The Forerunner's Anointing

This blog post marks the 100th entry for the blog. It also marks the change of the name "The Prophetic Youth Movement" after seven years into "The Forerunners Movement" which is birthed to my desire to equip young and old alike in the Forerunner's anointing God has given me.

The entries through the years speaks of different topics about the prophetic but deep down in my heart is the desire to see young people use their spiritual gifts, equip them for service and walk in the destiny God has for them. This is I think my calling for this season.

Like any calling,the character and vision of a Forerunner is sometimes hard to understand. Sometimes we even don't understand why we do things or why the Lord leads us to do something hard. But like what we've learned from the previous post, God gives us faith to believe of what is not yet seen, He places a desire in us and will always confirm his words and promises and eventually the signs and wonders follows when we abide in his instructions.

Signs and wonders.

Such big words to claim from someone like little me. 

Looking at Hebrews 11 once again reminded me of so many things God was teaching me through the years. The times in high school wherein I just read my study bible was beneficial on all the insights God has placed in me. It was part of a bigger preparation of what He is setting in me to do.

Can you just imagine how our heroes of faith did so many things, sometimes unconventional but with lasting impact? Try to consider these exploits from Hebrews 11 itself:

v. 32-38

–who through faith conquered kingdoms

–administered justice and gained what was promised

–who shut the mouths of lions

–quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword

–whose weakness was turned to strength

–and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies.

–Women received back their dead, raised to life again.

–There were others who were tortured, refusing to be released so that they might gain an even better resurrection. 

–Some faced jeers and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment.

–They were put to death by stoning;

–they were sawed in two;

–they were killed by the sword. 

–They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated the world was not worthy of them.

–They wandered in deserts and mountains, living in caves and in holes in the ground.

These are testimonies of what God can do when we walk in his ways. Their obedience led to conquering kingdoms, administering justice and honor, wherein miracles happens from left to right and yet some of them were killed because of what they believe in, this was their calling, they were all commended for their faith. 

Indeed, they bring in them a strong anointing.

According to Kenneth Copeland Ministries:

Anointing, as described in the Bible, can be defined as "God on flesh doing those things that flesh cannot do." It is God doing those things only He can do, and doing them through a flesh-and-blood, earthly vessel (see II Corinthians 4:7)...

If you're "in Christ," there's an anointing for everything you're called to do, no matter how small or how great the task. That's what the Apostle Paul meant when he said, "I can do all things through Christ (the Anointed and His Anointing) which strengtheneth me" (Philippians 4:13).

Notice that he didn't say "who strengtheneth me" but "which strengtheneth me." He was talking about the anointing. The same anointing that enabled you to be born again will heal your body, help you succeed in business, and empower you to prosper spirit, soul, body and in every aspect of your life. (See Luke 5:20-24.) 

I believe that every believer has been given an anointing but the capacity, strength and influence is measured depending on our growth, maturity and grace given by the Father in Heaven. I saw this article that speaks about the anointing this way (by Joy Ministries):

Dimensions of the Anointing

1. Weight

The myrrh in the anointing oil, though it was a liquid, was measured by weight which speaks of the Glory of God, the weightiness of His presence influence and power (2 Cor. 3:18).

It is the will of God and the destiny of every believer to be conformed into the image of Jesus (Rom. 8:29). His image and likeness is being brought forth on the inside of every believer. His likeness is full of Glory, the very weightiness of the substance of His presence (2 Cor. 4:16-18). As each Spirit-filled individual submits to the working of the Spirit of God, Christ is increases the weight of His glory on the inside of that person.

Figuratively, weight means abundance and authority. An increase in strength produces and increase in weight (glory), and an increase in glory (weight) produces an increase in strength (1 Pet. 5:8-10).

2. Length

Another ingredient in the anointing oil was sweet cane. While sweet cane was also measured by weight, it was used as a measuring rod to measure length. This speaks of territory, sphere and boundaries.

