Hi Brian!

For this week I want to share Rick Renner's "Sparkling Gems From The Greek - Volume 2".

When Five Psychiatrists Were Assigned To Study Me!

Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk. — Matthew 22:15

In the early years of our ministry in the former Soviet Union, a group of local psychiatrists determined among themselves that I was using a high level of hypnosis to control the people who attended our church. They stated that my level of hypnosis was so developed that I could even manipulate and control people who read my monthly teaching letters that we sent to television viewers. They suggested that as people read my letters, an amazing hypnotic power dramatically affected the readers, causing the readers to want to do what I had encouraged them to do in my letters. Of course, we know it was the power of the Holy Spirit at work, but this was their secular interpretation of what they were observing in our church members and TV viewers.

These psychiatrists were so convinced of these hypnotic powers that they paid a visit to the Department of Religion to express how gravely concerned they were about the level of hypnosis I was using to control people. I was unaware that I was “the talk” of this group until we received a call from the Department of Religion to inform us that five unidentified psychiatrists would be covertly attending all of our church meetings for three months to study the method of hypnosis I was using to control my entire congregation. Of course, since I know nothing of hypnosis, I was amazed! All I had done was teach the Word of God verbally and in written form — under the anointing of the Holy Spirit — and it was producing results in people’s lives!

I must tell you — when you know that five psychiatrists are somewhere out in the crowd, listening carefully and trying to find something against you so they can accuse you before the government, it can try to play with your mind. It tends to make you very self-conscious about what you do or say lest it be misinterpreted.

At first, I found myself very guarded in nearly every statement I made, very aware of the psychiatrists who were somewhere in the crowd, listening to “catch” me in something that I did or said publicly. But then I remembered Jesus and the time when the Pharisees listened carefully to Him in order to try to “catch” Him in His words so they could bring an accusation against Him. Knowing that Jesus had experienced the same thing, I turned to the Master to learn how to deal with the situation.

Matthew 22:15 says, “Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him [Jesus] in his talk.” The word “council” is the Greek word sumboulion, which describes a mutual agreement to devise a course of action with harmful or evil purposes. This tells us plainly that the Pharisees were very deliberate in their actions. They met together, agreed on a mutual course of action, and then proceeded to try to catch Jesus off-guard and “entangle” Him in His talk so they could find a reason to charge Him.

Reading this story personally helped me because it sounded so much like the five psychiatrists who were scattered throughout our congregation. I knew that if Jesus could stand successfully against the Pharisees, then the Holy Spirit could empower me likewise to stand strong and stable in the face of these psychiatrists whose sole purpose was to prove that I was controlling and damaging people with hypnotism.

Matthew 22:15 plainly states that this group of Pharisees wanted to “entangle” Jesus in his talk. The word “entangle” is a form of the Greek word pagideuo, which can be translated to ensnare, to catch in a trap, or to acquire information about an error or fault with the purpose of causing harm. It carries the idea to catch off-guard or to catch in a mistake.

Other translations of the New Testament put it like this:

“Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might ensnare him in his talk” (American Standard Version).

“Then the Pharisees went and conspired together plotting how to trap Him by [dis- torting] what He said” (Amplified Bible).

“Then went the Pharisees and held a counsel how they might ensnare him in speak- ing” (The Darby Bible).

The Greek wording in this verse emphatically means they purposefully tried to catch Jesus with tricky questions. But Matthew 22:18 says Jesus “perceived” what they were doing. The word “perceived” is ginosko, and it means that He knew, He surmised, and He perceived their wicked intent. Rather than be threatened by them and their presence in the crowd, Jesus boldly addressed them — so boldly that “when they had heard these words, they marveled, and left him, and went their way” (Matthew 22:22).

The word “heard” is a participle, which denotes continuous action. This means the Pharisees stayed for a considerable period of time and listened to what Jesus had to say as He poured forth the truth in utter boldness. Yet when all was said and done, they had caught Him in no trick, so in the end, they just “marveled” and went their way. The word “marveled” is the Greek word thaumadzo, which means Jesus’ detractors were so shocked at what they heard and how He delivered His message that they were rendered speechless and struck with awe. Jesus completely disarmed them.

This also revealed to me that Jesus didn’t change His behavior or His message to fit the doubters in the crowd. In fact, knowing that they were present, Jesus poured it on even more strongly — and as a result, they eventually left Him and, for that time at least, bothered Him no more.

Once I had a deeper understanding of the way Jesus handled this situation, I knew that I was expected to respond like He did. Rather than cower in fear because these five psychiatrists were there, I was to preach more boldly and more fearlessly than ever before. This wasn’t a time for me to be self-conscious.

