ISSUE 010
ISSUE
published by carmel: ministries international
carmel:
welcome>>
For a full list of carmel: events see our website www.carmel-uk.org
“They sent them to preach the kingdom of God and heal the sick.” Luke 9:2 A very happy and blessed New Year to you! We in carmel: have experienced a phenomenal 12 months and are now moving forward in great excitement as more of God’s plans for us are beginning to unfold and the prophetic comes to pass in this our 10th year! One special happening in 2005 was the purchase of the building – see c:view. Our 2005 conference was particularly awe-inspiring as God moved supernaturally, touching and changing lives and preparing us for growth and a mighty move of the Spirit. We trust that as you read the articles in this issue from ‘aGODthing!’ Conference 2005, you will catch what the Spirit is saying to the church, and that you too will ‘get ready for ignition’! Book time out to be with us at our conference for women and to welcome Dr Jerry Savelle (see forthcoming events and back page) both events in March. In October, be sure to join us at carmel: for our 10th anniversary ‘aGODthing!’ – 10 Days of Glory.
Michelle Di Somma
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carmel: twentyfour 7 is published by carmel: ministries international. Reproduction of this publication in part or whole is prohibited.
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carmel:twentyfour7>>
Michelle Di Somma
Associate Editors:
Lyn Birdsall Julian Clarke
Copywriters:
Lyn Birdsall, Julian Clarke David Owens, Margaret Stoltz, Beryl Stanley
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All quotations from the Bible are from the New King James Version unless stated otherwise.
contents
forthcomingevents
event JANUARY
date
Offices Open abtc:/aila: resume carmel:school resumes carmel:vision2006
Wed 4th Mon 9th Thur 12th Sat 14th Sun 15th
time
Saturday night Sunday morning Sunday morning
*From the 5th February 06
Fri
10th
Sat Thu Fri Sat
11th 16th 17th 18th
Mon 20th Wed 22nd
6.30pm 8.30am* 10.30am
churchoffice
FEBRUARY abtc:/aila:/ carmel:school Half term Joint Valentines Breakfast Positioned for Blessing abtc:/aila:/ carmel:school resume carmel:partners meeting
churchservices
817a Bath Road, Brislington, Bristol BS4 5NL 8.30am 6.15pm – 10.00pm 6.30pm – 10.00pm 9.30am – 5.00pm
contactus Tel: Fax: Email: Web:
(0117) 977 5533 (0117) 977 5678 info@carmel-uk.org www.carmel-uk.org
7.00pm
howtofindus
MARCH
EMPOWERED Fri 10th WOMENS CONFERENCE Sat 11th EXCEPTIONAL 06 Sat 11th
7.30pm 9.30am – 4.00pm 6.30pm (Service, open to all) >>RESERVE YOUR PLACE BY CONTACTING US ON 0117 977 5533 GUEST SPEAKER DR JERRY SAVELLE abtc:/aila:/ carmel:school close Easter break
Fri 17th Fri
7.30pm
31th
APRIL Anointed Marriage Tue 4th – Fri 7th & Sat 8th Sun 9th Anointed Marriage Mon 17th Follow-up Mon 24th Good Fri Bank Hols Fri 14th Easter Mon Bank Hols Mon 17th abtc:/aila:/carmel:school resume Tue 18th World Sports Ministries and Wash Concert Fri 28th
becomingapartner A partner is a sharer, an associate, one who engages with another in business, one who plays on the same side as another. Partnership is important – It releases power to get the job done. We can accomplish the Great Commission together in unity. Partnership in prayer – We believe it is vital for every partner to develop a strong personal prayer life, and to pray for the leadership for godly wisdom and direction from the Lord. Partnership in caring – We are instructed to watch over and take care of the partners in our charge (Acts 20:28). Partnership in sharing – The whole ministry of sharing is to give oneself in the areas of love, time, talents and finances.
6.15pm – 10.00pm 6.15pm – 10.00pm 9.00am – 4.30pm 4.30pm Ceremony 7.00pm – 8.00pm 7.00pm – 8.00pm
7.30pm
Account Details United Kingdom Allied Irish Bank Carmel Christian Centre Sort Code: Account No: 23-85-85 00709260 Should you wish to donate by Gift Aid please contact the church office.
