WELCOME NEW MEMBER

WELCOME
NEW
MEMBER
EMBASSY CHRISTIAN CENTER NEW MEMBER MANUAL


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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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29 Quiz
Vision of the Church A God of Covenant Tithes and Offerings Praise and Worship
A Prophetic Church 24 Personal Ministry
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VISION OF THE CHURCH
Why is the church vision such an important thing for you to know?
The vision of the church is more than a catchy saying. The vision of the church is the word of God released to that body that gives it its reason for existing. In our case, God called Embassy Christian Center into existence for the purpose of, BRINGING LIFE CHANGING RESTORATION TO YOU, YOUR FAMILY, THE CITY, AND THE WORLD.
What is restoration? The act of restoring; renewal, revival, or reestablishment. As a member of this church this will affect you in two ways.
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There will be times when you need restoration in one or more areas of your life. In these times Embassy Christian Center has been designated by God to restore people back to God through deliverance, prophecy, healing, miracles, worship, and the word of God. We are committed to come along side you and pray, counsel, minister and do whatever the Lord leads us to do in the Spirit of love and wisdom to bring restoration into your life and the lives of your family.
You will also be affected by this vision because it ministers strength and comfort to the weak and feeble. The bible tells us that once we have been comforted to comfort others. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 3.) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort; 4.) who comforts us in all our affliction so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. NASB
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God’s plan is to strengthen you so you can strengthen others in the spirit of love and wisdom.
2 Corinthians 5:14-20
14.) For the love of Christ controls (constrains, compels, and arrest) us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; 15.) And He died for all that they who live should no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf. 16.) Therefore from now on we recognize no man according to the flesh; even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. 17.) Therefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.
In order for us to understand reconciliation we must understand that we are new creatures in Christ and old things have passed away. If we do not see it this way, then we will not see out of the eye of restoration and reconciliation.
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Example: In order for you to restore something, you must see the way it is suppose to be and not the way it is.
18.) Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ, and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, 19.) Namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed (appointed, purposed, and ordained) to us the word of reconciliation (restoration to divine favor).
20.) Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were entreating through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.
We are ambassadors for Christ and our purpose is to represent God's love, holiness, and righteousness to the world. Our ultimate goal is to advance the Kingdom of God for the betterment of the world.
The foundation of our work is the Love of God. Anything done without the spirit of love is nothing.
Matthew 22:36-40
36.) "Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?" 37.) And He said to him, "‘you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.' 38.) This is the great and foremost commandment. 39.) The second is like it, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' 40.) On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets."
1 Corinthians 13:1-3
1.) If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2.) And if I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3.) And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I deliver my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing.
1 Corinthians 13:13 But now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
John 14:15 "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” John 14:23-24
23.) Jesus answered and said to him, "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him, and make Our abode with him. 24.) He who
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does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine, but the Father's who sent Me.”
A GOD OF COVENANT
GENERAL
Before joining a church one must count the cost. By becoming a part of the church body the individual becomes a part of covenant.
The Jewish people understood the meaning and commitment involved in a covenant, a concept that was prevalent in their culture at the time Jesus walked the earth. We have lost the understanding over the years and it is very helpful to become acquainted with its meaning to fully comprehend much of what Jesus often spoke about. In fact, the word covenant equates to testament and the references to the Old and New Testaments could be more appropriately termed the Old and New Covenants.
In the Webster dictionary covenant is defined as-- a mutual consent of agreement of two or more persons, to do or to forbear some act or thing. In church affairs, covenant is defined as --a solemn agreement between the members of a church that they will walk together according to the precepts of the gospel, in brotherly affection.
In theory, when we accept Jesus we go into covenant with Him and partake of the covenant He made with the Father. At the same time we are in covenant with all others who are also in covenant with Jesus and the Father (John 17:20-23). So we are under covenant obligation to lay down our lives and meet the needs of our brothers and sisters in Christ (I John 3:16-19).
To best describe covenant is to show the ancient ritual of making a blood covenant and go through each step that was walked out in the presence of witnesses:
I. Exchange of Robes/Coats
The first step involved an exchange of coats. The coat represented one’s identity – all they were. This exchange symbolized the putting on of one another. It meant that the one person took the identity of the other and vice-versa. It was also an exchange of ownership; all that belonged to one now belonged to the other.
We can see this in the covenant we have with (in) Him. The Lord takes who we are (our filthy rags/fallen state) and gives us the white robes of righteousness – Isaiah 61:10. Jesus actually took on the identity of a human; able to feel as we do, able even to be tempted as we are. And it was made possible for us to partake of His divine nature.
It states it even better in 2 Corinthians 5:21.
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2 Corinthians 5:21
21.) He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
NASU
II. Exchange of Belts and Weapons
Jonathan and David exchanged robes and weapons in I Samuel 18:1-3. This symbolizes the exchange of strengths and weaknesses. In other words, where I am weak, my covenant partner will be strong for me. At the same time, all my friends become my covenant partner’s friends; and my enemies become his enemies (and vice-versa).
