ANOTHER COFFEE BREAK: SPIRITUAL GENETICS

Another Coffee Break:

Spiritual Genetics

July 24, 2015

Greetings, salutations, blessings, etc.!  Good Morning!  Ready for the day?  OK.  So grab your coffee, folks.  Yeah, I know.  Gotta finish letting it steep so it has the right taste, and all of that.  I’ll wait.  Ready?

Remember the “…according to its kind..” statements that recur throughout the account of Creation in the book of Genesis?  That’s the law of Genetics.  You don’t put two people together and get something different, you get another person.  And it requires male and female – not male and male or female and female.

To quote a hilarious brother in the Lord, Jesse Duplantis, “God didn’t create Adam and Steve, He created Adam and Eve.”  He didn’t create Eve and Esther, He created Adam and Eve.  You know what I’m saying, right?

I appeared several years ago during a 700 Club segment with a geneticist whose name (I’m sorry to say) I’ve forgotten.  He was the author of several books on genetics, and a scientific researcher with some history under his belt.  What I remember the most about the discussion was his statement that “no respectable geneticist tolerates the theory of evolution.  The laws of genetics clearly refute evolution.”

But we’re not here today to discuss those laws of genetics.  I want to talk about an entirely different aspect.  This is an aspect that affects every single one of us today. 

Let me illustrate.

Warren “Bones” Bonesteel and I were discussing some time ago our respective family histories.  In fact, he posted on his website some of the research he had done on his own family lineage.  We got into some of the family characteristics that have been passed down.

I've shared some of this in time past but for example, for something like a thousand years of the documented and recorded history of the Capener family, we have had ministers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and musicians in every single generation.  I can go back, for example to 1523, when my umptieth great-grandfather, John Capener, was one of the first (if not the first) vicar of St. George’s Cathedral in Brockworth, England.  For something like 400 consecutive years, I’m told that a Capener served in a pastoral capacity in that church. 

My great-great-great grandfather, Daniel Capener, was a vicar there, as well as being Chief Musician to the English court.  His son, also named John Capener, was both a minister of the Gospel, a musician, songwriter, served as a musician in the court of Queen Victoria, and married one of her ladies-in-waiting.  He shortly thereafter left England with his brother, William, and moved to the United States, where he pastored a Presbyterian church.  He ultimately moved to Wisconsin (after another pastoral stint in Cleveland) where he began farming, and opened up a violin shop.  One of my cousins in Michigan still has one of the violins that he made.

One of John’s sons, Alfred (my great-grandfather), ministered in a Congregational church.  His son, Howard, ministered in a Methodist church.  His son, Alvin (my father) built and pastored numerous churches for the Assemblies of God throughout Alaska, along with a church in Ilwaco, Washington (and I've shared some of those stories with you in past Coffee Breaks).  I’ve been in the ministry for most of my life.

You get the picture, don’t you?  Both natural and spiritual genetics are in play in our family.  Although I can’t prove it yet with any documented evidence, family tradition suggests that our family descended from Jewish Christians who fled the Roman persecution in the first or second century, along with a fair number of other Jewish Christians, and settled in the region of France we know as Normandy.  My first English ancestor left Normandy to help William the Conqueror in his conquest of the British Isles.

What we do know is that for as many years of documented family history we have on hand, there has been a love of the Lord Jesus Christ.  That is spiritual.  There is a blessing – an aspect of spiritual DNA – that has passed on down with each successive generation.

In the natural, the fact that each successive generation has been musical – and as far back as I can look, we can see musicians of great skill and repute, songwriters, composers and instrument makers – is a part of our family’s natural genetics.  Although I was never much at the violin, I have cousins whose talents and skills equal the best violinists I’ve ever heard in my life.  I play lots of instruments, but my forte is the classical or flamenco guitar.  My younger brother, Howard, is likewise a versatile and brilliant musician.  Those musical skills are trained and practiced, to be sure, but there is a genesis in our DNA that made it all possible.  Were it not for the blessing of the Lord, and the laws of genetics that have provided gifted abilities, you wouldn’t see those skills.

