The Foundation

 

 

 

He Begins With A Sound

 

Scripture, from Genesis to the book of Revelation, highlights the importance of sound in the plan and purpose of God. From speaking Creation into existence, to the trumpet blasts of Revelation, God has ordained sound to precede or accompany major events throughout Scripture.

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The examples of sound “from Heaven” are specific and numerous. Yet, there is also a sound “of Heaven” revealed directly and indirectly. This Sound of Heaven is our focus here. We will examine the “what, why and how” of God’s purpose both in and through it. In doing so we will make the case for of the Sound of Heaven being the great bridal response of the Church that Scripture shows is destined to increase in power throughout the Earth.

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We pray that you will be drawn to seek, see and understand how the Sound of Heaven is pivotal and foundational to your life in Christ, as well as vital in the culmination of God’s plan and purpose for mankind.   

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A Crucial Responsibility

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The purpose of Matthias Ministries here is to “write the vision plainly” as we explore the essential power of the testimony of Christ. Our goal is to bring increased understanding to this less than fully understood, but crucial, responsibility all Christians share. Jesus assures us that there are specific people who our Heavenly Father seeks (John 4:23). These are worshipers living in the spirit and truth of an ongoing and ever-expanding testimony of Jesus Christ. It is here, in our life expression of trusting God, and in the Bride’s adoration of her Groom, that we can find power to become the over-comers who obtain the blessings God has purposed for us.

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The crucial response we call the Sound of Heaven will not only accompany and precede the unfolding plan of God, but it also must increase within ourselves. It is a growing response to the growing revelation of Him that is meant to increase through the fullness of time. At present it is neither a completed work or something which exists in its potential fullness. Yet, the sober question is to what degree the Sound of Heaven has place in and through us.  

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The Spirit of Prophecy

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Consider the correction an angel gave to the Apostle John in Revelation 19:10. John’s heavenly guide emphasized the truth that the testimony of Jesus Christ is central to our worship of God. Yet, surely angels stand in wonder at the testimony of the Redeemed who live and worship by the Grace of His redemption. Having been purchased and adopted at Heaven’s highest cost creates a unique aspect and depth of gratitude and worship that only His Redeemed can know.

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Jesus spoke of the great parallel between forgiveness and love in Luke 7:47 as the woman He had forgiven washed His feet with her tears. In similar manner the Redeemed have a testimony of Jesus that is forever fused with unending gratitude. Because gratitude is the substance of our testimonies, it is the hallmark of the Sound of Heaven that begins in this life and will continue forever.

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Surely one of the greatest wonders that lays ahead is the unfolding revelation of how deeply and uniquely blessed we are among all of the Heavenly host as His Redeemed. A foreshadow of that great reality is evidenced in the expression gratitude we live out of now. It is the foundation of worship that will continue to increase along with the unfolding revelation of Him. This glorious worship response to the goodness God is the substance of the Sound of Heaven that we are privileged to share together.

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The testimony of Jesus absolutely is the spirit of prophecy. Our testimonies are the “forth telling” of who Jesus is to us. Our own heart for testimony will always be as deep as the depth of our own gratitude and worship. Those who are wise understand that God desires to answer our prayers for a heart that yearns to give our testimonies to the precious souls He has prepared to bring before us. Those who seek and find such a heart will always find open doors to release the testimony that honors Jesus.

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   2. Our Destination

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A Very Significant “And”

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The power of testimony is seen in the word “and” in this powerful Scripture. It never ceases to amaze that both His blood AND the word of our testimony is what we are told is necessary for us to overcome our adversary. Revelation 12:11 is one of many Scriptures that shows the glory of our salvation simply must go beyond our assurance of Heaven.

 

We are saved for the purpose of living an exchanged life with Christ as over-comers in this world. We must never forget that His desire is for over-comers, and that our personal victories as over-comers are of great eternal benefit to others in this world God loves.

 

The very notion that the effective nature of the believer’s testimony co-labors with the blood of Christ for this end truly is a sober thought. It should galvanize our faith and remove and doubt that the testimony of Jesus, in and though our lives, is of critical importance.