In our covenant with the Lord He will be our strength, and the battle will be His. Where we are weak, His strength will cover us.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
9.) And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
10.) Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.
NASU
III. Cutting the Sacrificial Animal
This was the cutting in half of the sacrificial animal and laying the parts apart from each other – as we see done in Genesis 15. The individuals making covenant would stand between the pieces and swear before God to keep their part of the covenant or that which was done to the animal be done to them. This symbolized the total commitment demanded of someone in covenant – total death to themselves and being alive to the other one.
We were slaves to sin but now we are slaves to righteousness. We are His bond slaves, and must seek the kingdom first (Matthew 6:33). We are not our own. We have been bought with a price.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
19.) Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?
20.) For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.
NASU
IV. Walk of Death
The soon-to-be covenant partners walk in what is termed the walk of blood or the walk of death. They walk a figure “8” by making a complete circle around both pieces, and passing between them. This is a picture of dying to their rights and becoming one. It says, for instance, in Luke 9 that we are to take up our cross daily and follow Him. We die to our old
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self and we die to our wants and desires. We walk a walk of repentance that will take us out of ourselves and more into Him.
The secret to being a faithful covenant partner to the Lord and to our Christian brothers is to remove us from the equation. It is not about us; but it is about Him and His kingdom. Hebrews 9:16-17.
16.) For where a covenant is, there must of necessity be the death of the one who made it. 17.) For a covenant is valid only when men are dead, for it is never in force while the one who made it lives.
NASU
V. Striking of the Hands
This step requires that the participants cut their right wrists just short of the palm, so that blood would flow. Then they would shake hands, grasping each other’s arms. This allowed the wounds to flow into one another, showing that the two have become one; they have exchanged lives; they are no longer two, but one.
In olden days the wound was roughed up and made to scar badly. Then when someone was threatened or in trouble they would proudly display the scars. This showed the one making a threat that he had better be careful – for this person evidently had a covenant partner who was sworn to protect him.
This step is also where the tradition of shaking hands came from. What shaking hands really means is, “I’ll bless you if it kills me”.
VI. The Pronouncing of Blessings and Curses
Those making covenant stand in front of witnesses reading a list of their possessions. The purpose of this is to say that all I have, all that is mine is yours. The second part of the speech consisted of blessings and curses. This would include blessings over the covenant partner and his family, as well as curses that would come upon the other one should they not keep covenant.
Deuteronomy 28, for example, lists the blessings and curses of the Old Covenant. Covenant involves total commitment and there were blessings for keeping covenant and curses for breaking it. This is particularly true of our covenant with God. Disobedience or sin moves us out of good covenant standing and certain penalties (or curses) will accompany our disobedience. This is a judgment for not being faithful to the covenant. On the other hand, obedience brings blessings as indicated in Deuteronomy 28:2
Our New Covenant blessings include all Jesus has, since we are joint heirs with Him.
Romans 8:17
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17.) And if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.
NASU
VII. Covenant Meal
This took place as the covenant partners took bread and wine together. In turn, one would take a piece of bread, dip it in wine and feed it to the other one. This signified a oneness – taking you into me and vice-versa. This is also seen often times at a wedding reception when the bride and groom feed each other a piece of the wedding cake.
We also partake of the Lord’s Supper, which is our covenant meal. In this act we renew our commitment to Him and to the covenant He made for us. We are committed to Him and not to the world or prince of this world.
1 Corinthians 10:16
16.) Is not the cup of blessing which we bless a sharing in the blood of Christ? Is not the bread, which we break a sharing in the body of Christ?
NASU
1 Corinthians 10:21
21.) You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons.
NASU
VIII. Covenant Friend/Partner
The word “friend” in the Bible is not a reference to acquaintances as we use the word to mean today. It refers to one’s covenant partner, one who is closer than one’s brother.
Proverbs 18:24
24.) A man of too many friends comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
NASU
So, when Jesus refers to us as His friends, He is using covenant talk. We must realize we have a responsibility to function as a faithful covenant partner, i.e. walk in covenant. We do this when we walk in obedience to Him and His Word , then we will reap all the blessings and benefits of our covenant relationship with Him.
John 15:14
14.) "You are My friends if you do what I command you.
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TITHES AND OFFERINGS
The first act of giving to the Lord was with Cain and Abel. What we learn from them is that there is an offering that God accepted and an offering that God rejected.
Genesis 4:3-7
3.) In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the LORD. 4.) But Abel brought fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering, 5.) but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast.
6.) Then the LORD said to Cain, "Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? 7.) If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it."
Abel brought the fat portion that meant something to him and Cain just brought some fruit that didn’t mean much to him. From this we learn that an offering that doesn’t mean much to us will not mean much to God.
The first time we see someone give a tenth is Abram. In exchange for the tenth, Melchizedek brought out bread and wine for the purpose of establishing covenant.
Gen 14:14-20
14.) And when Abram heard that his relative had been taken captive, he led out his trained men, born in his house, three hundred and eighteen, and went in pursuit as far as Dan. 15.) And he divided his forces against them by night, he and his servants, and defeated them, and pursued them as far as Hobah, which is north of Damascus. 16.) And he brought back all the goods, and also brought back his relative Lot with his possessions, and also the women, and the people.
