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A Word in due Season from our Pastor St. Farrone.
May the Word of God bless you this day.
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March /April 2006
SOME answers to spiritual warfare
This is a question, I ask people on many occasions.
Do you believe that there is a devil roaming around like a lion, seeking whom he may devour?
Most people today don’t. This is one of the devils biggest deceptions. He made most people believe he does not exist. In order for those who know better, for those who are engaged in a spiritual war against the principalities and powers, to raise an awareness of his existence and his plans for our destruction we need to ask ourselves a few important questions.
First, why do so many Christians fail to realize that we are in a war with the dark side?
Notice, I have not mentioned those who are not Christians. If America is at war with another country and American soldiers just don’t go to the battle, and don’t realize that we are at war, we cannot expect Canadian soldiers to fight the battle for us.
There are a few weapons that the devil used to blind us against his plans.
One: language
In our postmodern world without any absolutes, morals being in the eye of the beholder anything can be made to look good by just simply re-describing it. Sex outside of marriage is called ‘alternative life-style, not sin anymore, murder is described in degree’s according to the defendants attorneys explanation, drug addiction is a illness, lying is not lying, because no one believes in absolute truth anymore.
If I change the word ‘morals’ into values, it becomes subjective and the values of one person may not be the value of another.
Second: media
Watching TV is replacing books in our society today. Images replace words and passivity replaces active thinking. When we read words we have to actively create images with our own imagination, but when we watch a movie we are like a baby in a womb.
We can make free, active, and responsible rational and moral choices by faith or reason, but we are passive and defenseless toward images. There is no critical censor at the door of our mind that let some images in and not others; they all come in. Proverbs 4:23 tells us to keep our heart with all diligence for out of it flow the issues of life.
Our eyes and ears are amongst others the gates of our heart. What do we let into our hearts? We turned ourselves from thinkers into picture watchers. Instead we should let God give our children and us a vision, instead of tele-vision.
When faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God, I ask what comes by hearing today ‘s media ideas? What do we have faith in?
Third: Destruction of the sacred
God created and ordained the family. Specifically, husband and wife as a representation of the unity of the Trinity. It is sacred. And the enemy struck a big blow in our society by trying to destroy the sacred. The family. As I mentioned before, fornication, sex before marriage is not called a sin anymore, but alternative lifestyle, divorce and state institutions raising our children, gangs take over as the primary family members and hero’s of our teenagers, violent cartoons, sexual explicit music videos take ALL the sacredness of the first God ordained institution, Marriage, family.
Without the family as a stronghold, a safe-haven for our children, and us, a place where honor and truth abides, the search for the truth, becomes for many a search for the needle in the African jungle.
This is also the point where many warriors of our Lord Jesus Christ beginning to faint. The fight through the postmodern jungle of our society, through endless opinions, believes, life-styles, cultures and…. and….. and……to touch the lost souls……
BUT, blessed are those who found refuge in these words. John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
FINALLY
Eph 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
Eph 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Eph 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Eph 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Eph 6:14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
Eph 6:15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
Eph 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
Eph 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Eph 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Reading verse 10, be strong in the power of His might. Those of us, who live in Christ, have full access to the power of His might.
Might is the anointing to do everything. In Isaiah 11:2 we can see the 7 facets of the anointing. One is the Spirit of Might.
Might is the anointing for battle, and in Philippians 4:13 we are told that we can do all things through Christ, the Anointed one and His anointing, who strengthens us.
We are in Him, He is in us, therefore we have access to might for our battle.
It is my prayer that all who study spiritual warfare are strengthened in their battles, and stand for the Lord Jesus in the midst of trials and struggles, with Joy. Because, He is Lord.
GOD BLESS YOU ALL
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July / August 2005
Re-shape your community
Have you ever thought about how your every day choices and decisions shape and affect your community? How our community and our country looks like 100 years from now depends on every persons choices they make today. Our children, their character and their lives will be shaped by their community, the same community that we shaped and influenced today. Many of Jesus teachings are so profound, but yet simple enough, so we could follow His instructions in order to shape our lives according to God’s purpose. This purpose is to grow into the image, He created us to be, HIS. Every decision we make has an impact on others in a positive way or a negative one. Every action that we take, shapes us and those around us, ultimately the communities we live in. There is the story of the good Samaritan, a little bit changed for the purpose of bringing scripture to light.
