'Destined For The Throne': An Introduction

I have been reading the above title written by a Paul E Billheimer. It's a book about prayer, praise and the Church's place in the world. However, it's unlike any other book I've read on the subject because of the framework in which he places prayer.

(If you look it up on Amazon you can get a reasonable idea of the contents at least.)

The major thesis of this work according to the author is that:

'The one purpose of the universe from all eternity is the production [?] and preparation of an Eternal Companion for the Son, called the Bride, the Lamb's Wife'.

Her creation comes by way of the new birth (Jn 3.3), a regeneration brought about by 'spiritual water' (Jn 3.5). Her preparation, a weighty matter, is the core of the book's message. Part of the preparation is learning to wage spiritual warfare which involves conquering.

Conquering 

In chapters 2 and 3 of The Revelation of John to each of the seven churches in Asia we find that the Lord Jesus speaks to each about 'he/him who conquers' (Rev 2.7,11,17,26; 3.5,12,20, RSV). The action of conquering is also found in Rev 5.5; 6.2; 15.2; 21.7). These later references refer to Jesus (5.5 and maybe 6.2), to those martyrs who have conquered (15.2) or repeat the call to conquer (21.7). The Revelation begins and ends with the church being called to conquer (overcomer, KJV; also rendered, victor

Learning To Conquer: Spiritual Warfare

How then do we to learn to conquer? 'The prayer closet is the arena which produces the overcomer [conqueror]' (p. 15). And by this central activity we are involved in enforcing the victory of the Son of God in the world.

As the Church, the Body of Christ we are already enthroned in the heavenlies (heavenly places or realms) with Christ Jesus. Through the weapons of prayer, faith and praise we, despite 'indefensible shortcomings', are the Body which God has ordained to stand against the power of the evil one. He opines that without the Church the whole structure of civilisation would collapse. [Don't know that I completely buy that but that's his view.]

The ministry of the Church in prayer, praise and faith brings the lost to Christ and that service is unique to the Church.

God does nothing except through His Church and does nothing without her. John Wesley is quoting as saying, 'God does nothing but in answer to prayer.' And prayer is not begging God to do things which he is loath to do. Rather 'it is implementing on earth Heaven's decisions concerning the affairs of men' (p. 17).

Even Satan's efforts to thwart righteousness in the world are occasions for the on-the-job training of the Church in conquering through prayer. 

But prayer calls for faith [but let him ask in faith, without doubting for he who doubt . . . . let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord (James 1.6-7)].

And prayer also calls for praise. 'The secret of effective prayer is a massive program of praise' (p. 18).

My grandmother had a curious habit of saying aloud whatever the circumstance, 'Praise the Lord!'. As a child I just accepted that that's how grandma was. I find it interesting now because Merlin R. Carothers wrote the book, Prison To Praise, in which he argued the importance of praising God in every circumstance. (He even went an extra step arguing that we should thank God for all things, even bad things because He is working in such things for good.) No doubt my grandmother Ridgway knew the power of praise and having borne 11 live children, all delivered by midwives, she had learned to lean on the Lord a great deal in raising them.

Some Caveats

One that comes quickly to mind is: although Billheimer's point about the centrality of the Church in world affairs is well taken, he overemphasises this point and neglects examples in scripture and history where the ungodly have been used by God.

Second, he does not address the issue as to the time before the Church was founded. How did God get the business of heaven done on earth in that time? We know He did because for example, Daniel emphasises in the strongest terms the sovereignty of God over all the nations (e.g., Dan 2.20-22).

The third problem is that one gets the impression that God is subject to the Church and not the other way round. I'm sure that this impression again is one of overemphasis and not intended but it's one that needs to be made clearly.

Conclusion

That said, Destined For The Throne will repay careful reading because of its encouragement for the ministries of prayer and praise which the Kingdom of God cannot do without.

Another good link giving quotes from the book is found here.