17.) Then after his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the valley of Shaveh (that is, the King's Valley). 18.) And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; now he was a priest of God Most High. 19.) And he blessed him and said, "Blessed be Abram of God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth;
20.) And blessed be God Most High, Who has delivered your enemies into your hand." And he gave him a tenth of all.
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NASB
Hebrews 7:1-3
1.) For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham as he was returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, 2.) To whom also Abraham apportioned a tenth part of all the spoils, was first of all, by the translation of his name, king of righteousness, and then also king of Salem, which is king of peace. 3.) Without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, he abides a priest perpetually.
We can glean a lot from these scriptures. The first thing that stands out, of course, is the tenth that Abram gave to Melchizedek. What is significant about the number ten?
Ten is the number of completion, perfection and responsibility. In other words, ten represents the whole. God told Abram that He would save Sodom if there were ten righteous people there. There are many commandments in the bible but the Ten Commandments represent them all. Everything we own belongs to God but we show God that we believe this every time we render to Him ten percent of our income.
Melchizedek gave Abram bread and wine in exchange for the tenth.
Matt 26:26-29
26.) And while they were eating, Jesus took some bread, and after a blessing, He broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, "Take, eat; this is My body." 27.) And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you; 28.) For this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins.
The blood of Christ and the body of Christ is represented in the bread and wine. He offers all of himself for all of us.
What we are witnessing with the exchange between Abram and Melchizedek is the making of a covenant. Abram is expressing all that I have is Melchizedek and Melchizedek is expressing that all that he have is Abram. Hebrews 7:4-9 the bible lets us know that Melchizedek was much greater than Abram. Therefore Abram benefits from the covenant more than Melchizedek. In the same way we benefit from tithing more than God benefits for receiving the tithe. We get all of Christ in exchange for all of us.
After Jacob had a dream about the promises of God and what God was going to do for him, he committed ten percent back to God.
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Gen 28:12-22
12.) And he had a dream, and behold, a ladder was set on the earth with its top reaching to heaven; and behold, the angels of God were ascending and descending on it. 13.) And behold, the Lord stood above it and said, "I am the Lord, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac; the land on which you lie, I will give it to you and to your descendants. 14.) Your descendants shall also be like the dust of the earth, and you shall spread out to the west and to the east and to the north and to the south; and in you and in your descendants shall all the families of the earth be blessed. 15.) And behold, I am with you, and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you." 16.) Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, "Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it." 17.) And he was afraid and said, "How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven."
18.) So Jacob rose early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put under his head and set it up as a pillar, and poured oil on its top. 19.) And he called the name of that place Bethel; however, previously the name of the city had been Luz. 20.) Then Jacob made a vow, saying, "If God will be with me and will keep me on this journey that I take, and will give me food to eat and garments to wear, 21.) and I return to my father's house in safety, then the Lord will be my God. 22.) And this stone, which I have set up as a pillar, will be God's house; and of all that Thou dost give me I will surely give a tenth to Thee."
God told Jacob in a dream that He would give him the land He promised to his Abraham and Isaac. He also promised Him that He would be with him always. Basically, God was committed to Jacob’s success.
When Jacob awoke, he acknowledged God’s promise to him by vowing ten percent of everything God caused him to earn. Deuteronomy 12:4-7
4.) You must not worship the LORD your God in their way. 5.) But you are to seek the place the LORD your God will choose from among all your tribes to put his Name there for his dwelling. To that place you must go; 6.) There bring your burnt offerings and sacrifices, your tithes and special gifts, what you have vowed to give and your free will offerings, and the firstborn of your herds and flocks. 7.) There, in the presence of the LORD your God, you and your families shall eat and shall rejoice in everything you have put your hand to, because the LORD your God has blessed you.
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Numbers 18:8-11
8.)Then the LORD said to Aaron, "I myself have put you in charge of the offerings presented to me; all the holy offerings the Israelites give me I give to you and your sons as your portion and regular share. 9.) You are to have the part of the most holy offerings that is kept from the fire. From all the gifts they bring me as most holy offerings, whether grain or sin or guilt offerings, that part belongs to you and your sons. 10.) Eat it as something most holy; every male shall eat it. You must regard it as holy. 11.) This also is yours: whatever is set aside from the gifts of all the wave offerings of the Israelites. I give this to you and your sons and daughters as your regular share. Everyone in your household who is ceremonially clean may eat it.”
Hebrews 7:4-10
4.) Now observe how great this man was to whom Abraham, the patriarch, gave a
tenth of the choicest spoils. 5.)And those indeed of the sons of Levi who receive the priest's office have commandment in the Law to collect a tenth from the people, that is, from their brethren, although these are descended from Abraham. 6.) But the one whose genealogy is not traced from them collected a tenth from Abraham, and blessed the one who had the promises. 7.) But without any dispute the lesser is blessed by the greater. 8.) And in this case mortal men receive tithes, but in that case one receives them, of whom it is witnessed that he lives on. 9.) And, so to speak, through Abraham even Levi, who received tithes, paid tithes, 10 for he was still in the loins of his father when Melchizedek met him.
