” 18 And this she kept doing for many days. Paul, having become greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And it came out that very hour. (ESV)

Deuteronomy 13:1–11 If a prophet, or one who foretells by dreams, appears among you and announces to you a miraculous sign or wonder, 2 and if the sign or wonder of which he has spoken takes place, and he says, “Let us follow other gods” (gods you have not known) “and let us worship them,” 3 you must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer. The LORD your God is testing you to find out whether you love him with all your heart and with all your soul. 4 It is the LORD your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him. 5 That prophet or dreamer must be put to death, because he preached rebellion against the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt and redeemed you from the land of slavery; he has tried to turn you from the way the LORD your God commanded you to follow. You must purge the evil from among you. 6 If your very own brother, or your son or daughter, or the wife you love, or your closest friend secretly entices you, saying, “Let us go and worship other gods” (gods that neither you nor your fathers have known, 7 gods of the peoples around you, whether near or far, from one end of the land to the other), 8 do not yield to him or listen to him. Show him no pity. Do not spare him or shield him. 9 You must certainly put him to death. Your hand must be the first in putting him to death, and then the hands of all the people. 10 Stone him to death, because he tried to turn you away from the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. 11 Then all Israel will hear and be afraid, and no one among you will do such an evil thing again.

Of course, we are not to stone or kill people – false or true! That ‘method’ is somewhat outdated!

3. Who Is A True Prophet

Deuteronomy 18:18–19 I will raise up a prophet like you from among their fellow Israelites. I will put my words in his mouth, and he will tell the people everything I command him. 19 I will personally deal with anyone who will not listen to the messages the prophet proclaims on my behalf. (NLT)

Jeremiah 27:15 I have not sent them, declares the LORD, but they are prophesying falsely in my name, with the result that I will drive you out and you will perish, you and the prophets who are prophesying to you.

The difference between a true prophet and a false prophet is not whether their words come to pass or not, but whether God has chosen and appointed them or not, and whether they draw you closer to God or further from Him, His will and His way! A true prophet is one who has been chosen, appointed and raised up by God? A person chosen by God or not chosen by God may prophesy accurately or even inaccurately. The key is motive and are they ‘true or false’. God does not say we are to reject or ‘kill’ a true prophet that He has chosen and that prophecies in His name, should their words ‘not come to pass’.

Deuteronomy 18:22 when a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, if the word does not come to pass or come true, that is a word that the LORD has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously. You need not be afraid of him. (ESV)

It doesn’t say that the prophet presumes to be a prophet, it just means he made a mistake!! Never judge a prophet by his accuracy because satan can also prophesy accurate words, true words and good words! (Acts 16:16) We are to judge a prophecy by its accuracy, but a prophet by their fruits. Why, because a true prophet, chosen by God, who does not prophecy out of evil intention, bad motives etc will always produce good fruit! This fruit we speak of is the product of his or her ministry!

Matthew 7:15–20 15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. 18 A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus you will recognize them by their fruits. (ESV)

In His love,

Marc

I would like to ask all of you to view the following music video and share it with at least one person. It’s time to make South African Praise and Worship known worldwide! Even if you have watched it before, please watch it again on this new ‘link’. If you enjoy it very much, share it with five people. Click on the following link and enjoy  http://tinyurl.com/cxs2rn9 Below is a little information regards the band.

A supernatural sequence of events led a group of musicians to join my wife and me as we obeyed His Word “to start a Church in Umhlanga”

They came from far and wide. Led by The Holy Spirit they arrived for an ultimate purpose – to love and worship His Majesty! They travelled from the continent of Europe and the African country of Congo – from the suburbs of Johannesburg and the nearby Indian Ocean Island of Reunion. Some had never taken a music lesson in their life but knew their Destiny was to play and sing for Him. Another had escaped from the threat of war, captivity, violence and death. The horror and reality at the potential of becoming a child soldier a stark reality. Still others were delivered from the bondages of religious cultism.

One young man rejected an offer to travel to Switzerland and receive drum coaching at a school founded by the legendary Phil Collins. Having been labelled as one of the top ten student drummers in the world, he landed on our doorstep at the tender young age of 13. Another arrived from France having studied jazz music for 4 years. A motley crew indeed!

