INTERCESSORS  FOR  CYPRUS

ENVISIONING Preaching Tour.          'Reconciliation, & Safe Haven.'          (PowerPoint)        

Intro: We all need vision from God for our lives. Family, church, work, ministry, local, wider…..

SLIDE 1.    Proverbs 29:18. (NIV) Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint;

(KJV) Where there is no vision, the people perish;                                                

No restraint: independence…do own thing;     perish: wither 

E.G. Two visions for us & IFC:  'National'.....and 'Lifetime'

A. National vision:  Reconciliation

SLIDE 2. ‘THE FATHER’S HEART  (SEE ABOVE PICTURE)  (local Larnaca artist, Heather Zycos…used by permission)

God's heart broken over Cyprus.

IFC: to North & South. Turkish Cypriots want a united Cyprus & not domination by Turkey or Islam!                    

(NB. Ephesians 2 wall of separation down)

SLIDE 3. Ezekiel 37:15-19.   (demo 2 STICKS & JH)     A CHOICE TO FORGIVE

The word of the LORD came to me: 16  "Son of man, take a stick of wood and write on it, 'Belonging to Judah and the Israelites associated with him.' Then take another stick of wood, and write on it, 'Ephraim's stick, belonging to Joseph and all the house of Israel associated with him.' 17  Join them together into one stick so that they will become one in your hand.

18  "When your countrymen ask you, 'Won't you tell us what you mean by this?' 19  say to them, 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I am going to take the stick of Joseph—which is in Ephraim's hand—and of the Israelite tribes associated with him, and join it to Judah's stick, making them a single stick of wood, and they will become one in my hand.'

SLIDE 4. 2 Chronicles 7:14.  ….if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, (+)  then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

Reconciliation first between believers N & S. Went to E. A. leadership. Dec assembly. PRAY will act.

Gk Orthodox? Catholic?    

B. Lifetime vision:  The Jews (& now related to Cyprus)

1. 1981 events USA conference & prophetic song given to me:  

Israel, My people, why do you turn from Me? I AM your Messiah I long for your liberty.

Israel, My people My heart so longs to share the love I have to give you, but tears I have to bear.

Oh Israel, My people, please turn back to Me. I Am YESHUA, your Messiah O let me set you free

Israel, My people there is much I have to tell, I would teach, reveal, and guide you, I want to make you well.

Oh, ISRAEL, My people, it is hard to bear the pain. Come back to Me, My people, and we’ll be one again.

Israel, My people..........Israel, My love

The experience, along with the scriptures, gave me a heart for the Jews & Israel.    PFI pr gp 35 yrs.

SLIDE 5. Ezekiel 5:5.  "This is what the Sovereign LORD says: This is Jerusalem, which I have set in the centre of the nations, with countries all around her.   

Through Bible is a Year reading schemes: OT & NT….gave understanding through the whole of scripture about Israel and God’s plans for the Jews in the end days.

2. God keeps His word, His promises, His covenant. OT & NT promises to Israel & the Jews. If He does not keep them, then will He keep His promises to the Church? BOTH peoples have a place in His End time purposes.

1st exile of Jews: (idolatry) so to Babylon, 70 yrs. Second exile (rejection of Messiah) worldwide, 2000 yrs!

But always a small Jewish presence in Israel….gradually then known as Palestine in the world around.

God’s promises: after worldwide exile, to land first, then to the God of Israel, and their Messiah.

SLIDE 6. Isaiah 14v1-2. The Lord will have compassion on Jacob; once again he will choose Israel and will settle them in their own land. Aliens will join them and unite with the house of Jacob. Nations will take them and bring them to their own place. (CY?)

SLIDE 7. Isaiah 43v5-7. Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west. 6 I will say to the north, 'Give them up!' and to the south, 'Do not hold them back.' Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth— 7 everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made."

SLIDE 8. Jeremiah 31:8-9. See, I will bring them from the land of the north and gather them from the ends of the earth. Among them will be the blind and the lame, expectant mothers and women in labour; a great throng will return. 9  They will come with weeping; they will pray as I bring them back. I will lead them beside streams of water on a level path where they will not stumble, because I am Israel's father, and Ephraim is my firstborn son.

Father - son relationship…prodigal. (Church elder son).

SLIDE 9. Zechariah 12:10.  "And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a firstborn son.

Mourning that rejected Jesus (Yeshua) …firstborn from the dead. …national revival !