Consider, for a moment, the blessing that gets passed on down from generation to generation: a blessing that comes with that spiritual DNA.  I don’t want to take the space here to reprint all of Deuteronomy 28:1-14, but the essence of it is this: if you take heed to the Lord, obey Him, love Him, and follow His commands, you will be blessed in the city, blessed in the field, blessed in your comings and goings.  You will see your enemies defeated before you.  God will command blessing upon you, upon your warehouses and surpluses, and in all your labors.  The Lord will establish you as a holy people to Himself.  And so on, and so on, and so on, for a thousand generations.

Those blessings continue on in your generations because of the obedience of your forebears.  You become the recipient of blessings that you didn’t earn or do anything to deserve because of the obedience of your ancestors to the Lord.

We have seen it in our family, in generation after generation.  The promise of the Lord to “establish you as a holy people to Himself” can easily be seen in the successive generations of our family who have been so blessed.  Where did it all start?  I have no idea at this point, but a thousand generations – if you calculate 20 years to a generation – equals 20,000 years.  I can track maybe 30 – 40 generations of our family; and it is obvious that the blessing of the Lord existed well beyond that period.

It is spiritual DNA.  It is spiritual genetics.  The laws of genetics demand that each successive generation reproduces after itself.  If the beginning is blessing and prosperity, each successive generation is blessing and prosperity.  If the beginning is love and honor for the Lord Jesus Christ, each successive generation holds that same love and honor for Him.

That’s not to take away from individual responsibility in each generation.  We all have free choice.  We can break the chain of blessing for ourselves by disobedience.  By the same token, we can break a chain of curses for ourselves and our successive generations through the power and authority of Jesus Christ that comes into our lives and alters our DNA.

Take a quick look at Deuteronomy 28:15-68.  It is an outline of the curses that come upon each successive generation through disobedience to God, through hatred and disdain of the Lord Jesus Christ, through the worship of other gods.  The list of curses is more than three times longer than the list of blessings.

Those curses are equally a part of a person’s DNA – both natural and spiritual.  Your labors are cursed, your storehouses are cursed, your fields are cursed, the fruit of your body is cursed, your mind is cursed, you become subject to every disease imaginable, you are liable to become the servant or slave of others, working for a pittance, never prospering financially, etc., etc., etc.

Here’s the catch with the curses, however.  Those born into a cursed lineage can sever the curses; and -- under the Law of Moses -- with one exception, the curses never last for more than four generations.  The exception is for bastards: children born out of wedlock.  That curse was extended to the tenth generation.

Again, however, it is a curse that can be broken.  When it comes to the laws of Spiritual Genetics, there is one overriding law that supersedes all others: “Love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy mind, and with all thy soul.”  Do that, and you have the authority available to break every curse inherited from previous generations – not only for yourself, but also for your children, your children’s children, and each successive generation thereafter.  You have the authority and the empowerment to seize the blessings of God for yourself and each successive generation.

Consider even the fact that before Jesus came with the New Covenant (a Covenant that fulfills, surpasses and exceeds that of the Old Covenant with the Law of Moses), generational curses were easily broken.  Ezekiel takes this up in his prophecy.

Ezekiel 18:19-23:  Yet say ye, Why? doth not the son bear the iniquity of the father?  When the son hath done that which is lawful and right, and hath kept all my statutes, and hath done them, he shall surely live. The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.

But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die.  All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him: in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live.  Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD: and not that he should return from his ways, and live?

Thus the laws of Spiritual Genetics apply both under the Law of Moses, AND in the New Covenant we have in Christ Jesus.  Let me address, for a moment, an aspect of genetics that relates back to what I have shared in previous Coffee Breaks: Words!

When I speak, what comes forth from my mouth has creative power.  I have the power within my lips to set events in motion, both creatively and destructively.  I can speak blessing to my children – and I most certainly do, DAILY – and create within them the desire to progress in their relationship with the Lord.  I can bless them, and create within them the ability to prosper, to be in health, and to take authority over all of the obstacles they come up against.  (I remind you of last week's story about our son, Joshua, and the lessons he's been learning concerning his speech.)

If I’m careful in the way I speak, I can set in their DNA the future of their children, their children’s children, and their children for each successive generation.

Here’s the opposite site of this quarter.

If I condemn my children for their mistakes, belittle them for their poor judgment, criticize the effort they put forth academically, spiritually, materially and in every other way, I still set in their DNA the future of their children, their children’s children, etc. 

