"Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you..." (James 4:8)
What is it that God values most in His Children? Is it church attendance? Reading the Bible? How about charity towards others? All of these things provide us with great benefits in our Christian walk, but they do not constitute what God desires most. His deepest longing, is personal relationship - for us to truly know Him and experience Him on an intimate level - to pass from the mundane and into the supernatural. The definition of a Christian is he who 'knows' God, but it is something that goes beyond merely knowing 'of' Him - we must actually know Him. Let us look at an example of what it means to 'know' God:
"Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity" (Matthew 7:22-23).
Clearly, the focus of this passage are those who believed they knew Jesus, but did not. The word used in the Greek for 'knew' is the past tense of the Greek verb gynoskeow which often carries connotations of deep intimacy - in fact, it is the same root verb used in Matthew 1:25, with reference to sexual intercourse. There is a difference between knowing Him shallowly, and really knowing Him. To truly love someone, it is necessary to truly know them. We are told that the greatest command is to love Him with every part of our being (Matthew 22:37), and to love Him, we must truly know Him. We cannot fully love a shadow of God, we must experience Him intimately. But how is it possible to know God in this way? How can we know God when He is so far above us, so beyond our comprehension?
James gives us the answer. If we draw near to Him, He will draw near to us. We so often focus on God's Love for us, but forget that a relationship is a two-way street. God desires a reciprocal relationship with us - for us to desire Him as much as He desires us. A.W. Tozer states that "God wills that we should push on into His Presence and live our whole life there. This is to be known to us in conscious experience. It is more than a doctrine to be held; it is a life to be enjoyed every moment of the day..." - we serve a LIVING GOD who wants relationship, not a stale devotion.
God brought the Israelites out of egyptian captivity, and preserved them in the wildreness. He desired that they would be His people, they would seek Him. But what do we see happen? God bids them near, and they removed themselves, they "stood afar off" (Exodus 20:18, 21). They did this because they did not want to have their sinful shame uncovered in the light of God's countenance - His Holiness illuminates the true conditions of a man's heart. Having such things uncovered, they would have been forced to make a decision as to their desires - God or sin. The Exodus story is spotted with examples of Israel praising God when things go right, but grumbling when things don't live up to their expectations. They are a brilliant example of pursuing God for His Blessings, but wanting to stick with their old habits...a conditional love.
But James 4:8 tells us that we must draw near to Him, and cleanse our hands and purify our hearts - then He will come to us. We cannot live in self-deception, but come to God openly - believing that our desire for Him will result in Him drawing near to transform us. We cannot expect this to happen without our drawing near to Him first. Our faith is not a matter of God forcing Himself upon us. We must KNOW Him and desire above all else, to be like Him. His sanctifying work in us will only occur in willing vessels, those who seek his face continually (1 Chronicles 16:11). But we have that promise - If we draw near to Him, He will draw near to us.
"Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you" (Matthew 6:33).
Barukh atah Adonai Elohaynu Melekh haOlam
(Blessed be the L-rd our G-d, King of the Universe)
In Christs Love and Service,
Sister Rebecca, OIC
Friday, October 2, 2009
True Faith is Unwaveringly Trusting Gods Promises
(READ Hebrews 11:1-40)
11:1 Now faith is the substance F36 of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Faith filled Obedience can only exist in our lives if we are walking toward the Promises of God. Every great person of True Faith fully trusted God and was moved in Faith because of that trust. And in Trusting we must believe He has given to us the Promises which He has stated, which when unwaveringly trusted gives to us everything that is needed in this life and an entry into His Eternal Kingdom.
While the world whose time is nearing the end looks toward mans accomplishments, inventions and medicines for its solutions; God has called the worlds wisdom foolishness. He has delivered to His Saints all we need through His Promises to become partakers of His Divine Nature thus having escaped the Corruption that's in the world through lusts
2Pe 1:4 - Show Context
Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
It is written in Proverbs that "There is a way which seems right to man the end of which is death.". It's through this self emulating deception many are blinded to the Truth. Therefore in their error they call evil good and good evil trying to attribute to God the worlds and satans false solutions.
To say we trust God and rely on our medicine cabinets full of sorcery products, pills or potions or patches for our healing we are deceiving ourselves. To say we trust God and trust in psychologies, philosophies and worldly wisdom we are in self deception and worse still is saying its God that's working through those things. Its no wonder God says:
1Co 1:20 - Show Context
Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?
1Co 1:27 - Show Context
But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
Now Faith is given to take care of any immediate situation in our lives IF we know and trust the Truth that makes us free. And this faith only works in power IF His Fruit of Love is present in our lives.
Ga 5:6 - Show Context
For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.
Gods desire is for you to have the kind of faith to move the mountains in your life. And that comes through study and rightly dividing the Truth of Gods Word.
2Ti 2:15 - Show Context
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
So then our:
(Romans 10:17) "Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God"
In Christs Love and Service,
Brother James, OIC
11:1 Now faith is the substance F36 of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Faith filled Obedience can only exist in our lives if we are walking toward the Promises of God. Every great person of True Faith fully trusted God and was moved in Faith because of that trust. And in Trusting we must believe He has given to us the Promises which He has stated, which when unwaveringly trusted gives to us everything that is needed in this life and an entry into His Eternal Kingdom.