So I decided if those doctors wanted to know what kind of power was operating through me, it was time to give them a very vivid demonstration! For three months, I poured out the Word of God in power and with the conviction and anointing of the Holy Spirit. When the three months were complete, the psychiatrists left, went their way — and filed their reports of what they had observed.

I personally saw those reports. In them, they indicated that they could not explain either the boldness or the effect of the message — and they suggested that it was something that superseded the powers of hypnotism. A few of them had been so helped during those three months that they continued to attend our church for a period of time to receive more help! Oh, what I learned from that experience!

Just like Jesus, we are not to change the way we present ourselves or our message simply because of who is in the audience or because of whom we’re talking to at the moment. We have no need to apologize for what we believe or for the power of God that works through us. If we shrink in fear, they will perceive it as weakness, but if we stand forth boldly and pour out what we really believe with the convicting power of the Holy Spirit, it will silence our critics.

Once I was seated on an airplane next to a fabulously well-known, foul-mouthed actress. I thought, “Oh, great, what will I tell her if she asks what I do?” But I decided not to retreat. I was going to be direct and honest and then leave the results with the Lord.

The woman responded to my frankness when she heard that I was a Gospel preacher — and when she heard me describe my family and how we all serve together, she began to weep over the condition of her delinquent daughter and son. For three hours I counseled her from the Word of God about steps she could take to redirect the detrimental path they were currently taking. She was not offended; she was helped. If I had squirmed and sheepishly told her what I did, I am certain she would have shunned me. But my frank, bold response threw open the door for a conversation, which I pray helped her with her children and her personal spiritual life.

Never forget that when you are true to the Word of God and your Spirit-inspired convictions of who you are, the Holy Spirit will be right there to empower you through every situation! The Spirit — working through you — will protect you and render your accusers silent and leave them better off for having been with you!

I was so impressed with how Rick, AND GOD, handled this situation! I thought that it would be encouraging to you to never change who YOU are, but to simply be bold in the gifts, calling, anointing, personality, talents and abilities that God has placed IN YOU! He will use you in ways that are unique and different from the ways that He uses anyone else! All for HIS GLORY and YOUR REWARDS! Here is a song from Hillsong that speaks of a way that God used one of His prophets (Ezekiel 37) to speak out what HE then performed! "Come Alive":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "rose". We'll be looking at Luke 24:33-34:

Luke 24:33 And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them, 34 Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon. KJV

This is the Greek word "anistemi". Strong's Concordance says: to stand up. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: to cause to rise up, to raise up, to rise (of persons seated), to arise, appear, stand forth. The Theological Dictionary adds: to awaken, to begin an action. The afternoon devotional for today on my PC Study Bible is all about these verses! I want to share it here because it goes right along! This is from Charles Spurgeon.

"And they rose up the same hour, and returned Jerusalem . . . and they told what things were done in the way, and how He was known of them."— Luke 24:33,Luke 24:35

When the two disciples had reached Emmaus, and were refreshing themselves at the evening meal, the mysterious stranger who had so enchanted them upon the road, took bread and brake it, made Himself known to them, and then vanished out of their sight. They had constrained Him to abide with them, because the day was far spent; but now, although it was much later, their love was a lamp to their feet, yea, wings also; they forgot the darkness, their weariness was all gone, and forthwith they journeyed back the threescore furlongs to tell the gladsome news of a risen Lord, who had appeared to them by the way. They reached the Christians in Jerusalem, and were received by a burst of joyful news before they could tell their own tale. These early Christians were all on fire to speak of Christ's resurrection, and to proclaim what they knew of the Lord; they made common property of their experiences. This evening let their example impress us deeply. We too must bear our witness concerning Jesus. John's account of the sepulchre needed to be supplemented by Peter; and Mary could speak of something further still; combined, we have a full testimony from which nothing can be spared. We have each of us peculiar gifts and special manifestations; but the one object God has in view is the perfecting of the whole body of Christ. We must, therefore, bring our spiritual possessions and lay them at the apostle's feet, and make distribution unto all of what God has given to us. Keep back no part of the precious truth, but speak what you know, and testify what you have seen. Let not the toil or darkness, or possible unbelief of your friends, weigh one moment in the scale. Up, and be marching to the place of duty, and there tell what great things God has shown to your soul.

