#FMRadio | Show #1 | Michael Petro | John The Baptist
Introduction to Michael J. Petro and His Ministry
Overview of Michael J. Petro
- Dr. Michael J. Petro is the founder and head pastor of 400 Ministries International, based in Southern California, known for his prophetic evangelism focused on holiness.
- He has conducted major conferences and healing meetings across over 50 countries, emphasizing the power of God and a Hebraic understanding of spiritual teachings.
Healing and Revival
- Many attendees at his conferences report miraculous healings from various ailments, including cancer, mental illnesses, deafness, blindness, HIV, and paralysis.
- These supernatural experiences have contributed to revivals in different regions worldwide.
The Importance of God's Glory
Understanding God's Glory
- Pastor Petro emphasizes that while the church has long discussed the anointing of God through the Holy Spirit, there is a need to refocus on the manifestation of God's glory as understood by the early church.
- The early church actively pursued an understanding of God's glory rather than merely preparing for death; they aimed to bring heaven to earth.
The Lord's Prayer Connection
- Jesus' teaching on prayer reflects this desire for divine intervention on earth: "Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven."
- This prayer aligns with ancient rabbinical practices where high priests prayed daily for God's kingdom to manifest.
Transitioning into Revelation
High Priesthood Concept
- Pastor Petro introduces a discussion about high priesthood as depicted in the Book of Revelations, which he interprets as a call for believers to transition from anointing into deeper spiritual realms.
- The term "apocalypse" signifies not just an end but a revelation or unveiling—removing veils that hinder access to divine presence.
Accessing Divine Realms
- Only high priests had access to the Holy of Holies; similarly, believers are called to enter deeper dimensions within their faith.
- This transition represents moving towards greater manifestations of God’s glory and power that were present during creation (Genesis 1).
Misconceptions About Apocalypse
Redefining Apocalypse
The Role of John the Baptist in Jesus' Ministry
Introduction to Restoration and Revelation
- The speaker emphasizes that the Book of Revelation indicates God's desire for restoration and creation of unprecedented things.
- Introduces Dayton Thomas, a spiritual son, who is participating in the program.
Jesus’ Baptism by John the Baptist
- Discusses Matthew 3:13-15, highlighting Jesus' first significant act after his wilderness experience was to be baptized by John.
- Explains that while early Christians recognized Jesus as the Messiah, many in Israel did not due to unmet expectations regarding prophetic fulfillment.
Prophetic Expectations of the Messiah
- Two key prophecies must be fulfilled for the Messiah:
- A messenger (Elijah) must precede him.
- The Messiah must present himself to the high priest.
- John the Baptist is identified as coming in the spirit of Elijah, preparing people for Jesus' arrival.
Significance of Elijah's Return
- Questions arise about why Elijah needs to restore all things before Christ’s second coming and what aspects require restoration within Christianity.
High Priesthood Connection
- Notes that Jesus did not initially meet Caiaphas, the high priest at that time, raising questions about his messianic legitimacy.
- Clarifies John's lineage connects him directly to high priestly descent through both parents.
Understanding John's Role and Lineage
- Highlights John's supernatural birth and connection to a notable Jewish high priest lineage through his mother Elizabeth and father Zacharias.
- Establishes that both John and Jesus were marked by God from birth, linking them closely within their cultural context.
Conclusion on High Priestly Roles
- Concludes with an understanding that both John and Jesus fulfill biblical prophecy concerning their roles as high priests.
- Emphasizes that this duality does not negate Jesus’ messianic claims despite not approaching Caiaphas first.
Understanding the High Priesthood in Revelations
The Role of John the Baptist
- John the Baptist is identified as a high priest preparing the way for Jesus, coming in the spirit of Elijah to awaken the priesthood.
- Caiaphas, ruler of the temple, was not a true descendant of Aaron; he purchased his position from Romans to control the priesthood and manipulate the people.
The Transition of Priesthood
- Satan's strategy involved placing a false high priest in order to thwart the Messiah's arrival; however, God had already appointed John the Baptist as His chosen high priest.
- The baptism of Jesus by John symbolizes a transition between two priesthoods: John's Aaronic lineage and Jesus' Melchizedekian order.
Significance of Melchizedek
- Jesus fulfills both physical and spiritual roles as a high priest after Melchizedek, whose lineage connects back to Abraham and carries prophetic significance.
