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Jesus Prepares His Table Just For You

Jesus Shares His Life & Love With You

Baptism In The Holy Spirit & HeavenSpeak

1/24/2015

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The Gospels tell us that Jesus will baptize with the Holy Ghost and Fire. Jesus says that these signs would accompany those that believe "they will speak with new tongues". After sharing the first Communion Jesus spends all of John 14-16 talking about the Holy Spirit and that is why He had to leave. John 17 is all about Jesus praying for the Miracle of Communion He wants us to have with Him and then to share with one another. 

The day of Pentecost arrived. The 120 were waiting in the Upper Room for the promise of the Holy Spirit. When He arrived there was a mighty wind that came from Heaven. It carried the fire of Heaven. The wind was the Holy Spirit and filled the house where they were gathered and they all were filled. Then the cloven tongues appeared to rest on their heads. Then they drank in the presence of the Holy Spirit and fire. They were filled with the supernatural power to become the first hand witnesses of how this happens. Jesus anointed each of them and their cups overflowed.

Then they all began declaring thanksgiving, praise and worship in a new language. It was the confirmation to each of them that this was from Jesus. They instantly were able to pronounce words that they did not understand while their minds raced in their own language. Their hearts and minds and every fiber of their being was being immersed in the light, love, glory and power of God. 

Throughout the Book of Acts there are five clear similar encounters with others who believed. In almost every case it is clear that praying in the Spirit - in a heavenly language is how they "knew" they were baptized in the Holy Spirit. The eternal manifested in the temporal. Invisible heaven became visible and could be heard on earth in the lives and mouths of those who asked Jesus to baptize them with His Holy Spirit of promise. We learn from the Apostles that - for example Paul said, "I pray in tongues more than anyone!".The prayer and worship language has no barriers.  It is a love language that is not restricted by the structure of earthly languages.

How to receive? Ask. Jesus died, rose and now revives by baptizing all who have received Him as their Lord and Savior in the Holy Spirit accompanied and confirmed by thanksgiving, praise and worship that springs up from within when you are immersed in the living waters of the Holy Spirit. Ask and Receive that you joy may be full. Out from the center of your being a well will spring up like a fountain of life from within you and it will have the sounds of an undefinable unstructured language. You will lift your hands and your voice in true worship and join the ongoing worship of heaven right here on earth. 

"On earth as in heaven"! Ask, Receive and Believe then drink in and give thanks. When you do the thanksgiving will become joy filled words shaped by the Holy Spirit overflowing in your praise. By doing this you glorify the Lord! You become a sign to those that do not believe that the Kingdom of God is so real that they can see it and hear it coming from you! Alleluia is the one word God gave us all from heaven's worship - so after you lift your head and heart and hands and drink in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit respond with Alleluia and let the Holy Spirit shape new words in your heart and mouth and tongue. Then let go and let God bless you with the heavenly gift He died to purchase for you! Freely receive all that He has for you.



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http://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Bible-Verses-About-Baptism-of-the-Holy-Spirit/ 

Bible Verses About Baptism of the Holy Spirit Bible verses related to Baptism of the Holy Spirit from the King James Version (KJV) by Relevance  

Matthew 3:1-11 - In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,   
(Read More...)

Matthew 3:11 - I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and [with] fire:

Matthew 3:13-17 - Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.   
(Read More...)

Matthew 3:16 - And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:

Matthew 28:19 - Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

Matthew 28:20 - Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen.

Mark 16:15 - And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

Mark 16:16 - He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

Luke 3:16 - John answered, saying unto [them] all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:

Luke 3:21-22 - Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened,  


Luke 11:13 - If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall [your] heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

John 3:5 - Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

John 3:16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

John 3:22 - After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized.

John 4:1 - When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John,

John 4:2 - (Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,)

John 4:24 - God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship Him in spirit and in truth.

John 6:67 - Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?

John 14:17 - Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it sees him not, neither knows him: but ye know him; for he dwells with you, and shall be in you.

John 20:22 - And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:

Acts 1:1-26 - The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,   


Acts 1:5 - For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

Acts 1:8 - But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Acts 2:1-47 - And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.  


Acts 2:4 - And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Acts 2:38 - Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Acts 2:41 - Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added [unto them] about three thousand souls.

Acts 4:8 - Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,

Acts 4:31 - And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.

Acts 8:1-40 - And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. 


Acts 8:9 - But there was a certain man, called Simon, which before time in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one:

Acts 8:12 - But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

Acts 8:14-18 - Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: 


Acts 8:36-38 - And as they went on [their] way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, [here is] water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? 


Acts 8:38 - And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.

Acts 9:17 - And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, [even] Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as you came, has sent me, that you might receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. (We know Paul received the evidence of praying and worshiping in tongues.)

Acts 9:18 - And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.

Acts 10:1-48 - There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian [band],   
(Read More...)

Acts 10:44-46 - While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.   
For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,

Acts 10:47 - Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?

Acts 10:48 - And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

Acts 11:15 - And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. (How did he know? - He saw them praying and worshiping in tongues)

Acts 13:2 - As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.

