(August 23, 2025) Dr Jim McClure responds to a thoughtful friend…
Dear Dr Jim
I’ve been doing some meditating on Psalm 23 which is very rich in meaning and has been a great comfort in this current season of uncertainly. I love the image of the shepherd and God’s gentle loving care.
Many of the descriptions of God’s leadership are quite gentle— ‘He leads me beside quiet waters’, ‘He guides me in paths of righteousness’, ‘you prepare a table’ and ‘you anoint my head’ and such.
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(May 31, 2025) Dr Robert McQuillan shares…
I had a question of my own recently when I read what someone had written about animals being sacrificed by converted Jews after Jesus returns. Quoting scriptures from Ezekiel and several other Old Testament prophets, it was concluded that these millennial Israelite sacrifices will be a graphic honouring of what Jesus accomplished in His previous visit here… ultimately leading to His crucifixion. That on genuine repentance only the blood of Christ can atone for sin.
Could this be so, I was wondering. Maureen suggested that I query it with renowned Bible scholar friend Dr Jim McClure who regularly contributes Teaching category articles to our E-Mag. (Do read his challenging new series this month— Malachi-prophet who revealed God’s answers to people’s questions-part 1/… it’s so timely!).
The following is Dr Jim’s reply (which I trust will bless many):
Hi Robert. Thanks for the question you sent. I hope my reply helps in some way…
Dispensationalism within the church has led to multiple sensationalist interpretations. Clearly the scriptures reveal that God has interacted with humanity in multiple ways both before and after the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ— and obviously that interaction continues today and into the future.
Various Bible books contain insights into some of those events yet to come.
Regrettably among many Christians there has been reflected what I would describe as an unhealthy fascination (and also, in some, an obsession) in ‘End-Time’ events. Indeed, some preachers make such preaching a dominant aspect of their preaching and teaching!
My personal view is quite simple— I just don’t know precisely what will happen, the order in which it will happen or when it will happen! Certainly we have been given insights into the future within the Bible and in some of those insights there is an extensive use of symbolism. And with regards to the question of whether or not there will be animals offered in sacrifice when Jesus returns, I have no opinion!
Consequently, I await with eager anticipation the glorious return of our Lord Jesus Christ. I don’t have all the information or a full understanding of that wonderful coming event, or about all that will happen after the event.
The ‘information’ that the Bible contains will, I believe, make perfect sense when the various events occur. I may lean into some interpretative suggestions more than some others, however, I hesitate fully to embrace or to affirm any interpretative exposition as absolute truth.
So, I wholly agree with the hymn writer Dora Greenwell (1873) who wrote:
I am not skilled to understand
what God has willed, what God has planned;
I only know that at His right hand
is One who is my Saviour!
Shalom! Jim
Footnote: Dr Jim’s comments above blessed me. Regarding the three opposing categories he mentions above, decades ago I personally decided not to be any of these but to be a Panist. In other words, ‘It’ll all pan out in the end!’ (According to God’s will of course!).
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Got a question for Dr Robert or Pr Maureen McQuillan? Email: OnlinerConnect@gmail.com
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(November 30, 2024) Dr Robert McQuillan shares …
Hi Robert
I hope you are well. I would appreciate your feedback on this commentary (title followed)— Jonny.
Greetings to not just Jonny but all our readers… I’ll explain the background here. Jonny is a dedicated Christian and very aware that some so-called Bible teachers aren’t true to scripture in what they teach/preach. And, somewhat cautious about a particular one— a comment on a particular Old Testament prophetic scripture— he was enquiring what was my perception of the comment and accompanying prayer.
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(September 28, 2024) Dr Robert McQuillan shares…
Dear Robert
So sorry to hear that you went through such agonies with your toe (Trusting the Holy Spirit in Painful Times). What a lovely testimony to the gift of tongues. We’re sure that like ourselves you have encountered many people for whom a prayer in tongues was actually a known language. We rate that precious gift very highly! Thank you, Lord. Bless you for all your work and ministry. Norman and Margaret.
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(May 30, 2024) Dr Robert McQuillan shares …
Dear Dr Robert
There’s mountains of ‘passionate and well researched material’ supporting Pre-Trib, Mid-Trib, and Post-Trib positions! I used to be of the ‘Pre-Trib’ persuasion on the rapture of the church but I see some NT scriptures being desecrated and, as I’ve done more study in the OT, I’m not so sure now.
