Download Oxymorons as paradoxes

“The Nabhi voice in Africa”
© Peter van Niekerk
Africa will prosper… !
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Through the power of the Spirit! …
Through the praying of God’s people! …
Through the preaching of God’s word! …
Through the praising of His name! …
Through the prophetic actions of the Church …
Welcome into the world of “The Nabhi voice in Africa”!
The unveiling and
unfolding of Africa
in prophecy and
her prophetic
destiny.
Nabhi = “Seer”
Take the earth’s 5-7 billion population and “shrink the kids” into a
village of 100 people. Here’s the resulting profile.
57 Asians
21 Europeans
14 North and South Americans
8 Africans
70% would be non-white
70% would be non-Christian
70% unable to read
50% would suffer malnutrition
80% would live in substandard housing
50% of the entire world wealth would be in the hands of 6 people. All six
would be U.S. citizens.
1% would have a college education.
Demographically Planet Blue's soil is ripe for the prophetic plant!
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“The Nabhi voice in Africa”
A. PROPHETIC PEOPLE WHO KNOW GOD WILL BE
HISTORY MAKERS NO MATTER WHAT THE
CLIMATE OF THE DAY IS!
Those that know their God will “Seize the day” in the
timeline in which we are now living!
© Peter van Niekerk
Please read the following scriptures expressing
“the inner life of God” and discuss what
characteristics are mentioned of those who
know this all powerful God!
Dn.11.33,Jerm.9.23-24,22.13-16,Amos 5.21-24,Mic.6.6-8
2.
Dn.11.33,Jerm.9.23-24,22.13-16,Amos 5.21-24,Mic.6.6-8
With the recent murder of Terre Blanche and the
recent hate speeches of Malema, shaking a sensitive
time in our history, what should the prophetic
churches response be?
The prophet Daniel tells us that in difficult
times...”Those that know their God will be strong and
do exploits”...Dn.11.33
1.
What was happening in Daniels day?...
The apostle Paul tells us that all of the OT was
written for our instruction. The time in which Daniel
wrote” Those that know their God will be strong and
do exploits” was a time where a maverick was ruling
by the name of Antiochus IV Epiphanes,
called by God through the mouth of the
prophet “a small horn” and a “despicable
person...
who
practices
deception...
devises schemes... will do as he pleases...
will speak monstrous things... will show no
regard for the gods of his fathers... will
magnify himself..”
This man Antiochus IV Epiphanes whose name
means" Manifest God" born c. 215 BC; died 164 BC
ruled the Seleucid Empire from 175 BC until his
death in 164 BC. He was a son of King Antiochus III
the Great and the brother of Seleucus IV Philopator.
His original name was Mithridates; he assumed the
name Antiochus after he assumed the throne.
He assumed divine epithets, which no other
Hellenistic king had done, such as Theos Epiphanes
"God Manifest" and after his defeat of Egypt,
Nikephoros "Bearer of Victory" But his often
eccentric behavior, capricious actions and even
insanity led some of his contemporaries to call him
Epimanes "The Mad One" a word play off of his title
Epiphanes Rabbinical sources refer to him as
harasha "the wicked".
It was during this mans time that Daniel says..
...”Those that know their God will be strong and
do exploits”
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There are many & varied ways people come to
know God as seen below...
Discuss: Is it possible that the HS can speak to you
through your emotions?..Read...Jerm.8.18-9.1
Did Lot have God speak to him through his emotions
as he contemplated the historical issues of the day?
Read & discuss..2.pet.2.4-8
3.
An unusual way for God to speak-oxymoron...
What is a oxymoron?
An oxymoron plural oxymorons, or sometimes the
Greek plural oxymora from Greek "sharp dull" is a figure
of speech that combines normally contradictory terms.
They appear in a variety of contexts, including
inadvertent errors such as extremely average, deliberate
puns like same difference, and literary oxymorons that
have been crafted to reveal a paradox.
Oxymoron’s of this kind include the following:
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Dark sunshine
Happy depression
Amazing dullness
Cold sun
Living Dead
Jumbo Shrimp
"The silence whistles"
Oxymorons, however, are not always simply a pair
of words side-by-side, but can also be devised in the
meaning of certain sentences or phrases. The poem
below serves as an example of various situational
oxymorons, in which every single line contains an
oxymoron:
One fine day in the middle of the night,
Two dead boys got up to fight,
Back to back they faced each other,
Drew their swords and shot each other,
One was blind and the other couldn't see,
So they chose a dummy for a referee.
A blind man went to see fair play,
A dumb man went to shout "hooray!"
© Copyright – Peter Van Niekerk
2 / 12
“The Nabhi voice in Africa”
A paralysed donkey passing by,
Kicked the blind man in the eye,
Knocked him through a nine inch wall,
Into a dry ditch and drowned them all,
A deaf policeman heard the noise,
And came to arrest the two dead boys,
If you don't believe this story’s true,
Ask the blind man; he saw it too!
In some cases an inadvertent oxymoron ends up being
widely adopted as the name for some concept, in which
case it may cease to be recognized as an oxymoron.
Cases where this has occurred include bittersweet,
virtual reality, constant variable, and living dead.
