THE SHEPHED ROD

Jesus Christ as the Good Shepherd
(From Forerunner Commentary)

Jeremiah 31:10  (Go to this verse :: Verse pop-up)
God says that He, "who scattered Israel," will also gather it "as a shepherd does his flock." He asks that His message be declared "in the isles afar off." This is not Crete or even Cyprus or Malta. The islands must be far away, and northwest of Jerusalem.

Here again, God says He will gather Israel from "the isles afar off." Note the plural, isles.

Ezekiel 20:37-38  (Go to this verse :: Verse pop-up)
Notice that the sheep pass under the rod. Besides being an instrument of both offense and defense—the rod was, in effect, a two-foot club—it also functioned as a tool, under which the sheep passed. What does this picture? First of all, it pictures counting. The shepherd would count the sheep in his flock to make sure they were all present and accounted for.

It pictures something else too. As the sheep passed under the rod—a symbol of the Word of God—they would undergo a close scrutiny. The shepherd would run his rod backward or across the grain, as it were, of the wool. The rod separated the wool, allowing the shepherd to look down onto the sheep's skin. He was then able to see both the quality of the skin and of the wool.

Luke 15:3-7  (Go to this verse :: Verse pop-up)
In a similar parable in Matthew 18:12-14, Jesus describes God's care over the least and little ones. In this parable in Luke, He magnifies divine grace to the lost, showing that God desires their recovery and salvation. The Bible contains many prophetic references to the One who would be the Ideal Shepherd (Psalm 23:1), the Perfect Shepherd (Ezekiel 34:11-16), and a Savior who would see the multitudes as sheep having no shepherd or, even worse, a worthless shepherd (Zechariah 11:16-17). Christ claims for Himself the title of the Good Shepherd (John 10:11,14). In Luke's illustration, Jesus seeks the lost sheep, sinners who desire to change because the Good Shepherd gives His life for those who repent. He desires to save them, give them His Holy Spirit, and help them through a life of overcoming that ends in eternal life.

John 10:3  (Go to this verse :: Verse pop-up)
Unlike other animals, sheep rarely find their own way safely. Since sheep go astray, their guidance and safety lies in the Shepherd's leadership (Psalm 23:1-2). A thief, a robber, or a stranger may call the sheep by name and try to imitate their Shepherd's voice, but through long usage and intimacy, the sheep can discern a strange voice and become alarmed. We know the Shepherd's voice because the Holy Spirit gives us discernment; the result is that we turn and flee from any unfamiliar, misleading voice.

Often the unfamiliar voice is a religious-sounding one. Just as the Pharisees' voices confused and misled Jews, so do many religious leaders' voices today. Since the truth is not in them (I John 1:8; 2:4), they lead foolish sheep away from the truth. It is vital for us to seek to live according to the Good Shepherd's will, known from His voice. His positive guidance leads us "in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake" (Psalm 23:3).

John 10:10  (Go to this verse :: Verse pop-up)
As the Good Shepherd, Jesus died for earth's sinners, who like sheep have gone astray. Good, as used here, means more than having goodness in a physical sense but also having an excellent nature (Exodus 33:19-20). It signifies what is morally beautiful, noble, and true (Exodus 34:6-7). Christ's use of the word in this parable implies that He perfects all godly attributes in others; He is the Good Shepherd who manifests the characteristics of perfect goodness. He guides and supports His sheep, and sacrifices Himself for them. His benevolence exceeds all others (Psalm 31:19).

John 10:14  (Go to this verse :: Verse pop-up)
Jesus says, "I know My sheep, and am known by My own." Both the Shepherd and the sheep are aware of this, and it enables the Shepherd to lead His sheep in the best possible way, helping them to learn what He teaches and to do what He commands. Being known by and knowing the Shepherd implies that, not only do they know His voice, but they have an intimate understanding of the way He thinks and are inclined to reflect His way of doing things. Their imitation of the Shepherd becomes automatic because the sheep anticipate his will. They become one with the Shepherd, as the Shepherd is one with the Father (John 10:15, 30). Just as full knowledge exists between the Father and the Son, the Shepherd has a complete knowledge of each of His sheep.

John 10:15  (Go to this verse :: Verse pop-up)
When Jesus came in the flesh, He emphasized that He had been sent by the Father, and that His authority, offices, purposes, plans, and power were received from Him. All this was done with Jesus' complete acceptance and agreement (Philippians 2:5-8); He did not come reluctantly but with purpose and zeal. As the Great Shepherd, He sacrificed Himself, rose from the grave, and ascended to heaven, where He now intercedes for His sheep (Hebrews 7:25; 10:5-10; 13:20-21). Both the Father and His Son are one in Their love for the sheep, and so the Son came to seek and to save those who were lost.

John 10:27-28  (Go to this verse :: Verse pop-up)
As the Ruling Shepherd, Jesus will return to reward His under-shepherds who were faithful in their care of the flock (I Peter 2:25; 5:2, 4). The shepherd is the symbol of the king, and in this regard, it is interesting to note how many of Israel's kings, patriarchs, and prophets began as shepherds.

Jesus does not mix His metaphors when He exhorts His disciples, "Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom" (Luke 12:32). Three figures of speech combine to form the ideal kingship familiar in ancient times: the perfect king was shepherd of his flock, the loving father of his family, and commanding ruler of his country. Thus, when Jesus says with authority, "I am the good Shepherd," the qualities of shepherd, parent, and ruler are seen combined in Him (John 10:11, 14).

