WHO SPEAKS FOR GOD??
EX 20:19 "And they said unto Moses, speak thou with us and we will hear; but let not God speak with us, lest we die."
This is a man-imposed condition. It was not God's plan. Because man is a fallen creature, authority usually comes with enforcement powers.
Willingness and submission are not the same as obedience and compliance. Only when things are done according to the Word of God can there be proper order and opportunity for the Move of God.
1, PLAN & PURPOSE OF GOD INVOLVES:
· Preaching Of The Gospel -"the power of God unto salvation" -- whosoever will
· Church Government & Authority -"Ye have not many fathers" - Who you listen to
· Administration of the Gifts - "decently and in order" -- For edification & equipping
· Unity in the Body- "they may be one, as we are one" -- Concentration creates power
2. WHAT IS AUTHORITY?
q The power to enforce laws, exact obedience, command, determine, or judge;
q One that is invested with this power, especially a government or government officials;
q Power assigned to another; authorization.
q An accepted source of expert information or advice.
q A conclusive statement or decision that may be taken as a guide or precedent
q Power to influence or persuade resulting from knowledge or experience.
3. GOD'S GOVERNMENT -- WHO HAS THE AUTHORITY TO SPEAK?
q "You are given authority" -- empowered or invested, at a certain place, to a certain people, for a specific time
· Old Testament Model-- Patriarchs, Judges, Prophets, Kings (MOSES) "Thus sayeth the Lord"
· New Testament Model - Fivefold Ministry: Pastors of Churches, Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Teachers, (Bishops, Overseers, Presbytery)
ü a word of command
ü a word of doctrine
ü a word of correction
ü a word of instruction
ü a word of reproof
4. GOD'S GIFTS -- WHO HAS PERMISSION TO SPEAK? Gifts of the Spirit
q "You are granted permission" -- Formal consent, it is applicable to conditions
· Tongues & Interpretation
ü a specific word
ü a word of knowledge
ü a word of edification
ü a word of revelation
ü a word of confirmation
ü a word of encouragement
5. GOD'S GOSPEL -- WHO HAS THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK?
q "You have an opportunity" -- Temporary, recognize it when it comes or you'll miss it
· The Good News of the coming of Jesus Christ
· Christ and Him crucified (the blood of the lamb)
· The Kingdom of God
· The word of our testimony
· Prayer
6. CONCLUSION:
q Church leaders have the authority to speak to God's people at all times
q Those operating in the gifts in decency & order have permission to speak to God's people under the authority of church leaders when in the House of God
q Everyone has the opportunity to preach the Gospel
God sums it all up for us in powerful these words:
"This is my beloved Son, hear ye Him!!"
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