I’ve decided that I won’t hold a ‘fixed position’ on this issue, just ‘occupy and serve’ until whatever time the Lord decides to collect me. That’s now my personal theological position! What do you think? Kelvin.
Hi Kelvin
You’ve got it! Congratulations on deciding to ‘occupy and serve.’ That’s an attitude that all Christians should have: open to doing whatever the Lord requires – whether a ministerial position, cleaning the church, or warmly greeting attenders… no matter what age we are (Did you see our Reachout post about an old evangelist who believes to be ministering until he’s 100? (92-year-old-evangelist-to-hold-ukraine-rally).
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(March 28, 2024) Dr Robert McQuillan shares …
Dear Dr Robert
I know that the prayer of Jabez has been highlighted for a few years now, with several booklets written about it. It happened to come to mind the other day and I was wondering what your thoughts are on this prayer. Danny.
Hi Danny
I was first struck by this prayer many years ago, but unfortunately with Easter virtually here I’m limited time-wise and unable to respond to you as I wish.
However, it so happens that my friend Dr Richard Winter recently emailed me some brief thoughts on this prayer – a different slant that he’d shared with his church and blessed them all. I know that he won’t mind me sharing them below…
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(January 26, 2024) Dr Robert McQuillan shares on the 1Corinthians 12:10 manifestation gift of prophecy…
Dear Dr Robert
Please share on the gift of the Spirit termed prophecy. Kelvin.
Hi Kelvin
Please note that my comments below are particularly for pentecostal and charismatic church attenders, although the Holy Spirit operates in other denominations too!
Let’s begin with something many ask… What is ‘a word of prophecy?’ In brief… a timely word from God. In outworking, prophesying is someone boldly speaking a word from God under divine Holy Spirit inspiration that blesses people, en masse or individually. Yes, they sense it in their spirit and allow God to use them verbally.
Three-fold benefits
As a supernational manifestation, it’s a vocal gift used in faith (itself one of the 1Corinthians 12:8-10 nine gifts). It’s meant to manifested (phanerōsis… exhibited, expressed) – responsibly demonstrated in church circles. In 1Corinthians 14:5, Paul urged that this gift be operated more, even more that tongues coupled with interpretation! Verse 2 explains its 3-fold benefits – strengthening, encouragement, comfort.
Five important notations here:
(1) Generally missing today
Sadly it appears that this gift hasn’t been operating for several years as often and strongly as it used to. I recall ‘old-time-pentecostal’ Sundays when prophecy (and tongues/interpretation) flowed freely after communion or in praise/worship times, not necessarily through the pastor (or pastors) but operated by ‘ordinary’ church attenders… ‘ordinary’ but Spirit-filled and obedient to Him!
Recently some friends moved to another town and immediately began visiting a number of pentecostal churches. I received a sad letter asking, ‘Dr Robert… don’t Pentecostal churches allow prophecy, tongues and interpretation to occur anymore?’
(2) Ministering speakers
Many times a Spirit-filled preacher, whether pastor or guest speaker, may pause preaching and bring a word of prophecy, usually encouraging, even directive for the church. Such sudden ministry grabs listeners’ attention. It’s also enlightening when ministers point to individuals unknown to them and give a prophetic word.
(3) Operable in any service/meeting
Prophecy can operate in any church service or meeting – children’s, youth, men’s, women’s, Bible study, even church maintenance days, as well as eldership, deaconate or business meetings.
It can also operate when counselling someone, often setting them free from what’s troubling them. Handled wisely this gift can be used anywhere on a Holy Spirit leading.
(4) ‘Out there’
God loves everyone and can use any of us to speak a prophetic word to an unsaved person! Usually this is accompanied by the sister gifts of words of knowledge and wisdom.
For example, you could be talking to a stranger in a shop or arcade and suddenly, even in saying goodbye, you have ‘a word’ for them whether they’re Christian or not. I’ve found such a word really touches hearts, especially when it’s an encouragement, and I explain that God had told me about their situation/character/difficulties.
Knowing that you don’t know them, they’re blown away and if unsaved, it’s an opportunity to share God’s love. I’ve found that no one has ever queried what I’ve shared.
(5) Responsibility
When the Holy Spirit gives someone ‘a word’ to speak forth, that person is open to being used by the Spirit, has an ongoing relationship with Him, and always willing to be used by Him. Naturally it doesn’t happen all the time, nor everywhere. I’m talking about special occasions where God wants to use you and you sense His leading, prompting, and you dare to go for it.
