--Witnessing For God
[23:41] *** WtDove changes topic to 'Bible Study--Passing The Mantle Of Authority '
[23:42] lets pray
[23:42] Father we bow in your presence [23:42] and we thank you that we can come in this way again [23:42] thank you that we can study your word once again [23:43] lord we ask your blessing upon this study [23:43] anoint CRONUS afresh with your spirit [23:43] give us open ears and hearts to receive what youhave for us
[23:43] bring anyone her that needs to hear this study [23:44] lord we ask that you would bless all that attends [23:44] now lord have your way
[23:44] may your will be done
[23:44] in Jesus name we ask it [23:44] amen
[23:44] amen
[23:44] amen
[23:45] Tonight we are going to look at witnessing to others from a different point
[23:45] To be able to witness one must have the authority
[23:45] tonight's title is [23:46] Passing Of The Mantle Of Authority-- Witnessing for God
[23:47] as I have said before there are examples in the Old Testament
[23:47] that are for us to learn from and it is no different in this topic of witnessing
[23:47] In a court the judge wears a robe [23:48] Why?
[23:48] Because it is a symbol of the authority he has been given by the government
[23:48] a mantle is a symbol of authority [23:49] And so it is with tonight's study [23:49] In order for us to witness we must know by what authority we do so
[23:49] so let us now go to the old testament [23:50] kjv 2 kings 2:6 And Elijah said unto him, Tarry, I pray thee, here; for the LORD hath sent me to Jordan. And he said, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. And they two went on.
[23:50] In this story we will meet Elijah and Elisha [23:51] they are an example of the child of God and Jesus
[23:51] Elisha was a disciple to Elijah [23:51] He had seen the miracles performed [23:51] and so we now join them as they are about to leave on their last walk together
[23:52] kjv 2 kings 2:6-7 2 Kings 2:6 And Elijah said unto him, Tarry, I pray thee, here; for the LORD hath sent me to Jordan. And he said, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. And they two went on. 2 Kings 2:7 And fifty men of the sons of the prophets went, and stood to view afar off: and they two stood by Jordan. [23:53] Here we see that Elijah is trying to convince Elisha to stay
[23:53] but Elisha followed on for he was not to be left out
[23:53] and the other prophets watched them from afar [23:54] kjv 2 kings 2:8-10 2 Kings 2:8 And Elijah took his mantle, and wrapped it together, and smote the waters, and they were divided hither and thither, so that they two went over on dry ground.
2 Kings 2:9 And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me.
2 Kings 2:10 And he said, Thou hast asked a hard thing: nevertheless, if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee; but if not, it shall not be so.
[23:54] Here we see the answer to why Elisha stayed and could not be detoured
[23:55] He was hungry for the spirit [23:55] kjv 2 kings 2:11-12 2 Kings 2:11 And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.
2 Kings 2:12 And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof. And he saw him no more: and he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces. [23:56] kjv 2 Kings 2:13-15
2 Kings 2:13 He took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and went back, and stood by the bank of Jordan; 2 Kings 2:14 And he took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and smote the waters, and said, Where is the LORD God of Elijah? and when he also had smitten the waters, they parted hither and thither: and Elisha went over.
2 Kings 2:15 And when the sons of the prophets which were to view at Jericho saw him, they said, The spirit of Elijah doth rest on Elisha. And they came to meet him, and bowed themselves to the ground before him.
[23:56] He we find three things to remember [23:57] 1. Elisha was hungry for the spirit and followed his teacher
[23:58] 2. That when Elijah left there was another to replace him and his ministry here on earth [23:58] 3. That Elisha had his request confirmed for he did the same miracle that Elijah did at the river [23:59] Today it is that by seeing the working of the holy Spirit in us
[23:59] that we become confident in ourselves to trust in our Lord
[23:59] we are the modern day Elisha's [00:00] and the mantle has been passed to us to do the work
[00:00] Now it is time to go to the new testament [00:00] we are standing in a garden in the early night [00:01] in your nose you can smell the flowers --grass-- and trees around you
[00:01] Now you see a group of men walking into the garden
[00:01] they are quietly talking with each other [00:02] tonight brothers and sisters we will see the passing of another mantle
[00:02] that effects each of us today [00:02] now let us see what is to be [00:03] kjv Matthew 26:36-38 Matthew 26:36 Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemene, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder.
Matthew 26:37 And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy.
Matthew 26:38 Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me. [00:04] see Jesus leaving his disciples going on a little way with His inner three
[00:04] kjv Matthew 26:39-41 Matthew 26:39 And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my
Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.
Matthew 26:40 And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? Matthew 26:41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. [00:05] kjv Matthew 26:42-44
Matthew 26:42 He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.
Matthew 26:43 And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy.
Matthew 26:44 And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.
[00:05] my my look here
[00:05] his followers fell asleep [00:06] unlike Elisha who stayed with Elijah [00:06] the disciples fell asleep [00:06] kjv Luke 22:39-41 Luke 22:39 And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his
disciples also followed him.
Luke 22:40 And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into
temptation.
Luke 22:41 And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,
[00:07] kjv Luke 22:42-44 Luke 22:42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. Luke 22:43 And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.
Luke 22:44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground. [00:07] this is the background for the passing of the mantle
[00:07] the time for the change is now [00:08] Jesus is about to give the authority to witness to the world to His followers
[00:08] look around you as you stand in the garden [00:08] can you not sense the demons just in the dark [00:09] Jesus is kneeling in prayer [00:09] but what is He praying? [00:10] Do we know?
