Category: Article History

Copyright 2015 Theresa Harvard Johnson

 

I have struggled with been socially awkward.

 

From childhood, if I was put in a situation that made me uncomfortable it would show visibly. People would say things like: She’s just shy. She needs more time to prepare. Give her a few more minutes, then she can do it.

 

Unfortunately, those conclusions were not always the case. Insecurities, identity issues and a whole lot of other conversations were actually taking place in my head. And while this kind of awkwardness is something we often brush off with children; it can be downright crippling for an adult who has accepted their awkwardness — often a false identity. So much so that it can limit our life’s progress and success.

#1 If someone writes a “BOOK REVIEW” for your book – whether in-depth or short, remember it is a “book review” — not a foreword or endorsement designed to be printed in their completed, copyrighted manuscript. To use it in this way can be very deceptive. Some self-published authors seem to walk in confusion concerning…

Copyright 2015 Theresa Harvard Johnson

(NOTE: This article is used specifically in of our courses in The School of the Scribe. It’s intent is not to outline “all” the distinctions between Old Covenant and New Covenant prophets but to show that we are indeed talking about two separate and distinct regimes of prophets. The prophets of the times of Torah existed under a different dispensation from New Covenant prophets. The truths shared are very basic and are intended to be viewed as such. Also note, that the intent of this post is not to criticize any particular teaching — but to shed light on some not so clear areas. As we talk about SCRIBAL PROPHETS, we do so in understanding the role they play in the NEW COVENANT! It is critical that we take these truths into consideration when teaching concerning the “office” of the prophet. How we view these differences will clearly our calling. I believe that a lack of understanding in this area is what has led to so much confusion within the Body.)

 

Colossians 1:19-20 NIV, “For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him (Christ), and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.”

 

Today’s prophets are walking under the New Covenant given to us by God through the shedding of the blood of Jesus Christ on the cross. While Christ did not demolish integral concepts and ideas, the way of life for the prophets did change — drastically. The two most dramatic changes included: (1) the complete obliteration of the Levitical priesthood as it was needed; and (2) the focus shifted from building one nation based on a biological heritage to include everyone and anyone who would receive the message of the Gospel – no pedigree required.

Consider this for a moment: The entire historical setting and backdrop for the ministry of Old Covenant prophets centered on the formation, strengthening and building of “one nation” at the time – not all people. This fact alone should bring some perspective and should be seen as a critical distinction between the New Covenant and Old Covenant prophets. The vision for a global congregation didn’t expand to the Gentile nations in its fullness “until” Christ’s covenant making assignment was completed on the cross and the congregation received the fullness of Holy Spirit. We can get a greater perspective of this by examining the outpouring of Holy Spirit in Acts 2; and then glimpsing the ministries of Peter and Paul when they were separated for specific work unto the Jews and Gentiles respectively (Galatians 2:8).

Copyright 2015 Theresa Harvard Johnson

One of the things I love about being a scribe is the natural gift or inclination to research. Research, at least to me, is a kingly and scholarly activity that the Christ-believing community of literary warriors should dig into as often as possible. As I always say, our prayer and intercessory focus is not to simply pray over our books or that of friends, but to pray into God’s increasing scribal nation (Matthew 13:52).

I know, that was a mouthful, but I am so serious.

I want to encourage you to seek out the “literary roots” growing in your scribal city, state or region. I do this all the time by looking at historical figures that stand out to me. For example, the poets and writers who had the greatest literary influence on my life were Georgia Douglas Johnson, Margaret Walker, Langston Hughes, Sonya Sanchez and of course, Ida B. Wells Barnett. Yes, I know they are old-school. But my love for the voice they carried continues to resound in my creative writings today – regardless of what anyone might think.

Proverbs 25:2 CJB, “God gets glory from concealing things; kings get glory from investigating things.“

Copyright 2015 Theresa Harvard Johnson

There are families like the Duggars’ all across America. You might be sitting across from them in your local church or standing in line with them at the local grocery store. That family just might be your own.

The situation surrounding the Duggars’ might sound rare, but it is not. Child sexual abuse among siblings is quite common. The Duggars’ are in the spotlight right now because they are “famous” and the feelings of their “fans” – who put them on a pedastal and entered into idolatry – have been hurt. (Listen, I understand what it is like to believe in someone you’ve watched on television. But the reality of what is happening is still relevant.) So instead of facing broader issues in the midst of this media sensation, some people follow the crowd and take sides on who they believe; and why this or that was handled a certain way by the family. In the end, the media gets what it wants: more views, attention and even more advanced opportunities to attack our faith in Christ. Listen, we don’t have to participate in that.