A great many oxymorons have been popularized in
vernacular speech. Unlike literary oxymorons, many of
these are not intended to construct a paradox; they are
simply puns. Examples include controlled chaos, open
secret, organized mess, jumbo shrimp, alone in a crowd
and accidentally on purpose.
© Peter van Niekerk
 Prayer and answer to prayer builds faith and
increases knowledge of God
 Preached messages…
 Prophecy….
 Holy Spirit encounters /prophets /Jesus /Paul
etc
 Faith obedience leads to knowledge. There is
circular feedback relationship between
knowledge and scripture. Each enriches the
other. Déjà vu (Deut 28:1f,Mal 4:10, Jn 7:17, Eph 3:17
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Oxymorons as paradoxes
Often a writer will use an oxymoron in order to
deliberately call attention to a contradiction.

Irregular Pattern
Deafening silence
Forward retreat
Friendly Fire
Jumbo Shrimp
Peaceful War
Quiet Riot
Serious Joke
Silent Scream
Sweet sorrow
The practise of virtue /“put on’s” / to walk
humbly…
Meditation on / in The heavenly logos…ABCDE.
certain texts..
Signs, wonders, miracles, healing, deliverances
The
charismata…Wimber
notes..sensory
deprivation..
Visions and dreams (M. Kelsey)
Praise/worship… Ps 50.23… I will show the
salvation of God. Music has lead people to the
knowledge of God.
Nature – eyes remade for wonder (Ps 19, Rom
1:18f)
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Some paradoxical oxymorons that become clichés:
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19, 2Tim 2:25f, 1Jn 3:16, see “The blessings and the
power of obedience”)
Sowing and reaping (pv 11:23,Isa 58, Jn 7:17)
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Providence…Logic i.e. laws of gravity…mystery.
.. reflections on how God has guided in the
past..(Gn.50.20)..
The study of man as a symbol of God. (Ps 8)
The fulfilment of prophecies / biblical (See J. Mc
Dowell) /personal
Angels imparting revelation…
Various books…
C.D…DVD..
7 Types of knowledge...
Look at the following truths & discuss if one of the
ways the HS may be speaking to you is through your
emotions?
In the light of the above, could God be speaking to
you when is appears as if He is saying nothing?
1.Cor.6.17,2.pet 1.4
Is there such a thing as Inspired abandonment?..(Ps
22:1)
Does this mean that Gods Spirit & emotions can be
experienced by us?
How do you come to further knowledge of
God?...below are some thoughts to ponder on..
Is it possible that God was glorified by David
Livingstone experience in Malawi..?
 Inspired abandonment … (Ps 22:1)
 Sin – grace abounds / Adam / Isaiah / David (Ps
“Despite the crushing losses of his fourth child, Elizabeth,
and his wife, Mary, to diseases in the field, and many
debilitating illnesses, attacks by wild animals and Muslim
slave raiders, criticism from home, and the physical strain of
hacking his way through dense tropical jungles and walking
from coast to coast across Africa, Livingstone persevered:
‘These privations, I beg you to observe, are not sacrifices. I
think that word ought never to be mentioned in reference to
anything we can do for Him Who, though He was rich, yet for
our sakes became poor.”
51)
 Physical and spiritual needs push us to seek
God and He comes as Saviour / Healer /
Comforter
 Testimony of other people /biblical examples
/saints and Saint Maker
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© Copyright – Peter Van Niekerk
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“The Nabhi voice in Africa”
B. PROPHETIC PEOPLE WILL EVALUATE THE
INNER ANATOMY OF THE SYSTEMS AND VARIES
STRUCTURES OF THE DAY..
1.
An Inner structure in various systems..
 Nemo-born into a system..
 Varies cultures - people born into a
systems..
 Gender – male / female..
..the kiss that changed Malawi...
An inner structure within a city...Sodom..
An inner structure within cultures..
An inner structure within a nation...SA/Africa..
An inner structure within the bible..
An inner structure within the HS...
An inner structure within the Trinity..
An inner structure within Jesus..
An inner structure within individual/family/church/kingdom
An inner structure within Satan..
An inner structure within a religion..
2. What is the value system/structure of the nation,
culture, religion in which you are functioning?
 Nemo-born into the system...
** Islam & woman’s place…Birka & vit.D…Pelvic bones
breaking..
** Judaism… system/structure
** Buddhism… system/structure
**Christianity…Denominations..
system/structure…Protestant; Catholic; E.Orthodox..
** 50 States in USA….
 ‘The Elite Force’….Rio…1997..Popes visitwanted to stay on border of poor area..
2.1 The choice “Between the two”… A woman’s
Identity-the macro system / structure..
 Dalits are victims of the class structure and
system in India, they see themselves through
the eyes of a system that relegates them to
cleaning toilets..
Today women are victims of the system/structure
into which they are born, i.e. Whites, African, Indian,
Korean etc.
Prophetic dialogue/workshop has to do with
unmasking the system under which we have become
victims. This unmasking by discussing their effect in our
lives helps to empower the victims to see the “idol” or
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© Peter van Niekerk
“tradition” or “cultures” that are ungodly,& that they
should not have any sway over their lives, once they
have been exposed..
Discuss: Discuss some of the idolatrous systems that of
governing your/our lives today..
