Dear Dr Robert

BLESSED TO BE A BLESSING

(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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SHARING A PROPHETIC WORD

(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.

  • Strengthening… sometimes translated edification
    A word connected with architecture, to do with ‘building up.’ Something we all need!
  • Encouragement… or exhortation
    This links with the ministry of the Spirit whom we can rely on to encourage us in dark times and spur us on to great achievements. This too is something Christians need regularly.
  • Comfort… or consolation
    A word akin to encouragement, also relating to the work of the Spirit who is known as the great comforter (In John 14:26 Jesus called Him the parakletos – comforter, consoler, advocate). It’s not only on the loss of a loved one that Christians need divine comfort!
  • Further, prophecy demonstrates that God is real and comforts people by telling them that He knows what’s going down, loves them and cares so deeply in a personal way.
  • It also draws people closer to Him, inspiring them to go onward in God and in life itself. 2024 is a year when many wish to move on in God, If someone receives a prophetic word in this area, they’ll definitely be inspired.

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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THE ANOINTING

(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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‘MORE’ ABOUT MY FOREVER FRIEND

(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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PENTECOSTAL CHURCHES QUERIES

 

(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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NEGATIVE TRANSFERENCE

(February 26, 2023) Dr Robert McQuillan encourages a troubled carer…

Dr Robert
You mentioned some troubling heavies in your article Troubled-hearts-minds-and-characters. To avoid such things hanging on us. I like your quote from the Complete Jewish Bible: ‘Don’t let yourselves be disturbed’ (John 14:1CJB).

Well, I am disturbed, Robert, and while I hear what you’re saying here, I’m still feeling heavy, downhearted, uneasy and I’m wondering if having to counselling people (even Christians),having to always be listening to their troubles, their problems, could somehow be at the bottom of how I’m feeling. Pastor ‘Jones’.

Hi Pastor ‘Jones’

I could have said much more in that article… but as I have to limit other contributors, I have to cull back my own articles too! Now then, I’m wondering if the following is the cause of what you’re feeling… (if so, it’s a piece of advice, a warning, that I’ve written about before, given to pastors, even to  psychiatrists, physiatrists and counsellors, Christian or not! (Especially carers with the right heart like yourself).

In a nutshell… don’t be tricked into carrying the deadweight of those who trouble you with their heavy problems! Be wise… there’s a subtilty here. The one being helped may not even be aware of it but what can happen – has happened – is that after a while they’re feeling great but you’re feeling uncomfortable.

Transference
Don’t be concerned about technical names here… think of it as ‘transference.’ Now professionals mentioned above know about different kinds of transference… but sometimes even ‘experts’ need to be reminded to back down! Especially when negative transference is the name of the game!

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CHURCH LEAVERS

 (January 26, 2023) Dr Robert McQuillan encourages a troubled young believer…

Dear Dr Robert

This may be nothing…  or something! Maybe it’s because I‘m feeling a little concerned. It’s just that some of our key people, including the minister, have suddenly left, or are leaving. I feel a little bit uneasy. Grant.

Hi Grant

I know how you’re feeling. Long time ago in the early days of my Christian journey, there were a lot of things I didn’t know about, didn’t understand, hadn’t worked out. Maybe if I share as follows, it’ll help you…

People, key people or others, do leave church at times, even a great church such as the one you attend. In a nutshell, this is life – it happens! I’ll give you some reasons –

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MINISTRY HICCUPS

(December 20, 2022) Dr Robert McQuillan encourages a troubled pastoral couple …

Dear Dr Robert

I apologise that this is going to be a long letter.

My wife and I are ministers, like you and Maureen. We’ve always enjoyed this calling, despite challenges that are involved – many of which we can’t or won’t share with our church. I’m sure you too have found that some church members can be very unkind and unthoughtful when they learn their ministers have needs. I don’t mean financial ones, although to be honest sometimes we can be disappointed when we hear some members don’t contribute to our church, but donate heavily to ‘prosperity doctrine’ preachers.

No, I’m particularly thinking of other concerns – we’re not as young as we used to be and both seem to get attacked by sicknesses we never thought about before. In fact we used to pray for people going through similar sicknesses and God would gloriously answer our prayers. Now we find ourselves not wanting to mention our needs in case we’re accused of losing our faith!

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CARING AND CARRYING

(November 29, 2022) Dr Robert McQuillan warns an ‘over-caring’ Christian…

Dear Dr Robert

I care for people and I follow that command of Jesus to care for, to love anyone who is mt neighbour. Some of those I’ve been interceding for, praying for, has me thinking a lot about them, even during the day and sometimes awakening to do so during the night. They have what I call heavy problems and… well, I can only describe what’s happened this way. I’ve been feeling heavy myself, deeply sensitive to their hurts and it’s as if I feeling their burdens on my heart. This making me feel down – yet some of them seem to be getting free of their problems. Am I making myself clear here. Maybe this all sounds too mixed up. Sorry. ‘Weary Will’ (not real name).

Dear ‘Weary Will’

Hold it right there! Yes, I understand you, how you’re feeling, that heaviness that you’ve encountered. To help you, I’ll go straight to the point! The problem is that you’re not just caring, you’re wrongly carrying!

Yes,  you’re doing right in caring – as all Christians should for anyone that we consider ‘Luke 10:25ff neighbours’ and in every way we can. But one thing we can’t do is this: we can’t carry them! This is a mistake that Satan has lured well-thinking Christians into and it has eat away at them, stealing their own happiness, even causing sickness.

I urge you to recall that you’re a servant of Jesus, not our Lord Himself! Only Jesus can care to the extreme of carrying sicknesses, heartbreak, hurts and  burdens that we humans experience.

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TRANSITION

(October 27, 2022) Dr Robert McQuillan responds to a concerned friend…

Dear Dr Robert

You’ve helped me before and I want to share something with you that has me confused. I really love the church I’ve been attending for the last few months… the preaching is great, the teaching is soundly Bible-based, and the pastor really cares! Nothing is wacky! But  recently I’ve felt somewhat uneasy. Nothing wrong with the church, but I don’t feel to become a member, or to be involved in any ministerial way that would commit me. I started thinking what’s wrong? Then last week while enjoying the service, I heard that ‘inner voice’ whisper one word… ‘Transition.’ Transition? Would you please help me here. Harold

Hi again Harold

Yes, I believe I can. I’ve come to know you and suggest you take a step back and see the bigger picture. I believe what’s happening to you gels with what has happened to some certain others in their Christian experience, even myself. Let me paint the picture as I see it.

The word ‘transition’ means the ‘process of changing, or a change from one from or condition to another.’ Now you won’t find the word in scripture – unless you read the Message version of Hebrews 9, that chapter that talks about the Calvary death of Jesus and the new covenant. It actually combines verses 16 and 17 as one, and begins ‘Like a will that takes effect when someone dies, the new covenant was put into action at Jesus’ death. His death marked the transition from the old plan to the new one.’

Scripture tells of God transitioning chosen ones into new positions or locales… Abraham, Moses, Gideon (His being supernaturally called by God, such as in Judges7:9 is very interesting).

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