 

 

 

Overcoming – Not Optional, But Essential

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The maturing Christian understands that the Lord is concerned about what we are saved unto as well as what we are saved from. The faithful work of the Holy Spirit, in no small way, is to highlight life’s continual reminders that our Salvation is for much more than to merely keep us from spending eternity in hell. Failure to understand our responsibilities in regard to Kingdom service and stewardship is failure to comprehend the nature and cost of our Salvation that Jesus paid so extravagantly for.

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It is for this reason that living in the will of God involves overcoming the life trials and challenges that otherwise impede our ability to carry out the responsibilities He has entrusted us with. Each of us has been called to understand that it is the good servant, not the unprofitable one, that receives his Master’s reward. The Word shows that our testimony is invaluable and crucial to all this. As we consider our indispensable testimony ahead, will see the “how, when and why” of what makes it both essential and effective.

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A Scriptural Contrast of Overcoming Testimony

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Consider the brethren of Revelation 12:11. Even through deep satanic struggle they become the over-comers He desires. These faithful brethren are role models in how they clearly understood the effective nature of their testimony in overcoming the Satanic kingdom. They valued the importance of their testimony to the point of the laying down of their lives for the truth of such.

 

A very stark contrast emerges as we compare the role of overcoming testimony in Revelation 12:11 to the sober warnings the Lord gave the churches of Revelation 2 and 3 about their dire need to overcome. We will consider these Scriptures side by side as they underscore the importance our own overcoming testimonies. There is no doubt that we clearly have a serious responsibility regarding our testimony we’d do well to not forget. Let’s consider this calling next.

 

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   3.The Way There

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Called to Continual Increase

 

The ever-precious blood of Christ is as powerful today as the day it was spilled for us and our testimony is our recognition of His sacrifice! As growth in Christ brings greater revelation of His faithfulness to strengthen and enable, should not our testimony of His faithfulness and greatness increase as well?  It absolutely should, and there should be no end to its increase!

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As sure as life brings maturity and growth, our desire, ability and calling to bring honor and glory to Him through testimony can and should increase as well.

 

Some may ask “how is our testimony meant to grow and mature”? There a number of things we will touch upon. Above all we’ll see how cooperation and yieldedness to the Holy Spirit are primary keys to the many powerful and transparent testimonies of an exchanged life. We are now touching upon a very real aspect of our contribution to the great Sound of Heaven.

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What is a Testimony  - And What is Yours …Today?

 

Let me ask a simple question. If you were to ask for a testimony, what would you expect to hear from the majority of brethren who you love and fellowship with?

 

My own experience over years has been an eye opener. When asked for a testimony many instinctively default to how they were saved years ago. For too many this is the notion of what “testimony” is. Perhaps others will recount a prior powerful spiritual experience.

 

While these can be wonderful testimonies, we are making the case for testimony to be much more. In reality, our testimonies are the foundational fabric of God’s intended work within the Church and through the Body of Christ to this world. In no small part it is through our testimonies that we function as the living epistles we are called to be to others.

 

 

 

How, Why and What

 

The revelation of Jesus through our lives can and should shake this world. Consider the very first “people group” who were saved as the Samaritan women at the well ran back to her community with her testimony of Jesus (John:29). It is likely that this famous but un-named woman was well known locally for her manner of life. But it was her testimony, her account of how the Man she met overwhelmed her soul by what and how He spoke to her, that compelled a town to seek Him.

 

In a similar manner our testimonies are meant to grow beyond the “how” of our salvation to the realities of the “why” and “what” of our personal relationship with Jesus. Testimonies of what God is currently doing today, in our current season of our life, can bring light that others need. Our testimonies when real, transparent and communicable are also the means by which “iron sharpens iron” (Proverbs 27:17) in the Body of Christ. The underscored words (links) in the previous sentence speak briefly to the important wisdom of what makes our testimonies effective and enjoyable to others.

 

You will find additional resources regarding effective testimony in the Matthias Ministries website.