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The “Elite Squad” in Brazil.. Rules for the
game of chess…
What system/ structure are you unconsciously living
your life under its power? Each system has its own
internal structures.
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The prison “system”..
The education “system”..
The political “system”..
The gender “system”..
The social “system”..
The race “system”..
The class “system”..
The claste “system”..
Prophets are the voice for those who are the victims
of the various systems…

There is an invisible culture war taking place in
America& the world between the traditionalists
who believe in biblical truth and the
progressives& militant atheists…
Eph.6.10-17..10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His
might. 11Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand
firm against the schemes of the devil. 12For our struggle is not
against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the
powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the
spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13Therefore,
take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the
evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14Stand firm
therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and
HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS,
15and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE
GOSPEL OF PEACE; 16in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith
with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of (the
evil one. 17And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of
the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Discuss: What forms of idolatry is there in the social
systems today?
 Truth unmasking
Samaritan women..
system..
Jesus
&
For their rejection from all participation in the
rebuilding of the Temple, the Samaritans never
forgave the Jews (Ezk 4:3-4, Neh 2:20) and for their
attempted hindrance of that work the Jews bore the
Samaritans no less of grudge. The breach became
irrevocable when a rival priesthood and temple was set
up on Gerizim. About 200 B.C., during the week rule of
the high Priest Onias 11 ( B.C. 198), the Samaritans, being
then in a flourishing condition, are accused of having
© Copyright – Peter Van Niekerk
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“The Nabhi voice in Africa”
harassed the Jews and carried away captives to serve as
slaves. (Ant XII. Iv 1) At a later period we find the Jews
excluding the Samaritans, as also Christians and
pagans, from Capernaum and Nazareth.
Jews were greatly opposed to the Samaritans and
their interactive bears this out. Note the following
quote and examples:
 “Let no man eat the bread of a Samaritan: for he
that eateth their bread is as be that eateth
Swine’s flesh.”
 In the matter of gifts and offerings brought to the
Temple, the Samaritan was put on the same
footing as slaves and the heathen!
 If a Samaritan were witness to a bill of divorce,
that in itself made the document invalid!
The Samaritans from their part had an intense dislike of
Jerusalem and the bitterness of their hate culminates in
their play upon its name “perfectly accursed”. Even at
present the relationship between the 2 races is no
closer than in the past!
2.2 How Jesus dealt with the Samaritans.
Please read Jn 4:4-42
1. What an amazing incident! The Jewish- Samaritan
quarrel was more than 480 years old and Jesus
breaks the barrier! He looks beyond the historic feud
and with the Power of the Spirit in one event he confronts
racial prejudice, sexual prejudice, and stereotyping. Here
is Pure Spirit loving other races without racial prejudice!
Not only that, every time Jesus meets a Samaritan, (the
text explicitly stipulates it is a Samaritan, and the good
that dwells within them) Jesus highly recommends them.
Here is Melchezedek in action!
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The good Samaritan (Lk 10:25-37)
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When the 10 lepers were healed it was only the
Samaritan who came back and thanked Jesus
(Lk 17:11-19)
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On one occasion Jesus himself was mistaken
for being a Samaritan! A synonym for the devil!
(Jn 8: 48)
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The specific H.S. empowerment was to reach
the Samaritans and then to give them power to
serve God and His purposes.( Act 1:8, 8:25, 9:31,
15:3)
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© Peter van Niekerk
On the occasion when Jesus is mistaken for a
Samaritan, it is a synonym for the devil! (Jhn 8:48) The
lawyer asking Jesus a question evades even using the
despised name of “A Samaritan”. (Lk 10:37). No self
respecting Jew would dare allow the very name to cross
their lips! No mere man effected by racism would dare
recommend Samaritans. Not only does Jesus do this, but
he goes further. Jesus contrasts a Priest and a Levite
with a Samaritan and them tells them to do what a
Samaritan does! In fact Jesus is in the country of the
Jews in a place notorious for danger- “The Ascent of
Blood” as it was called. In danger from the Jewish people
in danger of robbers- yet Jesus speaks up for a
Samaritan! Jesus knew that identification on the
basis of common oppression was on expression of
deep love that went beyond the racial prejudices of
the day. Those who want to side with love and justice
will favour the oppressed. The prophetic people of
God, like the prophets of old, empowered by the
same Spirit, thunder against injustice!
Amos 2:6… “Thus says the LORD,“ For three transgressions of Israel
and for four I will not revoke its punishment, Because they sell the
righteous for money And the needy for a pair of sandals.”
3. The incarnational dimension of redeeming the
system- The “creative minorities”.
Rom.12.1-3..1Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God,
to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God,
which is your spiritual service of worship. 2And do not be conformed
to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind,
so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good
and acceptable and perfect.
3.1 “People” can challenge & change the various
systems..
People can make a difference in the way an office,
factory or nation is run. Almost every major reform can
be traced back to a single person or a small group of
people who were outraged by the wrong.
 Rosa Parks.. On December 1, 1955 in
Montgomery, Alabama, Parks, age 42,
refused to obey bus driver James Blake's
order that she give up her seat to make room
for a white passenger.