While the world whose time is nearing the end looks toward mans accomplishments, inventions and medicines for its solutions; God has called the worlds wisdom foolishness. He has delivered to His Saints all we need through His Promises to become partakers of His Divine Nature thus having escaped the Corruption that's in the world through lusts
2Pe 1:4 - Show Context
Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
It is written in Proverbs that "There is a way which seems right to man the end of which is death.". It's through this self emulating deception many are blinded to the Truth. Therefore in their error they call evil good and good evil trying to attribute to God the worlds and satans false solutions.
To say we trust God and rely on our medicine cabinets full of sorcery products, pills or potions or patches for our healing we are deceiving ourselves. To say we trust God and trust in psychologies, philosophies and worldly wisdom we are in self deception and worse still is saying its God that's working through those things. Its no wonder God says:
1Co 1:20 - Show Context
Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?
1Co 1:27 - Show Context
But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
Now Faith is given to take care of any immediate situation in our lives IF we know and trust the Truth that makes us free. And this faith only works in power IF His Fruit of Love is present in our lives.
Ga 5:6 - Show Context
For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.
Gods desire is for you to have the kind of faith to move the mountains in your life. And that comes through study and rightly dividing the Truth of Gods Word.
2Ti 2:15 - Show Context
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
So then our:
(Romans 10:17) "Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God"
In Christs Love and Service,
Brother James, OIC
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Overcoming Loneliness
Ps 38:11 - Show Context
My lovers and my friends stand aloof from my sore; and my kinsmen stand afar off.
If you ever been bound by loneliness due to separation by divorce, death, or desertion. If you've ever been ostracized by family and friends due to struggles, bondage's or poverty that's come upon you. If you have reached a point in your life you have isolated yourself, have turned to what Gods Word says are the beggarly elements (Drugs, Alcohol, Immoralities, Wicked Imaginations, etc). If you've ever suffered the consequences wrong choices produce; consequences like prison, disease, negative addictions. If you are wondering if True Love really exists, if there is anyone you can trust that cares about you and can return the love that you know you yourself desires to give and have given in the past and are willing to give again...THERE IS.
It would seem right at this time to talk about God and the fact that God is Love. It would only be spiritually correct to tell you the Eternal Truth that Jesus Never Leaves You Nor Forsakes You ! And you and I both need to be reminded of this often. More so we all need to be shown this love and show this love one to another as The Body Of Christ.
In addition we need to remind ourselves that GOD WILL supply ALL OUR needs according to His riches and glory in Christ Jesus. Yet these Good Fruits should be found working in and through Gods People, Christs Body The Church. And it is this relationship in fellowship we need to overcome the adversaries weapon of loneliness. Sadly many await Divine Intervention on behalf those in need instead of being that vessel of Promise that delivers Gods Love to others.;
2nd Corinthians 1:20
For all the Promise of God in Him are yea and in Him amen to the glory of God through us! ..
.. May 19th, 2008 I was released from Prison. An accumulative 12 years had left me FEELING (feelings are satans playground) ALONE. Divorced (again), avoided, considered hopeless, a failure. I knew I was loved but had caused a distancing wherein I was rarely told, no longer made a part of family events, having to start over with nothing, with no one to give the help (POOR POOR PITIFUL ME)..When in actuality.I was bound by self deception fueled by satans tool of loneliness. ALL OF THIS WAS A LIE! Fact is I wasn't alone, I did have help and if I needed to talk to someone in my family or a friend all I had to do was call...and most of them didn't have my number (which always was changing) so how could they call. And even if I had no family I knew there were support groups out there a phone call away. No one has to be alone.
Yet I knew Gods Word and I knew in order to receive I needed to get out of myself and give the very thing I hoped to receive. Isn't Gods Love is to be given through us as Christs Body? Don't we reap what we sow? Then I realized that most in todays church do not have this knowledge nor desire to love as Christ loved; many do not know that delivering Gods Promises to others is their responsibility. And I had to realize it is more so my responsibility since I was given knowledge of this:
Mt 25:33 - 45 - Show Context 33
"And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. 34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: 36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. 37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? 38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? 39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? 40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. 41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: 42 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: 43 I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. 44 Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? 45 Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me."
Loneliness had begun turning my heart to self pity, self absorption became the slave master then old sin crept in. I began looking at the false solutions the world offers. I was in depression being oppressed by the spiritual enemy. No transportation, no money, no one who loves me (there's that lie again....poor, poor pitiful me. Then someone said I need to count my blessings:.......HUH WHAT? LIGHTS, ACTION! GOD BEGAN GRANTING ME REPENTANCE TO THE ACKNOWLEDGING OF TRUTH! I am physically able to walk where I need to go, I have a good job, a great boss, Church van picks me up on Sundays to go to a great Church. And it was the Human Vessel that said to count my blessings that's caused me to refocus on Gods Call For Me To Love Others As Christ Loved Me!
Loneliness is just a snare the enemy uses. As you & I become vessels of Gods Promises to others, God Says:
Isa 54:17 - Show Context
No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.
Nor will the enemies weapons of loneliness prosper against you! Help someone today through the Love of God and disarm satans weapon of loneliness against you.