One day a Samaritan on the way to Jericho came across a man who’d been mugged and left by the road to die. The Samaritan was a good man, always ready to help others, took the man to a local inn and paid for his treatment and lodging. But going home the next day, the Samaritan came across other victims in the same place; a woman and her small child had been attacked by a gang of robbers. So he loaded them on his mule, brought them to the inn, paid for their shelter and care. The third day the Samaritan, very tired and almost broke came across a whole family of tourists who had been attacked by the thieves. He took the whole family back to the inn, which became something of a clinic.
That night the Samaritan and the owner of the inn met with the local business owners and towns leaders to try to figure out what to do. Of course all agreed that something was very wrong, and they all needed to come up with some answers to the problem. They soon found out that the robbers were their own neighbors, poor unemployed people who could not find work or food. Since all the farmland was owned by a few, the poor had no way of feeding themselves, and no way of learning a skill, because local taxes did not provide for trade schools. During the summer they lived of little, from picking fruits and berries, in the winter they roamed around the countryside in gangs robbing tourists and others or dying quietly of starvation. The business owners and town leaders agreed to establish trade schools for the children of the poor, let the workers buy small pieces of land where they could build shelters and raise enough food for their families. The next year the Samaritan had to pay a tax to the innkeeper to support the local trade schools, but it was cheaper than running his own ambulance service.
There are many people today who help individually where they can. But this is one of the problems that we face today. Individualism. We live with millions of other people just a few feet away from one another, it is everyone for themselves. Let me ask you a few questions
What if the Samaritan would have left after his third time rescuing people, saying well, I did my good deed for today, I got to go home. Let the police handle it.
What if he passed by the victims, saying, what a shame, yeah, today you really got to watch your back, and went his way.
What if the towns leaders and business owners would just got the police involved to catch the robbers, locked them up in jail.
These are just 3 what ifs, but think about the implication these options would had on not only the town, but the robbers and their children, what lesson would these choices teach the towns peoples children and grandchildren? Or the children of the robbers?
What situation can you think about in your own life, where a few people could change the life of their community and the people living in this community?
What situation could you have handled different? What can you decide today or tomorrow, that impacts your community for the better?
We always want to know, what scripture, stories, told over 2000 years ago have to do with today? I believe this little story of the Samaritan brings scripture into a different light. One of the Pharisee’s, which was also a lawyer, to ask Jesus a question to trick him. What is the greatest commandment in the law? This is what our Lord said:
Mat 22:35 Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying,
Mat 22:36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law?
Mat 22:37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
Mat 22:38 This is the first and great commandment.
Mat 22:39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
So, do we really love our neighbors as we love ourselves? Giving offerings for the support of the poor, help someone whose car broke down on the street, how far does our charity go? When it is convenient? When it fits into our Budget? When we have time after we are done chasing after our own dreams? We all have a responsibility to think about the choices we make everyday and to consider how our actions affect the lives of the People living around us. Is what we do on a daily bases for improvement of my community or does it just satisfy my own wants and needs?
I hear you say, yes, I understand, but to fix the ills and struggles of a whole society is not only my problem. I alone can’t fix this. You are right. You alone cannot, but you can influence, and shape your immediate community.
Let us not think that we are too insignificant to make a difference. If you only influence 5 people through your everyday personal decisions, actions and choices, these 5 can do the same and I am not a mathematician, but the results are a re-shaped community.
Where positive changes are made through the simple process of one person who choose wisely, choose the good and long way vs. the quick way, choose God’s way vs. the worlds way.
What do you see when you take a good look at your surrounding community? Do you see kindness, support, and neighbors helping one another? OR Do you see that everyone is basically out for their own. What are the biggest problems we face in our communities today? Crime? Poverty? Lack of education? Homelessness? Adultery? Divorce? Single Parent households? What can you do to make someone's life a little better? Can you listen to someone’s pain? Can you offer someone a sandwich? Can you go with your neighbor to the hospital, check their mail, pick up some bread?
These are only a few things that we can do as individuals to let the light shine that Jesus placed within us when we received Him as our Lord and Savior.
For Today, GOD BLESS YOU and thank you...
