The King and Prayer

Culture of the Kingdom

Today’s Topic: Prayer: The King and Prayer

Scripture: Matthew 2:2,10,11; Haggai 2:7

Greetings Kingdom Citizens

In the last message we left off with looking at the type and shadow of prayer in the Old Testament and understanding this important revelation that in Exodus 30 we have these types and realities represented:

The Holy of Holies in the Temple: Heaven and the Throne of God

The rest of the Temple structure. The Earth

Incense Altar (located outside the Holy of Holies): Prayers of the saints from the Earth

Blood of the Sin Offering of Atonement: Jesus Christ, The Lamb of God

Do we see this? Now let's fast forward this to the New Testament and the King, Jesus. I want to start at His birth because we read this all the time at Christmas but the element of prayer is seen here.

When the wise men saw HIS star (Matt. 2:2) it says they came to worship the newborn King. How did the wise men know His star from the millions in the sky? The wise men were astronomers and studied the stars and in a Constellation called Coma Berenices appeared another star that shined so bright. Now this constellation's name is the hint to knowing the star. The word Comah in Hebrew means the The Desired One or the Desired of the Ages. The prophet Haggai said this in Haggai 2:7: "And I will shake all nations and the desire of all nations shall come..". So the Desire of the Nations is Jesus Christ. The Egyptians call this star Shes-nu and that means the The Desired Son. So this is how the wise men knew His star.

Now when the wise men get to the infant or toddler Jesus, the scriptures say this in Matthew 2:10,11:

When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped Him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto Him gifts; gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Now we know the gold was for His royalty but we want to look at frankincense. Of course frankincense is a incense and what does the burning of incense symbolize? The prayers of the Saints to the Lord. So the wise men in bringing frankincense was symbolically bringing their prayers to the King and Living God. What a picture.

In the next message we will advance this picture to mature Jesus (post-baptism) and look at how Jesus teaches prayer to the disciples.

At the Father’s Service,

Elder Calvin Calhoun Jr.

Prayer in the Old Testament

Culture of the Kingdom

Today’s Topic: Prayer: Type and Shadow in the Old Testament

Scripture: Exodus 30:1-10

Greetings Kingdom Citizens

Now we left off looking at the reality of what prayer is in the eternal. Now let’s take a step back and look at it in type and shadow so we can walk to the reality. In Exodus 30 we see God giving instructions to build a special altar. From Exodus 30:1 to Exodus 30:5 we see the makeup and how the altar was supposed to be constructed. Notice this altar is made of much gold and this would make sense if we remember back in Revelation 8:2-4 it speaks of a golden altar. Now God gave specific instructions to where to put this altar in the Temple.

Exodus 30:6: “And thou shalt put it before the veil that is by the ark of testimony (Ark of the Covenant), before the mercy seat that is over the testimony, where I will meet with thee.” Now this is unique but let’s break it down so we can get the eternal picture of this type and shadow. Now the altar is outside the veil which separates the Holy of Holies from the rest of the Temple. Inside the Holy of Holies is the Ark of the Covenant and the Mercy Seat where God would meet with the high priest of the Temple. What does all of this symbolize? Well the Holy of Holies represent the Heavenly and where the Throne of God is. The veil separated that room from the rest of the Temple. The rest of the Temple represented Earth. Now they are to place this special Golden Altar outside of the Holy of Holies before the veil. Now that we have that let’s continue in scripture to get an even better picture.

Exodus 30:7,8: “And Aaron shall burn thereon sweet incense every morning: when he dresseth the lamps, he shall burn incense upon it. And when Aaron lighteth the lamps at even, he shall burn incense upon it, a perpetual incense before the Lord throughout your generations.” Now remember in our scriptures of Revelation 5 and Revelation 8, the incense that was burned on the golden altar was the prayers of the saints. Hence we have this instruction to burn the incense on the altar before the Lord. Now in as much as God tells the children of Israel to do something He tells them also what not to do because God knows the eternal meaning of what he is trying to tell them and that order must be maintained.

Exodus 30:9:”Ye shall offer no strange incense thereon, nor burnt sacrifice, nor meat offering; neither shall ye pour drink offering thereon.” Now God is very clear on the Incense Altar not to offer any strange incense, burnt sacrifices, meat offering nor drinks on this altar. But why? Because all of those things symbolize things that man can offer to God for himself as provided by the Law. These are things also are things that man can produce. God is clear that on the Incense altar none of this is to be sacrificed or placed on it. So besides the incense what can go on the altar?

Exodus 30:10:”And Aaron shall make an atonement upon the horns of it once a year with the blood of the sin offering of atonements: once in the year shall he make atonement upon it throughout your generations: it is most holy unto the Lord”. What an offering! But look at this closely. This offering is represented by the blood of the sin offering of atonement. In other words it is the blood required that is offered for the sins of Israel. Now to understand the reality of this type and shadow is the fact that the Lord said the sacrifice is the most holy unto the Lord. The blood of the sin offering for atonement is Jesus Christ.

In the next message we will look at Jesus and show this correlation and continue our discussion on prayer as an element of the culture of the Kingdom.

At the Father’s Service,

Elder Calvin Calhoun Jr.

Prayer: Foundation

Culture of the Kingdom
Today’s Topic: Prayer: Foundation
Scripture: Revelation 5:6-8; Revelation 8:2-4

Greetings Kingdom Citizens
Prayer is the fourth and final element of the culture of the Kingdom. Prayer seems to be simple to understand but there is a lack of understanding to the purpose and practice of prayer amongst the saints. Normally I would describe the type and shadow first but with this topic I will start with the reality of what happens in the Heavenly and then we will show the type and shadow. It will be a little easier to understand so let's look at these two scriptures for a foundation:

Revelation 5:6-8: And I beheld, and lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the Earth. And He came and took the book out of the right hand of Him that sat upon the throne. And when He had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps and golden vials full of odours (incense), which are the prayers of the saints.