Understand?  These are the laws of genetics.  These are the laws of spiritual genesis.  They are immutable.  They are unchangeable.

Speak blessing, you get blessing.  Speak curses, you get curses.  Speak life, you get life.  Speak health, you get health.  Speak wholeness, you get wholeness.  Speak discouragement, you get quitters.  Speak doubt, you get unbelief.  Speak criticism and belittlement, you destroy the soul.

One of the things I’ve discovered in the many years I’ve walked with the Lord is this: most folks who suffer from various diseases, chronic diseases, poverty or just continuous financial problems in general, do so because the words out of their mouths bring these things upon them.  That, too, is genetic.

Lest you think I’ve totally lost it, let me explain.  When it comes to genetics, there is always cause and effect.  When it comes to the words of your mouth, it is generally genetic.  When it comes to finances, health, etc., there are always the causes, and the effect.

How many times have you heard someone say, “Well, my grandfather was a diabetic, my father is diabetic, so I reckon I’m going to have diabetes.”  It’s nuts!  People speak curses to themselves because they believe that natural genetics plays a more important role in their health than spiritual genetics.  Thus, they perpetuate the genesis of sicknesses and diseases in their lives by natural and spiritual genetics.  They create for themselves the conditions that bring about those diseases by speaking them into existence.

There are many laws concerning finances, of course, but so many folks plan on poverty and financial problems.  Despite the fact that there are spiritual laws that pertain to our finances that we can all implement, people don’t take advantage of them.  They say to themselves, “I just can’t get a handle on my finances.  I just can’t seem to get ahead.  I’m always broke.  Guess I’m doomed!”

There are lessons to be learned where basic financial principles are concerned, to be sure, but there is absolutely no reason for any Christian to live in poverty or to live on the bleeding edge financially when the blessings of God have been promised to His people.

Della and I have learned through practical application what the apostle Paul meant when he said, “I have learned both how to be abased, and I know how to abound.”  When we resigned our positions in Alaska before leaving for Post Falls, Idaho (I was the Chief Engineer for the FOX television station in Anchorage, and Della was both the manager of Zale's’ largest jewelry store in the state, as well as being the assistant regional manager) we had been earning well in excess of $100,000 per year.  Trouble was, we were struggling financially to make ends meet.  The Lord began to teach us some fundamentals that absolutely reversed course for us.

For the next five years, we lived on a guaranteed income of $200 per month while we traveled and ministered throughout the northwest and Canada.  We lived better than we had ever lived.  We were able to get totally out of debt, purchase a Cadillac (it was used but had less than 40,000 miles on it) for cash, and began to clean up old debts filed in bankruptcy when I lost a business.  One of the major contributing factors to our turnaround was that we changed the way we spoke.  We stopped talking about how broke we were.  We stopped talking about always being in debt.  We started confessing what God’s word said about being blessed, prospering and being in health.

What we speak, how we speak, and what we believe when we speak literally sets in motion some of the most creative power in the universe.  We were created in the image of God.  Part of that creation includes His power to speak things into existence.

Once again, quoting from Proverbs 18:21, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue…..”  There is a spiritual genesis to the words we speak.  It’s time we understand the laws of genetics and begin to apply them with that understanding and wisdom in our lives.

Wheww..!!  Didn’t mean to get quite so lengthy today, but maybe this will give you something to chew on and profit by in the weeks and months to come.  Enjoy the rest of your coffee break.  See you next week.

I remind those of you in need of ministry that our Healing Prayer Call takes place on Mondays at 7:00 PM Eastern (4:00 PM Pacific).  Once again, the number to call for healing is (805) 399-1000.  Then enter the access code: 124763#.

At the same time, in case you are missing out on real fellowship in an environment of Ekklesia, our Sunday worship gatherings are available by conference call – usually at about 10:45AM Pacific.  That conference number is (559) 726-1300, and the access code is 308640#.  We hope to make these gatherings available by Skype or Talk Fusion before long.

Blessings on you!