[00:10] this is the prayer that transferred the mantle [00:10] all the way to us
[00:10] It is when the power to witness was handed down [00:11] Let us listen to the prayer of Jesus now [00:11] in a steady voice he is speaking [00:11] and in His prayer we will see where we stand in Him
[00:11] as witness to the world for Him [00:11] kjv john 17:1-2
John 17:1 These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:
John 17:2 As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. [00:12] kjv john 17:3-4
John 17:3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. John 17:4 I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.
[00:13] Here we see Jesus is confirming that He has fulfilled the work of witnessing to the world [00:13] Through His miracles and teachings He has shown the world the Kingdom of God
[00:13] and a look at salvation to come [00:14] he says I have finished my work [00:14] kjv john 17:4-6
John 17:4 I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.
John 17:5 And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was. John 17:6 I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word.
[00:15] Jesus is stating His testimony [00:15] He showed the glory of God to the world [00:16] He has trained people to take His place in the ministry of
witnessing
[00:16] this is Him presenting His followers to the Father
[00:16] so they will be able to have the mantle of His authority in their lives
[00:17] to reach a lost world [00:17] and this mantle is on us today for witnessing to the world
[00:17] kjv john 17:7-8
John 17:7 Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee.
John 17:8 For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me. [00:18] Here we see that He has taught His followers and trained them for the task ahead of them
[00:18] Just as we must train to do the work for Him [00:19] you must believe yourself what you are saying to others to be effective
[00:19] and this comes from personal experiences with Jesus in your life
[00:19] and this is what Jesus was saying [00:19] kjv john 17:9-10
John 17:9 I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.
John 17:10 And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them.
[00:20] you are glorified in Jesus [00:20] He is protecting you as you go forward [00:21] He has made the way for you and I to witness to the world without fear of it
[00:21] kjv john 17:11-13 John 17:11 And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are. John 17:12 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled. John 17:13 And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves. [00:21] kjv john 17:14-16 John 17:14 I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. John 17:15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. John 17:16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. [00:22] Here we see Jesus telling us that He did not ever intend for us to stay in our pews and not witness to the world [00:22] Jesus has given us the Word [00:23] to reach others
[00:23] but He never intended that we should hide from the world but go out for Him
[00:23] and preach His word [00:23] Show Him in our lives as examples to others [00:23] of His love
[00:24] our actions and our words are the only thing the world sees as a example of Jesus
[00:24] and here Jesus is asking for the anointing for the work to be on us
[00:24] kjv john 17:18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. [00:25] Hee is the passing of the mantle [00:25] here is where like Elisha the mantle of authority to do His work on earth has been passed
[00:25] on to others
[00:26] what is this we are to do now that the mantle has been passed?
[00:26] kjv mark 16:15-16 Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
Mark 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
[00:26] kjv mark 16:17-19 Mark 16:17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out
devils; they shall speak with new tongues; Mark 16:18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
Mark 16:19 So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. [00:27] kjv mark 16:20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.
[00:27] Here we find the orders for us [00:28] here we see the authority we have [00:28] here we see as it was with Elijah and Elisha [00:28] the mantle is given to us to do His will and work till he returns
[00:29] kjv acts 2:46-47
Acts 2:46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
Acts 2:47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. [00:29] glory to God with the mantle of authority the disciples witnessed and the body of Christ grew [00:29] they did it daily
[00:29] to all they met
[00:30] through Jesus they received the power [00:30] to reach the lost [00:30] and that power is not dead today [00:30] but it is alive in every one of His children [00:30] You have the power through Jesus [00:31] to touch a life
[00:31] to save a lost one seeking God [00:31] you have the power to show him to Jesus [00:32] Jesus gave the mantle authority to us not to hide but to show for His glory
[00:32] and to bring the lost o Him [00:32] by working through us [00:33] Let us declare what God did for us to the world [00:33] kjv psalm 66:16 Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul. [00:33] For winning souls to God is a wise thing [00:33] kjv proverbs 11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise. [00:34] Let our light shine in a dark world of the love of Jesus
[00:34] kjv Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
[00:35] Help the lost so they can go and tell others what Jesus did for them
[00:35] kjv mark 5:19 Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee. [00:35] We are to witness to the world [00:36] kjv acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
[00:36] we are not to be ashamed to witness for Him to the world --no matter what others may say
[00:36] kjv romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. [00:37] you are an ambassador of Jesus to the world and you are all anyone will see of the working of Jesus from your own actions
[00:37] kjv 2 Corinthians 5:18-20 2 Corinthians 5:18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
2 Corinthians 5:19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not
imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
2 Corinthians 5:20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
[00:38] and we must be ready to give a answer to a lost world when they ask us what it is we have
[00:38] have that gives us peace and joy [00:39] kjv 1 peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: [00:39] kjv 1 peter 4:11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
[00:39] It is Jesus in you that will win the world to Him
[00:40] and to do this we must go out and do His work [00:40] showing the lost Jesus [00:40] and wining souls for the glory of God [00:41] in closing let us go to one more place and see a witnesser in action and see how through Jesus even the hardest heart can be softened
[00:41] by talking not by forcing [00:41] kjv acts 26:27-28 Acts 26:27 King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest.
Acts 26:28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.
[00:42] Paul had testified to the governor a representative of the mighty Rome
[00:42] kjv acts 26:29 And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds. [00:43] Yes all the world needs to hear from you and me about Jesus
[00:43] We must show Him to the lost of this land [00:44] For we have all been passed by Jesus the Mantle of Authority
[00:44] God bless you all [00:44] amen
[00:44] amen
[00:44] amen