 Helen Adams Keller (June 27, 1880 – June 1,
1968) was an American author, political
activist and lecturer. She was the first deaf
blind person to earn a Bachelor of Arts
degree
 Gorbachev. Glasnost and perestroika.. The
concepts of ‘openness’ and ‘restructuring’
Mikhail GORBACHEV became Soviet leader in 1985Glasnost introduced by Mikhail Gorbachev in the
second half of 1980s-Perestroika is the Russian term
© Copyright – Peter Van Niekerk
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“The Nabhi voice in Africa”
(now used in English) for the political and economic
reforms introduced in June 1987
# Vaclov Havel (stood against communism in
Czechoslovakia)
# Luther..
# Mandela..
# Joan of Arc..
# Deborah…
# Aung San Suu Kyi is one of the world's most renowned
freedom fighters and advocates of nonviolence. Her
struggles are for her home country of Burma and
Burma's struggles for democracy while suffering under a
strict and brutal military regime.
# William Wilberforce (24 August 1759 – 29 July 1833)
was a British politician, a philanthropist and a leader of
the movement to abolish the slave trade. A native of
Kingston upon Hull, Yorkshire, he began his political
career in 1780 and became the independent Member of
Parliament for Yorkshire (1784–1812). In 1785, he
underwent a conversion experience and became an
evangelical Christian, resulting in major changes to his
lifestyle and a lifelong concern for reform. In 1787, he
came into contact with Thomas Clarkson and a group of
anti-slave-trade activists, including Granville Sharp,
Hannah More and Lord Middleton. They persuaded
Wilberforce to take on the cause of abolition, and he
soon became one of the leading English abolitionists. He
headed the parliamentary campaign against the British
slave trade for twenty-six years until the passage of the
Slave Trade Act 1807.
 Tank Man…
Various people throughout the world have had the
courage to unmask systems/ structures to whom
they become victims…
Socrates; Jesus; John and Babylon; Martin Luther King;
Gandhi; Tutu; Beyers Naude; K.Khulman…
The Holy Spirit helps us unmask the system, remove
ourselves from the system and help others into freedom.
3.2 Believers and immunity from the system..
Jn 16:33… “In the system you have tribulation, but take courage, I
have overcome the system.”
1 Cor 6:2… “Saints judge the system.”
1 Jn 4:4… “Greater is he who is in you, than he who is the
system.”
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1 Jn 5:4… “Whatever is born of God overcomes the system and
this is the victory that has overcome the system – our faith.”
Nike.. Have a H.S. workshop & pray for those in need of
help..
 Righteousness & justice..
Q.. To what do you give ultimate authority in your
own spiritual world?
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Pope?../opinions/USA better..
Ascension gift ministries – 5 fold?
Experience/education/environment..
KJ and culture..
Totems in Zimbabwe…-“thought?”
Are you a victim or a master of the system /
structure?
C. PROPHETIC PRESENCE AND OVERFLOW – OPEN
HEAVENS GO WITH BELIEVERS (see “Principle of Axis”)
Your very Presence is a blessing within the structure
wherein you work or have influence!
Rom 10:17…”So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word
of Christ.”
Please feed your spirit on the following texts to raise
your faith level to where God ordained it to be:
Pr 11:11… “By the blessing of the upright (prophetic presence) a
city is exalted (one person can affect economics of the city), but
by the mouth of the wicked it is torn down.
Mt 5:14… ““You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot
be hidden;
You, the believer, are a vital ingredient and key to the
prosperity and economics of the nation, city or
company where you work and its financial success.
Not only that, the city is blessed because of your
prophetic presence and through you the city’s
economic climate will become prosperous!
# When Israel was obedient to God’s Word
everybody, including the stranger who was within the
gates benefited from their increase in external blessings.
The world is blessed because of the church.
# During the days of Noah God extended the time to
repent by an extra century giving unbelievers an
opportunity to repent.
# Sodom’s judgment would have been averted had
there been at least 10 righteous people.
# The Pharaoh of Joseph’s day was made wealthy
because he believed and obeyed Joseph’s instructions.
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“The Nabhi voice in Africa”
Egypt got wealthy because of a believer’s presence and
eventually that wealth became Israel’s as well.
Gn 41:40… “You shall be over my house, and according to your
command all my people shall do homage; only in the throne I will be
greater than you.”
Gn 41:42-43… “Then Pharaoh took off his signet ring from his
hand and put it on Joseph’s hand, and clothed him in garments
of fine linen and put the gold necklace around his neck. He had him
ride in his second chariot; and they proclaimed before him, “Bow the
knee!” And he set him over all the land of Egypt.”
Gn 47:6… “The land of Egypt is at your disposal; settle your
father and your brothers in the best of the land, let them live in the
land of Goshen; and if you know any capable men among them, then
put them in charge of my livestock.”
Ex 12:35-36… “Now the sons of Israel had done according to the
word of Moses, for they had requested from the Egyptians articles
of silver and articles of gold, and clothing; and the Lord had given
the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they let them
have their request. Thus they plundered the Egyptians.”
