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What is "the anointing?" - 9/14/2008 7:42:45 PM
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Homegrownkids
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I hear people say... Oh, I felt the anointing, or that sermon was anointed, or that person is anointed. I think I know what they mean. But.... what do they mean? What does it mean to you? I get confused sometimes, because it seems that sometimes when people use these phrases they get it mixed up with something that stirs up their emotions. I would like to do a Bible study on this and see what the Bible says about it. Until then, what are your ideas about it?
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RE: What is "the anointing?" - 9/14/2008 9:08:31 PM
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earthless
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For us New Testament believers (meaning we know we are not Jews living in the Old Testament), the word 'anointed' has two meanings.
The first one is regarding Jesus Christ as the "chosen one" (Luke 4:18-19, Acts 10:38). When Jesus left the earth, He left us the gift of the Holy Spirit (John 14:6) - now all Christians, all those who are born-again, are anointed, chosen for the specific purpose of furthering God's Kingdom (1 John 2:20).
Sadly and strangely enough, out of ignorance and emotional appeal, many in various church circles today have taken the word 'anointing' and turned it into something erroneous.
In describing a certain pastor or preacher, they will comment with "so and so has a double portion of the anointing...." or "send in $1,000 and I will impart my anointing to you, you will become my armor bearer!"
When you are a born-again believer you are anointed. And you cannot get double portions of salvation nor can someone "impart" their anointing to you.
"Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee" (2 Corinthians 1:21-22).
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RE: What is "the anointing?" - 9/14/2008 9:58:50 PM
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rgod
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I agree with earthless, but will add a third meaning that I've heard used popularly. There are instances, when a person might teach or speak (or sing or perform some other act) and it touches the spirits of those who are listening or watching. This is very different from things that excite the emotions - although externally it might appear to be the same. But experientially, they are actually quite markedly different - and once you experience being touched in the spirit this way, you can instantly differentiate it from an act that is designed to manipulate your emotions.
Here is a popular example. I've seen Billy Graham many times over the years. Generally, he gives the same basic message over and over again - he even uses the same format. After the song, he comes up, he tells a very basic story that relates to salvation or some sort of need or problem, he tells you that Christ is the answer, gives the basic gospel, and then tells people to come to be saved. His messages aren't that long - maybe 20 - 30 minutes. Now, here is where "anointing" as it is popularly used comes in. In this day where visual entertainment, sex, and violence are king - unsaved and saved people still flock to hear him preach. When he gives the invitation, people stream from every corner of whatever stadium he is in and go up to get saved. The Rev. Graham isn't the most eloquent of preachers, nor does he have any sort of extraordinary delivery style. I'm not trying to criticize him in any way - he is probably one of the greatest preachers of our time, arguably the greatest if we were to measure it (which I think biblically we aren't supposed to). I respect, admire, and deeply appreciate the Rev. Billy Graham and his ministry. But I mention that to simply say that his speaking style or eloquence is NOT what is drawing the people. Nor is it because he has great wealth, looks like a movie star, or tells funny jokes. It isn't really that much of an emotional thing at all. It is the Spirit of God that is using him as a yielded vessel that God has chosen to perform this particular task - so people recognize that and respond to the Lord (even while they might think that they are responding to Rev. Graham). So, many would say that Billy Graham is "anointed" to do that task. Another person might use the exact same formula as Billy Graham - even mimic his speech patterns ... but would probably fail miserably if they are not "anointed" to do that. And if you think about it, there are many more ministries that are like this - even if you look around your church. Perhaps you know of someone who is a gifted teacher - they may even teach for a living. But if they try to lead the church bible study, you get information, but it is flat and it doesn't touch your spirit. Yet, another person, who might not have as much teaching experience might teach a simple passage and when you hear it, not only do you get information, but spiritually you are touched. When you go to the bible study, you leave feeling convicted of sin, a deeper hunger for God, with praise in your heart, and an increased thirst for righteousness. We can expand this to other endeavors as well.
I remember studying this usage of the word "anointing" at some time in the past, but would have to look at this again to see where I stand on this issue. As such, I'm not quite sure if the term "anointed" is the correct term to use - although it might be. However, I did want to point out that when people use the term "anointed" it isn't always emotional, but often is because they recognize the Spirit when the person is doing whatever act they are performing.
< Message edited by rgod -- 9/15/2008 9:16:39 AM >
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RE: What is "the anointing?" - 9/15/2008 6:23:37 PM
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Homegrownkids
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I get confused sometimes because Moses, and Noah were probably anointed... yet Noah had only his own family and the Isrealites wanted to get rid of Moses.
I will hear someone talk about "oh... the anointing came over him or her".... but yet.. it sounds so proud of them to say something like that, how do they really know it was the anointing, or just a preacher that shouted. And, how do they know the anointing isn't on someone who doesn't get a response like Billy Graham... like Noah. I get very confused by this.