John 10:28-29  (Go to this verse :: Verse pop-up)
God the Father, who raised Jesus from the dead, dwells in each member of His church through His Holy Spirit, and by it He will also give eternal life to them (Romans 8:11). Therefore, the life given to the sheep is the same Spirit that dwells in the Father, in the Shepherd, and in the sheep. Because the Shepherd gave His life for the sheep, sacrificing all, He is able to give abundant, eternal life to them by removing the obstacle of death, the penalty for sin, by the resurrection from the dead.

No one can steal His sheep from Him because they are, in effect, in the palm of His hand (I Peter 5:6; Revelation 1:17). Nothing could be safer or more secure. The Shepherd and His Father are one, and Their grip is tightly on Their church so that even "the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it" (Matthew 16:18).

Thus, with a large number of sheep, the true Shepherd may shelter them in many pens, but they are still all His sheep and all one flock. The flock does not create this unity, but because the nature of the sheep is in harmony with their Shepherd, and because their relationship to Him is intimate, they recognize and obey His voice: "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me" (John 10:27).

Ref :

http://www.bibletools.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/Topical.show/RTD/cgg/ID/5541/Jesus-Christ-as-Good-Shepherd.htm#ixzz1Y5eyofXd

A COVENANT OF SALT

A Covenant of Salt
(From Forerunner Commentary)

Leviticus 2:13  (Go to this verse :: Verse pop-up)
It has been common throughout history for people to confirm their agreements with each other by eating and drinking together, at which times salt is used. As salt was added to foods, not only for spice but also to preserve them from decay, it became a symbol of incorruptibility and permanence. A "covenant of salt" signified an everlasting covenant. In the Bible, salt also came to symbolize purity, perfection, wisdom, hospitality, durability, and fidelity.

Leviticus 2:13  (Go to this verse :: Verse pop-up)
Like frankincense and honey, salt and leaven also produce contrasting reactions when used. Salt preserves from corruption, while leaven corrupts and deteriorates what it is inserted into. Unlike frankincense and honey, the Scriptures contain a great deal about these two in their application to the meal offering.

» II Chronicles 13:5: Should you not know that the LORD God of Israel gave the dominion over Israel to David forever, to him and his sons, by a covenant of salt?

» Psalm 89:34-37: My covenant will I not break, nor alter the word that is gone out of My lips. Once I have sworn by My holiness; I will not lie to David: His seed shall endure forever, and his throne as the sun before Me, it shall be established forever like the moon, even like the faithful witness in the sky. Selah.

Here, a covenant of salt suggests an agreement of enduring qualities, even forever. Thus a covenant of salt is one that is very strong, though it may not always be everlasting. Salt is understood to be the preservative, suggesting endurance. When God makes use of this metaphor, He is urging us to be faithful despite how circumstances appear on the surface because His Word is absolutely sure. Like Himself, His Word endures forever.

Salt was required in every sacrifice burned on the altar. Besides its preserving factor, it also has a purifying affect on what it comes in contact with. Ezekiel 16:4 records that newborn babies were rubbed with salt. In addition, Elisha treated a bad water supply in Jericho with salt. Besides purifying, then, it also signifies a new beginning.

Ref : http://www.bibletools.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/Topical.show/RTD/CGG/ID/12051/A-Covenant-Salt.htm#ixzz1Y5vQUftc

REMEMBER: In spiritual warfare, when you are facing great tribulation, a lick of real sea salt, invoking the Sacred Names, and praying the Psalms of protection, will help in keeping the dark demons off your back.

JERUSALEM GATES

Jerusalem's gates spiritual meaning
 In the Bible is also exemplary teaching, in which some issues of old covenant have spiritual meanings in New Covenant. In the book of Nehemiah chapter 3 we can find this kind of exemplary. Jerusalem's gates in the book of Nehemiah have very clear spiritual meaning, which we examine in this teaching. 

THE SHEEP GATE

Neh 3: 1 ¶ And Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brothers the priests. And they built the Sheep Gate. They sanctified it and set up its doors. Even to the Tower of Meah they sanctified it, to the Tower of Hananeel

The high priest Eliashib with his brethren and priests built the Sheep Gate and set up its doors. This is first gate mentioned. Spiritual meaning of the Sheep Gate is that the high priest was building it and that through the Sheep Gate lambs and sheep were brought to the temple, in which they were offered. Jesus Christ is the High Priest of New Covenant, who is the Lamb, who was offered for the sake of our sins. Spiritual meaning of Sheep Gate is death and offering the Lamb (Jesus Christ), which death, blood and resurrection bring us forgiveness of sins and redemption. The high priest was setting up doors of the Sheep Gate, which means that He is the Door of the sheep. Through Jesus Christ a man will be saved from the power of death-, sin and eternal damnation to eternal life.

Building of the wall and gates begins from the Sheep Gate in Nehemiah 3, because everything begins from the offering of the Lamb (Jesus Christ). This is a spiritual meaning, because to salvation and God's kingdom a man will enter through the offering and blood of the Lamb (Jesus Christ). It is very significant that Eliashib means in Hebrew God restores. All in the Bible are accurately in their places and have important meanings. It is not an accident that the high priest whose name was Eliashib was building up the Sheep Gate. Jerusalem and its wall and gates were destroyed, so needed Eliashib (HaKohen HaGadol) the high priest who set up the doors of the Sheep Gate. Same also satan and sin have destroyed the heart of a man and so there is a need for New Covenant High Priest Jesus Christ (Yeshua the Messiah), who is the Door of sheep and who can save and restore men back towards the image of God. When men from the grace of God repent their sins and believe to Jesus Christ, then a man can receive the salvation. The Sheep Gate proclaims forgiveness of sins through the blood of the Lamb (Jesus Christ). The Sheep Gate proclaims grace of redemption (grace of God), which a man can face through the blood of the Lamb (Jesus Christ). The Sheep Gate has been clear exemplary in redemption of Jesus Christ, who is the Door of the sheep.

