Only in His Service

The New Covenant

2008-10-05T16:40:00.005-04:00

What is the reason for the tree of knowledge. Knowing that the tree was put there for the purpose of allowing Adam and Eve to make a decision as to obedience or disobedience has shown me why we are where we are at today spiritually. The act of unbelief and disobedience that cause the spiritual death of man kind is made clear. We wanted to be God.

Man today still wants to be God. Adam and Eve were just the first in the line that still has the same desire. We were before the act of disobedience made in God's spiritual image. We were to rule Earth for him and to be his companion, not because he needed us but because of his love. Instead we must now struggle to find our way. Human kind must return to the earth that we came from instead of ruling it.

All of our lives we have to struggle with the temptations cause by that one act. Until we know what is missing in our lives we must continue this life of sin and despair. But from the beginning God in his mercy and love had a plan. The covenant, made with Abraham, that we today, that are born again into Christ partake of, was his plan. The blood of Christ, is our covenant blood. All of the promises that God gave Abraham are ours. Every thing that the Scriptures tells us is ours. God made a covenant with Abraham and with us, through the Blood of Jesus his Son. He does not break his covenant, we do. Most of us still do not know what a covenant really is.

In Bible time a covenant was a binding pact between two people our groups of people. This covenant made them as one group, a family. They would take on each others name to show that they had a covenant with each other. Countries would bind together, not as today with a piece of paper but with blood. Some cultures today still practice this type of covenant. The shed blood bound them together. To be a true covenant there had to be the shedding of blood.

God is love. That is probably one of the most important statements ever written. We as human can not come close to understand that it is his nature. Our concept of love with all of it's limits can not come close to fathoming his love. His love is unconditional, if we come to him as he calls us, through the blood of Jesus the Christ. It is his love that seeks us, to bring us to a saving grace. His love nailed Jesus to the tree not us being good or holy.

Only by becoming man and taking all of our sins could Christ be as us and for us. Thus he became our representative in the New Covenant. We in our sinful nature could not approach God. We needed a man that could take our sin, pain, temptations, and death. He had to be sinless. He had to overcome the temptations of life, from his infancy to adulthood. He was a teenager with it's problems, and of course he was tempted by Satan in the wilderness. He over came all even suffering a cruel death. We were there with him. He willingly became our representative and carried our troubles and trials. He is the one who represents us in the New Covenant. It is his blood that was shed for the covenant.

God is faithful. We all hear this from every pulpit. Do we really understand what it means. It means that God is truth, to be certain, enduring, to trust or believe. What God promises he will always do. He made the covenant with us through Jesus blood. Our faith is brought about by our personal relationship with God. It is not an energy or some power that comes about by our on strength but through The Holy Spirit. As with Sarah who had the faith to conceive a child in her old age we also can find that faith in Christ.

We live under the grace of the New Covenant, free from the burden of the old covenant. Jesus freed us with his blood. We no longer need the blood of a substitute animal to cover our sins. God's perfect plan is the Good News of the New Covenant. Jesus dealt with our sin, now we need to accept the divine amnesty, and be reconciled to God.

faith

2008-09-06T14:06:00.002-04:00

This morning I attended a men's breakfast and we discussed faith. The question was ask what makes up faith. What is faith. The Bible says that faith is "the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" Heb 11:1. The question became what is the substance that makes up faith in us, how does faith grow?

We are to come to Christ as a child. That means with a child like faith. A child has the ability to have a faith that is based on trust. A child will trust and believe its parents until they find that the parents do not always keep their word. That is the way we are to come to Christ. We come with the trust that he will do as he promised. That is an element of faith.

As we develop our relationship with Christ we need to add other elements of faith. One of these is knowledge. We need to know that the trust that we had in the beginning is correct. We have the need to know that God always keeps His Word. How then can we know this? We need to study His word. If we study we find that through out the Bible God was always faithful to those who trusted Him. He always kept His word. Sometimes His word had to be a punishment, both wither it was for punishment for disobedience or a blessing He always kept his word.

Through obedience we also grow in faith. As we trust Him we find that He always leads us. He always keeps His word. As we trust and obey Him He is faithful to lead us. This will bring about a growth in our faith. We must keep our eye on Him and not let the world sway us. The world can cause us to start questioning God, and this brings in a loss of faith.

Jesus said that we only need the faith the size of a mustard seed to move a mountain. We all face mountains that only by faith can we move. We can not see a way out of a problem, or an illness. These are mountains to us. But remember Jesus said we can move that mountain with faith. By faith in Christ the mountain is moved, not by us but by Christ because of our faith. God created all things and He alone can change anything.