We united as one and after ministering together for a season, a set time arrived and a mandate was issued. They needed to produce their own lyrics together with their own music. Destiny Worship was born and the result? Electric! Eleven original songs were birthed by the Spirit together with three cover songs from our Prophet Kim Clement. The sound? Vibrant, pure, innocent, energetic and Holy Spirit inspired. Their hunger and passion for Christ and His presence? Evident and contagious. Their sincere desire to go beyond ‘entertainment only’ resonates with every sound, motivating the discerning worshipper to enter into the zone of demonstrative praise and intimate worship.

My wife and I have been privileged to serve the Master together with these warriors and are extremely proud of who they have become in Christ – ‘Warriors of Love’. We believe that you will enjoy their first music album as much as we have.

In His love,

Marc

Num 33:55-56 55 ‘But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you, then it shall be that those whom you let remain shall be irritants in your eyes and thorns in your sides, and they shall harass you in the land where you dwell. 56 ‘Moreover it shall be that I will do to you as I thought to do to them.’ “(NKJ)

When God has allotted a promise for you to possess, you will need to inherit that promise. Before one can inherit the promises of God for our lives, we must first dispossess the enemy that will try and keep us from accessing that promise. If God has promised you wealth then you must dispossess the enemy of greed! If God has promised you healing then you will have to dispossess the enemy of unbelief and sickness!! If God has promised you joy unspeakable and full of glory, you will have to dispossess sorrow!! If God has promised you salvation to your house you must dispossess the enemy that binds!! If you have been granted eternal life, you must dispossess everything that will try and take you off course and lay a hold of it. If you have been given a great promise for your destiny or anything pertaining to the rule of the kingdom and your family etc, you must dispossess the enemy and seize the promise, occupy it and inherit it!

Matthew 11:12 From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it. (NIV)

Heb 6:13-20 When God made his promise to Abraham, he backed it to the hilt, putting his own reputation on the line. He said, “I promise that I’ll bless you with everything I have—bless and bless and bless!” Abraham stuck it out and got everything that had been promised to him. When people make promises, they guarantee them by appeal to some authority above them so that if there is any question that they’ll make good on the promise, the authority will back them up. When God wanted to guarantee his promises, he gave his word, a rock-solid guarantee—God can’t break his word. And because his word cannot change, the promise is likewise unchangeable. We who have run for our very lives to God have every reason to grab the promised hope with both hands and never let go. It’s an unbreakable spiritual lifeline, reaching past all appearances right to the very presence of God where Jesus, running on ahead of us, has taken up his permanent post as high priest for us, in the order of Melchizedek. (Peterson, E. H. 2003. The Message : The Bible in contemporary language . NavPress: Colorado Springs, Colo.)

1Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

While forcefully advancing, dispossession is taking place. Once you have advanced, you must lay hold of your promise within The Kingdom, and never let go!! Our divine assignments involve doing battle or fighting through intercession and laying hold of what God has blessed us with. One of the most powerful ways to dispossess, forcefully advance and take hold of what is yours is through the power of prayerful intercession!!

Hebrews 7:25 Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.

Isaiah 59:16 And he saw that there was no man, and he wondered that there was no intercessor; and his arm brought him salvation, and his righteousness, it sustained him. (Darby, J. N. 1996. The Holy Scriptures : A new translation from the original languages . Logos Research Systems: Oak Harbor)

Ezekiel 22:30-31 30And I sought for a man among them, that should build up the wall, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found none. 31Therefore have I poured out mine indignation upon them; I have consumed them with the fire of my wrath: their own way have I brought upon their heads, saith the Lord Jehovah. (American Standard Version. 1995 . Logos Research Systems, Inc.: Oak Harbor, WA)

The Hebrew word “paga” for “intercession” in the Bible refers to impinge (to strike or to hit something, to affect the limits of something especially a right or law, to cause some kind of [form of] restriction, to claim by violence if necessary), to claim by violent importunity (being troublesome, demanding or insistent, or to make repeated and insistent demands), to arrive with power (or to light or fall upon something with hostility) upon an enemy, to come or step in between two parties, to entreat (to beg God for something repeatedly), to encounter, to interpose (say something that interrupts what someone else is saying, to place yourself between two people, to interfere in a situation with the view of correcting a situation and transforming it to ultimate wholeness), to make attack, to reach the mark, or a desired goal, or to meet with.