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RE: What is "the anointing?" - 9/15/2008 8:36:25 PM
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earthless
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Homegrownkids
I get confused sometimes because Moses, and Noah were probably anointed... yet Noah had only his own family and the Isrealites wanted to get rid of Moses.
I will hear someone talk about "oh... the anointing came over him or her".... but yet.. it sounds so proud of them to say something like that, how do they really know it was the anointing, or just a preacher that shouted. And, how do they know the anointing isn't on someone who doesn't get a response like Billy Graham... like Noah. I get very confused by this.
Did you read my response?
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RE: What is "the anointing?" - 9/15/2008 11:47:10 PM
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rgod
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Homegrownkids
I get confused sometimes because Moses, and Noah were probably anointed... yet Noah had only his own family and the Isrealites wanted to get rid of Moses.
I will hear someone talk about "oh... the anointing came over him or her".... but yet.. it sounds so proud of them to say something like that, how do they really know it was the anointing, or just a preacher that shouted. And, how do they know the anointing isn't on someone who doesn't get a response like Billy Graham... like Noah. I get very confused by this.
I can definitely understand the confusion surrounding this. My advice to you would be to really spend time in the bible studying what the "anointing" is. Anything other than the Word of God is going to be an opinion. Then, when you have that straight, you'll be better able to evaluate and understand what it is that people mean - AND you'll be able to determine whether what they are talking about is the "anointing" as it is used biblically or if there is some other meaning that they are pouring into the word. Actually, this topic is kind of prompting me to do the same thing.
I think often, that when people use the word "anointing" there is also some sort of visible component - so in my example above - I've heard people say that Billy Graham is anointed because they see the results (thousands of people saved). But, I personally don't think that the "visible" part is correct - because a person, had they seen Jesus die on the cross, before his resurrection, could easily say that Jesus wasn't anointed since all of his followers deserted him. Or your example of Noah, which was a good one. But, often, when I've heard someone talk about the anointing coming on someone - or when I've witnessed it myself - there is a recognition of the person doing whatever task (even if it is just speaking) is doing it under the power of the Holy Spirit. It isn't an emotional thing, but something different - and it is hard to explain if you've not experienced it. A person could be preaching - even being very emotional and the crowd could be responding emotionally. You can be there in the crowd and feel the emotion - and know that nothing that is being preached is of the Spirit. Yet, even in the very midst of that - somehow, there might be sections of what they are preaching that are ... illuminated somehow in your Spirit - and you recognize that it isn't the preacher just speaking anymore, but that he is sharing the message that has been given by the Holy Spirit - it is consistent with the Bible and there is something alive about it. As a result - your spirit is touched and what it produces in you is a deeper hunger for God. This is what many mean by "anointed." Some people however, just mean that the person preaches or sings well. Still others use the term "anointed" interchangeably with "call" - in that the person is called to sing, preach, etc.
So I would say, read the responses here, but really take your time and go through the bible yourself as you pray about it. Ask God to show you what "anointing" means. He has promised in the Bible in John (either 14 or 15) that He would guide us into all truth. Listen to sermons about it - and make sure to listen to people who are of a different theological slant than you as well. There are those that believe that all believers are anointed in the Holy Spirit and that there is no special "anointing" now - (although there used to be in the old testament). Some are at the other end of the spectrum. Understanding what others believe and their scriptural basis for believing as they do will at least help you to understand where other people are coming from, even if - after you study - you don't agree with them. It also helps to prevent derision - sometimes in the body of Christ, we do that to each other, simply because we hold different views.
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RE: What is "the anointing?" - 9/16/2008 8:56:58 AM
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Homegrownkids
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quote:
Did you read my response?
Yes, I did read your response, and that is how I pretty much believe. But... I am in one of these church circles that use the word pretty freely and I am getting kind of tired of it. I am thinking of a couple of elderly ladies in particular that are always saying..."oh, I remember that preacher, he was so anointed". One of these ladies teach S.School and just last Sunday she said... "Oh, I felt the anointing come out on that one"(refering to her teaching the class). She is a VERY good S.School teacher, but sometimes she sounds so proud and "full of it" when she talks like this. And then, if you ask her how the rest of the church service went, she acts like there was no anointing. I don't get that.
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RE: What is "the anointing?" - 9/16/2008 12:45:22 PM
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earthless
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I (and my wife) left churches like that. Sorry to be blunt, usually those kinds of circles also ascribe to Word of Faith teachings and other heretical problems.
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RE: What is "the anointing?" - 9/17/2008 7:54:41 AM
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rgod
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HomegrownKids - have you asked your pastor what "anointing" means? Or a bible study teacher? That should give you a good idea of where your church stands on this issue.
