Arise And Shine By Praying In The Spirit (Full Sermon)

The sources present a powerful message regarding the destiny of believers in the end times: while “total darkness will cover the people” (referring to the world’s increasing depression and melancholic sadness), God’s people are commanded to “Arise, shine, for your light has come and the glory of the Lord shines over you”. This glory provides not only spiritual light but also physical health, universal appeal, and triumph over life’s challenges.

The End Times Mandate: Shine Amidst Darkness

The prophecy in Isaiah 60 refers specifically to our current times, not the Millennial Rule when darkness will not cover the earth. The increasing prevalence of depression and heaviness—described as a “spirit of sadness” or a “grieving spirit”—is a hallmark of this darkness covering the people.

In contrast, God’s people are positioned to shine. The glory of the Lord appearing over believers gives them “universal appeal,” causing nations and VIPs (kings) to seek them out, drawn by something they cannot explain but trust. This is not a visible, physical glory that can be looked at, but a manifestation of God’s presence.

The Secret of Spiritual Warfare: Not Carnal Weapons

In times of darkness, believers must rely on spiritual tools, not material fixes. The sources emphasize that the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, not material, or palpable, but they are “mighty through God”.

• Temporary Solutions vs. Permanent: While medicine is beneficial and should be appreciated, the sources caution against trusting only material things (like special chairs or products) as the permanent, long-term solution.
• Targeting the Root: Problems like depression are often driven by an evil spirit. You cannot medicate or perform surgery on an evil spirit; instead, it requires the anointing and the Psalms of David. The evil spirit leaves when the music is anointed from heaven, as spirits cannot tolerate holiness, beauty, or harmony.
• The Power of the Name: Believers have authority to command the evil spirit behind a loved one’s change in behavior (such as marital troubles caused by depression in a spouse) to “loose him and let him go in Jesus name,” even when praying in private.

David’s victory over Goliath exemplifies this non-carnal warfare: David rejected King Saul’s armor and came against the giant only “in the name of the Lord of hosts” (Yahweh Seavoat), declaring that the battle was the Lord’s. David’s faith—giving the glory to God—was humble, not boastful. The unseen, eternal things of the spirit are prioritized over the seen, temporal, and physical aspects of the world.

The Essential Key: Praise and the Mouth

The mouth is crucial for directing a person’s life and destiny, acting as the “helm of the ship”.

• Training Children: The Hebrew word for “train up a child in the way he should go” suggests training them “in the way of his mouth,” meaning parents should continually put God’s Word and worship songs into their children’s mouths, influencing their spiritual preferences.
• Seeing Good Days: Those who “love life and want to see good days” are instructed to “keep your lips from wickedness and lies”.
• Praise Opens Gates: The prophecy about the end-times transfer of wealth states: “Your gates shall be opened continually; they shall not be shut day or night, that men may bring to you the wealth of the Gentiles”. The sources identify praise as the gate. By keeping their mouths open with the praises of God, believers keep the flow of blessing and wealth coming in.
• Wealth Transfer: Just as the Israelites received gold and silver from Egypt (back pay) before building the Tabernacle, the end times will see a transfer of wealth that is legal and intended to glorify God. This wealth is given to those who are “good in [God’s] sight”.

The Core Covenant: Forgiveness and the Holy Spirit

The ability to arise and shine is intrinsically linked to understanding the New Covenant established by Christ. Isaiah 59:21, which ushers in the command to “Arise, shine,” reveals God’s covenant promise: “My spirit who is on you and my words that I’ve put in your mouth will not depart from your mouth or from the mouths of your children or from the mouths of your children’s children from now on and forever”.

This covenant promise began to be fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost when believers were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with tongues.

The ultimate condition for this flow of the Holy Spirit is the assurance of forgiveness:

• The Holy Spirit’s Indwelling: Unlike the Old Testament figures (like David or Elijah), who only had the Spirit upon them, New Covenant believers have the Spirit within them. This is possible because the blood of Jesus has cleansed them so completely that the Holy Spirit can dwell inside.
• Speaking in Tongues is a Proclamation: Speaking in tongues is seen as a proclamation that all your sins have been forgiven. Legalism or unscriptural rules about confession can “jam the flow of praying in tongues,” indicating a loss of assurance in God’s grace.
• Myriad Benefits: The benefits of praying in the spirit are numerous. It allows believers to transcend their natural logic and understanding, release stress, and receive a boost in the immune system. Praying in tongues also builds up the believer (spirit, soul, and body), which is known as the temple of God.
• Releasing Power: A person is close to releasing the power of God when they experience “dry mouth [and] heavy tongue” while praying in the spirit.

Glorified Bodies and Supernatural Provision

Believers are waiting for the redemption of their bodies, which will be transformed into a glorified body like Jesus’ resurrection body, perpetually young, strong, and healthy, free from sickness and death. This transformation is guaranteed because Jesus paid the full price for the redemption of the spirit, soul, and body on the cross, and the Holy Spirit serves as the “down payment” (earnest).

Spending time in God’s presence, such as during worship, shields against decay and aging, as demonstrated by Moses, whose natural force and eyes were not dim at 120 years old after spending time with God.

Ultimately, the goal is to glorify God in the body and live holy, pure lives, recognizing that the body has been “bought with a price”. God promises to “daily load us with benefits” and set “ambushments against the ambushments of the enemy,” ensuring triumph for those who rely on Him.