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Testimonies of a Living Epistle

 

At the root of our Salvation is the call to be a living epistle. It is a significant portion of what Jesus called us to in being salt and light to a darkened world.

 

Life is fluid and in some ways our testimonies should be the same. There are numerous types and examples of testimonies. Some “carry life” forever and others are like Manna in that are only effective in the season they are relevant. As living epistles we are meant to live a relevant life. We are purposed to “live ready” regardless of season, and this is only really possible as we learn to continually grow in Christ. Still, some may wonder how we grow in Christ.

 

We grow by maintaining a Word life, Prayer life, living out of a Scriptural worldview, and by learning to ask, seek and knock after the heart and mind of God. These are the foundational blocks of a life of growth that produces life giving testimony.

 

The question is “are we growing”? Growth is, and always will be, essential. Without growth many remain unprepared and less than fully able to give timely, recent and effective testimony.

 

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It may help to look at a few of the many examples of testimony every, and any, Christian can be living out in life. There are many examples, but we will take a look at a few ahead. Consider them in regard to your own life and walk with Jesus.

 

 

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   4. A Few Examples of Testimony

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1. The Testimony of Bearing Fruit

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• Fruit that is seen is a result of the root that is not seen.

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• He alone is responsible for the fruit in our life that others see.

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• Yet, it is the soul willing to testify of the faithfulness of God for what He has done, that holds a heart willing to magnify the unseen root.

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• Our testimonies are literally gifts from God (Hebrews 11:39 NKJV) and we are blessed to know the Grace which enables our testimonies. Click obstacles for more.

 

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I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abides in me, and I in him, the same            bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.       

John 15:5

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2. The Testimony of Answered Prayer

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Little glorifies God more than His perfect faithfulness displayed through answered prayer.

His faithfulness to hear, to care and to answer us not only edifies and assures us, but can also produce the fruit of Life and Salvation in others.

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• Testimonies of gratitude for answered prayer may be among the most compelling and relatable aspect of our witness to others who lack understanding of His perfect faithfulness.

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• Because He knows our needs better than we do and His ways are higher than ours, the testimony of answered prayer may be a door of opportunity to the mature in Christ to teach and instruct. The revelation of Him through answered prayer can be life to many… our brethren, those we disciple, and those the Holy Spirit may be drawing to the Lord.

 

• Our Testimonies of answered prayers through real-life trials and needs can be among the most relevant and relatable to others. This aspect of our testimony should grow throughout our walk along the revelation of His perfect faithfulness. Click obstacles to the testimony of answered prayer for more.

 

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation,

by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.        

Philippians 4:6

 

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3.  The Testimony of Contentment in Him

 

The focus of the natural mind is often upon life’s trials and storms. Yet, believers know the blessing of fixing our focus upon the Lord who brings peace and power to overcome life’s storms. The believer’s testimony of peace through trial is a powerful witness.

 

• There is a peace that is meant to go beyond understanding in the lives of His people. Our contentment exists as a result of our trust in Him and is meant to shine brightly in a dark and darkening world. This aspect of testimony was the foundation of the early Church and will only increase into the Harvest ahead.

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• The Lord’s admonition to “not allow our lamps to remain hidden under a bushel” is a perfect reason why our testimonies of contentment should be planted firmly in our hearts and communicated to others.

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• Those who are grateful of heart and prepared to minister their testimonies of contentment in Christ will find doors of opportunity divinely opened before them.

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• Testimonies of contentment edify and point to life based upon trusting God. Click for more.

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Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication

with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding

will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4: 6-7

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4.  The Testimony of Power to Overcome Sin

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We should never forget that we are as “living Epistles” and that our testimony may be the only Scripture some may ever read.

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• Every soul has fallen short of the mark, and has known the reality of going astray from following after God and living rightly before Him. Yet, the believer knows “as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name” (John 1:12) and that we can become the overcomers He seeks.

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• As we shed the false garments of a religious spirit, and become humble and transparent before others, we can begin to experience His anointing upon our testimony of power over sin and bring breakthrough to the lives of others currently bound in the sin once familiar to us.