In Christs Love And Service
Brother James, OIC
My lovers and my friends stand aloof from my sore; and my kinsmen stand afar off.
If you ever been bound by loneliness due to separation by divorce, death, or desertion. If you've ever been ostracized by family and friends due to struggles, bondage's or poverty that's come upon you. If you have reached a point in your life you have isolated yourself, have turned to what Gods Word says are the beggarly elements (Drugs, Alcohol, Immoralities, Wicked Imaginations, etc). If you've ever suffered the consequences wrong choices produce; consequences like prison, disease, negative addictions. If you are wondering if True Love really exists, if there is anyone you can trust that cares about you and can return the love that you know you yourself desires to give and have given in the past and are willing to give again...THERE IS.
It would seem right at this time to talk about God and the fact that God is Love. It would only be spiritually correct to tell you the Eternal Truth that Jesus Never Leaves You Nor Forsakes You ! And you and I both need to be reminded of this often. More so we all need to be shown this love and show this love one to another as The Body Of Christ.
In addition we need to remind ourselves that GOD WILL supply ALL OUR needs according to His riches and glory in Christ Jesus. Yet these Good Fruits should be found working in and through Gods People, Christs Body The Church. And it is this relationship in fellowship we need to overcome the adversaries weapon of loneliness. Sadly many await Divine Intervention on behalf those in need instead of being that vessel of Promise that delivers Gods Love to others.;
2nd Corinthians 1:20
For all the Promise of God in Him are yea and in Him amen to the glory of God through us! ..
.. May 19th, 2008 I was released from Prison. An accumulative 12 years had left me FEELING (feelings are satans playground) ALONE. Divorced (again), avoided, considered hopeless, a failure. I knew I was loved but had caused a distancing wherein I was rarely told, no longer made a part of family events, having to start over with nothing, with no one to give the help (POOR POOR PITIFUL ME)..When in actuality.I was bound by self deception fueled by satans tool of loneliness. ALL OF THIS WAS A LIE! Fact is I wasn't alone, I did have help and if I needed to talk to someone in my family or a friend all I had to do was call...and most of them didn't have my number (which always was changing) so how could they call. And even if I had no family I knew there were support groups out there a phone call away. No one has to be alone.
Yet I knew Gods Word and I knew in order to receive I needed to get out of myself and give the very thing I hoped to receive. Isn't Gods Love is to be given through us as Christs Body? Don't we reap what we sow? Then I realized that most in todays church do not have this knowledge nor desire to love as Christ loved; many do not know that delivering Gods Promises to others is their responsibility. And I had to realize it is more so my responsibility since I was given knowledge of this:
Mt 25:33 - 45 - Show Context 33
"And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. 34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: 36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. 37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? 38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? 39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? 40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. 41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: 42 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: 43 I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. 44 Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? 45 Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me."
Loneliness had begun turning my heart to self pity, self absorption became the slave master then old sin crept in. I began looking at the false solutions the world offers. I was in depression being oppressed by the spiritual enemy. No transportation, no money, no one who loves me (there's that lie again....poor, poor pitiful me. Then someone said I need to count my blessings:.......HUH WHAT? LIGHTS, ACTION! GOD BEGAN GRANTING ME REPENTANCE TO THE ACKNOWLEDGING OF TRUTH! I am physically able to walk where I need to go, I have a good job, a great boss, Church van picks me up on Sundays to go to a great Church. And it was the Human Vessel that said to count my blessings that's caused me to refocus on Gods Call For Me To Love Others As Christ Loved Me!
Loneliness is just a snare the enemy uses. As you & I become vessels of Gods Promises to others, God Says:
Isa 54:17 - Show Context
No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.
Nor will the enemies weapons of loneliness prosper against you! Help someone today through the Love of God and disarm satans weapon of loneliness against you.
In Christs Love And Service
Brother James, OIC
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Nurturing the Small Things of God
"Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men" (Matthew 2:16)
We live in a fast-paced world, where we expect things to come into fruition quickly - whether it be business or personal. Church endeavours can also be a part of this, when we desire that things start off 'big' so as to impact as many people as possible. We believe that by doing God's work, He will immediately cause our project to expand in order to achieve His will, and if this does not happen, many of us become disheartened and begin to question His hand in our project. But does God always think 'big'?
The birth of Jesus is a beautiful example of waiting for something incredible to come into fruition. Our God came to us as a baby, an infant, capable of doing very little until His time. Like any infant, He required nurturing and patience - He was like the 'seed' of our godly pursuits, that needs to be brought to maturity in order to bring Glory to God. The works of God often begin with the 'small.' We so often get frustrated because we desire to do so much for God, yet we fail to understand that He often begins things 'small' and these things are built to greatness, through Him. Jesus is God made flesh yet, initially, as a child, He seemed so 'unproductive' - until of course, His ministry began and this once-small child proved to be the greatest gift Mankind has ever been given. We must not think little of that which starts small, it is the mustard seed, the faith, which will bring great Glory to the Lord. It requires care and development, but God will use what He has begun through you! "He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ" (Phillipians 1:6).