# Even when Israel was wandering in the wilderness
Canaan was growing richer and richer. The
Canaanites were building houses and planting vineyards
– for the benefit of Israel. Even the wealth of the wicked
is laid up for the righteous! Deut 6:1-11
Deut 19:1… “When the Lord your God cuts off the nations, whose
land the Lord your God gives you, and you dispossess them and
settle in their cities and in their houses,”
Josh 24:13… “I gave you a land on which you had not labored,
and cities which you had not built, and you have lived in them; you
are eating of vineyards and olive groves which you did not plant.’
Pr 13:22… “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s
children, and the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the
righteous.”
Pr 28:8 KJV…” He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his
substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.”
Discuss: Do you think the building of those huge soccer
stadiums is God preparing the world for a end time holy
revival and harvest?
# Moses sees a time coming when the believer will
be the head and not the tail. When nations will come to
the church / believer for economic assistance and
empowerment!
Deut 28:1-2…”Now it shall be, if you diligently obey the LORD your
God, being careful to do all His commandments which I command you
today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations
of the earth (promotion over nations because of obedience). 2
“All these blessings will come upon you (prosperity now) and
overtake you (obedience creates your future’s prosperity!) if you
obey the LORD your God:”
Deut 28:9-14…”“The LORD will establish you as a holy people to
Himself, as He swore to you, if you keep the commandments of the
LORD your God and walk in His ways. 10 “So all the peoples of the
earth will see that you are called by the name of the LORD, and
they will be afraid of you. 11 “The LORD will make you abound in
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prosperity, in the offspring of your body and in the offspring of your
beast and in the produce of your ground, in the land which the LORD
swore to your fathers to give you. 12 “The LORD will open for you His
good storehouse, the heavens, to give rain to your land in its season
and to bless all the work of your hand; and you shall lend to many
nations, but you shall not borrow. 13 “The LORD will make you the
head and not the tail, and you only will be above, and you will not
be underneath (promotion and success guaranteed), if you listen
to the commandments of the LORD your God, which I charge you
today, to observe them carefully, 14 and do not turn aside from any of
the words which I command you today, to the right or to the left, to go
after other gods to serve them.”
# The great prophets of Israel prophetically see a
period in history coming when the world will come to
the church / believer for wisdom, economic
empowerment and blessing!
Isa 2:1-4…”The word which Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning
Judah and Jerusalem. 2 Now it will come about that In the last
days (our period in history) The mountain of the house of the LORD
Will be established as the chief of the mountains, And will be
raised above the hills; And all the nations will stream to it. 3 And
many peoples will come and say, “Come, let us go up to the
mountain of the LORD, To the house of the God of Jacob; That He
may teach us concerning His ways And that we may walk in His
paths.” (believers will teach business principles, art, etc.) For the
law will go forth from Zion And the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.
4 And He will judge between the nations, And will render decisions for
many peoples; And they will hammer their swords into plowshares
and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not lift up sword
against nation, And never again will they learn war.”
Amos 9:13…”“Behold, days are coming,” declares the Lord,
“When the plowman will overtake the reaper And the treader of
grapes him who sows seed; When the mountains will drip sweet
wine And all the hills will be dissolved.”
# King Nebuchadnezzar and the nation of Babylon
were blessed because of the prophet Daniel and his
companions’ superior presence and wisdom. Here we
see God promotes his people over those of the world’s
system. Da 1:3-5 etc
# The prophetic presence and wisdom of the
believer act as light, salt and leaven in the workplace
and society.
Mt 5:13-16…”“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has
become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer
good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by
men. 14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be
hidden; 15 nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but
on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16
“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see
your good works (as people watch you in the work place they will
glorify God on your behalf), and glorify your Father who is in
heaven.”
Mt 13:33…”He spoke another parable to them, “The kingdom of
heaven is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three pecks of
flour until it was all leavened.” (penetration of believers in all
areas of society)
1 Cor 5:6…”Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole
lump of dough?”
Gal 5:9…’ A little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough.
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# Even the crumbs of wisdom that fall from the
believer’s table bring healing to the unbelievers and
society.
Mt 15:21-27…”Jesus went away from there, and withdrew into the
district of Tyre and Sidon (the abode of unbelievers). 22 And a
Canaanite woman from that region came out and began to cry out,
saying, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is
cruelly demon-possessed.” 23 But He did not answer her a word. And
His disciples came and implored Him, saying, “Send her away,
because she keeps shouting at us.” 24 But He answered and said, “I
was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” 25 But she
came and began to bow down before Him, saying, “Lord, help me!” 26
And He answered and said, “It is not good to take the children’s bread
and throw it to the dogs.” 27 But she said, “Yes, Lord; but even the
dogs feed on the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.”
(people will draw from the smallest advice we give them).
# The church, because of its prophetic presence and
wisdom, acts as a restraint of the evil that is in the
world. When the believer is removed total chaos will
ensue.
2 Thess 2:7-9…”For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work;
only he who now restrains will do so until he is taken out of the
way. 8 Then that lawless one will be revealed (when believer is
removed lawlessness will break out) whom the Lord will slay with
the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the appearance of His
coming; 9 that is, the one whose coming is in accord with the activity
of Satan, with all power and signs and false wonders,”
Discuss: In what way are you a restraint of evil in your
workplace and society?
1.