Although much prayer is offered for territory to be enlarged, the only key to seeing an increase and enlarging is the anointing (2 Cor. 10:13).

Each believer has been apportioned a sphere of activity by God. Just as each has received gifts to function in within His Body, so have they also been measured an area, or sphere of influence in which they are to be effective, such as the local church, community, city, nation or nations. God’s people do not boast of things according to their own measure, but to the measure of the rule God has distributed to them (2 Cor. 10:13).

The anointing that each believer has been given is for their our measure of rule, for their sphere of activity to which they have been assigned. But it will be applicable if they do not stretch themselves beyond that measure (2 Cor 10:14). However, Paul also knew the key to extending his measure of rule (2 Cor 10:15, 16).

3. Capacity

Olive oil as measured the normal way liquids were measured - capacity. This speaks of volume, magnitude, ability and use.

Whatever gifts and abilities the Lord has given to his anointed, should be given back to His Body. The gifts are for the edification of the Church (Lu. 6:38). The measure that is used is measured back (Ma. 4:24, 25 ).

God is wise and does not waste resources where they are not stewarded properly (Matt. 25:14-28). This this context, capacity refers to the volume and magnitude of the ability of God working in and through believers according to use.

As God is raising up forerunners in this season, the depth and wide of their work will differ. Some of them will be in the front lines opposing the enemies tactics, others are placed in the towers to bring warning or instruction to what lies ahead and others are placed in the inner room diligently praying and interceding for the rest of us. Everyone will play an important role, everyone has a place to accomplish God's purposes and plans and it's only because of the anointing of God working through us.

And like what happened to Saul, the anointing of God can be taken away when we disobey him and yet, it also protects us from the enemies of the Kingdom of God.

But more importantly, it allows us for the Holy Spirit to work through us and minister to people. This what makes us different from the counterfeits of this world. The works and results of our ministry comes from an anointing not from us but through the Spirit of God. 

Looking back on the list earlier in Hebrews 11:32-38 ends with verse 39 with a strong indication that what they've done is not the end of God's super-manifested anointing but just the start of something good for us:

These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised,since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.

God's anointing is still real today and He can still use us for his greater glory. The completion of the great commission is not played by skillful tactics or doing it with our own strength, it is downplayed by the power of the anointing of Christ's work on the cross that compels us to do more, do better and expand our territories for the gospel of Christ.

The list in Hebrews doesn't stop with the last person but continues in the history of the church. There are still Forerunners out there doing their thing with the anointing that comes from the Holy Spirit, creating impact and bringing change in a torn world with sin and disgrace.

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Characterizing the Forerunners of Revival

The last blog post "The Heartbeat of the Forerunner" in a series of topic speaks about the true heart every believer should have. If we are truly Christ's disciple, we will follow his will in a heart beat. As Forerunners, I strongly believe that God is calling believers who has been "set apart" for a purpose. And for us to fully grasp what God is doing, we need to identify characteristically who and what Forerunners should be.

Now, I truly believe that Forerunners will spread revival in the entire earth for Christ. We also need to fully define who we are as movement, as people set apart for the completion of Christ ministry work.

Today we will focus on the characteristics of a Forerunner, how do we differ from others and how can we focus on the vision of God while redefining who we are? But more importantly, I'd like to focus on the "Heroes of Faith" in Hebrews 11 and identify ourselves together with them. There are gems that we can learn from these people and of the calling the Lord has placed before us.

1. Forerunners are a people of FAITH

"By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.

By faith Abel brought God a better offering than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith Abel still speaks, even though he is dead."

Forerunners fully understand that they live by faith, believing that God is in control even when fear is there. We desire to worship and honor God by offering better sacrifices. 

Now, let me speak more of "better sacrifices", this doesn't even mean that we're better than other believers. It actually speaks about the conditions of our hearts when we offer our time, effort or even gifts to the Lord. Our purpose should and always will be to bring an offering with a cheerful heart.