THE FISH GATE

Neh 3: 3 But the fish gate did the sons of Hassenaah build, who also laid the beams thereof, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof.

The next gate was the Fish Gate. Fishermen brought through the Fish Gate fishes for selling to Jerusalem. Spiritual meaning of the Fish Gate is there that after the Sheep Gate redemption in the blood of the Lord Jesus begins fishing of men; in other words, preaching of gospel from Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ said that He will make from His disciples fishers of men. The Fish Gate means preaching of gospel and fishing of men to the kingdom of God.

THE OLD GATE

Neh 3:6 Moreover the old gate repaired Jehoiada the son of Paseah, and Meshullam the son of Besodeiah; they laid the beams thereof, and set up the doors thereof, and the locks thereof, and the bars thereof.

After the Sheep Gate and the Fish Gate comes the Old Gate, which spiritual meaning is death of the old man. Jesus Christ don't repair the old man, but makes the new man through the regeneration in the Holy Spirit. In sanctification life Jesus Christ set up "doors and locks" that sin can't get any grip in our heart. 

The Bible teaches that the Holy Spirit kills deeds of our flesh. The Holy Spirit rules and leads us in righteousness and by that way we will die to sinful deeds.The Old Gate proclaims us that the old one must die, because the new one has been reborn. The Holy Spirit gives to believer the power to die to the flesh and resist sins and choose God's righteousness instead of sins. The Old Gate is an important gate, because without death of the flesh believer cannot wander in the will of God. Death of the flesh is God's grace work and by this work Jesus's disciples have ability to walk and live according to the will of God.

THE VALLEY GATE

Neh 3:13 The valley gate repaired Hanun, and the inhabitants of Zanoah; they built it, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof, and a thousand cubits on the wall unto the dung gate. 

The Valley Gate describes wandering of Jesus's disciples. 

Ge 26:19 And Isaac’s servants digged in the valley, and found there a well of springing water.

De 8:7 For the LORD thy God bringeth thee into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and depths that spring out of valleys and hills;

Ps 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Eze 3:22 ¶ And the hand of the LORD was there upon me; and he said unto me, Arise, go forth into the plain, and I will there talk with thee.

When Jesus' disciple understands, and accepts death of the flesh so after that he can begin to wander with God according to will of God. Genesis 26:19 tells that by digging in the valley Isaac's servants found well of springing water. As purpose of digging was to find water, and it spiritually means, that we dig deeper as the surface of the ground.

As Jesus' disciples we must also dig deeper; in other words, we must grow and renew our mind daily according to the will of God. The New Covenant believer grows obeying the truth in love as says letter of Ephesus in chapter 4 and verse 15.

Digging deeper means that we are not only hearers of the word, but we must hear and come doers of the Word, which means that we must live in practise according to teaching of the word by the power of the Holy Spirit. The Bible says: But become doers of the Word, and not hearers only deceiving yourselves. If we have knowledge in the head, and theoretical knowledge about the word of God, but we are not living according to the word of God, we are deceiving ourselves. We must become doers of the word of God from the grace of God, and by His grace, we can do works of faith, because God works in us through the Holy Spirit, that we are able to do will and work of God.

By the grace of God, we must give our heart, mind and life as living sacrifice, which is holy and acceptable to God, and it is our reasonable service. We cannot conform ourselves according to sinful deeds of this world. But we must be in the process of transformation by the Holy Spirit, where our mind shall be renewed to understand and live according to good, acceptable and perfect will of God.

God has made a man as such, that he is sensitive to receive influence of God, that good will of God can protect and guide us. But when a man fell in a sin, so he came sensitive to receive influence for sin and satan. So it is very important, that we fill our mind with the word of God, and do not listen to voice of sin. The Bible warns us from this in 1 Corinthians and chapter 15, and verse 33, by saying.

Be not deceived. evil communications corrupt good manners.

So it is very important, that we fill our mind with heavenly things, and not things of sins. Wandering with God is the same thing as sanctification life. But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and be ready always to give an answer to every man, that asks you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.

THE DUNG GATE

Neh 3:14 But the dung gate repaired Malchiah the son of Rechab, the ruler of part of Bethhaccerem; he built it, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof.

The Old Gate described, death of the flesh, and the Valley Gate described, wandering of believer. The Dung Gate describes, how in practice the flesh will die. Through the Dung Gate, trashes were taken out of Jerusalem, to a valley of Hinnom, in which those trashes were burnt. In the same way as trashes couldn't, stink and smell bad in Jerusalem, but were burnt in a valley of Hinnom, in dumpster, so sins must die from the heart of believer.

The Dung Gate spiritual meaning is that sin, which is smelling bad and destroys, our heart and mind, must put away, by dying of the flesh. In wandering of the life of the faith, we must face concretely issues, which must put away from the heart.

Those issues are example: 

Mt 15:19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:

Mr 7:
21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,
22 Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:
23 All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.

