Five fold Office or Five fold Gifting

Posted on September 4, 2013 by Dr. Greg Crawford

The Apostolic today is hurting in function due to many false concepts and understandings. Not only did Jesus only commission apostles, but the fivefold “offices” in Eph. 4 are not listed as “offices” but listed as gifting. The word ‘gifting’ is the word “doma”. “Doma” comes from a word meaning ‘to give so you have an advantage, to supply something that is needed, to extend, and to give to one’s care’. Now this is where we see the confusion in many ways.

First, the word ‘office’ is not seen in scripture to describe five fold ministers. It is a definition to describe man made systems of structure and organization. It describes a chain of human authority. The gifting described here is really given to the entire Body. It is a stewardship of the charisma of the Spirit and the grace upon them and how it is transferred to the Body. It is a stewardship role, and not an ownership role that the word ‘office’ applies. By saying there are offices and not gifts, automatically brings a human authority structure to them, thus diminishing the gifting and loosing the spirit of jealousy. This is why the prophetic and now the apostolic Doma are struggling to fit into the Body in function. The Body is also struggling as they are not getting full advantage as God has intended.

Second, the gifting or doma carries a certain charisma with it. It is a spiritual charisma or function. 1 Cor. 12 talks of this “Charisma” or gifting. All members of the Body of Christ carry “Charisma” or functions of the Spirit. Most people today describe themselves or the fivefold ministry by defining the “office” which has a certain human charisma perspective. This is the reflection of a man’s personality and its influence upon others rather than the Charisma of how that person yields to the Spirit and the Spirit’s flow through them. In other words, people believe they are apostles based on their own Charisma and not the Spirit’s and based on seeing themselves in an ‘office’ instead of being a gift. This Charisma of a fivefold gifting is the release of grace the gift carries being seen and not the personality of man trying to give definition to the gifting. It even goes beyond the “Charisma” that all the members are to move in as found in 1 Cor. 12. It is the stewardship of that Charisma so they not only function but accomplish the work of ministry which is the advancement of the Kingdom of God. I see many drawn to the personality of a person, over the personality of God or the Holy Spirit the person is allowing to flow through them. The main difference is the charisma of man stirs the flesh and emotions, the charisma of the Spirit stirs the Spirit within us to come alive to expression.

Lastly, all fivefold ministry has a certain grace with it. Paul discovered it and even said he had been given a dispensation or stewardship of this grace. The word ‘grace’ means more than God’s favor. It means ‘the ability of God to produce change’ be it negative or positive. That is exactly what occurs before we are saved, God’s grace is working on us and in some ways He has allowed very negative things to occur. We say’ by God’s grace we are saved’ never seeing the negative as God’s grace as well. When we get saved, we see the grace only in a positive light. But even the hard times can be God’s grace. Paul said it best when he said “God’s grace is sufficient for me”. This grace is required to perfect the saints for the work of ministry. It is required to bring us to unity of the faith. When we try to operate or steward a grace that is not upon us, we do great damage to the Body of Christ. The outcome is lacking and many end up confused as the grace will produce results unless man gets in the way of its working. The reason we operate in a grace not flowing from us is we do not understand the ways of God, or the way His grace is working. For the most part, the mercy “charisma” tries to step into fixing situations not realizing God has allowed the situation to bring change, thus short changing the full impact and intention of God. Many today are struggling in their calling because of trying to be in an office, overseeing themselves as a gift, defining themselves by their own charisma and not the Spirit’s, and by trying to steward a grace that actually belongs to another. We must know the ways of God!

Kingdom Discipling

Posted on July 16, 2013 by Dr. Greg Crawford

Here is the forward of my book at the printers…..

I wrote this book because I have sensed a decline of Biblical culture in the Church. For the sake of being relevant and culturally acceptable, we have compromised our original culture as the Church and actually become irrelevant. We have moved from a Church in America that once affected culture and maintained its morality to becoming a group who claims relevance but actually has little to offer and is largely ridiculed and/or ignored.

For the sake of numbers, we have become seeker sensitive and morally soft. We no longer speak with outrage at injustice but silently stand by and watch as society’s culture is now dictating to us how we spend our time, efforts and money. We have become a subculture within a culture that has no voice.

Without a cultural shift in how we disciple people in their relationship with Christ, we will continue to produce what we currently have as weak believers, a few disciples and few true authentic Christians. We have no one to blame for the weakness of the American Church but ourselves. We are responsible for what we have both allowed and created. What we have is admittedly broken at least by those with real discernment. The question is why we are still doing what we know produces no results?

Why are we building so laboriously what the next generation does not want to inherit and will actually tear down and build over? In the mean time, we are wasting valuable energy and efforts and will lose the cultural war as we wait to cycle another generation through a process that is unfulfilling. There has to be a deep repentance for what we have become and a return to true discipleship. We have to get away from the “Club Med” concepts we have grown comfortable with.

It will require us getting into people’s lives and speaking what is needed to be spoken instead of what they want to hear. We may not have mass numbers and multitudes of followers but we will have solid world changers and influencers of cultural thinking formed.

The Kingdom is not about membership but relationship. The Kingdom is not about salvation but Lordship. The Kingdom is about moving people in a strategic manner from being a new believer, to being a disciple, to being a Christian.

In this book, I look at this premise and how we can move people and some of the elements needed that we currently are not producing. It is not an extensive process manual, but gives the elements needed to transition and produce real Christian Disciples who are willing to lay their lives down for the King and His Kingdom. We also will look at what has affected us and eroded the correct culture we should be producing.

This book is not for the faint of heart and for those not willing to approach new concepts with an open mind for change. For those who are willing to embrace this, they will see how Kingdom discipling can have long term cultural effects. May you read with an open mind and allow the Holy Spirit to give you the Spirit of understanding to embrace apostolic grace and Kingdom dynamics.

Leadership Principles

Posted on March 13, 2013 by Dr. Greg Crawford

I decided to write up a list of leadership principles. I probably could write another 30-40 but generally the first things written will be the most important. So I kept the list short. Be blessed!

Leadership principle #1 What you build it with, you must maintain. People come for the dynamic created. If the dynamic changes, then people will either have to change or they will leave. This is why leaders are slow to change.

Leadership Principle #2 If leaders do not lead, then gifts reign. Gifts seem to function more freely when leaders are not in place. But probably what is functioning is not true or full gifting but mixtures of both the Holy Spirit and the human spirit.

Leadership Principle #3 It is better to create than to inherit a ministry. When you inherit a ministry, you inherit all the problems you did not create. Thus, you do not know the root of what you are facing. You can only be responsible for what you have created or allowed!

Leadership Principle #4 All problems in ministry are due to weak relationships. Weak relationships cause disputes, murmuring and gossip.

Leadership principle #5 All people come through the doors of a gathering because they have a problem. The sooner you discover the problem the healthier the Body gathering will be.

