First of all, the possession of things does not necessarily constitute dominion, which in fact is the real meaning behind the message. The things God allows the saints to possess now are for the furtherance of His Kingdom in the earth. The Lord will not feed our vanity. The Holy Ghost was not given to make us the masters of wealth nor the rulers of cities or nations. There is a time appointed for us to rule and reign in the earth. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years (Revelation 20:6).
We have only been given power to be the righteousness of God in the earth. We have power to walk in the Spirit. We have power over the enemy as we work the ministry of reconciliation. We have been given authority over demons and devils, sickness and diseases, according to the will of God. The error in these teachings began with man’s interpretation of scriptures such as Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you (St.Luke 10:19). The key phrase here is “power over all the power of the enemy.” From this passage, men have more than suggested it to mean the ability to rule over our environment and take back all Satan has stolen. They teach that this is the time of restoration. But need I remind you of the conversation Jesus had with His disciples just before His departure to heaven?
Acts 1:6-8
6 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?
7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.
8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
It is not the time for the Sons of God to reign or have dominion on the earth. They are to rule and reign with Christ when He comes back to set up His Kingdom. How indeed is it possible for us to reign without the Kingdom and the King being installed? No saints, we must wait for that day when the Master returns and restores all things. Consider these truths: The old patriarchs were not concerned about materialistic gain, but were waiting on the promise of the Spirit. They were excited about being released from the burden and weight of sin. They were excited about the possibility of receiving eternal life. They longed to walk in the righteousness of God, not the glory of this world. Finally, my friends, Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world.” If we live in the Kingdom then our authority is in the Kingdom of God. That authority can only be exercised in this world according to the purpose and glory of God. God will not feed our vanity.
St.John 19:11
Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above…
Since Pilate had the authority to crucify Jesus or to release Him, the mindset of the Church would place Pilate in the category of an enemy to be rebuked and/or fought in spiritual warfare. But Jesus suggests that it is the Father who gave His captors power over Him. Therefore, it is futile to enter into any form of prayer other than that of agreement with what the Father has done. Let us endeavor to walk in this perfect way
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Acts 3:12
And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?
Peter confirms that the power to heal is of Christ. But he also confirms that the holiness that provides the power is of Christ. It is not our holiness but His we must walk in. It is His life that is acceptable unto God. In Him is all power to work the works of faith. It is not farfetched to think that even as the Lord moved in the days of the early Church, He will do the same today. There is a need to establish the real Church in the world. That is not to say that such a Church does not exist, but it is simply not readily visible to the world.
It is not the intent of the Father for the Body of Christ to be clandestine in nature. It will be exalted where all may see and have opportunity to choose between the good and the evil of this world. This is what the Father says: I will work many miracles and do marvelous works among the people and they shall behold my glory. The name of my Son Jesus will be exalted in the earth and men will know that I sent him into the world.
Acts 4:17-23
17 But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name.
18 And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.
19 But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.
20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.
21 So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done.
22 For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was shewed.
23 And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them.
The Father further explains: It was the sayings of the council that provoked Peter to pray as he did. But their response to what Peter had said revealed their true heart. Therefore when Peter came to Me and asked Me to open other doors of utterance, I knew I could trust Him to walk through the door, regardless of the disposition of men or the jeopardy he would stand in.
THE PRAYER
Acts 4:24-31
24 And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is:
25 Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things?
26 The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ.
27 For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,
28 For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.
29 And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,
30 By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.
31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
These people understood that it was the Determinate Council of God who decided the fate of Christ and that it was that same Determinate Council that would decide their fate. If it were to be the same as that of Christ then so be it. This was the fuel that ignited the fire of the gospel. They were prepared to suffer. Their hearts were not moved away with the fear. Regardless, they would preach the gospel and proclaim the mercies of God to all who would listen, in spite of the threatening of the Sanhedrin Council.
St. Matthew 9:5-8
5 For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk?
6 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.
7 And he arose, and departed to his house.
8 But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.
The power God gave to us is power over all the power Satan has wrought in the lives of those who do not know God. It is the power to manifest the Kingdom of Heaven in the world. Jesus often said, “The kingdom of heaven is at hand.” This meant that the Kingdom of God is available to the world. It was manifested by the power over sin and sickness. This power was to be used to point men to the Kingdom of God.
St. Matthew 6:31-33
31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
32(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
The Gentiles seek after the material things of this world. It was not meant for the Sons to do so. The power of the Kingdom was not to be used to acquire material wealth nor human necessities. Our heavenly Father knows what we have need of and will add such things as He sees fit.