All these evil things come from the heart, and defile the man. All sins, which live in the heart, of a man must die. The Holy Spirit renews our mind, and affect rejection towards sin. We are not going to be perfect, in our wandering, but we will die to our flesh, and grow in righteousness.

Apostle Paul said.

Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect, However, I follow after, if that I may apprehend, that for which also I am, apprehended of Christ Jesus.

God washes up heart of believer through the faith in the Holy Spirit. And when we understand that we are not perfect, and are not coming perfect in this time, but are growing toward it, that can't be excusing for us to make sin, but the fact that, we need to grow, and that there, is the need to growth in righteousness. So we as Jesus' disciples, can't ever accept or support sin, but reject it and grow in the grace of God.

In the old covenant time was the burnt offering, which describes dying of the flesh in the New Covenant. Burnt offering animal's was cut in pieces, and those pieces were burnt, and offering animal's inward part, and feet were washed with pure water. This teaches for us, that dying of the flesh is the process, where we are dying in the flesh piece by piece as the burnt offering was also burnt in pieces. Animal offering inward parts and feet, which were washed with pure water describes for us, that when our heart is cleaned, and we do the will of God, so our wandering is pure, and acceptable to God. Pure Feet are describing wandering in the will of God by the power of the Holy Spirit. Inward part describes our heart, which must wash with pure water. In the old testament water describes the Holy Spirit, so the Holy Spirit will purify our heart by dying of the flesh, and when our heart is cleansed, and living in the will of God, then we can wander, according to the will of God.

Ro 5:5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

1Ti 1:5 ¶ Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:

The Holy Spirit is working at will and work according to the will of God in the heart of believer. God's love washes our heart affecting good conscience, and of faith unfeigned. Like this we can grow in faith according to the will of God through the Holy Spirit.

THE FOUNTAIN GATE

Neh 3:15 But the gate of the fountain repaired Shallun the son of Colhozeh, the ruler of part of Mizpah; he built it, and covered it, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof, and the wall of the pool of Siloah by the king’s garden, and unto the stairs that go down from the city of David. 

The Fountain Gate located near the pool of Siloah (Siloam), where water flows. The pool of Siloam is same place where Jesus said to the blind man to wash up, John 7:9. At the time of Nehemiah and after it many washed (mikveh) themselves before they entered to temple area. 

Spiritual meaning of the Fountain Gate is telling from the fountain of living waters and its source, who is God  in the Holy Spirit through Jesus Christ. 

John 7:38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.

When Jesus's disciple  has accepted to die to his flesh and to sin and believe to Jesus Christ as the Scriptures has said, so in his heart will flow living waters  (the Holy Spirit) according to teaching of the Bible. Remarkable is that the Holy Spirit works according to the word of God and word of God tells how the Holy Spirit works. The Fountain Gate proclaims holy and pure life in the power of the Holy Spirit to us. 

It is very important that we understand that the word of God and the Holy Spirit belong together, because Jesus said. You do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God. In life of Jesus' disciples must be balance with the word of God and the Holy Spirit. If we wanna only deal with the word of God, but don't want to receive power of the Holy Spirit, which change our heart and mind to serve God in practical life, so we have deceived ourselves. This kind of belief is belief of theoretical knowledge of head, and it is deception. If we want to live in the spirit, but not according to teaching of the word of God, we have deceived ourselves. Because in this kind of case false spirits have deceived us, and they want to keep us out from the truth of the word of God. So our life as Jesus' disciples must belong believing to the word of God as it has been written and living in the Holy Spirit according to the power how God works in us.

In the gospel of Luke chapter 4 is very important teaching to us. Jesus was full of the Holy Spirit, and He was led by the Spirit into the wilderness. Devil tempted Jesus there. Devil said to Jesus. If you be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread. Evil spirits want that you concentrate things, which you are not told to do or things which you are not yet ready, but will be in the future. Task of Jesus was not in the wilderness to make for stones as breads. Evil spirits are leading you to reach out miracles and sensations and away from the truth of the word of God. Evil spirits lead you to live according to emotions by carnal mind, but they want to keep you out from the truth of the word of God. It is important to believe to the word of God.

Devil said to Jesus that cast down from pinnacle of the temple and then devil said. For it is written, He shall give his angels charge over you, to keep you: And in their hands they shall bear you up, lest at any time you dash your foot against a stone.

Jesus said gospel of John that devil was a murderer from the beginning, and stayed not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

So how devil can quote the word of God. devil quoted Psalm 91 verses 11 and 12, but devil left out four words for verse 11 and those four words are in all thy ways. God charges us and keeps us in His shelter in all our ways. So you see that satan comes very near to the word of God and twists it that it looks similar as the word of God, but it is not, because satan always leaves out or adds something or twists the word of God.

We must understand that how important is to know the word of God and also the power of the Holy Spirit that devil cannot deceive us. Pslam 119 and verse 1690 says. Your word is true from the beginning: and every one of your righteous judgments endures for ever. All the words of God are true, but if we leave out or add something it is not anymore the word of God, but the voice of satan. We must believe the word completely and all His words. So read the Bible daily and pray that God opens to you His truth from the Bible.

THE WATER GATE

Neh 3:26 Moreover the Nethinims dwelt in Ophel, unto the place over against the water gate toward the east, and the tower that lieth out.

The Water Gate tells about God, who is source of the Holy Spirit through Jesus Christ. In old testament water describes the Holy Spirit. Spiritual meaning of the Water Gate is practical life in the Holy Spirit..

