In our journey in this temporal life as Christians we come to a bridge of decision. And this bridge once crossed lands us into the rest of GOD.
Heb 4:9
So there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God
What decision do we have to make in order to enter into the Sabbath rest?
Heb 4:3
For we who have believed enter that rest, just as He has said, "AS I SWORE IN MY WRATH, THEY SHALL NOT ENTER MY REST," although His works were finished from the foundation of the world
Our bridge of decision is the choice we make to trust GOD. It is wholly summed up in believing that GOD will deliver on His promises. It means that we trust HIM with our life and cling to Him with our whole heart.
2 Thess 1:11
With this in view we constantly pray for you, that our God may deem and count you worthy of [your] calling and [His] every gracious purpose of goodness, and with power may complete in [your] every particular work of faith (faith which is that leaning of the whole human personality on God in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness).
In the preceding verse we find what is the essential behavior required by GOD that brings into a realization of Faith.
This Faith is the leaning of the whole human personality on GOD.
Heb 4:10
For he who has once entered [God's] rest also has ceased from [the weariness and pain] of human labors, just as God rested from those labors peculiarly His own.
It means no more striving to please GOD since salvation is a gift. It means there is no secret formula to find the rest that GOD provides . We simply are required to believe in GOD with absolute confidence in His power, wisdom and goodness.
Heb 4:2
For indeed we have had good news preached to us, just as they also; but the word they heard did not profit them, because it was not united by faith in those who heard.
When we hear the message of salvation it does not mean just or only that we have an admission ticket into heaven. The message of salvation also means victory here in this life over all the difficulties that will undoubtedly occur. It means no matter the situation you remain in the rest that only our Lord provides.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Friday, November 27, 2009
What is in the MIND of GOD
GOD the ultimate quest, GOD the greatest test-- the greatest Journey ---the final destination is being able to know what is in the MIND of GOD and then obeying HIM. Is this possible?? Do I sound spooky or just way too spiritual.. some say.. Nobody can know the mind of GOD.....
In this current age and in a world with many many voices---- with many many doctrines -----------with many many so called teachers.. only one is necessary and only one can be assured to be the voice of GOD ...
John 10:27
The sheep that are My own hear and are listening to My voice; and I know them, and they follow Me.
This voice will not necessarily be known through our most ardent study or from those who are able to succumb there hearers with the most persuasive speech..
Luke 10:21
In that same hour He rejoiced and gloried in the Holy Spirit and said, I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have concealed these things [relating to salvation] from the wise and understanding and learned, and revealed them to babes (the childish, unskilled, and untaught). Yes, Father, for such was Your gracious will and choice and good pleasure.
Oh yes, seeking God my brother and sister is indeed NOT an academic pursuit..uummhummm too much flesh involved ..do you not understand??? education is amoral it is how it is used like any tool of life.. except when it becomes an idol.. as happily proclaimed by our LORD Jesus in the preceding verse.. Why did He choose the unlearned????
1 Cor 1:28
And God also selected (deliberately chose) what in the world is lowborn and insignificant and branded and treated with contempt, even the things that are nothing, that He might depose and bring to nothing the things that are,
1 Cor 1:29
So that no mortal man should [have pretense for glorying and] boast in the presence of God
The mind of GOD is revealed by God not obtained through hours of study.. ... AND The Reality of Jesus is in a convincing display of HIS presence and HIS Power.. This alone will discredit the counterfeits and lay to rest useless debates..
1 Cor 2:4and my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power,
Do you believe the Bible.. do you really....well if you do then we CAN KNOW the Mind of GOD..
1 Cor 2:16For who has known or understood the mind (the counsels and purposes) of the Lord so as to guide and instruct Him and give Him knowledge? But we have the mind of Christ (the Messiah) and do hold the thoughts (feelings and purposes) of His heart
In the end -----the summation of all things is found in the beginning of creation and with its creator GOD..
John 1:1
IN THE beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself.
John 1:2
He was present originally with God.
John 1:3
All things were made and came into existence through Him; and without Him was not even one thing made that has come into being
You can know the mind of the Lord , If you are saved----Born Again , Born from Heaven you NOW have the Mind of Christ---------- Listen to HIM...
John 1:12
But to as many as did receive and welcome Him, He gave the authority (power, privilege, right) to become the children of God, that is, to those who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) His name
Eccl 12:13
All has been heard; the end of the matter is: Fear God [revere and worship Him, knowing that He is] and keep His commandments, for this is the whole of man [the full, original purpose of his creation, the object of God's providence, the root of character, the foundation of all happiness, the adjustment to all inharmonious circumstances and conditions under the sun] and the whole [duty] for every man.
That's the answer there we find our resting place the journey is over and our quest fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ.
In this current age and in a world with many many voices---- with many many doctrines -----------with many many so called teachers.. only one is necessary and only one can be assured to be the voice of GOD ...
John 10:27
The sheep that are My own hear and are listening to My voice; and I know them, and they follow Me.
This voice will not necessarily be known through our most ardent study or from those who are able to succumb there hearers with the most persuasive speech..
Luke 10:21
In that same hour He rejoiced and gloried in the Holy Spirit and said, I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have concealed these things [relating to salvation] from the wise and understanding and learned, and revealed them to babes (the childish, unskilled, and untaught). Yes, Father, for such was Your gracious will and choice and good pleasure.
Oh yes, seeking God my brother and sister is indeed NOT an academic pursuit..uummhummm too much flesh involved ..do you not understand??? education is amoral it is how it is used like any tool of life.. except when it becomes an idol.. as happily proclaimed by our LORD Jesus in the preceding verse.. Why did He choose the unlearned????
1 Cor 1:28
And God also selected (deliberately chose) what in the world is lowborn and insignificant and branded and treated with contempt, even the things that are nothing, that He might depose and bring to nothing the things that are,
1 Cor 1:29
So that no mortal man should [have pretense for glorying and] boast in the presence of God
The mind of GOD is revealed by God not obtained through hours of study.. ... AND The Reality of Jesus is in a convincing display of HIS presence and HIS Power.. This alone will discredit the counterfeits and lay to rest useless debates..
1 Cor 2:4and my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power,
Do you believe the Bible.. do you really....well if you do then we CAN KNOW the Mind of GOD..
1 Cor 2:16For who has known or understood the mind (the counsels and purposes) of the Lord so as to guide and instruct Him and give Him knowledge? But we have the mind of Christ (the Messiah) and do hold the thoughts (feelings and purposes) of His heart
In the end -----the summation of all things is found in the beginning of creation and with its creator GOD..
John 1:1
IN THE beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself.
John 1:2
He was present originally with God.
John 1:3
All things were made and came into existence through Him; and without Him was not even one thing made that has come into being
You can know the mind of the Lord , If you are saved----Born Again , Born from Heaven you NOW have the Mind of Christ---------- Listen to HIM...
John 1:12
But to as many as did receive and welcome Him, He gave the authority (power, privilege, right) to become the children of God, that is, to those who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) His name
Eccl 12:13
All has been heard; the end of the matter is: Fear God [revere and worship Him, knowing that He is] and keep His commandments, for this is the whole of man [the full, original purpose of his creation, the object of God's providence, the root of character, the foundation of all happiness, the adjustment to all inharmonious circumstances and conditions under the sun] and the whole [duty] for every man.
That's the answer there we find our resting place the journey is over and our quest fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
What exactly is Believing in Jesus Christ--------------
What exactly is Believing in Jesus Christ, in a popular culture most of us do what is popular.. sometimes even without much forethought. We have what can be termed a herd mentality which basically means just going with the flow...
Can this also be applied to faith or should I say religion? Are we or are you doing what is popular, are you doing what is accepted or are you practicing religion because hey it seems like the right thing to do.
Just take a moment and reflect on this with me. Although I am the author of these post ,often I find what I write serves to minister to me as well. I definitely do not at all put myself above anyone in any respect whatsoever. Except for the grace of GOD and His abundant mercy I would be merely a grass withered, a flower that fades and then the wind blows away.
Back to the subject:
What exactly is Believing in Jesus Christ-------------------------------------------------------
John 3:16
For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life
Believing is = Trusting in Christ
Trust defined is : Firm reliance on the integrity, ability, or character of a person or thing.
Believing is -Clinging to Christ
Clinging defined is : To remain close; resist separation
Believing is relying on Christ.
Relying defined: To be dependent for support, help, or supply
Now it is very clear that faith it is far more than doing something because it is socially popular or something you do because it just seems like the right or a moral position to adapt.
Let me let me say this; GOD wants to know if you really do believe and GOD wants to know if I really do believe.
Luke 22:31
Simon, Simon (Peter), listen! Satan has asked excessively that [all of] you be given up to him [out of the power and keeping of God], that he might sift [all of] you like grain,
Luke 22:32
But I have prayed especially for you [Peter], that your [own] faith may not fail; and when you yourself have turned again, strengthen and establish your brethren.
Wow, the above scriptures embodies so much of what it means to believe. What I noticed here is that Jesus did not rebuke Satan . He prayed that Simon or Peter's faith would not fail. Jesus is saying Simon you will be victorious if you trust in me , If you cling to me and if you rely on me.
Doing what is popular will not hold up during a time of testing . Only real faith proven to be genuine provides the power and strength to overcome.
Prov 24:10
If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small
When I think of the Apostle Paul and all the Lord accomplished through this servant I am simply in AWE, But Paul like all of us had to endure the trial of His faith. And that trial and others were designed to teach this servant how to trust in GOD.
2 Cor 1:8
For we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about the affliction and oppressing distress which befell us in [the province of] Asia, how we were so utterly and unbearably weighed down and crushed that we despaired even of life [itself].
2 Cor 1:9
Indeed, we felt within ourselves that we had received the [very] sentence of death, but that was to keep us from trusting in and depending on ourselves instead of on God Who raises the dead.
Hummmmmmmmmm Reading this I find this valuable truth. things happen to us beyond our own ability to resolve or solve in order that we would not trust in ourselves. Things happen beyond our control in order to give us the ability to trust in Jesus Christ to bring us out of life's difficulties.
'
Let me say this in more precise terms.., hold on a minute, --------tell you what---- let the Bible tell you more precisely the message in this lesson.. -----
John 16:33
I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you
Yes if you trust in Jesus, If you cling to Jesus and if you rely on Jesus your victory is already won because my beloved brothers and sisters the battle is the LORD's and He shall conquer all of His enemies.
I love you all, Have a Happy Thanksgiving Holiday
And Lord Jesus , Thank you for absoluyely everything because in You I live , In You I breath and In You I have My Being.... Thank You Jesus with All My Heart
Crystal Lewis-Trust Me The Lesson In Song..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MgboThkiBI&feature=related
.-
Can this also be applied to faith or should I say religion? Are we or are you doing what is popular, are you doing what is accepted or are you practicing religion because hey it seems like the right thing to do.
Just take a moment and reflect on this with me. Although I am the author of these post ,often I find what I write serves to minister to me as well. I definitely do not at all put myself above anyone in any respect whatsoever. Except for the grace of GOD and His abundant mercy I would be merely a grass withered, a flower that fades and then the wind blows away.
Back to the subject:
What exactly is Believing in Jesus Christ-------------------------------------------------------
John 3:16
For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life
Believing is = Trusting in Christ
Trust defined is : Firm reliance on the integrity, ability, or character of a person or thing.
Believing is -Clinging to Christ
Clinging defined is : To remain close; resist separation
Believing is relying on Christ.
Relying defined: To be dependent for support, help, or supply
Now it is very clear that faith it is far more than doing something because it is socially popular or something you do because it just seems like the right or a moral position to adapt.
Let me let me say this; GOD wants to know if you really do believe and GOD wants to know if I really do believe.
Luke 22:31
Simon, Simon (Peter), listen! Satan has asked excessively that [all of] you be given up to him [out of the power and keeping of God], that he might sift [all of] you like grain,
Luke 22:32
But I have prayed especially for you [Peter], that your [own] faith may not fail; and when you yourself have turned again, strengthen and establish your brethren.
Wow, the above scriptures embodies so much of what it means to believe. What I noticed here is that Jesus did not rebuke Satan . He prayed that Simon or Peter's faith would not fail. Jesus is saying Simon you will be victorious if you trust in me , If you cling to me and if you rely on me.
Doing what is popular will not hold up during a time of testing . Only real faith proven to be genuine provides the power and strength to overcome.
Prov 24:10
If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small
When I think of the Apostle Paul and all the Lord accomplished through this servant I am simply in AWE, But Paul like all of us had to endure the trial of His faith. And that trial and others were designed to teach this servant how to trust in GOD.