Acts 16:14 - And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard [us]: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.

Acts 16:30-33 - And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? 


Acts 16:33 - And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed [their] stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.


Acts 18:8 - And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.

Acts 19:1-41 - And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,   

Acts 19:6 - And when Paul had laid [his] hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

Acts 22:12 - And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt [there],

Acts 22:16 - And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

Romans 6:3 - Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?

Romans 6:4 - Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.


Romans 6:11 - Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 8:1 - [There is] therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Romans 8:9-11 - But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. 


1 Corinthians 1:17 - For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.

1 Corinthians 10:2 - And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;

1 Corinthians 12:13 - For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether [we be] Jews or Gentiles, whether [we be] bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

1 Corinthians 14:5 - I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater [is] he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.

1 Corinthians 15:29 - Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?

Galatians 3:14 - That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

Galatians 3:27 - For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

Ephesians 2:8-9 - For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God: 


Ephesians 4:5 - One Lord, one faith, one baptism,

Ephesians 4:22 - That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

Ephesians 5:18 - And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

Colossians 2:12 - Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with [him] through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.

Colossians 3:10 - And have put on the new [man], which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:

2 Timothy 1:6 - Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.

Titus 3:5 - Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

Hebrews 6:2 - Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.

Hebrews 9:28 - So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

James 2:19 - Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

James 2:20 - But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?

1 Peter 1:3 - Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

1 Peter 3:18-22 - For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:  


1 Peter 3:20 - Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.

1 Peter 3:21 - The like figure whereunto [even] baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

Drinking from the well of salvation:

Accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior  Turning to Jesus - we open the door as we hear Him knock and hear His voice.  We invite Jesus into our life - we believe in our heart, we receive Him into our life and confess with our mouth our faith in Him that He died for us personally to give us eternal life. Then He dines with us and us with Him.


Being Baptized in Water as a sign of our commitment to turn away from following the ways of the world to follow Jesus as a part of His Kingdom. We choose to be citizens of the Kingdom of God publicly.

Being Baptized in the Holy Spirit by Jesus.  
We ask and receive and believe that we have what we ask when we pray. He pours out His Spirit upon us and we drink in the water of life. His Spirit ignites our heart with His love and our love overflows as a heavenly language of praise, worship and prayer. We know we have received the Holy Spirit because it is confirmed by our ability to speak the language of the Holy Spirit.

We believe that when Jesus said, "It is Finished" that it was. Our sin debt paid in full. Our guilt, shame and condemnation washed away. We learn to understand that Jesus paid the price of our sin debt in full and we are now free from the law of sin and death to live in Jesus filled with grace and truth. We now live in His grace free from any other judgment through daily, active faith in His presence at His Table. His grace is sufficient. He is love and He is in us and surrounds us by His Holy Spirit. We now live by the faith of the Son of God and feed on His presence and promises.

You are, by Covenant Promise - the righteousness of God in Christ. Free from all guilt, sin, shame and condemnation. 

Being established in Christ you are now ready to experience transformation that can only happen in the presence of Jesus at His Table. That is where you encounter Him, see Him, hear Him personally. It is intimate and caring. He becomes your Good Shepherd. He leads you to His Table every day and brings you there to share His life, love and glory with you. 

Now when you encounter the Lord in Communion His presence is revealed to you (as in a mirror) and you are changed by what you see and hear from glory to glory. That transformation happens every time you meet with Him at His Table, alone or with others.

It is like being resurrected every day. It is like waking up to the new birth experience again and again. It is revival into our life in Christ every day. 

Some days are for healing and some are days for deliverance. Some are days of worship and others are days of pure bliss! It is where He is. It is why He said, "Do this!" Do this to remember me - to make me a part of your life every day.

It is by the Spirit we understand the Miracle of CommunionFire. 


What does Jesus give us? Salvation, The Holy Spirit and Communion. If Jesus has it to give don't you want it? He wants to give you the keys of the Kingdom! When the King, the Lord, the Savior, the Creator says, "Do this to remember Me" Don't you think that's very very important? Don't you think there is a reason? It why He died for you and why He sent His Spirit - so that you can come to His Table and Commune with Him. That is how we experience eternal life every day? When was the last time you had Communion?

It is there that we grow from strength to strength, glory to glory and experience grace upon grace. That is why we must ask Jesus to baptize us in the Holy Spirit and learn to speak the language of the Holy Spirit. It is the first building block to experiencing the difference between the natural and supernatural; the temporary reality and the eternal reality and that we are totally dependent upon Him in Communion to experience Communion. 

We can't make it happen by our will, self-determination, talent or strength - we can only sit down with Him. He takes care of the rest. 
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You Shall Receive Power After Jesus Baptizes You In The Holy Spirit To Become First Hand Witnesses Of His Testimony
HOW TO KNOW 
YOU ARE BAPTIZED BY JESUS 

IN THE HOLY SPIRIT

PRAYER TONGUES, HEAVENLY LANGUAGE HEAVENSPEAK, SINGING IN THE SPIRIT, TONGUES OF ANGELS

Mark 16:17
And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;


Acts 2:3 
And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.