Revelation 8:2-5: And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were given seven trumpets. And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel's hand. And the angel took the censer and filled it with fire of the altar and cast it into the Earth: And there were voices, and thunderings and lightnings and an earthquake.

Now, what is the common theme about prayer in both of these scriptures? Prayer is consistently linked to incense being burned up to God. In both scriptures we see that the incense is the prayers of the saints. However in the Revelation 8 scripture we see a little bit more and I want you to see this. As the incense burns to God the angel takes the censer filled with fire from the altar (from where the incense is burning) and cast it to the Earth were it resulted in voices, thunderings, and lightnings and an earthquake. What does this symbolize? Here is a hint and we will later reveal it. Here you have the prayers of the saints going to God as incense then the angel is commanded to throw something in the Earth. Think about it. In the next message we will look at the type and shadow of this to understand how prayer was understood and performed by the Patriarchs and Priests of the Old Testament.

At the Father’s Service,
Elder Calvin Calhoun Jr.

Fellowship Around the Table: The First Century Church

Today’s Topic: Fellowship Around the Table: First Century Church
Scripture: Acts 2:42-47

Greetings Kingdom Citizens
Now we left off asking the question where did the first century church fellowship around the table? Now we know Acts 2:42 is the four elements of Kingdom culture but let's examine this entire passage because it is loaded and gives us our answer and glimpse into how different we are and have become from the first century church.

Acts 2:42-47: "And they continued steadfastly in the apostles doctrine, and fellowship and in the breaking of bread and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things in common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they continued daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking of bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved."

Now the first thing about fellowshipping around the table is the church should be on one accord (Acts 2:46). This should be no surprise at all because in Acts 2:1 on the day of Pentecost it says they were all with one accord when the church was birthed. Now it says in Acts 2:46 that there were with one accord in the temple. So we need to be in one accord in the temple first. How can the church show the world the Body of Christ and the nature of Christ if the Body is not on one accord. The body is dysfunctional in that sense. Now the next part of verse 46 is they broke bread from house to house and did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart.

Now here is the breaking point. The church has become so large and so busy that this aspect of Kingdom culture of breaking bread house to house is rarely visible. I will admit I have not done it because my understanding of fellowship and breaking bread has been boxed to the church (preaching the word only) and having a meal at the church (fellowship). Now that the Lord has revealed the eternal side to this I understand more now than ever the importance of house to house fellowship. Now it is not only the pastor that should do this, everyone in the church should fellowship with each other. If we did that we would likely eliminate some of the problems such as gossip and stereotyping amongst citizens because the fellowship at one's house sets a personal atmosphere and allows Holy Spirit to reveal truths between the children of God. Now in the age of the mega-church to do this would either be too expensive or too time consuming but look at the spiritual costs we are paying for not understandng. Moreover because of the focus being membership size and money, we sacrifice Kingdom culture for personal prosperity and imaged-based growth.

However it stuns me that because the first century church was doing exactly the things instructed of them by Jesus THE LORD ADDED to the church (Acts 2:47). Exemplfying Kingdom culture has a powerful affect because it allows Christ to draw people through the sons of God.

At the Father’s Service,
Elder Calvin Calhoun Jr.

Fellowship Around the Table Part 4

Culture of the Kingdom

Today’s Topic: Breaking of Bread: Fellowship around the Table Part 4

Scripture: Luke 24:13-48

Greetings Kingdom Citizens

Since this is such a large section of scripture we will utilize the scriptures to show the concept of fellowship around the table. In this last example we are seeing Simon and Cleopas on the road to Emmaus. Now as they talked about the events of the previous days, the Lord Jesus drew near and went with them. Now their eyes could not see him to know who He is. Jesus speaks to them (vs.17) and ask why are they sad and what type of discussion were they having. Now because they could see Him to know who He is, Cleopas asked if He was a stranger because these events were so obvious and you could only be a stranger to not hear about what happened to Jesus. Now it is obvious and disappointed because here it is the third day and Israel has not been redeemed (vs. 21). They go on and tell Jesus how the women and others did not find His body there at the tomb.

Now after all of this Jesus is upset and mad and the words in verse 25 describes it best: "O fools, and slow of heart to believe all the prophets have spoken. Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into His glory?" Jesus then explains and expounds on scriptures about Moses and the prophets to the concerning Himself. Now all of them were drawing near to Emmaus but stop to rest for the evening. They constrained Jesus to stay with them for the evening.

Now the good part verses 30,31: "And it came to pass, as He sat at meat (table) with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them. And their eyes were opened and they knew Him; and He vanished out of their sight." Now it was at the table that they were then able to know who Jesus truly is. This entire time walking they did not know, but once they came to the table and broke the bread their spiritual eyes were opened to see the Lord and to know Him face to face.

Now Cleopas and Simon said something unique in verse 32 when they said: "did not our hearts burn when He talked with us by the way and while He opened to us the Scriptures? So they were being fed spiritually. They were being fed bread from Heaven because the words Jesus was speaking to them is bread for the spirit. But the key thing here is when the bread was broke at the table of the Lord, the disciples can then now come to know the Lord and receive revelation to who He is.

The church needs to spend more time at the Table of the Lord. It is time for us to put away our denominational titles and come together to commune and discern the Lord's Body and know Jesus a little bit better. Based on the state of the church, we do not truly understand fellowship in its appropriate context and how it is a part of the culture of the Kingdom. In the next message we will look at the first century church and how they fellowshipped around the table because and here is a hint. When the church was born, there was not any churches or church houses as we say. So where did communion and fellowship around the table happen? Please continue to study as we examine this powerful revelation.

At the Father’s Service,

Elder Calvin Calhoun Jr.