These are but 3 elements of faith. I challenge all who read this to think about what makes up their faith. Is their faith growing, stable, declining? If it is not growing, why is it not? Are you letting the things of this world drag your faith down? Do you feel God has not answered a prayer? Maybe you need to find out if God has answered the prayer but not the way you want. Sometimes no is an answer. My brothers and sisters we need to always be studying His word. As we do we will grow, in faith as we find more about the loving God we serve. He will never not answer, He is always trustworthy.

He paid it all

2008-08-18T16:05:00.006-04:00

Yesterday at church Pastor Quinton Moore ask the question, Did Jesus do enough on the Cross? Did all the suffering that He went through complete everything that we needed? The answer of course is yes. He paid it all with His death.

He suffered, He died, and He arose as the Old Testament said He would. Most Christians believe that. But He did more than that on the Cross. His Blood made the blood sacrifice that was needed. Another thing He did was pray for those who put Him on the cross. What a love, he forgave all of us then and there. He Prayed to the Father for all of us as we were putting Him on the Cross.

He also took all of our sins on Him, and His Father had to turn away from Him at that time. God The Father had to forsake His Son so that Jesus could bear all our sin. It was only when He had born all our sin that the task was done. What Satan had meant for evil and to stop God's plan was complete, Jesus then said " it is finished" He was saying that for once and for ever the forces of evil had lost the war. The forces of evil still battle on but they will face defeat because of the cross. This was God's plan and Jesus fulfilled it all.

Blood of Jesus

2008-08-14T09:27:00.003-04:00

Jesus came to the Earth with one main purpose and that was to die on the Cross. It was the shedding of His blood that was the only way to save us from our sin. Today many churches do not preach the Gospel that includes the blood. It is only through the blood that we can be saved from Hell and go to Heaven. Some do not even preach that there is a Hell.

Hell is real. I pray that none will go there but many will. We are told that there will be a total separation from God in Hell. We will have eternal separation from Him. Revelations speaks of the lake of fire. Torment awaits those that go there, that will last forever.

God in the person of Jesus came to Earth as a lowly man to purchase us with His blood. He came as the perfect Lamb, with out blemish. Knowing no sin, He went to the cross and shed His blood, for only blood can cover sin. Sin that all humans have. It was not the Romans or Jewish people that put Jesus on the Cross it was us. Our sin put Him there, your sin, my sin, all sin ever committed. From Adam to you and I, we all are guilty of placing Him there.

God loves us enough to send His Son to die for us, and anyone who believes on Him will not die (John 3:16). Our sin cover by His blood if we only believe. The prophets of old looked for Him, foretold of Him. They knew that only through His blood was salvation possible. Not the blood of an animal that had to be repeated each year but the permanent blood of Jesus. He was the perfect one the spotless Lamb.

With our every breath we need to praise Him for all He suffered on that cross. Praise Him for taking the keys to death from Satan. Sing glory to God for He has sent His son to over come through His blood the forces of evil. We are to worship Him, seek Him who died for us. Glory to God.

Waiting for His answer

2008-07-28T10:00:00.002-04:00

We as Christians pray for one another and for lost souls. We always believe, or should, that these prayers will be answered. Where I think we go wrong is in trying to help God answer our prayers. We for some reason we seem to think He, who made the universe, needs us to help Him. We are impatient, wanting the answer today, so we try to cause the answer our self.

If we let God answer our prayers he always will, in his time and way. We do not know the future, but He does. We do not know His plan for us or the others we are praying for. Sometimes the answer is no. How hard that is for us to accept. But He knows best. We pray for healing for someone who never gets better, and we wonder why. Remember even Paul had a thorn in his side.

The Lord sends people our way in answer to prayer. When we meet new people we never know what God has in plans for them and us. The Lord sends people that have the knowledge of The Gospel to talk to the lost souls. Some that have dealt in other religions need someone with special incite to talk to them. The Lord knows what is needed, what type of personality that can talk to the lost soul in a way that will not turn them off to the message. That connection that is needed.

It is our job to pray, it is the Holy Spirit's to convicted the heart of others. He will work through you, and others around, but let Him who knows all, lead. Just pray and lead the life that you know God wants you to lead. He can use everything for His purpose. Just let Him lead.

Waiting on the Lord

2008-07-21T14:05:00.003-04:00

As Christians we are suppose to have turned our lives over to Christ, totally. Most of us find this very hard to do. I include myself in this. I am in the process of reading Madam Jeanne Guyon's book "EXPERIENCING THE DEPTHS OF JESUS CHRIST'. In it she gives steps that help to abandon ourselves to God. Although I am only 1/4 of the way through the book I have found by following her suggestions I have made another step toward total commitment to God.