It is so easy to dismiss these small things, these projects we engage in to bring Glory to His Name, thinking that is it were of God, He would make it prosper immediately. The society in which we live is one that is modeled purposefully by Satan, the ruler of this world. He has created a way of thinking in which the small things are unimportant, and only the big things are considered to be of any real worth. But this is not how God sees it. God is patient, knowing that that which is small can grow into the most incredible thing!
However, Satan also knows this. Look to the passage of this devotional - Herod slew all the children in order to destroy Jesus. Satan knows that small things can mature into greatness and proclaim God's Word, and he will do anything he can to stop these things in their infancy. This is how he works - attempting to put a halt to godly projects and godly men and women, before they can achieve what God plans for them. He restricts the proclamation of Truth at any cost. We must remain faithful to His Plan, knowing that sometimes the small things will ripen into the most precious fruit on the Vine that is our God. we must remain vigilant, lest Satan fool us into believing our direction is inconsequential or of our own making (for God will close doors to that which is not His Will). When we come before Him in honesty, asking Him to direct our paths, He will provide us the way to serve Him in accordance with our gifts and talents and predispositions - but Satan will try and take those things away from us. We must remain aware, through prayer and dedication to His Word, of His Will and Purpose. The small things are seeds that God provides us to water and nurture, so that they may grow into Truth and provide many with His sustenance.
Barukh atah Adonai Elohaynu Melekh haOlam (Blessed be the L-rd our G-d, King of the Universe)
In Christ’s Love and Service,
Sister Rebecca Mihail, OIC Minister from the Australian Outback
We live in a fast-paced world, where we expect things to come into fruition quickly - whether it be business or personal. Church endeavours can also be a part of this, when we desire that things start off 'big' so as to impact as many people as possible. We believe that by doing God's work, He will immediately cause our project to expand in order to achieve His will, and if this does not happen, many of us become disheartened and begin to question His hand in our project. But does God always think 'big'?
The birth of Jesus is a beautiful example of waiting for something incredible to come into fruition. Our God came to us as a baby, an infant, capable of doing very little until His time. Like any infant, He required nurturing and patience - He was like the 'seed' of our godly pursuits, that needs to be brought to maturity in order to bring Glory to God. The works of God often begin with the 'small.' We so often get frustrated because we desire to do so much for God, yet we fail to understand that He often begins things 'small' and these things are built to greatness, through Him. Jesus is God made flesh yet, initially, as a child, He seemed so 'unproductive' - until of course, His ministry began and this once-small child proved to be the greatest gift Mankind has ever been given. We must not think little of that which starts small, it is the mustard seed, the faith, which will bring great Glory to the Lord. It requires care and development, but God will use what He has begun through you! "He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ" (Phillipians 1:6).
It is so easy to dismiss these small things, these projects we engage in to bring Glory to His Name, thinking that is it were of God, He would make it prosper immediately. The society in which we live is one that is modeled purposefully by Satan, the ruler of this world. He has created a way of thinking in which the small things are unimportant, and only the big things are considered to be of any real worth. But this is not how God sees it. God is patient, knowing that that which is small can grow into the most incredible thing!
However, Satan also knows this. Look to the passage of this devotional - Herod slew all the children in order to destroy Jesus. Satan knows that small things can mature into greatness and proclaim God's Word, and he will do anything he can to stop these things in their infancy. This is how he works - attempting to put a halt to godly projects and godly men and women, before they can achieve what God plans for them. He restricts the proclamation of Truth at any cost. We must remain faithful to His Plan, knowing that sometimes the small things will ripen into the most precious fruit on the Vine that is our God. we must remain vigilant, lest Satan fool us into believing our direction is inconsequential or of our own making (for God will close doors to that which is not His Will). When we come before Him in honesty, asking Him to direct our paths, He will provide us the way to serve Him in accordance with our gifts and talents and predispositions - but Satan will try and take those things away from us. We must remain aware, through prayer and dedication to His Word, of His Will and Purpose. The small things are seeds that God provides us to water and nurture, so that they may grow into Truth and provide many with His sustenance.
Barukh atah Adonai Elohaynu Melekh haOlam (Blessed be the L-rd our G-d, King of the Universe)
In Christ’s Love and Service,
Sister Rebecca Mihail, OIC Minister from the Australian Outback
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Understanding Sin unto Death & Sin Not unto Death
(1John 5:16-17)
If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it. All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death
(Romans 6:23)
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
In the life of a believer that is from day to day being sanctified in Truth growing by grace to grace, through faith to faith and glory to glory this believer is kept by the Spirit of God unto the saving of his soul, because this believer acknowledges, that is confesses in his/her heart the Truth of Gods Word which in Gods time makes the believer free from the bondages of sin. But what about those who are calling themselves believers and practicing sin unto death calling it good? What about tose who are in a Church Family and live willfully in rebellion to God their existance there a cancer to the Body of Christ as the sin is unconfessed and tolerated.
Romans 6:23 is speaking to this sin unto death mentioned in the opening scripture. (Sin Not Unto Death are the likes of worry, foolishness, and such wherein our intercession alone is enough to deliver those entrapped hindered by it. But there is Sin Unto Death that those who practice such never enter the Kingdom of God, which is the Power of God in the life of growing believers and produces the righteousness, joy and peace of the Holy Spirit within) and we the Body are commanded to not even to pray for one who calls himself a brother that's practicing a sin that falls into this category. Such was a situation in the Corinthian Church:
(1 Corinthians 5:1-6)
It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife. And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you. For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed, 4 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?