Tithes- a tenth part of something paid as a voluntary contribution. Vow- one by which a person is bound to an act, service or condition.
Free will – not determined by anything beyond your own nature or being. (Act 18-18) (Proverbs 20-25)
First born- first brought forth. (Deuteronomy 12-6) Offering- A sacrifice ceremonially offered as a part of worship.
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PRAISE AND WORSHIP
The importance of praise and worship in the local church and the life of a believer.
True praise and worship has become one of the most important principles in the Church today. It is imperative that praise and worship be established in local churches because of the mandate or authoritative command of the Scriptures and the strong move of the Holy Spirit today. Praise and worship, as a biblical truth should be studied in many areas. Let us begin with a look at the following definitions:
1.
Praise is declaring the wondrous works of God.
Psalm 92: 1-2 “It is good to give thanks to the Lord, and sing praises to Thy name, O Most High; To declare Thy loving kindness in the morning, and Thy faithfulness by night,” NASB
I Peter 2:9 “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, that you may proclaim the excellences of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” NAS
Therefore we have many things to be thankful for: your life, air, our Savior Jesus Christ for dying for us to give us eternal life with him forever. Therefore, it is good to give him thanks for his goodness, his wondrous deeds proclaiming the glory of God. The consistent life of a devoted Christian is a constant setting forth of the praises of God. This shows to all that the God who has made us is worthy to be loved.
Praise means to boast in God for who He is and what He has done. It involves declaring His character.
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Psalm 89:1 “I will sing of the lovingkindness of the Lord forever; to all generations I will make known Thy faithfulness with my mouth.” (NAS)
Worship is, first and foremost, an attitude of the heart. It involves reverence, adoration and heart-felt response to God. Worship is closely related to the attitude of submission and surrender. Praise is our entrance into the presence of God.
Psalm 100:4 “Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him; bless His name.” NAS;
Worship is our response to His presence.
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John 4:23-24 “ But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers. God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” (NAS)
The Biblical Pattern of Praise and Worship
1. Man was made to worship. We are triune beings of body, soul and spirit.
I Thessalonians 5:23 “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” NASU
Man has the capacity to worship the Lord intimately.
Communion- the ability to worship, adore and praise God in the spirit. Because communion is a God-given desire within the human Spirit, everyone worships someone or something.
We were created to worship God, but we have struggled with the fact of how to do so acceptably. As a result, various forms of worship have been developed to which people adhere according to their individual tastes. Is this what God wants, or is there a biblical pattern for worship?
There is an acceptable way to worship! The key is found in John 4:24 “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”
If the Spirit is not present, worship becomes an empty, lifeless form. Worship that is not conformed to the Word of God may become either unbalanced emotionalism or dead ritualism. God has placed within His Word the how, when, where and why we are to worship Him. When our worship is guided by the Holy Spirit, centered on Jesus Christ and conformed to God’s Word, then we are worshiping in spirit and truth.
A man worships God in spirit. When under the influence of the Holy Spirit, he brings all his affections, and desires to the throne of God and he worships Him in truth that is centered on Jesus Christ and who He is. Every purpose and passion of his heart is expressed by his act of reverence (honor & devotion) and his heart felt adoration is his response to God. Regulated by the word of God, we then are worshipping in spirit and in truth.
The Tabernacle of Moses
The Tabernacle of Moses, which housed the Ark of the Covenant, was also with the children of Israel during the wanderings in the wilderness and possession of the Promised Land from Mount Sinai to Shiloh. It consisted of a board structure overlaid with various curtains and coverings. The Tabernacle of Moses had three parts:
a. The outer court contained two articles of bronze: . The bronze altar for blood sacrifices.
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. The bronze laver for washing and cleansing with water.
b. The Holy Place contained three articles of furniture:
. The table of showbread with the bread of communion,
. The golden lampstand providing the only light.
. The golden altar of incense bearing the sweet smelling fragrance before the Lord.
c. The Most Holy Place had only one article of furniture:
. The Ark of the Covenant was the dwelling place of the presence of God to the nation of Israel
Exodus 25:22 “And there I will meet with you; and from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubim which are upon the ark of the testimony, I will speak to you about all that I will give you in commandment for the sons of Israel.” NAS
The Ark of God’s presence was contained within walls made with animal skins and separated by a veil. No man could enter the Most Holy Place except the high priest once a year on the Day of Atonement.
The Tabernacle of David
David’s Tabernacle was established during the time span between the Tabernacle of Moses and Solomon’s temple. This structure only remained for approximately 40 years, yet God emphasized its importance. The Ark was taken out to battle after the Tabernacle of Moses and captured by the Philistines. David decided to go and get the Ark and bring it back to Jerusalem because he knew the importance of having the manifest presence of God was most essential. (I Chronicles 13:3)
David constructed a separate tent to house the Ark (2 Samuel 6:17). After he set the Ark in place, David appointed priests to minister before the Lord continually (I Chronicles 16: 4). David’s Tabernacle had no veil, so all of the priests stood directly before the Ark in the manifest presence of God. The ministry of the priests who stood before the Ark was not one of blood sacrifice. Instead, they offered up the spiritual sacrifice of praise and worship in the very presence of God.