Acts 2:4
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.


Acts 2:11
Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.


Acts 10:46
For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,

Acts 19:6
And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.


Romans 3:13
Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips:

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(In the following cases Paul is speaking about a prophetic gift of speaking in tongues - not the same as the prayer, praise and worship language that is the evidence you have been baptized in the Holy Spirit.)

Gifts of the Holy Spirit during Worship with the Assembly

1 Corinthians 12:10 
To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:


1 Corinthians 12:28
And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.


1 Corinthians 12:30 
Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?


1 Corinthians 13:1
Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.


1 Corinthians 13:8
Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.


1 Corinthians 14:5
I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesies than he that speaks with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.


1 Corinthians 14:6
Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine


1 Corinthians 14:18 
I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:


1 Corinthians 14:21
In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.


1 Corinthians 14:22
Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serves not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.


1 Corinthians 14:23 
If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?

1 Corinthians 14:39
Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.

>>>>>

Revelation 7:9
After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;

Revelation 10:11 
And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings.

Bible Verses About Talking in Tongues Bible verses related to Talking in Tongues from the King James Version (KJV)

Corinthians 14:4 - He that speaks in an [unknown] tongue edifies himself; but he that prophesies edifies the church.

1 Corinthians 14:2 - For he that speaks in an [unknown] tongue speaks not unto men, but unto God: for no man understands [him]; howbeit in the spirit he speaks mysteries.

1 Corinthians 14:1-40 - Follow after charity, and desire spiritual [gifts], but rather that ye may prophesy. 

Acts 2:4 - And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Isaiah 28:11 - For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people.

Acts 9:17 - And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, [even] Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.

Acts 2:38 - Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

1 Corinthians 13:8 - Charity never faileth: but whether [there be] prophecies, they shall fail; whether [there be] tongues, they shall cease; whether [there be] knowledge, it shall vanish away.

Note: Does Charity ever fail? Never
Has knowledge vanished away? Sometimes Has tongues ceased? No  
Have prophecies failed? Yes 

Paul is not addressing a 'dispensation' in a single phrase between three phrases. Paul is talking about the Scriptures? The New Testament Canon did not exist when this was written and shared throughout Christendom. It was another 300 years before the New Testament became Canon by virtue of the Church Councils. 

Paul is merely talking about 'behavior'. 

The natural man will fail but God will never fail. Will there be wrong concepts of faith? Yes. Therefore God confronts heresy through his people. So that knowledge will pass away. 

Then will tongues cease? in other words "poao" = "hindered" as if - because of our will - (not the Spirit), we have the ability to not obey the prompting of the Holy Spirit. Tongues cease when they should be active. It happens because we are human - the Lord knows that - but that does not cancel His desire to share with us 'prophetically'. 

Then there are times when we prophecy out of "our intellect, imagination, inspiration" supposing it too be the prophetic gift. In the Old Testament such "false prophecy" or "error" was punishable. We are not living in days of punishment - we are living in the days of grace, forgiveness and Spirit. The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set us free from the law of sin and death. 

Paul is making it clear in the New Testament that sometimes prophecies are not inspired by the Holy Spirit. They may even be Biblical or accurate - but it is the power of the Holy Spirit - "His breath that carries the words from our mouth to the ears of the hearers - It is a God-breathed message (Rhema of the Spirit that declares the words of the Logos - Jesus) It has the power of the Spirit when it strikes our ears and hearts. You know it is the Lord! At least if you are baptized in the Holy Spirit." 

Otherwise there are times when prophecy is not coming from the Lord. Its okay. The one inevitable truth in all of this is that His Love, Charity, demonstration of goodness and mercy - never fails to accomplish what is intended. Love never fails! Yet the Lord sent these gifts and they are important. Very important!

Romans 10:13 - For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

John 3:16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

John 1:14 - And the Word (Logos) was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. (See 2 Corinthians 3:18 and 4:18)

John 1:1 - In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

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Interesting Old Testament References

Daniel 5:25-31 But have lifted up yourself against the Lord of heaven; and they have brought the vessels of his house before you, and you, and your lords, your wives, and your concubines, have drunk wine in them; and you have praised the gods of silver, and gold, of bronze, iron, wood, and stone, which see not, nor hear, nor know: and the God in whose hand your breath is, and whose are all your ways, have you not glorified: Then was the part of the hand sent from him; and this writing was written.

And this is the writing that was written, MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN.

This is the interpretation of the matter: MENE; God has numbered your kingdom, and finished it. TEKEL; you are weighed in the balances, and are found                 wanting. PERES; Your kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians. Then commanded Belshazzar, and they clothed Daniel with scarlet, and put a chain of gold about his neck, and made a proclamation concerning him, that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom. In that night was Belshazzar the king of the Chaldeans slain. And Darius the Mede took the kingdom, being about threescore and two years old.