The Greek word “entuchano” for “intercession” involves to entreat (earnestly beg or ask God for something), to confer with (to talk to God in order to make a right decision), to light upon or hit upon something – particularly an enemy, to go and meet with God (or a person) with the purpose of consultation, conversation or supplication (a humble appeal or request to God who has the power to grant a request), to appeal to God, to make strong petitions to God. To plead with a person for, or against others, to pray earnestly.

The Hebrew word for intercession (“Paga”) was often used in the context of doing battle for one’s inheritance. The extent of “paga” or intercession would determine the extent of a boundary of dominion and control. To the extent that the enemy was not taken on in battle or totally driven out of divinely imparted territory, they would again and repeatedly cause trouble.

Once we have gained access to our rightful inheritance we have to keep and be an alert watchman over it. The Hebrew word for watchman (“shamar”) refers to the act of guarding, protecting, watching, keeping observation, preserving, saving, hedging about as with thorns, waiting and watching or keeping watch, being a watchman, being a sentry, keeping charge, heeding (listening), retaining, treasuring up, to be careful over, to be a doorkeeper or gatekeeper, reserving and to be on guard.

1 Tim 6:20 Timothy, guard what God has entrusted to you. Avoid godless, foolish discussions with those who oppose you with their so-called knowledge. 21 Some people have wandered from the faith by following such foolishness. May God’s grace be with you all. (Holy Bible : New Living Translation. 1997 . Tyndale House: Wheaton, Ill.)

In order to wage an effective war and make intercession in the realm of the spirit, the help of the Holy Spirit is crucial!!

Rom 8:26-27 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

Without the help, support, and influence of the Holy Spirit effective war in the spirit and intercession becomes futile. The word “helps” is a very powerful word. In order to understand His role as our Helper in this prayer essential, we need to study this word a little more in depth.

The word “helps” in the Greek is a compound word of three words that is used to make one word. When the Holy Spirit was writing this book of Romans through Paul, He said: “I am going to be describing my role as a Helper for the believer and I need a word that would adequately describe this function.” He could not find one word in the entire Greek vocabulary to describe how wonderful His help would be.

When you and I come to Romans 8:26 the Holy Spirit just made up His own word. This is the only time that this word is used in the New Testament. It is the Greek words sun/anti/lambano. These three words when compounded together spell ‘sunantilambanoma’i. One word was not sufficient enough to describe His activity as our Helper. In the English language this is a very small word, but in the Greek language it is a very long word. What the Holy Spirit is telling us is that there are three different things that He is going to do to help us:

• Sun – This word describes His position.

• Anti – This word describes His attitude

• Lambano – This word describes His desire and His objective.

1. Sun – This word is always used to describe partnership, or two people coming together to do one thing. Rather than doing a job on their own, it conveys the idea of partnership and co-operation. For example, if I took a Greek word ergos, which means a worker, it would describe a worker doing a job on his own. But if I attached this little Greek word sun then it becomes sunergos, which means co-workers i.e. two people working together. This little word also describes our relationship with God the Father over and over and over again.

2 Corinthians 6:1: We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain.

This phrase conveys the idea of partnership. Not just God doing all the work, but God and man working together.

This word always describes position and relationship. Two are better than one. By using this little word sun the Holy Spirit is telling us that He does not want us to face our problems alone, or to face the enemy by ourselves. He is in this thing with us together. When we work He works, when we fight He fights, what we feel He feels.

2. Anti – Against – Not only does this word describe “against” but also the emotions and the attitude of the person against. In old Greek literature it conveys the idea of hatred, rage, and is descriptive of someone so against the object that they will do everything in their power to annihilate that object. It almost conveys the anger of a man that borders on insanity. In other words the person who is against is really against something. When the enemy comes against you His attitude is to join together with you and knock the devils head off.

