1. ORACLE OF GOD (ministry)
   
2. WHAT IS A MINISTER
   
3. 12 SUFFERINGS OF CHRIST
   
4. 12 REASONS SAUL FEARED DAVID (Anointed one)
   
5. MUSIC MINISTRY CHECKLIST
   
6. MARRIAGE COUNSELING
   
7. EVIDENCE OF GENUINE FAITH
   
8. TYPES OF PRAYER

THE ORACLE OF GOD (John Burns)
(5 Important things necessary for ministry)

Introduction: "SPEAK" means to utter words of communication. "ORACLE" - means a prophetic speech, utterance, or declaration.

* The responsibility of handling Gods word in an accountable manner is the basis of any sucessful ministry (2 Tim 3:14-4:4).

1 Pet 4:11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. (KJV)

1 - (THE WHO) - "ANY MAN" WHO COMES REPRESENTING GOD.

2- (THE WHAT) - "AS ORACLE" THE MESSAGE OF THE MESSENGER.

3- (THE WHEN) - "IF ANY MAN MINISTER" WHEN GOD LEADS.

4- (THE HOW) - "AS OF THE ABILITY GOD GIVES" ANOINTED POWER.

5- (THE WHY) - "THAT GOD IN ALL THINGS MAYBE GLORIFIED" IS PURPOSE.

WHAT IS A MINISTER (John Burns)

1- ONE WHO FEARS GOD MORE THAN OTHER MEN .. (Isa 8:12-13)

2- ONE WHO IS COMMITTED TO LOVE GOD INTIMATELY (FOR WHO HE IS) (Deut 6:4-6) - REFUSES TO SHARE THIS LOVE WITH ANOTHER.

3- A MAN WHO IS CALLED & SENT BY GOD (Mark 3:13-14).

4- A MAN WHO TREMBLES AT HIS WORD .. (Isa 66:5)

4- A MAN OF GRACE & TRUTH - GRACE BEFORE TRUTH IS BALANCE (1 Pet 3:18).

5- ONE WHO LEADS AND FEEDS THE FLOCK OF GOD (John 21:15-17)

6- ONE THAT FATHERS OTHERS IN THE SPIRIT (1 Cor 4:15)

7- ONE WHO EQUIPPS SAINTS FOR MINISTRY (EPH 4:11) NOT A ONE MAN SHOW.

8- A MAN OF PRAYER - WHO INTERCEDES ON BEHALF OF OTHERS ... (1 Sam 12:23).

9- A MAN OF HUMILITY - NO DENOMINATIONAL PRIDE (1 Cor 1:11-13)

10- A MAN IN WHOSE MOUTH IS NO GUILE (DISHONESTY, INSINCERITY) .. (Rev 14:5)

11- ONE WHO WALKS BY FAITH W/ SPIRITUAL VISION TO FOLLOW GODS PLAN.
(2 COR 5:7)

12- ONE WHO WALKS WITH GOD IN AGREEMENT & DEPENDANCE (AMOS 3:3)
13- A MAN OF CONVICTIONS (DECISIVE) - LIVES BY KINGDOM PRINCIPLES & NOT CIRCUMSTANCES (PS 15:1,2, & 4) - NOT GIVEN TO COMPROMISE.

14- ONE WHO IS OPEN TO CONSIDER THE COUNSEL AROUND HIM (PROV 24:6)

15- A MAN OF AUTHORITY YET MEEK IN CHARACTER, (Rev 17:14, 2 Tim 2:24-25, & Matt 11:29).

16- A MAN OF WISDOM WHO SEES TROUBLE FROM A DISTANCE AND HEADS IT OFF AT THE PASS - ABLE IN AREA OF PREVENTION (Prov 22:3).

17- ONE IN WHOM GOD'S SPIRIT DWELLS (ANOINTING IN LIFE & MINISTRY)
(Gen 41:38-39)

18- ONE WHO IS A FRIEND OF GOD & WALKS BEFORE HIM WITH AWARENESS HIS SERVICE IS SEEN BY GOD (EX 33:11)

19- ONE LIVING WITH A PASSIONATE BURDEN TO GLORIFY GOD (Mal 2:1-2)

20- ONE WHO IS ACCOUNTABLE TO OTHERS / CHURCH GOVERNMENT (ISA 9:7).