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• This aspect of testimony may be the greatest we can ever know and share. Yet, it would be ignorant to suppose such is easy. Anything short of tested and true humility can prove why an “alabaster box” testimony is not only so powerful, but also all too rare. Click obstacles to the testimony of power to overcome sin for more.

  

Both the Gospel of Matthew and Mark record what Jesus said of the woman who broke her alabaster box in gratitude and humbly washed His feet with her broken tears:

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And truly, I say to you, wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world,

what she has done will be told in memory of her.”

Mark 14:9

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  There is More Ahead

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A Call to Increase and Growth

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There is solid reason why our own testimony must stand alongside the blood of Christ in overcoming our adversary. Above all, our testimony is nothing less than the vitally important witness of His redeeming sacrifice for this world. We truly are the only Bible some will ever read. Many of those already saved first read a living epistle before ever picking up a Bible. These are only the initial reasons that our testimonies need to grow as the Sound of Heaven.

 

This portion of the Matthias Ministry website only begins to scratch the surface of the Holy Spirit’s ministry of testimony we call the Sound of Heaven. We believe that sadly, it is one of the weakest, least received, least understood and exercised aspects of the modern-day church. Yet, we believe we are seeing divinely orchestrated circumstance and revelation that will mark the beginning of overdue repentance within us, His Church. Change is coming.

 

The “led and fed” dynamic common to many modern churches, which largely encourages people to gather in order to receive from gifted leaders, is undergoing needed change. While there has been, and still remains, significant benefit to this time-tested paradigm there is more in God ahead. For, by itself alone, this paradigm fosters a weakness that continues to leave the Body of Christ comfortably unchallenged in our corporate gatherings.

 

There new paradigm emerging will undergird the vital Great Commission work of the Church. This paradigm will place a demand upon the anointing of the Holy Spirit within the live of each believer in a manner similar to what has always been for those within five-fold ministry. In so doing we will begin to see the strengthening of each part according the purpose and stated goal of the five-fold ministries of Ephesians 4. The five-fold ministry may well remain intact in its purpose until His return, but the focus of brethren will shift increasingly from men unto the Holy Spirit. We believe this pattern of growth has been happening throughout the history of the Church, but will accelerate and find new heights ahead. Amen, draw us Holy Spirit!

 

 

And as for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you,

and you have no need for anyone to teach you;

but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie,

and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him.

1 John 2:27

 

 

 

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A New Paradigm

 

We believe that God is drawing loving hearts to under-gird the local church through placing a demand upon the anointing of the Holy Spirit within the people of God. The heart of Matthias Ministries beats for a vision that His grace has not allowed us to lose sight of. The following are a few glimpses of what has been increasing in clarity like never before.

 

• We see a meant to usher His people to new realms in worship, where increasing obedience, in the liberty we seek in Him, is actually found through us as yielded vessels to the indwelling Holy Spirit. See for more.

 

• We see a realm of communal worship were His anointing breaks the yoke within congregations resigned to only following gifted teachers, worship leaders. Within higher realms God will accomplish though a people what he will not through a single man or woman. This will happen as leaders learn not only to lead, but to follow His Spirit through others. It is here that teachers also become students of the Spirit of God who desires to guide us through the expression of Himself through the yielded Body of Christ. See for more.

 

• We see realms where the Harp within the heavenly paradigm of Harp and Bowl worship begins to resonate to both the Bowl of prayer and the spirit of prophecy which is the testimony of Jesus Christ. See “resonant realms for more.

 

• We see worship that is not only based upon His Word, but upon the testimony of His Word being active, alive and powerful in the lives of His own. See “the testimony of His Word for more.

 

• Through these things we see the Body of Christ strengthened to bring the testimony of Christ beyond the walls of churches like never before. See “testimony beyond the walls for more.

 

We continue to pray that more hearts become increasingly open to the importance of personal testimony. Yet right now there is much in the way of misunderstanding about what testimony is, and is not.

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Our hope is that this website continues to grow as an asset of encouragement and teaching towards the basics of what makes testimonies “hearable” to others, and useful in His hands.