Fellowship Around the Table Part 3

Culture of the Kingdom
Today’s Topic: Breaking of Bread: Fellowship Around the Table Part 3
Scripture: Matthew 26:19-22; 1 Corinthians 11:28,29

Greetings Kingdom Citizens
In this next example we are going to look at the Lord's Supper. Now for many seasoned citizens of the Kingdom we celebrate that as communion and along with communion some of us wash feet. Now in keeping with the focus of fellowship around the table we already know that at the Lord's Table there is peace, safety, fellowship and of course breaking of bread. Today we will look at another element that happens at the Lord's Table.

Matthew 26:19-22: And the disciples did as Jesus had appointed them; and they made ready the Passover. Now when the even was come, he sat down with the twelve. And as they did eat, He said, "Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me. And they were exceeding sorrowful and began every one of them to say unto Him, Lord, is it I?

What is going on here? Here at the Lord's Table we have a discerning of hearts at the table. Now Jesus could have said this long before but it was at the table, during a meal, the passover to be exact, that Jesus lays out these truths of what is about to happen. Now for the disciples they were obviously sad but also worried about whether they or which one of them will betray the Lord. Now I want to show you that communion is more than just bread and wine and the death, burial and resurrrection of Jesus. Here at the table there should be a discerning or the Lord's body.

1 Corinthians 11:28,29: But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eath and drinketh damnation to himself not discerning the Lord's body

Who or what is the Lord's body? It is the church! So during communion when the church comes together there should be a discerning of the Body of Christ. So the Lord's Supper is designed for the Body of Christ to come together and to discern that, no matter how different we are. To sit at the table of the Lord is to remind you that you are the Body of Christ. Now when you come together, if you do not discern the Lord's body then you eat and drink condemnation to yourself. Jesus was clear that at the Table of the Lord there is discernment of hearts and this why Paul said for every man to examine himself because if there is true discernment then what you think you can hide, the Lord will bring out. Ask Judas and even Peter. So now communion for the church should take on a more discerning atmosphere and meaning to the church.

In the next message we will look at the final example of Fellowship around the table.

At the Father’s Service,
Elder Calvin Calhoun Jr.

Fellowship Around the Table Part 3

Culture of the Kingdom
Today’s Topic: Breaking of Bread: Fellowship Around the Table Part 3
Scripture: Matthew 26:19-22; 1 Corinthians 11:28,29

Greetings Kingdom Citizens
In this next example we are going to look at the Lord's Supper. Now for many seasoned citizens of the Kingdom we celebrate that as communion and along with communion some of us wash feet. Now in keeping with the focus of fellowship around the table we already know that at the Lord's Table there is peace, safety, fellowship and of course breaking of bread. Today we will look at another element that happens at the Lord's Table.

Matthew 26:19-22: And the disciples did as Jesus had appointed them; and they made ready the Passover. Now when the even was come, he sat down with the twelve. And as they did eat, He said, "Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me. And they were exceeding sorrowful and began every one of them to say unto Him, Lord, is it I?

What is going on here? Here at the Lord's Table we have a discerning of hearts at the table. Now Jesus could have said this long before but it was at the table, during a meal, the passover to be exact, that Jesus lays out these truths of what is about to happen. Now for the disciples they were obviously sad but also worried about whether they or which one of them will betray the Lord. Now I want to show you that communion is more than just bread and wine and the death, burial and resurrrection of Jesus. Here at the table there should be a discerning or the Lord's body.

1 Corinthians 11:28,29: But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eath and drinketh damnation to himself not discerning the Lord's body

Who or what is the Lord's body? It is the church! So during communion when the church comes together there should be a discerning of the Body of Christ. So the Lord's Supper is designed for the Body of Christ to come together and to discern that, no matter how different we are. To sit at the table of the Lord is to remind you that you are the Body of Christ. Now when you come together, if you do not discern the Lord's body then you eat and drink condemnation to yourself. Jesus was clear that at the Table of the Lord there is discernment of hearts and this why Paul said for every man to examine himself because if there is true discernment then what you think you can hide, the Lord will bring out. Ask Judas and even Peter. So now communion for the church should take on a more discerning atmosphere and meaning to the church.

In the next message we will look at the final example of Fellowship around the table.

At the Father’s Service,
Elder Calvin Calhoun Jr.

Fellowship Around the Table Part 2

Culture of the Kingdom

Today’s Topic: Breaking of Bread: Fellowship Around the Table Part 2

Scripture: Psalm 23:4,5, Psalm 51:11

Greetings Kingdom Citizens

In our previous message we talked about the 74 leaders of Israel that had the privilege of going into the presence of God and fellowshipping there. Now I would like to show you another example in scripture. We quote this scripture back and forwards but little did we see or know that one of the elements of the culture of the Kingdom is here. We know Psalm 23 and I am sure we have heard hundreds of sermons on it but we are talking about the culture of the Kingdom and the breaking of bread so let's look at this scripture and expound on it.

Psalm 23:4,5: Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

What is fascinating about this is in addition to fellowship at the Table of the Lord, there is peace and safety in the midst of your enemies being a hand touch away. When you are in trouble or find yourself in tribulation, The Lord, not us, but the Lord prepares a table for you to fellowship right then and there in the midst. At that table you eat the bread from Heaven and receive counsel (one of the seven spirits of God) in what steps to take in this situation. So before we make an improptu decision, allow the Lord to prepare a table for you to relax and allow Him to guide you through this situation.

When the Lord prepares the table before you it is intended to show the nature, goodness, kindness, security, wellbeing and peace that comes from His presence. The natural analogy is when the presence of a father is there, there should be those types of atmospheres in the family when the father or head of household is there. David was a warrior King and when he called on the Lord, the presence of God gave David that sense of security and peace. This is also why David in Psalm 51:11 says "Cast me not away from thy presence.." because He understood the security and peace that the Lord's presence brought. In addition we know sin separates us from the Father and David understood when He sinned it put a division between Him and God and it is that place where you are most vulnerable. So far now at the Table of the Lord we have fellowship, breaking bread, security, peace, wellbeing and the nature and goodness of God.

In the next message we will move this along to another example of Fellowship around the Table and how it is used to exemplify Kingdom culture.