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May / June 2005
Take a Stand
Spiritual Warfare is at hand for all believers today. Putting ourselves out of the equation of this battle has created a bigger problem then we realize. A spirit of indifference has a stronghold on our communities. The dictionary definition of being ‘indifferent’ is: being neutral, neither good or bad, being mediocre, not active nor involved. This is what we see everyday. People don’t want to get involved. Minding our own business has become a way of life. We walk passed tragedy, homelessness, poverty and violence without taking a second look. Jesus told us that this would happen in these last days. Revelations 3:16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. This is a warning that we need to take heed to. We cannot serve the Lord and be neutral in our everyday lives. Let us prepare for the opposition we will face when we do take a stand for what we believe in. As God told Joshua in the Old Testament Joshua 1:9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
We also need to be of good courage and believe that the Lord is with us every step of the way. Criticism will come, opposition will come, people will laugh at you when you are the only one in your neighborhood who speaks up about what is wrong, when you are the only one praying over your meal at your job, when you tell your friends that you can’t go to lunch with them, because you don’t want to gossip anymore. Yes, you will be eating lunch by yourself, BUT God is with you, and you let hell know, I am taking a stand and I will make a difference. If I have to do it by myself, you can’t stop me. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me… The Bible says in Ephesians 6:13 This is why you must take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand. ( HCSB)
Take heed, take a stand and God will walk with you.
GOD BLESS YOU ALL
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March / April 2005
THE CROSS: CAN YOU SEE THE RESULTS?
When we speak about the Cross at Calvary, the crucifixion , and the resurrection there is such a nonchalant attitude, a cool and reserved demeanor amongst many Christians today. The number one incidence which without there would be no Christianity , the resurrection of our Lord and Savior seems to be just a part of history, a fact, for most believers, a historical event; For others, a myth, created by religious fanatics.
Is this single event in history that changed all of humanity just another entry in most history books, the beginning of a religion? Or something more...
For those of us who see the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ for what it is. The pre-destined, divinely arranged, perfectly implemented act of our Loving God, who has seen that without His interference we would have perished in the deep and dark depths of hell. A Fallen race with no way out of a horrific dilemma. BUT THERE IS THE CROSS! Notice, I am not speaking about past tense. The Cross is still at work in the present. In the now and here. We can see the results of what has been accomplished at the Cross more then 2000 years ago, today just as strong and miraculous as back then. Salvation, Healing and Deliverance is available for everyone who operates in the pre-set principles that Jesus has established through the sacrifice of His shed blood. The Bible tells us in Acts 2:21 and it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. It is so important that we do not take these events lightly. Because the day where we stand before God and give an account of our lives, will come. And I for my part do not want to spend eternity without Him. All that God ever promised us is already done. Everything has been taken care of by Jesus sacrifice on the cross. Our salvation, our healing and deliverance are done. The question is, do you believe it, and do you participate in the given principles? Let’s take natural principles for instance. Gravity! If you jump of a building, you will fall to the ground and be hurt, because the principle of gravity exists. Likewise the principle of admitting to our sins, asking God to forgive us of our sins and then turn towards God and live a different life, is a part of the principle of salvation. And there are many more. If we participate in these principles and develop a relationship with Jesus Christ, the results can be seen in our lives. Let us take the time and find out what God has implemented from the beginning of creation and left for us in His written Word. Thank you and
GOD BLESS YOU ALL
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January 2005
Morning and Evening Devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon
(These devotions are freely distributed through e-sword)
Morning
“Son of man, What is the vine tree more than any tree, or than a branch which is among the trees of the forest?”
- Eze_15:2
These words are for the humbling of God’s people; they are called God’s vine, but what are they by nature more than others? They, by God’s goodness, have become fruitful, having been planted in a good soil; the Lord hath trained them upon the walls of the sanctuary, and they bring forth fruit to his glory; but what are they without their God? What are they without the continual influence of the Spirit, begetting fruitfulness in them? O believer, learn to reject pride, seeing that thou hast no ground for it. Whatever thou art, thou hast nothing to make thee proud. The more thou hast, the more thou art in debt to God; and thou shouldst not be proud of that which renders thee a debtor. Consider thine origin; look back to what thou wast. Consider what thou wouldst have been but for divine grace. Look upon thyself as thou art now. Doth not thy conscience reproach thee? Do not thy thousand wanderings stand before thee, and tell thee that thou art unworthy to be called his son? And if he hath made thee anything, art thou not taught thereby that it is grace which hath made thee to differ? Great believer, thou wouldst have been a great sinner if God had not made thee to differ. O thou who art valiant for truth, thou wouldst have been as valiant for error if grace had not laid hold upon thee. Therefore, be not proud, though thou hast a large estate-a wide domain of grace, thou hadst not once a single thing to call thine own except thy sin and misery. Oh! strange infatuation, that thou, who hast borrowed everything, shouldst think of exalting thyself; a poor dependent pensioner upon the bounty of thy Saviour, one who hath a life which dies without fresh streams of life from Jesus, and yet proud! Fie on thee, O silly heart!