South Africa Anchor Ministries International First National Bank Cresta Branch Sort Code: Account No: 25-49-05 51440080590
carmel: ministries international is a registered charity (Charity No. 1094052) with Luke 9:2 as its mission statement. All finances sown go into the work of establishing God’s Kingdom through evangelism and preparing labourers for the harvest.
Directions from Bath: Follow A4 Bath Road towards Bristol, past Keynsham to the Park and Ride on the left hand side. At the traffic lights go straight ahead past McDonalds on your right and turn right into the forecourt of HSBC bank. We’re just behind. Directions from the M4: Take Junction 19 into Bristol on the M32. Take Junction 3, the A4 Link Road, and follow the signs for Bath. Pass Sainsbury’s on your left and at the traffic lights (Burger King will be on your right) continue straight on towards Bath. Follow the road up the hill and continue down the other side. You should see a petrol station at the bottom. Continue following the road round to the right and up the hill under a bridge. You will come to a retail complex (JJB Sports) on your right hand side and a Jaguar garage on the left. Keep going past this and turn left into HSBC bank forecourt and we’re just behind it. Directions from Bristol City Centre: Follow Temple Way towards Temple Meads Railway Station passing it on the left. Follow the A4 Bath Road passing a Kwik Fit garage on the left. At traffic lights with HTV Studios on the right and Burger King on the left follow the road round to the right uphill and continue down the other side. You should see a petrol station at the bottom then shops on the left. Continue up the hill under a bridge. You will come to a retail complex (JJB Sports) on your right hand side and a Jaguar garage on the left. Keep going past this and turn left into HSBC bank forecourt and we’re just behind it.
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AGODTHING 2005 A word of prophecy for carmel: through
Rev. Wynne Goss at “aGODthing” Conference 05 “What God did for George Müller, He will do for you, Pastor Gerri. There are fatherless multitudes, orphans in the spirit, waiting to find a spiritual father. In this house, carmel:, there will be a reconciliation of wandering Christians who will come back to the Father’s house. There are fatherless churches that you will become the spiritual father over, not just around Bristol, but right around the world and God will father through you a supernatural work to reproduce. You will wait on God for the supernatural food of heaven, because there are going to be such men and women around you, hungry for the Word of God to flow from you. It will be like George Müller’s day – a ‘word of faith’ day, a faith manifestation that only God can take the credit for. You will know that it is only Jesus and the work of God, not what a man or woman can do, not even what the church can do; it is going to be above and beyond all that. The Lord has appointed to you two angels with strong ministries. They are fresh every day, they are not tired ministries, not angels that need to relax, but ready to minister on behalf of this church in every situation. carmel: is about to step into a new realm of the mercy and grace of God, because mercy is on the left and grace is on the right of you, and wherever you turn you will find every need met and the grace of God. This church is stepping into a season, it’s a God thing, with God’s glory being prominent in this whole city as they begin to realise that God is moving in His power, doing things for you that are beyond everything that you could do for yourself, restoring back what you didn’t even know you were missing.
carmel: will be part of something the world has never seen before – the greatest revival man has ever seen since the days of Adam. Never before on the planet has there ever been a revival on every continent at the same time and right now that revival is happening. Its windows and the banks of God’s provision are breaking and revival is moving across the continent, even of Europe, right now. You won’t contain it, you won’t resist it; if you stand on the banks and put the tip of your toe in it, it will still reach out over the banks and drag you in, because God wants to take you into destiny. God is about to do something in this house. He is about to release gifts of the Spirit and things inside you that you have never even accepted. Gifts, motivation, anointing are about to spring forth in this church and in these people represented here in this building. I’m telling you, in the next 12 months - you are never going to be able to look back at this and say, ‘This was church’. God will have done something new in your life, something fresh, and something so extravagant because He is an extravagant God and God wants to do something beyond your ability to cope with, but it’s okay, it’s okay.”
PROPHETIC SONG GIVEN DURING PROPHECY Never have you seen before what I will do But I will do for you a brand new thing And many will hear of this wonderful sight That is happening in this place all day and all night And many will be drawn from the wilderness The barren and the broken and the thirsty for righteousness And they will come and they will sit in the presence of your God To hear the good things of His Word And nations, they will come from every land, 4
They’ll come and they’ll sit to be fed by your hand. Take them in, bind them up, For they are broken and need restoring He’ll even give them new hope For this is the time that was chosen for you All that you’ve done has just been preparing you For the greatness and the glory of this wonderful thing The birth of a new move of God.