At the Father’s Service,

Elder Calvin Calhoun Jr.

Fellowship Around the Table

Culture of the Kingdom

Today’s Topic: Breaking of Bread: Fellowship Around the Table

Scripture: Exodus 24:9-11

Greetings Kingdom Citizens

When we talk about breaking bread most times it happens around a table at dinner, lunch or even at church. But why is this the setting where this typically happens and where does it come from? Today we will look at scripture and see how fellowship around the table and the breaking of bread coincide. First, the act of eating together sets an atmosphere to impart the understanding of who God is to those who have gathered in that connnection. It is at that time that the Lord imparts bread from Heaven to feed our spirits through revelation. Now we have four examples of this and for the sake of time and study we will cover what we can and continue in another message.

One of the things I enjoy is after Bible study we sit down and eat together. Now conversation can range from fishing to sports to the Word of God. Now when we talk about the Word the atmosphere utterly changes. People around the table intensively listen and share the Word and there is an atmosphere or revelation and joy. It is this precious time that the Lord breaks the bread of Heaven with those around the table and feeds their spirits. Do not think that it only happens in this setting only. It happens on the phone, internet, church, home etc. For the sake of this particular message we will look at the table. See around the table there is an atmosphere of relaxation and less of defense and aggression. This is why it is important for families to dine together because just as we do this in the natural, in the spiritual the same thing happens. Now let's look at scripture.

Exodus 24:9-11: Then went up Moses, and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu and the seventy of the elders of Israel: And they saw the God of Israel: and there was under His feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the Body of heaven in his clearness.And upon the nobles of the children of Israel He laid not His hand: also they saw God, and did eat and drink.

What a picture we see here. Now what is unique is that these 74 people had the priviledge to see something that no pagan can claim to have seen about their god. See pagan gods always require sacrifices and the relationship between these gods and the people who follow them are kept at a far distance. It presents a mindset that you could never approach God and God is always demanding and people had to perform. But for these 74 people they experienced something altogether that showed them something different about the God of Israel.

First they noticed the God would put Himself in a place where man can be comfortable in His presence. Despite the Law and all the prohibitions and condemnations, God would bridge the gap so that man can be comfortable in His presence. God did that with these 74 leaders of Israel. Now when these men returned to the people there was no doubt that they can say with assurance that in the presence of God you can relax find peace, joy and fellowship. Where is the fellowship in this picture? Exodus 24:11 says they saw God and did eat and drink. Now it does not say what they ate or drank however the most important thing is that there were able to have fellowship with God right where He was. Now it is possible they ate and drank physical food but in turn and moreover they ate bread from Heaven which is the Word of God. The words God spoke to them feeds also. Now there is something else that happens here in the presence of God but for the sake of time and study I will pick this up in the next message.

At the Father’s Service,

Elder Calvin Calhoun Jr.

Fellowship Around the Table

Culture of the Kingdom

Today’s Topic: Breaking of Bread: Fellowship Around the Table

Scripture: Exodus 24:9-11

Greetings Kingdom Citizens

When we talk about breaking bread most times it happens around a table at dinner, lunch or even at church. But why is this the setting where this typically happens and where does it come from? Today we will look at scripture and see how fellowship around the table and the breaking of bread coincide. First, the act of eating together sets an atmosphere to impart the understanding of who God is to those who have gathered in that connnection. It is at that time that the Lord imparts bread from Heaven to feed our spirits through revelation. Now we have four examples of this and for the sake of time and study we will cover what we can and continue in another message.

One of the things I enjoy is after Bible study we sit down and eat together. Now conversation can range from fishing to sports to the Word of God. Now when we talk about the Word the atmosphere utterly changes. People around the table intensively listen and share the Word and there is an atmosphere or revelation and joy. It is this precious time that the Lord breaks the bread of Heaven with those around the table and feeds their spirits. Do not think that it only happens in this setting only. It happens on the phone, internet, church, home etc. For the sake of this particular message we will look at the table. See around the table there is an atmosphere of relaxation and less of defense and aggression. This is why it is important for families to dine together because just as we do this in the natural, in the spiritual the same thing happens. Now let's look at scripture.

Exodus 24:9-11: Then went up Moses, and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu and the seventy of the elders of Israel: And they saw the God of Israel: and there was under His feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the Body of heaven in his clearness.And upon the nobles of the children of Israel He laid not His hand: also they saw God, and did eat and drink.

What a picture we see here. Now what is unique is that these 74 people had the priviledge to see something that no pagan can claim to have seen about their god. See pagan gods always require sacrifices and the relationship between these gods and the people who follow them are kept at a far distance. It presents a mindset that you could never approach God and God is always demanding and people had to perform. But for these 74 people they experienced something altogether that showed them something different about the God of Israel.

First they noticed the God would put Himself in a place where man can be comfortable in His presence. Despite the Law and all the prohibitions and condemnations, God would bridge the gap so that man can be comfortable in His presence. God did that with these 74 leaders of Israel. Now when these men returned to the people there was no doubt that they can say with assurance that in the presence of God you can relax find peace, joy and fellowship. Where is the fellowship in this picture? Exodus 24:11 says they saw God and did eat and drink. Now it does not say what they ate or drank however the most important thing is that there were able to have fellowship with God right where He was. Now it is possible they ate and drank physical food but in turn and moreover they ate bread from Heaven which is the Word of God. The words God spoke to them feeds also. Now there is something else that happens here in the presence of God but for the sake of time and study I will pick this up in the next message.

At the Father’s Service,

Elder Calvin Calhoun Jr.