Leadership Principle #6 The greatest thing a leader can do is to teach their people to hear the voice of God for themselves. If this is done, counseling is nonexistent, mistakes are few and advancement is great.

Leadership Principle #7 The greatest role of a leader in a service is not to deliver a message but to make sure the flow of the Holy Spirit is not interrupted and stays on track.

Leadership Principle #8 The greatest gift a leader should seek is the gift of discernment. Not only will the motive of hearts be seen clearly to receive help and avoid problems but it fine tunes the spirit within to be in tune with God.

Leadership Principle #9 A leader hears all hearts concerning a matter but only moves with what God has told them. Hearing all hearts shows value and concerns that need addressed. Obeying God allows him to move to resolve the issues brought up.

Leadership Principle #10 It is better to have an empty hole in ministry roles than fill a role with someone whose heart is not in it. Forcing a person to minister in areas they are not passionate about will only create management problems and frustrations.

Leadership Principle #11 A leader’s promotion is determined by their faithfulness. It is not capability that determines but whether they are faithful to complete assignments. You choose servants over those doing nothing, sons over servants, and those faithful from sons.

Leadership Principle #12 Building with Sons and Daughters. They have the same heart and vision. Building without them is like building a stone structure without mortar. Too large without the glue holding it together and it could collapse. They are your eyes and ears.

Leadership role #13 Never undermine those you have set in places of authority. If there is a problem in an area as a leader, you address the leader over that area and not the problems directly. This empowers that leader and does not violate the structure you have set up.

Leadership role #14 True ministry is done from your overflow. This makes ministry effortless and the people are not getting the dregs of the bottom of the pit but the overflow of the freshness of God from the uppermost place.

Leadership Role #15 A leader leads from a position of strength by humility. One man’s humility may be another man’s pride and one man’s pride may be another man’s humility.

Leadership principle #16 A leader has vision for what people can become and not the current state they are in. Without vision of who God says they are, you cannot develop them to reach potential.

Leadership principle #17 A leader has to be solid in their call and office to avoid being threatened by other strong gifts or callings.

Leadership principle #18 A leader cannot lead others into things they themselves have not experienced. If you are in depression then you lead others into that. If you are in victory then you lead them into victory!

Leadership principle #19 A leader is willing to do anything they ask others to do. A leader is a servant to all thus they will lead by serving and not demand others to serve them or do tasks they are not willing to perform.

Leadership principle #20 A leader has no rights or personal preferences in making ministry decisions. They are not owner but only stewards of what God has entrusted.

Leadership principle #21 A leader is the only one with all the information. Many do not understand why a leader would say or do certain things. Most people have a part of the picture but a leader has the entire picture and all the facts.

Leadership principle #22 A leader covers a spiritual son or daughter’s mistakes. They do not cover up sin but help make the mistakes a learning experience. This is done by transparency and walking out the answer together. It creates willingness to grow deeper and with more confidence in the future.

Leadership Principle #23 A leader can only impart what they have experienced. Experience is the truth applied and proven by action. This creates dynamics to impart into others’ lives that are proven. Without experience, a leader only has concepts.

Leadership Principle #24 A leader is never prepared for all situations. There is no way to have a plan for all things you might experience. But a leader is principled so when things do occur, they fall back on the proven principles of God’s word and apply them, thus giving answers.

Leadership Principle #25 A leader knows the law of reproduction. Not only do you reproduce the good things in your life into others, you also reproduce the ugly. A leader strives in their own personal life to be sure they deal with issues so they are not reproduced in others.

Leadership principles #26 A leader continues to receive instruction. The moment a leader stops being teachable then that leader is headed towards stagnation and decrease.

Leadership principle #27 A leader must forgive all offenses but does not forget all actions. Offenses will come and how we respond determines the future state of our heart. We do not forget the wrong actions of others so we become victims again, but those actions are not held against the person. A leader seeks God on how the actions can be changed by instruction.

Leadership Principle #28 A leader’s greatest success is the spiritual sons and daughters left behind and not the physical structures or idols they may build.

Leadership Principle #28 A leader faces all opposition as an opportunity to prove God.

Leadership principle #29 A leader must have the scars of battles and the fellowship of sufferings to have compassion of heart and exhortations of victorious success.

Leadership principle #30 A leader evaluates both strengths and weakness to determine the ability to complete what is started. They then mobilize the strengths and allow God to step into the weakness.

Leadership Principle #31 A leader is a good listener. Listening reveals the hearts and motives and causes a leader to gain advantages in conversations and the ability to minister to people.

Leadership Principle #32 A leader is not threatened by other ministry gifts. To do this, they are sure of two things, their identity and their calling.

Leadership Principle #33 A leader knows they will not live forever so they are always looking at who will sustain and continue the work that is started.

Leadership Principle #34 A leader can share their heart and risk exposure because they are secure knowing they only need to please God.

Leadership Principle #35 A leader will always cause others to rise to greatness and even surpass them as a leader.

Awakening!!!!

Posted on February 26, 2013 by Dr. Greg Crawford

I want to post concerning the awakening we have been experiencing over the last 8 weeks. We are seeing a genuine awakening that has transpired. I want to tell you about what it is marked by and what we are seeing happening. But first let me attempt to define awakening.

There is a great difference between awakening and revival. Revival means ‘to be brought back to a former state of being that has been lost, to revive’. Awakening means ‘to come out of sleep or to have something suddenly revealed in an enlightened way that changes your focus’. Revivals are focused entirely upon the individual and meeting the needs of the individual through the gifts of the Spirit. Revivals are very internal focused and are short lived. Awakening is focused entirely upon the revealed Christ and Kingdom by the life of the Holy Spirit. Awakening is outwardly focused in function and the effects are long lasting.

One of the greatest things that awakening brings forth is truth, bringing function, through yieldedness, to a greater purpose. It brings clearer identity and definition to the intentions of God for the moment of time upon the earth. Awakening brings revelation that causes a person’s spirit to be made alive in a way that is sustained. Awakenings all start with a remnant people who then begin to reform, that causes a greater group to be awakened which then leads to society transformation. What everyone is looking for is the larger sweeping awakening and not many are seeing the remnant awakenings that are occurring right now. The greater is coming and the remnant is already occurring!

So what is going on with us at The BASE? We are seeing an activation of people where it is almost the entire Body contributing in some fashion in a meeting. We are seeing so many people bringing prophetic direction at times you wonder how it will all fit in the gathering, and when it is done, it does! We are seeing a strong moving of the gifts of the Spirit that are not hit and miss but accurate with instantaneous healings and results occurring.