Isaiah 28:11 For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people.

1 Corinthians 14:21 In the Law it is written: "With other tongues and through the lips of foreigners I will speak to this people, but even then they will not listen to me, says the Lord."

Isaiah 33:19 You will see those arrogant people no more, people whose speech is obscure, whose language is strange and incomprehensible.

Jeremiah 5:15 People of Israel," declares the LORD, "I am bringing a distant nation against you-- an ancient and enduring nation, a people whose language you do not know, whose speech you do not understand.

Kenneth Copeland Ministries
Q: How do you receive 

the Baptism in the Holy Spirit?


We have great news: To receive the Baptism in the Holy Spirit, all you have to do is ask your heavenly Father for it. God wants every believer to be filled with the Holy Spirit and speak in other tongues.

Ask God right now. Receive the Baptism in the Holy Spirit just as you received Jesus—by faith, by believing God’s Word. You are His child and He is your Father. God is poised and ready to baptize you in His Holy Spirit when you ask Him.

Simply repeat this prayer out loud:

Dear Heavenly Father, I come to You in the Name of Jesus, and I desire to be baptized with Your Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in other tongues. Your Word says that I can have it, and I believe what You have said. I receive this gift by faith in Jesus' Name. I thank You Father that I am baptized with the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in other tongues!

That’s it! You have received the Baptism in the Holy Spirit!

Now it’s possible you didn’t feel anything. In some cases, no new language comes out initially. But your receiving the Holy Spirit has nothing to do with initial feelings or what happens on the outside. God’s Word said that if you asked, you would receive. That means by faith you have received the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. Practice speaking in other tongues. It doesn’t matter if you start with one syllable or how silly you sound. Just keep praying and God will strengthen you in your prayer language. There are many people who receive the Baptism in the Holy Spirit and do not pray in tongues right away. Don’t be discouraged, it will come. Just don’t give up!


- See more at: http://www.kcm.org/read/questions/how-do-you-receive-the-baptism-the-holy-spirit#sthash.cYQ5Zc7e.dpuf
EARLY CHURCH FATHERS
http://www.swordofthespirit.net/bulwark/may10p2.htm
Matthew 24:30 - And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 

Christ in you the hope of Glory! When we eat the bread and drink the cup we eat His Body and drink His blood - so He is in us! Jesus promises those that have communion with Him will be raised up in the last day!


1 John 1:9 - If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1 Peter 3:18 - For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

James 3:14 - But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.

James 2:19 - Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
  
Hebrews 11:17 - By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten [son],

Hebrews 1:3 - Who being the brightness of [his] glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;

1 Thessalonians 4:17 - Then we which are alive [and] remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

Colossians 1:16-17 - For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether [they be] thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:  

1 Corinthians 14:15 So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my understanding; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my understanding.

1 Corinthians 14:26 What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up.

Colossians 3:16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.

Ephesians 5:18-20 - And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father

Ephesians 4:11 - And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

Ephesians 2:8 - For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God:

Ephesians 1:13 - In whom ye also [trusted], after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

2 Corinthians 4:4 - In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

1 Corinthians 15:22 - For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

1 Corinthians 14:14 - For if I pray in an [unknown] tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.

1 Corinthians 14:13 - Wherefore let him that speaketh in an [unknown] tongue pray that he may interpret. 

When it is in the congregation during worship - in this case tongues is the Gift of Tongues - like Prophecy. When there is Tongues and Interpretation it is the same as Prophecy.

1 Corinthians 14:5 - I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater [is] he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.

1 Corinthians 13:1-13 - Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become [as] sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. \

All graces from the Holy Spirit operate through love or it is not coming from the Holy Spirit but your spirit.

1 Corinthians 13:1 - Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become [as] sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

1 Corinthians 12:30 - Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? 

Here "Speaking in Tongues - again is the Gift of Tongues - not the prayer and worship language. However both are the language of the Spirit. One is for the hearing of the Church and the other is for devotion, prayer, and gives us the capability to 'pray always'!

1 Corinthians 12:13 - For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether [we be] Jews or Gentiles, whether [we be] bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

1 Corinthians 12:1-31 - Now concerning spiritual [gifts], brethren, I would not have you ignorant. 

1 Corinthians 8:6 - But to us [there is but] one God, the Father, of whom [are] all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom [are] all things, and we by him.
 
1 Corinthians 8:5 - For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)

1 Corinthians 4:5 - Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

Romans 10:9 - That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

Romans 9:27 - Isaiah also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved:

Romans 9:1-33 - I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost,   
Romans 6:23 - For the wages of sin [is] death; but the gift of God [is] eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Acts 26:11 - And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled [them] to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted [them] even unto strange cities.

Acts 19:6 - And when Paul had laid [his] hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

Acts 19:1-7 - And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,   (Read More...)

Acts 13:48 - And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.

Acts 10:46 - For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,

Acts 8:17 - Then laid they [their] hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.

Acts 4:31 - And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.

Acts 3:22 - For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you.

Acts 3:15 - And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.

