Sunday, November 6, 2016

The Church Will Receive Divine Revelation!


If the Church is to accurately interpret prophecy, the Church must be the recipient of Divine revelation. Consequently, we must recognize the element of revelation in our personal relationship with God and the completion of the ministry of the Church. We will experience competing doctrines and theories in our quest to understand God's Word. It is only through Divine revelation that we can know the TRUTH. There is a difference in a doctrine of error and an absence (lack) of understanding. We all lack understanding to some degree. But the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit will assist us in receiving the TRUTH if we will open our minds and hearts to it.

Revelation is a personal experience but will invariably affect the Church. A revelation may impact one person, a great number of people or generations of people. For instance, when the angel of the Lord announced the birth of the Messiah to lowly shepherds in Luke 2, they were alone in a rural area and the message was for them. Luke 2:8, “And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.” They were in a field, apart from the traffic of nearby Bethlehem. The angel of the Lord spoke directly to these few shepherds alone in the countryside. His message was a message to them first and then meant to be shared with the world. First, the revelation was a personal experience. We can say that because they had a visual experience and it had a profound effect on them. “And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid,” Luke 2:9. Not only was it a personal experience but also an emotional experience. And as with most revelations from God, this experience was accompanied by awe and reverence. In some instances when God reveals Himself to us, we respond in utter disbelief that it could be happening. This scene causes my heart to proclaim, “WOW, WOW, WOW.” No doubt they were paralyzed with fear. But God always comforts (to give strength and hope)6 and reassures (to make feel less afraid, upset, or doubtful)7 when we recognize (to know and remember because of previous knowledge or experience)8 Him and respond properly (so that it is right, true, proper, etc..)9 So what is the proper way to respond to a revelation from God? One should respond with holy reverence and submission. (continued) The Message, p.15-16, available at Amazon.com.

6 Comfort. 2016. In Merriam-Webster.com


7 Reassure. 2016. In Merriam-Webster.com


8 Recognize. 2016. In Merriam-Webster.com


9 Properly. 2016. In Merriam-Webster.com

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