SLIDE 10. Romans 11:25-29. (Paul)  I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in. 26  And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: "The deliverer will come from Zion; he will turn godlessness away from Jacob. 27  And this is my covenant with them when I take away their sins." 28  As far as the gospel is concerned, they are enemies on your account; but as far as election is concerned, they are loved on account of the patriarchs, 29  for God's gifts and his call are irrevocable.

SLIDE 11. Revelation 21:12-14. (New Jerusalem coming from heaven)

It had a great, high wall with twelve gates, and with twelve angels at the gates. On the gates were written the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. 13  There were three gates on the east, three on the north, three on the south and three on the west. 14  The wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. 

Romans 11 teaches we gentile Christians are grafted in to Israel (Rom 11). Jesus and the apostles were Jewish!

The apostles were foundational to the Kingdom of God….and the early Church was all Jewish!

The gates of entrance came initially through Israel, patriarchs, Hebrew nation, law, prophets, etc.

Promise: God would restore His ancient covenant people to land of Israel. 1917, 22 UK Balfour; League of Nations;

UN 1948: ‘Israel’ reborn & survived – Arabs! 1967 regained rule over Jerusalem. Land: ‘blossomed as a rose’: Is35:1.

3. How does this relate to Cyprus?

UK 2016: 5 events UNPLANNED:   Israeli Ambassador to UK, Jewish – Christian liaison (Jew) for UK churches;

Jerusalem Radio; Jewish financier; Ebenezer Operation Exodus (Jews to Israel).

To Cyprus 4 years ago for one overall purpose. To prepare Cyprus for its destiny of serving the Jews: 

N S E W…There are over 6 million Jews in America…nearly as many as in Israel.

SLIDE 12. (Hosea 11:10) The WEST 

They will follow the LORD; he will roar like a lion. When he roars, his children will come trembling from the West.

(NB. Jeremiah 16v16…’fishers & hunters’) …...persecution? New President?  cf France. Ukraine. Anti Semitism.   Also:  Ebenezer / Operation Exodus;  49/22 Trust;  Ezra, etc.

SLIDE 13. Ezekiel 39v25,27-29. None left behind

"Therefore this is what the Sovereign LORD says: I will now bring Jacob back from captivity and will have compassion on all the people of Israel, and I will be zealous for my holy name. When I have brought them back from the nations and have gathered them from the countries of their enemies, I will show myself holy through them in the sight of many nations. Then they will know that I am the LORD their God, for though I sent them into exile among the nations, I will gather them to their own land, not leaving any behind. I will no longer hide my face from them, for I will pour out my Spirit on the house of Israel, declares the Sovereign LORD.

CYPRUS…. strategically near Israel, and neutral…. ‘safe haven’ (amongst others) for a season, until Jews can get physically into Israel…..imagine processing 6 million!  Bottleneck through Europe!

Ships, boats and planes involved in the West, and some homes and larger premises already available in Cyprus. Our home…extended kitchen & 2 bathrooms. The vision is quickening.   Will YOU help when the time comes?

Cyprus Island of Destiny’ prophetic song (with acknowledgement to New Life Church)

Cyprus, the Island of Destiny, Formed and created by God,

My people, call upon my name, my presence I will reveal. My glory will flow from this Island to the heart of all the nations.

Chorus

You shall be called the Island of God Almighty. A refuge for all the nations, a place of encounter.

A strong tower, a habitation of His presence and glory for all who seek His face.

Broken, I will be coming to heal, I will restore all things. Is there anything too hard for Me? I am Sovereign Lord Redeemer.

Get ready, my Spirit I will release on all those who will believe. Its time to shake the nations and proclaim that I am coming.

Chorus: You shall be……

CYPRUS, COME FORTH! step into your destiny. Cyprus come forth, Son of God has set you free

Cyprus come forth, He paid the price at Calvary. Cyprus come forth, Church unite in victory   x 2

Chorus: You shall be……

Cyprus, hear the word of the Lord   x 8

(Echo)

END:  SLIDE 14. Habakkuk 2:2-3. Then the LORD replied: "Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it. 3  For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.

Do you have a vision? If so, stick with it. If not, take a bible, (worship via psalms), go on a retreat.                                                                           IFC

Car cylinders: Car engine…standard 4 cylinders. (Some 6, some 8, even 12 in early 20th C) 

(SHOW PICS (above)

A car with four cylinders firing works well. 3 less so but can get by, two means just about move. 1 means kaput!

…same in spirit realm, in the Kingdom.

1st CYLINDER:  Repentance. SORRY for, and TURNING from sin. 

(Ask one of the congregation to walk away from you then turning around and come towards you.)    NB. CONTINUING REPENTANCE.