Evening
“Doth Job fear God for nought?”
- Job_1:9
This was the wicked question of Satan concerning that upright man of old, but there are many in the present day concerning whom it might be asked with justice, for they love God after a fashion because he prospers them; but if things went ill with them, they would give up all their boasted faith in God. If they can clearly see that since the time of their supposed conversion the world has gone prosperously with them, then they will love God in their poor carnal way; but if they endure adversity, they rebel against the Lord. Their love is the love of the table, not of the host; a love to the cupboard, not to the master of the house. As for the true Christian, he expects to have his reward in the next life, and to endure hardness in this. The promise of the old covenant is adversity. Remember Christ’s words-”Every branch in me that beareth not fruit”-What? “He purgeth it, that it may bring forth fruit.” If you bring forth fruit, you will have to endure affliction. “Alas!” you say, “that is a terrible prospect.” But this affliction works out such precious results, that the Christian who is the subject of it must learn to rejoice in tribulations, because as his tribulations abound, so his consolations abound by Christ Jesus. Rest assured, if you are a child of God, you will be no stranger to the rod. Sooner or later every bar of gold must pass through the fire. Fear not, but rather rejoice that such fruitful times are in store for you, for in them you will be weaned from earth and made meet for heaven; you will be delivered from clinging to the present, and made to long for those eternal things which are so soon to be revealed to you. When you feel that as regards the present you do serve God for nought, you will then rejoice in the infinite reward of the future.
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December 2004
Where do you get your Faith?
The Scripture says in Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
According to this scripture, I get my Faith by hearing and study of the Word of God. Study of the Bible.
How do you please God? Do you want to please God?
Again, the Scripture tells us in Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
So, if we cannot please God without Faith, and we get Faith by the study of His Word, why is it that we have so many people who do not pick up a Bible? Even professing Christians …
Has our naturalistic thinking, our post-modern world won? Have we already given in to the enemy?
What do we really believe?
Where do we really stand?
What is really important to us?
What are we afraid of?
Who are we afraid of?
How will our children live?
What decisions will they make in their live?
Who has influenced them by the time they go to college? Darwin? Marx? Nietzsche? Aristotle?
OR
Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit and our Father in Heaven with His Holy Word?
In this season where we reflect on the year just past, and make New-Years resolutions, it is the right time to ask ourselves those questions.
Remember: I do believe that Jesus is our Salvation, and He loves us… John 3: 16
May Our Lord Jesus Bless you this Holiday Season, AND please share His Love with someone else...
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November 2004
Integrity ; Doing what's right because it is right. Look around you. Do you see integrity at your workplace? In your children's school? Do you operate in integrity or do you compromise on occasions?
These are some important questions that we all have to ask ourselves regularly.
What happens if we compromise? Scripture tells us how God expects us to operate in our daily lives. With INTEGRITY.
Why should we not compromise? Well for one, walking and operating with integrity is protecting us. Psalm 25:7;
David said in Psalm 7:8 The Lord shall judge the people: Judge me oh Lord; according to my righteousness, and according to mine integrity that is within me.
Let’s understand that we are made righteous after accepting Jesus as our Lord and Savior, but we have to walk in integrity.
That means we have to search the Scriptures and find out how God wants us to act, how He wants us to treat people, how he wants us to handle every situation that we might face in our lives, and act accordingly.
Let me give you a few characteristics to keep in mind when you make a decision to walk in integrity before God.
#1 People of Integrity keep their word.
#2 People of Integrity cannot be manipulated by others.
#3 People of Integrity treat others the way they want to be treated.
#4 People of Integrity refuse shortcuts, because they are used to doing things the right way.
#5 People of Integrity take care of the smallest details, because they know, that it is the little foxes that spoil the vine.
Nothing just happens. We need to pursue excellence. Excellence is not perfection. We will not be perfect until Jesus comes back. And knowing this, takes the pressure of us, and we can take the pressure of others as well. Colossians 3:23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord, not for man.