Joh 4:
13 Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again:
14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.
15 The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw.

1Pe 1:2 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.

Through sanctification of the Spirit Jesus's disciples are elected to obedience through the blood of Jesus Christ. From the grace of God, we have a part in the Holy Spirit, in which He leads us to the way of obedience. Like this we serve God in the Holy Spirit through obedience.

THE HORSE GATE

Neh 3:28  From above the horse gate repaired the priests, every one over against his house. 

The Horse Gate located next by horse stables. Horses were used in the wars against enemies.

Spiritual meaning of the Horse Gate is spiritual warfare:

Re 19:
11 ¶  And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.
12  His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.
13  And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.
14  And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.
15  And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
16  And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. 

When Jesus' disciple lives in the Holy Spirit he is involved to spiritual warfare. 

Eph 6:12  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Heb 12:4 ¶  Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.

Jas 1:14  But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

Jesus' disciple lives in the Holy Spirit and is on spiritual battlefield in a warfare, in which he fights against evil spirits, sin and lusts of his flesh. Jesus' disciple mission is not fighting against his sisters and brothers in Christ, whereby he unfortunately falls sometimes and some even very eager are looking for these fights.

He who has been filled with the Holy Spirit has a part in a spiritual warfare, which power source is the Holy Spirit. When we accept work of the Holy Spirit in our heart (work of the Holy Spirit is to affect will and work in our heart according to the will of God ), so we don't walk into deceptions of evil spirits, and we can win lusts and desires of sin in our heart. In a health growth of faith from the grace of God we achieve all the time more victories in spiritual battlefields. We have been saved by the grace of God from the power of sin and satan and eternal damnation on that day when we repented and believed to Jesus Christ by the grace of God. However, by the grace of God we can fight in the Holy Spirit against evil spirits and sin, not for our salvation, but for sanctification life.

THE EAST GATE

Neh 3:29  After them repaired Zadok the son of Immer over against his house. After him repaired also Shemaiah the son of Shechaniah, the keeper of the east gate.

The East Gate is the place, where Jesus Christ the Messiah of Israel arrives:

Zec 14:4  And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south.

Spiritual meaning of the East Gate is returning of the Messiah and waiting of the Lord. 

Re 22:20 ¶  He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

THE GATE MIPHKAD

Neh 3: 31  After him repaired Malchiah the goldsmith’s son unto the place of the Nethinims, and of the merchants, over against the gate Miphkad, and to the going up of the corner.

Miphkad means numbering (census) and appointed place. Spiritual meaning of the Gate Miphkad comes into view from Eze 43:

Eze 43:21 Thou shalt take the bullock also of the sin offering, and he shall burn it in the appointed place (miphkad) of the house, without the sanctuary.

Spiritual meaning of the Gate Miphkad means the place. Where is presence of God and His forgiveness by the blood and offering of Jesus Christ.

Order of the gates

The order of the gates in the book of Nehemiah includes also exemplary dimensions: 

The order of the gates is clear order of growth in the faith. The life of the faith begins from the Sheep Gate by forgiveness of sins for the sake of Jesus' redemption in His blood. The Sheep Gate proclaims about forgiveness and grace of God. After we have been saved, we want to tell everybody about Jesus Christ (fishers of men); from this the Fish Gate is exemplary . After salvation God speaks to us death of the old man; from this the Old Gate is exemplary. The Valley Gate speaks us about the new way in Christ, where we can wander. The Dung Gate speaks us to sins that we must reject. The Fountain Gate speaks to us from the source of the living water ( God in the Holy Spirit). The Water Gate speaks to us from obedient life in the Holy Spirit. The Horse Gate speaks to us from spiritual warfare. The East Gate speaks us about returning of the Messiah and how His disciples are waiting for the Lord Jesus. The Miphkad Gate reminds us that God dwells on us in the Holy Spirit by the blood and redemption of Jesus Christ.

In conclusion

Description of the book Nehemiah about repairing the wall and the gates starts from the Sheep Gate and comes to an end to the Sheep Gate, Neh 3:32. Everything begins redemption of Jesus Christ and forgiveness of sins and comes to an end of it, because it is foundation of our salvation. Glory and praise to our God!

 Reference : http://koti.phnet.fi/petripaavola/Jerusalemgatesspiritualmeaning.html

THE BLOOD OF SPRINKLING

^{LEVITICUS 14
51} Then he is to take the cedar wood, the hyssop, the scarlet yarn and the live bird, dip them into the blood of the dead bird and the fresh water, and sprinkle the house seven times. ⁵² He shall purify the house with the bird’s blood, the fresh water, the live bird, the cedar wood, the hyssop and the scarlet yarn. ⁵³ Then he is to release the live bird in the open fields outside the town. In this way he will make atonement for the house, and it will be clean.”

HEBREW 12:24

²⁴ to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.


Preparations:

i)                  1 small water bucket filled with water and 3 drops of anointing oil. Hold the bucket and recite below prayer :

Lord Jesus, I sprinkle the precious blood you shed for us on every window, doors, doorpost and wall 7 times.

Lord Jesus, I sprinkle the precious blood you shed for us on this home ad its contents shall be cleanse.
I sprinkle the precious blood of jesus on (Home Address) and to the resident of this home. (Name People Staying In this Home e.g Husband, wife, kids, grandparents names or property owner name)

ii)               Place hands into water and sprinkle 7 times (same spot) on the residents, windows, door,gates, walls,furniture, rooms, kitchen, dining hall,4 corners of the home/room, inside and outside of home.

iii) Each sprinkle to say : I SPRINKLE THE BLOOD OF JESUS.