We highlight here in c:view some of the major events in carmel: ministries international since our previous issue of twentyfour7. If you want more information on any of the following articles you can contact carmel: on 0117 977 5533 or alternatively email us at info@carmel-uk.org
latest news
GRADUATES IN FELLOWSHIP TOGETHER (G.I.F.T.) The annual gathering for past graduates of both Anchor Bible Training Centre and Rhema Bible Training Centre, provided opportunity for friends to meet again and discover how the Lord is using them in different fields of ministry. Pastor Eddie O’Neill encouraged the graduates to reconstruct their mentality to see God’s perspective, and Rev. Jacob John exhorted the students to keep their covenant with the Lord and with other Christians.
A GOLDEN FUTURE Unphased by threat of closure following the notice by Bristol City Council to cease using the building for public worship, Christian school, Bible school and offices, we appealed and ‘change of use’ was granted in January 2005. We then raised the deposit to purchase and saw God overcome obstacles in providing a bank willing to offer us a mortgage! On the 4th November 2005, almost two years since our original signature of the ‘lease to buy’ contract, the purchase of the building was completed!
VALIANT MEN RIDE AGAIN!
FIND HEAVEN
75 of carmel:’s Valiant Men met for their annual Advance in a Georgian mansion in November. Using the film ‘Cinderella Man’ for teaching and discussion, they faced the challenges of being men of God, exploring and expounding honesty, responsibility, fidelity, conviction and authority,
If you do not know Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, we invite you to take a step of faith to change your life!
STEPS TO SALVATION: >>01 Acknowledge: that you’re a sinner and need Jesus
WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS: God made you in His image Genesis 1:27 The sin of unbelief separated you from God. Isaiah 59:2 God provided the way back through giving His Son Jesus Christ. John 3:16 The way back is through the cross. 1 Peter 2:24 You receive Jesus by faith as a free gift, not earned or deserved. Romans 6:23
>>02 Repent: ask God for His forgiveness
Praise and worship filled the house as the Holy Spirit filled the men with a dynamic which energised the whole weekend and made it a profoundly meaningful and life changing experience.
>>03 Believe: that Jesus paid the price for your sins >>04 Receive: invite Jesus to come into your heart and life >>05 Confess: that Jesus is your Lord and Saviour >>06 Thank Him!
SIMPLY PRAY THE FOLLOWING PRAYER: Dear Heavenly Father, I confess that I am a sinner and I ask for your forgiveness. I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and was sent to die and be raised again so I could be forgiven and have eternal life. I ask you into my heart and life. I thank you this is the beginning of a new life with you and I confess you as my Lord and Saviour. If you prayed this for the first time, contact us and let us know. We would love to help you with your new life! Contact us using the details on the inside cover (page 3). 5
>>GODIGITAL This is an abridged version of ‘UPGRADING’ by Pastor Eddie O’Neil from the ‘aGODthing!’ Conference 05
THE SPIRIT OF GOD IS INVITING YOU TO COME OUT OF YOUR FRAMEWORK OF REFERENCE, TO COME OUT OF FEAR, TO TAKE A LEAP OF FAITH INTO SOMETHING NEW. HE HAS SOMETHING IN STORE FOR YOU ON A LEVEL THAT YOU HAVE NOT YET EXPERIENCED, AND HE WANTS TO TAKE YOU OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE.
>>The secrets of someone’s heart will be revealed by the prophetic gifting.<<
1 Corinthians 14:23 says, “Therefore if the whole church comes together in one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those who are uninformed or unbelievers, will they not say that you are out of your mind?” Of course they will, because the natural mind cannot receive the things of the Spirit of God. Tragically, there are people who belong to Charismatic and Pentecostal churches to whom the moving of the Spirit of God is foreign. Verse 24 continues: “But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an uninformed person comes in, he is convinced by all... And thus the secrets of his heart are revealed; and so, falling down on his face, he will worship God and report that God is truly among you.” The secrets of someone’s heart will be revealed by the prophetic gifting. Unfortunately religion has taken away the revelatory elements of the Holy Ghost that can change people’s lives. Never limit the work of the Holy Spirit and don’t try and intellectually dissect what God is doing, because your mind cannot receive the things of the Spirit of God. Jesus will not pour new wine into old wine skins. If He did, He would lose the value of the wine – the new thing of God, and possibly the person as well. Remember John the Baptist? He had a revelation of who Jesus was by the Spirit of God, but when Jesus started ‘upgrading’ outside of John’s framework of reference, he started doubting because he was not used to that. John’s revelation was not wrong, it was incomplete. When a further accuracy came, John couldn’t handle it. This is why Paul says to the Romans, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Romans 12:2.
