If They Are Forbidden From The Spirit, They Will Partake Of Flesh. People are starved for reality, for real contact with God and real power for righteousness by the Spirit of God.

Some well-meaning pastors and teachers try to protect their flock from any further experience in God. They insist that the theoretical and the intellectual experience is all that is needed. The people of God are literally starving to death spiritually. Many end up turning to New Age religions. They say, "The pastor said there is nothing of substance in Christianity, but here is something real." They end up chasing demons because a well-meaning preacher forbid that they should seek the Holy Spirit and have a real experience with Christ.

The following is an excerpt from the Feast Of Tabernacles by George Warnock. You will see how God brings out this principle in His word.

JONATHAN'S HONEY SHOWER

There was a time during the reign of Saul, when the Philistines were massed in great strength against Israel, that Jonathan, Saul's son, was impressed to make a single-handed raid against the enemy. So he and his armour-bearer went over to the Philistines' garrison, climbed up the sharp rocks which were in the passes, and contacted the enemy. He did not tell his father anything about it, because he knew what would happen. Just imagine what a stupid idea he had! He and his armour-bearer going over to fight a whole garrison of the Philistines--when the whole army of Israel was in utter fear, having scarcely a weapon in the whole nation because of the terrible servitude to which they had been subjected. But Jonathan knew what faith could do. "It may be that the Lord will work for us," he said. "For there is no restraint to the Lord to save by many or by few." (1Sam. 14:6). And so Saul tarried at home under the pomegranate tree, and Ichabod's nephew was wearing the ephod. He was Saul's priest. What a picture of a powerless, defeated Church, resting at ease and self-complacency, with a priesthood that is devoid of the glory, and their people in complete bondage and servitude to the enemy. They even had to go down to the Philistines to get their axe or sickle sharpened, for there was no smith in Israel. Complete dependence upon the world and its systems!

But Jonathan's faith led him into a great place of victory and fruitfulness. All he did was to start chasing the enemy, and his armour-bearer followed. One by one the enemy fell before Jonathan, and the armour-bearer did the slaying. Thank God for the Holy Spirit who stands by our side, confirming every Word of God with the sharp Sword of His mouth. Then a great fear gripped the Philistines, and there was a trembling in the host and amongst all the people, and the earth quaked. And Saul looked on in amazement, for the Philistines were melting away. There seemed to be no reason for all this: so he numbered the host to see if any were missing. Sure enough, Jonathan and his armour-bearer were not there.

First of all, of course, Saul had to know whether this thing was of God or not. If it wasn't then he would not have anything to do with it. So he called forth the ark of God and Ichabod's nephew to see if they could help him. While they argued, the Philistines continued to melt away in utter confusion, even beating down one another. Finally he could stand it no longer, and he ordered the priest to withdraw his hand. He saw that he was going to miss out on the victory if he did not get into the battle at once. So he mustered his men and started the pursuit. There was the shout of victory; the Philistines were in utter confusion; and every man's sword was against his fellow's. Whenever there is a shout of victory there are a lot of people who will join the battle. They may not know what is going on, and how the move of the Spirit started, and the purpose of it all--but there is a shout of victory, and that is about all that matters. And so Saul wanted everything God had for him, and joined the battle. It was a great victory; and of course Saul was king, so it was his victory. He was right there in the thick of battle.

The strange part of the whole thing is this, that the whole purpose and plan of God for this day and hour is completely lost and obscured amidst the shout of victory, and most of the saints do not know what it is all about. They can see healings, miracles, prophecy, laying on of hands for the bestowal of gifts, singing in the Spirit...and so forth; and they do not understand that it is God in mercy preparing His people to enter into the very heritage of Canaan. They do not realize that this is but the foretaste and earnest of their heritage, and that God would now lead them in to possess the land. And so King Saul--for he was king, and this was his battle, and his victory--he charged the people with a strange oath, forbidding them to eat any food until he was avenged of his enemies. (Just that very morning he was resting under a pomegranate tree with no thought of pursuing the enemy at all. But he must maintain his kingdom and show his authority and keep the people under his rule and sway.)

The battle continued with ever-increasing momentum, the people pursuing the enemy, and the backslidden Hebrews coming out of their hiding places and joining the battle along with their comrades. But it was a hard struggle, and the people became faint as the battle wore on. How hungry they were! But they could taste nothing, because Saul had charged the people with a strange oath. This was no time to eat; this was a day of battle. This is no time to talk about Divine life, and freedom from sin and the carnal nature, and appropriation of resurrection blessings; those things belong to the rapture!