In our last awakening meeting, there was activation of singing in the Spirit. It was modeling the supernatural in a natural way. The Lord spoke to establish a heavenly choir. We asked those who flow with singing in the Spirit easily to come forward and face the people. About 15 came. We then placed 3 mics and they all began to sing in the Spirit and passed the mics around so 3 led from the mic at any one time and all carried and led at some point. They sang over the congregation for about 30 minutes. We then had those in the congregation who had become free in this to come forward and join the others and the number about doubled. We also had someone filled with the Holy Spirit for the first time. The activation brought many who had not sung or struggled to be freed into this beautiful heavenly symphony.

The Lord told me several years ago that when you see three generations flowing together, that is the move He is bringing. We are seeing this as children dance and worship with us. All ages are moving. You know you have awakening when without prompting or no one around the children, they are praying for each other. We had about 15 kids this past meeting and when someone stepped into the lobby, the children had been praying for each other.

You know there is awakening when an entire room full of people show up hungry. This last meeting the room was packed. There were not enough chairs and we had to set up more. Some came as far as 2 ½ hours to encounter God’s presence. This was the first time in such deep veins of the Spirit for some people, but God met with them and they felt relaxed enough to participate. Some raised their hands for the first time in worship, others danced for the first time.

We have had another ministry and some spiritual children move here to be part of what is unfolding. We had another man tell us he is moving from another part of the state to be here. I have another spiritual daughter in Georgia who will end up here as well. A traveling ministry has connected with us and told us that in all their travels for 3 years they have seen some places that have freedom but no place has it as deep as what they see going on with us now. You know you have awakening when people relocate their lives to be a part of it.

Awakening is when the worship songs go from singing about God to singing to God to singing God’s intentions. The Way, the Truth, the Life. Our creative prophetic worship has deepened and the prophetic stream is connecting people into a deep place in God. What I am saying is we have flowed in creative spontaneous worship for almost 8 years and this is now different and deeper. It has been awakened.

Prayer time is awakened as well. A whole room of people in our last meeting turned and faced a 12 foot map of our state. We cried out to God for over 20 minutes for God to move and bring awakening. Many went and laid hands on the map and a fish net with piles of names written on paper placed within it. The names are of people needing salvation/return of prodigals/awakened. When we concluded this, many continued to be gripped with a burden for our state and its souls.

You know awakening is present when you can experience messages that confront and issue sobering challenge without the concern for offense. We, as a ministry, went through a season of those who were not really with us and God replaced them with people who love seeking truth. We gained some extremely solid people who are also extremely serious. I say that to encourage those of you who are getting pared down in this hour- the serious ones are coming! This changes the revelation delivered to a deeper place. We are seeing a steady stream of visitors. Many are now joining us and not just visiting. I love the group we have and the spiritual family and community that have formed and could see no other type than what has emerged!

You know awakening has come when leaders are confronted with the truth of their fruitfulness in ministry and though they may not change, they are now wrestling with decisions they must make. We are seeing this as we have presented a new model for Sunday gatherings, with the merging of congregations to be the Church of a city. Some are interested and others are wrestling. We are walking this out as it too, is also part of awakening.

You know awakening has come when the breath of God has come and is blowing new life into you and out from you. This is how I describe the corporate gathering times. It is fresh, exciting, and free flowing. It is seeing the strategy of God is people, and the resource is His presence. Riches that have no end on both accounts! It is looking out into a room full of people who almost all are dancing and rejoicing before God. This is the motion of His creativity being released and seen in this unhindered expression of appreciation.

Awakening is when young teenagers come into a meeting and the presence of God is so heavy they are caught away in it. To see them pray for each other, weep before God and worship and it is their first time. To see a young teen boy so gripped with the state of our nation he comes to me as I’m leading the meeting to ask me if he could lead us in prayer to see things change. A heart so pure and motive so clean, with no agenda but change, no pride but humility and simple prayer that touches the heart of God. A boy who has no real deep understanding but His spirit is alive unto God and energized in His presence. This is the way our last awakening meeting occurred! All of these things in one meeting!

When congregations come into one sound and one voice and one heart, this is awakening!

When people are living for nothing else than His presence, this is awakening!

When people will abandon all and forsake the accolades of men, this is awakening!

When Truth is proclaimed and game playing stops, this is awakening!

When we desire all to participate, but cherish what is present so we allow nothing to taint it, this is awakening!

When each corporate gathering has greater intensity than the last and is building, you have awakening!

When holiness is the standard, and the breath of God is what can be tangibly seen, this is awakening!

This is the awakening we are experiencing!

Definition of Five Fold Offices

Posted on February 18, 2013 by Dr. Greg Crawford

With so much confusion and assumptions on the ministry gift offices in the body of Christ we have written up some definitions to better define these. Let us first state that all of the five fold offices stated in Eph 4:11 are not titles but functions. Second that promotion comes ultimately from God through other fivefold offices recognizing and affirming. Third that a person gift makes room for him and the honor given is not honor taken by that gift. We also state that a person can be in more than one office, but generally one will be more dominating than others. And lastly because a person has some tenacity towards a certain office does not mean that is the final or primary call. As with these offices they are have the dynamics of a true disciple and have already been and continue to do these dynamics. A divine calling and the fulfillment of that calling has a period of development. Paul said “takes time to make your calling and election sure”. The word calling means invitation and the word election means the act of God choosing.

Ephesians 4:11-13 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till 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 fulness of Christ:

We see in Eph 4:11 five gifting given. Verse 11 tells of the office, verse 12 tells of the reason these gifts are given and also show how the trinity works with these gifts, and verse 13 parallels verse 12 in how these gifts function. We believe there are five gifting producing 4 functions. We also believe these gifting are evident today and all five are needed and in operation. Though some might be denied operation or tried to be not recognized, none the less, they do exist possibly with limited exercised authority do to mans denial.

Five ministry gifts each have distinct operations

1. Apostles – unity of the faith

2. Prophets – knowledge of the Son of God

3. Evangelists – bring us unto a perfect man

4. Pastors – bring us unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ

5. Teachers – bring us unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ

These gifts are given for three purposes

To perfect the saints Perfecting – complete furnishing; equipping
For the work of the ministry Ministry – service; ministering
To edify the Body of Christ Edifying – build up; promote growth

It just so happens that this is the reason these gifts are given, but that it is also a process that is given. The gifts are not only doing these three things, but help the saints carry out these three things. To fully understand the gifts, we need to understand the meaning of the name given to each one.

Apostles – one who is sent

Prophets – interpreter of oracles that are hidden

Evangelist – bringer of good tidings

Pastors – Shepherd ; herds man

Teachers – one fitted to teach; master; doctor

Let’s give definition to each gift in a descriptive way of function.