Jesus Use and Revelation of Bread

Culture of the Kingdom
Today’s Topic: Breaking of Bread: Jesus Use and Revelation of Bread
Scripture: John 6:27-35; Mark 8:14-21

Greetings Kingdom Citizens
When we look at the great feedings of the 5,000 and the 4,000 we tend to always look at what happened naturally and miss the true revelation of the mystery to why this happened. In Mark 8 we see Jesus telling the disciples to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Herod. The disciples did not understand Jesus because they thought He was talking about bread because they only had the one loaf. Jesus is clearly angry because He just performed the two great feedings and He asks them "do you not remember" (Mark 8:18). Now Jesus asks them two very important questions that we tend to overlook or passby. He asked them "how many fragments did they pick up from the two feedings"? They answered respectively, twelve and seven. Our focus when we read this story tends to be on the number of people He fed. More importantly the Lord's focus is one the number of fragments. But why?

Jesus had them collect 12 baskets full. Now remember Jesus tells the disciples that He is the bread that comes down from Heaven (John 6:32-35). He is the bread that was formerly represented in the Old Testament. Exodus 25:30 speaks of the 12 loaves of special bread, show bread (shewbread) that was that was to be placed on the table known as the Table of Show Bread. God required them, Israel, to do this to show them that even though He fed Israel with manna in the wilderness, there is more to life than bread and more nourishment that is needed than physical bread can give you. You need the bread from His presence. In other words, the twelve loaves was to symbolize the bread of His Presence which is the food that comes from His presence. Now that is powerful and so significant because more than ever do we need to be fed. Not in a song, but the Word that comes from the mouth of God to our spirits.

Now when we look at the great feedings, after the 5000, the disciples and multitudes went looking for Jesus and when they found Him they asked Him why did He come there (John 6:25)? the response of Jesus shows us that The Father showed Jesus their true intentions in John 6:26. Now I am paraphrasing this scripture, Jesus says that they did not come looking for who I am, you are looking for me for another meal. Remember they came over with 1 loaf of bread according to Mark 8. Jesus tells them in John 6:35, He is the bread of life. Even better, He is the bread of the presence of God. Now this was not the only revelation in this story.

God told them to collect up the fragments and they collected 12 baskets full. Now they started out 5 loaves to feed 5000 plus people. The scriptures go on to say the people had their fill so what does that say? Bread came from Heaven but the fact still remains that they collected 12 baskets full. What does this mean? All that Jesus is remains uneaten even though they ate bread (manna) from Heaven. The gathering of the fragments shows whether they received Jesus or not. Based on what they gathered, they did not receive Him. "He came unto His own and his own RECEIVED HIM NOT" (John 1:11). The scripture then goes on to say but as many as receive Him to them gave He power to become the sons, huios (mature) of God. Do we see this? These miracles are not some arbitrary stories but are examples and clues to the mysteries of Christ. The bread of Christ will give us life again. The great thing about that is it is eternal life. It will restore you to God and remove the curse of the fall. It will also present you again (reconcile) you to the Father in the One (Christ) who is the bread of Heaven.

In closing there are three types of bread:
1. Bread for the physical body's nourishment and need
2. Bread for the soul, which is the bread that is sustained by the will of man by which he generates for himself.
3. Bread for the spirit, which is sustained by the presence of God. The soul can be sustained by the spirit if the soul is submitted to the spirit.

Do we need bread for our physical bodies? Of course. But more over we need the bread from the presence of God because it will give us life and life eternal. So the breaking of bread is when we meet together, the Christ in each of us is shared with each other. In addition it is how the life of Christ that is in each of us might be broken and distributed in our conversations together. Are we breaking bread together?

At the Father’s Service,
Elder Calvin Calhoun Jr.

Biblical Interpretations Part 2

Culture of the Kingdom

Today’s Topic: Breaking of Bread: Biblical Interpretations Part 2

Scripture: Acts 2:42

Greetings Kingdom Citizens

In this message we want to summarize what we have up to this point but continue to show how what we have made or interpreted the culture of the Kingdom is far from what Scripture interprets it as and tells us it is.

Apostles' Doctrine

The current church culture tells us the apostle's doctrine was what they talked about back then and church planting. As we have studied in this series we have shown in Scripture that the Apostle's Doctrine is the current word for the Body of Christ for that particular time period. When Holy Spirit reveals a mystery it comes first through the apostolic. The apostolic is the foundational and the gift of order to the Body of Christ. The apostles' doctrine gives us the CURRENT direction of the church in this age. Without the apostolic, the church CANNOT KNOW the current direction of the Body of Christ because their doctrine is a current Word for that time. In addition the church will lack order and understanding of the foundation.

Fellowship

Fellowship in current culture is described as people coming together for a meal, potluck or just to have fun. We have studied and shown that fellowship is much much more than that. Fellowship is understanding how Holy Spirit arranges us in the Body of Christ. In addition, fellowship is understanding that the House of God is arranged in a patriarchal order that gives us spiritual fathers that disciple us and show us Christ who brings us to the Father. So fellowshp is all about the arrangement of the Household of God.

Breaking of Bread

In current church culture breaking of bread is typically linked to Communion or the Lord's Supper. In actuality the breaking of bread, symbolically, does not link to the Lord's Supper even that it may seem or is commonly done. The breaking of bread is greater than the symbol of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus even though that is the central issue to the life of the believer. The breaking of bread is the way the Body of Christ meets together for the purpose of imparting the life of Christ that is in each person to the whole Body of Christ.

Can we see how different current culture is versus the Kingdom culture. Now I need to show you a few more concepts about the breaking of bread and we will do this in the next message. The question now is how and where does this "feeding" take place?

At the Father’s Service,

Elder Calvin Calhoun Jr.

Biblical Interpretations

Culture of the Kingdom

Today’s Topic: Breaking of Bread: The Importance of Proper Biblical Interpretation

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:20; John 6:39; Luke 24:27; Isaiah 11:1,2; Acts 2:42

Greetings Kingdom Citizens

One of the mistakes we all make until we know better is interpreting scripture to fit our need and point-of-view. When we do this, it lends us to defend the scripture and our stance. Paul said we are Ambassadors of Christ (2 Corinth. 5:20). So when feel the need to defend scripture and prove our point, we sease to be Ambassadors of Christ. If we are led by Holy Spirit then at the appointed time we will be given the exact words to say. Ambassadors only speak the words they are given from the source of the power and authority they operate under. When we do not allow the Scriptures, the Bible, the Inspiried Word of God to interpret itself the effect will be the enslavement of people to the will of that person. Sad to say, many people are enslaved by the doctrines of many popular and powerful leaders in the church.