Everything done in the Tabernacle of Moses was a type and shadow of future reality, which was experienced in the Tabernacle of David. God declared that He had withdrawn from the Tabernacle of Moses to the Tabernacle of David (I Samuel 2:27-36; Psalm 78:67-72). The Lord revealed to King David the pattern of worship, which was pleasing and acceptable to Him:
a. I Chronicles 16: 4
b. I Chronicles 16: 25-31
c. Psalm 47:1, 98:8 clapping and shouting
d. Psalm 141:2
e. Psalm 149:3
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Worship In The Life of Jesus
In the study of praise and worship, many people look at the example of the life of Jesus. The Bible clearly shows that praise and worship was always an integral part of the life of Jesus. Here are a few examples:
1. At His birth, the angels were praising God and shouting. Luke 2:13
2. During His earthly ministry Jesus taught and approved praise. Matthew 21:15-16
3. As Jesus entered the Mount of Olives told the scribes if multitude keep silent the rock
would cry out. Luke 19: 37-40
4. During His ministry, Jesus continually exemplified praise and worship to the Father.
Luke 10:21
5. His ministry in the midst of the church is to sing praise unto the Father. Hebrews 2:11-
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Worship In The Early Church
Access to the presence of God was made possible through the shed blood of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 10:19-20), but the plan for worship in the New Testament was revealed through David’s Tabernacle. According to Acts 15:16-17 and Acts 24:14, the early church worshiped in Davidic order.
The early church’s book of praise was Psalms, part of which was written during the time of, and as a result of, the Tabernacle of David. Paul encouraged the early church to admonish each other with “...psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord” (Colossians 3:16, Ephesians 5:19).
David received a New Testament revelation of the sacrifice of praise. In the New Testament, the presence of God was also manifested in praise and worship. Every subsequent revival in Church history has seen the restoration of Davidic worship. This is the beginning of the fulfillment of the prophecy given by Amos concerning God’s pattern of worship.
Amos 9:11 “On that day I will raise up the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down, and repair its damages; I will raise up its ruins, and rebuild it as in the days of old...”
Acts 15:15-17 “And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written ‘After this I willreturnandwillrebuildthetabernacleofDavidwhichhasfallendown. Iwillrebuildthe ruins, and I will set it up, so that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord, even all the Gentiles who are called by My name, says the Lord who does all these things.’...”
The Priesthood of the Believer
In the Old Testament, God gave the priesthood to the Levites. As New Testament believers, we have entered into a holy priesthood with Jesus Christ as the High Priest 5 and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood.
Rev 1:5-6
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5.) And from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and released us from our sins by his blood 6.) And has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father — to him be glory and power forever and ever! Amen.
NIV
As priests unto our God, we are to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Sacrifices by New Testament priests are:
a. Ourselves - When we offer ourselves (spirit, soul and body) to God, we are an acceptable sacrifice to Him (Romans 12:1)
b. Our substance - tithes, offerings, and also meeting needs of brethren (Hebrews 13:16).
c. Sacrifice of shouting and singing - it involves a life of victory and close fellowship with the Lord (Psalm 27:6)
d. Sacrifice of thanksgiving - even in the trying circumstances (Psalm 116:17).
e. Sacrifice of praise - (Hebrews 13:15).
f. A broken and contrite heart - true worship can only come from a heart that is pure
and broken before God (Psalm 51:17, 24:3-4).
Reasons to Praise and Worship The Lord
1. God commands it (I Chronicles 16:29)
2. God is worthy (Psalm 18:3)
3. Praise is God’s acceptable way for us to enter into His presence (Psalm 100:4).
4. Praise and worship glorifies God (Psalm 50:23).
Results of Praise and Worship
1. Praise is a way to experience the manifest presence of God (Psalm 22:3).
2. Praise is a way for stopping the advances of Satan (Psalm 8:2). (Matthew 21: 16)
3. Praise is a way to evangelize (Psalm 40:3).
4. Praise is a way of receiving God’s deliverance (2 Chronicles 20:21-22)
5. Praise is a way to exercise the weapons of our warfare (Psalm 149:6-7).
6. Praise is a way to live a long and fruitful life (Isaiah 38:18-19)
7. Praise is a way to renew your mind (Colossians 3:2)
8. Praise is a way to see the provision of God (Psalm 107:8-9).
How to Praise the Lord
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There are seven Old Testament Hebrew words that are translated “praise” in the English Bible. Each one has a different meaning and expression associated with it.
