... until a time of reformation Hebrews 9:10 Christ's coming triggered a reformation, inaugurating a new order. The letter to the Hebrews is a transitional, and therefore, reformational book. Using both comparison and contrast, it shows the superiority of the new over the old, calling the believing Hebrews into complete transition. With a foot in both camps, they were caught … [Read more...]
Anointing the New Order
How long will you mourn for Saul...Fill your horn with oil and be on your way ... 1 Samuel 16:1 Many are currently networking the old instead of anointing the new. Let me explain: because of his unbroken inner life the kingdom had just been taken from Saul and promised to one better than he—to David (1 Sam 15:28). His days on the throne were now numbered. But Samuel mourns … [Read more...]
Forerunners of the New Order
These were the men who came to David at Ziklag, while he was banished from the presence of Saul ... warriors who helped him in battle. 1 Chronicles 12:1 Before every historic visitation of the Spirit God has sent forerunners. John the Baptist set the pattern; as a voice crying in the wilderness he prepared the way for the ministry of Christ (Mtt 3:3). Likewise, John Wycliffe … [Read more...]
The Fool on the Hill
In 1967 the Beatles released a Lennon-McCartney song called The Fool on the Hill. I'm showing my vintage here, but it struck me as a genuinely prophetic statement then, and still does. The lyrics go: Day after day, alone on a hill, the man with a foolish grin is perfectly still But nobody wants to know him, they can see that he's just a fool as he never gives an … [Read more...]
A Famine for Hearing
“Behold the days are coming,” declares the Lord GOD, “when I will send a famine on the land— not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD." Amos 8:11 Is it possible to attend church week by week, listen to sermons, engage in all the activities of church life, perhaps even read this article, but never really hear the voice of God? … [Read more...]