2 Cor 1:8
For we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about the affliction and oppressing distress which befell us in [the province of] Asia, how we were so utterly and unbearably weighed down and crushed that we despaired even of life [itself].
2 Cor 1:9
Indeed, we felt within ourselves that we had received the [very] sentence of death, but that was to keep us from trusting in and depending on ourselves instead of on God Who raises the dead.
Hummmmmmmmmm Reading this I find this valuable truth. things happen to us beyond our own ability to resolve or solve in order that we would not trust in ourselves. Things happen beyond our control in order to give us the ability to trust in Jesus Christ to bring us out of life's difficulties.
'
Let me say this in more precise terms.., hold on a minute, --------tell you what---- let the Bible tell you more precisely the message in this lesson.. -----
John 16:33
I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you
Yes if you trust in Jesus, If you cling to Jesus and if you rely on Jesus your victory is already won because my beloved brothers and sisters the battle is the LORD's and He shall conquer all of His enemies.
I love you all, Have a Happy Thanksgiving Holiday
And Lord Jesus , Thank you for absoluyely everything because in You I live , In You I breath and In You I have My Being.... Thank You Jesus with All My Heart
Crystal Lewis-Trust Me The Lesson In Song..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MgboThkiBI&feature=related
.-
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Quick Note : The Revelation of the Name Jehovah-Jireh,
The Revelation of the Name Jehovah-Jireh, Genesis 22:12-14. The meaning of this name is The Lord Who Provides. The name is literally, The Lord Who Sees, or The Lord Who Will See To It. This is what we long for when we have a need that is personal and special; One who will see to our needs and provide for us Excerpt from Bible.org
Let me break it down for you with another scripture....
Ex 23:20
Behold, I send an Angel before you to keep and guard you on the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared.
Wherever You have been, Wherever you are and Wherever you are headed....GOD was there, is there and will be there FIRST Providing FOR YOU
Let me break it down for you with another scripture....
Ex 23:20
Behold, I send an Angel before you to keep and guard you on the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared.
Wherever You have been, Wherever you are and Wherever you are headed....GOD was there, is there and will be there FIRST Providing FOR YOU
He said, "It is finished!"
John 19:28 After this, Jesus, knowing that all things had already been accomplished, to fulfill the Scripture, *said, "I am thirsty."
John 19:29 A jar full of sour wine was standing there; so they put a sponge full of the sour wine upon a branch of hyssop and brought it up to His mouth.
John 19:30 Therefore when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, "It is finished!" And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit
Matt 27:51 And at once the curtain of the sanctuary of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; the earth shook and the rocks were split.
Heb 4:16 Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of God's unmerited favor to us sinners), that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find grace to help in good time for every need [appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when we need it].
Heb 10:19 Therefore, brethren, since we have full freedom and confidence to enter into the [Holy of] Holies [by the power and virtue] in the blood of Jesus,
Heb 10:20 By this fresh (new) and living way which He initiated and dedicated and opened for us through the separating curtain (veil of the Holy of Holies), that is, through His flesh, Heb 10:21 And since we have [such] a great and wonderful and noble Priest [Who rules] over the house of God,
Heb 10:22 Let us all come forward and draw near with true (honest and sincere) hearts in unqualified assurance and absolute conviction engendered by faith (by that leaning of the entire human personality on God in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness), having our hearts sprinkled and purified from a guilty (evil) conscience and our bodies cleansed with pure water.
John 19:29 A jar full of sour wine was standing there; so they put a sponge full of the sour wine upon a branch of hyssop and brought it up to His mouth.
John 19:30 Therefore when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, "It is finished!" And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit
Matt 27:51 And at once the curtain of the sanctuary of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; the earth shook and the rocks were split.
Heb 4:16 Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of God's unmerited favor to us sinners), that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find grace to help in good time for every need [appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when we need it].
Heb 10:19 Therefore, brethren, since we have full freedom and confidence to enter into the [Holy of] Holies [by the power and virtue] in the blood of Jesus,
Heb 10:20 By this fresh (new) and living way which He initiated and dedicated and opened for us through the separating curtain (veil of the Holy of Holies), that is, through His flesh, Heb 10:21 And since we have [such] a great and wonderful and noble Priest [Who rules] over the house of God,
Heb 10:22 Let us all come forward and draw near with true (honest and sincere) hearts in unqualified assurance and absolute conviction engendered by faith (by that leaning of the entire human personality on God in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness), having our hearts sprinkled and purified from a guilty (evil) conscience and our bodies cleansed with pure water.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Current Events-Revival is Coming
DO NOT BE LIKE THIS:
2 Tim 3:5
holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; Avoid such men as these.
This is that time, prophecy fulfilled
Joel 2:28
And afterward I will pour out My Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions
Evidence can not be denied beginning with the Azusa street revival ... God choose a Black Man. the child of ex-slaves to usher in the greatest outpouring of the Holy Spirit since the book of Acts... The year 1906 the place ,La..California...Azusa Street...
Check out the account as recored in this video, follow the link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hI1oOf_8R8
2 Tim 3:5
holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; Avoid such men as these.
This is that time, prophecy fulfilled
Joel 2:28
And afterward I will pour out My Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions
Evidence can not be denied beginning with the Azusa street revival ... God choose a Black Man. the child of ex-slaves to usher in the greatest outpouring of the Holy Spirit since the book of Acts... The year 1906 the place ,La..California...Azusa Street...
Check out the account as recored in this video, follow the link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hI1oOf_8R8
Friday, October 16, 2009
Have You Experienced the Power in the Gospel ( It is Supernatural)
1 Thess 1:5
For our [preaching of the] glad tidings (the Gospel) came to you not only in word, but also in [its own inherent] power and in the Holy Spirit and with great conviction and absolute certainty [on our part]. You know what kind of men we proved [ourselves] to be among you for your good.
You will not find the word supernatural in the Bible). It is a secular term that attempts to define things outside the realm of what happens naturally. Perhaps the word should be outside the natural??? But nonetheless we have understood that the use of this word supernatural, means things that occur in the spirit world or things that originate from the spirit realm be they evil or good. The Gospel of Jesus Christ carries with it power from the Spirit realm power from GOD Himself. The Bible states that is is indeed the power of GOD. It is the power that brings forth the salvation experience.
Rom 1:16
For I am not ashamed of the Gospel (good news) of Christ, for it is God's power working unto salvation [for deliverance from eternal death] to everyone who believes with a personal trust and a confident surrender and firm reliance, to the Jew first and also to the Greek,
If we confess with our months and believe in our hearts that GOD has raised Jesus from the dead, then the saving power( or the supernatural power) of GOD is released to save through the Holy Spirit.
Titus 3:5
He saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but because of His own pity and mercy, by [the] cleansing [bath] of the new birth (regeneration) and renewing of the Holy Spirit,
No other power exist in the world, pass, present or future that can save us from eternal death other than the name of Jesus. If we do not accept Jesus as our sole single way back to GOD then we are doomed to eternal death.
Acts 4:12
And there is salvation in and through no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by and in which we must be saved.
He has sent His only begotten SON, He will not send anyone else. It is finished, end of story. You have missed the train out of this condemned world.
John 3:18
........................ but he who does not believe (cleave to, rely on, trust in Him) is judged already [he has already been convicted and has already received his sentence] because he has not believed in and trusted in the name of the only begotten Son of God. [He is condemned for refusing to let his trust rest in Christ's name.]
When Jesus ascended from this planet there was great sadness among the disciples..
John 16:6
But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your hearts [taken complete possession of them].
BUT-He promised that He would not leave us alone. He promised another supernatural companion in the person of the Holy Spirit.
John 16:7
However, I am telling you nothing but the truth when I say it is profitable (good, expedient, advantageous) for you that I go away. Because if I do not go away, the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Advocate, Intercessor, Strengthener, Standby) will not come to you [into close fellowship with you]; but if I go away, I will send Him to you [to be in close fellowship with you].
Another supernatural event will be present.. The same power that raised our LORD will be placed in us...
Now we have Jesus living inside of us watching over us , caring for us teaching us, standing up for us.. AND, there is MORE...A supernatural gift comes with supernatural expression..
Acts 1:8 But you shall receive power (ability, efficiency, and might) when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem and all Judea and Samaria and to the ends (the very bounds) of the earth.
Supernatural ability, Supernatural efficency, and supernatural might.. is available and resident ,living in YOU.. This is standard equiment for GOD's people.
And as promised the Day of Pentecost arrived..
Acts 2:1
When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place.
Acts 2:2
And suddenly there came from heaven a noise like a violent rushing wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.
Acts 2:3
And there appeared to them tongues as of fire distributing themselves, and they rested on each one of them.
Acts 2:4
And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance.
For our [preaching of the] glad tidings (the Gospel) came to you not only in word, but also in [its own inherent] power and in the Holy Spirit and with great conviction and absolute certainty [on our part]. You know what kind of men we proved [ourselves] to be among you for your good.
You will not find the word supernatural in the Bible). It is a secular term that attempts to define things outside the realm of what happens naturally. Perhaps the word should be outside the natural??? But nonetheless we have understood that the use of this word supernatural, means things that occur in the spirit world or things that originate from the spirit realm be they evil or good. The Gospel of Jesus Christ carries with it power from the Spirit realm power from GOD Himself. The Bible states that is is indeed the power of GOD. It is the power that brings forth the salvation experience.
Rom 1:16
For I am not ashamed of the Gospel (good news) of Christ, for it is God's power working unto salvation [for deliverance from eternal death] to everyone who believes with a personal trust and a confident surrender and firm reliance, to the Jew first and also to the Greek,
If we confess with our months and believe in our hearts that GOD has raised Jesus from the dead, then the saving power( or the supernatural power) of GOD is released to save through the Holy Spirit.
Titus 3:5
He saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but because of His own pity and mercy, by [the] cleansing [bath] of the new birth (regeneration) and renewing of the Holy Spirit,
No other power exist in the world, pass, present or future that can save us from eternal death other than the name of Jesus. If we do not accept Jesus as our sole single way back to GOD then we are doomed to eternal death.
Acts 4:12
And there is salvation in and through no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by and in which we must be saved.
He has sent His only begotten SON, He will not send anyone else. It is finished, end of story. You have missed the train out of this condemned world.
John 3:18
........................ but he who does not believe (cleave to, rely on, trust in Him) is judged already [he has already been convicted and has already received his sentence] because he has not believed in and trusted in the name of the only begotten Son of God. [He is condemned for refusing to let his trust rest in Christ's name.]
When Jesus ascended from this planet there was great sadness among the disciples..
John 16:6
But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your hearts [taken complete possession of them].
BUT-He promised that He would not leave us alone. He promised another supernatural companion in the person of the Holy Spirit.
John 16:7
However, I am telling you nothing but the truth when I say it is profitable (good, expedient, advantageous) for you that I go away. Because if I do not go away, the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Advocate, Intercessor, Strengthener, Standby) will not come to you [into close fellowship with you]; but if I go away, I will send Him to you [to be in close fellowship with you].
Another supernatural event will be present.. The same power that raised our LORD will be placed in us...
Now we have Jesus living inside of us watching over us , caring for us teaching us, standing up for us.. AND, there is MORE...A supernatural gift comes with supernatural expression..
Acts 1:8 But you shall receive power (ability, efficiency, and might) when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem and all Judea and Samaria and to the ends (the very bounds) of the earth.
Supernatural ability, Supernatural efficency, and supernatural might.. is available and resident ,living in YOU.. This is standard equiment for GOD's people.
And as promised the Day of Pentecost arrived..
Acts 2:1
When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place.
Acts 2:2
And suddenly there came from heaven a noise like a violent rushing wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.
Acts 2:3
And there appeared to them tongues as of fire distributing themselves, and they rested on each one of them.
Acts 2:4
And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance.
GOD gave us of HIS precious Spirit because We are now HIS and therefore We our benefactors of the grace of GOD to help us live day by day AND to accomplish HIS mission in the earth. It is not for our own self promotion or glorification.. NOT AT ALL. TO GOD BE THE GLORY. The power must always be known to have come from GOD and not from ourselves.
2 Cor 4:7
However, we possess this precious treasure [the divine Light of the Gospel] in [frail, human] vessels of earth, that the grandeur and exceeding greatness of the power may be shown to be from God and not from ourselves.
Frail human vessels of earth put under pressure through certain trails and many tribulations, that have been predestined by GOD and made to be our cup of suffering, in order for the life of Jesus to be released.
2 Cor 4:8
we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing;
2 Cor 4:9
persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;
2 Cor 4:10
always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.
2 Cor 4:11
For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh
..In fact the more humble we are the more GOD can release HIS supernatural power through us.. The more we are weak the stronger GOD's presence is manifested in our lives..