1. “Yadah” means to lift hands individually before God’s presence. (Psalm 138:1)
2. “Towdah” means for the congregation to lift hands in unison before the presence of
the Lord. (Psalm 50:23)
3. “Halal” means to boast, to rave on foolishly before the presence of the Lord
(2Chron.20: 21)
4. “Tehillah” means the same as “halal” except that it means to sing halals. (Psalm22:3)
5. “Zamar” means to celebrate before the presence of the Lord with musical
instruments. (Psalm 21:13)
6. “Shabak” means to praise the Lord with a Loud voice. (Psalm 117:1)
7. “Barak” means to kneel in adoration before the presence of the Lord. (Psalm 103: 1-
2)
What special promise does God give to worshipers? He hears them!
John 9:31 “Now we know that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does His will, He hears him.”
Acts 16:25-26
25.) But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God, and the prisoners were listening to them; 26.) And suddenly there came a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison house were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone's chains were unfastened.
NASB
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A PROPHETIC CHURCH
Overviews of the use of prophesy in the church.
This lesson is not designed to give an in-depth teaching on prophecy; there will be separate classes and seminars on this subject from time to time. It will however, give an overview of the use of prophecy, both to individuals and to the body at large.
The Nature of Prophecy
God has always spoken to man in different ways and this divine communication is part of God’s very nature. Some would argue that He has spoken all that needs to be spoken, but Jesus made a very important statement.
John 16:12 "I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. (NIV)
What he meant was that
a) They were not mature enough or ready to endure more
b) He was going to leave them shortly.
He gave the answer to this in John 16:13 But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. (NIV) He is still doing that today Romans 8:14 “...because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” (NIV)
**Note: Jesus said He would tell of things yet to come in verse 13.
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II
Prophecy is futuristic
Acts 11:28 One of them, named Agabus, stood up and through the Spirit predicted that a severe famine would spread over the entire Roman world. (This happened during the reign of Claudius.) (NIV)
Prophecy reveals more of Christ and His Kingdom
John 16:15 All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you. (NIV)
It can be described as “foretelling” and “forth telling”. Why Do We Need Prophecy?
If every believer can hear for himself as John 10:27 says, why do we need prophecy? Prophecy is one of the nine manifestations of the Spirit given to us in 1 Corinthians 12:8-10. These are given for a specific purpose.
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1 Corinthians 12:7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. (NIV)
Pro 15:23 ...how good is a timely word! (NIV)
Every one of us at some time needs to hear that “timely” word either as confirmation or comfort. A word from the Lord has eternal value.
1 Pet 1:25 ...but the word of the Lord stands forever. (NIV)
I. Receiving Direction
Prophecy had its place in the early church. As a result of the Spirit speaking in Acts 13, Paul and Barnabas were sent on apostolic ministry. The Spirit spoke again in Acts 16:10 and through Lydia being saved, many others were brought into the Kingdom.
II. Receiving Encouragement
Peter was able to be at peace in John 12 because of a word that was spoken to him by Jesus.
John 21:18 I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go." (NIV)
Paul was forewarned of the hardships that awaited him.
Acts 20:23 I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. (NIV)
Paul gave the sailors a prophetic word that they would be spared.
Acts 27:23-24 Last night an angel of the God whose I am and whom I serve stood beside me and said, `Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you. (NIV)
Prophecy is both predictive and productive.
1 Tim 1:18 Timothy, my son, I give you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by following them you may fight the good fight. (NIV)
The Importance of Prophecy
1 Corinthians 12 and 14 are the chapters that deal with the nine manifestations of the Spirit and prophesy is the one majored on. This is because it is the most important one.
III. Desire It
1 Corinthians 14:1 Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. (NIV)
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1 Corinthians 14:5 I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may be edified. (NIV)
1 Corinthians 14:39 Therefore, my brothers, be eager to prophecy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. (NIV)
Prophecy is given for blessing, not doom and gloom!
1 Corinthians 14:3 But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening,
encouragement and comfort. (NIV)
1 Corinthians 14:31 For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and
encouraged. (NIV)
IV. Test It
It is the only manifestation of the spirit that we are told to test.
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a)
1 Corinthians 14:29 Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said. (NIV)
1 Corinthians 14:32 The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets. (NIV)
1 Thessalonians 5:20-21 ...do not treat prophesies with contempt. Test everything. Hold on
to the good. (NIV) Peace.
Col 3:15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. (NIV)
If this is lacking, postpone any decision-making and seek the Lord further. If you feel pressured, then it is not of the Lord. He leads, not cajoles.
b) The Inner Witness.
This can be described as an “inner check”. It is a knowing that is within.
1 Kings 22:7 But Jehoshaphat asked, "Is there not a prophet of the LORD here whom we can inquire of?" (NIV)
He had heard 400 other prophets say the same thing, yet he wanted another one. Because he didn’t have peace in his spirit what they were prophesying.
c) Scripture
If it goes against the written word of God, then it is not of God.
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Example: (The Lord said that your wife is supposed to be my wife.) Read Deuteronomy 13:1-3
d) Coming to pass
Deuteronomy 18:22 If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the LORD does not take place or come true, that is a message the LORD has not spoken. That prophet has spoken presumptuously. Do not be afraid of him. (NIV)
However, you cannot always wait for it to come to pass in order to make decisions or really to be aware what the Lord wants us to do. God often gives us things that will come to pass now and some again much later. If we find a portion of the prophecy coming to pass, then the rest will follow.