SUFFERING FOR CHRIST (John Burns)

Phil 1:29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, - "GRANTED" - INDICATES A PRIVILEGE GIVEN BY GOD TO SHARE IN IN THE SACRIFICIAL LIFE OF SERVING CHRIST.

PURPOSES OF SUFFERING FOR CHRIST:
1- TO PUT OUR HOUSE IN ORDER - (1 PET 4:17)
- WE LIVE ACCORDING TO GODS WILL AND OBEY HIM - (1 PET 4:19)
- GOD REQUIRES COMMITTMENT & TRUSTWORTHINESS - (1 PET 4:19)

2- TO LEARN OBEDIENCE - (HEB 5:7-8) ...

3- TO ANSWER THE CALL OF FOLLOWING CHRIST - (1 PET 2:20-21)


4- TO RECEIVE A GREATER REWARD IN HEAVEN - (MATT 5:11-12) (GEN 41:52) - AFFLICTION IS USED FOR FRUIT-BEARING.

5- IT PRODUCES PERSEVERANCE - (ROM 5:3)

6- IT CULTIVATES PATIENCE IN LIFE - (JAMES 5:10)

7- IT WORKS IN US STRENGTH & BEAUTY - (ISA 54:11)

8- IT QUALIFIES US TO REIGN W/ CHRIST IN VICTORY - (1 TIM 2:12)

9- IT PROVES OUR FAITH TO BE GENUINE - (1 PET 1:6-7)

10- IT BRINGS GLORY TO GOD - (JOHN 11:4)

11- IT EQUIPS US W/ MINISTRY FOR OTHERS - (PROV 27:6, 2 COR 1:4-5)

12- IT ENABLES US TO BETTER RECEIVE LORDS POWER - (2 COR 12:10)

13- IT DELIVERS US FROM OURSELVES - (1 PET 4:1)

14- IT MANIFESTS GREATER GLORY IN OUR LIVES - (2 COR 4:17)
- BETTER RESURRECTION - (HEB 11:35)

"12 REASONS SAUL FEARED DAVID" 1 SAM CH18 (John Burns)

1- SAUL FEARED LOSING THE LOYALTY OF FAMILY - HIS SON JONATHAN MAKES COVENANT WITH DAVID (V1-4) "HE LOVE DAVID AS HIS OWN SOUL"

2- SAUL FEARED DAVIDS WISDOM (V5, 14-15)

3- SAUL FEARED DAVIDS POPULARITY WITH PEOPLE - (PEOPLE SANG OF DAVIDS VICTORIES) - SAUL IS JEALOUS OF DAVIDS SUCCESS (V5-9).

4- SAUL FEARED MAN (PUBLIC OPINION) - MORE THAN HE FEARED GOD. THIS LED TO OBSESSION TO KILL DAVID & OPPRESSION OF ENEMY (V10) ..."SAUL PROPHESIED WITH EVIL SPIRIT."

5- SAUL FEARED DAVID'S FAVOR TO RECEIVE PROTECTION FROM GOD - CAUSE SNARES LAID FOR DAVID FAILED (V11).

6- SAUL FEARED DAVID'S ANOINTING - BECAUSE THE LORD WAS WITH DAVID & NOT SAUL (V12)

7- SAUL FEARED LOSING HIS OWN KINGDOM - "ALL OF ISRAEL LOVED DAVID" (V16) - DAVID FEARED LOSING GOD (PS 51:11).

8- SAUL FEARED DAVIDS INTEGRITY TO RESIST TEMPTATION OF COMPROMISE - (V21) SAUL GIVES DAUGHTER TO BE A SNARE (POWER & GREED)

9 - SAUL FEARS DAVIDS SUCCESS - HE APPOINTS DAVID & SETS HIM UP FOR DEFEAT BY ENEMY (V25).

10- SAUL FEARS BLESSING OF GOD UPON DAVIDS LIFE (LORD PROSPERED WHATEVER HE DID (V27).
- SAUL'S PLAN TO CURSE DAVID BACKFIRES & BECOMES BLESSING (V28)

11-SAUL'S FEAR EVENTUALLY LEADS TO A DEEPER LEVEL OF BONDAGE ("SPIRIT OF FEAR") - THIS HARDENS HIS HEART INTO HATRED (V29) DAVID WAS HIS "ENEMY CONTINUALLY".