2nd CYLINDER: Faith in Jesus having paid the price at the cross for your sin, (took your place)

                     Faith in Him leading you in your life, as you submit to His Lordship, and learn obedience as His disciple.

Mark 1:14-15. Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. "The time has come," he said. "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!"     (+)          NB. CONTINUING FAITH

3rd CYLINDER: Baptism in water. In obedience to His command.

                    Declaration to enemy that you are out of his rule and into the kingdom of God, under God’s rule. (one or other!)

John 3:22. Jesus and his disciples went out into the Judean countryside, where he spent some time with them, and baptised.

Acts 2:36-39. "Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ." 37  When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" 38  Peter replied, "Repent and be baptised, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39  The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call."                                     NB. ONCE & FOR ALL ACT. (baby baptism excluded)                       

4th CYLINDER: Baptism in the Holy Spirit. Empowerment to live the Christian life.

Luke 3:16. John answered them all, "I baptise you with water. But one more powerful than I will come, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.

OT. ELIJAH.    ELISHA hungry for the power of God through Elijah.    2x miracles!   Older need to pass on baton!

Acts 8:14-17. When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. 15  When they arrived, they prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, 16  because the Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them; they had simply been baptised into the name of the Lord Jesus. 17  Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

Acts 19:1-6. While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples 2  and asked them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" They answered, "No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit." 3  So Paul asked, "Then what baptism did you receive?" "John's baptism," they replied. 4  Paul said, "John's baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus." 5  On hearing this, they were baptised into the name of the Lord Jesus. 6  When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.

Advantages: Spiritual things spiritually discerned… new understanding of things. Fruitful, effective.

Conditions: Hunger. ‘Seeking’ Him for this empowerment. Hebrews 11v6 tells us that He rewards those who seek Him.

Luke 11:9-13. "So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 10  For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. 11  "Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? 12  Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13  If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"

Enemy opposition: But you have the Holy Spirit already’. Yes, IN us as believers:

John 14:15-17.  "If you love me, you will obey what I command. 16  And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counsellor to be with you for ever— 17  the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.”

John 14v17. (Greek/Eng Interlinear NT):  ‘…with you He remains, and in you will be.’   (i.e. would be at conversion.)

                                                                   εν (e’v):  (Thayers lexicon): ‘in the interior of some whole’

John 20v22. ‘And with that he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit.”  (The Risen Jesus)

John 20v22. (Greek/Eng Interlinear NT):  ‘He breathed in εν (ev) and said, receive ye Spirit Holy.’   (This fulfilled John 14v17)

After Christ was raised, the disciples did believe and Holy Spirit came in to them. But not UPON us and empowering us.

Acts 1v8. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

Acts 1v8. ‘But you will receive power coming upon, the Holy Spirit upon you.’

                                                       ε’Φ  (Thayers: ‘To spring upon’)    ε’πελθοντος (Thayers: ‘stir up’; ‘to place upon’) 

Acts 8:16. “The Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them; they had simply been baptised into the name of the Lord Jesus.

Acts 8v16. ‘Not yet He was on any of them, having fallen on,

                                            ε’π’ (Thayers: ‘on’)      ε’πιπεπτωκος  (Thayers ‘upon’)  (Louw & Nida: ‘to throw on’ to embrace’)

                   but only having been baptised in name of Lord Jesus.’

                                                             ξιs (Thayers: ‘entrance into a place’) 

Acts 19v6. When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them

Acts 19v6. ‘And laying on Paul hands, came the Spirit holy on them.’

                                                                                          ε’π’ (Thayers: ‘on’)     

Luke 4v1. ‘Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert…’

Luke 4v1. ‘And Jesus, full of Spirit Holy…’

                                  Πληρης   PLERES  (Vines: ‘full’; ‘filled with’)

c.f. Luke 10v21. ‘At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said…’

Acts 6v3. ‘Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom.

Acts 6v3. ‘Seven as full of Spirit and of wisdom.’

                             πληρξιs (Thayers: ‘full; filled up’)

Acts 6v5. ‘They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit…..also….’   (+ six other names)

Acts 6v5. ‘Stephen, a man full of faith and Spirit of Holy.’

                                          πληρη    PLERES (Vines: ‘full’; ‘filled with’)              

                                                                                            NB. CONTINUING EMPOWERING & FILLING

END: How happen? Just with Jesus, on your own? With another believer helping you?

At a meeting, maybe after in prayer with a team or preacher? etc.  The Lord will do it. He baptises with H/S & Fire.

ETERNAL DESTINY Preaching Tour.       'Heaven and Hell'       (SEE SUB-PAGE)