Purposes for the Laying on of Hands
August 10, 2013
Discerning the Presence of Evil Spirits
August 25, 2013
There are certain truths and concepts in Scripture that are meant to be paired together. When these “divine pairs” work together they release the grace and blessing of God. But when we divorce these truths from one another we can easily get into error.
Below is a list of several examples of things that are meant to be married but have often been separated.
As we remarry these truths, we can expect a healthier church and a greater release of the kingdom.
The Word and the Spirit
It is often seen that Christians or churches gravitate toward either the Word or the Spirit. Those who gravitate toward the Word emphasize Bible study, teaching sound doctrine, and knowing the Scriptures. Those who gravitate toward the Holy Spirit emphasize the gifts of the Spirit and power of God being demonstrated.
But the Word and the Spirit were meant to work together. From the beginning of time, the Holy Spirit and the Word of God have functioned together to bring about God’s purposes on earth. We need to be both grounded in the Word and filled with the Spirit. It is time for the Word and the Spirit to be married once again.
Wisdom and Revelation
Paul prayed that God would give the Ephesian believers the “spirit of wisdom and revelation” (Ephesians 1:17). It is one thing to have prophetic revelation, but it is another to have the wisdom to know how to interpret and apply the revelation. (Check out my article on the 3 things to Consider when Receiving a Prophetic Word).
To have revelation without wisdom can be dangerous and to have wisdom without revelation can lead to lifeless religion. We need them both!
Grace and Holiness
Grace and holiness go hand-in-hand. When these two become separated we can easily fall into one of two errors. On one hand is the error of pursuing holiness out of legalistic self-effort. On the other is the error of believing that grace removes the requirement for holiness. When we marry these together, we end up with grace-empowered holiness.
In a powerful demonstration of grace, Jesus said to the woman caught in adultery, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more” (John 8:11). One phrase must not be separated from the other. Let’s see grace and holiness paired together like we see in the Scriptures.
Love and Power
Some feel as if they have to choose between love and power. But the Bible does not teach that we have to pick either love or power. It actually says that we are to “pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts” (1 Corinthians 14:1). Both the fruit of the Spirit and the gifts of the Spirit are taught. Love and power should be married together, not put against each other.
Love without power and power without love; both are to be avoided. Love and power should flow together as we see in the ministry of Jesus.
These are just a few examples of truths that need to merge together. Check out the articles below for some more examples:
The God of Spontaneity and Structure
Prophets and Teachers: A Needed Balance in the Church
Questions: Which of the above examples stands out to you the most? Can you think of other examples of truths that are meant to go together but have been often separated?