Your marriage, family, work, life and home are a testament to the grace of God and the abundant blessing for those who LOVE HIM! What people see and hear in you all is SO moving, inspirational and encouraging! You and Kristine have really 'risen up', as the men above did, and God is glorified! I want to encourage you both that THE BGEST IS YET TO COME! Here is Hillsong Worship with one of my new favorite songs! "See The Light":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys! 

Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "foreknowledge". We find it in these verses:

Acts 2:22 Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: 23 Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: 24 Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it. KJV

1 Peter 1:1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. KJV

This is the Greek word "prognosis". Strong's Concordance says: forethought. It comes from the Greek word "proginosko", which means to know beforehand, foresee. Vine's Expository Dictionary says: foreknowledge is used only of divine foreknowledge. It is one aspect of omniscience, it is God's warnings, promises and predictions. This can be kind of confusing to some because even though God has given us a free will to make the choices for our lives, He DOES already know what we will choose! Isaiah 46:9-10 tells us this:

Isaiah 46:9 Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, 10 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: KJV

In Acts we see that it was God's plan and His purpose that JESUS should suffer, physically for our physical healing, and spiritually by becoming sin with OUR sin so that we could become righteous with HIS righteousness. In 1 Peter we see that it was God's plan and His purpose that we should become HIS by receiving JESUS as Lord and Saviour! WE don't know what God knows, so we are to always be ready to share the Gospel with everyone who asks us or who HE sends us to! We are not rewarded for people receiving JESUS as Lord and Saviour. We are rewarded for planting the seed of the Word, the Gospel, so that they CAN receive HIM. I am very glad to know that GOD knows, and I am equally as glad that I don't! That keeps me from getting into judgement and criticism, and also keeps me in faith for minstering to people. The care of it all stays on HIM, Who already KNOWS! Because it is our job to do the telling, Here is Hillsong with an older song called "Tell The World":

Verse 1: Don’t want to stand here and shout Your praise And walk away and forget Your Name I’ll stand for You if it’s all I do 'Cause there is none that compare to You Pre Chorus And all I want in this lifetime is You And all I want in this whole world is You Chorus: Tell the world that Jesus lives Tell the world that, tell the world that Tell the world that He died for them Tell the world that He lives again Verse 2: No longer I but Christ in me 'Cause it’s the truth that set me free How could this world be a better place? But by Thy mercy and by Thy grace

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "pattern". We'll be looking at a couple of different Greek words. The first is found in these verses:

Titus 2:6 Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. 7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, KJV

Hebrews 8:5 Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount. KJV

These are both the Greek word "tupos". Strong's Concordance says: a die; a stamp or scar; a shape, i.e. a statue, style or resemblance; a sampler, a model. Thayer's Greek Lexicon adds: a print; a figure or impression; an example. The young men that Paul was referring to in Titus were encouraged to give the congregation, especially the young people, an example of how a believer should look and behave, so that they could emulate these good things. In 1 Timothy 1:15-16 we see another Greek word:

1 Timothy 1:15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. 16 Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. KJV

This is the Greek word "hupotuposis". Strong's Concordance says: a sketch for imitation. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: an outline, sketch, brief, summary exposition; an example. Paul was telling Timothy that his (Paul's) life was an example, or a picture, of what the grace and mercy of God looked like when played out in the life of a born again believer! They, too, could expect and count on this for their own lives if/when they gave themselves to the Lord Jesus! The next Greek Word is found in this verse:

Hebrews 9:23 It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. KJV

This is the Greek word "hupodeigma". Strong's Concordance says: an exhibit for imitation or warning. A specimen. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: A sign suggestive of anything, representation of a thing, imitation, copy. The whole picture for this word is seen in the entire portion of Scripture. Verses 22-28:

Hebrews 9:22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission. 23 It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. 24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: 25 Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; 26 For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. 27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: 28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. KJV

All of the animal sacrifices of blood made under the Old Covenant were examples that pointed to the 'once and for all' REAL sacrifice of the Son of God! By obeying the commandment for the sacrifices for sin, the people were being reminded that there would come a time when the Messiah of Israel would come and He would free them from all bondage. SOME recognized JESUS when He came and ministered and told of the Father. Others would not believe because they expected that the Messiah would be a man of war and that he would defeat all the nations as a conquering King. Those that were paying attention to all of the many details of the ministry of JESUS would have seen proof, over and over again, of Who He really was! We have the benfit of looking back on what has already been done! And still some people do not see all that God has provided for us through everything that JESUS did! I am learning every day that there is SO MUCH MORE in this Word than I ever realized, and it has been a real joy to be made aware and to be able to comprehend these things and how I am to respond! PRICELESS! I want to encourage you and Kristine on the fine job that you are doing in guiding your beautiful, intelligent, creative, unqiue, fun and loving daughters through this difficult time with such good attitudes! They are being so well equipped to handle anything with joy and creativity! I am believing with you for some 'EXTRORDINARY MANNIFESTATIONS' of God's favor and anointing and goodness and grace! Here is Hillsong UNITED with an older song I have been hearing a lot lately called "Take It All":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!