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Acts 18:24 mentions “a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria.” Alexandria was an educational centre in Egypt, like a university city. Apollos was “an eloquent man and mighty in the Scriptures,” with revelation knowledge of the Old Testament and the Prophets. Yet “he knew only the baptism of John.” Acts 18:25. When Aquila and Priscilla (disciples of Paul) heard him “they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.” Acts 18:26. There is a further accuracy coming by the Spirit of God! Let me illustrate what I mean. When I was young we had short-wave radio. What came after short-wave radio? Medium-wave. So what happened? There was an ‘upgrading’, there was a change of frequency, but to get medium-wave you had to get a medium-wave receiver or you would still be on short-wave. After medium-wave? FM, after FM, FM stereo, and after FM stereo, digital! Many people in the church of the Lord Jesus are still tuned into short-wave! Some may have progressed a little, allowing themselves to be exposed and moved into medium-wave. Was medium-wave the final thing? No! Listen Church, God is saying, we have all got to upgrade! The Holy Spirit is a person, not a thing. He can be grieved, and with our religious mind-sets we have so often grieved Him. Full of religious activity, we have ignored the person of the Holy Spirit, but He is the teacher and He has come to teach us and to lead us. If the Holy Spirit is the teacher then my mind has got to become the student. I must allow the Spirit of God, through the Word and by His impulses, to teach my mind.
carmel:conference 2005 The Spirit of God is saying that the congregation here in carmel: IS in a migration process. You have got to migrate from a place which you have found comfortable. In your spirit you can hear the call to migrate to God’s destiny and God’s purpose for you. To do that you have to leave your place of comfort. However, we like our comfort zones – whether religious, cultural, political or economic. The Spirit of God is saying that you have got to come out of your comfort zone. If you remain there, you will die and you will not reproduce, because it is in the place that you migrate to that you start reproducing. There is a whole new birthing to take place out of you. There is a frequency release and the ‘receiver’ in your leader has picked it up. Something is stirring inside of him – that is the Spirit of God – and it is going to be to your advantage, not your detriment. So, in this migration process, thought patterns and activity have got to change. When migration comes and change occurs, not everybody is going to accept it. Think of the Pharisees’ indignant and critical reaction to Jesus. In Luke 11:52 Jesus rebukes them, “Woe to you lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowledge.” How did they take away the key of knowledge? By silencing revelation. For change to take place, the Word of God has got to be revealed, and if you do not receive the voice of revelation, you stagnate in religious activity for the rest of your life. This is why it is so important to acknowledge the voice of the apostolic and prophetic gifting in the church. They are on a different ‘frequency’ in the Spirit, challenging your religious mentality and calling you back to your unique identity and your purpose in Christ Jesus. Like Joshua, they speak with the voice of a general, saying: “come out of your slumber, come out of your sleep, come, it is time to occupy with an occupying spirit.”
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>>gettingreadyforignition This is an abridged version of part of the teaching from the ‘aGODthing!’ Conference 2005 by REV. GERRI DI SOMMA
Get ready to explore and discover how your potential can be set free... You are about to enter a new dimension, full of exciting opportunities and unforgettable experiences. You never forget real encounters with God; spiritual things will go with you to eternity, but things that happen in the natural will fade in your memory or die with you. It is a place where ‘impossible’ is a foreign word and you cannot fail. Though you may fail to respond to the Spirit, you cannot fail in matters of the Spirit because you will find spiritual power that turns difficult situations into welcome challenges. When you are filled with the Spirit you are unafraid of crisis or problems. When you know your authority in Christ the devil won’t bother you. Sadly, when trouble comes, many Christians focus on and passively accept the devil’s plans ‘to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.’ John 10:10. They ignore the second part of that verse which declares that Christ has come to give us life – and to give it more abundantly! They haven’t really grasped that Jesus is here, is with us, that the devil is defeated, that Jesus has taken the keys of death and the grave, that we are kings and priests in the kingdom of the King of Kings! They have not been ‘ignited’! As you enter deeper into the world of the Holy Spirit you will begin to thrive on originality, becoming ever open to new opportunities and realising it is what you have been looking for. Let the Holy Spirit ‘ignite’ you!