Signs and wonders
LK 2:12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." (NIV)
Gideon used a fleece for a sign to confirm the word. Today, a more common sign is a word of knowledge. Jesus used this with the woman at the well.
I.
a)
John 4:18-19 The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true." "Sir," the woman said, "I can see that you are a prophet. (NIV)
Honor It
1 Thessalonians 5:20 ....do not treat prophecies with contempt. (NIV)
Do not misperceive what was said!
The disciples misunderstood Jesus on occasions. For example, they thought John was not going to die.
John 21:22 Jesus answered, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me." (NIV)
John 21:23 Because of this, the rumor spread among the brothers that this disciple would not die. But Jesus did not say that he would not die; he only said, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?" (NIV)
To prevent this, record it, meditate on it and read through it several times.
b) Prophecy is Conditional
The condition is that we walk in obedience. God promised a land of milk and honey to Israel, but they did not enter it because of their disobedience. God does not lie, but many do not see the fulfillment because of unbelief or disobedience.
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c)
Warring for our Prophecies.
1 Timothy 1:18 Timothy, my son, I give you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by following them you may fight the good fight. (NIV)
(i) By acting them out. Peter got out of the boat on one word – “Come”
(ii) By not letting them go no matter what the circumstances seem like. Lazarus died before Jesus got there. Daniel was told that for 21 days the answer was hindered. But in both cases, the outcome was good.
Delay can cause unbelief and doubt to arise. We must pray the word
through to completion, believing in our heart that what God said is true.
Psalm 105:18-19 They bruised his feet with shackles, his neck was put in irons, till what he foretold came to pass, till the word of the LORD proved him true. (NIV)
Confirmation.
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d)
Prophecy is always subject to confirmation, whether before or after.
Deuteronomy 19:15 A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. (NIV)
No one should ever be lead by just one prophecy, especially if it suits us and we like it. We have to weigh them with other things God has said, either in our heart or by prophetic words.
Much more can be said and will be taught in other courses. However, one important thing to point out is that not everyone who prophesies is a prophet.
All may prophesy but note this
Ephesians 4:11 It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers (NIV)
1 Corinthians 12:28-29 And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? (NIV)
A simple definition can be like this:
One who flows in the gift or manifestation of prophecy is dependent on the prophetic anointing to prophecy, whereas the one who stands in the office of the prophet has a constant and abiding anointing to prophesy.
An apostle thinks of government and order all the time; a teacher can teach at any time; an evangelist and pastor function with an abiding anointing. Likewise a prophet functions the same way in his gifting.
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Practical Guidelines
1. If you are not sure about a word you have received, always have it checked
out by the Pastor or an Elder.
2. Be very careful of “parking lot” prophecies.
3. Prophecy from visitors is not allowed in Embassy Christian Center, simply because we do not know them. The bible says that we are to judge them by their fruits.
Phil 3:17 17.) Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you. 18.) For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. NIV
4. Every visitor that receives a prophetic word gets a copy of the tape and also an information sheet about how to handle it.
5. There can be many forms of the prophetic and can include: ✓ Prophetic words in tongues
✓ Prophetic words in song
✓ The Song of the bride and/or bridegroom
✓ Prophetic dance - there will be an interpretation
✓ Instruments playing prophetically - there will be an interpretation ✓ Gestures
✓ Prophetic intercession
✓ Dreams and visions
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PERSONAL MINISTRY
From the time we are conceived, we will undergo warfare aimed at keeping us from finding our purpose in God.
Ephesians 2:10 For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. NIV
If we find our purpose, we will experience warfare that will attempt hinder us from walking it out. The devil is trying to stop the Kingdom coming on earth as it is in heaven, by stopping us. This is because we are the Lord’s co-workers
1 Corinthians 3:9 For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building. NIV
We are to push back the gates of hell.
Matthew 16:18-19 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." NIV
The Purpose of Personal Ministry.
The purpose of personal ministry is to identify and eliminate the scheme specifically designed to stop us from functioning in the Kingdom of God as God has ordained.
Ephesians 5:13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, NIV
Ephesians 6:11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. NIV
It is direct engagement with the enemy in spiritual warfare. He wants to divide (separate and isolate) and to conquer. Personal ministry is to heal each part so that it can input and bring the body together to fight against our common enemy.
The Church, not psychologists, is responsible to get Christians healed who have been enslaved by addictions, who live in fear and condemnation, who have been abused etc.. Jesus went to the cross and dealt with every aspect of our wholeness.
Isaiah 61:1-3 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion--to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor. NIV
Romans 6:5-7 If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin- because anyone who has died has been freed from sin. NIV
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Ephesians 2:10 For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. NIV
➢ Created for good works
➢ Prepared beforehand
➢ That we should walk in them
Ephesians 6:11-12 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. NIV
➢ Armor of God ➢ To stand
➢ Schemes/wiles
Ephesians 5:11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. NIV
➢ Do not participate
➢ Unfruitful deeds
➢ Instead, expose them
Ephesians 4:11-16 It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. NIV
➢ Purpose of five-fold ministry
➢ The body will be built up and work ➢ No longer tossed around
➢ Every joint and ligament supplies
1 Corinthians 3:9 For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building. NIV
➢ We are fellow workers
➢ Lord using us
➢ Devil wants to stop us
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Development of Schemes
This is an important step because the devil knows where the past weaknesses were and would like to reclaim the ground he loses in someone’s life.