3. Lambano – In its simplest form this word means to receive or to take something. It’s the same word used to describe Gods incarnation as man. God took the components of human flesh, put it under His power and clothed Himself with flesh. The word then became flesh. By using this word the Holy Spirit is telling us that He wants to reach out and grab a hold of something and do with it whatever He wants. His desire is to take a hold of the enemy that comes against you, put it under His power, and do to the enemy whatever He wants.

The primary reason why the Holy Spirit comes to help us is because of our weaknesses. Some translations have put the word infirmities, but this is incorrect. He comes to help us in our weakness. In early writings this word described somebody who was so weak that they would begin to slip into a coma. The Spirit comes and helps us because of our weak comatose condition in the spiritual reality. In our flesh we are no match for the enemy, and we are like somebody in a coma. A person in a coma cannot respond, is very disabled and cannot think or plan. If the Holy Spirit does not help us we are unable and desperately need His help. We have to acknowledge that in our own strength we cannot do it.

Romans 8:26 : Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered

For we do not know – This Greek phrase could be translated “without the know how”. This supports the fact of our ignorance and comatose state in the spiritual reality if the Holy Spirit does not help us. In other words we don’t know how.

Ought –dea – This is a very strong word in the Greek. It is always used to describe an obligation or something that must be fulfilled. The idea that is suggested is that we do not know how to pray as we are obliged to or as is necessary. In other words we do not know how to pray as a particular crisis would demand. No two problems are solved the same way.

Intercession – This is one of the oldest words taken from the Greek in the New Testament. It means, together with the above:

• To fall into a hole with somebody else.

• To meet another person in a common experience.

• To share their emotions and frustrations.

• To rescue somebody from danger.

What the Holy Spirit is telling us is that He climbs into the hole with you; He is very committed to you. He wants to share in the experience and feel what you feel. He wants to come and get you or the person that you are praying for out of the pit.

Rom 8:27 Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

How does the Holy Spirit and a human being pray together? Do we pray in our natural language, or is there a heavenly, spiritual language?

Ephesians 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Many scholars will tell you that this portion of scriptures is discussing the final part of a Roman soldiers armour, which is his lance. This verse describes what is known by Biblical Scholars as the “Lance of Intercesson”. This gives us the ability to strike the enemy from a distance, in the Spirit.

1 Cor 14:14-18 14 For if I pray in tongues, my spirit is praying, but I don’t understand what I am saying. 15 Well then, what shall I do? I will do both. I will pray in the spirit,* and I will pray in words I understand. I will sing in the spirit, and I will sing in words I understand. 16 For if you praise God only in the spirit, how can those who don’t understand you praise God along with you? How can they join you in giving thanks when they don’t understand what you are saying? 17 You will be giving thanks very nicely, no doubt, but it doesn’t help the other people present. 18 I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. (Holy Bible : New Living Translation. 1997 . Tyndale House: Wheaton, Ill.)

1 Cor 14:1-2 1 Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. 2 For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. (NKJ)

1 Cor 14:39 Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues. (NKJ)

Jude 1:20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit,

One of the earliest manuscripts of the New Testament times, namely the “Didache” or “Teaching of the Twelve Apostles” (rediscovered 1873 at the Monastery of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem) advised all Christians to pray the Lord’s Prayer three times a day. Prayer and intercession is a lifestyle that will carry us through times of trouble and distress and will bring the Father on the scene every time we call on Him. Prayerful intercession for others is a clear unselfish act of a loving believer. You have to love others to practice prayer and spend your time praying for others.

THE VITAL KEYS OF AN INTERCESSOR AND WATCHMAN.

1) Understand every promise of the Bible concerning your total life.

2) Understand that God has blessed you and given you many, as well as specific promises.

3) Spend a definite time daily in your listening room to discern what God is saying to you or warning you about. Your prayer must include a quiet time, preferably after praying in the Spirit for a while.

4) Keep a prayer diary.

5) Create and preserve boundaries of spiritual control and maintain them through intercession and being a watchman.

6) Do purposeful battles for specific things that you know God has blessed youwith. Praying extensively in the Spirit is vital. Remember that you will have to expel the enemy and his influence completely.

7) Understand that you have to regularly take up the full armour of God (Ephesians 6:13-18) and use the weapons of our warfare (2 Corinthians 10:3-5) against the enemy.

