End Time Worship and Spirit Led Ministry

For a number of years now, there have been many prophetic words that there is a new sound in music coming and that it will have incredible power.

	In one prophecy, it says the new sound will be used primarily for evangelism and will be so effective that it would have the intensity of being at an early Beatles concert, only the people are crying out for Jesus. (See Appendix #2 "Sons of Thunder" by James Ryle)

	In another word, it says that during worship with the new sound, people are healed and delivered, spontaneously by the power of the Holy Spirit.

	So what is this new sound? This is a question that many people are asking, and have asked many times. In fact, I heard one well known worship leader say that he had tried everything he could think of; different sound patterns, all different kinds of chord progressions, you name it, but he still couldn't figure it out.

	As I have pondered about it, two questions have occurred to me,

	1) If He does give us a new sound; today music has split into so many different genres', (e.g. rock, country western, blues, jazz, etc.) which genre' will it be in and won't only people in that genre' will be affected?

	2) The last new sound, "Grunge", was only in vogue for about a year or two, and then, because so many people had jumped on the band wagon, people started to get tired of it. So if we do get a new sound, won't the world just jump on it with all their money and exploit it for themselves ?

So then, how is this going to cause the big breakthrough in evangelism that was prophesied? It didn't seem to make much sense. So like many others, we waited in a perplexed state until God would reveal more.

Pneumatikos Worship

	For us, this breakthrough came in the form of a short statement, "It's time for the church to go up to third level." This came in the context of the growth of worship and it's changing nature. In the past 15 years I have seen worship go from a level 1 - Chorus and Hymn singing up to a level 2 - Psalms, entering more directly into worship of God.

This statement, therefore, was a shock because we had no idea that there was another level and if there was, what it could be. So, we as a church began to pray and seek the Lord to find out what this level was and how to enter it.

The Lord was very gracious to us and over the next couple of years showed us what third level was. The easiest way to describe it is: If the Holy Spirit could play the guitar what would it sound like? Awesome; right!

Well then, that is the goal of the guitarist, for him/her to so totally surrender themselves that they actually let the Holy Spirit play through them. That also is the goal of the drummer, keyboardest, bass player,  vocalist etc. Now what would happen if all the members of the worship did this at the same time?

Well, since the Holy Spirit is one, it would all begin to flow together into a single spontaneous prophetic song.

	When we started, 80% of the time it sounded absolutely ghastly, but, the 20% when it worked was incredible. It would just begin to flow right out of the Holy Spirit. It took us a year and a half, however, of trying it twice a week, before we were able to reverse this so that it was flowing 80% of the time in this spontaneous, Spirit-led prophetic song.

	At first, our assumption was that it would take others just as long as us to learn it. Fortunately, that is not the case and, in fact, we have seen people learn it and flow in it the very first time they try it.

	A few years ago we were at a Conference put on by Morningstar Ministries in Charlotte NC. where the last 2 songs on the third night and the whole worship time on the last night was 3rd level. On that last night, they started one song that lasted for three hours. During it, the musicians and vocalists swooped and soared as they were led by the Spirit. Declarative and prophetic words were also being spoken out and people around us were being ministered to by the Lord. Deliverance was taking place and I wouldn't be surprised to find out that some people were even healed.

At the end of it all, a small cloud of smoke formed on the stage and lasted for about 15 seconds: as a sign from Him. To me this was even more significant because when we had started this and I had asked Him why the worship had to change. His answer to me was, "Did you see the Cloud of My glory filling your sanctuary this morning?" I said, "No" and He said, "Then it's not good enough yet, is it?"

	To me, this sign was His full circle confirmation about third level.

	Also, at this conference, a Pastor from Nashville, Ray Hughes was invited to give a Biblical understanding of what was taking place. He said that this music was referred to in Eph. 5:19 and   Col. 3:16 as a "Spiritual song" or in the Greek "Ode Pneumatikos" which is defined as an unrehearsed, spontaneous, Spirit-inspired song.

	We were amazed to see how close this definition was to what we had been describing as third level. These verses then put all three levels together.

Level 1) Hymns, in most cases were declarative or instructive as though you were speaking to the others around you and primarily ministers to the mind.

Level 2) Psalms are intimate worship songs. The 1st person style, allows you to personally speak to God through worship and consciously enter into His presence and primarily ministers  to the emotions.

Level 3) Spiritual songs are the unrehearsed, spontaneous, Spirit-inspired worship songs and primarily ministers right from His Spirit to our spirit and then pours out into our emotions and mind.

	What has happened in many churches is that while they were in level 1 they would occasionally go up level 2 e.g. on "How Great though Art" and then back down to level 1, but then we moved right up into level 2. Now, those who are in level 2 have been going up into level 3 every so often in spontaneous prophetic song, but now it is time for us all to move completely up into level 3.