And so they fought; and as they pursued the enemy they came into a wood. The trees were literally flowing with honey, but they could not touch it. A curse was pronounced upon any man who would taste any food until victory was complete. Is it not strange how men in high places are constantly charging the people with strange oaths as to what they shall accept and what they shall not accept? And the people are hungry for the heritage of Canaan, but they fear the oath. Saul has made the decree, and that is enough. "Cursed be the man that eateth any food until evening." This is the hour of the Church's struggle, we are told, and it is no time to be talking about our heavenly heritage and trying to enter into it.

But like Jonathan there are some that "heard not" when this curse was laid upon the people. And like Jonathan they have discovered that the fruit of Canaan is to be their strength and sustenance even while they fight the Devil, and not after they go to Heaven. In fact, it is part of the spoils of victory; it is right in our pathway as we pursue the enemy and throw his ranks into utter confusion. And so Jonathan simply put forth his rod and took a little honey (for the trees "dropped" or literally "flowed" with honey), and put the honey to his mouth, and "his eyes were enlightened." Just as simple as that! The people argued with him that he was doing wrong, because the king had said so. They themselves were really hungry for the same thing, but that did not matter either. If the king said so, that was enough. Jonathan was under the curse.

God's people everywhere should know this; and all our religious leaders should know it; that if the saints are barred from their heritage in Christ and forbidden to eat of the good things of Father's table, sooner or later they are going to eat of the flesh-pots of the world. The people, we are told, became so ravenously hungry that they "flew upon the spoil." They took sheep and oxen and calves and slew them, and ate the flesh with the blood. This was a great sin, so far as Israel was concerned, for it was contrary to Mosaic law. But the truth of the matter is this: if we do not go on to appropriate and enjoy the honey of Canaan, sooner or later we will return to the ways of the flesh. After all, why should Jonathan not have partaken of the honey of the land? It was in Canaan, was it not? And had God not given Israel the whole land of Canaan for their heritage, even the land that floweth with milk and honey?

There is a Jonathan group in the Church that has believed their God, and they are determined to pursue Satan and his hosts to the end. Perhaps they are no match for mighty Lucifer and his hosts, but they are not trusting in their own natural weapons; they are not relying upon their wisdom, their knowledge, their theology. Their trust is in God alone. For them God will cause the earth to quake, the evil hosts to tremble, and confusion to grip their ranks. It really doesn't matter what our resources are in the natural. In the wisdom of God, Satan and his hosts are going to become such fools that they will flee in utter confusion and will even destroy each other. If men will believe their God, God will send a great trembling into the ranks of the enemy; and then the victory is ours. Furthermore, these men know that their victory was through faith, and not by the arm of flesh. And therefore they do not hesitate to stop and taste "a little honey" along the way, while others labour feverishly in the power of the flesh to defeat the enemy before sundown. Certainly the need is great; Jonathan knows all about that. But he knows also that God gave him the victory through quietness and confidence and through much waiting on God. And he can afford, therefore, to withdraw from the hustle and bustle of Saul's battle, and take time off to enjoy some of the spoils of victory.

For many years the saints have been singing about what they are going to do after the battle is over. They are going to be with Christ, in Heaven, enjoying the peace and rest of the lands of their inheritance. They are going to drink at the eternal fountains, and eat of the tree of life. But the fact of the matter is simply this: the fruits of victory are to be appropriated here and now while the battle rages. The woods are literally "flowing" with honey; and you don't have to go out of your way to find it either; it is right in your very pathway as you pursue the enemy.

But what about the curse? Well, God must have turned the curse into a blessing, as He is accustomed to do on behalf of those who love Him. It never did Jonathan any harm. Saul even insisted on killing him, because--according to all the signs, Jonathan was to blame for the Lord's displeasure in Israel. Prayers were not answered any more. Saul inquired of God concerning a matter, and God refused to hear him. So he cast lots to see who was at fault, and Jonathan was taken. We may be sure that when Saul takes the pathway of disobedience, and walks in his own way, he is left open to great deception. Those who have refused to go on with God in the pathway which He has chosen, and choose the way of the flesh rather then the heritage of the Spirit, they will receive many sure signs and tokens to prove than Jonathan is in the wrong. Once a man enters the path of disobedience, and closes the door to revealed truth, he has thrown himself open to greater deception; and the most conclusive signs and evidences that he receives will be utterly false and unreliable.

Here is Jonathan's simple explanation of his "sin": "I did but taste a little honey with the end of the rod that was in mine hand, and, lo, I must die." At best all the saints have yet done in their attempt to appropriate the heritage of Canaan, is to "taste" a little honey. But the whole land is before us. May God help us to press in by the Spirit and possess our possessions even now in the day of battle. By His grace we are well able to overcome.