Evangelist– is one who is sent to save souls and present the gospel message. We see evangelist where the lost are and they are not listed in the order of the church in 1 Cor 12:28. Marks of an evangelist are salvations and healings and miracles. They have an ability to touch hardened hearts with God’s love for them to receive salvation. They also are found in the midst of environments that breed sin. The word is only used three times in scripture. The best example of an evangelist is Stephen. Philip started his ministry as a deacon in the helps ministry, in Acts 6:1, and moved into calling in Acts 8:26-40. They are generally drawn to pastors. They are trans-local traveling by themselves as a rule.

Characteristics of an Evangelist

Supernatural advertising of signs and wonders, words of knowledge
Preach Gospel of Jesus only
Must preach the Word – not church doctrine
Have ability to bring people to an individual decision
Free people
Do not have responsibility inside church walls
Are active – always in motion
Are aggressive and are Bold – do bold and crazy things
Transient – Move around
Called to the world not the church – called outside of the church walls
Has an Anointing for the lost finding opening to hearts
Burns for lost souls – wins them to Christ – most driving force in them
Intolerant to churches laziness for outreaches and witnessing
Have great faith to believe God for money because churches do not support them
Long for mass salvations
Preach simple message of salvation
Don’t care about opposition confronting the enemy head on
People have joy and rejoice after the evangelist speaks

Pastor – The word pastor is only used one time in scripture yet we ahv made it the primary function today. Pastors are nurturers and must lay their lives down for the flock. They are healers of the broken and are given oversight to make sure the needs of people are being met. Just like a herdsmen there are also under-shepherds or pastors in almost every body of believers. They may not be recognized but are active meeting needs and ministering healing to others. Pastors are drawn to teachers to evangelist and then to teachers. Pastors are most effective one on one and modeling Christ. Not all pastors will be dynamic teachers but will be dynamic in showing love. They were never to be placed as final oversight or vision casters to the people. They are always given to a set group of people.

Description of office of Pastor

Pastors have a love for people.
Must have compassion for people and the church.
Have a giving attitude instead of taking
Return love for hate when criticized
Looking for the one hurting and focus on them until healed or whole
Never give up on people because they have a large heart
They see the good, finished and complete person.
They have a special grace for the office
They have a teaching gift and ability to share life experience in counseling
They are over protective of their sheep
They have long patience
Shepherds should be among the sheep
They are settled and remain for the long haul.
Need wisdom, knowledge, and discerning of spirits, not for leading a body but for ministering the hurst of the people.

Teacher – The office of Teacher is one that stirs others to know the truth. It is more than explaining, it carries an anointing that brings change. Teachers love truth and love to study. They are avid readers and study topics in multiple ways. They are generally scribes and historians. They expand on what apostles release and prophets speak so others can clearly understand. They teach line upon line. They carry a divine, supernatural ability to impart knowledge above the natural way of doing. True teachers will never teach doctrinal error, but will study in-depth before giving new insight. They are an office with a main thrust to study and give away what they have learned. Teachers explain things from many different angles so the person is sure to understand.

Teachers are willing to be taught. They can be local and trans-local in ministry assignments as they are given to the body as a whole. They generally travel by themselves and sometimes with apostles and prophets.

Teachers function to do the following;

1. Inspire – light a fire
2. Lay a foundation, then build upon that foundation
3. Build upon other Ministries
4. Always build up
5. Teach you into correction with out you knowing it
6. To counsel, teachers will hand you a tape or book
7. Convey Word of God in depth
8. Are teachable
9. Have a love for books
10. Hunger and thirst for knowledge and truth
11. Get a revelation from a Prophet then teach on it
12. Are very organized people
13. Have love for Word of God
14. Leave you desiring more
15. Transfer truth
16. Teachers who are pastors of a church, repeat in three to five year cycles

Prophet – Prophets speak from revelation the heart of God in a matter. It is not by perception, but by inspiration. They are foretellers and reveals of the intentions of God. They move in the inspirational gifts of 1 Cor. 12 of words of wisdom, prophecy, words of knowledge. It is not by perception, but by inspiration.

This office requires a consistent manifestation of at least two of the revelation gifts on an ongoing basis.

Most prophets also experience prophetic dreams and filled with symbolism and visions. Prophets speak more than individual prophetic words but prophetic words or messages that shift spiritual atmospheres over regions. They generally are draw to apostles. #1 job of prophets is not to prophecy but to train the people to hear God. When people can hear God in a region it is just as great or greater than a prophet releasing word over a region! They are generally trans-local as they are given to the body as a whole. They travel by themselves and with Apostles.

Attributes of the office of Prophet

Many think all a prophet does is prophesy
Need to be a preacher or teacher of the Word
Laying on of hands goes with it
Generally healing goes with it — Luke 4:27
Generally the Miraculous goes with it — II Kings 5:33
Many people think Prophets should know everything
Many people think that any time they want, a Prophet can give a word – only as Spirit wills
Prophets are only human
Prophets hearts are broken over sin
Prophets speak words in season
New Testament Prophets speaks words of correction sandwiched in love
Prophets speak directional confirming words
A prophet of God is a messenger of Gods will not doctrine.
A prophet initiated no messages or sermons from his own will in the name of the Lord.
A prophet speaks only new revealed words from God.
A prophet has to be commanded by God to speak.
A prophet is not allowed to speak any error in Gods name.
A prophets predictions in the old Testament had to come true or he would be branded a false prophet and be executed, thus limiting his ability to learn from his mistakes and limiting his ability to again mislead the people of God.
Prophecy is the very Voice of Christ speaking to the church!

Apostle – With so much confusion and lack of understanding we will spend a little more time on this gifting. It is a governmental gift given to bring the church into order and increased authority and anointing. Most Apostles are intolerant of doctrinal error as it makes their jobs harder. There has always been apostles we have just not recognized them nor the humility they operate in will promote themselves as such. Apostles are forerunners and introduce new dimensions of spirit life. They are kingdom focused over an individual body. They are transient and given the body as a whole. All apostles are fathers but not all fathers are apostles. They see the gildings in people and have an ability to bring those gifting out. Since they have been called to perfect the saints, they see all truth and not just one aspect of truth. While pastoral truth deals with the individual life, Apostolic truth deals with overall effect on the body. Pastoral truth produces self serving servants, Apostolic truths produce body serving sons. Apostles is actually the only office Jesus appointed and the only office commissioned in scripture.

An apostle is sent with a message and specific assignment and mandate given by God directly for a specific people, specific cause and purpose directly concerning the Kingdom of God. This message releases people from the past confront the present and establish the future. The fruit of apostleship is evident by their love for correct doctrine and are intolerant of false concepts and teaching. They are writers of books, establishers of schools and training, and have put in place dynamics that continue to expand and grow when they are no longer around. Birthing a church does not make a person an apostles, an evangelist can do this. Running a large church does not make a person apostles, a good administrator can do this. All apostles have lived a life of suffering for righteousness sake to establish the kingdom. All apostles have seen the lord and this defined their personal lives and molded their sprits. All apostles have a cross section of voluntary followers, more than a local congregation, who have benefitted from that apostles and have functional relationship with them. Apostles are counselors to to other ministries and investors into emerging ministries. These gifts are attracted to Apostles because they know the Apostle will know how to place them and how to make them grow into the gift they are to be. The main thing to realize is Apostles are given to bring order, establish churches or ministries, and bring out the other ministry gifts. They carry resurrection life and apostolic grace that sets them apart. They are given to the whole body of Christ and so are trans-local. They travel by themselves and with prophets. Every apostle has something of significance they are apostling.