Prayer To Declare / Decree:

Lord JESUS, I thank you for making a provision by your blood to remove all curses from children lives.

Protect my life, which is bogged down by curses. I believe with all my heart that my precious blood alone can remove all the curses from my life. I pray lord that you remove all curses from my family, my ministry, my work, (my business), (my studies), (my marriage), …….. and all the works of my hands. Please lord JESUS, turn curses into blessings.

Your blood have power to protect your children and you are my rock and my strong fortress. Now by faith, I smear JESUS s blood upon myself, my love ones and all things that belong to me.

Protect me, my family and all that belongs to me from the messenger of death, and wicked evil people.

I thank you lord JESUS, for the supernatural protection and blessing upon my life.

I shall declare and decree and it shall be DONE with the sprinkling of the precious blood of JESUS.

In precious JESUS name we pray – Amen, Amen, Amen

ETERNAL REDEMPTION

Psalm 107:2 (NKJV)

 ² Let the redeemed of the LORD say so,
         Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy,

A redeemed person to confess that the redemption, having known now the blessing earned by JESUS blood, now confess the following and inherit all the eternal promised blessings.

1.    I confess that I have been washed by the Blood of Jesus and all my sins have been forgiven.

2.    I confess that the Blood of JESUS has removed all my sinful nature.

3.    I confess that the Blood of JESUS has atoned for my sins.

4.    I confess that the Blood of JESUS has redeemed me from bondages and gives me victory in every area of my life.

5.    I confess that the Blood of JESUS has redeemed me from all curses.

6.    I confess that the Blood of JESUS has given me supernatural protection.

7.    I confess that the Blood of JESUS has healed me of both physical, mental sickness and gives me peace.

8.    I confess that the Blood of JESUS has empowered me to inherit all the covenant blessings needed for my life.

9.    I confess that the Blood of JESUS has given me authority over evil and I am KING and priest in God’s kingdom.                                                            

10.                       I confess that the Blood of JESUS has opened the way to receive the anointing of the HOLY SPIRIT  and given me eternal life, for I will be with my lord forever.

THOU SHALL BE BLESS BY THE BLOOD OF JESUS

In the name of father, the son and holy spirit I pray ,

AMEN, AMEN, AMEN

PRAYER BLESSING OF ANOINTING OIL

Anointing Oil Prayer

Prayer for blessing and sanctifying Oil

In the name of Jesus, I set this oil apart to be holy anointing oil.

Jesus, I thank you that you were crushed for my complete healing and wholeness.
This holy anointing oil speaks of the perfection of your finished work. I thank you that whatever this oil touches, the fullness of your Grace, power and healing virtue will flow according to your word in

Mark 6:13 and James 5:14

I pray that wherever this oil is applied, it will bring glory and praise to your name. Amen 

PRAYERS FOR HEALING
We anoint you with this oil in the Name of the Father, and of the
     Son, and of the Holy Spirit and I pray for you NAME (or the person you
     are asking for) for the fullness of his blessings, the fullness of his
     Joy.....

     ..... May our Lord sustain you with his presence, drive away all
     sickness of body and spirit, and give you the victory of his life and
     his peace which will enable you to serve him both now and evermore.

     ..... May our Lord Jesus Christ uphold you and fill you with his
     grace, that you may know the healing power of his love in every area
     of your life.

     ..... May the Lord God set you free from all anxiety and doubt, all
     fear and uncertainty. 

     .....  Know that your sins are forgiven by his most Holy Grace
     and go and live as he has show you - in the power and by the
     power of His Spirit.

     ..... Send oh God your healing light and power and energy into
     every part of this person - and in particular grant that every
     malignancy of cell and fibre, of blood and bone be cast out and
     that wholeness of both body and spirit be given to them.

     .... May the Lord help you walk with Him day by day....

     .... Through the love of God made known in Jesus Christ may the
     God's grace flow through your life, restoring wholeness to your
     relationship with God and others. May the indwelling Spirit
     strengthen you in all goodness and keep you in resurrected life.

     ..... May the Lord bless your husband and bring him healing.
     Fill him with your Spirit and lead him in the way you, O God,
     want him to go.

CONCLUDING PRAYER
     Lord, we pray for all who have been outwardly anointed with holy oil
     this night, that they all may have the inward anointing of the Holy
     Spirit.   And for all those who have prayed - those who have shown
     mercy - those who have lifted their hands to you in thanksgiving and
     in supplication - for all present here, O God, we give thanks and ask
     that you continue with them day by day.   Indeed, O Lord, keep us all
     from all evil, preserve us in all goodness.  Bless us so that we may
     indeed bless others in your most Holy Name - we ask it in the name of
     Christ Jesus - who taught us to pray together as one family,
     saying........

     Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come,
     thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.  Give us this day our
     daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who
     trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us
     from evil.  For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for
     ever and ever.  Amen
Reference : http://www.rockies.net/~spirit/sermons/sr-healing-service-1.php

Prayers for Anointing with Oil

1. Preparation of a place for Healing Prayers

In the name of Jesus Christ, I claim this space as a Holy place of prayer and I place it and all the people who have come here for prayer under the protection of God's mighty angels so that all the powers of evil are hereby bound, expelled and barred from returning. I call upon God's Holy Spirit to be present and active here so that God's healing gifts may be received and God's love may be powerfully experienced during these prayers; for the praise and glory of God. Amen.

