Anointing

***Notes from Anointing Service 11/12/04 led by Robert Fergusson & Brian Houston***
Something to ponder for the new year for you & I

2 Cor 1:20-22 (MSG) " Whatever God has promised gets stamped with the Yes of Jesus. In him, this is what we preach and pray, the great Amen, God's Yes and our Yes together, gloriously evident. God affirms us, making us a sure thing in Christ, putting his Yes within us. By his Spirit he has stamped us with his eternal pledge--a sure beginning of what he is destined to complete"

He anointed us (past tense).

1 John 2:20 (MSG) "But you belong. The Holy One anointed you, and you all know it"

I don't need to ask for something I already have.

1 John 2:27 (MSG) "But they're no match for what is embedded deeply within you--Christ's anointing, no less! You don't need any of their so-called teaching. Christ's anointing teaches you the truth on everything you need to know about yourself and him, uncontaminated by a single lie. Live deeply in what you were taught"

We have the anointing. Christ in us!

1. Symbolic anointing of oil gives us an opportunity to PRAY for one another. James 5:14 (MSG) "Are you sick? Call the church leaders together to pray and anoint you with oil in the name of the Master" It's not the oil that will change your life, it's the prayer.
2. Symbolic anointing of oil REMINDS US of what we already have in Christ.
3. Symbolic anointing of oil gives us an opportunity to CONFESS OUR FAITH

Col 1:27 (MSG) " God wanted everyone, not just Jews, to know this rich and glorious secret inside and out, regardless of their background, regardless of their religious standing. The mystery in a nutshell is just this: Christ is in you, therefore you can look forward to sharing in God's glory. It's that simple. That is the substance of our Message."

Galatians 2:20 (MSG) "Christ's life showed me how, and enabled me to do it. I identified myself completely with him. Indeed, I have been crucified with Christ. My ego is no longer central. It is no longer important that I appear righteous before you or have your good opinion, and I am no longer driven to impress God. Christ lives in me. The life you see me living is not "mine," but it is lived by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me" CHRIST LIVES IN US

Priests, prophets & kings were anointed in the Old Testament. When Jesus came there was no need to throw lots of oil around because He was the Priest, He was the Prophet & He was the King.

Jesus "the Anointed One" lives inside Christians. When He lives inside of us, we have 3 attributes -

1. Purity of a priest
2. Power of a prophet
3. Prosperity of a king

Purity - called nearer to God because of our relationship with Christ

Power - live a life of significance, something to say to the community

Prosperity - favour

............something to take into 2005 with you & me.................