Finally, there is the requirement to walk out their freedom. They have to change certain lifestyle patterns, put on the Word of Truth through study and discipleship. This ministry is not just deliverance – in fact what most people understand as deliverance is only a small part of the ministry. First, we must identify the major scheme(s) in a person’s life, which are often hidden or disguised.
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Normally, this brings a degree of freedom as it helps people know why they have the problem. It brings hope they can now get healed and set free once they have identified the problem.
Then, the next step is removing the problem. This includes dealing with sin patterns, deliverance from enslaving spirits and the healing of deep wounds from the past.
Laying the Axe to the Root
In personal ministry, we shoot for the root problems, not the outward and obvious fruit problems. Most times the outward manifestation or problem is just an indication of a deeper, underlying cause. In addition, there are many several root problems or causes and not just one. These bind a person like a web binds its victim. A good example is alcoholism. There is much more to deal with besides just alcohol. Possible areas that may have to be investigated include:
➢ Ancestral Curses
➢ Judgments of the father ➢ Word Curses
➢ Idolatry
➢ Guilt
➢ Grief
➢ Abandonment
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➢ Hopelessness ➢ Self Hate
This could involve deliverance from any spirits that may be involved, as well as inner healing regarding past wounding
**Practical Suggestions
There is a set of tapes that are required for you to listen to and then, after examining your own life, make arrangements for any issues to be dealt with.
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OUR BELIEFS
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QUIZ
1. Are you in agreement with our beliefs? ______________________
VISION OF THE CHURCH
1. Why is the church vision such an important thing for you to know? ____________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2. What is the Vision of Embassy Christian Center?
______________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________
3. What is restoration? _________________________________________________________________________
4. God’s plan is to strengthen you so you can ___________________________ in the spirit of ____________________________________.
A GOD OF COVENANT
1. Before joining a church one must count the cost because by becoming a part of the church body the individual becomes a part ___________________________________________.
2. How does Webster dictionary define covenant? __________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________
3. In church affairs how is covenant defined? _______________________________________________
What are the seven steps in making covenant?
1. 2. 3.
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4. 5. 6. 7.
TITHES AND OFFERINGS
1. Where is the first time we see someone giving to the Lord and who was involved?
2. Who is the first person to ever give a tenth? ______________________________________________
3. King Melchizedek represents ______________________________ and King of Sodom represents _____________________________________.
4. What is significant about the number 10? _______________________________________________
5. How is the blood of Christ and the body of Christ represented? ______________________
6. After Jacob had a dream about the promises of God and what God was going to do for him, what did he commit to God? ______________________________________________________
7. Read Mt 23:23 and Luke 11:42
PRAISE AND WORSHIP
1. What is Praise? _____________________________________________________________________________
2. Why do we Praise God? ___________________________________________________
3. What is worship? ___________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________.
4. Name the two tabernacles. What was the main difference between the two? _____________________________________________________________________________________________
5. Name 8 results that comes from worship:
A._________________________________________ B. ________________________________________
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C._________________________________________ D. ________________________________________ E._________________________________________ F. _________________________________________ G._________________________________________ H. ________________________________________
A PROPHETICCHURCH
1. Define Prophecy: _______________________________________________________________________________________________
2. Is prophecy for today? ______________________________________
3. Is prophecy the most important gift? If so, why? _______________________________________________________________________________________________
4. Is the purpose of prophecy to bring doom and gloom? Or to strengthen, encourage, and comfort? _______________________________________________________________________________
5. There are at least five things that you can use to test prophecy, name three?
1. _____________________________2. _____________________________3. _____________________________ 6. Name the different 8 different forms of the prophetic:
1. _____________________________________________ 5. ____________________________________________
2. _____________________________________________ 6. ____________________________________________
3. _____________________________________________ 7. ____________________________________________
4. _____________________________________________ 8. ____________________________________________
HEALING INNER MINISTRY
1. God has called the church to bring ___________________________ to His people not psychologists.
2. When does spiritual warfare begin in our lives?
a. When we are born?
b. When we are conceived?
c. When we became adults?
d. When we turned 12 years old?
3. What is the purpose of the Inner Healing Ministry? ______________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
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4. In Inner Healing Ministry, we shoot for the _________________ problems, not the outward and obvious fruit problems.
.
5. Finally, there is the requirement to walk out _____________________. They have to
change certain ___________________________, put on the Word of Truth through study and discipleship.
MEMBERSHIP
I ________________________________understand the basic beliefs and standards of Embassy Christian Center and I am in agreement. I am willing to support and follow the leadership of Embassy Christian Center as they follow Christ. I understand that God’s desire for me is to put His Kingdom first and to follow my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
__________________________________________ Signature
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