The list of Sin Unto Death is numerous ranging from the obvious and the not so obvious:
(Galatians 5:19-21)
Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
(1 Corinthians 6:-10)
Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
Beginning in Galatians 5 let us begin looking at each practiced unconfessed sin that delivers its prisoner to death:
Adultery: voluntary sexual intercourse between a married man and someone other than his wife or between a married woman and someone other than her husband; also: an act of adultery
Fornication: consensual sexual intercourse between two persons not married to each other.
Uncleanness:
a: morally or spiritually impure
b: infected with a harmful supernatural contagion; also: prohibited by ritual law for use or contact
c: dirty, filthy
d: lacking in clarity and precision of conception or execution
Lasciviousness: lewd, lustful
Idolatry:
a: the worship of a physical object as a god
b: immoderate attachment or devotion to something
Witchcraft:
a: the use of sorcery or magic
b: communication with the devil or with a familiar
c: an irresistible influence or fascination
d: wicca
( the original greek for witchcraft could have been translated Pharmacy,)
Hatred:
a: hate
b: prejudiced hostility or animosity (old racial prejudices and national hatred)
Variance:
a: the fact or state of being in disagreement : dissension, dispute
b: a disagreement between two parts of the same legal proceeding that must be consonant
c: a license to do some act contrary to the usual rule (for us the Truth of Gods Word and the reality of His Promises)
Emulations:
a: ambition or endeavor to equal or excel others (as in the essence of the American Dream)
b: imitation c: the use of or technique of using an emulator
Wrath:
a: strong vengeful anger or indignation
b: retributory punishment for an offense or a crime : divine chastisement
Strife:
a: bitter sometimes violent conflict or dissension
b: an act of contention : fight, struggle
c: exertion or contention for superiority
Seditions: incitement of resistance to or insurrection against lawful authority
Heresies:
a: adherence to a religious opinion contrary to rightly divided Truth of Gods Word
b: denial of a revealed truth
c: an opinion or doctrine contrary to Truth
d: dissent or deviation from a dominant theory, opinion, or practice of Truth e: an opinion, doctrine, or practice contrary to the truth or to generally accepted beliefs or standard based on Gods Word.
Envyings:
a: painful or resentful awareness of an advantage enjoyed by another joined with a desire to possess the same advantage
b: an object of envious notice or feeling
Murders: the crime of unlawfully killing a person especially with malice aforethought
Drunkenness:
a: given to habitual excessive use of alcohol
b: of, relating to, or characterized by intoxication (they come from...broken homes, drunken homes - P. B. Gilliam)
c: resulting from or as if from intoxication (a drunken brawl)
d: unsteady or lurching as if from alcoholic intoxication
Revellings:
a: unrestrained merrymaking
b: wild parties
c: celebrate noisily, often indulging in drinking; engage in uproarious festivities
Effeminate:
a: a male having unsuitable feminine qualities
b: a male characterized by excessive softness or self-indulgence
Abusers of themselves with mankind:
a: homosexuality
b: lesbianism (see Romans Chapter 1)
Covetousness:
a: an envious eagerness to possess something
b: reprehensible acquisitiveness; insatiable desire for wealth (personified as one of the deadly sins)
c: extreme greed for material wealth
Revilers: spread negative information about , gossip
Extortioners:
a: the act or practice of extorting especially money or other property; especially: the offense committed by an official engaging in such practice
b: something extorted; especially: a gross overcharge
(Revelation 21:8)
But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and allliars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
It is a careful thing on the part of any true believer to familiarize yourself with the things listed. Some of the less obvious are: heresies (false teachings), seditions, revellings (wild parties). The list of sin unto death is endless. Its elements for the most part appear as a good thing to the world and to those bound in deception of the worlds false solutions in the Church. And spiritually Jesus taught that if any of these are in your heart the sin has already been committed. So Grace is needed and acknowledging Truth is a must as is confessing sin in our lives to Jesus knowing in doing this one day Truth will Make You Free.
Gods Word instructs us to Examine Ourselves and see if we are in the faith as everything outside of faith is sin and there are sin that are unto death.
In Christ’s Love and Service,
Brother James Pierson, OIC Senior Minister
If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it. All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death
(Romans 6:23)
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
In the life of a believer that is from day to day being sanctified in Truth growing by grace to grace, through faith to faith and glory to glory this believer is kept by the Spirit of God unto the saving of his soul, because this believer acknowledges, that is confesses in his/her heart the Truth of Gods Word which in Gods time makes the believer free from the bondages of sin. But what about those who are calling themselves believers and practicing sin unto death calling it good? What about tose who are in a Church Family and live willfully in rebellion to God their existance there a cancer to the Body of Christ as the sin is unconfessed and tolerated.