Apostles function

Has been commissioned, ordained, and sent with purpose and mission

Pioneers and risk takers
Carries the spirit of resurrection and reformation — brings life and spiritual flow
Depend on God’s approval and not mans.
Set things in order and maintains spiritual flow
Minister out of their experience and not out of their head. They pull people out of their comfort zone
Ahead of their time — visionaries
Attracts other ministry gifts
They produce like minded sons and daughters of the same faith
Apostles draw other gifts to them, train them, and then release them into ministry.
Have unique spiritual authority in the body of Christ and over territories
Apostles have a specific assignment. One of the most distinguishing marks of Apostles is the ability to embrace all other ministry Gifts.

Attributes of an Apostle

Teacher and preacher of the Word
Spiritual Gifts – flow in all gifts
Deep personal experience
Ability to establish churches or ministries
Spiritual leadership
Are sent by the Holy Ghost
Father figure – spiritually mature
Broad oversight – vision of body as a whole
Walk in spiritual authority
Called to a region or a people
Have the ability to draw other gifts to them
Have heart for the people
Are a spiritual covering – cover other gifts
Have patience
Signs and Wonders follow them
Mighty deeds
Have vision for the church
Labor night and day
Look upon self as Father and congregation as children
They are taught by God
They minister in the power of God, not the wisdom of men
Their fruit manifests the living God
They lead by Christ’s example
They please God, not men
They don’t flatter men
They are gentle with the saints
They are holy, righteous, and blameless
They exhort, comfort, and chasten as necessary
Their glory is the glorious church
They endure hardship and persecution for the church’s sake

This is not an all inclusive teaching on this subject and has been brief on purpose. There are many resources to draw from on this topic and these are just some guidelines to help people start brining definition.

Angelic Governmental Structure

Posted on February 15, 2013 by Dr. Greg Crawford

Here is a small section out of my new book “Angels Helping Us Contend”. You can get it on Amazon and Kindle here: http://www.amazon.com/Greg-Crawford/e/B00BEGN362/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1360948944&sr=1-2-ent

Up to this point, we’ve been given a basic understanding of angelic activity, functions and categories. We have seen some patterns emerge in Scripture and also the function of angels in different dynamics interacting with humanity upon the earth. Now we will look further into this angelic structure that God designed and see that it is a reflection of God’s government that He wants the Church, had always planned for the Church, to function in.

What I’m about to share is the revelation the Lord has given to me concerning angelic government. For starters, I will say that angels are willing to hold what men refuse to hold. I believe it is the role of God’s fivefold ministry government to hold and function in some ways how the angelic host functions. We should be doing spiritual warfare, we should be messengers of God, we should be declaring the holiness of God and protecting it, and we should be burning ones. All of the dynamics that we have seen describing angels are actually somewhat a description of what God would want out of His fivefold ministers and leaders.

In the Old Testament, angels helped govern the spiritual condition but they were limited because of man’s free will operating in opposition to them. They have been given a measure of authority but not full authority. This is unlike man who has been given full authority, which is either rightly exercising it or delegating it, unfortunately, to satanic influences. As we see how angels operated in the Old Testament trying to bring the intentions of God, so should we, His fivefold ministers and leaders today.

In the New Testament, man’s will is more aligned because of the Holy Spirit and not in so much direct opposition to what and how God desires to govern. The Holy Spirit has become a great teacher, comforter, instructor, and revealer. The Holy Spirit’s role has replaced much of what angelic messengers in the Old Testament would do. Perhaps this is why we do not have so many angelic encounters as they did in the Old Testament. But I do believe there is a balance for angelic activity in our life, as long as our life is in balance with the Holy Spirit. If we are more focused on angelic activity surrounding us than on the Holy Spirit, then we are out of balance and in danger of worshiping angels.

What we have seen so far is that angels are given angels under them to command. We see that there are chief angels as well as other angels. This points to a structure or a way of governing that God has put into place. Once again, we see that God has an overall structure that He wants us to follow and the pattern is repeated through families, the Church and fivefold ministries, and even into angelic functions.

Revelation 12:7-8 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, ⁸ And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.

But we also see that angels take and give orders. We see that there are other angels submitted one to another and working in harmony to bring the intentions of God upon the Earth. We have seen that there are angels overseeing other angels and even waiting for them to complete their assignment before their own assignment can take hold. We have also seen that there is no insubordination or unwillingness to perform certain assignments given. We see that once an assignment was given to an angel, they held fast until it was completed.

These things are all governmental or show governmental structuring. If angels are in a form of governmental structure, then so should we be. I believe we are falling far short as the Church or true ecclesia of God, in moving in full authority that we have been entrusted with. We can see from the previous paragraph, that many of those things that angels do, we do not do or fall short of completing.

Governmental positioning

There is a tremendous parallel of the different groups of angels and the government of God. Upon aligning them side by side, we begin to see just how much God is a God of order and structure. The longer I study all kinds of different topics the more I see you just cannot escape a governing body being established as oversight for the Body of Christ.

In Ephesians 4, we see there is a government that God has set up of the fivefold ministries. There are five distinct gifts with the reality of a fourfold function. As you look at the angelic structures, we also see the same pattern emerging of five distinct giftings. If we begin to parallel these, they look something like this:

Apostles – Archangels

Both are warriors and conquerors.
Both have strategic assignments.
Both oversee and direct others.

Prophets – Messenger angels

Both have God’s heart and intention.
Both have foreknowledge.
Both bring a specific message.
Both bring a message that may not be understood.

Pastors – Watcher Angels

Both are assigned to watch over Earth and humanity.
Both are given specific territory.
Both are not transient but are more resident.

Teachers – Cherubim

Both are proclaimers.
Both are protectors of the truth.
Both are protectors of God’s holiness.
Both are called to protect what is precious to God.

Evangelists – Seraphim

Both are trying to bring men into the holiness of God.
Both look at how sin holds back man’s approach to God.
Both take coals from the altar to touch the lips and heart of men.

Now I know that these things seem hard to receive but there are distinct similarities. There is also a governmental structure with angels. Each one is staying in their function and assignment. And each one allows others to function in their assignment.

I believe that there are primary corresponding angels to each office working alongside God’s government. I also believe these are untapped resources to help us align with heaven for a greater impact…….