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teaching Definition of the word ‘ignition’ >>
The raising of a substance to its ignition point, as by electric current, friction, or mechanical shock.
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The process of initiating combustion.
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The mechanism that ignites the fuel in an internal combustion engine.
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The act of setting on fire or catching fire.
ignition needs: >>01 A process that must be followed. >>02 A place where it all happens. >>03 A power to set it all in motion. Get ready to explore and discover how your potential can be set free. Remember this is a new realm of possibilities, a source of inspiration, a place where negativity does not exist and the ‘Son’ always shines. Be prepared to leave the old style religion behind, forget the paradigms of the past and how we’ve previously ‘done church’! God wants to do a new thing, to take us to greater heights. We must be prepared to ‘do church’ like it’s never been done before, not imitating others or cloning churches. God created each of us original – find your own uniqueness through the power of the Spirit of God.
God gives specific directions concerning how we should respond to the Holy Spirit: Respond speedily David prophesied concerning the time of the Messiah’s victorious rule: ‘Your people shall be willing in the day of your power.’ Psalm 110:3. In other words, we are to give an immediate response when the power is there. If your Pastor says “Come, the anointing is here’’, respond immediately! Don’t miss it! Don’t sit glued to your seat until the meeting is over then ask your Pastor to lay hands on you and blame him when nothing happens! Don’t wait for a ‘sign’ from God – just trust your Pastor. Respond in Faith It is faith that pleases God and it is faith that He responds to. Hebrews 11:6. Faith believes God is present, that God rewards. Faith should cause us to run to God to receive whatever He has for us! Respond with understanding Understand what is happening and what is its ultimate purpose. Ephesians 1:18 and 1:10. When God is talking about something specific, He wants you to respond knowing that He wants to empower your purpose through His anointing. Without it, your purpose will not be fulfilled in doing the things of God.
>>01 The process to follow for ignition
>>02 The place where ignition happens
The process concerns our response to the Holy Spirit. To help us understand this, let us look at Jesus’ words to His disciples before He departed: ‘I send the Promise of my Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.’ Luke 24:49.
The place is not a physical place but the attitude of your heart.
In order to receive the promises of God, the disciples had to be in unity and they had to wait for the Holy Spirit. The same principles apply to us today. When the anointing comes, it requires a response from us. However miraculously it may be manifesting in others, if you do not personally respond it will not touch you, change you or empower you.
>>When the anointing comes, it requires a response from us. However miraculously it may be manifesting in others, if you do not personally respond it will not touch you, change you or empower you. <<
Have an attitude of expectancy “Do not be drunk with wine... but be filled with the Spirit.” Ephesians 5:18. A drunk person believes he can do anything – we should have an even greater attitude of expectancy in the Spirit! Nothing and no-one should intimidate us! Have a childlike attitude Matthew 18:3. Children believe everything they’re told. Adults can hear great spiritual truths, the Word of God, God’s promises and powerful testimonies – and yet still have doubt in their hearts. 9
teaching They lack a childlike trust in their Pastor, in God’s Word, in the belief that it can change their life. As a result, they cannot abandon themselves to God, to lay aside all their opinions and take the Word at face value nor push through to receive for themselves. Have an attitude that takes risks When the angel of the Lord prophesied to Mary, she said ‘Let it be to me according to your word.’ Luke 1:38. She took the risk of being an unmarried mother and all it might incur in those days, the risk of being shunned by her neighbours, rejected by Joseph, disbelieved by her parents and family… She risked totally trusting God. God wants to impregnate you today with something but you need to risk saying “Let it be to me according to your word oh Lord.” What you do with that word will depend on your heart attitude – receive it and allow it to develop. Mary received the word, but had to wait nine months for the manifestation. Immediately she received the prophecy she went to stay with Elizabeth, who was also pregnant and with like faith. She stayed with Elizabeth for three months, Luke 1:56 – until what God had impregnated within her was physically visible. Mary ensured she kept what was put into her life. Don’t allow what God gives you to be stolen from you. Like Mary, find others who are experiencing the miracle of the impregnated word of God. >>03 The power to cause ignition The power is the anointing of the Holy Spirit that is released through the laying on of hands by God’s ministers. There is a governmental anointing on the church, that establishes authority in a place so that there can be a release. Whenever hands were laid on people in the church, it was always done through that governmental anointing in the place that immediately established the authority of God because it was recognised that it was God who ordained that place, God who established it, empowered it, placed His gifts there ready to impart that which He’s placed there.