Acts 3:12-25 - And when Peter saw [it], he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?   (Read More...)

Acts 2:24-36 - Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.  (Read More...)

Acts 2:22 - Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:

Acts 2:7 - And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?

Acts 1:8 - But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

John 20:28 - And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.

John 18:6 - As soon then as he had said unto them, I am [he], they went backward, and fell to the ground.

John 18:4-6 - Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye? 

John 17:20-22 - Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;  

John 16:13 - Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, [that] shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

John 14:28 - Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come [again] unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.

John 14:1-31 - Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 


LINKS

CHARISMA
http://www.charismamag.com/site-archives/554-charisma-channels/spriritled-living/9237-how-to-be-baptized-in-the-holy-spirit

CBN
http://www.cbn.com/spirituallife/cbnteachingsheets/gifts_of_the_spirit.aspx

WATERFALL OF GRACE BLOG
http://underthewaterfallofgrace.blogspot.com/p/receiving-baptism-of-holy-spirit.html

REASONS
http://www.charismamag.com/spirit/supernatural/17419-10-reasons-for-speaking-in-tongues

http://www.rhema.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1053:seven-reasons-why-every-believer-should-speak-in-tongues&Itemid=145

Online TV
http://www.itbn.org/index/detail/ec/JteDFxNDprFH7i5zotjMsWMdkqZDtDTt

21 Reason Why Believers Should Speak in Tongues by Gordon Lindsay http://www.ministryhelps.com/gordon-lindsay-c-147.html

Kenneth Hagin on Speaking in Tongues http://www.rhema.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1283:speaking-in-tongues&Itemid=145
http://www.rhema.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1053:seven-reasons-why-every-believer-should-speak-in-tongues&Itemid=145

CATHOLIC RESOURCES
http://www.cdop.org/pdfs/CFIA_Program.pdf


http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/do-not-cage-the-holy-spirit-pope-tells-massive-rome-gathering/

http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-at-mass-the-holy-spirit-makes-the-unthinkable

http://www.ncrcspirit.org/renewal-history.html

https://www.ewtn.com/expert/answers/charismatic_renewal.htm

http://www.amazon.com/Let-Fire-Fall-Expanded-Updated/dp/0940535971

http://www.flameministries.org/bofire.htm

Oral Roberts
BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT


The baptism with the Holy Spirit refers to a gift we can receive after we have accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. The Bible says that Jesus Himself is the One who baptizes us with the Holy Spirit, as John the Baptist pointed out: “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he [Jesus] shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire.” (Matthew 3:11).

According to Acts 2:4, the initial evidence that you have received the baptism of the Holy Spirit is the ability to speak in tongues. The Holy Spirit wants to help you communicate with God through this new “heavenly language” of prayer and praise. Through the Holy Spirit’s help, you are able to talk to God out of the depths of your heart, saying to Him what you are unable to fully express through your natural language alone.

Like any other gift from God, we receive the baptism with the Holy Spirit by asking God for it and believing that we receive this gift from Him. The only requirement is that you must be saved, because the Holy Spirit will not fill an unbeliever. But if you are saved and you desire the baptism with the Holy Spirit, you can simply pray, asking God to fill you with His Spirit and to give you your prayer language. Ask for His help to release that prayer language. Then take a step of faith. Allow the Holy Spirit to fill your mouth, open your mouth, and speak.

It’s important to understand that your own will plays a vital role in speaking in tongues. God will never force anyone to do anything, including speaking in tongues. He is not going to do it for you. Yes, the Holy Spirit will form the words as you speak them, but it is still up to you to do the speaking. By a simple act of your will, you must open your mouth and let the sound come out.

Because your mind is not creating the words you are speaking, it will not understand them. (See I Corinthians 14:14). You may think you are making up words. But you are not. You are allowing the Holy Spirit to form the words you speak. And according to the Bible, you are speaking them directly to God: “For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries” (I Corinthians 14:2).

As you speak to God with your prayer language, God understands what you say even if you don’t. But you can also ask God to help you interpret the meaning of what you’ve said, so that you can then pray with your understanding also. (See I Corinthians 14:13–15). The interpretation of your prayer language is a matter of exercising your will, just as the releasing of it is. After you have spoken in your prayer language, ask God to give you the interpretation. Then open your mouth to speak words in your natural language. This is how you interpret for your own understanding what the Holy Spirit was speaking through you.

http://www.impactchristianbooks.com/Products.aspx?Cat=14



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The Nasrani Cross - The Cross of St. Thomas

1/24/2015

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Doubting Thomas 'The Incredulity of Saint Thomas' by Caravaggio
PictureNasrani Cross
This is a carry over from the blog post http://www.communionfire.com/communionfire-blog/the-power-message-resident-in-daily-communion

Nasrani Cross Christianity spread to India long before it reached many European countries. There are over billion people in India now and around 24 million of them are Christians; more than we find in nominally Christian countries such as Ireland (4 million).

