"THE WHOLE GOSPEL"--PART II.


Feb. 15, 2002

In Part 1. I outlined some basic concepts and showed that we must consider ALL scripture: All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 2 Timothy 3:16. I mentioned that there are many out there among us who teach and preach "certain" scriptures and areas of the Bible, and seem to avoid others. I also mentioned that one of the best ways to avoid this sort of thing is to look at the context of that portion of scripture, and then to "pull out the truth given there," through the overall reading of that passage. Finally, I mentioned that certain doctrines have been stretched out of their proper meaning. One of these examples was how the Pharisees abused the reading of Deuteronomy 5:12 which concerned the importance of keeping the Sabbath day holy. For more information regarding this, read again what was written in Part I. of this series.

This teaching is to be concerned with how some in the prophetic community have focused ONLY on certain areas of scripture and then through this, their prophecies look only to a narrow range of truth. Now please understand that I believe that there is value in looking to the lives and messages of the prophets as found in Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, etc. God has directed me to examine and illuminate certain areas of scripture there, and the "truth" that is embodied there within their messages. There has also been times when He has guided me to sections of scripture like Nehemiah, and how his rebuilding of the wall of Jerusalem has many similarities to our life time . What I am saying though, in this article, is that it can be very easy for the prophet to ONLY look to the messages of the prophets when speaking forth a word from God. It can be very easy to ONLY look to key scriptures, or areas of the Bible, that are favorites of ours. When we ONLY do this, then I believe, our messages don't include the full counsel of God. One way to remedy this problem that can occur, is to look also to the epistles of Paul and others. There is great value and wisdom in the books of James, Hebrews, Colossians and ALL of the New Testament for that matter. Then when one handles the word of God properly, their approach is more balanced and it also points more to the overall nature of Christ, rather than just to a "one-sided approach." It seems only natural that prophets would study about other prophets, but perhaps there is more to learn as well.

Now, an other danger area for us prophets and prophetic people, is in primarily listening to the voice of God, but also in ignoring His written word as well. It is true that the great value that the prophet brings to the table is in their keen ability and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit's voice. However, when this is ALL that is done, then they are in grave danger. The written word will properly anchor one's words from God, and it will also give clarity and authenticity to their message. I always find that when He is speaking to me that I will then find the counterpart, or the "truth" of the prophetic message, in scripture. Now, to be sure, there are different types of prophetic words and we perhaps know that. A word concerning an impending earthquake in the Seattle area is much different than a message that sets forth how God is joining together His prophets and apostles. That being the case then, where can we find these truths embodied within scripture? If the word is truly from God, then we will find a substantiating message, or truth, that is found in God's word. Now, remember that there is a "balance," and one can easily go to either side in this search. We don't want to follow just the letter of the law, or the logos, but to also, we are to follow the Spirit. Consider this search like one would view a tent. Below is a short word that God brought to me back in the early 1990's:

BALANCE

"Learn to balance the word of the Spirit with the written word. For when you can do this you are on your way to maturity, for both are needed. The revealed word that is spoken, is said out of an understanding of my written word. As a tent has stakes in it which represents my written word; it anchors the tent and holds it in place.

But what would the tent be holding up? It takes on the shape and contour that I would embody unto it. So, in the same way, the voice of the spirit is represented in this way. Let the tent rise to its full potential in me. Let its pitch and its sides fall where I want it to. And know that you are all tents of mine, would say the Lord. You are all being perfectly joined together in me.

For the ministry of teaching my word, and the spoken word, are both needed. And so, this tent is the tent that must be strong. Its stakes must go down into the very ground on the foundation of my written word.

But let the breeze blow, and let it blow through the fabric of this tent. Let it seep in through every crevice and stitching of the fabric of my Holy Spirit. For it is woven by my hands; I am the master craftsman; I hold the tent by my son, Jesus Christ. He holds the very fabric together, and by his stripes, nothing will cause this tent to fall. Thus would say the spirit of the Lord, the one who has made every tent for its purpose."

Let us not ignore His written word in our search for prophetic truth. Let us not look to just one side of His nature, or His countenance. Let us be a workman, and do our best to search out the entire word of God in our search for truth and for revelation from Him. 2 Timothy 2:15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. NIV

I believe that our message can also become tainted if our focus is not anchored upon His word. Our attitudes and our spirit can very easily affect how a prophetic word comes forth. This is yet another area that is important for the prophet to consider. This particular article may not be the time to set forth all of the necessary safeguards here, so this may be handled best in yet another teaching. Suffice it to say that one must empty themselves before God in purity of thought and purpose, and then when one listens, their ears will be attuned to hear properly and without mixture.

Let us behold His face from the vantage point of a diamond with all of its many facets and cuts. Then, when we speak forth His word to others, we will be declaring the "full counsel of God."

Stephen Hanson