- Melchizedek represents righteousness; his name combines Hebrew words for "king" (Malak) and "righteousness" (Zedek), indicating his role as king of righteousness.
Covenant with Abraham
- Understanding who this king of righteousness is crucial; he established a covenant with Abraham that extends beyond just Israel to encompass a supernatural nation ruled by righteousness.
- This eternal figure, described as having no beginning or end, signifies an everlasting covenant that transcends natural lineage.
Early Church Beliefs
- The early church viewed Melchizedek as a pre-incarnate manifestation of Jesus, establishing a covenant that would lead to both natural Israel and spiritual Israel.
- Names in Hebrew reflect character; "Israel" means "to rule with God," emphasizing God's intention for His people to govern righteously.
The Future Kingdom
- Revelation speaks about believers receiving authority ("a rod") to rule nations from within God's presence, highlighting their access through Christ’s high priestly order.
Rosh Hashanah and the Manifestation of God's Glory
The Significance of Rosh Hashanah
- Rosh Hashanah, known as the Feast of Trumpets, marks the beginning of a significant period in the Jewish calendar leading to the Feast of Atonement.
- During this time, the high priest enters the Holy of Holies, experiencing a manifestation of God's glory akin to Moses on Mount Sinai.
Understanding God's Glory
- The distinction between anointing and glory is emphasized; while anointing is important, God desires to reveal His glory on Earth for all to witness.
- Historical context: When God hides His face, it signifies that His glory is not being revealed. This was evident during the Hebrews' journey through the wilderness.
The Presence of God
- The manifested presence of God was visible through phenomena like the cloud by day and fire by night, instilling fear in those aware of Israel's journey towards the promised land.
- The Holy of Holies represents a realm consumed by God's fire—symbolizing passion, love, and Jesus as "the Word."
Transition from Anointing to Glory
- Questions arise about whether individuals are still waiting for anointing or if they are ready to enter into God's glory beyond traditional teachings.
- At the end times, it's suggested that rather than focusing on apocalypse as destruction, it symbolizes a reopening of access to divine glory.
Kingdom Dynamics at End Times
- Jesus aims to establish a kingdom on Earth with "king priests," indicating a return to high priestly roles within His kingdom framework.
- This new order aligns with Melchizedek's priesthood—a family-oriented community stepping into their roles beyond conventional church structures.
Revelation Insights
- In Revelation chapters 1–3 address churches directly; however, chapter 4 introduces an open door into heavenly realms symbolizing access to divine glory.
- This transition indicates that believers can now operate in this realm as high priests after Jesus' example.
Symbolism and Early Church Teachings
- Hebrews 10:20 highlights how Jesus has made a way through His flesh (the veil), emphasizing removal of barriers between humanity and divine presence.
- Early church teachings focused heavily on typologies and symbols which were crucial for understanding spiritual truths about Christ’s role as high priest.
Conclusion & Further Exploration
- A commercial break leads into discussions about deeper biblical teachings related to accessing God's presence behind the veil.
High Priesthood and Its Significance
The Role of High Priests in Israel
- Aaron's administration as the high priest initiated a call for the nation of Israel to prepare through baptism, repentance, and holiness in anticipation of the Messiah.
- Emphasis on returning to holiness and righteousness, moving away from false idols, and understanding the identity as a royal priesthood called by God.
Understanding Sacrifice and Jesus' Purpose
- High priests were tasked with administering sacrifices; John identifies Jesus as "the Lamb of God" who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29).
- John's revelation highlights Jesus' purpose not just for Israel but for all humanity, indicating a broader mission than previously understood.
The Royal Identity of John and Jesus
- John recognized his role as a high priest inspecting Jesus (the lamb), affirming that he understood Biblical prophecy regarding Christ’s sacrificial role.
- Both John and Jesus were seen as royal figures within their society due to their lineage connected to the king-priest system.
Transition from Princes to Kings
- Discussion on how both figures would have been recognized not merely by their humble beginnings but as princes destined for greater roles.
- The concept that if Jesus is King of Kings, there are others being prepared (princes) to assume kingship roles in alignment with God's plan.
The True High Priest vs. Religious Authority
- Notable mention that Caiaphas was not recognized as the true high priest; his position was seen as usurped by religious systems aiming to control rather than serve.