2. Prayer of thanksgiving for and blessing of healing oil

God, our redeemer, giver of health and salvation, we give you thanks for this gift of oil. As the apostles anointed many who were sick, and you healed them, so may your Holy Spirit come on us and on this oil, that those who receive this anointing in repentance and faith may be made well in accordance with your will: through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen (U.C.C. Book of Worship)

3. Prayer for anointing with specially blessed oil:

(Name) as I anoint you, so may God grant you the powerful presence of the Holy Spirit. With infinite mercy, may God forgive your sins, release you from suffering, and restore you to health and strength. May God deliver you from all evil, preserve you in all goodness, and bring you to everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen. (U.C.C. Book of Worship)

4. Prayer with laying on hands:

(Name) I/we lay my/our hands upon you in the name of our Sovereign and Savior Jesus Christ, calling upon Christ to uphold you and fill you with grace, that you may know the healing power of God's love. Amen.

Reference : http://www.vtcucc.org/healing/facilitate/anoint_oil.html

Powerful Prayer For The Spiritual Cleansing Of A Home, Room Or Place

God, Jesus Christ, Holy Ghost,
I am a Christian.
I believe and trust in your Holy Bible.
I believe and trust the truth,
that you alone have all power and authority in Heaven and Earth.
I come to you,
asking for the spiritual cleansing of this place,
for it to become new and clean supernaturally,
a safe Christian environment for me (and my family).
In the Name,
Power and Authority of Jesus Christ,
my Lord and Savior God,
Holy Ghost please do the work I need right now.
As a saved Christian,
I renounce any sins,
known or unknown to me,
that have been committed here by anyone (including me or my family).
I renounce any sinful items ever kept here,
I renounce any sinful things that were broadcast here,
I renounce any sinful or evil people who lived here or entered here.
In the Name,
Power and Authority of Jesus Christ,
my Lord and Savior,
I RENOUNCE any satanic claim attempts on this place, or on those who live here, or on items kept here, based upon these things that I have renounced.
As a saved Christian,
I command any demon, false angel, spirit or ghost trying to hang out here to be bound and rebuked away by the Power of the Holy Ghost and never return!
Holy Ghost I trust you to do this work right now.
I claim this place as a place of Christian spiritual safety and protection.
I bless this place in the name of my God; Jesus Christ.
I ask You Lord Jesus Christ to place your blessing and spiritual protection on this place, clean it with Your Holy Blood,
and let it be made as new for me (and my family).
Let only thy Holy Ghost and Holy Angels of Heaven be here with us!
Amen!
Praise God!

SPIRITUAL GIFTS

Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.

I Cor. 12:1, 4, 7

______________________

Every single believer has a spiritual gift. Do you know what yours is and why is it important for you to exercise it? Ephesians 4:12-15 tells us that spiritual gifts are...

For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

That we henceforth be NO MORE CHILDREN, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

But speaking the truth in love, may GROW UP into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

Who wants to be a babe in Christ for 25 years? I call it the Baby Huey syndrome. Baby Huey was a six foot tall cartoon duck that wore a diaper. We are to grow up and mature in Jesus Christ and not be babies in understanding and experience. Otherwise, we'll be tossed to and fro being deceived because we lack knowledge and experience in the meat of the word. Peter tells us to gird up the loins of our mind. If you are not using your spiritual gift, you are not only depriving yourself of blessing, but you are depriving Jesus of His fruits and depriving other people who are depending on you to do right.

All gifts must be undergirded by charity (I Cor. 13) and love. Jesus said, "A new commandment I give you; that ye love one another." That is a command from the Big Boss. We must be governed by love of God, love of the brethern, and love of our neighbor.

Let's be mature, built up soldiers and vessels of honor in the Master's royal service. If you haven't identified your spiritual gifts, look below and see where you fit in--this is for BELIEVERS ONLY. If you are not a Christian, get saved and then you will get your gift. These gifts have nothing to do with your natural ability (though your natural abilities can be used in the service of Christ). By way of example, before I started walking with Jesus, I didn't much care about other people's feelings and concerns, but now, I am always on the lookout for someone who needs some encouragement in the faith (exhortation).

You are not limited to just one gift, but you won't have every single one. We believers are compared to different parts of the body--not every part is the ear or the eye or the hand. Additionally, each body part is important. The ear can't say, "I'm not part of the body because I'm not the eye" and neither can the Vacation Bible School cookie lady who has the gift of helps say, "I'm not important because I don't have the word of wisdom." All the functions work together for the whole body. Every part has a distinct purpose that needs to be fulfilled so that we all come together in unity unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.