Spirit led Spontaneous Worship

What we will eventually see is a worship band where each individual hears spontaneously from the Holy Spirit what to play and, because it is the same Holy Spirit, the music will blend perfectly. Then the congregation will, because of sensitivity to the Lord and unity, begin to spontaneously sing together the same prophetic song because they will each be hearing from the Holy Spirit what to sing. The service will be a flow between these spontaneous songs and any known songs that the worship leader is hearing from the Spirit.

	Essentially, the whole worship time will be truly  led by the HOLY SPIRIT. Basically, the new sound is, the Holy Spirit in music. That's not our music anointed by Him, but the music released into His hands. If this is the case, then the different genres are not a concern, because there will be a new sound in each one.

And if the Holy Spirit is in the music, then the world won't be able to copy it. I believe, in a little while, you will hear one non-Christian say to another, "you just have to come and hear this group, there is just something different about it."

"What do you mean?  I don't know; there is just something about it."

It's here, and people are just starting to release it. The first time you listen you may get nothing, but persevere, open your spirit, and it will flow.

	Here is an abbreviated study on the Greek word, Pneumatikos, out of the Vines Expository Greek Dictionary. To aid in connecting this term with practical Christian living, I've replaced the word "Pneumatikos" in all the verses with "Spiritual realm" instead of the normal word "spiritual". The meaning is the same, but I think you find it makes a lot more sense.

Pneumatikos: The Spiritual Realm

	Pneumatikos ^4152^ "always connotes the ideas of invisibility and of power. It does not occur in the Sept. nor in the Gospels; it is in fact an after-Pentecost word. :

	6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against (spiritual realm) wickedness in high places.

	1 Cor 10:3 and did all eat the same (spiritual realm) meat; :4 and did all drink the same (spiritual realm) drink: for they drank of that (spiritual realm) Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. And did all eat the same (spiritual realm) meat;

	1 Cor. 2:13a, Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing (spiritual realm) things with (spiritual realm) words.

and the words in which that revelation is expressed, are `(spiritual realm),'

13b, matching, or combining, (spiritual realm) things with (spiritual realm) words [or, alternatively, `interpreting (spiritual realm) things to (spiritual realm) men,' `(spiritual realm) songs' are songs of which the burden is the things revealed by the Spirit,

	Eph. 5:19; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and (spiritual realm) songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

	Col. 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and (spiritual realm) songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

	Col. 1:9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and (spiritual realm) understanding;

	1 Pet 2:5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a (spiritual realm) house,

	Eph 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all (spiritual realm) blessings in heavenly places (the spiritual realm) in Christ:

.	1 Pet. 2:5b; an holy priesthood, to offer up (spiritual realm) sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

	1 Cor 12:1 Now concerning (spiritual realm) gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.

	

"The (spiritual realm) man is one who walks by the Spirit both in the sense of Gal. 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. and in that of Gal 5:25  If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.  and who himself manifests the fruit of the Spirit in his own ways....

	"According to the Scriptures, the `(spiritual realm)' state of soul is normal for the believer, but to this state all believers do not attain, nor when it is attained is it always maintained.

	Thus the apostle says in:

1 Cor. 3:1-3, "And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto (spiritual realm), but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ." suggests a contrast between this (spiritual realm) state and that of the babe in Christ, i. e., of the man who because of immaturity and inexperience has not yet reached (spiritual realm)ity, and that of the man who by permitting jealousy, and the strife to which jealousy always leads, has lost it.

	Such as are led by the Spirit are (spiritual realm), but, of course, (spiritual realm)ity is not a fixed or absolute condition, it admits of growth; indeed growth in `the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,'

	2 Pet 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Gal 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are (spiritual realm), restore

	Rom 8:6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be (spiritual realm)ly minded is life and peace.

	1 Cor 14:12 Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of (spiritual realm) gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.

Pneumatikos Preaching and Teaching

	After we discovered this term and realized that it wasn't used only in reference to music, we looked to see how it related to other areas. I started to asked some of my pastor friends this question. "Are there times when you seek the Lord and, by His grace and your study, He gives you a word that you believe is from the Holy spirit and it blesses the people?" They all answered "yes."

	Then I asked, "Are there other times when you get an unrehearsed, spontaneous, Spirit-inspired message and does it have a different effect on the listeners?" Each time, a big smile came across their face and they said, "yes there is definitely something different when that happens."

	I also realized that, as there were the different levels in worship, there seem to be different levels in preaching and teaching.

	Level 1 - Father to child type communication and attitude. Sometimes this is loving encouragement, but more often than not, the Preacher ends shaking his finger and scolding them for not doing what they should.