Regner

Regner A. Capener
CAPENER MINISTRIES

RIVER WORSHIP CENTER
Sunnyside, Washington 98944

Email Contact: Admin@RiverWorshipCenter.org

All Coffee Break articles are copyright by Regner A. Capener, but authorization for reprinting, reposting, copying or re-use, in whole or in part, is granted –provided proper attribution and this notice are included intact. Older Coffee Break archives are available at http://www.RegnersMorningCoffee.com. Coffee Break articles are normally published weekly.

If you would like to have these articles arrive each morning in your email, please send a blank email to: Subscribe@AnotherCoffeeBreak.com.To remove yourself from the mailing list, please send a blank email to Unsubscribe@AnotherCoffeeBreak.com.

CAPENER MINISTRIES is a tax-exempt church ministry. Should you desire to participate and covenant with us as partners in this ministry, please contact us at either of the above email or physical addresses, or visit: http://www.RiverWorshipCenter.org.

ANOTHER COFFEE BREAK: SUPERNATURAL MATURITY, Part 18

Another Coffee Break:

Supernatural Maturity, Part 18

July 17, 2015

Let me share a quick but funny story before we begin.  Some weeks back I shared with you the changes that have been taking place in our son, Joshua.  The overcoming of temper outbursts and anger has been an ongoing struggle.  A couple weeks or so ago, he became angry with his kids over some relatively insignificant issue and blew up at them.  The scared reaction on their faces brought him to reality with a start and he dropped to his knees.

He said to the children, "Kids, Daddy has a problem with a wicked spirit, and that wicked spirit wants me to throw temper fits and be angry when there is no need." 

Turning to Jasmine (she turns 7 in August) and Elijah (who just turned 6), he said, "Will you lay hands on me and command that evil spirit to get out of me?"

Very promptly, Jasmine and Elijah jumped to their feet, went over and laid hands on their dad's head and Jasmine said (with Elijah echoing), "You bad spirit, you come out of our daddy right now in Jesus' name and leave him alone.  You get out of here!"  (Incidentally, all four of Josh & Michelle's kids are bold in their prayers!)

In that moment, the kitchen cabinet doors flew open with a bang, and pots and pans came flying out, scattering on the kitchen floor.  It was startling, but amusing, to say the least, and it was a visible demonstration for all of them of the authority we have over the Enemy.  Even children, who act in faith, believing that the Word of God has authority to work through them, work signs and wonders!  We were really blessed when Josh called and shared what took place.  And the resulting changes in him are showing!  Praise God!

Some weeks (months?) back, Kim Potter asked me if I could do an expanded translation of Psalm 51:12.  It kind of got lost in the shuffle, but when I began to read it in Hebrew this past week, I was struck at just how much that cry of David’s heart actually plays into this particular study and area of sharing.

In order to see this in its proper context, understand that David was crying out in repentance to the Lord for his sin of adultery.  He prefaces this by saying the following.

Take a look:

Psalm 51:11:   Cast me not away from thy presence, and take not thy Holy Spirit from me.

Now he says,

Psalm 51:12:  Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free Spirit.

The phrases used in this statement in Hebrew really clarifies what David was asking for.

Take me back to the beginning when your light generated that same transforming and creative light which transformed me with your character, bringing liberty, deliverance and prosperity; sustain and lift me back up with your magnanimous and princely Spirit.  (Psalm 51:12, RAC Translation & Amplification)

That takes us back to something David had written earlier, most likely when he was on the run for his life from Saul.

Psalm 27:1:  The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

The phraseology used in the first part of this verse is nearly identical to that of Psalm 51:12, and close to that of Psalm 34.  The light of His presence eliminates fear and terror.  It brings peace and joy.  It prepares the way for intimate communication in the realm of the Spirit — a kind of two-way transference back and forth that needs no words, rather inputting and imparting His Word into our being!

We’ve kind of run down some rabbit trails, and I want to get back to Isaiah’s prophecy.

That prophecy could not have been any more applicable today.  If ever there was a time when spiritual darkness and incredible ignorance of God’s plan and destiny was more in evidence, in all my research of past history, I cannot think of a time when “substitute Christs” (antichrists) more manifested their ignorance of the Lord Jesus Christ.

That said, let’s review Isaiah’s prophecy.

Isaiah 60:1-7:  Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.  For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.

And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.  Lift up thine eyes round about, and see: all they gather themselves together, they come to thee: thy sons shall come from far, and thy daughters shall be nursed at thy side.