The Pattern – Building Spiritual Community

Posted on January 27, 2013 by Dr. Greg Crawford

Here is another small portion from the book I am writing called “Kingdom Discipleship, Changing the Culture of the Church”.

Unlike building a structure that has boundaries and is limited to participation if only within those boundaries, we are to be building a spiritual community. God does everything by relationship so anything that is not relationship driven will be lacking Kingdom dynamics. God’s original intention was that mankind would be His family and that His family would have dominion in the earth.

Jesus came not to bring a Kingdom but to reestablish it or reform it in the earth. Jesus’ first act was to get the family back through the act of redemption. The second act was to empower that family to be the Ecclesia through the working of the Holy Spirit’s activity in their lives.

So the spiritual community we want to form has both these dynamics in it. The enlargement of the family as the family stewards the world around it with authority. Let’s go back to God’s original intention and take a quick look to see our role.

Genesis 1:26 (KJV 1900) — 26 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.

Adam and Eve were created from both realms, the dust of the earth and the creative nature of God from heaven. The dust of the earth gives us our physical form. The creative nature of God was the part or image that we were to take on that would produce life in us.

The word ‘image’ means ‘the resemblance, copy or representation of’. The word ‘likeness’ means ‘similitude, manner, fashion, to be like, a pattern or model to be compared’. The words are not interchangeable. The word “likeness” rather than diminishing the word “image” actually amplifies it. Man is not just an image but a likeness-image. In other words, man takes on the representation of God to such a degree that the pattern and model of God is portrayed in man for others to compare. That’s a whole lot more than trying to be godly. It is actually doing it to such a degree that a pattern emerges. That pattern was how the “family” was to have dominion on the earth.

Man is not simply representative but representational. Again there is a big difference. To be a representative means ‘to act on the behalf of’, ‘to have official office or duty’. Anyone can represent someone much like a lawyer represents a client. But to be representational means ‘how to relate to the representation’, ‘to have the ability to be represented, or made a defense for’.’ Having substance’. In the art world, it means it has the substance of a time or style but has individuality enough that it can stand on its own as well. It also can mean that enough substance exists that a pattern is seen and understood by all and others can copy the essence and express it without losing the essence. It establishes pattern over fulfilling duty. Perhaps the Church has been trying to take dominion from duty and not by establishing pattern!

‘Image’ is the natural dynamic of God. While ‘likeness’ is the spiritual dynamic of God. Man is the visible representative of the invisible, bodiless God. This makes man the image. But likeness actually guarantees that man is an adequate and faithful representative of God on earth. Another way of putting it is, God created man like the first painting an artist would do. But the artist painted other paintings along the same lines and hence a pattern was seen that we call an impression that is easily recognized as the artist’s work, even though the paintings are different. God is the artist and Adam was the first painting. Today we are the rest of the paintings and we should all be pointing to the artist!

Creation was first in the thoughts of God, in the heavenly realm. Earth became the place God works out His thoughts and intentions. Earth was formed for God to create a pattern through man. So man is an actual living example of the interaction of heaven and earth.

Genesis 1:26–28 (KJV 1900) — 26 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. 27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. 28 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.

Let’s leave out the word ‘man’ and read the underlined part above. It reads this way: the image and likeness of God was created to have dominion.

All creation stayed fixed and untouched by the fall. Stars, planets, galaxies etc. are still in place by God’s oversight. But the earth is the only thing assigned to man. God said I will rule all this and you rule the earth. God brought all things into order and then turned to man and said now keep this in order. But since the fall occurred, man lost the order and even lost the family. Jesus came, redeemed the family and then said to bring this in order again. You have authority! So we come to the time of reformation of all things. Reformation means ‘to reform, to stand upright, to bring into order, to re-constitute’. Reformation or reforming is not making something new or created but allowing God’s hands through our lives to reform it! In other words, God wants to use us to paint through us a spiritual pattern into the earth! Now that’s exciting!

Here is some thoughts from my book Awakened Heart!

Image

Today as I came into the office, the Lord spoke to me and brought to remembrance a visitation that I had with him within the last year. The Lord spoke to me a great mystery concerning expectation. It forever has changed my concepts of faith and approach towards God. The Holy Spirit has quickened to me to share this with you in this week’s teaching. I trust it will be a great blessing for you.
Psalm 62:5-7My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him. 6 He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved . 7 In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God .
Many of us have seen this Psalm before. We read it as if our expectation is towards God, when in reality it’s says our expectation is from him. The word ‘expectation’ means hope, ground of hope, things hoped for, or outcome. David spoke this decree based on the foundation of his faith. He declares who God has been in his life. We see later on that Solomon, David’s son, also talks of expectation in Proverbs.
Proverbs 24:13-14 My son, eat thou honey, because it is good; and the honeycomb, which is sweet to thy taste : 14 So shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto thy soul: when thou hast found it , then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off .
Solomon declares that when wisdom becomes a part of our soul there shall be a reward, and that reward is that our expectation will not be cut off.
In this visitation, God woke me up at 3:30 AM . He had been preaching to me while I slept and then gave me these points to share with others. He also gave me the Scriptures to go with each section.
1. Expectation releases the supernatural deposit within us. It comes from within the vessel be it a vessel that is unsaved or saved Acts 1:1-7— 2:1.
The Lord showed me that saved or unsaved, that he had deposited expectation within every vessel. That we did not have the ability or the expectation within ourselves to seek him or hunger after him before we knew him. That this expectation deposit was what enabled us to experience salvation. This expectation enabled us to understand our need for God. He had put that expectation within every man, woman, and child to know God. Like David, every person has a hope within them. Even the vilest person has this deposit of hope or expectation abiding within. God showed me that no matter what a person says, excuses they make, or actions they display, deep within, is his expectation for himself that he deposited. The Lord showed me this is a key to unlocking any person’s heart.
2. Fresh expectation always will produce the suddenlies in our lives. Mal 3:1, Acts 2
Lord showed me that every ‘suddenly’ in our lives did not just occur but was the result of the release of expectation within us. He showed me that expectation also had creative ability within it that released the suddenlies that we see in Scripture. He showed me that as we walk in life, we always have an expectation of the day. That expectation is releasing things around us and putting them in motion towards us. But he showed me that a fresh expectation is what releases the suddenly. Fresh expectation is a collision of our faith with God’s hope.
3. Expectation sometimes comes for a service as people begin to gather, that is why messages sometimes do not come until the last moment. Acts 3:5
The Lord showed me that many times messages must change at the last moment before being presented. It’s due entirely to people’s expectation that they release. He showed me that leaders must be willing to change their message at any given moment because people’s expectations are shifting. He showed me that when everyone’s expectation becomes the same that is when His glory can invade. This synergy is when everyone’s faith and hope collide, allowing God to descend in a certain way to meet with everyone as if they were one person, body, or voice.
4. When expectation shifts from an event to a daily lifestyle then revival has come to the people of God. Some can be in revival while others are not. Acts 3:5
The Lord further expanded this by this statement. He showed me that revival, awakening, or reformation is depended upon a daily expectation more than a weekly event. The reason we are not seeing the results that we are looking for in the Church is because most of the Church only has an expectation for a single service each week. Revival, awakening, or reformation all has the makeup of daily expectation. The Lord showed me Paul’s daily expectation and how he walked in it. The release of daily faith caused the revival, awakening, and reformation of the early Church to occur daily not weekly.
5. Awakening is the when the expectation of the Church exceeds the unbelief of the community. Acts 12
The Lord showed me a community that has been completely changed because of the Church. He made the statement above and spoke to me that the Church’s expectation has to exceed the unbelief of the community. He showed me that when we realize the expectation is not from us but from him, he would change our perspective of what we would believe could really happen within a community. The awakening in a community is not about unbelievers getting saved at the church, but the Church coming into her realization of who God really is. He showed me how Peter was put in jail but that the Church’s expectation of God was greater than what held him. Even then, unbelief was rampant in the Church. He showed me expectation of the few gathered to pray exceeded the unbelief of the many. He told me not to worry about the numbers. But to make sure that the few were in unity and had the same expectation.
6. Expectation is hope. Faith is putting expectation in fullness. This is why expectation releases revival. The Church’s hope in God and His ability to perform His covenant exceeds the world’s state of hopelessness. Heb. 11:1
The Lord showed me that expectation carries the same dynamic and power as faith. He showed me that when we activate our faith we are actually putting in motion the expectation that he already has ownership of within our heart. This great hope exceeds the hopelessness of the world. Hopelessness carries a certain degree of power but expectation released is as if the power is doubled because faith is involved. He showed me that expectation is based upon our understanding that we know He is about to perform His covenant. The Lord showed me that many understand the covenant but many do not understand how the covenant goes into action. He spoke to me that it is about faith and expectations are the keys that unlocks covenant.