Maintain a continuous prayer shield of all that you value.

The only one who doesn’t want you and I to pray is the devil! Time for ‘PAGA’

In His love,

Marc

It’s time to get up and go, go!!

Proverbs 24:16 A righteous person may fall seven times, but he gets up again. (GW)

Too many of God’s precious people are paralyzed by fears, real or imagined! Many fear the unknown, some fear events that they assume will take place, still others fear tomorrow and battle to live for today. One of the biggest fears of many people is the fear of failure! We have all suffered the undignified reality of failure in one or more areas of our lives.

Don’t stay there! The Holy Spirit reveals to us in the above portion of scripture that a righteous man may fall, not just once, but numerous times. Failure is not just for the ungodly. However, you cannot keep a good man down. God assures us that a righteous man, though he may fail, has the assurance that ‘he gets back up again’.

If there is any suggestion that says you cant, I hear a contradiction from His throne that says ‘you can’! God is for His precious covenant people and does not expect you to be perfect with zero defects! If this were so, He would not have had to come and save us. He does however, expect us to trust Him, focus on Him, and know that He is able to deliver us from ourselves and any fiery furnace producing transformation, love and care for others!

For the many – stress, anxiety, fears etc. are empowered by the challenge of time. One of the most common statements I hear is, ‘I just don’t have enough time in a day and can’t cope’! Experts have worked out that in order for most people to just get through the day with the many tasks at hand, parenting, marriage, school, cleaning, cooking, working, health, bills to pay, balancing cheque books etc – 36hrs is required!

God only gave us 24!? What can we do about the pressures of time? Worrying about all the ‘needs and to do’s’ doesn’t help at all!

Matthew 6:27 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?

We cannot ‘add’ any time onto that which is given by worrying. However, we can redeem the time by praying and focusing on God! Joshua prayed and the sun stood still. Time was added! Our redeemer lives and I have found that I am able to prioritize, focus and get more done in a day after spending the first portion of my day (time) with Him!

Matthew 6:31–34 31 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. 34 “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today. (NLT)

God is telling us that if we put Him first, instead of being ‘needs’ orientated, rushing here and there, too busy to do what matters most, ‘things’ will be added as we put off worrying and focus on Him, His rule, and living the right way. Today has trouble and we are assured tomorrow will have it’s trouble too, so don’t worry! Focus on what matters most!

Jeremiah 29:11–12 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. (NIV)

In His love,

Marc

God has had enough of the abuse of the little children! He has begun to deal rapidly with those whom he has entrusted their safe keeping to; mainly the leaders within Nations who abuse their power, privilege and position – who continuously and willfully disregard the safety and well being of the very subjects they are elected to serve and protect!

We have recently begun to see the verdict of ‘guilty’ being pronounced, for the first time since the second world war concerning previous heads of state, as well as first time convictions ever in history, relating to, in particular, crimes of war and violence against children on the African continent! Recently, the International Criminal Court found a Congolese warlord, Thomas Lubanga, guilty of turning children into killers, marking the war crimes tribunal’s first verdict in its decade of operation.

Today we saw how Charles Taylor was found guilty of arming Sierra Leone’s rebels who paid him in “blood diamonds!” Many of the atrocities involved woman, unborn babies and children. This is just the beginning of God’s ‘payback’ against the forces of darkness and satans agents! These cases represent a huge step forward in the struggle against serious abuse, victimization, slavery and various serious crimes against the children of Africa!

“Judges also heard gruesome testimony from victims of the Sierra Leone conflict, including a witness who said he pleaded with RUF rebels to cut off his remaining hand so they would spare his toddler son. Others said Taylor’s fighters strung human intestines across roads, removed foetuses from women’s wombs and practiced cannibalism, while children younger than 15 were enlisted to fight. One witness said he was present when the Liberian leader ate human liver”. -The Telegraph.

To read these stories concerning Africa’s children, that are busy making front page News, click on the following links.

http://tinyurl.com/6wewz4s

http://tinyurl.com/77b9pvc

The season of change is here for Africa. No longer shall it be known as the ‘dark continent’, but as the ‘continent of light!’ I have seen the children of Africa, thirty years from now, shining for Christ in every area of civil society – from politicians to lawyers, celebrities to sports! Come on Africa, lets shine!