(Today, there are a few Indian priests in Ireland, yet traditionally, Ireland has sent missionaries to India, even though they do not speak the local languages. The church moves in mysterious ways!)



The Nasrani Cross is also known as the Nasrani Menorah, the Syrian Cross, the St. Thomas Cross, the Mar Thoma Nasrani and a few other names. It is an ancient symbol, yet loaded with meaning that is still very relevant today.

The word 'Nasrani' stems from 'Nazareth', the family homeland of Jesus and the site of the Annunciation. The Nasrani Cross reflects doctrines of the St. Thomas Christians. (Not in any way affiliated with the Nazareth Cross project)

Thomas is known for his skepticism of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. He was a disciple, close follower and friend of Jesus. Yet his real commitment was perhaps just after Jesus was crucified.

The Bible relates (John 20:24-29) that after Jesus was crucified and laid in the tomb, he rose again and appeared to the Apostles, not as a ghost, but actually in the flesh. This was a true resurrection, but Thomas doubted it really was Jesus. He said:

"Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe."
Jesus later appeared again and said to Thomas:

"Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing."

Proof enough for Thomas, who replied humbly:
"My Lord and my God."

This episode must have been sufficient to invigorate Thomas to spend the rest of his days spreading the Gospel and carry abroad the parting words of Jesus:

"blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed."
Many Christians in India are Catholic (about 16 million) and crucifixes are popular. But for the Nasrani (about 3 million), their crosses are almost invariably empty, emphasizing the resurrection of Christ.

The Apostle Thomas is believed to have been the first to bring Christianity to India, in 52 AD, arriving in Kodungallur, Kerala, where he established Seven Churches. Thomas was a Jew by birth and spoke Aramaic, so his first converts in India were likely the Cochin Jews in southern India. As with many conversions, some of the old practices were mixed with the new, and we see evidence of this at the foot of the Nasrani Cross, where a Jewish Menorah is stylized as a Hindu or Buddhist lotus.

They also retained worship on the Sabbath rather than Sunday, kept Kashrutdietary laws ('kosher'), segregated men and women in places of worship, used Syriac and Aramaic in liturgies, and so on. Many of these practices continue today.

The 20 Rupee postage stamp (shown left) was released by Governor of Kerala and the head of Syro Malabar Church on 3 July 1973. The stamp shows "St. Thomas death 19th centenary 72-1972"; the year 72 AD being when Thomas was martyred.

He had had a long and fruitful preaching career on the Malabar Coast, converting both immigrant Jews and Hindus. Local Hindu priests became annoyed at the success of his preaching, as did the civic rulers, who feared this foreign religion would weaken their own power. This is a familiar scenario, repeated several times in the world's history, and the results were equally familiar. It is said that Brahmin killed Thomas by stoning and spearing with a trident, whilst he was praying on a hilltop near Madras.

"Doubting Doubting Thomas" Unsurprisingly, this accusation offends Hindus today, who earnestly dispute such an event happened. They point out that there is no concrete historical evidence that Thomas ever visited India, and the whole martyrdom thing was invented by the 16th century Portuguese invaders.

The introduction of the Latin Rite by the Portuguese missionaries further complicated the Hindu / Jewish / Syriac mix. Consider also Jainism, Buddhism, Islam, Sikhism, topped with a layer of the ancient Indian caste system, and further confused things with the social and political changes by the various dynasties and empires, the British, the War of Independence, Partition, WWII and wars with its Pakistani and Chinese neighbors (1947, 1962, 1965, 1971 & 1999) culminating in India becoming a nuclear state.

It is little wonder that long ago, the Buddhists quietly slipped out of India through the back door (to China).

And now knocking on the front door, in pairs, wearing smart suits, are the Jehovah's Witnesses who, interestingly, have increased their presence in India, in line with the rise of MLM and the nouveau riche.

But getting back to the doubts over Thomas; both Hindus and Christians agree on the importance of determining an accurate account of what happened in history, yet also agree that contemporary issues are more relevant. True Hindus and true Christians love God, according to their particular tradition and philosophy, and hold that life is sacred. Such love for God cannot be shown by forcing conversion and killing people.

There is no reward in finding fault or shaking anyone's faith. So we'll leave the history for others to argue about and get on with explaining what this Cross means to the Nasrani.

The Emblem SMCC IMOC The Nasrani emblem is used by the Syro Malabar Catholic Church (SMCC), the largest group of St. Thomas Christians. The same emblem appears within the logos of several other churches, including the Indian (Malankara) Orthodox Church (IMOC).

The Nasrani emblem features:
  • Dove
    At the top is a descending dove, representing the Holy Spirit of God, coming down to live in our hearts, enabling us to live a righteous and faithful life.

  • Buds
    Each of the four arms of the cross terminates in a rare form of trefoil. Suchbudded crosses often feature lilies, most species of which are native to the temperate northern hemisphere. But on the Nasrani Cross, the buds are of the pomegranate, a native plant of north India and common in central Asia.