	Level 2 - Adult to adult communication, given usually in a conversational tone (you don't need to yell at a adult). The attitude is, "Let us reason together: I know that deep down you want to walk with Christ, but you seem to be encountering some weeds that are hindering your growth. Can I help you get rid of them.

	Level 3 - Spirit to individual communication. The Preacher  studies what the Lord has led him to all week, even though it may not be used on this Sunday. He then comes to the service without any notes or specific preparation. His goal is to hear what the Holy Spirit is saying and then gives forth that utterance by the power of the Spirit. His focus is not to reason with them, but to simply declare what God has given him. Those who that day are "in the Spirit" will hear what the Spirit is saying to each of them individually or  corporately .

Preaching in the Spirit

	If you read Jesus' messages you will quickly realized that He didn't preach in either 1st or 2nd level and is probably beyond 3rd level, but closer to this than the other two. Try, if you can, to imagine your Pastor getting up on Sunday morning and giving a message that has about 40 points, has very little that ties them together, says some confusing things and does not offer any explanation for them, doesn't try to reason with you, but simply declares the truth that he is spontaneously receiving from the Throne of God.

	That is how Jesus preached and I don't think He stayed up late the night before the Sermon on the Mount preparing the message. His preparation was His life and the message came directly from God. Jesus said He did nothing of his initiative, but, only spoke those things that He heard from His Father.

	The problem in practical church life is, that the word which is received "in the Spirit" and given "in the Spirit", means the listeners must "in the Spirit" to receive it. This is what Jesus meant when He said, "He who has an ear, let him hear (what the Spirit is saying)". This means that even if you are a mature Christian, but on that day you had a fight on the way to church and are not "in the Spirit", you will get very little from the message. With level 2, you would have at least gotten something for your mind. If you are "in the Spirit", you will get more than just knowledge. There will be an impartation of the Holy Spirit, to your spirit, that will bring life.

The Spirituals (Supernatural Gifts)

Next we discovered that there was a whole group of pnuematikos  gifts, not just the ones we've mentioned. In 1 Cor 12:1 Paul writes - "Now concerning spiritual gifts brethren, I do not want you to be unaware." The interesting thing is Paul doesn?t use the normal word for spiritual gifts (charisma) is not used, instead Paul uses a different Greek word (pnuematikos), even though later in this chapter, in verse 6, he uses the word (charisma). This would indicate that he is talking about something different than his normal concept of spiritual gifts. In fact the word would be better translated as spirituals. In fact, if you have a version that puts into italics, the words that help the understanding but aren?t actually there, you will notice that "gifts" is in italics

So then what is Paul talking about in this passage. Notice if you would which gifts he lists.

Word of Wisdom

Word of Knowledge

Faith

Gifts of Healing

Effecting miracles

Prophecy

Distinguishing of spirits,

Various kinds of tongues,

Interpretation of tongues.

What we don?t see in this list are some of the more familiar gifts like teaching, administration, serving, mercy, giving, evangelism, pastoring, etc. What we do see are all the supernatural type gifts or as Paul puts it the spirituals

By going back to verse 7 we also, see the purpose of the spirituals, "But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good."

How do we know when a person has a demon ? Usually, it?s because we see some kind of a visible manifestation, that indicates to us this is the work of an unclean spirit.

So then, how is the Holy Spirit manifested to the world? Wouldn?t it similarly, be through a visible manifestation that indicates to us this is the work of a Holy Spirit. So the spirituals are those gifts which specifically manifest that it is the Holy Spirit doing this.

For instance, Mother Theresa left a great testimony of the love of God and the compassion of Christ, but there is nothing that I am aware of, where she did anything which visibly manifested the Holy Spirit.

If someone gives you a word of knowledge, you know that it had to be the Holy Spirit. Likewise with healing, miracles or any of these gifts. It?s not as obvious with the other gifts, even though they are also gifts of the Spirit, because those gifts are the ones man can do without visible supernatural power.

For a number of years now I and many others have been waiting for God to release healing and miracles. As we wait, I have heard 2 common reasons for why we aren?t seeing them yet, we need more power and we need more faith. Recently, God has shown me that that is not the problem. As I meditated on these spirituals and one additional one, that of "ode pnuematikos" or spiritual song, I realized something quite profound, the spirituals that we had practiced a lot, turned out to be the ones that we did the best and that all of us had come to a basic level in. (In the same way that all of us can draw, sing, dance etc. at a basic level, there are also those who are gifted in those areas). Conversely, the ones we had done very little with were our worst ones.

	The illustration that God gave me to help understand this, came from a recent experience I had had. My computer had crashed and my local computer guy said it would make more sense to sell me a used one than fix it. This one had on it Windows 95 and he showed me how to work it and it was great. So I took it home, but no matter