The following is the Word of the Lord for the Children of Africa given to me in 2009 and 2011!

Prophetic Word – 17 May 2011 – “This nation shall be a city and a nation of light that shall pierce the night and go right up into North Africa. In 30 years from now,” says the Spirit of the Lord, “I will take the children of Africa and they will arise with the power of My Spirit upon them. And they will say,” ‘enough of this bloodshed, enough of these wars.’ And this land and this nation and this continent will rise up to its former glory, to its former power, to its former place. From before the foundations of the earth.”

Prophetic Song: 24 May 2009 – The Little Children “I’ll pierce the darkness. I’ll go into the places where the children are held in captivity.” The Spirit of the Lord says, “I’ll move, I’ll move in this hour! I’ll move on behalf of the children in the nations, in the nations, in the nations. For I see their tears. I hear them crying out to Me. I see their pain. I see their shame, and they say, ‘Oh God, have you forsaken us in this place?’ They don’t know Me. Neither can they in their little emotions, in their little minds. For too long the abuse has taken place. For too long there has been perversion. For too long they have hurt the little ones, the little ones, the little ones, the little ones. But the little ones belong to Me,” says the Lord.

“The little ones belong to Me and in this hour I shall bring about a victory. I shall release the children. I shall release a generation that shall have a double portion of the previous generation, and they will rise up. Yeah, they will rise up because I will be their God! I will be their Father. I will raise them up!” says the Lord. “I will raise them up and they shall bring judgement and they shall bring judicial punishment against the powers of darkness, and I will take them in the Spirit!” says the Lord. “Watch the little children! Watch the little children. Enough of this! Enough of this! Enough of this!” says the Lord. “I’m going to take the little children. I’m going to take them and I’m going to put My Spirit upon the little children. Watch your little ones! Watch your little ones and I will cause them to prophesy in that day. I’m going to send a move upon the nations. I’m going to send a move of My Spirit, yes, in this day! In this day,” says the Lord, “I’m gonna touch the little children. Enough of this! Enough of this! I hear them crying. I see them dying. But enough of this! They are My creation. They are My little ones and I’m going to take them. I’m going to raise them up and I will destroy the works of the enemy, and I will take them and they will go and pierce the darkness by the power of My Spirit! By the power of My life! By the power of My Word! By the power of My might, and I will raise them up and walk with them and talk with them, and the Samuel’s of this hour shall arise, shall arise!” says the Lord.

“All the Samuel’s of this hour shall arise! Yes they shall and it shall not be of Eli that shall bring forth a Samuel. No. It shall be a Samuel that shall bring forth the Samuel’s. Oh, let the Samuel’s arise for the Spirit of Samuel shall take the nations by storm! I will cause a release of authority upon My people and they will rise up and do signs and wonders and miracles, and they will speak to the mountains. They’ll speak to the mountains, they’ll speak to the tree’s, they’ll speak to the rocks! Watch the little children!” says the Lord. “Watch the little children for I am coming their way today. I’m going to breathe upon them. I’m going to raise them up. I’m going to use them to pay the enemy back! Yes, I’m going to pay the enemy back for every little one he’s killed. Every little one who’s died. Every little one he’s ever tormented. Every little one who’s ever cried. I have kept their tears in My bottle. I have written it in My book, and now this iniquity overflows, and I will cause the little children to rise up! Rise up! Rise up!” says the Lord.

“You thought I didn’t see you when you cried My child. You thought I didn’t see you in the night. You thought I didn’t see you when the darkness came and you’d cringe in terror at the fright. You thought I didn’t see you, that I wasn’t there, but I WAS, I AM and I HAVE BEEN and I will take you and I will strengthen you this hour! Oh, stretch out your hand little child little child, and I will take you and bring you out of that terror and bring you out of the enemies land into a place of promise in this hour. Be healed, be healed, be healed, be healed, be made whole!”