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RE: What is "the anointing?" - 9/24/2008 7:50:21 PM
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still4gvn
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saying someone has an anointing can be a way of acknowledging that the power to touch and change people comes from God. He acts when and how He sees fit - it doesn't solely depend on our agenda or words. There is no 'magic' that if you preach or pray a certain way it will have a standard effect. God acts sovereignly.
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RE: What is "the anointing?" - 9/24/2008 8:01:10 PM
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earthless
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It's better to go by how the Bible defines the word.
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RE: What is "the anointing?" - 9/25/2008 3:40:01 PM
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still4gvn
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my understanding is that in the Bible anointing with oil was a symbol of giving someone a special blessing, equipping or authority to do a task. Is there a place where the word is defined in the Bible?
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RE: What is "the anointing?" - 9/25/2008 4:20:57 PM
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earthless
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quote:
ORIGINAL: still4gvn
my understanding is that in the Bible anointing with oil was a symbol of giving someone a special blessing, equipping or authority to do a task. Is there a place where the word is defined in the Bible?
Please read the thread, several of us have provided the biblical answer to this question.
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RE: What is "the anointing?" - 9/25/2008 8:56:18 PM
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colliefan
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1 John 2:20 - 23 (HCSB) 20But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you all have knowledge. 21I have not written to you because you don’t know the truth, but because you do know it, and because no lie comes from the truth. 22Who is the liar, if not the one who denies that Jesus is the Messiah? He is the antichrist, the one who denies the Father and the Son. 23No one who denies the Son can have the Father; he who confesses the Son has the Father as well.
It speaks of all believers
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RE: What is "the anointing?" - 9/29/2008 5:05:02 PM
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Cindy123
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Anointing has absolutely nothing to do with the natural world and the natural mind. The anointing is God’s presence. That alone, puts the anointing in the classification of the realm of God. This means that you cannot put God on paper or try to work Him out with your carnal mind. The things of God have to be understood with the heart of man.
There is a vast difference between the omnipresence of God and the manifest presence of God. The Lord is always omnipresent, but He is not always manifesting or displaying His power everywhere. When God’s power does manifest in a way that we can see or sense, then something is going to happen.When God created the heavens and the earth there was a visible display of His power (Genesis 1). When Moses stood in front of the burning bush there was a visible display of God’s power. Moses took off His shoes (Acts 7:30-34). When a band of men from the chief priest and elders came to capture Jesus, He said to them, “Whom do you seek?” They said, “We seek Jesus of Nazareth.” He said, “I am He!” As soon as He said to them, “I am He,” they
The anointing is not some mystical something out there. The anointing is the presence and power of God manifested. We could say that the anointing is the manifest presence of God.
went over backwards and fell to the ground (John 18:16).
Just as electricity is tangible, so the anointing is tangible. This is not about man meeting man, but about man coming into contact with a living God – the creator of heaven and earth. This power – this anointing – was promised to us by Jesus (Acts 1:8).
Cindy
Rodney Howard Browne- Blog
< Message edited by Cindy123 -- 9/29/2008 5:40:18 PM >
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RE: What is "the anointing?" - 9/30/2008 12:44:34 PM
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earthless
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Cindy123
This means that you cannot put God on paper or try to work Him out with your carnal mind. The things of God have to be understood with the heart of man.
God has done just that with His Word - the Bible. So your assertion is not correct.
quote:
ORIGINAL: Cindy123
Just as electricity is tangible, so the anointing is tangible.
It is better to go with the biblical definition of what the term 'anointing' means for us. Faith is not a force and the anointing is what the Bible says it is.
quote:
ORIGINAL: Cindy123
Rodney Howard Browne- Blog
Rodney Howard Browne is a false teacher and a false prophet. A mocker of God, of the Holy Spirit. In brotherly love, I suggest you do not lend an ear for spiritual matters from a documented Word of Faith teacher of heresy, of Counterfeit Revival.
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RE: What is "the anointing?" - 9/30/2008 2:57:30 PM
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Lynn_J
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Hello,
Unfortunately, many people today, including ministers, use the term "anointing" very loosely. I thought I would join in this discussion thread and share with you what the Vine's Expository Dictionary says about anoining. The verb "anoint" comes from the Hebrew word masah, which means to "consecrate, or set apart for an office or function." One example would be Elisha, who was "anointed" to be a prophet (1 Kings 19:16). More typically, kings were "anointed" for their office (1 Sam. 16:12; 1 Kings 1:39).
I hope this helps.
God bless,
Lynn
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RE: What is "the anointing?" - 10/1/2008 10:47:11 AM
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tafkam
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Maybe I'm the odd one out, but I often hear the word "anointed" to describe subpar preaching or singing. Excusing a bad delivery by saying, "Well, it was anointed".
Not really a word I care to hear much anymore because of that...
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