The Spirit dimension of history – the church and
the kingdom of God
The secular historian knows nothing of this history
This is a history which is written largely in secret, but it is
that which holds it all together. It is the hidden history of
God which gives inner meaning to secular history and
changes demonic interferences. The history of any
civilization, nation, city, family or individual can be viewed
from any one, or from all 3 of these dimensions: secular,
satanic or spiritual. Both secular history and satanic
history is poised and affected by spiritual history. Take
some time to think deeply on the following texts:
Mt 24:14…” “This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the
whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will
come.” (consummation of world history in mouth of the church)
Mt 28:18-20…” And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All
authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 “Go
therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the
name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them
to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always,
even to the end of the age.”
Heb 11:3 AMP…” By faith we understand that the worlds [during the
successive ages] were framed (fashioned, put in order, and equipped
for their intended purpose) by the word of God (rhema), so that what
we see was not made out of things which are visible.”
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2 Pet 3:12…” looking for and hastening the coming of the day of
God, because of which the heavens will be destroyed by burning, and
the elements will melt with intense heat!”
Rev 11:15…” Then the seventh angel sounded; and there were loud
voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdom of the world has become
the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ; and He will reign
forever and ever.”
Rev 18:20…” “Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you saints and
apostles and prophets, because God has pronounced your
judgment for you against her.”
Rev 19:7…” “Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, for
the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made
herself ready.”
The consummation of secular history and satanic
history is subservient to spiritual history! Spiritual
history is rooted in God and his purposes and will
finally triumph!
The great apostle and prophet John gives us the inner
meaning of history as it is unveiled to him in the
apocalypse.
Rev 5:1-14…” I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a
book written inside and on the back, sealed up with seven seals.
2 And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is
worthy to open the book and to break its seals?” 3 And no one in
heaven or on the earth or under the earth was able to open the
book or to look into it. 4 Then I began to weep greatly because no
one was found worthy to open the book or to look into it; 5 and one
of the elders *said to me, “Stop weeping; behold, the Lion that is from
the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome so as to open
the book and its seven seals.” 6 And I saw between the throne (with
the four living creatures) and the elders a Lamb standing, as if slain,
having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of
God, sent out into all the earth. 7 And He came and took the book
out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne. 8 When He
had taken the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four
elders fell down before the Lamb, each one holding a harp and golden
bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. 9 And they
*sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are You to take the book and to
break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your
blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation. 10
“You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God; and
they will reign upon the earth.” 11 Then I looked, and I heard the voice
of many angels around the throne and the living creatures and the
elders; and the number of them was myriads of myriads, and
thousands of thousands, 12 saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the
Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and
might and honor and glory and blessing.” 13 And every created thing
which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and on the
sea, and all things in them, I heard saying, “To Him who sits on the
throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and
dominion forever and ever.” 14 And the four living creatures kept
saying, “Amen.” And the elders fell down and worshiped.”
Here John sees a book, written on the inside and the
outside. An opistograph An optimal book. It is sealed. No
one can understand it – it is wrapped in mystery and
secrecy. Only one person can open and explain it. The
Lamb slain. Jesus is the key to history. History has a
spiritual axis. It comes from him and will return to Him. It
speaks of the prayers of the saints. It speaks of people
from every tribe and tongue worshipping the Lamb. The
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ethnos – God’s eternal and hidden purpose unfolded and
embodied in time. It speaks of a Kingdom, of kings and
priests. In a nutshell: spiritual people are the key to
history under the Lordship of the Lamb!
G.E. Ladd… “Why do nations rise and fall? Is there any
purpose? The ultimate purpose of Egypt, Assyrians,
Chaldeans and other nations… is God has a plan – and he is
working out his plan in history (see Isa 14:24,27, Eph 1:10-11,
4:13, Rv 19:7-10, 2 Pet 3:12). God set up rulers for this and
brought them down. When Christ accomplished his
redemptive work – the divine purpose in history moves
from Israel, who rejected the Gospel, to the church. It is in
the present mission of the church as it carries out the
good news of the Kingdom of God into all the world – that
the redemptive purpose of God is being worked out. God
has entrusted to us the responsibility of carrying out the divine
purpose in history… this means that for the ultimate meaning
of modern civilisation and the destiny of human history, you
and I are more important than the UN. The meaning and
destiny of history rests in my hands.”
Billheimer… “To most of us, the stuff of history is the part
played by the great empires of the past… men like Pharaoh,
Nebuchadnezzar, Alexander the Great, Pilate, Caesar, seem
to be the authentic makers of history… their followers
considered themselves to be the architects of fate and the
moulders of destiny… But… before history itself (Col 1:17)
Jesus is the point of history.
… The entire universe in its totality is co-operating with God in
his purpose to select and train his church (Rom 8:28). As “Lord
of history” God is controlling all of its events – not only on earth
but in all realms, to serve his purpose of bringing to maturity –
not angels – or archangels – but the church, his chosen bride.
… If one wants to know the meaning and purpose of
history, he must look at the end and final outcome… the
final and ultimate outcome and goal of events from
eternity to eternity is the spotless bride of Christ. (Eph
5:25, Rv 19:7).
