A pattern of behavior where a person in Jerusalem “acts out” in socially inappropriate ways, such as accosting people in public, sometimes in “Biblical” clothing, while actually believing themselves to be Elijah, or The Messiah, or One of the Two Witnesses, or A Prophet, or other such improbable Biblical character. Not to be mistaken for true ministers sharing the Love of YHWH on the streets and byways of Jerusalem.
Jerusalem syndrome is a phenomenon aware of people, pilgrims, tourists who come to Jerusalem are so overwhelmed by the sense of holiness here that something happens to them. And certain fantasies, redemption fantasies of making the world a better place overcome them, and they believe they have a messianic mission which they must fulfill, which can cause problems. And this can happen sometimes to people who showed no sign of any sort of mental illness before this. And more often it will happen to people who have already been diagnosed and have had problems with their adjustment before coming to Jerusalem.
– Dr. PESACH LICHTENBERG. Director, Division of Men’s Psychiatry, Herzog Hospital, Israel. (NPR.org)
The Jerusalem syndrome is a group of mental phenomena involving the presence of either religiously themed obsessive ideas, delusions or other psychosis-like experiences that are triggered by a visit to the city of Jerusalem. It is not endemic to one single religion or denomination but has affected Jews, Christians and Muslims of many different backgrounds.
(Wikipedia)
Inviting the Holy Spirit to Germany
Just returned from Berlin, where the 100-year Berlin Declaration was reversed (Sept 15 1909) and the Holy Spirit is officially welcomed to Germany (Sept 15, 2009).
For over 12 hours, 500 congregants heard history about the Berlin Declaration to fully understand what happened, and why repentance is needed; the corporate body prayed aloud together, reading a scripted declaration renouncing the 1909 declaration, repenting for rejecting the move of the Holy Spirit, and instead welcoming the Holy Spirit to the nation. There were times of praying in small groups, and times of heartfelt worship in musical form. The presence of the LORD was certainly with us and many were witnesses.
Of course, it’s going to take alot more than key leaders with 500 people gathered to “officially” welcome the Holy Spirit into Germany. It’s going to take individuals bearing the fruits of the Spirit more and more in their lives (Gal. 5:22, Eph 5:9). It’s going to involve “bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” (2Co 10:5)
Additionally:
1Th 5:15 See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
Yet, making vows and declarations does have significance. Just look at the original declaration 100 years ago (rejecting the Holy Spirit in Germany) and think about the implications for the whole world.
However, that 1909 declaration would have had little effect had it not been continuously reaffirmed by repetitive, consistent behavior.
The same is true of the new declaration. It’s a start; but without deliberate reinforcement it will be meaningless.
Mentioned quotes:
Gal 5 (KJV):
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
Ephesians 5:
8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:
9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)
10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.
11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
We like to go out on the street looking for people who have an illness or who the LORD directs us to. We find out what their deal is, and then ask if we can pray for them.
We see people healed by the power of God all the time. Sore knees, problem backs, getting out of the wheelchair, neck pain, etc.
It’s great to demonstrate the Love of God through His Power. We often call this “treasure hunting,” and the treasure is the people whose lives we touch.
Lots of fun too!
4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
6 ¶ Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:
1 Cor 2:4-6
“perfect” acc. to Thayer’s is:
5046 teleiov teleios tel’-i-os
from 5056; TDNT – 8:67,1161; adj
KJV – perfect 17, man 1, of full age 1; 19
1) brought to its end, finished
2) wanting nothing necessary to completeness
3) perfect
4) that which is perfect
4a) consummate human integrity and virtue
4b) of men
4b1) full grown, adult, of full age, mature
So what the Scripture is saying here is that we demonstrate the LORD’s power to some (that they may believe on Him through witnessing His power) and to those who are perfect, complete, mature in the faith, we speak according to the LORD’s wisdom (not the world’s wisdom of course).
by Eddie Chumney.
Reprinted from: http://www.hebroots.org/2housesch3.html#CHAP3
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