The only throne that matters

We have recently been studying the priesthood and discovering some fascinating, and I believe really relevant, issues for the church today.

One thought that has captivated me is the reality of heaven and our proximity to this realm. In Revelation 4, John wrote that he saw a door standing open in heaven (presumably from his position on the island he was living) and that he heard a voice invite him to "come up here". After that, he was "at once in the Spirit", and there before him was a throne in heaven. Now, there is no sense of travel or distance, but rather an instant transition from this earthly realm to the spiritual/supernatural realm of which heaven is the centre. I am struck by two things when I read this:

1. This realm of the presence of God is not a million miles out into space, as we tend to believe, but rather as close as an open door in the spirit realm. Should God be willing to open a door for me (for there is no other way to find such a door), it is an instant transition into a world as real as the one I live in now. That makes me want to go...

2. There is, at the centre of all creation, a throne with "someone sitting on it". God has an unmovable, unshakable and all-powerful throne anchored deep into all that is happening in all of our realm (and His realm as well). While we busy ourselves with electing new leaders, worrying about the future and generally taking control of our circumstances, there is a holy God who sits unmoved in his leadership and desires over all of it.

Its no wonder He calls us a kingdom and priests to serve our God in Revelation 5. When we finally see what is really happening in both realms, we will come to realize that the One on the throne is the centre of it all. We will forever find ourselves before Him in service and adoration.

Between now and then, we can live like its true and be assured there is nothing to worry about. The One of the throne will have His way.

Blessings!

Brian Creary
Ministry Director
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Intercession and the priesthood

We had a great intercession set earlier tonight. It was a small crowd but it felt like the Lord was directing us around specific issues. Sometimes we just have those nights where it all comes together around a theme that seems birthed in Heaven itself. I love those moments!

Recently we have been studying the biblical picture of the priesthood, beginning in the Old Testament with Moses and Aaron and continuing right into Revelation 5 when all believers are refered to as "a kingdom and priests to serve our God". There is much to say on it but we are still in learning mode right now. But, God is giving us a fresh understanding as a house of prayer that is going to set us in our efforts and find us happily before Him as an "audience of One".

More to come...

Brian Creary
Ministry Director
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Important schedule change!!

This Sunday, May 31st, we are having some in-house training instead of our normal meeting schedule. It is important that all who are regular participants in singing, playing and prayer-leading attend this refresher clinic. For all the rest, take the day off...we'll see you next week!

Blessings,

Brian Creary
Ministry Director
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More photos of ZHOP

 

This is a shot of the prayer room in action.

 
                  This is the bookstore...drinks available, of course.

                                   Another shot of the prayer room...during the recent conference with Bill Humphrey from IHOP-Atlanta

ZHOP-Charlotte, Fort Mill SC

We love this house of prayer. It was great to finally get to visit and pray along with them. God bless Kirk and the gang at ZHOP!

Brian Creary
Ministry Director

3rd Anniversary

We are excited to be celebrating our 3rd year as Sanctuary House of Prayer this Thursday, May 7th. It has been a wild ride but the Lord has done amazing things in and through us.

Recently, I was recalling with some friends on how we began and what exactly we thought was coming for us. The mystery of God's leadership is such that you never know with confidence which direction he will take you, even when you think you know what would be best for all involved. But, so often He does something differently! He sees it from a different angle and He alone understands what we really need.

We began this house of prayer thinking (hoping, maybe) that we would grow quickly, rally piles of young people, find a huge facility and go night and day. The Lord, however, decided to build it in a different way, keeping the crowds small, the conditions difficult and the hours limited. Instead, he worked on who we were are as people of prayer, of holiness before Him, and used every situation to draw a huge YES out of us to all that He does.

Now that we are at the 3-year mark, it is clear to me...He is brilliant leader! All the external stuff will come eventually. I have no doubt of this. But, most of what has happened on the inside are things we didn't even know we needed.

For all that has happened and for the wonderful journey ahead, I have such gratefulness in my heart. Thank-you Jesus...you lead us so well!!

Blessings,

Brian Creary
Ministry Director
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Revelation

We have been studying the book of Revelation corporately since the beginning of January, chapter by chapter, verse by verse.  It has been a fascinating experience!

Most people have barely even read the book of Revelation, much less given themselves to serious study of the flow of the book.  With that as our starting point, we decided to study it for two main reasons:

1. To learn the events related to the end of the age and the 2nd Coming of Jesus to the earth.

2. To learn more about the character and thinking of Jesus, as demonstrated in His activity at the end of the age.

Now, everyone automatically thinks of the first reason as the ONLY reason to read this book.  In fact, it is was keeps most people from even bothering to begin.  They look at the bizarre symbols, the troubling events and decide that it isn't all that necessary to know it right now anyway.  I have lots of room for people thinking that way about it:  I shared that position completely until only recently!  But, I took on a challenge about a year ago to read the book of Revelation weekly (all 22 chapters each week) and to do this not just for end-times details but to grow in the knowledge of who Jesus is.

Honestly, I was interested in the end-times details more than most a year ago.  But, I was even more interested in discovering new insights about Jesus.  As I read the whole book every Monday morning I began to notice something interesting.  The fog that surrounds the details began to lift as I became more familiar with the flow of the book.  I noticed (and this is really obvious, I know) that the details didn't change from week to week...the more I read it and pondered it with the Holy Spirit's assistance, the more clear things became.  I wasn't studying commentaries or reading books on it...I was just reading it.

On top of that, my understanding of who Jesus is and how He thinks and acts began to change as well.  I began to see Him in His majesty, with zeal in His heart to bring this age to a conclusion with complete and perfect justice AND love for His people.  It caused worship to well up again and again. 

Since January, we have taught through the entire book (actually, we end the study this Sunday) and I have been amazed at how much it has caused my heart to awaken to both sides of this book.  I am more aware of the details to be sure, and I am convinced that the way we live now will matter significantly in the troubling decades ahead of us (more on that another time).  But, my heart has become alive with who He is and what He is willing to do to have this planet for Himself!

Consider taking this journey and begin to read it once a week.  There is much there for you.  This part of the bible is as alive, inspired and written for your benefit as any other part.  Enjoy the journey!

Brian Creary
Ministry Director