Then thou shalt see, and flow together, and thine heart shall fear, and be enlarged; because the abundance of the sea shall be converted unto thee, the forces of the Gentiles shall come unto thee.

The multitude of camels shall cover thee, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; all they from Sheba shall come: they shall bring gold and incense; and they shall show forth the praises of the LORD.

All the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered together unto thee, the rams of Nebaioth shall minister unto thee: they shall come up with acceptance on mine altar, and I will glorify the house of my glory.

This is going to get a bit windy, but let’s take this step-by-step and amplify this prophecy out of the Hebrew.

Stand up!  Accomplish, confirm and decree the dawn, the break of day — that moment when light overwhelms the darkness!  That light has been introduced to the world and reached maturity in you and the splendor, the weight, the glory and honor of the Lord now irradiates you!

See and consider the misery, the destruction, the sorrow, the wickedness, the ignorance and death that will cover the earth, and the impenetrable gloom the people: but God Himself will manifest on you irradiating and exposing His light, His life, His character and makeup; and His splendor, His weight, His glory and His honor will be visible and discerned as inhabiting you.

That will cause the masses, the heathen, the nations of the world to be drawn and come, desiring to be conversant with that brightness, that revelation of the Lord that is in and upon you; and kings, royalty, heads of state and leaders of every kind will come, desiring to receive the light of the revelation now coming forth from you.

[Forget the past!  Stop focusing on what was, and what you have seen in the past!]  Pay attention now to what is taking place around you.  See?  They are all gathering around and assembling before you!  They are coming to you!  Do you see them?  Your sons, your grandsons, your great-grandsons — all those whom you have nourished in the past — are coming from remote and distant places; your daughters, granddaughters and great-granddaughters are returning to receive the impartation of faith and trust [so there will be a permanence of that revelatory character they see in you.]  Isaiah 60:1-4, RAC Translation & Amplification)

When that takes place, you will see and be utterly astounded at the overflow of joy that will flood all of you; your heart, your soul, your understanding will be awestricken, and your mental restrictions — (your religious boxes) — will be broken; [the scope of your understanding will be greatly enlarged] because the masses and wealth of many peoples will suddenly turn to your favor (those who have opposed you will be overturned, and the attitudes of those who’ve doubted who you really are (and your integrity in God) will utterly change as they are converted; the wealth, the power, and the efficient might of the nations will turn to you, resorting to you as their strength.

Companies of laborers with their burden-bearers will cover [your needs]; the young, burdened with contention and gloom will come; they of the Covenant will bring you their gold and their sweet-smelling incense; all of these will come together, publicly giving thanks and singing the praises and adoration of the Lord.

All those flocks who have been in darkness and gloom will gather and assemble around you; [at the same time] those who are strong and abound with fruit will attend to your needs, ministering to every aspect of your life: with joy and pleasure will they come to offer sacrifices (of praise), and I will embellish, vaunt and beautify the family — MY family — whom I shall honor with majesty.  (Isaiah 60:5-7, RAC Translation and Amplification)

If ever there was a picture of “You are the Light of the World”, Isaiah prophesies it in no uncertain terms!

This is NOT a suggestion!  This is NOT a kind of passive, “You really need to do this.”

Isaiah’s prophecy begins with a command:  Stand up!  Accomplish!  Confirm!  Decree the light!  Decree the revelation (of the Lord)!

Thus, Jesus caps His instruction with, [As representatives of the New Jerusalem] you are like that City which is elevated on a high hill or mountain and cannot be hidden from view.  (You have been made and destined to be visible to this world.) (Matthew 5:14, RAC Translation and Amplification)

And He continues His command and mandate to us:

Let that light (My light) which is in you, therefore, radiate brilliantly in front of all men and women so that the value of your relationship with and in Me — manifested in the works, the signs and wonders — is demonstrated.  That, in turn, will cause Father in Heaven to receive glory and honor and praise!  (Matthew 5:16, RAC Translation and Amplification)

We’re not here for ourselves.  Jesus didn’t come as THE Light of the World, and then say to us, “You are now that same light that is in me to the world” — just because He wanted us to be cheered up or feel good.

Go back to Creation for a minute.  Consider our original purpose:

Genesis 1:26-28:  And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.   So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.   And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.