Topic: The Church, What Is It and What Is Its Purpose

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Haggai 2:7-9 And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts.  The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the LORD of hosts.  The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the LORD of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, saith...

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It is important that we are obedient to the Spirit of God as He reveals the order in the Scripture.  We are learning to hear His Voice and respond to it.  It is also important to note that no one can select his or her own calling or gift.  No one can decide to have an office in the Church or a gift of the Spirit or a certain ministry. ...

As already mentioned, the Body of Christ is Christ the Body.  When we can discern the Body of Christ, it opens a door for us to see more clearly in the realm of the Spirit.  While our fleshly nature thinks that we have a real identity outside of the Body of Christ, this is not reality.  The reality is that our identity is in Christ, specifically, the Body of Christ...

Discerning the Body of Christ is righteousness. \"Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth to a holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together...

Many are captive to the religious systems of this age. About half of all Christian churches teach more liberalism than they teach the gospel of Jesus Christ. Many who teach the gospel of Jesus Christ are intent on proving that they have the completeness. The word, "peace," in Jeremiah 6:14, means "completeness." It is the Hebrew word, "Shalom," which is used for "hello" and "goodbye" but means "completeness."  Note also that they...

Teachings of Scriptural Christianity Biblical Christianity\'s Teachings on God: The Only God is triune, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He is all-powerful, all-knowing, everywhere-present, and has always existed. No person can find purpose or meaning in life or be fulfilled outside of a relationship with God. God is love and wants a personal relationship with every person. Biblical Christianity Teachings on the Perfect Creation: God created the universe and everything in it,...

Now concerning spiritual gifts [lit. spirituals], brethren, I would not have you ignorant. Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away to these dumb [incapable of speaking] idols, even as ye were led. So God speaks. (some caveats about hearing God\'s Voice) Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but...

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What are the Scriptural Christianity Teachings? What is the good news (gospel) and why should I care? What was the price that was paid so that I could be forgiven? Did Christ Both Die And Rise From The Dead? What Will Be The Last Enemy To Be Defeated? Why did Jesus really pay such a price? Are all who call themselves Christians free from religious systems of this age? How great is God's love? How does the...

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1 Timothy 1:3 As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine 1 Timothy 6:3. If anyone teaches a different doctrine, and doesn't consent to sound words, the words of our Lord Jesus... Ephesians 3:5 Which in other generations was not made known to the which in other generations was not made known to the children of...

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God has a pattern for the Church, and that pattern is in Scripture.  His pattern is important to Him....

There Is Only One Scriptural Church Government Order.  There Are Many Man-engineered Orders For Church Government.  Scriptural Church Order: There is only one order defined in Scripture for the Church.  That order of authority is the Spiritual order.  It is the order of the Holy Spirit.  In the Kingdom of the Heavens, when it fully comes, this Spiritual order will become the order of the government of the entire earth. ...

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The apostolic age is an assumption that support the theological position that miracles, tongues, the power of God, apostles, prophets, the gifts of the Spirit, the leading of God\'s Spirit, and many other things are no longer available to the church. Duration: Ephesians 4:11-13 The apostles will be here until we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God to a perfect man...

The Church has many functions, but it has two main purposes: The purpose to assure that the called are born into God's family. The purpose to assure that the born grow up to Christ's fullness. Romans 8:28-29...

What are the strengths and weaknesses of the Church?   The strengths of the Church are:   Obedience to God through the power of the Holy Spirit.     And understanding of Scripture through the power of the Holy Spirit.     The orders of the church as God has laid them out in Scripture.     Hope in the promises of Scripture.   The weakness of the Church are:   Disobedience, ungodliness, and...

It seems as if the Scriptural order of the Church is widely rejected by religious people.  There are several reasons. First, any precept of God is spiritual in nature.  Spiritual things must be revealed.  They are not reasoned out.  Even the Scripture says that spiritual things must be spiritually discerned.  How can someone walk according to something they can't understand.  Every Christian should be in constant prayer for God's continual unfolding revelation.  There are things that...

Scripture defines the Church and its purpose. It is the Bride of Christ, but God\'s purpose is that it become totally clean and without defect first. God\'s purpose is for total unity in the Church. God\'s purpose is the the Church is the Kingdom of God. It is the final holy temple of God. Without the Church that is built according to the pattern, you will never find fulfillment. To...

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God's Way is not a smorgasbord from which the Christian may pick and choose.  For each person, God pulls back the veil of the flesh so the person can see some element of the Kingdom of God.  The person either receives the revelation or not.  We are all on the road somewhere.  Many are stuck in a rut because they continually reject what God has revealed to them....