2 Cor 12:9
But He said to me, My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and show themselves most effective in [your] weakness. Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, may pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me!
The Lords presence in our lives validates us as being HIS... We are now HIS children and children bring with them the characteristics of their parents.. If we do not have the Holy Spirit then GOD declares we are not HIS children..
Rom 8:9
But you are not living the life of the flesh, you are living the life of the Spirit, if the [Holy] Spirit of God [really] dwells within you [directs and controls you]. But if anyone does not possess the [Holy] Spirit of Christ, he is none of His [he does not belong to Christ, is not truly a child of God
And since YOU are His child we will see the supernatual power of GOD being made plain through events in our living .. If we are living for Jesus..
Mark 16:17
And these attesting signs will accompany those who believe: in My name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new languages;
Mark 16:18
They will pick up serpents; and [even] if they drink anything deadly, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will get well.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
What is on my mind???? Racist react to Ordained Authority
What is on my mind???? Well Let me say , I am continuously appalled at the racism that exist in our country.. I find the reaction of many white people against President Obama is indeed racist..
I am not a puppet and I do NOT agree with everything... the Presidents does.. But I do respect our leader.. Even Jimmy Carter said Obana's opposition is rooted in racism.. Check it out for yourself.. on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBtG8UqBbOg
By the way, if you think being a lighter complexion makes you more attractive or if you refer to black people as having nappy hair.. you are racist too.. against yourself and your own people.. whom you should embrace ..wow how dysfunctional is that.....
Did you know GOD is not a respecter of persons.. meaning class , social class , and race is not relevant..and racism is a sin.. and shall be dealt with accordingly.. Racism is not a modern day phenonmena .. If fact the Bible records an event when Moses sister and brother Miriam and Aaron were angry because Moses married a block woman.... Oh yes, GOD is against racist for sure..
Num 12:1
Then Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Cushite woman whom he had married (for he had married a Cushite woman);
Num 12:2
and they said, "Has the LORD indeed spoken only through Moses? Has He not spoken through us as well?" And the LORD heard it.
Num 12:3
(Now the man Moses was very humble, more than any man who was on the face of the earth.)
Num 12:4
Suddenly the LORD said to Moses and Aaron and to Miriam, "You three come out to the tent of meeting." So the three of them came out.
Num 12:5
Then the LORD came down in a pillar of cloud and stood at the doorway of the tent, and He called Aaron and Miriam. When they had both come forward,
Num 12:6
He said, "Hear now My words: If there is a prophet among you, I, the LORD, shall make Myself known to him in a vision. I shall speak with him in a dream.
Num 12:7
"Not so, with My servant Moses, He is faithful in all My household;
Num 12:8
With him I speak mouth to mouth, Even openly, and not in dark sayings, And he beholds the form of the LORD. Why then were you not afraid To speak against My servant, against Moses?"
Num 12:9
So the anger of the LORD burned against them and He departed.
Num 12:10
But when the cloud had withdrawn from over the tent, behold, Miriam was leprous, as white as snow. As Aaron turned toward Miriam, behold, she was leprous.
Num 12:11
Then Aaron said to Moses, "Oh, my lord, I beg you, do not account this sin to us, in which we have acted foolishly and in which we have sinned.
Num 12:12
"Oh, do not let her be like one dead, whose flesh is half eaten away when he comes from his mother's womb!"
Num 12:13
Moses cried out to the LORD, saying, "O God, heal her, I pray!"
Num 12:14
But the LORD said to Moses, "If her father had but spit in her face, would she not bear her shame for seven days? Let her be shut up for seven days outside the camp, and afterward she may be received again."
Num 12:15
So Miriam was shut up outside the camp for seven days, and the people did not move on until Miriam was received again.
THERE ARE AND WILL BE PENALTIES AGAINST ANYONE WHO DISRESPECTS GOD'S ORDAINED AUTHORITY IN THE EARTH.
Rom 13:1 LET EVERY person be loyally subject to the governing (civil) authorities. For there is no authority except from God [by His permission, His sanction], and those that exist do so by God's appointment. [Prov. 8:15.] Rom 13:2 Therefore he who resists and sets himself up against the authorities resists what God has appointed and arranged [in divine order]. And those who resist will bring down judgment upon themselves [receiving the penalty due them].
I am just reacting out of the hate I've witness since Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize.
We must respect and give honor to GODs ordauned authority...
I am not a puppet and I do NOT agree with everything... the Presidents does.. But I do respect our leader.. Even Jimmy Carter said Obana's opposition is rooted in racism.. Check it out for yourself.. on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBtG8UqBbOg
By the way, if you think being a lighter complexion makes you more attractive or if you refer to black people as having nappy hair.. you are racist too.. against yourself and your own people.. whom you should embrace ..wow how dysfunctional is that.....
Did you know GOD is not a respecter of persons.. meaning class , social class , and race is not relevant..and racism is a sin.. and shall be dealt with accordingly.. Racism is not a modern day phenonmena .. If fact the Bible records an event when Moses sister and brother Miriam and Aaron were angry because Moses married a block woman.... Oh yes, GOD is against racist for sure..
Num 12:1
Then Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Cushite woman whom he had married (for he had married a Cushite woman);
Num 12:2
and they said, "Has the LORD indeed spoken only through Moses? Has He not spoken through us as well?" And the LORD heard it.
Num 12:3
(Now the man Moses was very humble, more than any man who was on the face of the earth.)
Num 12:4
Suddenly the LORD said to Moses and Aaron and to Miriam, "You three come out to the tent of meeting." So the three of them came out.
Num 12:5
Then the LORD came down in a pillar of cloud and stood at the doorway of the tent, and He called Aaron and Miriam. When they had both come forward,
Num 12:6
He said, "Hear now My words: If there is a prophet among you, I, the LORD, shall make Myself known to him in a vision. I shall speak with him in a dream.
Num 12:7
"Not so, with My servant Moses, He is faithful in all My household;
Num 12:8
With him I speak mouth to mouth, Even openly, and not in dark sayings, And he beholds the form of the LORD. Why then were you not afraid To speak against My servant, against Moses?"
Num 12:9
So the anger of the LORD burned against them and He departed.
Num 12:10
But when the cloud had withdrawn from over the tent, behold, Miriam was leprous, as white as snow. As Aaron turned toward Miriam, behold, she was leprous.
Num 12:11
Then Aaron said to Moses, "Oh, my lord, I beg you, do not account this sin to us, in which we have acted foolishly and in which we have sinned.
Num 12:12
"Oh, do not let her be like one dead, whose flesh is half eaten away when he comes from his mother's womb!"
Num 12:13
Moses cried out to the LORD, saying, "O God, heal her, I pray!"
Num 12:14
But the LORD said to Moses, "If her father had but spit in her face, would she not bear her shame for seven days? Let her be shut up for seven days outside the camp, and afterward she may be received again."
Num 12:15
So Miriam was shut up outside the camp for seven days, and the people did not move on until Miriam was received again.
THERE ARE AND WILL BE PENALTIES AGAINST ANYONE WHO DISRESPECTS GOD'S ORDAINED AUTHORITY IN THE EARTH.
Rom 13:1 LET EVERY person be loyally subject to the governing (civil) authorities. For there is no authority except from God [by His permission, His sanction], and those that exist do so by God's appointment. [Prov. 8:15.] Rom 13:2 Therefore he who resists and sets himself up against the authorities resists what God has appointed and arranged [in divine order]. And those who resist will bring down judgment upon themselves [receiving the penalty due them].
I am just reacting out of the hate I've witness since Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize.
We must respect and give honor to GODs ordauned authority...
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in
Gods' plan is daily becoming clearer for those of us who live for HIM. I have been spending time lately studying prophecy. The title of this lesson is a prophetic Word from the Holy Bible, the inerrant Word of the living God. The prophecy says that the Jewish people will begin to be reconciled to the Lord when the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. In other words when the Lord has finished gathering people from all nations or nationalities or ethic groups then He will again focus on this chosen people the Jews. He will gather the Jewish people to Himself once again.
Rom 11:25
For I do not want you, brethren, to be uninformed of this mystery--so that you will not be wise in your own estimation--that a partial hardening has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in;
Hos 1:10
Yet the number of the sons of Israel Will be like the sand of the sea, Which cannot be measured or numbered; And in the place Where it is said to them, "You are not My people," It will be said to them, "You are the sons of the living God."
You see GOD hardened the heart of the Jewish people so that salvation would become available to us. GOD said ok, you do not want me......... I will now go to the gentiles.
Rom 11:25
For I do not want you, brethren, to be uninformed of this mystery--so that you will not be wise in your own estimation--that a partial hardening has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in;
Hos 1:10
Yet the number of the sons of Israel Will be like the sand of the sea, Which cannot be measured or numbered; And in the place Where it is said to them, "You are not My people," It will be said to them, "You are the sons of the living God."
You see GOD hardened the heart of the Jewish people so that salvation would become available to us. GOD said ok, you do not want me......... I will now go to the gentiles.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Your eyes are like doves
Song 1:15
"How beautiful you are, my darling, How beautiful you are! Your eyes are like doves
One of the most beautiful and poetic books of the Holy Bible is the Song of Solomon.. It is also called "The Song of Songs"... Of all the songs every written from now and throughout eternity, this Song is above all others. .. Just as Jesus is King of Kings and Lord of Lords and there is no authority that dare match His . No other Song would dare match the Song of Solomon...
So much can be said about the Song of Solomon and perhaps we can go into more of a study on this beautiful letter to us, The Church, in the future.
Before we go further in this lesson let me first talk about he title of the lesson.
Your eyes are like doves.
Who has eyes like doves?????
Well you do, if you love Jesus with all your heart, with all your strength and with all your mind. Our LORD uniquely uses the behavior of the dove to describe a Christian behavioral trait. The dove can only focus on one thing at a time. I like to think of this as a symptom of love. When we are in love our attention is directly fully at the object of our love. No other man or no other woman can take their place, our affections are focused only on our heart throb.
The Song of Solomon is a love story. From the beginning to the end we find this book to be a love story of Christ and HIS betrothed ( The soon Bride) Who is this Bride... HIS Church.. ahhh that would be us...
Betrothed = The act or condition of being pledged to marry
Our Christian walk should not be the process of gritting your teeth and trying to do everything the right way. When you are fully in love our delight and pleasure gained by doing things that pleases your mate.
This is why our LORD Jesus says if you love me you will obey my commandments.
This is why our Lord says His commandments are not grievous.
And, this is why the LORD Jesus say, His yoke is easy and His burden is light.
Have you ever noticed that when you love something it becomes very easy to do? And when you do not love something then you have to grit your teeth to get things accomplished.
Let me give you an example of the LOVE being discussed :
Acts 21:10
As we were staying there for some days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea.
Acts 21:11
And coming to us, he took Paul's belt and bound his own feet and hands, and said, "This is what the Holy Spirit says: 'In this way the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.'"
Acts 21:12
When we had heard this, we as well as the local residents began begging him not to go up to Jerusalem.
Acts 21:13
Then Paul answered, "What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but even to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus."
Acts 21:14
And since he would not be persuaded, we fell silent, remarking, "The will of the Lord be done!"
Paul's dedication shows us someone in love with Jesus.
Another example of LOVE.
Acts 5:40
They took his advice; and after calling the apostles in, they flogged them and ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and then released them.
Acts 5:41
So they went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name.
The were wiped 40 times minus 1 , 39 times . And they left rejoicing!!!!!!
How could they do this.... They are in Love with Jesus....
What kind of Love is THIS.. The Kind the comes only through GOD alone.
Rom 5:5
Such hope never disappoints or deludes or shames us, for God's love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit Who has been given to us.
I remember some years ago I was on a street witnessing campaign in Cincinnati, Ohio. We were threatened by drug dealers , mocked and some laughed . In spite of the obstacles many confessed Christ on that day and many seeds for salvation planted. We left with GREAT JOY.
A friend of mine Minister Bill Miller, I hope he does not mind me mentioning his name.. Preached during one of our prison ministry visits the title , There was Rejoicing in the City.. I must say We were rejoicing as well.
People we are in the midst of the greatest love story of all time...
Acts 8:5
Philip went down to the city of Samaria and began proclaiming Christ to them.
Acts 8:6
The crowds with one accord were giving attention to what was said by Philip, as they heard and saw the signs which he was performing.
Acts 8:7
For in the case of many who had unclean spirits, they were coming out of them shouting with a loud voice; and many who had been paralyzed and lame were healed.
Acts 8:8
So there was much rejoicing in that city.
You can not and will not experience this kind of rejoicing being a Sunday only Christian... This kind of behavior this kind of Joy only occurs during demonstrations and acts of LOVE!!!!