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. - 2 Corinthians 9:7

Yes,God looks at the heart and he deals with the heart more importantly because it is the wellspring of life.

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. - Proverbs 4:23

It is the same way when we look at Forerunners, our purpose why we do stuff for the Lord because we want to honor him, even to the point of sacrificing certain things personally. But this is because we know and believe that God has better things in store for us because we believe in his promises for us.

2. Forerunners LIVE for righteousness

"By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death: “He could not be found, because God had taken him away.” For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. 

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him"

Righteousness is defined as someone who is without blemish. As God is preparing a people who lives in righteousness, we still consider ourselves wretched because we oftentimes sin. Indeed, the apostle Paul was right in mentioning to the Roman believers in Romans 7:

I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good.

 As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.

For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.

But like the Apostle Paul, we cherish on what Christ has done for us that we can boast through Christ in our own weaknesses. Indeed, we can fully declare:

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. - 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Our righteousness comes from the cross' power. It is because of Christ's work that we are able to live in righteousness - not of our own but through grace. That is why even when people mock us and in difficulty, curses us, we still delight in the Lord for He makes us strong.

3. Forerunners ABIDES in GOD's instruction

"By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith..." 

We believe that God is raising up a people wherein they hear instructions from the Lord and with wisdom follows it. We strongly believe in the concept of "obedience is better than sacrifice". We believe that God desires more that we obey his words, follow the instructions from His words and flourish in the season God has blessed us.

Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand! – Matthew 11:15

Because we want to abide in God, we turn away from the world and stand for what is right. We condemn the world's view and bring in change in our communities with the truth based on scriptures. We live in the grace that allows us to move on in life.

As Forerunners in this season, God requires for us to have an ear for instruction. To follow God's decree and have the wisdom to change the course of history through the powerful message of the cross of Christ. 

4. Forerunners are RECEPIENTS of God's inheritance

"By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance,obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. 

By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise." 

We believe that God is placing in us a dream as an inheritance and because He is the giver of good dreams, we obey and believe that He will fulfill his plans for us even when we sometimes don't understand. 

We move from one season to another in this world believing that we live as aliens and strangers of this world, desiring a world where the King sits on his throne. But more importantly, deep down inside of us is the reality of God's promises wherein grace, favor and blessings becomes our inheritance through Jesus Christ. That's what keeps us going from breakthrough to breakthrough.

5. Forerunners BEARS fruits in season

For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. And by faith even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she considered him faithful who had made the promise. 

And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore.

We believe that God is the perfect builder of our life wherein He knows what's right for us and leads us to a brighter future.  We also believe that as Forerunners, we need to bear fruit for Christ. A true disciple of Jesus bears fruit as he is our great vine dresser. I believe that as we continue to rise up God will continue to bless our work. 

Not only do we obey God's blueprint but also brings blessings in our lives. And we believe that because of the power of a changed life through the grace of God, God will place people in our lives who will bear testimonies of God's fulfillment through us.

I believe that God will also place us in situation wherein we will see the fruits of every effort, of the faith that comes by believing and walking in righteousness. We will also see God's favor and hand from one situation to another, declaring that the one who has called is faithful when we abide in him. 

I may never know where you are in your journey with the Lord but it is my prayer that the Holy Spirit will open your eyes of these spiritual truths and bring in the revival that will set on fire and prepare the way of the Lord. 

Have you identified yourself with the 5 characteristics of a Forerunner? 

Do you believe that God is placing us in this timely season for revival? If you believe these truths, I pray that you would also entrust to others what you are learning and start living as a Forerunner for the Lord.

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The Heartbeat of A Forerunner

There’s this old monument back in my hometown wherein a lot of names are written on it. They say that the monument was to honor some soldiers and freedom fighters from the Japanese era. I tried looking for people who probably were related to me and it always excite me when doing that to almost two hundred names!