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Scripture demonstrates the laying on of hands, imparting anointing, releasing and empowering that flows and moves in the house of God. When Peter laid hands on the lame man, the anointing immediately destroyed the work of the enemy and the man was healed. Acts 3:1-9. Deacons were appointed by the laying on of hands. Acts 6:5-7. They were lay people, not in any position of great worldly authority, but who went on to do mighty works for God. Phillip became an evangelist, with God’s power, anointing and ability. It was Phillip who was translated in the Spirit from one place to another. Paul and Barnabas were separated for ministry by the laying on of hands. Acts 13:1-3. The infilling and gifts of the Holy Spirit were imparted to the disciples of Apollos through the laying on of hands. Acts 19:1-6. When hands are laid upon you through the governmental authority of your church, let your heart be ready and your attitude right; be ready to step out and believe, allowing the anointing to flow through you. The results of ignition will be: >> Times of refreshing, restoration and revival. Acts 3:19-25. >> Empowering of your imagination and honing of your creativity with gifts that see the world in a different light. >> Establishing God’s purpose for your life. >> Becoming equipped and changed to touch and change the lives of others. This conference was not a good idea but a God idea – God said to speak about His Holy Spirit, to empower His people to do the impossible, not just on Sundays but every day, in everything that you do, in every area of your life. There’s only one way to reach a dream – it is by being ignited by God the Holy Spirit.
testimonies
prayerworks Spending time in prayer brings results. it starts with families, then cities and finally nations. One thing is sure, prayer really does work!
A CITY I have been praying for Bristol, for the lost, the hurting, the homeless on the streets – they’re all somebody’s children. After the first meeting of ‘aGODthing!’ Conference, I had a strong and overwhelming sense that we were on the brink of victory in Bristol. I was inspired to write the following >
A FAMILY Before we came to carmel:, we were Christians, but had no real personal relationship with Jesus and were not equipped to cope with everyday life. We were married with three beautiful children but we had been leading separate lives for the past few years and were very unhappy. We wanted more from our relationship and family life, but didn’t know how to achieve it. Since we’ve been at carmel:, we have been on courses like Positioned for Blessing, and we both attend mentoring groups. All this has deepened our relationship with the Lord and each other and taught us to pray effectively, individually and together. Our marriage has been restored and revived and our children are thriving and trusting the Lord for themselves. We pray with the children and it’s amazing just to hear how much they love Jesus and how their faith has grown too. Charles and Venencia Magwani
I have heard your prophets Lord And as I settle down to pray I hear again the refrain That’s playing in my head and it really won’t go away. “It’s a God thing, it’s a new thing”. So Lord I’ll sing my praise to you I’m too excited to quietly pray I rejoice and sing to you because “It’s a new thing, it’s a God thing”. Now a new day is dawning in Bristol And the captives will be set free! Victory over Satan is assured On that we all agree. Father as you shine us up For the harvesting of lost souls, Teach and guide us all we pray To hear your voice and to instantly obey So that everyone will know When the miracles begin to flow This is a new thing, it’s a God thing. Beryl Stanley 11
This is an abridged version of ‘AUTHORITY’ by Rev. Jacob John from the ‘aGODthing!’ Conference 05
>>BEBOLD
IF YOU DON’T WALK IN YOUR AUTHORITY SOMEONE ELSE WILL
Jesus warns that many will prophesy, cast out demons and do wonders in His name, yet He will say to them “I never knew you…” Mathew 7:22-23. We must not assume that the gifts of the Holy Spirit are a sign of spiritual maturity and a guarantee of eternal life! The purpose of the gifts is for the benefit of the body of Christ. For them to operate as God intends, we need maturity. We must allow the Holy Spirit to develop order or authority in and through us, operating within a relationship of intimacy and love, knowing God’s favour. ‘Authority’ means privilege, mastery, control and jurisdiction. Jesus demonstrated this in everything He did. Jesus is the founder of all authority and all rulers rule on earth because He allows it. Romans 13:11. The Greek translation portrays that even demons tremble at the tremendous authority of His name – to the extent that the hair on their necks stands! James 2:9. Jesus said, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” Matthew 28:18. The centurion, explaining why he believed Jesus could heal his servant, recognised this key principle – that authority is given and that there are different levels