Song 3:1
"On my bed night after night I sought him Whom my soul loves; I sought him but did not find him.
Song 3:2
'I must arise now and go about the city; In the streets and in the squares I must seek him whom my soul loves.' I sought him but did not find him.
Song 3:3
"The watchmen who make the rounds in the city found me, And I said, 'Have you seen him whom my soul loves?'
Song 3:4
"Scarcely had I left them When I found him whom my soul loves; I held on to him and would not let him go
No question about it I am in LOVE with JESUS
"How beautiful you are, my darling, How beautiful you are! Your eyes are like doves
One of the most beautiful and poetic books of the Holy Bible is the Song of Solomon.. It is also called "The Song of Songs"... Of all the songs every written from now and throughout eternity, this Song is above all others. .. Just as Jesus is King of Kings and Lord of Lords and there is no authority that dare match His . No other Song would dare match the Song of Solomon...
So much can be said about the Song of Solomon and perhaps we can go into more of a study on this beautiful letter to us, The Church, in the future.
Before we go further in this lesson let me first talk about he title of the lesson.
Your eyes are like doves.
Who has eyes like doves?????
Well you do, if you love Jesus with all your heart, with all your strength and with all your mind. Our LORD uniquely uses the behavior of the dove to describe a Christian behavioral trait. The dove can only focus on one thing at a time. I like to think of this as a symptom of love. When we are in love our attention is directly fully at the object of our love. No other man or no other woman can take their place, our affections are focused only on our heart throb.
The Song of Solomon is a love story. From the beginning to the end we find this book to be a love story of Christ and HIS betrothed ( The soon Bride) Who is this Bride... HIS Church.. ahhh that would be us...
Betrothed = The act or condition of being pledged to marry
Our Christian walk should not be the process of gritting your teeth and trying to do everything the right way. When you are fully in love our delight and pleasure gained by doing things that pleases your mate.
This is why our LORD Jesus says if you love me you will obey my commandments.
This is why our Lord says His commandments are not grievous.
And, this is why the LORD Jesus say, His yoke is easy and His burden is light.
Have you ever noticed that when you love something it becomes very easy to do? And when you do not love something then you have to grit your teeth to get things accomplished.
Let me give you an example of the LOVE being discussed :
Acts 21:10
As we were staying there for some days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea.
Acts 21:11
And coming to us, he took Paul's belt and bound his own feet and hands, and said, "This is what the Holy Spirit says: 'In this way the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.'"
Acts 21:12
When we had heard this, we as well as the local residents began begging him not to go up to Jerusalem.
Acts 21:13
Then Paul answered, "What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but even to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus."
Acts 21:14
And since he would not be persuaded, we fell silent, remarking, "The will of the Lord be done!"
Paul's dedication shows us someone in love with Jesus.
Another example of LOVE.
Acts 5:40
They took his advice; and after calling the apostles in, they flogged them and ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and then released them.
Acts 5:41
So they went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name.
The were wiped 40 times minus 1 , 39 times . And they left rejoicing!!!!!!
How could they do this.... They are in Love with Jesus....
What kind of Love is THIS.. The Kind the comes only through GOD alone.
Rom 5:5
Such hope never disappoints or deludes or shames us, for God's love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit Who has been given to us.
I remember some years ago I was on a street witnessing campaign in Cincinnati, Ohio. We were threatened by drug dealers , mocked and some laughed . In spite of the obstacles many confessed Christ on that day and many seeds for salvation planted. We left with GREAT JOY.
A friend of mine Minister Bill Miller, I hope he does not mind me mentioning his name.. Preached during one of our prison ministry visits the title , There was Rejoicing in the City.. I must say We were rejoicing as well.
People we are in the midst of the greatest love story of all time...
Acts 8:5
Philip went down to the city of Samaria and began proclaiming Christ to them.
Acts 8:6
The crowds with one accord were giving attention to what was said by Philip, as they heard and saw the signs which he was performing.
Acts 8:7
For in the case of many who had unclean spirits, they were coming out of them shouting with a loud voice; and many who had been paralyzed and lame were healed.
Acts 8:8
So there was much rejoicing in that city.
You can not and will not experience this kind of rejoicing being a Sunday only Christian... This kind of behavior this kind of Joy only occurs during demonstrations and acts of LOVE!!!!
Song 3:1
"On my bed night after night I sought him Whom my soul loves; I sought him but did not find him.
Song 3:2
'I must arise now and go about the city; In the streets and in the squares I must seek him whom my soul loves.' I sought him but did not find him.
Song 3:3
"The watchmen who make the rounds in the city found me, And I said, 'Have you seen him whom my soul loves?'
Song 3:4
"Scarcely had I left them When I found him whom my soul loves; I held on to him and would not let him go
No question about it I am in LOVE with JESUS
Monday, May 25, 2009
Koinonia (True Fellowship)
When I view the structure and the dynamics modeling today's churches I often wonder is this model representing GOD's design?
Generally speaking here is how a service transpires. We have praise and worship, then offerings , then a selection from the Choir, perhaps weekly announcements and then the sermon.
After the sermon is completed we have an altar call for salvation, joining the church and to be filled with the Holy Spirit. But essentially after the altar call everyone goes home until next Sunday when the process is repeated.
We call going to church being in fellowship and missing church being out of fellowship.
I would like to present what the Bible calls fellowship. What GOD says about how we interact as the family of GOD supersedes any traditions or customs that are essentially man made.
The word for fellowship in the Holy Bible is the Greek word Koinonia.
Here is the definition provided by Wikipedia;
The essential meaning of the koinonia embraces concepts conveyed in the English terms community, communion, joint participation, sharing and intimacy. Koinonia can therefore refer in some contexts to a jointly contributed gift.[ This union is also experienced in practical daily life. The same bonds that link the individual to Jesus also link him or her with other faithful
Note the Biblical example of koinonia:
Acts 4:32
Now the company of believers was of one heart and soul, and not one of them claimed that anything which he possessed was [exclusively] his own, but everything they had was in common and for the use of all.
Acts 4:34
Nor was there a destitute or needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses proceeded to sell them, and one by one they brought (gave back) the amount received from the sales
Acts 4:35
And laid it at the feet of the apostles (special messengers). Then distribution was made according as anyone had need.
After reading this text we should be able to clearly see how far we have fallen away from true fellowship from true koinonia.
Can you imagine a church were everyone gave so liberally and laid the money in the hands of Christian leadership. And the distribution of the funds went to the needs of the people!!!!!!
Sounds like an abstract concept this thing called koinonia.
True fellowship does not end on Sunday no more than a marriage is recognized only when deemed convenient.
Another Biblical reference for koinonia;
Acts 2:46
Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart,
Most of us have rarely seen the inside of a fellow church member's house.
We are far far away from true Christian fellowship. Yes we are, no doubt about it.
Because I am connected to Christ and you are also connected to Christ our interpersonal interaction will therefore create koinonia. However there are some prerequisites that need to be fulfilled.
Harmony is a main ingredient of koinonia. Harmony is a by product of agreement, when there is agreement for the most part we have harmony. We must be of one heart and one mind. There is no disagreement within the GODHEAD, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. That is what the scripture means when it says the LORD our GOD is One.
Mark 12:29
Jesus answered, "The foremost is, 'HEAR, O ISRAEL! THE LORD OUR GOD IS ONE LORD
Many religions have taken that verse to mean that there is no trinty , they are in error.
Here are the attributes of Jesus prior to coming here to die for us;
Phil 2:6
Who, although being essentially one with God and in the form of God [possessing the fullness of the attributes which make God God], did not think this equality with God was a thing to be eagerly grasped or retained,
Phil 2:7
But stripped Himself [of all privileges and rightful dignity], so as to assume the guise of a servant (slave), in that He became like men and was born a human being.
Phil 2:8
And after He had appeared in human form, He abased and humbled Himself [still further] and carried His obedience to the extreme of death, even the death of the cross!
Do you see this???? GOD gave up everything that made HIM GOD to come here and help us..., so Who was left in Control????? God the Father, that's who...
And when the work of the cross was completed and Jesus when back home He sent GOD again in the person of the Holy Spirit.
Well, if we do the math that's three, FATHER,SON AND HOLY SPIRIT.
John 15:26
But when the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Advocate, Intercessor, Strengthener, Standby) comes, Whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of Truth Who comes (proceeds) from the Father, He [Himself] will testify regarding Me.
When we are in agreement we are at best fulfilling who we are in CHRIST. This is Koinonia Saints.
Let's look at what happens when we come together in harmony because we agree.
Matt 18:19
Again I tell you, if two of you on earth agree (harmonize together, make a symphony together) about whatever [anything and everything] they may ask, it will come to pass and be done for them by My Father in heaven.
Matt 18:20
For wherever two or three are gathered (drawn together as My followers) in (into) My name, there I AM in the midst of them
Do you want GOD to hang out in your church and enjoy the richness of HIS grace the environment for true koinonia...., well the above scriptures provides the recipe. And what shall we agree about... the full adherence to the Holy Word of GOD.... It does not start and end on Sunday people.
In conclusion of the lesson, the message is simple the goal is clearly defined and the objective is not beyond our reach:
Eph 4:3
Be eager and strive earnestly to guard and keep the harmony and oneness of [and produced by] the Spirit in the binding power of peace.
Eph 4:4
[There is] one body and one Spirit--just as there is also one hope [that belongs] to the calling you received--
Eph 4:5
[There is] one Lord, one faith, one baptism,
Eph 4:6
One God and Father of [us] all, Who is above all [Sovereign over all], pervading all and [living] in [us] all.
Generally speaking here is how a service transpires. We have praise and worship, then offerings , then a selection from the Choir, perhaps weekly announcements and then the sermon.
After the sermon is completed we have an altar call for salvation, joining the church and to be filled with the Holy Spirit. But essentially after the altar call everyone goes home until next Sunday when the process is repeated.
We call going to church being in fellowship and missing church being out of fellowship.
I would like to present what the Bible calls fellowship. What GOD says about how we interact as the family of GOD supersedes any traditions or customs that are essentially man made.
The word for fellowship in the Holy Bible is the Greek word Koinonia.
Here is the definition provided by Wikipedia;
The essential meaning of the koinonia embraces concepts conveyed in the English terms community, communion, joint participation, sharing and intimacy. Koinonia can therefore refer in some contexts to a jointly contributed gift.[ This union is also experienced in practical daily life. The same bonds that link the individual to Jesus also link him or her with other faithful
Note the Biblical example of koinonia:
Acts 4:32
Now the company of believers was of one heart and soul, and not one of them claimed that anything which he possessed was [exclusively] his own, but everything they had was in common and for the use of all.
Acts 4:34
Nor was there a destitute or needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses proceeded to sell them, and one by one they brought (gave back) the amount received from the sales
Acts 4:35
And laid it at the feet of the apostles (special messengers). Then distribution was made according as anyone had need.
After reading this text we should be able to clearly see how far we have fallen away from true fellowship from true koinonia.
Can you imagine a church were everyone gave so liberally and laid the money in the hands of Christian leadership. And the distribution of the funds went to the needs of the people!!!!!!
Sounds like an abstract concept this thing called koinonia.
True fellowship does not end on Sunday no more than a marriage is recognized only when deemed convenient.
Another Biblical reference for koinonia;
Acts 2:46
Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart,
Most of us have rarely seen the inside of a fellow church member's house.
We are far far away from true Christian fellowship. Yes we are, no doubt about it.
Because I am connected to Christ and you are also connected to Christ our interpersonal interaction will therefore create koinonia. However there are some prerequisites that need to be fulfilled.
Harmony is a main ingredient of koinonia. Harmony is a by product of agreement, when there is agreement for the most part we have harmony. We must be of one heart and one mind. There is no disagreement within the GODHEAD, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. That is what the scripture means when it says the LORD our GOD is One.
Mark 12:29
Jesus answered, "The foremost is, 'HEAR, O ISRAEL! THE LORD OUR GOD IS ONE LORD
Many religions have taken that verse to mean that there is no trinty , they are in error.
Here are the attributes of Jesus prior to coming here to die for us;
Phil 2:6
Who, although being essentially one with God and in the form of God [possessing the fullness of the attributes which make God God], did not think this equality with God was a thing to be eagerly grasped or retained,
Phil 2:7
But stripped Himself [of all privileges and rightful dignity], so as to assume the guise of a servant (slave), in that He became like men and was born a human being.
Phil 2:8
And after He had appeared in human form, He abased and humbled Himself [still further] and carried His obedience to the extreme of death, even the death of the cross!