We were created to have dominion over the earth — literally over every living thing (other than mankind) upon the face of the earth.

We were created in the image and likeness of the Lord God Himself.  Once again, I remind you that it was Jesus Who spoke the fateful words of Creation.  It was He who created us in the first place.

Hebrews 1:1-3:  God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,  Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;  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;

Revelation 4:10-11:  The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying,  Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

We were created for Him!

We were created to become His family.

We were created to be the very extension of His persona, His character, His makeup, His personality — His onoma !

We were created to bring pleasure and delight to the Lord Jesus Christ.  We accomplish that by permitting Him to work all that He needs to work in our character, our nature, our makeup, our personalities such that we become sensitive to His very heartbeat.  That heartbeat contains all the revelation necessary to transform not only us, but the world around us.

Let’s get down to brass tacks: the light of the world is the revelation of Jesus Christ.

The light of the world is the revelation Who He is, what He did for us, and what His destiny is for the human race — or more specifically, what His destiny is for those who become One in and with Him!

The light of the world is the revelation of Creation.  It is the revelation of the divine purpose manifested when Father, Son and Holy Spirit joined in total agreement and said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.

The light of the world is the revelation of WHO WE ARE IN CHRIST, and WHO HE IS IN US!

I remind those of you in need of ministry that our Healing Prayer Call takes place on Mondays at 7:00 PM Eastern (4:00 PM Pacific).  Once again, the number to call for healing is (805) 399-1000.  Then enter the access code: 124763#.

At the same time, in case you are missing out on real fellowship in an environment of Ekklesia, our Sunday worship gatherings are available by conference call – usually at about 10:45AM Pacific.  That conference number is (559) 726-1300, and the access code is 308640#.  We hope to make these gatherings available by Skype or Talk Fusion before long.

Blessings on you!

Regner

Regner A. Capener
CAPENER MINISTRIES

RIVER WORSHIP CENTER
Sunnyside, Washington 98944

Email Contact: Admin@RiverWorshipCenter.org

All Coffee Break articles are copyright by Regner A. Capener, but authorization for reprinting, reposting, copying or re-use, in whole or in part, is granted –provided proper attribution and this notice are included intact. Older Coffee Break archives are available at http://www.RegnersMorningCoffee.com. Coffee Break articles are normally published weekly.

If you would like to have these articles arrive each morning in your email, please send a blank email to: Subscribe@AnotherCoffeeBreak.com.To remove yourself from the mailing list, please send a blank email to Unsubscribe@AnotherCoffeeBreak.com.

CAPENER MINISTRIES is a tax-exempt church ministry. Should you desire to participate and covenant with us as partners in this ministry, please contact us at either of the above email or physical addresses, or visit: http://www.RiverWorshipCenter.org.

ANOTHER COFFEE BREAK: SUPERNATURAL MATURITY, Part 17

Another Coffee Break:

Supernatural Maturity, Part 17

July 10, 2015

We may run long today as we attempt to wrap up this series, so let's see what kind of progress we can make in today's sharing.

Here again is the amplified and re-translated portion of this passage from Matthew 5:14-16:

[When I said, “Light be,” that was the light that brought this world into being.  I AM that light.]  (Because you are in me, and I AM in you, you are — likewise — the light of this world.  That is a light one cannot hide.

[As representatives of the New Jerusalem] you are like that City which is elevated on a high hill or mountain and cannot be hidden from view.  (You have been made and destined to be visible to this world.)  (Matthew 5:14, RAC Translation & Amplification)

No one lights a candle, and then hides it under some kind of covering or utensil.  Rather, they put the candle on some kind of lampstand or decorative piece in order to elevate it so as to give light to the whole room.

Let that light (My light) which is in you, therefore, radiate brilliantly in front of all men and women so that the value of your relationship with and in Me — manifested in the works, the signs and wonders — is demonstrated.  That, in turn, will cause Father in Heaven to receive glory and honor and praise!  (Matthew 5:15-16, RAC Translation and Amplification)

“I must work the works of Him that sent me, while it is day.”