operating simultaneously: “ I am under authority and I exert authority over others.” Matthew 8:9. The centurion recognised that God gives Jesus authority and that Jesus gives us authority, that we must be under authority, submitted to authority, in order to exert authority appropriately. The extent to which we will be able to exert authority is directly proportional to our own individual submission to God and to others. Jesus commended the centurion, “I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!” Matthew 8:10. Clearly, recognition of and submission to authority are related to faith! We also see that lack of faith undermines authority, which is what Jesus explained to the disciples when they asked Him why they had been unable to cast out a demon, even though they had been given the authority to do so. Matthew 17:20. Authority is given within the boundaries of God’s government for our safety and we should stay within them until God moves us on. 2 Corinthians 10:13. In 2 Samuel 18 a commander asked his runner to take important news to David. Someone else ran ahead though it was not his responsibility. Arriving before the runner, he was lost for words and David had to await the rightful bearer of the news. Zeal and enthusiasm ahead of God’s timing does not profit the body. Proverbs 19:3. 12
As we exert authority responsibly however, the boundaries expand and we begin to move in the gifts of the Spirit in maturity. It is a spiritual principle that when you are faithful in whatever is appointed you, however small it may seem, God will give you more. Luke 16:10-12. Even Jesus’ authority was not automatic – He had to walk in and mature in it: “And Jesus increased in wisdom, and stature and in favour with God and men.” Luke 22:52. Authority increases when you recognise your calling. The Holy Spirit gives the gifts but Christ appoints apostles, prophets, teachers, pastors and evangelists to the church. Ephesians 4:11. Spiritual authority is a progression. See Acts 19. Wait for the right time so that when appointed to any of the offices and the authority that comes with it, you are ready and the church recognises your calling. It is fascinating to observe this recognition and progression from one level of gifting to another in the lives of Paul and Barnabas. Acts 4-11. Barnabas is first mentioned when he sold his property and brought it to the feet of the apostles, yet in the process of time he is referred to as one of the prophets in the church in Antioch, later a missionary, then one of the primary apostles to travel with Paul. Revelation is also necessary for victorious life. When we walk in revelation, it enables us to know the enemy’s ploys. Revelation gives keys to the kingdom, bringing access into the heavenlies, providing the authority needed here on earth. This was what happened to Peter – because he received the revelation of Christ. Matthew 16:13-19. When you know the secrets of God you have the authority you require. Your authority is limitless once you know how much power you have over the devil. Understand who you are in Christ! You have authority over anything demonic and no harm will come to you. ALL authority has been given us over ALL the powers of the enemy! Luke10:19. Jesus has full authority, is head of the church and has given the church His full authority. Colossians 1:15. Demons are afraid of those who have and exercise authority in Jesus Christ. Acts 19. It is time to stop being afraid of the enemy and exert authority in the spirit realm! Exert all that is required spiritually through the exertion of a natural authority in Christ.
carmel:conference 2005
The wicked flee when no one pursues, But the righteous are bold as a lion. PROV 28:1
>>Revelation gives keys to the kingdom, bringing access into the heavenlies, providing the authority needed here on earth.<<
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mountain:vie
CARMEL: IS A CHURCH OF VISION BEING LEAD BY PASTORS GERRI AN BREAKTHROUGHS. TWENTYFOUR7 REFLECTS ON THIS YEAR THROUGH What has 2005 meant to you, not just in ministry, but particularly as a family? G For me this year has been a year of great breakthrough. We’ve seen the ministry go up, not just one notch, but many notches this year. And in the church there’s a great hunger for the presence of God and desire to live righteously before God, with no compromise. There’s been a strengthening of the family. M Some of the things that have happened have not come easily, but we have seen God’s hand mightily at work. It’s not that we have had to strive for it, but we have had to stand firm in the face of many things. It’s been awesome. G Raising the deposit to buy this building, for instance, was a breakthrough, and the way the bank came on board with us was a breakthrough. So taking ownership of this building was a great breakthrough – especially when you remember that at the beginning of the year the Council wanted us out of here. Then came the result of our appeal. What a joy to know we can now use it for just about anything we want.