12-SAUL FEARED DAVIDS (REPUTATION) TO EVEN WIN FAVOR WITH HIS ENEMIES & BE AT PEACE WITH THEM (V30) "PRINCES OF PHILISTINES"

THE MUSIC MINISTRY CHECKLIST (John Burns)

The primarily concern for the musician called of God is to begin their ministry with one basic question. Is God in my music or not? Whether it be music in the making or in performance, is there a presence that transcends the musical tone, lyric and manner of expression? The answer to this question begins to reveal a true identify of who we really are as: "Minstrel or Musician?

A good and honest heart will continue to probe still further by examining some of the self-motives of why they're doing what their doing for Christ. Other questions important for self-evaluation are:

1) Is Gods blessing in what I'm doing or not?

2) Does the music minister to the spirit of people or appeal to their soulish emotions?

3) Does my ministry gift stand and fall upon my own ability or waiting and receiving inspiration from God?

4) Does it flow spiritually or professionally?

5) Does it communicate naturally or supernaturally?

6) Is it sensual or sanctified?

7) Is the content of my message, wisdom from above or from below?
(James

8) What is the central theme my ministry orbits around?

Believe it or not, these are many questions overlooked and barely considered by musicians entering into the ministry today.
Let me just say that I believe God is stirring a new heart among musicians that are of a new caliber in these last days. In fact it may not be so new at all, but a return to the old anointed foundations that have been laid and instituted from the very beginning. Whether restoration or revival, one thing is for certain, the motions of this new anointing, move within a faceless
generation whose only desire is to give glory to God and him alone.

MARRIAGE COUNSELLING (Essential questions)

1- Why do you want a minister to marry you? - What are your reasons?

2- Who has been married before and what were the circumstances that
related to the Divorce?

3- Who initiated the Divorce and why?

4- Are their any Children involved? - Do you pay Child support?

5- Was their any abuse involved from either side? - Physical or verbal?

6- How do you see God relating to a Marriage and Family?

7- Do you know anything about what the Bible says about Marriage?

8- Have you thought about some of the Changes that will take place
when you're both no longer single? Are you prepared for the Commitment involved?

9- Would you be willing to come for at least 2 or 3 more counseling sessions in preparation for Wedding?

10- Has anyone ever explained to you what it means to have a personal relationship with Christ?

(John Burns)

EVIDENCE OF GENUINE FAITH (John Burns)

Note: Evidence of Genuine Faith is measured by both Quality ("Great Faith") and Quantity ("O ye of little faith" .. 5X).

1- EVIDENCE OF GENUINE FAITH - IS FAITH THAT GROWS THROUGH TESTING (1 Pet 1:6-7) "in all kinds of trials"

2- EVIDENCE OF G.F. - IS A WILLINGNESS TO ENDURE THE TEST ... (1 Pet 1:6-7)

3- EVIDENCE OF G.F. - IS DISCIPLINE TO TEST OURSELF (2 Cor 13:5)
a- EVIDENCE OF "LITTLE FAITH" - IS FEAR & DOUBT (Matt 14:28-31)
- EVIDENCE OF G.F. - IS OUR VICTORY OVER FEAR & DOUBT.

b- EVIDENCE OF L.F. - IS WORRY OVER OUR NEEDS (Matt 6:30)
- EVIDENCE OF G.F. - IS TRUSTING IN GODS PROVISION.

c- EVIDENCE OF L.F. - IS TO MISAPPLY THE WORD (Matt 16:6-10)
- EVIDENCE OF G.F. - IS HAVING EARS TO BELIEVE & DISCERN THE WORD

4- EVIDENCE OF G.F. - BELIEVES IN THE AUTHORITY OF GODS WORD.
(Matt 8:8-10) "GREAT FAITH" - EVIDENCE OF (GREAT) G.F. - IS A PERSEVERANCE TO KNOCK IN PRAYER FOR OUR NEED (MATT 15:27-28)

5- EVIDENCE OF G.F. - IS SPIRITUAL VISION TO FOLLOW GODS PLAN.
2 Cor 5:7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) (KJV)

6- EVIDENCE OF G.F. - IS FOUNDED UPON THE POWER OF GOD (OPERATES UNDER THE ANOINTING) - NOT PHILOSOPHIES OF MEN (1 Cor 2:5)


7- EVIDENCE OF G.F. - DEMONSTRATES BY WORKS WHAT IT TEACHES ... (1 Cor 2:5) Concept vrs. reality (Put some Legs on your Faith).