In other words, “I have to do those things that Father sent me to do while the time of revelation is still available to those whose spirits and mind are open to see and understand the revelation.”  (John 9:4, RAC Translation & Amplification)

Then He follows it by saying this:

“A time is coming when My Spirit will no longer be here and available to bring revelation and understanding to those who are spiritually blind; and when that takes place no one will be able to share truths in such a way that those outside My Kingdom will be able to receive and respond.

“As long as I am present in the world (whether in person or in my onoma) — by and with My Spirit moving through you — the light and life and revelation of all that I am continues to be available.”  (John 9:4-5, RAC Translation & Amplification)

Take another look at what we’ve just heard and seen Jesus say:

We looked at this verse in the first part of this discussion on salt and light, and here it is again:

Psalm 115:16:  The Heaven, even the heavens, are the Lord’s: but the earth hath He given to the children of men.

Now, let’s put that in the context of Isaiah’s prophecy — and this is what Jesus was getting at:

Isaiah 60:1-6:  Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.  For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.

And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.  Lift up thine eyes round about, and see: all they gather themselves together, they come to thee: thy sons shall come from far, and thy daughters shall be nursed at thy side.

Then thou shalt see, and flow together, and thine heart shall fear, and be enlarged; because the abundance of the sea shall be converted unto thee, the forces of the Gentiles shall come unto thee.

The multitude of camels shall cover thee, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; all they from Sheba shall come: they shall bring gold and incense; and they shall show forth the praises of the LORD.

This prophecy deserves some serious amplification, and we’ll have to expand on that a bit later, but here’s the picture.

We are IN CHRIST!  He is IN US!  If Jesus is the Light of the World, then so are we!  And that places a signal responsibility upon each of us.

Isaiah’s prophecy spells it out when he says that our sons and daughters will come from afar, that we will be able to see and be literally awestricken because of the abundance of people who will be converted as a result of our light shining.  The metaphors that Isaiah uses are spectacular when he speaks of the forces of the Gentiles (nations), the multitude of camels, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah, along with all those from Sheba bringing gold and incense as they display the praises of the Lord.

THAT, folks, is a description of our commission as the “Light of the World.”

There’s a whole lot in those metaphors, and we’ll get to them as we continue this discussion.  We haven’t even started yet with the part where Jesus talks about not putting a candle under a bushel, but rather using a candlestick (the Greek text uses a word — luchnia — to describe a portable or moveable lampstand or source of light.)  There’s another metaphor for you.  We’ll get there as we move forward with this study.

I know you're looking at me cross-eyed, wondering where this is going, but bear with me. 

I want to come back to Isaiah’s prophecy regarding the Glory of the Lord being revealed, but first we need to take a look at a command that occurs four times in the New Testament.

John 12: 35-36:  Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.  While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them.

Before we continue on, let’s make sure that we are all on the same page with regard to what Jesus is making reference to.

When He refers to us as “the children of light” He uses the word huios — fully matured, grown into that place of understanding and obedience to what Father says, and what Father does.  But there’s more than that to it.

We’re not just commanded to be huios, we are commanded to be the huios of light — and that’s where the rubber meets the road.  The “light” to which He makes reference is the revelation of Who He is.  It is the revelation of ALL that is encompassed in the nature, the character, the personality of the Lord Jesus Christ.

With that revelation comes the revelation of the power and authority that reside in our tongue.  Let’s not forget that when Jesus spoke, and the Word came forth from His tongue, Light Be!, all Creation came into being!

When Jesus speaks, light comes forth.  When Jesus speaks, demons flee.  When Jesus speaks, restoration takes place.  When Jesus speaks, healing takes place.  When Jesus speaks, storms obey.  When Jesus speaks, death vanishes and life returns!

David understood what happens when Jesus speaks:

Psalm 119:130:  The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.

The word, understanding, in David’s statement comes from the Hebrew, biyn, which means in part: perception, discernment, revelation, skill, cunning.

You’re getting the picture, I’m sure.

The word, simple, in that same statement draws a picture from the Hebrew of one who is devoid of understanding, one who lacks wisdom, one who is unlearned, one who can be deceived, one who is gullible and can be seduced.

Thus, the entrance (the Hebrew word is pethach, which means: disclosure, an opening) of the Word changes the nature of an individual from one who is foolish, lacks any wisdom, and is subject to deception.  It transforms the once-ignorant, non-understanding individual into one who sees and understands the revelation by the Spirit of God.