The popular saying: WWJD what would Jesus do, fit’s perfect when you want to do things God’s way. Make a decision today, walk in integrity...
Think of whose lives you will effect. GOD BLESS YOU
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August / September 2004
The Importance of Christian Education by: Rev. Stefanie Farrone
(This article is under copyright since June 2004)
How can we humble and intelligently share and defend our faith, if we ourselves are not willing to receive proper instruction and education? Today I will share my thoughts and hopefully stir up some of those brilliant and anointed ones amongst you. Besides your spiritual gifts, you have been given natural talents by your heavenly father. Unless you receive the right guidance, training and support, your so precious gifts and talents are wasted and will fall through the cracks of religious traditions and worldly views. There is nothing wrong with seminary school or bible college to train the minds God gave us, as long as we use this education to better fulfill the work the Lord gave us to do. We cannot on the other hand educate ourselves and keep this knowledge to bring only prosperity to ourselves and not share, teach and guide others with what we have learned. I will also share a few scriptures with you, so you can see what the Word of God says about education. Christian education that is. In the book of Hosea 4 : 6 (read chapter 4 whole) we can see clearly that a lack of knowledge leads to destruction. Lack of knowledge of the Word of God. And when we back up to verse 2 we see the results of this lack of knowledge. Lying, stealing, killing etc. Is this not what we can read in every newspaper around the country and other nations of this world on a daily bases? The second scripture I want to share with you is 2 Timothy 2:15 Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth. There are some who think that Bible College is not necessary to study the bible. There are even others that think we should stick with one translation of the Holy Bible. Well I respectfully disagree. For one, let me start with yet another scripture. Proverbs 4:7 Wisdom is the principle thing; therefore get wisdom and with all your getting, get understanding.
Understanding is the key point in this scripture for me. When I started to sincerely, diligently study the Bible in the English language many years ago, I started to read different translations since English is not my mother language. And the King James Version of the Bible was a challenge at first. I wanted to get understanding of God’s Word. Other translations helped me over this hump. The NLT ( New living translation) in this case. How can I teach you if I do not have understanding myself and learned to properly educate you in a way that you receive understanding as well. We are dealing with a multitude of different cultures, different backgrounds and different educational levels. And as true educators, teachers, disciples, pastors etc. we need to adjust to the diverse needs of today’s society. Of course right about now I am walking a very thin line with many who are more traditional in their teaching. So I want to be very clear about this. I am not saying that we change the word of God. The Word of God does not change. It is the same yesterday, today and forever more. BUT, if we want to reach out to those who don’t understand tradition, don’t know Christ at all, we need to change our approach. Many writers today agree with studying different translations of the Bible . Just read bestsellers, like the Purpose Driven Life and The Purpose Driven Church by Dr. Rick Warren. He uses 15 different translations of the Bible in his scripture quotations. (Please see; The Purpose Driven Life’ page 325 & 326 as a reference) Our Children will be educated in our secular school systems to prepare for this world. But in addition to a secular education we need Christian education as well. Mark Twains words fit here pretty nicely, when he said ‘ What ever the school is teaching you, don’t let it interfere with your education. I do not believe he was referring to Christian Education, but his words make my point pretty well. Dr. C. Peter Wagner in his awesome commentary on the book of Acts, wrote on page 470, about the clearest example of formalized leadership training from the New Testament. The Apostle Paul had established a virtual seminary in Asia. Well, I recommend this book (Act’s of the Holy Spirit) to all who want to get a better look on the New Testament Church.( Read it together with the book of Acts in the KJV) Christian Education should be offered in many different forms through many different Christian organizations, Churches, Colleges etc. AND, thank God it is. Here in Oklahoma I see many ads, pamphlets from our local churches that offer classes, biblical studies in different area's, of Christian education. From church administration, theology to ministry studies. Leading to more accountability and opens the door for many anointed and gifted, born again Christians to be prepared for the work the Lord has called them to do. Without these opportunities many may not have the financial means to attend a University, or do not have the time due to their daily responsibilities of family and employment. The beginning of every Christians christian education lays in the hand of today's Christian leaders. And so many do such an awesome job by encouraging their congregations and members to begin by study of the Bible, to stay in the Word daily. These leaders put a great effort in new classes, literature, and new interesting ways to educate believers in all area’s of life from a biblical perspective. The Lord has blessed me greatly when He lead me to Full Gospel Restoration Ministers and Churches, with Full Gospel Restoration Bible College. Being a part of a wonderful organization like FGRMC has blessed me in so many ways, opened doors to continue my own education, being a part of helping others with their education. This list of blessings goes on and on. The importance in all of this is that we let God lead us in the way He wants us to go. Let the Holy Spirit guide us to and through our Christian education. Being accountable, diligent and faithful in many ways is so important not only in today’s ever changing world, but also for Christian educators, seminaries and colleges. FGRBC is, as I mentioned in a previous edition of our newsletter a member with the ACEA. Apostolic Council for educational accountability. If we want to help believers to get the understanding that Proverbs 4:7 is talking about and share our knowledge to believers and unbelievers alike to reap the great harvest of souls for our Lord, we need to be educated, accountable to God and our leaders.