    Whatever the plant may be, however, the symbolism of the buds is 'new life'; the resurrection of Jesus Christ and by extension, the new spiritual life we can all claim, because of Christ's sacrifice.

    The four main buds at the arm ends correspond to the four Evangelists. The eight curled leaves at the arm ends represent regeneration (see Baptismal Cross). These four-plus-eight extremities together correspond to the twelve Apostles of Jesus.

  • Menorah
    At the foot of the cross there appears to be something that may be viewed as a throne, or like the burning bush of the Presbyterian Cross. However, the most common interpretation for this part is a Menorah, a sort of candlestick and ancient symbol of the Hebrews. As with the Jewish menorah, there are branches for seven candles.

    There are three branches on either side of the cross with the central branch holding the cross. In the Jewish tradition, the central candle is the main one, from which the other six candles are lit. Many Nasrani subscribe to the theory that 'Nazareth' is derived from the Hebrew noun netser, which means 'branch', in the context of the Messianic prophecy in Isaiah 11:1. This begins:

    "And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:" (KJV)
    For the Indian Orthodox Church, the menorah is stylized as a lotus, an Eastern symbol of holiness, purity, spontaneous generation and divine birth. The lotus is India's national flower and also a common symbol of Buddhism and Hinduism, where an offering made on a lotus leaf is considered to be auspicious. The cross above the lotus represents Christianity established in the land of other religions.

  • Steps
    At the very bottom are the steps of Calvary, representing Faith, based upon Hope, based upon Love (1 Cor. 13:13)

  • Cross
    And finally, the cross itself. With the dove at the top and the steps at the bottom, the image is elongated. But you will notice that the four arms of the cross are roughly the same length (crux quadrata) like the Greek Cross. There is no particular meaning in this feature; the cross is simply stunted for aesthetic reasons. But there is profound symbolism in the cross.

    It was on this device that Jesus humbly sacrificed his life, to redeem us (that's you and me) of our sin. (See also the Meaning of the Cross.)

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Happy Epiphany! CommunionFire! Quiet Daily Intimate RevivalFire! 

1/6/2015

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"Thank you Lord for your diversity and for your light that burst in upon the earth after 400 years of darkness upon us all." When we are embraced by Jesus at His Table we are also embracing His Church (Universally and from the time of His Miraculous Birth) - His Body. We must look into Jesus eyes and see as He sees. He does not see a divided Body. He sees us as one in Him. He views His redeemed as His dwelling place individually and collectively. In 2015 we are going to cross over into Early Church history and look at contemporary signs and wonders that stem from and continue to affirm the Epiphany of Jesus in His first coming and floods our hearts with divine hope for His Second Coming. Please enjoy the following from the Orthodox Church in America. (Click the picture to link to their site.)

Volume II - Worship The Church Year EpiphanyThe sixth of January is the feast of the Epiphany. Originally it was the one Christian feast of the “shining forth” of God to the world in the human form of Jesus of Nazareth. It included the celebration of Christ’s birth, the adoration of the Wisemen, and all of the childhood events of Christ such as his circumcision and presentation to the temple as well as his baptism by John in the Jordan. There seems to be little doubt that this feast, like Easter and Pentecost, was understood as the fulfillment of a previous Jewish festival, in this case the Feast of Lights.

Epiphany means shining forth or manifestation. The feast is often called, as it is in the Orthodox service books, Theophany, which means the shining forth and manifestation of God. The emphasis in the present day celebration is on the appearance of Jesus as the human Messiah of Israel and the divine Son of God, One of the Holy Trinity with the Father and the Holy Spirit.

Thus, in the baptism by John in the Jordan, Jesus identifies himself with sinners as the “Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (Jn 1:29), the “Beloved” of the Father whose messianic task it is to redeem men from their sins (Lk 3:21, Mk 1:35). And he is revealed as well as One of the Divine Trinity, testified to by the voice of the Father, and by the Spirit in the form of a dove. This is the central epiphany glorified in the main hymns of the feast:

When Thou, O Lord, wast baptized in the Jordan the worship of the Trinity was made manifest! For the voice of the Father bare witness to Thee, calling Thee his Beloved Son. And the Spirit, in the form of a dove, confirmed the truthfulness of his Word. O Christ our God, who hast revealed Thyself and hast enlightened the world, glory to Thee (Troparion).

Today Thou hast appeared to the universe, and Thy Light, O Lord, has shone on us, who with understanding praise Thee: Thou hast come and revealed Thyself, O Light Unapproachable! (Kontakion).

The services of Epiphany are set up exactly as those of Christmas, although historically it was most certainly Christmas which was made to imitate Epiphany since it was established later. Once again the Royal Hours and the Liturgy of Saint Basil are celebrated together withVespers on the eve of the feast; and the Vigil is made up of Great Compline and Matins. The prophecies of Epiphany repeat the God is with Us from Isaiah and stress the foretelling of the Messiah as well as the coming of his forerunner, John the Baptist:

The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord, make his path straight. Every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill brought low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth; and all flesh shall see the salvation of God (Is 40:3-5; Lk 3:4-6).