Do you see this???? GOD gave up everything that made HIM GOD to come here and help us..., so Who was left in Control????? God the Father, that's who...
And when the work of the cross was completed and Jesus when back home He sent GOD again in the person of the Holy Spirit.
Well, if we do the math that's three, FATHER,SON AND HOLY SPIRIT.
John 15:26
But when the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Advocate, Intercessor, Strengthener, Standby) comes, Whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of Truth Who comes (proceeds) from the Father, He [Himself] will testify regarding Me.
When we are in agreement we are at best fulfilling who we are in CHRIST. This is Koinonia Saints.
Let's look at what happens when we come together in harmony because we agree.
Matt 18:19
Again I tell you, if two of you on earth agree (harmonize together, make a symphony together) about whatever [anything and everything] they may ask, it will come to pass and be done for them by My Father in heaven.
Matt 18:20
For wherever two or three are gathered (drawn together as My followers) in (into) My name, there I AM in the midst of them
Do you want GOD to hang out in your church and enjoy the richness of HIS grace the environment for true koinonia...., well the above scriptures provides the recipe. And what shall we agree about... the full adherence to the Holy Word of GOD.... It does not start and end on Sunday people.
In conclusion of the lesson, the message is simple the goal is clearly defined and the objective is not beyond our reach:
Eph 4:3
Be eager and strive earnestly to guard and keep the harmony and oneness of [and produced by] the Spirit in the binding power of peace.
Eph 4:4
[There is] one body and one Spirit--just as there is also one hope [that belongs] to the calling you received--
Eph 4:5
[There is] one Lord, one faith, one baptism,
Eph 4:6
One God and Father of [us] all, Who is above all [Sovereign over all], pervading all and [living] in [us] all.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Are you a growing Christian
I have been saved now for 25 years. Yes I have had set backs but here I am 25 years later still proclaiming the Glory of GOD . I would hope that I have matured during this 25 year period. The Bible says solid food belongs to the mature to those Christians who have developed to the point that they possess the ability to discern between that which is good from that which is evil.
I hope by now I am now being nourished by solid food and not still on milk.
Heb 5:14
But solid food is for full-grown men, for those whose senses and mental faculties are trained by practice to discriminate and distinguish between what is morally good and noble and what is evil and contrary either to divine or human law.
Our senses and faculties have to be trained???? You mean it is not automatic? I can understand that since there is so much deception in the world how can you know the truth from a lie. I can logically go on to say it is the applying of the Word of GOD through knowing and studying GOD's WORD that provides the ability to discern evil from good, right from wrong. The Word of GOD reveals the very motives of men's hearts. It should not surprise us then that we are able to discern men's hearts as well when the Word lives in us through constant application and study.
Heb 4:12
For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart.
A Christian full of the Word can read your mail ...LOL
As a young Christian I was blessed with a huge appetite for the Word of GOD. I remember being so hungry for the Word I would go into the mensroom at work just so I could get a few minutes of reading time in the Bible .
All babies have a huge appetite for milk no matter if you are a baby in Christ or a baby human or otherwise. in fact if a baby does not crave milk continuously he would need medical attention.
1 Pet 2:2
Like newborn babies you should crave (thirst for, earnestly desire) the pure (unadulterated) spiritual milk, that by it you may be nurtured and grow unto [completed] salvation,
I hope you noticed that reading the Word is necessary for completed salvation. In fact if you never really craved the Bible chances are you may not even be saved you may not be born again.
1 Pet 1:23
for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God.
James 1:21
Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.
Going to church and listening to the Word once a week is like a baby drinking milk once a week . The chances of a new born baby surviving an entire week without milk is very very remote. That baby will die if it does not receive nourishment. And likewise a newly born again child of GOD can not survive either without being nourished through a constant intake of the Word of GOD.
Trust me saying the so called sinners prayer in an emotional moment just will not do it.
I remember going to a particular church and participating in a men's bible study class. The minister asked me where had I attended Seminary, because of my knowledge of the Word.
I said, well sir I never attended seminary I just read the Bible.
I do not know if the structure of Today's church is really what GOD intended. I do not see a lot of fellowship during a service. We do have the occasional every go around hug everybody and tell them you love them.....LOL... Are we really supposed to just go sit down listen to the choir listen to the Pastor and just go home until next week????
Acts 2:46
Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart
If you are an avid Bible reader that not only reads but reads with understanding and comprehension there is a price to pay. Because the Bible is Holy and the Word operates supernaturally in our lives, reading the Bible causes reaction in the Spirit World.
What kind of reactions????
Matt 13:21
Yet it has no real root in him, but is temporary (inconstant, lasts but a little while); and when affliction or trouble or persecution comes on account of the Word, at once he is caused to stumble [he is repelled and begins to distrust and desert Him Whom he ought to trust and obey] and he falls away.
On account of the Word you will face affliction
Defined as :
a state of great suffering and distress due to adversity
a condition of suffering or distress due to ill health
On account of the Word you will face trouble:
Defined as;
an event causing distress or pain; "what is the trouble?"; "heart trouble"
a source of difficulty;
On account of the Word you will face persecution.
Defined as
abuse, ill-treatment, ill-usage, maltreatment - cruel or inhumane treatment; "
ummmmhummmmmm seems like to me those who do grow into completed salvation have to endure quite a journey. Seems to me living right for Jesus may cause all types of misfortune.
So if you are suffering it may be because you are doing everything RIGHT.
2 Cor 12:9
And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
2 Cor 12:10
Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.
Mark 13:13
And you will be hated and detested by everybody for My name's sake, but he who patiently perseveres and endures to the end will be saved (made a partaker of the salvation by Christ, and delivered from spiritual death).
One comment I have heard numerous times is something like this...ahhhhhh yeah you know the Word but do you DO the Word. LOL.., listen if you are not a doer of the Word our LORD will not continue the teach you HIS World. That is why we see so many immature Christians still on milk , why because they have yet to do the things they already KNOW to do.
Heb 5:12
For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food.
The Lord Jesus said my food is to DO the will of MY Father. Yes real nourishment is not in simply the knowing but more importantly after you know what to do then you also do the Word of GOD.
John 4:34
Jesus *said to them, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to accomplish His work
After you grow up in GOD and have reached a place of maturity in Christ you can then be used of GOD to accomplish HIS work. We are NOT to be stagnant if we are , then we suffer from spiritual malnutrition.
John 6:27
"Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you, for on Him the Father, God, has set His seal."
Being a saint is a blessed journey and it gets increasingly more exciting as we grow into our full maturity in HIM. I pray we all seek grave after and passionately perform His will in word and deed.... To God Be the Glory!!!!!
Eph 4:14
As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming;
Eph 4:15
but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ,
Eph 4:16
from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.
I hope by now I am now being nourished by solid food and not still on milk.
Heb 5:14
But solid food is for full-grown men, for those whose senses and mental faculties are trained by practice to discriminate and distinguish between what is morally good and noble and what is evil and contrary either to divine or human law.
Our senses and faculties have to be trained???? You mean it is not automatic? I can understand that since there is so much deception in the world how can you know the truth from a lie. I can logically go on to say it is the applying of the Word of GOD through knowing and studying GOD's WORD that provides the ability to discern evil from good, right from wrong. The Word of GOD reveals the very motives of men's hearts. It should not surprise us then that we are able to discern men's hearts as well when the Word lives in us through constant application and study.
Heb 4:12
For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart.
A Christian full of the Word can read your mail ...LOL
As a young Christian I was blessed with a huge appetite for the Word of GOD. I remember being so hungry for the Word I would go into the mensroom at work just so I could get a few minutes of reading time in the Bible .
All babies have a huge appetite for milk no matter if you are a baby in Christ or a baby human or otherwise. in fact if a baby does not crave milk continuously he would need medical attention.
1 Pet 2:2
Like newborn babies you should crave (thirst for, earnestly desire) the pure (unadulterated) spiritual milk, that by it you may be nurtured and grow unto [completed] salvation,
I hope you noticed that reading the Word is necessary for completed salvation. In fact if you never really craved the Bible chances are you may not even be saved you may not be born again.
1 Pet 1:23
for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God.
James 1:21
Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.
Going to church and listening to the Word once a week is like a baby drinking milk once a week . The chances of a new born baby surviving an entire week without milk is very very remote. That baby will die if it does not receive nourishment. And likewise a newly born again child of GOD can not survive either without being nourished through a constant intake of the Word of GOD.
Trust me saying the so called sinners prayer in an emotional moment just will not do it.
I remember going to a particular church and participating in a men's bible study class. The minister asked me where had I attended Seminary, because of my knowledge of the Word.
I said, well sir I never attended seminary I just read the Bible.
I do not know if the structure of Today's church is really what GOD intended. I do not see a lot of fellowship during a service. We do have the occasional every go around hug everybody and tell them you love them.....LOL... Are we really supposed to just go sit down listen to the choir listen to the Pastor and just go home until next week????
Acts 2:46
Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart
Day by Day continuing...and sounds like they enjoyed it..NOT forced ...Wow, ok I guess that's another topic for another time. .
OK BACK TO THE CURRENT SUBJECT...LOL
If you are an avid Bible reader that not only reads but reads with understanding and comprehension there is a price to pay. Because the Bible is Holy and the Word operates supernaturally in our lives, reading the Bible causes reaction in the Spirit World.
What kind of reactions????
Matt 13:21
Yet it has no real root in him, but is temporary (inconstant, lasts but a little while); and when affliction or trouble or persecution comes on account of the Word, at once he is caused to stumble [he is repelled and begins to distrust and desert Him Whom he ought to trust and obey] and he falls away.
On account of the Word you will face affliction
Defined as :
a state of great suffering and distress due to adversity
a condition of suffering or distress due to ill health
On account of the Word you will face trouble:
Defined as;
an event causing distress or pain; "what is the trouble?"; "heart trouble"
a source of difficulty;
On account of the Word you will face persecution.
Defined as
abuse, ill-treatment, ill-usage, maltreatment - cruel or inhumane treatment; "
ummmmhummmmmm seems like to me those who do grow into completed salvation have to endure quite a journey. Seems to me living right for Jesus may cause all types of misfortune.
So if you are suffering it may be because you are doing everything RIGHT.
2 Cor 12:9
And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
2 Cor 12:10
Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.
Mark 13:13
And you will be hated and detested by everybody for My name's sake, but he who patiently perseveres and endures to the end will be saved (made a partaker of the salvation by Christ, and delivered from spiritual death).
One comment I have heard numerous times is something like this...ahhhhhh yeah you know the Word but do you DO the Word. LOL.., listen if you are not a doer of the Word our LORD will not continue the teach you HIS World. That is why we see so many immature Christians still on milk , why because they have yet to do the things they already KNOW to do.
Heb 5:12
For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food.
The Lord Jesus said my food is to DO the will of MY Father. Yes real nourishment is not in simply the knowing but more importantly after you know what to do then you also do the Word of GOD.
John 4:34
Jesus *said to them, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to accomplish His work
After you grow up in GOD and have reached a place of maturity in Christ you can then be used of GOD to accomplish HIS work. We are NOT to be stagnant if we are , then we suffer from spiritual malnutrition.
John 6:27
"Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you, for on Him the Father, God, has set His seal."
Being a saint is a blessed journey and it gets increasingly more exciting as we grow into our full maturity in HIM. I pray we all seek grave after and passionately perform His will in word and deed.... To God Be the Glory!!!!!
Eph 4:14
As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming;
Eph 4:15
but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ,
Eph 4:16
from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Is the Coming of Christ Near? Continued
I have a few more things I want to say about the Lord Jesus's second coming. Before the taking away of HIS Church, (I will define the church as the elect of GOd), we will be in the midst of great distress so terrible that the only reason everyone is not destroyed is because GOD still has His people in the earth.
Matt 24:22
"Unless those days had been cut short, no life would have been saved; but for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short.
Clearly we live in difficult times however we must admit, times are yet to be so terrible that all are barely hanging on to life itself. But as mentioned in the previous lesson the storm clouds are indeed gathering.
The trouble pending will be triggered by an event described in Matt 24:15
Matt 24:15
"Therefore when you see the ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand)
Let the reader understand that the worst of the worst of times has begun. If you do a little studying of the ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION , you will find out that this represents an offense that GOD will not allow. The offense is an appalling sacrilege.
Here is a definition for clarity :
gross irreverence toward a hallowed person, place, or thing — sac·ri·le·gious \ËŒsa-krÉ™-ˈli-jÉ™s also -ˈlÄ“-\ adjective — sac·ri·le·gious·ly adverb — sac·ri·le·gious·ness noun
Today there is an increasing trend to ignore GOD's laws. But the time will come when GOD is so disrespected that HE will move to immediate judgement. GOD's judgement will bring desolation!!!