“There is a ladder. There is a ladder. There is a ladder that has been extended. There is a move in the Spirit. Yes, a move of the angels. Can you see them moving for you? They moving on behalf of your loved ones. They moving on behalf of your families. They moving on behalf of this nation. In this hour I have given My angels charge over you My child. I have given My angels charge over you and I tell you again, I tell you again, that the gates of hell will never prevail! They will never prevail, they will never prevail for this is your hour!” says the Lord. “You will prevail! You will overcome and you will rise up and you will be one even as My Son and I are One.” says the Lord. “I will cause you to go into unity and there will be a march across this land, and I will trample the enemy underfoot in this day!” says the Lord. “Yeah, I’m going to move with you. I’m going to move with you. Take Me by the hand child. Take Me by the hand, open up your eyes and see. Open up your eyes and see I have designated victory, victory, victory, V.I.C.T.O.R.Y

Prophetic Word – 20 Feb 2011 – For I see light, light, light, light. Before it was light from the north but it would flicker, it would flicker. But I see a light, for in the south moving up to the north the light that shall pierce the night. And this nation, this continent, shall not be called the dark continent any longer. For the little children. The little children of this continent are turning to Me in their thousands upon thousands. The little children on this continent are crying out to Me. They crying out to Me for comfort. They crying out to Me for protection. They crying out to Me for help. And I will not remain silent any longer,” says the Lord. “No no no no no! I will not. I shall move speedily through My body, and many of them shall arise over the next two decades in this continent. They will say, ‘We saw what our forefathers did and our forefathers before that, and we will not do the same to our children.’ The eyes shall be filled with light and there shall be no compromise. For the old shall begin to die off and be removed speedily.

The little children shall arise. The little children shall arise. Yes, with fire in their eyes, My fire. And they will say, ‘No no no no no! We’ve been through that bloodshed, we’ve been through death, but we have overcome death.’ For unusual faith is coming to this continent. Unusual faith is being released.”

Lets pray for the children! They are our future. Audio is available at www.destiny.co.za

In His love,

Marc

Many continuously predict the end of the age and many still keep on believing the lie! Below is a short teaching on what Jesus had to prophetically say about the signs regards His return as well as the ‘end’.

Mark 1:14 -15 “Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”

Before we can fully comprehend what the ‘signs of the end of the age’ are and the significant part that the church will play in ushering in the end of the age, it is important to understand what the word kingdom means. Kingdom – Thayers definition # 932; (basileia) – royal power, kingship, dominion, rule. The suggestion is “the right” to this. Vines Expository dictionary declares the “kingdom” is: a) The sphere of Gods Rule. b) The sphere in which, at any given time, His rule is acknowledged.

The religious leaders of Jesus’ day were awaiting the coming of this kingdom. Many had totally misinterpreted the scriptures pertaining to this event. They believed the kingdom and Messiah would establish a rule in the physical reality and overthrow the gentile oppressors, thus, establishing a kingdom in which they would have the right to authority, dominion, rule and royal power over their subjects. When Jesus preached this message they confronted and questioned Him.

Luke 17: 20 –21 Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, “The kingdom of God does not come with observation; “nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.”

What an incredible response! In essence what Jesus was saying is that My kingdom is not a physical, political Kingdom. My kingdom is a spiritual kingdom. This sphere of Gods rule, right to royal power, dominion, rule and authority is “within.”

John 3:1-5 1 There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.” 3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” 4 Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” 5 Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. (NKJ)

When Nicodemus came to Jesus he was inquiring about this demonstration of dominion that no one else had but was so obviously evidenced and demonstrated by Jesus. Nicodemus was not inquiring about salvation as he was already saved according to the law at that time. When Jesus responded He said that you must be born again so that you can “see the kingdom of God.” As a result of the cross of Calvary, the gift that was promised by the Father would be granted to us, the Holy Spirit. He would enable us to ‘see’, (spiritually perceive), the rule and authority we could excercise over satanic forces influencing and destroying peoples lives.

If we received Him as our Saviour, then we would be able to move into a new spiritual reality as well as enter into divine communication with the Father!! Jesus was not referring only to heaven, but also to ‘seeing’ and ‘inheriting’ the sphere of Gods Rule, His right to royal power, His dominion and authority that is resident within every believer as a result of salvation, through and by the name above all names, Jesus The Christ!