… Thus the church, and only the church is the key to and
explanation of history… history is only the handmaiden of
the church and the men of the world are but puppets manifest
by God for the purposes of his church. (Acts 17:26).”
Milton S. Terry (p574 Biblical Hermeneutics)… “The
prophecies of Daniel exhibit the increasing light of divine
revelation which came when Israel, by exile, was brought in
contact with great heathen world-powers. Daniel sees a throne
higher than the kings of Babylon or of Persia. In him prophecy
has a new development, it breaks away from the bonds of
Jewish thought, and sets before us the grand onward march of
the world’s history, and the Christian church as the centre and
end of all history.”
E. Sauer… (Eternity, p97)… “Nations and civilisations come
and go. Kingdoms and cultures are like the roaring sea (Isa
17:12f). As the creator of the course of history and the
governor of heaven and earth he controls the universal
process… He testifies of Himself through the mouth of his
prophets… The bible is the record of this… the bible is the
key to world events.”
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2.
History is shaped by the intercessors, the
worshippers, the lovers, speakers& livers of
truth!
Rev 5:8…” When He had taken the book, the four living creatures
and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each one
holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the
prayers of the saints.”
Rev 8:1-5…” When the Lamb broke the seventh seal, there was
silence in heaven for about half an hour. 2 And I saw the seven
angels who stand before God, and seven trumpets were given to
them. 3 Another angel (8th angel) came and stood at the altar,
holding a golden censer; and much incense was given to him, so that
he might add it to the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar
which was before the throne. 4 And the smoke of the incense, with
the prayers of the saints, went up before God out of the angel’s
hand. 5 Then the angel took the censer and filled it with the fire of the
altar, and threw it to the earth; and there followed peals of thunder
and sounds and flashes of lightning and an earthquake.”
In the above passages we see that intercession is
what shapes spiritual history, which in turn affects
the secular and satanic realms.
Intercession takes place and heaven falls silent. A
half hour passes. Angels cease their singing so that the
prayers of the saints on earth can be heard. This
happened in the days of Daniel, in the days of John and
in our day. Decisions and intercession on earth are
affecting the heavenly sphere. The 7 angels of destiny
stand at the ready. They can do nothing until an 8th angel
steps forward. This 8th angel gathers the prayers from
Planet Blue, prayers for justice (Lk 18:1-8), prayers for
vindication (Rev 6:9-11), prayers for God’s will to be done
(Mt 6:10) and his Kingdom to come on earth as in heaven,
prayers for Trinitarian unity (Jn 17:21-23) on earth as in
heaven, prayers for Africa to be saved (Ps 68:31), prayers
for judgment on those who appear the poor (Mal 3:4-5, Jam
5:1-6). The 8th angel walks across to the altar and silently
mingles the prayers with the incense upon the altar. He
picks up the censer and throws it to the planet!
What happens next is amazing!
God rains his judgments down upon the earth and both
satanic history and secular history are affected by the
worship and intercession of the believers! History is
being affected. New opportunities open up. The
unexpected becomes suddenly possible – history is the
handmaiden of praise and prayer! In Daniel’s day, Cyrus
the secular leader is suddenly seized upon by some
strange and unknown power and changes the history of
Israel giving them release and finances to return home!
(Ezra 1:1-8). Spiritual history is the key to world history.
History is managed and directed from the altar of
incense!
Discuss: If the above is true – and it is – what should the
attitude of people be when they come to celebration
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“The Nabhi voice in Africa”
meetings and we gather to bring corporate prayer and
praise?
Discuss: What does it mean that God will burn up
people on the edges of the camp who offer strange fire?
Lev 10:1-2…” Now Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took their
respective firepans, and after putting fire in them, placed incense on it
and offered strange fire before the LORD, which He had not
commanded them. 2 And fire came out from the presence of the
LORD and consumed them, and they died before the LORD.”
Lev 9:11…” The flesh and the skin, however, he burned with fire
outside the camp.”
3.
History on a macro scale.
What a tremendous responsibility and privilege we
have in having a role to play in macro history. History
on a grand scale. This is a higher form of seeing. The
Egyptians believed they were the great history makers.
The gigantism of the pyramids and sphinxes were their
monuments of power and influence. These stone images
were monuments to their changelessness. Stone would
perpetuate the living form for the eternal life served by
the pyramids. The Bible hardly mentions these
monuments but points out in passing that one of the so
called Pharaohs was raised up for God to simply show
his power through (Ex 9:16). Today there is no longer an
Egyptian dynasty.
Today it is the awesome task of the church to be the
history makers. Today we – empowered by the Holy
Spirit and directed by his word – are the architects of the
future. Awesome! It’s time to “pleromize” and then the
end shall come!
a)
Satanic forces to be under our feet:
© Peter van Niekerk
every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of
reward; [3] How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation;
which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed
unto us by them that heard him; [4] God also bearing them witness,
both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the
Holy Ghost, according to his own will? [5] For unto the angels hath he
not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak. [6] But
one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art
mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him? [7] Thou
madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with
glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands: [8]
Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he
put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under
him. But now we see not yet all things put under him.”
b)
We are to occupy “until” he comes:
Lk 19:13… “And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten
pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.”
Mt 13:30…”Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of
harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and
bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my
barn.”