Romans 6:23 is speaking to this sin unto death mentioned in the opening scripture. (Sin Not Unto Death are the likes of worry, foolishness, and such wherein our intercession alone is enough to deliver those entrapped hindered by it. But there is Sin Unto Death that those who practice such never enter the Kingdom of God, which is the Power of God in the life of growing believers and produces the righteousness, joy and peace of the Holy Spirit within) and we the Body are commanded to not even to pray for one who calls himself a brother that's practicing a sin that falls into this category. Such was a situation in the Corinthian Church:
(1 Corinthians 5:1-6)
It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife. And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you. For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed, 4 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?
The list of Sin Unto Death is numerous ranging from the obvious and the not so obvious:
(Galatians 5:19-21)
Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
(1 Corinthians 6:-10)
Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
Beginning in Galatians 5 let us begin looking at each practiced unconfessed sin that delivers its prisoner to death:
Adultery: voluntary sexual intercourse between a married man and someone other than his wife or between a married woman and someone other than her husband; also: an act of adultery
Fornication: consensual sexual intercourse between two persons not married to each other.
Uncleanness:
a: morally or spiritually impure
b: infected with a harmful supernatural contagion; also: prohibited by ritual law for use or contact
c: dirty, filthy
d: lacking in clarity and precision of conception or execution
Lasciviousness: lewd, lustful
Idolatry:
a: the worship of a physical object as a god
b: immoderate attachment or devotion to something
Witchcraft:
a: the use of sorcery or magic
b: communication with the devil or with a familiar
c: an irresistible influence or fascination
d: wicca
( the original greek for witchcraft could have been translated Pharmacy,)
Hatred:
a: hate
b: prejudiced hostility or animosity (old racial prejudices and national hatred)
Variance:
a: the fact or state of being in disagreement : dissension, dispute
b: a disagreement between two parts of the same legal proceeding that must be consonant
c: a license to do some act contrary to the usual rule (for us the Truth of Gods Word and the reality of His Promises)
Emulations:
a: ambition or endeavor to equal or excel others (as in the essence of the American Dream)
b: imitation c: the use of or technique of using an emulator
Wrath:
a: strong vengeful anger or indignation
b: retributory punishment for an offense or a crime : divine chastisement
Strife:
a: bitter sometimes violent conflict or dissension
b: an act of contention : fight, struggle
c: exertion or contention for superiority
Seditions: incitement of resistance to or insurrection against lawful authority
Heresies:
a: adherence to a religious opinion contrary to rightly divided Truth of Gods Word
b: denial of a revealed truth
c: an opinion or doctrine contrary to Truth
d: dissent or deviation from a dominant theory, opinion, or practice of Truth e: an opinion, doctrine, or practice contrary to the truth or to generally accepted beliefs or standard based on Gods Word.
Envyings:
a: painful or resentful awareness of an advantage enjoyed by another joined with a desire to possess the same advantage
b: an object of envious notice or feeling
Murders: the crime of unlawfully killing a person especially with malice aforethought
Drunkenness:
a: given to habitual excessive use of alcohol
b: of, relating to, or characterized by intoxication (they come from...broken homes, drunken homes - P. B. Gilliam)
c: resulting from or as if from intoxication (a drunken brawl)
d: unsteady or lurching as if from alcoholic intoxication
Revellings:
a: unrestrained merrymaking
b: wild parties
c: celebrate noisily, often indulging in drinking; engage in uproarious festivities
Effeminate:
a: a male having unsuitable feminine qualities
b: a male characterized by excessive softness or self-indulgence
Abusers of themselves with mankind:
a: homosexuality
b: lesbianism (see Romans Chapter 1)
Covetousness:
a: an envious eagerness to possess something
b: reprehensible acquisitiveness; insatiable desire for wealth (personified as one of the deadly sins)
c: extreme greed for material wealth
Revilers: spread negative information about , gossip
Extortioners:
a: the act or practice of extorting especially money or other property; especially: the offense committed by an official engaging in such practice
b: something extorted; especially: a gross overcharge
(Revelation 21:8)
But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and allliars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
It is a careful thing on the part of any true believer to familiarize yourself with the things listed. Some of the less obvious are: heresies (false teachings), seditions, revellings (wild parties). The list of sin unto death is endless. Its elements for the most part appear as a good thing to the world and to those bound in deception of the worlds false solutions in the Church. And spiritually Jesus taught that if any of these are in your heart the sin has already been committed. So Grace is needed and acknowledging Truth is a must as is confessing sin in our lives to Jesus knowing in doing this one day Truth will Make You Free.
Gods Word instructs us to Examine Ourselves and see if we are in the faith as everything outside of faith is sin and there are sin that are unto death.
In Christ’s Love and Service,
Brother James Pierson, OIC Senior Minister
Monday, September 28, 2009
True Revival
Romans 14:9 - Show Context
For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.
There is no doubt when God shows up in the form of revivals it becomes a most powerful event. Holiness spreads out and covers whole cities and the surrounding countryside. But for us individually and corporately as the Body of Christ revival unto holiness within must first take place.
Christ died then He rose then His revival took place. When I was buried with Christ in Baptism I died in the likeness of His death. When I came up out of the water I arose in likeness of Christ's resurrection to a newness of life. As it does for many sadly my new life faded. I didn't understand that I must then revive. I didn't understand what revival took in ones life.