God anointed our minds to stand with the great minds of this world to be a witness to His greatness, to lead, teach, guide and speak in His place here on earth. Therefore we need to be adequately prepared for the task. Our traditional ways are not always up to the task. Or are they? I wonder how many great anointed minds sit in the pews today just waiting for one of us to pick them up and show them a different way. A way out of darkness into the marvelous light, through our Lord Jesus Christ……
GOD BLESS YOU….
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April / May 2004
I want to share a Sermon with you today and I know these words will bless you as the original Sermon by Charles H. Spurgeon has blessed me. WHEN HE DIED FOR ME
Scripture: 1 John 3:16 By this we come to know (progressively to recognize, to perceive, to understand) the [essential] love: that He laid down His [own] life for us; and we ought to lay [our] lives down for [those who are our] brothers [in Him]
In this simple scripture is nothing to contemplate, to discuss in a 2 hour bible study, it is simple, without great words, HE LAID DOWN HIS LIFE FOR US
This simple text leaves nothing for us then to humble ourselves, stand before the throne of this great truth and worship Him that was, that is and is to come. The great and glorious one who laid down His life for us.
Throughout this text I still need to explain a bit more. There is no understanding the death of Christ, if we don’t understand the person of Christ. Because if I tell you that GOD died for us, this might be a truth , but I still would be wrong. Why? Because GOD cannot die. It is impossible from His very nature that He could even for a moment stop to exist. God is incapable of suffering.We sometimes use words to express emotions on the part of GOD, but we speak about the way men –kind experiences. So let us get an understanding.Our Lord Jesus Christ was GOD, and as GOD he had all the attributes of GOD and could not suffer or die. BUT – then He was also man, man of the substance of His mother, flesh and blood, just like us except of sin. And He died not as GOD, but as man. As a man He was nailed to the cross, as a man he suffered, and as a man He laid down His life for us.
Close your eyes for a moment and worship Him. As we sit down in the presence of GOD we need to learn 3 lessons, from this one sentence. He laid down His life for us.
The first lesson. Did He lay down His life for us? Aahh, how great and how much have we sinned, that there was no other price that would pay for what we have done.
The second lesson, Did He lay down His life for us? Aahh, how great and how much must He love us, that He did not stop short anywhere until life itself had been gone.
The third lesson, Did He lay down His life for us? Aahh, how full of joy and happiness should we be, because we are safe. If Jesus gave such a satisfaction with His sacrifice to Almighty GOD , who can destroy us after we have been bought with the blood of such a redeemer? Even after reading scripture, we say we believe, we say we understand, but let us get from the general He laid down his life for US to, He laid down His life for me. Let’s get into the year 2004. He died for me.Do we really understand the depth of this statement? We speak about love all the time. I love you, He or she loves me. We love them etc. UNTIL one of them does something we don’t like, say something that hurts us, do something that offends us, or don’t do something that we expected. Well my list can go on and on. How many of us do really know in depth what the Agape love of GOD is. Throughout the whole Bible we read about sacrifices to cover sin. But it all was just a sign for the ultimate sacrifice to come. Our Lord Jesus Christ.
HE DIED FOR ME Because, how many times have I spoken a word in past years or even recently that hurt someone’s feelings, did something GOD did not approve of, or what I should have done I did not do? How many times have you?…...
Jesus Christ had a crown in heaven and He laid it aside, so you and I can wear one forever. He listened to the songs of angels, but He gave it up so we may dwell forever where the angels sing. When He came down to earth He gave up every comfort, He gave up His clothing and the only thing left was His life. And He gave up is life for me!I know one thing, there is not one sin that can condemn us, because Jesus let all sin condemn Him to wash us clean. I am secure now and into eternity. All my sin even the one I have not committed yet is taken care of. With such a security I do not want to sin anymore, because He died for me. He died for you, He died for us.