Jesus was very deliberate in the way He spoke and presented the truth. Jesus never introduced something that did not have some Scriptural precedent to it. For example:

1. John 6:39: Search the Scriptures for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of Me.

2. Luke 24:27: And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, He expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning Himself.

Of course there are numerous other scriptures where Jesus says "that it may be fulfilled in the scriptures" Remember Jesus spoke of the mysteries of the Kingdom are given to the believers to know but to the unbelievers He spoke in parables. Now the current church culture is content with keeping these mysteries, mysteries and not asking God for revelation. Why should we ask for revelation?

God reveals mysteries through various pockets of the age of man. Current church culture feels we need new books to be written to get this type of understanding and we need interpret scripture in a new way to suit some doctrine or thing we are doing. This is not the way. Four of the seven spirits of God (Isaiah 11:1,2) is wisdom, knowledge, counsel and understanding and they work together to reveal the mystery. It is Holy Spirit who reveals the mystery for that particular time period. For example, what mystery is being revealed during the period of the four gospels? It is the mystery of Christ and the Kingdom. The Old Testament prophets spoke in a language the soul can understand until Jesus comes to reveal those things about Himself and the Kingdom. It is when Jesus receives Holy Spirit that His ministry begins and we see various instances when He is demonstrating who He is and His purpose for living on Earth.

Is this no wonder why the culture of the Kingdom is so misunderstood? The problem is that we have interpreted these things in Acts 2:42 according to the standards of present culture and tradition. However if we can just go back and revisit these four elements of the culture of the Kingdom and when seek and search for understanding, then the revelation will flow

At the Father’s Service,

Elder Calvin Calhoun Jr.

Bread of Life

Culture of the Kingdom
Today’s Topic: Breaking of Bread: Bread of Life
Scripture: Matthew 6:31-33; John 6:27

Greetings Kingdom Citizens
Jesus said in John 6:27 not to work for bread that perishes but that bread that endures unto everlasting life. So it is possible to work for bread that leads to death or work for bread that leads to everlasting life. After the fall man seeked for ways to get bread and he worked by the sweat of His own brow. When mankind was in the Kingdom of God all of his bread was provided and all he had to do was gather. I have not seen in scripture where Adam, when He was in favor with God before the fall, tilled the ground and seeked to find a way to get food. God turned around again in the wilderness with the children of Israel and showed His love and mercy by raining manna (bread) from Heaven. Now the children of Israel did not have to plant or refine grain to get bread in the wilderness, it literally rain from Heaven. All they had to do was gather. God is now drawing a picture. The foundation of that picture is Bread comes from Heaven. Jesus collapses 1500 years of this type and shadow when He makes the declaration in John 6:33: For the bread of God is He that cometh down from Heaven, and giveth life unto the world.” Jesus is the Bread of Life (John 6:48) because He is the Word of God (John 1:1,14). This is why it is vital for every Kingdom citizen and son of God to understand how important Matthew 6:31-33 is.

Matthew 6:31-33:”Therefore take no thought (worrying) saying, What shall we eat (bread)? Or, what shall we drink? Or, wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek) for your Heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

I took that entire section of scripture because even in the great mandate from Jesus we see Jesus telling us not to worry or even say what shall we eat and of course this corresponds to bread but if you seek the Kingdom first then not only are your physical needs met in the form of physical bread but also your spiritual nourishment is met because of the proceeding Word of God from the mouth of God to your ear. Another reference to bread is when Jesus tells His disciples to beware of the LEAVEN of the Pharisees and of the LEAVEN of Herod (Mark 8:15). Usually when we see leaven in scripture it is in reference to sin. In this scripture the leaven is symbolic of the doctrine or bread that Herod and the Pharisees are spreading. Their doctrines do not lead to everlasting life but unto death. This is why Jesus warns the disciples of their bread or doctrines.

We need to beware of the leaven or bread that leads to death. Too many times, we live in the mindset that what we cannot see will not hurt us. When in actuality what you cannot see is what can save your life or lead you to death. Now in the next message we will look at the Bread of Life and how He shows us the third element of Kingdom culture, the breaking of bread.

At the Father’s Service,
Elder Calvin Calhoun Jr.

Bread and Nourishment

Culture of the Kingdom

Today’s Topic: Breaking of Bread: Bread and Nourishment

Scripture: Proverbs 14:12; Hebrews 5:12-14; Hebrews 5:8

Greetings Kingdom Citizens

We are continuing our discussion on the 3^rd element of the culture of the Kingdom which is the breaking of bread. Now, in the last message we talked about the Bread of His Presence which was represented by 12 loaves of Bread being placed on a special table designed by God for the children of Israel. Now always remember that the Old Testament is full of types and shadows that are to bring us to a divine eternal reality. Next, we talked about two forms of bread. We talked about bread that brings about death and the bread that brings about life. When man sinned in the Garden he ate of the bread that brings about death. Now man seeks to find his own way to get bread for his physical consumption and survival. Proverbs 14:12: “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death”. See the devil tricked mankind into following the direction given by the soul and disobey the direction that is given by the Spirit. Finally we talked about the prophetic declaration that the Lord made to tell the children of Israel that man shall not live on bread alone, but by every word proceeding out of the mouth of God.

Now physical bread is needed for consumption to nourish the physical body. We as human have more than a physical body to nourish, we have a spirit also that needs nourishing. How can we nourish the spirit? The spirit is fed by God Himself. When you are born again you are a newborn baby in Christ. The same way you naturally grow and your food changes with growth is the exact same way the Word of God is fed to you. 1 Peter 2:2:

“As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:”

So when you are a newborn you need the milk of the Word of God. So just like babies you need the foundational things that help grow your spirit in maturity in the Kingdom of God. Now look at this because this is powerful.