For many years I was in prison, I spent my time reading the Word of God. Its Truths being planted deep within my heart awaiting the time of the Father to be given increase, so this ministry could come forth in its appointed time to bear fruit unto God. During those years of study I was journeyed along a spiritual path through many different teachings. And after wading through the muck of satans false teachers I began rightly dividing the Word of Truth I then went from being a prisoner of the state to being a Prisoner of the Lord. Truth does that.
Truth then begins growing the understanding of the cost of discipleship, which when paid brings about the realization of true revival, that was not found in any thing I could do or anything I knew but what God wrought in me in Christ.
Once the cost was paid which entailed the relinquishment of controlling my own life. I turned its control over to the Lordship of Jesus Christ Whom is and always will be really in control, I then began understanding that satans grasp on my life was loosed. Where once his deceptions and false solutions controlled my life through my emotions and physical needs Satan's seemingly good solutions that once ensnared my soul I was awaken to recognize his many schemes that he uses in the world to keep many in the Church from true personal revival. This knowing your enemy and his schemes is only part of the preparation toward revival, I now needed Gods Powerful Weapons of Warfare - His Promises!
(Stop and read 2nd Peter 1:1-11)
2nd Peter1:4 States:
Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
Only Gods Promises can revive us. Satan's false solutions of medicines legal and illegal, his trap of the American Dream which is the essence of the work of the flesh - EMULATIONS, his false solution of sciences and economy, educational systems, false recovery religions that have you working steps and even intellectual Theology are all traps keeping many from True Revival. As a New Creation I am a citizen of the Kingdom of God on assignment in the world, I'm no longer my own I am an Ambassador of my Lord Jesus Christ here on Earth. The Remnant of True believers are those who have forsaken the world's false solutions and entrusted their well being to Gods Promises alone. And it's His Promises that will revive us into His light and life of True Revival. I cannot obey God and trust the world's false solutions which is lawlessness. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me as He is the Wisdom and Power of God formed within the life of a true believer. His Spirit within is Revival.
Friends set aside all preconceived denominational snares and read the New Testament asking Gods Spirit to give you understanding of these things. A revived life here as well as eternity and where you will spend it is at stake here.
In Christ’s Love and Service,
Brother James Pierson, OIC Senior Minister
For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.
There is no doubt when God shows up in the form of revivals it becomes a most powerful event. Holiness spreads out and covers whole cities and the surrounding countryside. But for us individually and corporately as the Body of Christ revival unto holiness within must first take place.
Christ died then He rose then His revival took place. When I was buried with Christ in Baptism I died in the likeness of His death. When I came up out of the water I arose in likeness of Christ's resurrection to a newness of life. As it does for many sadly my new life faded. I didn't understand that I must then revive. I didn't understand what revival took in ones life.
For many years I was in prison, I spent my time reading the Word of God. Its Truths being planted deep within my heart awaiting the time of the Father to be given increase, so this ministry could come forth in its appointed time to bear fruit unto God. During those years of study I was journeyed along a spiritual path through many different teachings. And after wading through the muck of satans false teachers I began rightly dividing the Word of Truth I then went from being a prisoner of the state to being a Prisoner of the Lord. Truth does that.
Truth then begins growing the understanding of the cost of discipleship, which when paid brings about the realization of true revival, that was not found in any thing I could do or anything I knew but what God wrought in me in Christ.
Once the cost was paid which entailed the relinquishment of controlling my own life. I turned its control over to the Lordship of Jesus Christ Whom is and always will be really in control, I then began understanding that satans grasp on my life was loosed. Where once his deceptions and false solutions controlled my life through my emotions and physical needs Satan's seemingly good solutions that once ensnared my soul I was awaken to recognize his many schemes that he uses in the world to keep many in the Church from true personal revival. This knowing your enemy and his schemes is only part of the preparation toward revival, I now needed Gods Powerful Weapons of Warfare - His Promises!
(Stop and read 2nd Peter 1:1-11)
2nd Peter1:4 States:
Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
Only Gods Promises can revive us. Satan's false solutions of medicines legal and illegal, his trap of the American Dream which is the essence of the work of the flesh - EMULATIONS, his false solution of sciences and economy, educational systems, false recovery religions that have you working steps and even intellectual Theology are all traps keeping many from True Revival. As a New Creation I am a citizen of the Kingdom of God on assignment in the world, I'm no longer my own I am an Ambassador of my Lord Jesus Christ here on Earth. The Remnant of True believers are those who have forsaken the world's false solutions and entrusted their well being to Gods Promises alone. And it's His Promises that will revive us into His light and life of True Revival. I cannot obey God and trust the world's false solutions which is lawlessness. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me as He is the Wisdom and Power of God formed within the life of a true believer. His Spirit within is Revival.
Friends set aside all preconceived denominational snares and read the New Testament asking Gods Spirit to give you understanding of these things. A revived life here as well as eternity and where you will spend it is at stake here.
In Christ’s Love and Service,
Brother James Pierson, OIC Senior Minister
Sunday, September 27, 2009
A Rare Visitor
Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. (1John 3:9)
I remember being told that as long as I'm still in this body I'll continue sinning. I turn around and hear elsewhere that my negative addictions are a disease and I'll never be cured. Is there hope? Can I recover from the negative addictions of sin? The answer to both is yes! The referenced scripture above states such a time of recovery.