Hi Brian!

This week I want to share another of Rick Renner's lessons from Sparkling Gems From The Greek - Volume 2. This one is all about the Church!

Where Does the Word ‘Church’ Come From?

But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. — 1 Timothy 3:15

Today I want us to look at the meaning of the word “church” as it was understood in the First Century AD when the Church was first emerging. This teaching goes a little deeper than we usually go — but for lovers of the New Testament, it will be filled with insight and revelation.

The term that the Holy Spirit chose to describe the newly emerging Christian community was the Greek word ekklesia. This word is a compound of the Greek words ek and kaleo. The word ek conveys the idea of an exit or a separation, and the word kaleo means to beckon, to call, to invite, or to summon. When these two words are joined, they form the word ekklesia, which describes those who are called and separated to a prestigious assembly.

The earliest examples of the word ekklesia is found in writings about Athens, where it was used to denote a prestigious assembly of Athenian citizens who regularly met to discuss civil matters. At these meetings, the distinguished citizens determined laws, debated public policy, formulated new policies, argued and ruled in judicial matters, elected the chief magistrates of the land, decided who should be banished, and so on. To be called out from society and invited to be a member of this assembly was a great honor.

The reason the Holy Spirit chose the word ekklesia to describe God’s people becomes more and more evident as one studies this subject. The New Testament meaning of ekklesia is clear: The local church is a body of individuals who have been called out, called forth, and separated for the purposes of God. The church is God’s assembly in every town and city — composed of people who have been saved and called out to make eternal decisions that will affect the very atmosphere of their local region.

God never intended for the local church to be simply a quiet, hidden body of believers. Rather, He intended for a church to be His voice and ruling power in each community — a special assembly comprised of people who have been called out to make decisions that will impact the atmosphere of their local environment for God.

Therefore, when the New Testament used the word ekklesia to depict the local church, it is conveying an incredibly important message right from the start: God’s plan for each congregation was not that they hide and cower in fear, but rather that they rise to a position of power and influence in the place where God had called them to fulfill their specific assignment for their region. The church was intended to be a brilliant beacon of light in the midst of dark and troubled towns, cities, and regions.

The believers in the early New Testament were suffering terribly as a direct consequence of persecution. Church meetings had to be conducted in secret because swift retribution would be brought upon them if their actions were ever made known. Yet despite the fact that these believers were suffering immensely and forced to meet in secret, Christ still acknowledged them for who they were — His ekklesia, called out from the world and separated to exercise spiritual power over the bleak and seemingly hopeless atmosphere that surrounded them.

Regardless of how dark and oppressive the situation seemed to be or how much these believers struggled, it didn’t change Jesus’ view of them. They were His precious, appointed ekklesia — His governing body in their respective towns, cities, and regions. And that is still how Jesus views the local church! Each body of believers has its own specific assignment, and each believer is assigned to a specific ekklesia! All local bodies fit within a larger common purpose: that of furthering the Kingdom of God on this earth by equipping the saints and being an influence of God’s truth and righteousness to a lost world.

So I encourage you to ask yourself today: Do I know in my heart that I am planted firmly in my God-ordained company of believers? Am I positioned in the ekklesia that holds His assignment for this season of my life? Then renew your commitment to be all God has called you to be to help the ekklesia to which He has joined you extend its influence. As that local body extends His voice into the surrounding culture, the spiritual atmosphere of that region will be changed to the glory of His name!

I REALLY love this! I grew up with so much uncertainty in my life! Knowing how very different I was from everyone in my family, thinking many, many times that maybe I was adopted. Finding out the Truth was so fulfilling to me, even though I had to wait 63 years for it! But one thing that has ALWAYS been SURE for me, without question, is that I was called to The Spoken Word Church! I truly believe that one of the most vital choices we must make is whether or not we will answer HIS calling to the local body of believers that we were assigned to be a part of! I have never even once questioned or regretted this choice! TRUE success is being WHERE God wants us to be, doing WHAT God wants us to do! It is a real blessing to know that you and Kristine have found the place where God wants your family to thrive! My prayer is that every one of my friends, family and loved ones will also find their places to thrive! Here are Hillsong Kids with "We Came To Meet With You":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!