When I hear it being said that Jesus can come at any moment. I do not agree because things simply are not that bad yet. Having our 401ks in trouble is not enough for Jesus to come back.
Hey a little humor is good medicine... LOL..
Jokes aside, let's see how abomination is defined as well.
That which is abominable; anything hateful, wicked, or shamefully vile; an object or state that excites disgust and hatred; a hateful or shameful vice; pollution.
As scripture records , the ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION, will occur in the HOLY PLACE. The Holy Place is the temple of GOD. And when the Antichrist declares Himself as GOD... , go run for cover!!!!!!!
2 Thess 2:1
Now we request you, brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him,
2 Thess 2:2
that you not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit or a message or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come.
2 Thess 2:3
Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction,
2 Thess 2:4
who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God
Now you know what to look for as a revealing sign of the pending yet soon coming of CHRIST.
Matt 16:2
He replied to them, When it is evening you say, It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,
Matt 16:3
And in the morning, It will be stormy today, for the sky is red and has a gloomy and threatening look. You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times.
In the in between time, in the meantime walk with Jesus because, although Jesus may not return immediately , He may call us as an individual, at anytime to give an account of what we have done with our lives.
If I am still alive in the earth when this day arrives , It will be the most glorious of all days. It will truly be the Day that the LORD was made and I will rejoice and be glad in it.
Matt 24:31
"And He will send forth His angels with A GREAT TRUMPET and THEY WILL GATHER TOGETHER His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other.
Matt 24:22
"Unless those days had been cut short, no life would have been saved; but for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short.
Clearly we live in difficult times however we must admit, times are yet to be so terrible that all are barely hanging on to life itself. But as mentioned in the previous lesson the storm clouds are indeed gathering.
The trouble pending will be triggered by an event described in Matt 24:15
Matt 24:15
"Therefore when you see the ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand)
Let the reader understand that the worst of the worst of times has begun. If you do a little studying of the ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION , you will find out that this represents an offense that GOD will not allow. The offense is an appalling sacrilege.
Here is a definition for clarity :
gross irreverence toward a hallowed person, place, or thing — sac·ri·le·gious \ËŒsa-krÉ™-ˈli-jÉ™s also -ˈlÄ“-\ adjective — sac·ri·le·gious·ly adverb — sac·ri·le·gious·ness noun
Today there is an increasing trend to ignore GOD's laws. But the time will come when GOD is so disrespected that HE will move to immediate judgement. GOD's judgement will bring desolation!!!
When I hear it being said that Jesus can come at any moment. I do not agree because things simply are not that bad yet. Having our 401ks in trouble is not enough for Jesus to come back.
Hey a little humor is good medicine... LOL..
Jokes aside, let's see how abomination is defined as well.
That which is abominable; anything hateful, wicked, or shamefully vile; an object or state that excites disgust and hatred; a hateful or shameful vice; pollution.
As scripture records , the ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION, will occur in the HOLY PLACE. The Holy Place is the temple of GOD. And when the Antichrist declares Himself as GOD... , go run for cover!!!!!!!
2 Thess 2:1
Now we request you, brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him,
2 Thess 2:2
that you not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit or a message or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come.
2 Thess 2:3
Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction,
2 Thess 2:4
who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God
Now you know what to look for as a revealing sign of the pending yet soon coming of CHRIST.
Matt 16:2
He replied to them, When it is evening you say, It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,
Matt 16:3
And in the morning, It will be stormy today, for the sky is red and has a gloomy and threatening look. You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times.
In the in between time, in the meantime walk with Jesus because, although Jesus may not return immediately , He may call us as an individual, at anytime to give an account of what we have done with our lives.
If I am still alive in the earth when this day arrives , It will be the most glorious of all days. It will truly be the Day that the LORD was made and I will rejoice and be glad in it.
Matt 24:31
"And He will send forth His angels with A GREAT TRUMPET and THEY WILL GATHER TOGETHER His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Is the Coming of Christ Near?
Will you be surprised?????
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=8453823555097403930&q=source%3A014720761827513451988&hl=en
From the time Jesus ascended into the heavens His return has been anxiously anticipated.
Acts 1:9
And after He had said these things, He was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud received Him out of their sight.
Acts 1:10
And as they were gazing intently into the sky while He was going, behold, two men in white clothing stood beside them.
Acts 1:11
They also said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven."
What stands out to me in scripture are the words ..will come in just the same way... Jesus is coming again. If you are in agreement with the Bible then the next question is obviously when will Jesus return.
Matt 24:27
"For just as the lightning comes from the east and flashes even to the west, so will the coming of the Son of Man be.
The Bible does not give a date of the Lord's return but the Word of God does explain a great deal about the conditions of His return and The Bible does describe to us what it will be like.
It would be a fast as lightning if lightning strikes in the east we can immediately see it looking from the west. It will be as fast as lightning or we can saw it will be instantaneous. If you are not ready when He comes When He does come you will not have time to get ready. Like the kids use to say while playing hide and seek, ready or not here I come. The difference here is that this is not a game and there will be nowhere to hide.
Depending on your status with Jesus at the time of HIS coming, there will be either great joy or great fear.
Matt 24:30
Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn and beat their breasts and lament in anguish, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory [in brilliancy and splendor].
What is your current status with Jesus is everything alright between the two of you? Are you trusting in Him are you relying on Jesus are you clinging to our Saviour?
John 3:16
For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life.
Now if everything is all good with the Lord His return will bring about the greatest joy that we have ever ever known. And we should not be taken at by surprise if we have been watchful. The surprise is for the enemies of the cross.
1 Thess 5:2
For you yourselves know perfectly well that the day of the [return of the] Lord will come [as unexpectedly and suddenly] as a thief in the night.
1 Thess 5:3
When people are saying, All is well and secure, and, There is peace and safety, then in a moment unforeseen destruction (ruin and death) will come upon them as suddenly as labor pains come upon a woman with child; and they shall by no means escape, for there will be no escape.
1 Thess 5:4
But you are not in [given up to the power of] darkness, brethren, for that day to overtake you by surprise like a thief.
1 Thess 5:5
For you are all sons of light and sons of the day; we do not belong either to the night or to darkness.
1 Thess 5:6
Accordingly then, let us not sleep, as the rest do, but let us keep wide awake (alert, watchful, cautious, and on our guard) and let us be sober (calm, collected, and circumspect).
The Lord's coming contrary to popular opinion will NOT be a surprise to us. We both read it clearly from the inerrant Holy indisputable Word of the Living GOD. Sounds like to me we can put that in the bank well maybe not in the bank considering today's economy maybe in a mattress...LOL...
Amos 3:7
Surely the Lord God will do nothing without revealing His secret to His servants the prophets.
Now if you believe like I believe that the Lord does indeed have prophets in the earth logic would suggest there will be some revelation regarding the coming of Christ since the Word of God says specifically He will not do anything unless it is revealed to His prophets. Who are His prophets well we will have to reference my study titled ..Ministry Proofs, or you can do a little research on your own for the answer, which I highly suggest.
Is the Lord coming soon??????? soon is a relative term, to the Lord a thousand years is as a day and a day as a thousand years. I like to think of this explanation about time to mean that time is not a constraint to GOD. And for that very reason I like to look at the conditions surrounding the Lord's return. Here are a few conditions;
2 Tim 3:1
BUT UNDERSTAND this, that in the last days will come (set in) perilous times of great stress and trouble [hard to deal with and hard to bear.
2 Pet 3:3
To begin with, you must know and understand this, that scoffers (mockers) will come in the last days with scoffing, [people who] walk after their own fleshly desires
Matt 24:15
So when you see the appalling sacrilege [the abomination that astonishes and makes desolate], spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the Holy Place--let the reader take notice and ponder and consider and heed this.
There may be yet time left since all the condition are yet to be met But I will say the storm clouds are gathering. Let us be clear minded about our current state, let us not delude ourselves into thinking things will proceed as normal. Because things are NOT going to proceed as normal , the days are getting darker and darker as sin multiplies itself in our world.
Luke 17:26
"And just as it happened in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man:
Luke 17:27
they were eating, they were drinking, they were marrying, they were being given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all.
Prov 29:1
A man who hardens his neck after much reproof Will suddenly be broken beyond remedy.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=8453823555097403930&q=source%3A014720761827513451988&hl=en
From the time Jesus ascended into the heavens His return has been anxiously anticipated.
Acts 1:9
And after He had said these things, He was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud received Him out of their sight.
Acts 1:10
And as they were gazing intently into the sky while He was going, behold, two men in white clothing stood beside them.
Acts 1:11
They also said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven."
What stands out to me in scripture are the words ..will come in just the same way... Jesus is coming again. If you are in agreement with the Bible then the next question is obviously when will Jesus return.
Matt 24:27
"For just as the lightning comes from the east and flashes even to the west, so will the coming of the Son of Man be.
The Bible does not give a date of the Lord's return but the Word of God does explain a great deal about the conditions of His return and The Bible does describe to us what it will be like.
It would be a fast as lightning if lightning strikes in the east we can immediately see it looking from the west. It will be as fast as lightning or we can saw it will be instantaneous. If you are not ready when He comes When He does come you will not have time to get ready. Like the kids use to say while playing hide and seek, ready or not here I come. The difference here is that this is not a game and there will be nowhere to hide.
Depending on your status with Jesus at the time of HIS coming, there will be either great joy or great fear.
Matt 24:30
Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn and beat their breasts and lament in anguish, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory [in brilliancy and splendor].
What is your current status with Jesus is everything alright between the two of you? Are you trusting in Him are you relying on Jesus are you clinging to our Saviour?
John 3:16
For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life.
Now if everything is all good with the Lord His return will bring about the greatest joy that we have ever ever known. And we should not be taken at by surprise if we have been watchful. The surprise is for the enemies of the cross.
1 Thess 5:2
For you yourselves know perfectly well that the day of the [return of the] Lord will come [as unexpectedly and suddenly] as a thief in the night.
1 Thess 5:3
When people are saying, All is well and secure, and, There is peace and safety, then in a moment unforeseen destruction (ruin and death) will come upon them as suddenly as labor pains come upon a woman with child; and they shall by no means escape, for there will be no escape.
1 Thess 5:4
But you are not in [given up to the power of] darkness, brethren, for that day to overtake you by surprise like a thief.
1 Thess 5:5
For you are all sons of light and sons of the day; we do not belong either to the night or to darkness.
1 Thess 5:6
Accordingly then, let us not sleep, as the rest do, but let us keep wide awake (alert, watchful, cautious, and on our guard) and let us be sober (calm, collected, and circumspect).
The Lord's coming contrary to popular opinion will NOT be a surprise to us. We both read it clearly from the inerrant Holy indisputable Word of the Living GOD. Sounds like to me we can put that in the bank well maybe not in the bank considering today's economy maybe in a mattress...LOL...
Amos 3:7
Surely the Lord God will do nothing without revealing His secret to His servants the prophets.
Now if you believe like I believe that the Lord does indeed have prophets in the earth logic would suggest there will be some revelation regarding the coming of Christ since the Word of God says specifically He will not do anything unless it is revealed to His prophets. Who are His prophets well we will have to reference my study titled ..Ministry Proofs, or you can do a little research on your own for the answer, which I highly suggest.
Is the Lord coming soon??????? soon is a relative term, to the Lord a thousand years is as a day and a day as a thousand years. I like to think of this explanation about time to mean that time is not a constraint to GOD. And for that very reason I like to look at the conditions surrounding the Lord's return. Here are a few conditions;
2 Tim 3:1
BUT UNDERSTAND this, that in the last days will come (set in) perilous times of great stress and trouble [hard to deal with and hard to bear.
2 Pet 3:3
To begin with, you must know and understand this, that scoffers (mockers) will come in the last days with scoffing, [people who] walk after their own fleshly desires
Matt 24:15
So when you see the appalling sacrilege [the abomination that astonishes and makes desolate], spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the Holy Place--let the reader take notice and ponder and consider and heed this.
There may be yet time left since all the condition are yet to be met But I will say the storm clouds are gathering. Let us be clear minded about our current state, let us not delude ourselves into thinking things will proceed as normal. Because things are NOT going to proceed as normal , the days are getting darker and darker as sin multiplies itself in our world.
Luke 17:26
"And just as it happened in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man:
Luke 17:27
they were eating, they were drinking, they were marrying, they were being given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all.
Prov 29:1
A man who hardens his neck after much reproof Will suddenly be broken beyond remedy.