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God is not so much concerned with numbers of members in a church.  He is concerned with your growth.  God has given the church what is needed to make this growth take place, but much of the church is taken up with the money, power, and prestige or religion, so they don't listen to God's voice. 1 Corinthians 12:28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly...

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Can these be counterfeited? Yes.  Every gift of God can be and is counterfeited by the human mind and by powers and principalities.  Even salvation itself is counterfeited.  Worship is counterfeited.  The Bible is counterfeited with false translations.  Ministries are counterfeited.  Healing is counterfeited.  Miracles are counterfeited.  Prophecy is counterfeited.  Tongues are counterfeited.  And, of course, apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers are counterfeited.  This makes the real no less real, but, in...

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In some cases, people are being taught that only certain parts of the Bible are valid. What is considered valid or not valid can vary widely across organizations. Some organizations want to get rid of the creation account and what the Bible says about the age of the Earth. Some want to get rid of apostles, prophets, and gifts of the Spirit. Others want to get rid of speaking in...

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Question:     My question is this. Our church is beginning to tolerate just about anything. Our Pastor is wanting our board (deacons) to only have the duty of financial matters. He wants all other responsibilities himself. He wants to leave scriptures out of our by-laws that relate to dealing with sin in the congregation. He has a young man at this moment sitting out of our praise and worship team...

Question: What is the church? How it should be governed. what kind of worship is most pleasing God? Describe the different answers given in the 17th century church of England to these questions. what was the outcome of these controversies? What challenges to traditional theology were experienced in the 17th century and 18th century? and what effects could be seen in the life of the Christian church? what was the usual...

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I have a question about James chapter 5 verses 13 and 14. In verse 13 we are told that if we are afflicted to pray and if we are merry to sing psalms. However, in verse 14, instead of praying for ourselves when we are sick, we are told to call on the elders.   In 13 we do the praying and rejoicing ourselves, but not in 14.   Why does it...

Mt 16:18 And I say also to thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Mt 18:17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it to the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be to thee as an heathen man and a publican. Ac 2:47 Praising God, and having...

Don\'t Miss The first step The Church can come into fullness. Fulfillment will happen God\'s way. Whoever will may come. There are no guarantees for the unfaithful, those not walking in the Spirit by grace through faith. God\'s pattern is more than a pattern. It is the very method of bringing us to salvation.   God restored all the following: Spiritual rebirth by grace through faith: (read article) Freedom from worldly constraints, forms, rituals, rules,...

To many, it seems that the church is not fulfilling its purpose.  The reason Christians are leaving many church organizations is because there is no scriptural way provided by which they may grow to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, which is spoken of in the Scripture. Yet, the Bible plainly lays out the way.  The churches, in many cases, prefer man-made ways to the Bible.  That means that...

Have you considered that your life has a purpose and God knows it and wants to reveal your purpose to you? Do you know your purpose in life?  Are you happy, fully satisfied and completely fulfilled... or do you want something more?  If you continue to think as you have always thought, then you will continue to get what you have always got.  Is it enough?  You can find out...

God so loved the world, that is the cosmos, the universe and its order, that He gave His unique Son so that whoever believes into Him should not die but should have the life of the coming age, an uncreated life that does not end. And how do we believe into Him? It is \"into\" in the original language. Well, who is Christ?  Christ is the Head of the Body in...

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16 God loved you (put your name in here) so much that he gave His only unique Son so that if you (put your name in here) believe in Him, you won\'t die, but you will have a Aionial life. This is a specific kind...

Jesus said, "You must be born again."  Nicodemus didn't have a clue what Jesus meant.  He asked, 'How can I be born again?"  It's a great question.  The answer is, "you must believe in Jesus for deliverance from your sins."  Being born again is getting started on the road to spiritual success.  Once you get started, hopefully, you take ground, hold the ground, and go on to total victory. ...

Question: I have been a member of a denominational church for about 19 years. How can I introduce foundational truth about the Five Fold Gifting to the house and still be submitted to my Pastor? I am sold out for God and I do not want Him to say to that I did not do as he has commanded me to do. Now I know that my commission is great. I...

1 Corinthians 13:1 \"Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity [agape love], I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.\" 1 Corinthians 13:5 \"[agape love] Doth not behave itself unseemly\" Romans 5:5 \"And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given to us.\" Hope is...

The apostles and the 5-Fold Ministry, What a concept. Do apostles and the 5-Fold Ministry exist in the Bible? As you will see, apostles and the 5-Fold Ministry do indeed exist in the Bible. There are those who would like to ignore apostles and the 5-Fold Ministry. Can we pick and choose those parts of the Bible that we want and leave the rest, sort of like a cafeteria Christian? There...