As a result of salvation you qualify to “see”, and “be” the kingdom of God that is inside of you!

As the saved we are admonished to:

1. Seek the Kingdom – Matt 6:33 “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

2. See the Kingdom – John 3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

3. Enter the Kingdom – John 3:5 Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.

It is therefore safe to say that the kingdom (sphere of Gods rule) is presently in heaven and within every believer presently on earth. However we also see in scripture that the earth has a problem with satanic rebellion (Eph 6). Therefore we see the kingdom as also being the sphere of Gods rule being acknowledged at a given time as declared by His purposes.

There are set times that the satanic rebellion on earth must acknowledge His rule, dominion, royal power and authority, released and expressed from within the Body of Christ, without! Now that we have endeavoured to understand a small aspect of the “kingdom,” let us seek to understand that it is the “preaching of the gospel of the kingdom” that will usher in the end of the age.

Matt 24:3-14 Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying “ Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. “For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. “And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. “For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. “All these are the beginning of sorrows. “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. “And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. “Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. “ And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. “But he who endures to the end shall be saved. “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.

It is important to take note of what Jesus said about the end times.

1) “Take heed that no one deceives you. “For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many …” Jesus is not suggesting that we will be decieved by weird and wonderful ‘gurus’ declaring that they are the Christ as no one would believe them any way! We would recommend that such an individual walking around claiming to be Jesus Christ be evaluated for their mental state of health! What Jesus is referring to here are those who will indeed declare that He is The Christ, acknowledging him, and yet still decieve many!

2) “And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet …” Jesus did not say that wars and rumours of wars would signal the end as a ‘sign’. It amazes me how many precious believers are decieved by sincere preachers who declare every time there is a war or rumour of a war that God’s people must get ready for the end is here or ‘nigh’. He said we were not to be troubled, and “the end is not yet.”

3)And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. “All these are the beginning of sorrows …” He did not say that famines, pestilence, and earthquakes would signal the end. He said this would be the “beginning of sorrows”.

He does reveal however, in verse # 14, that the end of the age is ushered in with the direct involvement of the church.

Matt 24:14 “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come …”

The “gospel of the kingdom” is to be preached. To preach means, according to Vines, “… the act of Christ after His resurrection in proclaiming His victory to fallen Angelic spirits.”

This gospel mentioned in verse 14 is not proclaiming Gods plan of redemption through the blood, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ only. The gospel of the kingdom mentioned here is not only John 3:16. The scripture meaning here does not say that the gospel of salvation must first be preached to all, and then the end will come! Of course we must share the good news and preach the great message of salvation to the lost sinner. However, according to scripture, this has already taken place in the first generation of the church. The Holy Spirit inspired Paul to declare that the gospel of salvation was already “preached to every creature which is under heaven”.

Col 1:21 –23 And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and irreproachable in His sight – if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister.

If preaching salvation to every nation and reaching every person with the message of salvation would signal the end and be the sign for his imminent return, then the end would have already taken place!?

The gospel of the kingdom incorporates the gospel of salvation. Verse 14, however, has more meaning than preaching salvation as a good sermon, nice speech, or wonderful presentation. It means all will see Gods demonstration of kingdom rule, authority, and royal power expressed by the church. It means that there will be a worldwide demonstration of Gods supernatural power over the elements, the dead will be raised, miraculous prophetic utterances will occur, signs and wonders will take place confirming His resurrection factor.

It does not mean that all will be saved, but many shall be. This will cause the end of the age, and usher in His second coming. There is a generation that will so walk with God that they will not experience death. I believe you could be that generation. Are you ready? Remember, you are as close to God as you want to be.

Isa 2:1-3 1 The word that Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. Now it shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the LORD’S house shall be established on the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow to it. 3 Many people shall come and say, “Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; he will teach us His ways, and we shall walk in His paths.” For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. (NKJ)

In typology, mountains always represent kingdoms…here Isaiah saw into the future and saw a people that were known as the “Lord’s house” and would be established on the top of every other kingdom!! Before the end there will be a massive revival and a great harvest of the lost for his Kingdom and glory, and then the end will come! I believe we are that generation tasked with this mandate. LETS GO!!

In His love,

Marc