If you sense the Holy Spirit desiring to use you in this area, I’m confident that you’ll be prompt to respond to His leading… responsibly. Experience teaches us much. Don’t be afraid: boldly allow Him to speak through you… using your voice. You’ll know when to start and when to stop… and not go become ‘fleshly.’
Attitude
Christians should have the right attitude toward words of prophecy… and its operation. Prophecy is not to be taken lightly or ignored! Paul warns in 1Thessalonians. 5:20: ‘Do not treat prophecies with contempt.’ That is… don’t despise or stifle either them or the one bringing them!
If a person given such a word can’t quite understand it, encourage them to put it ‘on the back burner.’ Experience has affirmed that it will become clear in time (I’ve had later phone messages confirming this is true).
As for Christians, especially leaders, 1Timothy 4:15 seeks to persuade us to practise our ministry gift, indeed to give ourselves completely to them, that they are to be ‘kept dusted off and in use’ as the Message Bible puts it.
As inferred above prophecy is an incredible gift that not only operates in churches but the Spirit can use it to reach unchurched ‘out there.’ It can open doors to new relationships and sharing the gospel message is accepted because you’ve earned the right and respect of someone new.
I like what Paul says about all gifts – ‘Each person is given something to do that shows who God is: Everyone gets in on it, everyone benefits. All kinds of things are handed out by the Spirit, and to all kinds of people!’ (1Corinthians 12:7Mge).
More could be said here but may all that I have shared encourage you, Kelvin.
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Got a question for Dr Robert or Pr Maureen McQuillan? Email either: OnlinerConnect@gmail.com
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(May 22, 2023) Dr Robert McQuillan shares some more thoughts on the Holy Spirit…
Dear Dr Robert
Last month you told me you’d share on the anointing. Kelvin.
Hi Kelvin
There’s much to share about the anointing… such as the Old Testament mashach anointing of priests, kings and prophets and of course the New Testament chrio anointing you want to know about, indeed the one every Christian should know about. There isn’t enough space here to list the many linking scriptures, and quote examples, so I’ll just draw your attention to the following brief notations…
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(April 29, 2023) Dr Robert McQuillan shares some more thoughts on the Holy Spirit…
Dr Robert
You said you’d share more about ministering the gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:8-10). Someone has said we should learn… know… about the Holy Spirit first. Kelvin.
Hi Kelvin
Yes, you’re right! It’s vital to know the giver of these ministry gifts! As you know, the giver is the blessed Holy Spirit, the third person of the godhead and as He’s done from early church days, more than ever it seems He seeks to guide the church, not just leaders but all Christians in these dark times.
Of interest, Kelvin, in our article this month (Dare-to-say-yes-lord), Maureen and I share some of our personal experiences with the Holy Spirit, especially the importance of hearing His soft, gentle voice within.
I’ll share a few more things about Him below…
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(March 28, 2023) Dr Robert McQuillan shares thoughts on this query…
Dr Robert
It’s been quite some years since we attended a pentecostal church having moved interstate and not finding one in the new city we moved to. Having recently moved again, we found a few in our new home town. But we’ve been surprised to find no one speaking in tongues during the service in any church we visited. I mean, we were always used to free flowing worship and towards the end someone (even up to three) would speak in tongues and someone would bring the interpretation. It was always an encouraging time, even if some challenge came through.
Also, at some point, usually after the announcements, the pastor would ask if anyone had a testimony to share, and usually two or three people would indicate that they had. And it was a time of joy and clapping of hands unto the Lord as people willingly came to the front and testified how God had blessed them in answering prayer.
But we haven’t come across this happening in any of the pentecostal churches we’ve visited. Doesn’t this happen anymore in pentecostal churches? Sarah.
Hi Sarah
I’m sorry to say that I too have noticed this for many, many years in pentecostal churches visited. Nor have I observed pentie pastors sharing prophetic messages or words of knowledge! Altar calls for prayer healing, yes. Sad really as I know the blessing speaking in tongues, followed by interpretation (as in 1 Corinthians 12:10) brought to hearts, as did prophetic words! I can well recall when Maureen and I would be ministering in certain pentecostal churches and would speak words of knowledge over certain people, the congregations rejoiced. But afterwards some pastors would ask in wonder, ‘How did you know (such and such) about “So and So”?’
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Connecting with You! 