What is sin that makes it hold such control of my life? The simplest definition is that I choose things that miss the mark of Gods Will. Gods Word states that everything outside of Faith is sin. So Faithlessly I've attempted to fill up the empty pit inside my soul with people, places and things realizing later (after sin hurts me) that none of those things brings about contentment within. Once these things fail for some more desperate types of sin follow; some turned to alcohol, others promiscuity, others drugs the list can be endless as is the cycle of defeat these false solutions fuel.
I've been a Christian all my life, why haven't I quit sinning? Gods Word states that it is through faith and patience you inherit the promises (See Hebrews 6:12). And the promise of above isn't attained to overnight. Remember Faith comes by Hearing and Hearing by the Word of God (See Romans 10:17). Hearing implies understanding what you hear. The Parable of the Sower in Matthew 13:1 - 8 and explained in Matthew 13: 18 - 23 tells us the Word of God is the Seed that must remain in us. It is the Spirit of Christ (Gods Anointing, Wisdom and Power) being formed within (See Galatians 4:19; 1 Corinthians 1:24; John 1:12 KJV and Romans 8:9). It is this Power that makes us to Overcome the Wicked One (which is the Devil NOT our own flesh) (See Revelations 12:11.
Jesus PAID IN FULL the price for our sin that separated us from God the Father. Grace keeps us until the appointed time of the Father when His work is completed inside and His Seed remains in us (See 1John 2:2; 4:10; Ephesians 2:8-10; Galatians 4:1-2). And its our Faith and Hope in Gods Promises having forsook the false solutions the world and its god Satan offers that makes us partakers of this Divine Nature (See 2Peter 1:1-11)
I don't have to live in depression, I don't have to believe the lies of the devil in the worlds false solutions, I don't have to try to satisfy the Empty pit within with anything but Gods Word, obeying Jesus' instructions while trusting with Faith in what God has done for us through His Son Jesus Christ.
Today I make a commitment to set aside all worry and preconceived notions or doctrines that have not empowered me to Overcome, And lay aside all the false solutions the world offers and I'll study the New Testament while asking God to give me understanding knowing and trusting He will strengthen me to walk out His Word in my life
Have a Blessed Day In Jesus Name! May His Grace and Peace Be Upon You: (See 2Peter 1:1-3; Philippians 4:6-8)
In Christ’s Love and Service,
Brother James Pierson, OIC Senior Minister
I remember being told that as long as I'm still in this body I'll continue sinning. I turn around and hear elsewhere that my negative addictions are a disease and I'll never be cured. Is there hope? Can I recover from the negative addictions of sin? The answer to both is yes! The referenced scripture above states such a time of recovery.
What is sin that makes it hold such control of my life? The simplest definition is that I choose things that miss the mark of Gods Will. Gods Word states that everything outside of Faith is sin. So Faithlessly I've attempted to fill up the empty pit inside my soul with people, places and things realizing later (after sin hurts me) that none of those things brings about contentment within. Once these things fail for some more desperate types of sin follow; some turned to alcohol, others promiscuity, others drugs the list can be endless as is the cycle of defeat these false solutions fuel.
I've been a Christian all my life, why haven't I quit sinning? Gods Word states that it is through faith and patience you inherit the promises (See Hebrews 6:12). And the promise of above isn't attained to overnight. Remember Faith comes by Hearing and Hearing by the Word of God (See Romans 10:17). Hearing implies understanding what you hear. The Parable of the Sower in Matthew 13:1 - 8 and explained in Matthew 13: 18 - 23 tells us the Word of God is the Seed that must remain in us. It is the Spirit of Christ (Gods Anointing, Wisdom and Power) being formed within (See Galatians 4:19; 1 Corinthians 1:24; John 1:12 KJV and Romans 8:9). It is this Power that makes us to Overcome the Wicked One (which is the Devil NOT our own flesh) (See Revelations 12:11.
Jesus PAID IN FULL the price for our sin that separated us from God the Father. Grace keeps us until the appointed time of the Father when His work is completed inside and His Seed remains in us (See 1John 2:2; 4:10; Ephesians 2:8-10; Galatians 4:1-2). And its our Faith and Hope in Gods Promises having forsook the false solutions the world and its god Satan offers that makes us partakers of this Divine Nature (See 2Peter 1:1-11)
I don't have to live in depression, I don't have to believe the lies of the devil in the worlds false solutions, I don't have to try to satisfy the Empty pit within with anything but Gods Word, obeying Jesus' instructions while trusting with Faith in what God has done for us through His Son Jesus Christ.
Today I make a commitment to set aside all worry and preconceived notions or doctrines that have not empowered me to Overcome, And lay aside all the false solutions the world offers and I'll study the New Testament while asking God to give me understanding knowing and trusting He will strengthen me to walk out His Word in my life
Have a Blessed Day In Jesus Name! May His Grace and Peace Be Upon You: (See 2Peter 1:1-3; Philippians 4:6-8)
In Christ’s Love and Service,
Brother James Pierson, OIC Senior Minister
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