For a kid living in a small town, finding someone’s name could boost up his ego. Let’s accept the fact that when we were kids we wanted to become famous. We want to become superheroes, people that we think made significance in their lifetime – even in comic strips.

Another thing that I used to do is find some meaning with my name. I tried to make something out of my natural name and think of ways how to make it more known.

There is something about names that excites me. In biblical times, a name can mean an entire lifetime’s perspective. It speaks about the person’s history and at the same time his future.

Of course my name wasn’t mentioned in the bible or anywhere else. It probably is insignificant, unworthy of someone’s time to search through thousands of names. 

Ouch!

But there is one important name in the bible that could probably change our perspective – our own egoistic perspective of ourselves, that is. We might not have a name like his, but his name brought changes in our lives, in our identity, just because of what he did.

He’s name is JESUS.

Philippians 2:9-11 puts it simply but direct to the point by saying:

“Therefore God exalted him to the highest place    and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,     in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,     to the glory of God the Father.”

Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, died for you and me. He died that we might live and can make significant changes in us through the power of grace. He was exalted because he did the very thing we cannot do – save ourselves. It was through obedience that the disciples and those who've gone before them continued to do Christ's command. 

• They have experienced the name of Jesus which brings authority in heaven and in earth

• Their teacher’s last command was to go and disciple, baptize and teach others from every nation (which actually means people group in this context)

• His ministry continues to live on until his 2^nd coming because of a promise made real from day 1 of Pentecost

God honored his work.

For three years, Jesus tried changing people’s perspective of the kingdom of heaven. He tried discipling twelve unlikely heroes from a small town. He did miracles, healed the sick, rebuked many people, he even predicted and prophesied of what will come to pass.

But the most significant aspect of his ministry, on my own point of view, is the time of his ascension. In Matthew’s documentation, this was his last words for everyone, his final teaching –

Matthew 28:18-20 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Through this passage, we get to see three important aspect of what will become of his three years training on unlikely individuals. What could have made them change their minds and turned the Roman empire and the rest of the world upside down?

The great commission was given to the early believers for a reason and the fruit of that first encounter with the resurrected Christ changed their perspective. It was through the testimony of Jesus that made them wait for the right time to bombard three thousand men await at the synagogue.  It was through Christ’s teaching and discipling that made them aware on how to go about God’s purpose.

We are part of the fruits of the apostles, we are their inheritance. If not for them, we will not experience God’s goodness and mercy in our lives. Because of many of the believers gave their lives for the gospel, it reached the shores of our country. They spread the gospel of grace and disciple others to share it to others until it reached our very ears.

In reality, this is discipleship and we are also called to accomplish our chief high priest’s plan through this mindset. We bear the same commandment that was given to a faithful few two thousand years ago. From that time on until now, there’s this people who have hold nothing back, even to the point of death, for the sake of God’s call for the gospel.

The apostle Paul was just one of the few forerunners of his time. Hebrews speaks of so many names that I wished my name was part of it. He was called an apostle to the gentiles and entirely helped spread the gospel in the Roman empire through his life testimony. But Hebrews also spoke about the nameless and faceless believers who accomplished much because of their love for the Lord. Their heartbeat gushes the very desire to hasten the coming of our Lord and King.

Simply put, the heartbeat of every forerunner is the completion of Christ's Kingdom work on earth. They desire to continue what started as a small revival in Jerusalem. Like them, we are called to be forerunners of revival. A revival that will change the course of history and bring the manifest purposes of God here on earth. I strongly believe that revivals are meant to ignite the next generation for the coming great revival. We live in an exciting time indeed!

That's what my heart beat says, it desires to ignite other young people to accomplish the works of him who called me.

How about you, what does your heart beat for? What makes it rush from time to time? Do you see yourself as someone who not only desires worship and fellowship but also the completion of the great commission?

Your answer determines your calling. And I'd like to add, you're calling determines the purpose why you continue to read this blog.

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