We started off at the beginning of the year when God gave us our mandate for this year, we’ve been faithful to that … M Yes, and we’ve really seen the manifestation of that, so for me, on a personal level, it’s been very exciting. G And during the year we had the birth of our grandson, Max, which means ‘greatest in strength’. Those who know the circumstances of his birth will know that was an absolute walk of faith. Max was a breakthrough. M The launch of the ‘aGODthing!’ album was another breakthrough – a tremendous album. And we landed up on Premier Radio talking about it and the ministry. You know, God said that our music will be played on the streets, so people will be talking about it. We’re going to see that. G It’s been a great year. 2005 has been a year I’ll remember as one of tremendous breakthrough.
Is this as busy a church as carmel:’s website indicates with so many organisations and groupings under its cover? G The effectiveness of any organisation is in recognising leadership, and releasing leadership ability in people. Everybody needs to own their area of responsibility, so the whole idea of creating an identity for each department is to give a sense of ownership and vision for somebody to take on and develop. If you empower individuals to be leaders, then you multiply the leadership potential in the organisation to take it forward. Then its influence is limitless because everybody is recognised as a potential leader with authority to determine the boundaries of their ability. M I think that is something Pastor Gerri carries very much in his heart and I believe I do too in terms of seeing people empowered to fulfill their purpose and destiny and not have a lid put on them. I am reminded of the part in Ephesians where Paul talks about the whole body, and each part effectively doing its part, which causes growth. Our heart is to see people empowered and to run with a passion with what God has put on their hearts for the growth and development of the local church.
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ND MICHELLE DI SOMMA, AND 2005 HAS BEEN A YEAR OF MANY H THEIR EYES. G The whole purpose of Anchor International Leadership Academy (aila:) is to provide a specific route by which to empower people to realise the potential God has put in them, that in them there’s a potential leader that has destiny. Whatever the gifting, we all have a responsibility, and that is towards the kingdom of God. Everything I do has eternity in mind. That’s what makes it so much more fulfilling, because as you see lives change, and destinies empowered, you know that’s going to have a profound effect in eternity for all of us.
What’s it been like for you as a leader’s wife, Pastor Michelle? M Being married to my man is not always comfortable, because I often see him operate on a level of faith that really stretches me, so I need to grow and change as I walk with him. It’s challenging, but that’s good. My desire is to support him in any way I can and never be a hindrance to what God has called us to do. G I have the best wife. I could never accomplish what I have needed to do without knowing I have her favour and support. It makes going out and defeating the giants and dragons worthwhile because I know she’s for me. We make a formidable team. The strongest position you can ever have is a husband and a wife in agreement, because it is a covenant relationship, and God recognises covenants and will do phenomenal things as a result. So I thank God for Michelle – sometimes it may seem as if I have to drag her along…
>>The strongest position you can ever have is a husband and a wife in agreement, because it is a covenant relationship, and God recognises covenants and will do phenomenal things as a result.
M Oh…those are the ‘challenging and stretching’ times… I just want to be part of the success of this ministry. It’s a big vision that’s carried here.
…and finally? M I see the dream of having our own home becoming a reality, another breakthrough that’s going to happen before long. And I know that many powerful things will happen in 2006 for us as a church. G 2005 has been a defining year for us in terms of breaking through in so many realms of our personal lives as well as the ministry. To have seen the whole ministry take another big step; and seeing people step out in faith has been amazing. This is a faith ministry, a faith walk. The whole kingdom of God is about faith, a relationship of intimacy with God. And the degree that you’re intimate and obey God will be the degree that you operate in faith, and that’s what we want to encourage people to do. Don’t limit yourself.
Believe God for the impossible and trust Him to the maximum.
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Dr Jerry Savelle is a noted author, evangelist and teacher who travels extensively around the globe. His inspiring message of victory and faith and his vivid and often humorous illustrations from the Bible reach the needs of believers. He teaches the uncompromised Word of God with a power and an authority that is exciting, but within a love that delivers the message directly to the spirit man.