Once more special psalms are sung to begin the Divine Liturgy of the feast, and the baptismal line of Galatians 3:27 replaces the song of the Thrice-Holy. The gospel readings of all the Epiphany services tell of the Lord’s baptism by John in the Jordan River. The epistle reading of the Divine Liturgy tells of the consequences of the Lord’s appearing which is the divine epiphany.

For the grace of God has appeared for the salvation of all men, training us to renounce irreligion and worldly passions, and to live sober, upright and godly lives in this world, awaiting our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all iniquity and to purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds (Titus 2:11-14).

The main feature of the feast of the Epiphany is the Great Blessing of Water. It is prescribed to follow both the Divine Liturgy of the eve of the feast and the Divine Liturgy of the day itself. Usually it is done just once in parish churches at the time when most people can be present. It begins with the singing of special hymns and the censing of the water which has been placed in the center of the church building. Surrounded by candles and flowers, this water stands for the beautiful world of God’s original creation and ultimate glorification by Christ in the Kingdom of God. Sometimes this service of blessing is done out of doors at a place where the water is flowing naturally.

The voice of the Lord cries over the waters, saying: Come all ye, receive the Spirit of wisdom, the Spirit of understanding, the Spirit of the fear of God, even Christ who is made manifest.

Today the nature of water is sanctified. Jordan is divided in two, and turns back the stream of its waters, beholding the Master being baptized.

As a man Thou didst come to that river, O Christ our King, and dost hasten O Good One, to receive the baptism of a servant at the hands of the Forerunner (John), because of our sins, O Lover of Man (Hymns of the Great Blessing of Waters).

Following are three readings from the Prophecy of Isaiah concerning the messianic age:

Let the thirsty wilderness be glad, let the desert rejoice, let it blossom as a rose, let it blossom abundantly, let everything rejoice… (Is 35: 1-10)

Go to that water, O you who thirst, and as many as have no money, let them eat and drink without price, both wine and fat… (Is 55:1-13)

With joy draw the water out of the wells of salvation. And in that day shall you say: Confess ye unto the Lord and call upon his Name; declare his glorious deeds… his Name is exalted… Hymn the Name of the Lord… Rejoice and exult… (Is 12:3.6).

After the epistle (1 Cor 1:10-14) and the gospel reading (Mk 1:9-11) the special great litany is chanted invoking the grace of the Holy Spirit upon the water and upon those who will partake of it. It ends with the great prayer of the cosmic glorification of God in which Christ is called upon to sanctify the water, and all men and all creation, by the manifestation of his saving and sanctifying divine presence by the indwelling of the Holy and Good and Life-creating Spirit.

As the troparion of the feast is sung, the celebrant immerses the Cross into the water three times and then proceeds to sprinkle the water in the four directions of the world. He then blesses the people and their homes with the sanctified water which stands for the salvation of all men and all creation which Christ has effected by his “epiphany” in the flesh for the life of the world.

Sometimes people think that the blessing of water and the practice of drinking it and sprinkling it over everyone and everything is a “paganism” which has falsely entered the Christian Church. We know, however, that this ritual was practiced by the People of God in the Old Testament, and that in the Christian Church it has a very special and important significance.

It is the faith of Christians that since the Son of God has taken human flesh and has been immersed in the streams of the Jordan, all matter is sanctified and made pure in him, purged of its death-dealing qualities inherited from the devil and the wickedness of men. In the Lord’s epiphany all creation becomes good again, indeed “very good,” the way that God himself made it and proclaimed it to be in the beginning when “the Spirit of God was moving over the face of the waters” (Gen 1:2) and when the “Breath of Life” was breathing in man and in everything that God made (Gen 1:30; 2:7).

The world and everything in it is indeed “very good” (Gen 1:31) and when it becomes polluted, corrupted and dead, God saves it once more by effecting the “new creation” in Christ, his divine Son and our Lord by the grace of the Holy Spirit (Gal 6:15). This is what is celebrated on Epiphany, particularly in the Great Blessing of Water. The consecration of the waters on this feast places the entire world—through its “prime element” of watering the perspective of the cosmic creation, sanctification, and glorification of the Kingdom of God in Christ arid the Spirit. It tells us that man and the world were indeed created and saved in order to be “filled with all the fullness of God” (Eph 3:19), the “fullness of him who fills all in all” (Eph 1:22). It tells us that Christ, in who in “the whole fulness of deity dwells bodily,” is and shall be truly “all, and in all” (Col 2:9, 3:11). It tells us as well that the “new heavens and the new earth” which God has promised through his prophets and apostles (Is 66:2; 2 Peter 3:13, Rev 21:1) are truly “with us” already now in the, mystery of Christ and his Church.

Thus, the sanctification and sprinkling of the Epiphany water is no pagan ritual. It is the expression of the most central fact of the Christian vision of man, his life and his world. It is the liturgical testimony that the vocation and destiny of creation is to be “filled with all the fullness of God” (Eph 3:19).

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