Writing to the Ekklesia in Thessalonica, Paul speaks of the coming of the Day of the Lord.  He makes it clear that those who are not “the children of light” will not see that day coming, that they will listen to the messages of “peace and safety” and be ignorant of the destruction that will take them totally off guard.

Again, the phrase “the children of light” speaks to the huios of light — the fully mature, fully perceiving sons who see and hear by the Spirit of God, and have the necessary revelation to deal with things that the world can neither understand nor cope with.

Writing to the Ekklesia in Ephesus, Paul takes a slightly different approach when he refers to us as “the children of light.”

Ephesians 5:6-10:  Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.  Be not ye therefore partakers with them.  For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:  (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)  Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.

Let’s amplify this out of the Greek to make it even clearer.

Let no one cheat you or hoodwink you with empty, non-productive words, destitute of faith and visible demonstration of truth: it is because of this kind of charlatanism that God’s abhorrence and passionate indignation are visited upon those whose unbelief has reached full maturation.  Accordingly, have no fellowship with them, nor be a co-participant in their efforts and communications.

In time past, you suffered from the darkness of ignorance, [lacking revelation by and through the Spirit of Truth] but have since become enlightened, radiating the light (of the Lord Jesus Christ):  Walk, therefore, as sons continually in the process of receiving more and greater revelation [by the Spirit of Truth].

For the visible demonstration and manifestation of Holy Spirit is in the uprightness of your walk and speech, along with your integrity, the way you think, and the manner in which you hold to the truth; testing, examining and proving (in the midst of the crucible) in a practical dimension, that which pleases the very heart of the Lord Jesus Christ.  (Ephesians 5:6-10, RAC Translation & Amplification)

Paul’s clarification of the manifestation of the light of the Lord shining forth from us gives us a clue as to how that light begins to increase.  David understood this principle and stated it as clearly as anyone could possibly put it.

Psalm 119:105:  Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

Psalm 119:130:  The entrance of Thy Word giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.

Psalm 43:3:  O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles.

Are you seeing the picture?  It can’t be any clearer.  It is the entrance — the open door, the gateway into our spirit and soul — of revelation (by and through Holy Spirit) of the Word, the rhema, that generates His light, His character, His nature, His makeup within us.  It is the transforming nature of His Word that changes us.

It lights us up!

That brings us back to the creative authority and power that is part and parcel of Jesus’ nature and makeup.  We’ve already talked about this, but let’s not forget that when Jesus spoke the Word, “Light BE!,“ all of creation came into being.

Job had the revelation and expressed it like this:

Job 22:28:  Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways.

And still there is more to go in this discussion.  I thought maybe I could wrap this up today, but there's just too much to share, so let's leave it here for today and come back to it next week.

I remind those of you in need of ministry that our Healing Prayer Call takes place on Mondays at 7:00 PM Eastern (4:00 PM Pacific).  Once again, the number to call for healing is (805) 399-1000.  Then enter the access code: 124763#.

At the same time, in case you are missing out on real fellowship in an environment of Ekklesia,  our Sunday worship gatherings are available by conference call – usually at about 10:45AM Pacific.  That conference number is (559) 726-1300, and the access code is 308640#.  We hope to make these gatherings available by Skype or Talk Fusion before long.

Blessings on you!

Regner

Regner A. Capener
CAPENER MINISTRIES

RIVER WORSHIP CENTER
Sunnyside, Washington 98944

Email Contact: Admin@RiverWorshipCenter.org

All Coffee Break articles are copyright by Regner A. Capener, but authorization for reprinting, reposting, copying or re-use, in whole or in part, is granted –provided proper attribution and this notice are included intact. Older Coffee Break archives are available at http://www.RegnersMorningCoffee.com. Coffee Break articles are normally published weekly.

If you would like to have these articles arrive each morning in your email, please send a blank email to: Subscribe@AnotherCoffeeBreak.com.To remove yourself from the mailing list, please send a blank email to Unsubscribe@AnotherCoffeeBreak.com.

CAPENER MINISTRIES is a tax-exempt church ministry. Should you desire to participate and covenant with us as partners in this ministry, please contact us at either of the above email or physical addresses, or visit: http://www.RiverWorshipCenter.org.