8- EVIDENCE OF G.F. - FINDS PERMANENT HEALING FOR PROBLEMS ... ("Mountain .. cast into the sea" Matt 21:21).

9- EVIDENCE OF G.F. - IS LEADERSHIP & MINISTRY THAT PRODUCES JOY & STABILITY IN PEOPLE .. (1 PET 1:6, 2 Cor 1:24)

10- EVIDENCE OF G.F. - PASSES THE TEST RESULTING IN PRAISE, HONOR & GLORY (1 PeT 1:7).

PRAYER TYPES FOR THE BELIEVER (John Burns)

1- PRAYER OF SALVATION (CONFESSION)- TO RECEIVE FORGIVENESS FOR SIN
(1 JOHN 1:9)

2- PRAYER OF FAITH - (FOUNDATIONAL) - SAVES FROM SIN & SICKNESS
(JAMES 5:15)

3- REVERENT PRAYER - IN THE FEAR OF THE LORD THERE IS A WORSHIP ATTITUDE EXPRESSED TOWARD GOD (HEB 5:7)

4- PRAYER OF THE RIGHTEOUS - HAS THE LORDS ATTENTION - (1 PET 3:12)
(JAMES 5:16) - "EFFECTUAL" (ENERGETIC) - IN A GOOD POSITION TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

5- PRAYER OF INTERCESSION - GOD SEEKS INTERCESSORS TO MAKE THE DIFFERENCE (ISA 59:16).
- "WONDERED" - GOD WAS STUNNED OR SHOCKED (THAT THERE WAS NO ONE)
- "INTERCESSOR" - MEANS VIOLENCE (TO BE AGGRESSIVE IN PRAYER)

- (EPH 6:18). PRAYER WARFARE - IS IN CONTEXT OF SPIRITUAL ARMOR (NIV says "ALL KINDS OF PRAYERS")
- WARFARE WAS WATCHING IN PERSEVERANCE & SUPPLICATION FOR OTHERS ("for all Saints").

- (ZECH 12:10) - GOD GIVES THE GRACE NEEDED FOR WARRING IN PRAYER FOR THE SUPPLICATIONS OF ALL SAINTS.

- JOHN 16:24-27- JESUS DEMONSTRATES WHAT IS AN INTERCESSOR (MODEL) (V24)- PRAYING WITH AUTHORITY IS "ASKING IN HIS NAME".
(V26)- HE AS INTERCESSOR WILL NOT ASK THE FATHER TO DO OUR WILL.

6- PRAYING IN THE SPIRIT - WITH & WITHOUT UNDERSTANDING (APOSTLE PAUL TEACHES THE MECHANICS OF PRAYER) (1 COR 14:14-15)

- 1 Cor 14:13 - PRAYER FOR INTERPRETATION TO TRANSLATE HEAVENLY COMMUNICATION IS A MUST.

- 1 Cor 14:12 - MOTIVE OF PRAYING IN SPIRIT - IS TO BUILD UP CHURCH.

- 1 Cor 14: 9 - PRAY W/ "EASY" WORDS THAT ARE WELL INDICATED & SIGNIFICANT (LOSE THE LATIN & THE ELOQUENCE).

7- PRAYER OF PEACE - TWO FOLD GOAL: 1) PRAY IN KINGDOM OF GOD 2) BUILD THE CHURCH UP WITHIN (STRENGTHEN HEARTS) - (PS 122:6-8)

8- PRAYER OF UNITY - (JOHN 17: 9) - PRAYER FOR CHURCH IN GENERAL

- (JOHN 17:15) - PRAYER FOR SANCTIFICATION
- (JOHN 17:20) - PRAYER FOR CHURCH GROWTH

9- STEADFAST PRAYER - PRAYING ALWAYS & UNCEASINGLY (ROM 1:9).

10- PRAYER OF ASSURANCE - IS PRAYING WITH AN ENTIRE CONFIDENCE (1 JOHN 5:15).

- 1 John 2:3 - COMPLETE ASSURANCE - IS BASED ON OUR OBEDIENT RESPONSE.