If you feel like I feel, if you believe that Jesus Christ laid down His life for you like He did for me, come, it is never to late to come to Christ.
The Bible tells us in Romans 10:9 that if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe with your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
(Born again)
( For scriptures and how to receive Salvation, please click on the link Salvation/The Sanctuary)
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February/March 2004
Today I would like to talk about the race we have to run, the tasks we have to accomplish as Christians, as children of God. Many born again believers today are under the assumption that going to church on Sundays and attending a Bible study is all that is required of us, as Christians. But the bottom line is, having a perfect church attendance is not enough. Jesus died for us to have life more abundantly. John 10:10 and if we do not make it our business to understand the Word of God, and our actions are accordingly, we will not accomplish the work God called us to do and His perfect plan for us stays in the planning stage. Jesus died so you can be a great teacher, a great doctor, attorney, mother, father etc. Living a prosperous life means in every area of your life. If two people sign a contract and both parties have their part to fulfill, so do we have our part in the covenant we have with God through the shed blood of Christ. When we enter into this covenant through the ‘New Birth’ we have a part to fulfill. Learn about the covenant, educate yourself about what God has to say, what He wants us to do, receive His grace and then do, do, do…. Only if we do, we start running in the pre-set race the Bible talks about. If it where just about giving our lives to Christ and attending church services, the Bible would be very short. It would go something like this: Thus sayeth the Lord. Believe in my son and attend church on Sunday and Wednesday. But instead we have 66 books. Let me ask you a question. Why do we write our history in books, so the generations to come can read it and learn from it. I hear so many people say that the Bible was written over two thousand years ago, what does this have to do with me today? God has left us a blue print, so we also can learn how to live our lives today. When theft and murder, tyrants and adultery was wrong over two thousand years ago, it surely is wrong today. Just check the facts on our divorce rates, youth incarcerated, school shootings, rape, and the list is going on. This is our harvest of the bad seeds we have sown over the centuries. I made it my business some time ago to read the Bible with the purpose of learning how to change, how to live my life, how to be a part of Gods plan in making peoples life's better, how to run the race that He set before me. And if I can convince one person today to do the same, someone else's life will be changed, someone else will have hope for tomorrow, someone's child will not end up in jail or dead. For today,
God bless you and thank you....
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January 2004
The Year 2004. This is a year of change. God is pouring out His blessings on His children this year. You might ask, “what does it take for me to be blessed as well” ? We all need to examine ourselves continuously to insure we are still in the Will of God for our lives. In this ever-changing environment it is easy to slip into doing things the worlds way of operating in works of the flesh, which ultimately leads to frustration. The Bible tells us clearly how to live our lives.
1 Peter 5:8 amp tells us to be well balanced, because the devil roams around like a lion seeking whom he may devour. See when we understand that it is not the devil that defeats us, but our own fleshly desires, our openness to the devils temptations, our own sin, then we can begin to change the direction our life is going. We will be blessed when we obey the Word of God.
Deuteronomy 28 makes it very clear to us that God expect us to be obedient. Just like little children, the word obedience doesn’t sit right with us. The nature of our flesh is rebellious. It takes the renewal of our mind through the Word of God to overcome our flesh and be obedient to God. The study of the Bible.
Being balanced is not that hard. Again, the Bible tells us not only what to do, but also how to do it.
Let us look at the book of James 1:22 amp When we hear the Word of God preached we should start doing it. This means if you hear preaching about ‘loving your neighbor’ start being a bit nicer, if you feel like it or not. Ask God to help you overcome your feelings towards someone and act on what you have heard. This task is not impossible. We have the Holy Spirit to help us. When we only listen to the word and go home doing the same things, the same way as we always did, we won’t see any change in our lives, we won’t see the blessings of God bestowed upon us.
We also need to be careful that we don’t mistake the Word of God with man made religious rules. Man made doctrines will not get us any more blessings then doing things our own way. Study the scriptures for yourselves, let the Holy Spirit give you revelation and understanding. Obey the Word on the level of understanding that you already have. In other words, when you are in 7th. Grade, don’t let no one tell you, you have to understand 10th. Grade requirements. Have a open heart towards scripture and see how God will give you understanding, and in due time your blessings will come in abundance.
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