Hebrews 5:12-14:“For when for the time ye ought to be teachers (mature), ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principals of the oracles of God and are come such as have need of milk and not of strong meat. For EVERY ONE THAT USETH MILK IS UNSKILFUL IN THE WORD OF RIGHTEOUSNESS: FOR HE IS A BABE. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age (Mature), even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil”

Do we see this? How do we learn and grow in the Kingdom? We learn just like Jesus did, we learn by suffering.

Hebrews 5:8: “Though he were a Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which he suffered;”

Do we see this? Suffering is the way we grow and it is thorough obedience during suffering that we mature. Jesus suffered unto obedience and this is why the scriptures say He grew in favor with God and man. He grew in such a manner that He was the exact representation of the Father in the earth. In addition when Jesus and the three disciples went up to the Mount of Transfiguration in Mark 9, God the Father tells the three disciples that He is no longer speaking through the Law (Moses) and the Prophets (Elijah) but through Jesus. To be exact, Mark 9:7: “And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my Beloved Son: hear him”.

So God is speaking through His Son and it is from the Son of God that we receive food and nourishment for our spirits that will grow us and mature us in the wisdom and knowledge of the Father and His Kingdom. In the next message we will link this to the Bread of Life

At the Father’s Service,

Elder Calvin Calhoun Jr.

Bread of the Old Testament

Culture of the Kingdom

Today’s Topic: Breaking of Bread: Bread of the Old Testament

Scripture: John 6:31; Exodus 6:14

Greetings Kingdom Citizens

Now we have examined the fact that there are various types of bread. There is physical bread and spiritual bread. We also have come to the understanding that God is using bread as a symbol of a eternal reality and we need to ask God to give us the revelation to the eternal meaning of that particular natural symbol.

In the Old Testament and one of the prominent situations referring to bread was when manna fell from Heaven. Now in John 6:31 it speaks of manna. The word “manna” means “what is it”?. But the story begins in Exodus 16:4:

“Then said the Lord unto Moses, Behold I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no. ‘

Now I like that, because the children of Israel, being in the wilderness, was just another opportunity to show the power of God. Remember in the Garden, man did not till the ground for food or refine grain but all He had to do was gather! But after the fall, man was to work by the sweat of his own brow and till the ground. Man had to find a way to meet his own needs, hence this type of work was a curse. But look at what God does here for Israel, He will provide them food that they did not water not till the ground for. He will provide it readily for them directly from Heaven for their nourishment. Now God continues to use bread to bring them closer to the eternal reality even though the true bread of life would not come for about another 1,500 years.

In Exodus 25 we see the directions for the making of the Ark of the Covenant but also in the same chapter we see this particular direction for making this special table made of shittim wood (Exodus 25:23). Now in Exodus 25:30 we see the direction from the Lord to set upon the table showbread before Him (Lord) always. Now this showbread was not just some arbitrary bread. It was called the Bread of His Presence. The table was known as the Table of Show Bread. Twelve loaves of bread would be put on that table every week on golden plates. Hence the table and the bread together is meant to show the presence of God. Now the Lord makes this declaration that will bring us in the next few messages full circle. Deuteronomy 8:3:

“And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord doth man live”

What was the Lord leading them to try to understand? By making them put that bread on the Show Table and making the Deuteronomy 8:3 declaration God was trying to get them to understand that God fed them one type of bread, manna, in the wilderness but they still died but God was going to send another form of bread in the fullness of time that will bring life. The breaking of bread as an element of the Kingdom is to impart life to the believers.

At the Father’s Service,

Elder Calvin Calhoun Jr.

Bread of the Garden

Culture of the Kingdom

Today’s Topic: Breaking of Bread: Bread of the Garden

Scripture: Acts 2:42; John 6:47-51; Genesis 2:16,17

Greetings Kingdom Citizens

Now based on our scripture of John 6:47-51 we see that there are various types of bread, but one in particular that gives eternal life. Now if there is bread that can give eternal life, is it possible to have bread that brings about death? Now it is common to think that if you eat bread then you will not die because it nourishes the body, but that rationale does not translate the same in the Kingdom of God and let’s look at it. The first type of bread God gave to man was the trees in the Garden of Eden. Now notice that man did not have to grow crops, refine grain and create bread. God gave man food to eat. He provided it for the man. Genesis 2:16,17: “And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, of every tree of the garden thou may freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.”

Now when we read that scripture it is evident that there is “bread” that can bring about death. Now remember in the midst of the Garden there were two trees, spiritual trees. They are the Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Now God clearly told man that he can eat of every tree in the Garden EXCEPT the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. If they ate of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil then they will surely die. Notice in scripture nowhere does it say that man could not eat of the Tree of Life in the Garden. God made the exception to one tree in the entire Garden and told man do not eat of that tree. So we have bread that brings life and bread that brings death. But what is unique is it will be the Bread of Life that comes to rescue mankind from his fallen state from eating the bread that brings about death. So not all bread is good for you.

Can we begin to see that the use of bread in Scripture is much more than just the Lord’s supper and some dietary creation for our physical consumption. We have to allow God to show us the meaning beyond the natural use and meaning. We must allow Him to give us insight into the Heavenly truth. Now it is evident that there were two mindsets represented in the Garden by the two trees, Life and Knowledge of Good and Evil. When the Kingdom of God comes in and impacts this conflict, it resolves it in the Kingdom of God you get to eat the Bread of Life which came down from Heaven because we routinely ate the bread that brought death.

When you allow Holy Spirit to reveal people to you, you will be able to look at their spiritual health and tell whether they are eating the Bread of life or still partaking of the bread that brings about death.

At the Father’s Service,

Elder Calvin Calhoun Jr.