Visitation – “Authority Within Set Time”

Posted on December 14, 2012 by Dr. Greg Crawford

This morning the Lord woke me at 3:00 AM. This is always the time God has chosen to have in-depth conversations with me. It never fails as I come out of sleep with a “knowing” the spirit is near for conversation and I turn to look at the clock it has always been exactly 3:00 AM. It is never a minute less or more.

The Lord began by saying “I want to talk to you about your authority, specifically your authority as an apostle”. He then proceeded to speak, first about the authority we all have as believers. We have as sons and daughters have positional authority because of the spirit of adoption. We have the same rights and privileges as Jesus who is our savior/ redeemer and spiritual brother. But for those of us with a governmental position in the kingdom we have a governmental position with authority to go with that function as well. I understood all he was saying, but the Holy Spirit was relaying foundation. This was what the Lord began to speak to me about.

He said that all authority is ordained by him and is positioned in the earth for a set time. That the authority on the earth 100, or 1000 or even 10 years ago was effective for that chronos upon the earth but would not be effective for this season. (We are talking governmental authority of a fivefold office and not individual authority which is consistent no matter the time or season of the earth) That every season also has been assigned men and women to have positional authority for the time they have been set in place. That many desire to have authority from another era, but it would be non effective today. There is an authority that is to operate NOW in the earth and if operated will have the same effect.

He then showed me a policeman, a president, and army general. How those in times past with the season of the earth they each were positioned in and how their authority operated. Then he took them from the past forward and showed them trying to use authority and how people listened but did not respond. He then took people from the present time and showed them trying to speak with authority in the past and how it was not relevant.

The Lord then spoke and said “if you would use your authority as an apostle daily you would see the umbilical cords coming from second heaven be cut off people’s lives in a drastic way and they would become more free. (All things in second heaven are spiritual but not all things are from God.) You have the authority to wield like a great sword above the heads of people and can cut off chains of bondage.” He then showed me the cords trying to bring the wrong kind of life into people. He showed me the outcome that authority is positioned between heaven and earth as a covering and protection from demonic attack from second heaven. When that authority is not in place then people are subject to bandage’s, circumstances and other things.

He also showed me every day was also a set time within others measures of time. He showed me how authority was connected with time but not just a season of life, or a year but even down to a single day. That in some things the single day required authority for that day and that day alone. That certain things required movement in that moment to change the spiritual condition and climate. I was challenged but what he was saying and showing me.

He then showed me the relationship to chronos time and authority of fivefold offices. When Gods government does not know the times and seasons of the earth it affects how they use their authority. He showed me the standing still of the sun so a battle could be won. He showed me most fivefold ministers do not use authority because of not knowing the season of the earth they are in or their position in God. Most of the body is held in a bondage that could easily be broken if His ministers would take position as true covering and not a dictatorship demanding submission. I know for me I have grown weary in battling so many things over the years with so few willing to battle along side or battling for the wrong things.

The Lord knew my thoughts. He said “I know, but it’s time to rise up again. Now you will see how much more effective you will be! Your season is coming to fullness not completion! The understanding gained will cause the reach of the sword to be extended! It is a season of time the few can reach far. They will be given a further reach, reaching over areas where others will not rise up. It is a season of a blanket of authority will be placed over the people of the earth. ” I know there is a strength coming to those who are weary. It will be a fresh breath to lift us! We are starting to feel this breath carry us at the BASE.

He then showed me America and the saved and unsaved. The church accepting that which holds no authority because of the lack of knowledge and understanding. Assuming that what is seen is the best of what can be attained. He then showed me the unsaved. Amazingly they had taken the role and position of the church accepting that which holds no authority because of the lack of knowledge and understanding. Assuming that what is seen is the best of what can be had.

I challenge those of you in ministry to extend your reach of authority. Shake off the weariness we all experience and see how God will shift you to cut cords of bondage. Get an infusion of His breath and gain strength. We are about to take land we have never held before!

The Challenge

Aside

The challenge before many of us in this hour is to go deeper in the Lord. The urgency we feel in our Spirits is His urgency upon our life. What is setting upon us is more than just another good meeting, or another blessing. It is a history changing course being set in our hearts first so it will manifest out of our lives. It’s the game changer, the final play, the desire of all nations! For some they have no idea what I’m talking about . As I have recently looked over many of my notes of the revelation God has given me over the last few years, a few things stand out as must be, and needed to be fully grasped. In each of these areas I have done in-depth teaching and many of them I have series developed. Following is just a couple thoughts out of hours of teaching in each area. What I’m trying to do is show a pattern that God brings revelation that is connected in purpose and has a final result. For many of us we hear revelation and it is all we can do to absorb that certain truth. Is entirely different to see the connecting of many revelations is many true’s in a preset purpose in God. Following is some of the truth the Lord is given me and how I see them connected.