1.      HELPS/MINISTRY

Believers who serve with their hands like building, cooking, etc. In Acts 6 we see a problem arising with the Greek widows being neglected in the daily ministration. What did the apostles do? They picked out seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom to take care of this business so that the apostles could give themselves to prayer and the word and not have to worry about waiting tables. The first Christian martyr, Stephen, was one of these men. We know that Stephen also did great wonders and miracles and that he spoke with great wisdom (for which he was eventually killed). [Rom. 12:7, I Cor. 12:28]

2.      RULING/LEADERSHIP/GOVERNMENT

Believers who serve by planning, directing, delegating, and taking the lead. A good example of this is Vacation Bible School. The Pastor might commission someone to organize VBS. That means arranging for dates, materials, snacks, special music, theme, etc. This person would lead other workers by organizing meetings, being the point of contact, etc. [Rom. 12:8, I Cor. 12:28]

3.      GIVING

Believers who serve by giving monies over and above their tithes or bestow gifts on others. They earn and handle money well. I've known two people who seem to have this gift. They always seem to think of others by giving a Bible to a new church member or if they have extra money putting it in the offering plate. They don't do this for show, it is just how they are--they may not even recognize that this is one of their gifts. [Rom. 12:8]

4.      MERCY

Believers who exhibit a caring and compassionate attitude, always with a kind word. They show kindness and forbearance towards hurting folks. They relieve suffering. [Rom. 12:8]

5.      HOSPITALITY

Believers who enjoy having folks over for a meal or lodging in Christian love. May prepare and take meals to the sick or infirm. This is not listed as a specific gift and should probably be listed under Helps/Ministry. It is noteworthy that the Bible says that we should all be given to hospitality (Rom. 12:13). It's good to invite members of your church family over for dinner and fellowship or invite a missionary on deputation to stay with you. [Rom. 12:13, 1 Timothy 3:2, Ttus 1:8, 1 Peter 4:9]

6.      FAITH

Believers who KNOW that God is going to work everything out. They have caught a vision of what God can do and they go for the gusto regardless of what happens around them. When others may despair, this person strongly believes God. [I Cor 12:9]

7.      DISCERNMENT

Believers who can quickly detect the false and the true. This person can read a book, hear a sermon or just be talking with someone and immediately detect error. Sometimes this person gets on people's nerves because it seems they are always pointing out error--I know because I'm one of these people. This gift reminds me of anti-bodies in our immune system that fight off invading germs. It's rough sometime. [I Cor. 12:10]

8.      KNOWLEDGE

Believers who love to research, investigate and study the Scriptures. They are not satisfied with a shallow knowledge of God's word and they seriously study to shew themselves approved. Others are blessed by their careful study. [I Cor. 12:8]

9.      WISDOM

Believers who can apply knowledge and determine a solution. This person usually has the answer to a dilemna. [I Cor. 12:8]

10.  PROPHESY

A believer who tells God's message. Paul said that the person who prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification (building up), exhortation (encouragement to grow), and comfort (I Cor. 14:3). He also said, desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy (I Cor. 14:1). When you look at the prophets of old, God would say something like, "Son of man, prophesy unto this people, 'Thus saith the Lord...'" Prophesy is speaking the word. This person knows the word. We can all read the word, meditate on it and obey it--then we will be able to proclaim it. [Rom. 12:6, I Cor. 12:10, Eph. 4:11]

11.  EXHORTATION

A believer who urges other believers through advice, warning, admonishing, etc. to do what is right in Christ. They encourage others to run the race and continue in Jesus Christ. [Rom. 12:8]

12.  PASTOR

A believer (a man) who shepherds the local church. He preaches and helps people who are having problems by sharing Biblical truths. He has a strong desire for soulwinning and the spiritual growth of his people. He meets all the qualifications for this office found in I Timothy 3. [Eph 4:11]

13.  TEACHER

This believer has a burden to see others grow and learn through Bible study. They present Bible truths in a logical and systematic way. [Rom. 12:7, Eph. 4:11, I Cor. 12:28-29]

14.  APOSTLESHIP

Only those in the Bible called directly by Jesus to establish the church. [I Cor. 12:29, Eph. 4:11]

15.  EVANGELIST

This believer has a deep burden for soul winning. Their greatest joy is winning people to Jesus. [Eph. 4:11]

______________________

The following are sign gifts. Some say that these are no longer in operation. The scriptures do not give me the liberty to say so. I will say however, 1) there are many charlatans (quacks) that make merchandise of God's people through their staged antics and 2) many believers are obsessed with signs and wonders when they were not primarily for believers, but for unbelievers to show them the power of God...

What did Jesus say when the people doubted Him? He told them to remember the miraculous things He did. "Believe me for the works sake". What did He say about the unbelievers in John 15:24? "If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin.." His works such as raising the dead, causing the blind to see, the deaf to hear, cleansing lepers, etc. testified to the unbelieving and doubtful that He is the Son of God.

Unfortunately, many Christians want to see some sign, wonder or miracle in church every week. In some churches there is more time spent on moaning than the word. This does not follow the Biblical pattern which was set for us. The Word of God, His statutes and commands, should be at the center of service. The Lord said, "My people perish for lack of knowledge." When we hear the word, our faith increases (faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God) and we get good fruits like soul winning, holy living, and service.

All this said, God still has the power to do the following through His people today if He so chooses.

16.  MIRACLES

A believer who has the faith and ability to produce changes that transcend the laws of nature. For instance, Elijah prayed down fire from heaven. [I Cor. 12:10]

17.  HEALING

A believer who can heal people of disease. The apostle Peter healed the lame man at the gate called Beautiful. [I Cor. 12:9]

18.  TONGUES

A believer who can speak in a foreign language, previously unknown to them, the wonderful works of God. On the day of Pentecost, the believers spoke in the languages of the nations visiting Jeruselem that day and each man heard his own language. Rules for this in church are in I Cor. 14:27-28. [I Cor. 12:10]

19.  INTERPRETATION OF TONGUES

A believer who is able to interpret, on-the-spot, the language of that one who is speaking in an unknown tongue. [I Cor. 12:10]

SPIRITUAL GIFT QUESTIONAIRE
http://www.intimacywithgod.com/gifts.pdf