Friday, May 1, 2009
The Truth About Homosexuality
I decided I really did not want to sidestep any controversial subjects. Homosexuality has become a topic of huge debate in the World. I wanted to debunk some of the uncertainly that may exist in the minds of Christians with regard to sexual orientation.. Is there any acceptable premise for the homosexual lifestyle? And why would I use a word like DEBUNK;
de·bunker n.: One can readily see that debunk is constructed from the prefix de-, meaning "to remove," and the word bunk., denoting the nonsense that is to be removed?
Here it is I am debunking any faulty reasoning concerning this subject through and with the use of Bible doctrine.
For those of us who are saved and obey the Word of GOD there should be NO DEBATE. The controversy is simple, Is the homosexual lifestyle sinful. ...Ahhhh here is the short answer..YES IT IS SINFUL.
I have been shocked by the acceptance of secular reasoning on the subject by some people within the church. And even more shocked at what most people deem to be the right stand for a Christian dealing with this taboo issue. Here is an example I had personally with a close associate of whom I thought I knew about their views since they grew up in the church. ;
I was recently in conversation with a young lady who confessed Jesus as her savior ,through our dialogue she said homosexuals often do not have a choice.. It's a gene of some type. And therefore saying their behavior is wrong would not be fair since they have no choice. We should not judge them for who they are because GOD made then that way.???
Seems to be a good argument right???, It's sort of scientific , perhaps ... I am not going to debate the conclusion drawn in this case partly because no one is here to represent the other point of view. However there is a perspective I can represent, and this opinion is NOT my own, It is from the Holy Bible. Take a look at these Bible verses, and decide for yourself
Rom 1:26 For this reason God gave them over and abandoned them to vile affections and degrading passions. For their women exchanged their natural function for an unnatural and abnormal one,
Rom 1:27 And the men also turned from natural relations with women and were set ablaze (burning out, consumed) with lust for one another--men committing shameful acts with men and suffering in their own bodies and personalities the inevitable consequences and penalty of their wrong-doing and going astray, which was [their] fitting retribution
Is that clear enough for you? It says here GOD gave them over .. Well is does say that right, We are reading the same text. No interpretation needed it says what it says. Notice the Bible calls this behavior shameful and wrong doing. If you do not believe the Holy Bible is one hundred percent absolutely true then maybe you can justify and opposing viewpoint. In my mind and heart I pronounce to anyone reading this Bible Study that I indeed believe , trust and relay fully on the complete accuracy of the WORD of the living Bible.
Ok, with that established ...Why would God give them over to this behavior, especially since He declares it to be a most shameful act.!!! Before we move ahead, I have to say it is very interesting to me that the behavior has a two fold effect. It defiles the body and the personality. But, this is the reason GOD gave them over to the SIN of homosexuality. They had given up on GOD, rejected God, decided to turn their backs on GOD. How long do you think God will put up with rebellion. If I were you I would not put HIM to the test.
Rom 1:20
For ever since the creation of the world His invisible nature and attributes, that is, His eternal power and divinity, have been made intelligible and clearly discernible in and through the things that have been made (His handiworks). So [men] are without excuse [altogether without any defense or justification],
Rom 1:21
Because when they knew and recognized Him as God, they did not honor and glorify Him as God or give Him thanks. But instead they became futile and godless in their thinking [with vain imaginings, foolish reasoning, and stupid speculations] and their senseless minds were darkened.
Rom 1:22
Claiming to be wise, they became fools [professing to be smart, they made simpletons of themselves].
Remember Lot? and Sodom and Gomorrah, yes this historical evidence as recorded in the Bible illustrates the magnitude of GODS indignation with the practice of homosexuality.
Wow, that must of been some gene pool, two entire cities were destroyed. Would you say that GOD was not being fair??? These people had no choice????
Gen 19:24Then the Lord rained on Sodom and on Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the Lord out of the heavens.Gen 19:25He overthrew, destroyed, and ended those cities, and all the valley and all the inhabitants of the cities, and what grew on the ground.
My conclusion would be that our LORD can only take so much of sin, no matter the cause. Just as a quick review here are some relationship basics:
Lev 20:11'If there is a man who lies with his father's wife, he has uncovered his father's nakedness; both of them shall surely be put to death, their bloodguiltiness is upon them.
15Lev 20:12'If there is a man who lies with his daughter-in-law, both of them shall surely be put to death; they have committed incest, their bloodguiltiness is upon them.16Lev 20:13'If there is a man who lies with a male as those who lie with a woman, both of them have committed a detestable act; they shall surely be put to death. Their bloodguiltiness is upon them.
17Lev 20:15'If there is a man who lies with an animal, he shall surely be put to death; you shall also kill the animal.
18Lev 20:18'If there is a man who lies with a menstruous woman and uncovers her nakedness, he has laid bare her flow, and she has exposed the flow of her blood; thus both of them shall be cut off from among their people.
19Lev 20:20'If there is a man who lies with his uncle's wife he has uncovered his uncle's nakedness; they will bear their sin. They will die childless.
Sexuality 101 from the Word of the Living God. Notice that for every act there are corresponding consequences.
Here is one more scripture to spell this out to you as clearly as possible.
1 Cor 6:9Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals,
I have often cringed at this common modern day Christian cliche'.. goes something like this hate the sin and love the sinner... No I do not think this is our position. I see no difference between the sin and the sinner. .. But what about the verse that says love those who do you wrong????
Love is a verb in this case, not a noun, it means show acts of kindness to those who do you wrong. Why are we showing acts of kindness , in order to leave open the path for our LORD to deal with the issue.
Rom 12:20"BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM, AND IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD."
Whats up with the burning coals????? Its means Judgement. We are not to exact retribution , the Battle is the LORDs.
Matt 23:32
Fill up, then, the measure of your fathers' sins to the brim [so that nothing may be wanting to a full measure].
Matt 23:33
You serpents! You spawn of vipers! How can you escape the penalty to be suffered in hell (Gehenna)?
Hold on a second Jesus.., whats up with the hate...I thought we were supposed to love everybody..... these Bible verses from the Holy Bible seem to be in conflict with what I have been taught by today's preachers. And all this time I was thinking GOD loves everybody.
Guess He does have some standards and those must be honored . If you are a homosexuality you are in sin. If you have not called your behavior sin, then you are in error and have set yourself up against the Laws of GOD, and the Laws of GOD they supersede the laws of man. \
Acts 2:38
Peter said to them, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
de·bunker n.: One can readily see that debunk is constructed from the prefix de-, meaning "to remove," and the word bunk., denoting the nonsense that is to be removed?
Here it is I am debunking any faulty reasoning concerning this subject through and with the use of Bible doctrine.
For those of us who are saved and obey the Word of GOD there should be NO DEBATE. The controversy is simple, Is the homosexual lifestyle sinful. ...Ahhhh here is the short answer..YES IT IS SINFUL.
I have been shocked by the acceptance of secular reasoning on the subject by some people within the church. And even more shocked at what most people deem to be the right stand for a Christian dealing with this taboo issue. Here is an example I had personally with a close associate of whom I thought I knew about their views since they grew up in the church. ;
I was recently in conversation with a young lady who confessed Jesus as her savior ,through our dialogue she said homosexuals often do not have a choice.. It's a gene of some type. And therefore saying their behavior is wrong would not be fair since they have no choice. We should not judge them for who they are because GOD made then that way.???
Seems to be a good argument right???, It's sort of scientific , perhaps ... I am not going to debate the conclusion drawn in this case partly because no one is here to represent the other point of view. However there is a perspective I can represent, and this opinion is NOT my own, It is from the Holy Bible. Take a look at these Bible verses, and decide for yourself
Rom 1:26 For this reason God gave them over and abandoned them to vile affections and degrading passions. For their women exchanged their natural function for an unnatural and abnormal one,
Rom 1:27 And the men also turned from natural relations with women and were set ablaze (burning out, consumed) with lust for one another--men committing shameful acts with men and suffering in their own bodies and personalities the inevitable consequences and penalty of their wrong-doing and going astray, which was [their] fitting retribution
Is that clear enough for you? It says here GOD gave them over .. Well is does say that right, We are reading the same text. No interpretation needed it says what it says. Notice the Bible calls this behavior shameful and wrong doing. If you do not believe the Holy Bible is one hundred percent absolutely true then maybe you can justify and opposing viewpoint. In my mind and heart I pronounce to anyone reading this Bible Study that I indeed believe , trust and relay fully on the complete accuracy of the WORD of the living Bible.
Ok, with that established ...Why would God give them over to this behavior, especially since He declares it to be a most shameful act.!!! Before we move ahead, I have to say it is very interesting to me that the behavior has a two fold effect. It defiles the body and the personality. But, this is the reason GOD gave them over to the SIN of homosexuality. They had given up on GOD, rejected God, decided to turn their backs on GOD. How long do you think God will put up with rebellion. If I were you I would not put HIM to the test.
Rom 1:20
For ever since the creation of the world His invisible nature and attributes, that is, His eternal power and divinity, have been made intelligible and clearly discernible in and through the things that have been made (His handiworks). So [men] are without excuse [altogether without any defense or justification],
Rom 1:21
Because when they knew and recognized Him as God, they did not honor and glorify Him as God or give Him thanks. But instead they became futile and godless in their thinking [with vain imaginings, foolish reasoning, and stupid speculations] and their senseless minds were darkened.
Rom 1:22
Claiming to be wise, they became fools [professing to be smart, they made simpletons of themselves].
Remember Lot? and Sodom and Gomorrah, yes this historical evidence as recorded in the Bible illustrates the magnitude of GODS indignation with the practice of homosexuality.
Wow, that must of been some gene pool, two entire cities were destroyed. Would you say that GOD was not being fair??? These people had no choice????
Gen 19:24Then the Lord rained on Sodom and on Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the Lord out of the heavens.Gen 19:25He overthrew, destroyed, and ended those cities, and all the valley and all the inhabitants of the cities, and what grew on the ground.
My conclusion would be that our LORD can only take so much of sin, no matter the cause. Just as a quick review here are some relationship basics:
Lev 20:11'If there is a man who lies with his father's wife, he has uncovered his father's nakedness; both of them shall surely be put to death, their bloodguiltiness is upon them.
15Lev 20:12'If there is a man who lies with his daughter-in-law, both of them shall surely be put to death; they have committed incest, their bloodguiltiness is upon them.16Lev 20:13'If there is a man who lies with a male as those who lie with a woman, both of them have committed a detestable act; they shall surely be put to death. Their bloodguiltiness is upon them.
17Lev 20:15'If there is a man who lies with an animal, he shall surely be put to death; you shall also kill the animal.
18Lev 20:18'If there is a man who lies with a menstruous woman and uncovers her nakedness, he has laid bare her flow, and she has exposed the flow of her blood; thus both of them shall be cut off from among their people.
19Lev 20:20'If there is a man who lies with his uncle's wife he has uncovered his uncle's nakedness; they will bear their sin. They will die childless.
Sexuality 101 from the Word of the Living God. Notice that for every act there are corresponding consequences.
Here is one more scripture to spell this out to you as clearly as possible.
1 Cor 6:9Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals,
I have often cringed at this common modern day Christian cliche'.. goes something like this hate the sin and love the sinner... No I do not think this is our position. I see no difference between the sin and the sinner. .. But what about the verse that says love those who do you wrong????
Love is a verb in this case, not a noun, it means show acts of kindness to those who do you wrong. Why are we showing acts of kindness , in order to leave open the path for our LORD to deal with the issue.
Rom 12:20"BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM, AND IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD."
Whats up with the burning coals????? Its means Judgement. We are not to exact retribution , the Battle is the LORDs.
Matt 23:32
Fill up, then, the measure of your fathers' sins to the brim [so that nothing may be wanting to a full measure].
Matt 23:33
You serpents! You spawn of vipers! How can you escape the penalty to be suffered in hell (Gehenna)?
Hold on a second Jesus.., whats up with the hate...I thought we were supposed to love everybody..... these Bible verses from the Holy Bible seem to be in conflict with what I have been taught by today's preachers. And all this time I was thinking GOD loves everybody.
Guess He does have some standards and those must be honored . If you are a homosexuality you are in sin. If you have not called your behavior sin, then you are in error and have set yourself up against the Laws of GOD, and the Laws of GOD they supersede the laws of man. \
Acts 2:38
Peter said to them, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Ministry Proofs
A proof is defined as follows: A convincing or persuasive demonstration. With this definition understood I wanted to bring about the discussion regarding Ministry proofs..., The question becomes how is a ministry proven . I find this to be a great topic because a proof can be used to separate truth from error and false from what is real and the counterfeit from what is genuine.
1 John 4:1
BELOVED, DO not put faith in every spirit, but prove (test) the spirits to discover whether they proceed from God; for many false prophets have gone forth into the world.