Ascending the Mountain – The Purpose

The revelation of building Gods house and ascending the mountain of the Lord. Issiah 2:2-3. We have begun a process within this grace we steward of knowing his ways, (transitions of God) and walking in his paths (transformations of God). Without us understanding these two things many people abandon the process of God’s grace coming into their life to create the change that would enable them to ascend the mountain for greater revelation. God’s ways are indeed higher than our ways, and his thoughts higher than our thoughts. For most people you cannot even have a discussion of how God’s ways are or how his paths unfold. For many it seems a mystery, and for others the lack of understanding the depth of the vastness of God and God’s true concern over lives keeps us from embracing the process of ascending the mountain. I was recently given the word that my time in the Valley have now ended, and the Valley was now full. The Lord would take me up the mountain again to ascend before him as the Lord was taking me to the place of Mamre. Mamre means place of vision and seeing. Is also the place of Hebron, the place where alliances are formed. These two dynamics have both the ways and paths of God in them. They will have transitions and transformations. Let us create alliances with each other in the place of vision and seeing as we are upon the top of the mountain of the Lord.

Holiness – The Requirement

The almost non-talked about topic but yet is key to see God truly. Without holiness no man will see God. Holiness is a separation in the setting apart from the things of the world so God can use us more fully. Holiness is a dedication. It is a lifestyle. Is the way we conduct ourselves both in private and in public. This consecration is a consecration of the heart, then the mind, the body. Let us truly see the consecration in each other’s lives let us allow that dedication to draw us together having one heart and one purpose.

Melchesidec – The Positioning

In this hour of the Lord is trying to rise up mature sons and daughters. The maturity level will be a reflection of his heart upon the Earth and just how far the Lord can do a great work within a person. They will be the ones that will indeed steward the second heaven and inner the third heaven to give fresh revelation and visions from the Lord that will change the outcome of things upon the Earth. They will move with signs and wonders and with great power and authority that will cause demonic forces to even quake. It is a priesthood that is always existed but has been hidden. Right now the hiding of this priesthood is occurring, as God is forming from the inside out. When the process is complete in the individuals the outward signs will show the hidden work completed. This positioning with the Lord will enable these Melchizedek priesthood know the times and seasons and what the Lord wants to do with, and in those moments. Let us truly take our position as mature sons and daughters so we know the times and seasons and God can flow through us with great signs and wonders.

Stewarding Grace – The Authority

Stewarding the second heaven and engaging the revelatory realm is needed in this hour. The grace Paul administrated that released others or could hold others in the processes of God until change truly occurred. Some in this hour are in these processes of grace, as some maybe unknowingly have stewarded grace over their lives. I have lived in this place as my heart was right before the Lord and my motive pure. I saw God move so deep in what I released over individuals it was scary to see the outcome and your awareness of what you were doing carried great responsibility. This went so far in one case I asked God to take a major cult leaders life through imprecatory prayer and the man was dead in 24 hours. I could feel the weight of what my faith was holding to happen. There’s an apostolic grace that is released in this hour to understand the deeper things of God. God is not concerned that all would be convinced to come into this time, but God is looking for those who have a hunger for him and a desire to see his kingdom come forth upon the Earth. God’s long-suffering enables him to endure when so many turn their back and turn away from what he is offering. God’s foreknowledge allows him to know that there will be a few and a remnant that will embrace what he is willing to give. As we move from understanding the graces more than just something that saved us, or keeps us, or as a favor with God, but is truly something God gives to us not just to bless us but that we would partner with him in stewarding change upon the Earth. Let us take our rightful position of authority and rightfully steward grace that creates change.

Four Breaths and Seven Glories – The Encounter

We are now beginning to enter the breaths of God coming upon the Earth and into his people. These breaths found in Ezekiel will bring the life that so many are desiring. As a trumpet sounds with a certain breath, there is a certain breath and sound now going forth upon the Earth. Each breath that is released will move and shift the glory of God from one place to another. We are right now at the first breath moving us from the place of captivity into a new place in the Lord. This first breath will reveal the glory that we have not yet seen upon the church. I believe each of the seven glories that we see in Ezekiel and the movement of them is directly related to the Isaiah 11 seven fold graces of Christ. The graces enable us to have the change needed, but the breath is what brings the change. Right now many have experienced a force breath and even the second. They have seen the glory of God a new ways that was only setting present over us even in our captivity. This is the eyes of our understanding being opened and the beginning of spiritual awakening occurring. These encounters with the breath of God will empower us and invigorate us in ways we have not yet experienced. All God does this for his glory to be revealed in and around us. In this hour let us breathe in deeply the press of God and see his glory move us and take us from one place to.

Graces of Isaiah 11: 1-3 – The Enablement

Just as the breath of God brings new life, the seven fold spirits of the lord are actually graces of God to come upon our lives create change. We read Isaiah 11 we look at it is the sevenfold nature of Christ, when in reality it says the sevenfold Spirit of the Lord. As we look more in-depth we can see that these are actually graces or divine enablement to come upon people to do the work of God upon the Earth. The spirit of understanding being the multiplier of all other graces. The spirit of actually means the breath of God. We begin to read each of these we see it is the breath of the Lord, the breath of understanding, the breath of the fear of the Lord, etc. etc. Without understanding we see that these are not just the nature of God that we tried to attain but is the very breath of life of God that we’ve allowed to come upon us and flow through us. The outcome of that is a special grace that we rest in and move out of. The spirit of the Lord, and the spirit of the fear of the Lord, are the beginning and the alpha and Omega. All other graces fall between these two things. As Paul said he has learned to steward grace, let us learn to steward these graces as the breath of God is come upon us.

A New Birth of Freedom – The Outcome

All of these as a collective are leading us to a great awakening. It is leading us to A new birth of freedom. The church is currently bound by religious structures that don’t produce life but law and the unbeliever is longing to be free from the bondage and corruption of the world. Our nation as a whole is crying out for new leadership and new government. What we’re actually crying out for is a new birth of freedom to occur within our nation once again. Our first birth of freedom is nation came out of our religious values and beliefs. We fought for those believe stood up and had a great voice that the entire world recognized. Today we must once again be that voice and take our position of standing up. All the things the Lord has been showing me over the last few years are things to enable us to do this with great impact. My fear is that many have heard only portions of revelation and not full. Many are trying to attain things on old patterns. Pattern that God is bringing in this hour is a fresh pattern. It is something that will touch both the believers with in the current structures and the unbelievers as well. The underlying thing you can here in almost any heart and in any statement in this hour is I desire to be free. The problem is we have not model that were voiced it in the way that we should. Let us be the voice to proclaim a new birth of freedom both within the church and outside its walls.

Greg Crawford

Spiritual Father, Revelatory Teacher, Apostle

Category Archives: Revelatory Teaching