Acts 3:18-21…”But those things, which God before had shewed by
the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so
fulfilled. Repent therefore and return, that your sins may be wiped
away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of
the Lord; and that He may send Jesus, the Christ appointed for you,
whom heaven must receive until the period of restoration of all things
about which God spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from
ancient time”
Eph 4:13… “Until we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the
knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure
of the stature of the fullness of Christ:”
1 Tim 6:13… “I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth
all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate
witnessed a good confession.” That you keep the commandments
until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ”
Josh 1:3… “Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon,
that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses.”
Heb 3:6, 14… “But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house
are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope
firm unto the end… For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold
the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end.”
Ps 8:6… “Thou madest (church) him to have dominion over the
works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet.”
Heb 10:13… “From henceforth expecting until his enemies be made
his footstool. “
Ps 110:1… “The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand,
until I make thine enemies thy footstool.”
1 Cor 15:25… “For he must reign, until he hath put all enemies under
his feet. “
Eph 1:20-23… “Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from
the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,
[21] Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion,
and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that
which is to come: [22] And hath put all things under his feet, and
gave him to be the head over all things to the church, [23] Which is his
body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.”
The consummation of world history is in the hands of the
church!
Rom 16:20… “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your
feet “.
Heb 1:13-2:8… “But to which of the angels said he at any times, Sit
on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? [14] Are
they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall
be heirs of salvation? Therefore we ought to give the more earnest
heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let
them slip. [2] For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and
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c)
All authority is given to the church.
Mt 16:18-19… “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and
upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not
prevail against it. [19] And I will give unto thee the keys of the
kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall
be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall
be loosed in heaven. “
Mt 28:18-20… “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All
power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. [19] Go ye therefore,
and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and
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of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: [20] Teaching them to observe all
things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you
always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
d)
It is only when the Great Commission is
accomplished that the end of the age will come.
Mt 28:19-20… “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing
them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
Ghost: [20] Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have
commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end
of the world. Amen. “
Matthew 24:14… “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in
all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end
come. “
e)
The 2nd coming of Jesus is contingent upon the
fulfilment of all the Scriptures.
Acts 3:20-21… “And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was
preached unto you: [21] Whom the heaven must retain until the times
of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of
all his holy prophets since the world began. “ (all scriptures to be
fulfilled)
4.
Paul the apostle and prophet declares that God
had a plan from all eternity to have a church that
would express God’s manifold wisdom and His
predestinating it beforehand guarantees
success!
Have you ever observed a video of a game of soccer
that has already been played being watched by
people who are unaware of the final outcome?
Believers already know the score of history. Heads –
we win! Tails – we win!
Rev 11:15…”Then the seventh angel sounded; and there were loud
voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdom of the world has become
the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ; and He will reign
forever and ever.”
Predestination, however, does not remove our free
will. We make His will our will and He then makes our
will His will. Divine and human synergy together will bring
about His big picture. When you know success is
inevitable – it empowers you to make it inevitable!
5.
© Peter van Niekerk
Is 62:1-2, 6-7…” For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, And for
Jerusalem’s sake I will not keep quiet, Until her righteousness goes
forth like brightness, And her salvation like a torch that is burning. The
nations will see your righteousness, And all kings your glory; And you
will be called by a new name Which the mouth of the Lord will
designate. On your walls, O Jerusalem, I have appointed
watchmen; All day and all night they will never keep silent. You
who remind the Lord, take no rest for yourselves; And give Him
no rest until He establishes And makes Jerusalem a praise in the
earth.” (became a holy pest in the ear of God!)
Is 63:5…” “I looked, and there was no one to help, And I was
astonished and there was no one to uphold; So My own arm
brought salvation to Me, And My wrath upheld Me.”
# Jeremiah knew we must pray!
Jer 5:1…” “Roam to and fro through the streets of Jerusalem, And
look now and take note. And seek in her open squares, If you can
find a man, If there is one who does justice, who seeks truth, Then I
will pardon her.”
# Ezekiel knew we must pray!
Ezk 22:29-30…” “The people of the land have practiced oppression
and committed robbery, and they have wronged the poor and needy
and have oppressed the sojourner without justice. “I searched for a
man among them who would build up the wall and stand in the
gap before Me for the land, so that I would not destroy it; but I
found no one.”
# Jesus knew we must pray!
Mt 9:9-10…” “Pray, then, in this way: ‘Our Father who is in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, On
earth as it is in heaven.”
Mt 9:37-38…” Then He *said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful,
but the workers are few. “Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to
send out workers into His harvest.”
Discuss: What is the inner anatomy within the structure
where you work? What influence are you having in
redeeming the negative aspects within that system?
The church – pinnacle of axis in world history
and consummation
Mtt 24:14; 28:19-20;Acts 1:8; 3:18-20; Heb 11:3; 10:13; 2 Pet 3:12;
Rev 11:15, 18:20, 19:7
“Nike” Don’t just sit there! Pray for the Kingdom to
come!
# Isaiah knew we must pray!
Is 59:16…” And He saw that there was no man, and was
astonished that there was no one to intercede; Then His own arm
brought salvation to Him, And His righteousness upheld Him.”
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