There are literally thousands of ministries that claim to be servants of GOD. It is big business, the world has seen the church as a cash cow. The Christian's good hearted giving nature is often the merchandise that is coveted after and sold through manipulative schemes from one so-called ministry to another..
Herein lies the necessity to prove these organizations legitimacy through what I might describe as a spiritual litmus test. We must validate or prove those ministries that come into our sphere of influence.
Let us get an example of a Spiritual proof:
John 10:25
Jesus answered them, I have told you so, yet you do not believe Me [you do not trust Me and rely on Me]. The very works that I do by the power of My Father and in My Father's name bear witness concerning Me [they are My credentials and evidence in support of Me].
Jesus gave a convincing or persuasive demonstration of who He was by the miracles He performed among the people.. Jesus did not have a Theology degree or any worldly credentials.. His proof, His Credentials for ministry stood up and became evident in His deeds.
John 7:14
But when it was now the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and began to teach.
John 7:15
The Jews then were astonished, saying, "How has this man become learned, having never been educated?"
Very little has changed today, most people rely on degrees rather than proofs. In many cases a church will not even consider you for a ministry position without a college degree no matter how much evidence is available to them that you have been indeed called by GOD.
No I am not against education. I am against educated men or women who overlook the proof and instead trust in a piece of paper .
Did you realize that based on these standards Jesus Himself would not be able to preach in many churches in America... this indeed is a very disheartening fact.
When we ignore proof , we ignore knowledge and when we ignore knowledge we become vulnerable to deception and error .. Our error can mean separation from GOD.
Mark 3:29
but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin"--
Let me say this , listen if you witness a miracle performed by GOD and you say that is NOT GOD... Ahhh, you have just committed blaspheme..!!!! GOD paid you a visit and you said you are not GOD. ... where else do you go when you do not recognize your only hope for salvation. He came personally to show Himself to you, I am not going to suger coat it for you ...there is nothing else He can do for you now.
Jesus performed His proofs through the agency of the Holy Spirit. And the Holy Spirit today is the only true credential for ministry , Without the Holy Spirit men's hearts are not convicted, without the Holy Spirit no miracles are performed.
That's why Jesus declared signs will follow those who believe, Jesus was saying proofs that they have been sent by me will follow those who believe:
Mark 16:20
And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord kept working with them and confirming the message by the attesting signs and miracles that closely accompanied [it]. Amen (so be it).
Acts 1:8
But you shall receive power (ability, efficiency, and might) when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem and all Judea and Samaria and to the ends (the very bounds) of the earth.
Deny this and you have denied GOD HIMSELF!!!
Rom 8:9
But you are not living the life of the flesh, you are living the life of the Spirit, if the [Holy] Spirit of God [really] dwells within you [directs and controls you]. But if anyone does not possess the [Holy] Spirit of Christ, he is none of His [he does not belong to Christ, is not truly a child of God].
Because the church has been so corrupted and defiled, through the adoption of a wordily value system, appearances have often taken precedent over genuine service to GOD. That is primarily why we see little demonstration of both GOD's power and Authority in church meetings or services. Often we seeor witness a show of Godliness but a denial or absence of the power of GOD in ministry. Let me make it plain its all show and fancy talk with NO PROOF.
2 Tim 3:5
holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; Avoid such men as these.
A true minister coming from GOD will be clear because of what is presented before you in thierservice to GOD. And their presentation will be the Word accompanied by both power and authority.
1 Thess 1:5
for our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.
Mark 1:27
They were all amazed, so that they debated among themselves, saying, "What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him."
Yes servants of GOD come with proof...!!!!
1 John 4:1
BELOVED, DO not put faith in every spirit, but prove (test) the spirits to discover whether they proceed from God; for many false prophets have gone forth into the world.
There are literally thousands of ministries that claim to be servants of GOD. It is big business, the world has seen the church as a cash cow. The Christian's good hearted giving nature is often the merchandise that is coveted after and sold through manipulative schemes from one so-called ministry to another..
Herein lies the necessity to prove these organizations legitimacy through what I might describe as a spiritual litmus test. We must validate or prove those ministries that come into our sphere of influence.
Let us get an example of a Spiritual proof:
John 10:25
Jesus answered them, I have told you so, yet you do not believe Me [you do not trust Me and rely on Me]. The very works that I do by the power of My Father and in My Father's name bear witness concerning Me [they are My credentials and evidence in support of Me].
Jesus gave a convincing or persuasive demonstration of who He was by the miracles He performed among the people.. Jesus did not have a Theology degree or any worldly credentials.. His proof, His Credentials for ministry stood up and became evident in His deeds.
John 7:14
But when it was now the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and began to teach.
John 7:15
The Jews then were astonished, saying, "How has this man become learned, having never been educated?"
Very little has changed today, most people rely on degrees rather than proofs. In many cases a church will not even consider you for a ministry position without a college degree no matter how much evidence is available to them that you have been indeed called by GOD.
No I am not against education. I am against educated men or women who overlook the proof and instead trust in a piece of paper .
Did you realize that based on these standards Jesus Himself would not be able to preach in many churches in America... this indeed is a very disheartening fact.
When we ignore proof , we ignore knowledge and when we ignore knowledge we become vulnerable to deception and error .. Our error can mean separation from GOD.
Mark 3:29
but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin"--
Let me say this , listen if you witness a miracle performed by GOD and you say that is NOT GOD... Ahhh, you have just committed blaspheme..!!!! GOD paid you a visit and you said you are not GOD. ... where else do you go when you do not recognize your only hope for salvation. He came personally to show Himself to you, I am not going to suger coat it for you ...there is nothing else He can do for you now.
Jesus performed His proofs through the agency of the Holy Spirit. And the Holy Spirit today is the only true credential for ministry , Without the Holy Spirit men's hearts are not convicted, without the Holy Spirit no miracles are performed.
That's why Jesus declared signs will follow those who believe, Jesus was saying proofs that they have been sent by me will follow those who believe:
Mark 16:20
And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord kept working with them and confirming the message by the attesting signs and miracles that closely accompanied [it]. Amen (so be it).
Acts 1:8
But you shall receive power (ability, efficiency, and might) when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem and all Judea and Samaria and to the ends (the very bounds) of the earth.
Deny this and you have denied GOD HIMSELF!!!
Rom 8:9
But you are not living the life of the flesh, you are living the life of the Spirit, if the [Holy] Spirit of God [really] dwells within you [directs and controls you]. But if anyone does not possess the [Holy] Spirit of Christ, he is none of His [he does not belong to Christ, is not truly a child of God].
Because the church has been so corrupted and defiled, through the adoption of a wordily value system, appearances have often taken precedent over genuine service to GOD. That is primarily why we see little demonstration of both GOD's power and Authority in church meetings or services. Often we seeor witness a show of Godliness but a denial or absence of the power of GOD in ministry. Let me make it plain its all show and fancy talk with NO PROOF.
2 Tim 3:5
holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; Avoid such men as these.
A true minister coming from GOD will be clear because of what is presented before you in thierservice to GOD. And their presentation will be the Word accompanied by both power and authority.
1 Thess 1:5
for our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.
Mark 1:27
They were all amazed, so that they debated among themselves, saying, "What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him."
Yes servants of GOD come with proof...!!!!
Friday, April 10, 2009
EASTER???????? Mixed Wine
It is amazing how the world with it's pagan customs seem to infiltrate holidays we deem honorable to Jesus alone.
Wine holds a very large place in the lives of GOD's people.. Yes wine.. This is really a subject that should be explored more thoroughly, however I just want to illustrate a point here or bring about an analogy that will enhance our understanding of the text.
This is my point; Combining Easter with the Holy event of Resurrection is very much like drinking mixed wine..., Lets look at what Jesus did on the cross when offered mixed wine.. Maybe you never understood this until now:
Matt 27:34
they gave Him wine to drink mixed with gall; and after tasting it, He was unwilling to drink.
Mark 15:23
They tried to give Him wine mixed with myrrh; but He did not take it.
Jesus refused to have His Crucifixion to be influenced by mixed wine..., Wine is often a type and shadow of the Blood of Jesus, and anything mixed with that blood would cause it to be polluted and no longer fit to be offered to GOD as a world saving sacrifice.
You can be certain that no mixed wine was served at the Last Supper...
1 Cor 11:25
In the same way He took the cup also after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me."
With this wine GOD is saying this is a Holy event and it will not be defiled..
It is like bringing secular humanism into Christianity, another mixed wine.
Wine does not only represent blood, it also represents doctrine and also an intangible aspect called influence... It will influence your thinking and your behavior... Some of us may not agree but wine my friend from a Biblical perspective can be a good influence to the overall health of our bodies.
1 Tim 5:23
No longer drink water exclusively, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.
Hummmmmmm guess they were talking about grape juice...lol.., sorry I could not resist adding some not so subtle humor...
Let us stand up and be mature Christians no longer swayed by anything outside what GOD has revealed to us as being wholly true, the Holy Bible , Our LORDs instruction manual for us and the light of the World.
Eph 5:8
For once you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of Light [lead the lives of those native-born to the Light].
I often wonder , how is it that we , those of us who have professed Jesus as our savior, seem to bring these clearly pagan rituals or someone explain this to me, why are we drinking mixed wine...
Or are you simply ignorant about this matter. Let me bring a little basic information to this subject. There is NO connection to rabbits and easter eggs to the death burial and resurrection of our LORD Jesus. Herein lies no debate regarding the truth of the issue
For the sake of this lesson, I googled the word Easter just to provide a general definition, this is what I found .
Most reference books say that the name “Easter” derived from the Eastre, the Teutonic goddess of Spring. Although this relationship exists, in reality, the origin of the name and the goddess are far more ancient - going all the way back to the Tower of Babel. The origin begins not long after the biblical Flood.
For more information on the origin of Easter follow this link :
http://www.christiananswers.net/q-eden/edn-t020.html
Just a few comments I wanted to share with you today.. One day perhaps we will even get over the Christmas Tree ritual.. Now that's a sacred cow...LOL
Wine holds a very large place in the lives of GOD's people.. Yes wine.. This is really a subject that should be explored more thoroughly, however I just want to illustrate a point here or bring about an analogy that will enhance our understanding of the text.
This is my point; Combining Easter with the Holy event of Resurrection is very much like drinking mixed wine..., Lets look at what Jesus did on the cross when offered mixed wine.. Maybe you never understood this until now:
Matt 27:34
they gave Him wine to drink mixed with gall; and after tasting it, He was unwilling to drink.
Mark 15:23
They tried to give Him wine mixed with myrrh; but He did not take it.
Jesus refused to have His Crucifixion to be influenced by mixed wine..., Wine is often a type and shadow of the Blood of Jesus, and anything mixed with that blood would cause it to be polluted and no longer fit to be offered to GOD as a world saving sacrifice.
You can be certain that no mixed wine was served at the Last Supper...
1 Cor 11:25
In the same way He took the cup also after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me."
With this wine GOD is saying this is a Holy event and it will not be defiled..
It is like bringing secular humanism into Christianity, another mixed wine.
Wine does not only represent blood, it also represents doctrine and also an intangible aspect called influence... It will influence your thinking and your behavior... Some of us may not agree but wine my friend from a Biblical perspective can be a good influence to the overall health of our bodies.
1 Tim 5:23
No longer drink water exclusively, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.
Hummmmmmm guess they were talking about grape juice...lol.., sorry I could not resist adding some not so subtle humor...
Let us stand up and be mature Christians no longer swayed by anything outside what GOD has revealed to us as being wholly true, the Holy Bible , Our LORDs instruction manual for us and the light of the World.
Eph 5:8
For once you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of Light [lead the lives of those native-born to the Light].
I often wonder , how is it that we , those of us who have professed Jesus as our savior, seem to bring these clearly pagan rituals or someone explain this to me, why are we drinking mixed wine...
Or are you simply ignorant about this matter. Let me bring a little basic information to this subject. There is NO connection to rabbits and easter eggs to the death burial and resurrection of our LORD Jesus. Herein lies no debate regarding the truth of the issue
For the sake of this lesson, I googled the word Easter just to provide a general definition, this is what I found .
Most reference books say that the name “Easter” derived from the Eastre, the Teutonic goddess of Spring. Although this relationship exists, in reality, the origin of the name and the goddess are far more ancient - going all the way back to the Tower of Babel. The origin begins not long after the biblical Flood.
For more information on the origin of Easter follow this link :
http://www.christiananswers.net/q-eden/edn-t020.html
Just a few comments I wanted to share with you today.. One day perhaps we will even get over the Christmas Tree ritual.. Now that's a sacred cow...LOL
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)