Breaking of Bread: Introduction

Culture of the Kingdom
Today’s Topic: Breaking of Bread: Introduction
Scripture: Acts 2:42; John 6:47-51

Greetings Kingdom Citizens
We are continuing to look at the culture of the Kingdom. Our base scripture is Acts 2:42 where we see the four elements of Kingdom culture which are The Apostles’ Doctrine, Fellowship, Breaking of Bread and Prayers. Let me do a short recap and show you what we have so far:
1. Apostle’s Doctrine – the current word of God for that particular age coming through the apostolic to the ear of man. It is vital to understand that it is a current word of what God is doing in the current season. To do away with the apostles is to do away with the “current” direction of the Church. The apostle’s doctrine is not just some 500 year old doctrine. The apostles’ doctrine is the word of God from the mouth of God to your ear in the current season
2. Fellowship – More than just getting together for a meal, fun and games. Fellowship is how Holy Spirit arranges the members of the Body of Christ in the divine order. This divine order is a patriarchal order. This patriarchal order is not a natural father/son order but a spiritual order that has God as the Father of His sons and He sends human spiritual fathers to disciple His sons in the ways and character of Christ who brings us to the Father. This patriarch or spiritual father is the father over a number of families and he is the one that when there is a dispute they go to him for resolution.
So, we can see that the culture of the Kingdom and its elements are more than what we see portrayed today. The breaking of bread is the third element of the culture of the Kingdom.

Typically we talk about the breaking of bread it is significant with the Lord’s supper and praying. God uses bread a lot in the scripture. Now why does God makes a reference to bread? Remember, God will use natural things in infuse them with Heavenly truths. Well we know that bread is used for consumption by our physical bodies but Jesus makes a unique declaration in John 6:47-51:
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. I am the bread of life. Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the bread which cometh down from Heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. I am the living bread which came down from Heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.”

So now Jesus is telling us and the amazing thing He said in that passage of scripture is when He said, your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness and are dead. Why would Jesus point this out? He is pointing it out to let people know that there are various types of bread. See the bread that their fathers ate in the wilderness feds them physically but they still died. Jesus said the bread I give will give eternal life. Now there is no doubt that bread comes from Heaven. How do we know? Manna fell from Heaven on the children of Israel in the wilderness. Now that was a type and shadow of a reality to come.

In the next message we will look back to the Garden and show you this powerful concept about the breaking of bread. However we must always get a foundation so we can build in order and in understanding.

At the Father’s Service,
Elder Calvin Calhoun Jr.

Restoration of the Hearts of the Fathers and the Sons Part 2

Culture of the Kingdom

Today’s Topic: Restoration of the Hearts of the Fathers and the Sons Part 2

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 4:14,15

Greetings Kingdom Citizens

The core of a patriarchal order is mature men showing the nature and character of God to those under their rule. This is why Paul can say to the church at Corinth that he was their father in the gospel (1 Corinthians 4:14,15). Paul was not saying that he was their progenitor (father) which means he is the origin of their existence. But what he is saying is that he is the father of their faith. The only person that can say they are your Father (progenitor) is God because we are born directly from the womb of God. I love what the writer of Hebrews says in

Hebrews 2:11:

“For both He (Jesus) that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified (the saints or the church) are all of one: for which cause He (Jesus) is not ashamed to call them brethren”

So we are born again from God and God is our Father because we are born directly from Him. Knowing that, there will never be an earthly relationship that will take precedent over our relationship to God the Father. Now God sends fathers that are mature in their presentation of God the Father.

In our current culture we have a saying “Do as I say, not as I do”. Now we hear that a lot especially from our older generation and this is a not a good saying nor is it a saying that is exemplary of a Kingdom citizen, son of God or Christian. One of the examples of this is when a parent tells their child not to say curse words but then when the parent says it and the child calls them on their own sin we hear these words: “Hush, I can say that but you can’t” So now the child is confused and internalizes the thought that well when I get older I can curse people out. Now the Word of God says in James 3:8-10 that blessing and cursing should not come out of the same mouth. So in the Kingdom your actions have to be the same as your words. Leaders in the church will tell the congregation to not commit adultery but they go and do it. This is the type of stuff, not just that particular situation, that damages the Body of Christ and the maturation of the saints because they see hypocrisy and say that the church people are fake. However God is true in Word and in Deed. When God speaks a word then you can guarantee that the Word spoken will come true and you will see the nature and character of God by Him keeping His Word. For example, remember when the children of Israel were in the wilderness and wanted water and God told Moses to speak to the rock and it shall give forth water for His people. Now if you know the story, Moses did not speak to the rock but hit the rock. However the water still flowed from the rock to the children of Israel. Now Moses disobeyed God by not following His orders, but God still kept His word and gave the people water. God did not give the people water because Moses disobeyed but because of God’s integrity and Holiness He kept His word to provide the needs of the people. Our spiritual fathers that God has given us speaks the Word of the Lord to us but also demonstrates the nature and character of God so that we may be discipled and come into maturity in the Kingdom.

Now in the past message we discussed the fact that a male is more than just a male and a female is more than just a female.; In God’s eyes a male is put in creation to symbolize a eternal reality, Christ (Ephesians 5:21-32). Hence spiritual fathers are earthly representations of a Heavenly reality. A female is put in creation to symbolize the church or the Bride of Christ. God is the Father of our spirits so it really has nothing to do with male or female but it is the spiritual reality being shown in the earth through natural symbols. This is why the appropriate usage of Galatians 3:28 when it speaks of male or female, is referring to the fact that our spirit has no gender. In turn, God created us a certain way to show a certain thing about Him and when we act outside of that divine design then we show confusion and God is not the author of confusion.

If we do not understand (applied knowledge and wisdom) these fundamental principles then we lack a solid foundation to build on and we will always try to bring our worldly culture and impose it on the Kingdom when it actuality the Kingdom culture should be imposed on the worldly culture to change it back to the original culture of the earth which is the Kingdom of God ordered in a patriarchal order of a relationship between the Father and His sons.

At the Father’s Service,

Elder Calvin Calhoun Jr.