- Warning against being part of religious structures like Caiaphas’ that resist divine authority; emphasizes a coming shift towards righteousness over religion.
Righteousness Defined
- Righteousness is framed as "right understanding," suggesting that true righteousness comes from clarity about one's role within God's plan.
High Priesthood and False Anointing
The Nature of the High Priesthood
- Caiaphas, as a high priest, lacked spiritual anointing from God, rendering his authority to create a legitimate priesthood invalid.
- The entire priesthood under Caiaphas was described as completely false due to his lack of divine anointing, impacting the nation of Israel significantly.
Understanding False Anointings
- Scripture indicates that it is possible to be under a false anointing; this concept is exemplified by "Mystery Babylon," representing a corrupt church system.
- Mystery Babylon is characterized as the "mother of all harlots," suggesting she propagates false prophecies and priestly anointings.
Characteristics of Confusion in Anointing
- The term "Babylon" signifies confusion or mixture in the anointing, indicating that those under such influence cannot possess true knowledge of God.
- A true relationship with the Holy Spirit leads to holiness; however, Mystery Babylon's teachings are flawed and devoid of genuine spiritual insight.
Issues within the Church
- The prevalence of harlotry within the church stems from a failure to pursue holiness and righteousness due to compromised high priesthood.
- Historical practices dictated that high priests would store anointing oil in the Holy of Holies, emphasizing its sacredness and limited access.
Consequences of Lack of Access
- Caiaphas' position was problematic as he had no access to God's anointing or Holy Spirit, which also meant he could not engage in prophetic ministry.
- John the Baptist possessed prophetic insight that Caiaphas lacked due to his disconnection from divine revelation.
Role and Authority of True High Priests
- Aaron was recognized for having prophetic spirit; this highlights that true high priests should embody kingly authority over their communities.
- Adam serves as a prototype for high priests—having dominion (kingly role), ministerial duties (priestly role), and prophetic communication with God.
Misleading Leadership in Religious Context
- Caiaphas could only minister to people without having a genuine relationship with God due to lacking authentic high priestly anointing.
- His inability to interpret scripture prophetically led him away from guiding people towards Christ effectively.
Political Ties Affecting Spiritual Integrity
Understanding the Role of High Priesthood and False Systems
The Money-Making Machines at the Time of Jesus
- Two primary financial systems existed during Jesus' time: Herod's taxation and Caiaphas' offerings, both exploiting the people financially.
- Offerings were meant for the high priesthood as per Levitical law, emphasizing that true worship required proper channels to God.
The Early Church's Understanding of Glory
- The early church recognized a distinction between signs, wonders, and miracles versus the true glory of God; these were seen as lower levels of anointing.
- Historical figures like Irenaeus and Tertullian taught that healings represented a basic level of anointing, indicating a deeper spiritual understanding was necessary.
Transition from Anointing to Revelation
- A call is made to move beyond mere anointing towards a deeper revelation through teaching that unveils our position in God's glory.
- Habakkuk prophesied that knowledge of God's glory would cover the earth, suggesting a need for revelatory teaching to restore this understanding.
Addressing Corruption in Religious Systems
- The current church must remove corrupt systems (symbolized by Caiaphas) to embrace its identity within the high priesthood.
- There’s a historical connection between Caiaphas and Herod, illustrating how false systems conspired against true prophets preparing for Messiah's coming.
Building God's Kingdom vs. Personal Ambitions
- Modern leaders often prioritize personal kingdoms over God's kingdom, paralleling actions taken by biblical figures like Caiaphas and Judas.
- The church has a role in hastening Christ's return; believers are encouraged to reflect on their participation in this divine plan.
Evaluating Anointings and Authority
- Believers are urged to assess whether they operate under genuine anointings or if they have succumbed to Babylonian influences within the church.
- Mixing anointings can lead to severe consequences as outlined in Old Testament laws regarding priestly conduct.
Recognizing Spiritual Warfare
- Acknowledgment is made that figures like Caiaphas and Herod may have been influenced by Satanic forces aiming to undermine God’s work through religious corruption.
Foreign Ministry's Radio Schedule
Weekly Broadcast Information
- The Foreign Ministry's radio program airs every week from Monday to Friday.
- Morning broadcasts are scheduled from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m.
- Evening broadcasts take place from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- For more information about the Foreign Ministries International Church and its radio programming, listeners can visit their website.