This book has stood the test of time. The things she wrote about in the 1680's are still needed today. To walk daily in the presence of God should be our goal. To know that He is always there. To be open to His voice and to follow without doubt, knowing that He will never leave us.

One of the first things I have learned from Her is to take the time to listen. Just sit still and listen. Stop your mind from racing. Most of us today find this very difficult. There is so much required of us, Work, taking children to their activities, shopping, helping with homework, etc. Our minds are racing all the time, thinking what else do I have to do today or tomorrow. We are always on the go. We are not taking the time to listen. Just stop sit down and wait on Him. If a though comes into your mind about something you have to do. Stop the though, and wait, say nothing, just wait on the Lord. This will take you to a new height with God. As you grow in this you will find that God will honor this time and talk to you. He is your Father and He wants a relationship with you. Give him the time to talk. Just as with your earthly father give Him the time.

As we read about many of the Great preachers and teachers of Christ we find that they take the time to listen. Even Paul after he saw Jesus had to wait. He was blind. He did wait on the Lord, with fasting and prayer. He waited 3 days before he received his answer (Acts 9:9-11). Ananias was open to the Lord. Yes he was reluctant, (Acts 9:13-14) most of us would also be, some of us would refuse because of fear, but he trusted God and went.

Paul spent 3 years in the desert of Arabia (Gal. 1:18). The Bible does not tell us what he did there. We do know that when he returned he had become the greatest preacher of Christ. Paul waited on the Lord. Many scholars believe that in the desert, Paul learned from The Holy spirit. He could only learn if he waited on the Lord.

The type of faith that this require is not some super faith. It takes a willingness to take the time to listen. We all have the ability to do so. Even if there are days when you hear nothing. Remember Paul waited 3 days, then 3 years. The number 3 is very important to us all. Jesus ministry on earth, his burial time all are 3 something. So we should not expect God to answer on our terms. It maybe 3 seconds, 3 minutes, or 3 days, our part is to wait and listen.

God's intentions

2008-06-24T10:52:00.003-04:00

The Lord sends people our way that are in need of help both spiritually and other needs. Our country has always responded to those in need. This happens because we, even nonbelievers, have Christian values. This is also, I believe, one of the reasons God has blessed this country. He has given to us so we can give to others.

I also believe God puts us into places that we can help the other animals in His Kingdom. I live in the same house as my sister Supernatural Christian. The back yard joins a woods that is part of a city park, and is near a river. It is an unfortunate fact that people dump animals. This past weekend a stray dog appeared, that looked like a Pitbull mix. Sunday after church she had made herself at home on the porch. She is actually a very friendly, loving dog. We made calls and found a place that will not put her down, this was important to us. She is a really good dog. We now pray for a nice home for her.

My sister says this is not the first time this has happened. I believe God directs these animals here because He knows that they will be cared for until a proper place can be found for them. They are part of Gods creation, and we were placed here to care for the world and it's animals. This was to be our job. We were to have dominion over them, until we fell. It is still our Job to care for God's creation. All of this was Gods plan. We changed it, not Him.

Every thing God created has a purpose. He looked at it and said "it is good". Some day in New Jerusalem things will be as they were intended. As God created in the beginning. A day when there will be no abandoned animals. All will live in harmony. Man and beast side by side, the lion and lamb together. What a wonderful place that will be. What an assume plan God has for us.

God's Creation

2008-06-23T10:26:00.009-04:00

Yesterday I watched a video by Louis Giglio. His topic was how small we are when compared to the universe God made, yet He knows our name.

I have a few pictures taken from the Hubble space craft. Some of these pictures are of a galaxies That are thousands of light years across. God in all his knowledge and power just spoke all of this into being. Think of the might of God to just speak and it is so. Scientist do not know how wide the universe is, but God does. He named all the planets, stars, Galaxies, and every thing in it. Science says that the universe is still growing, maybe they just do not have a way to see the end. God has an end to it, where Heaven begins.

With all this power He still came to a small dot of a planet to save us from sin. Even our sun is a small dot in a galaxy, that is a dot in the universe. The love that he shows for us is as large as the universe. Just thing of that. Wow that makes you want to just shout praises to Him. Praise God over and over. A God so powerful He can speak the universe into being yet knows you name and loves you enough to send His only Son to died a terrible death on a cross for us. Such power, such love.

I can not understand how anyone can look at these pictures and thing this all came into being by a big bang. First if it did where did the material come from to cause the big bang? I guess it just happened also. So where did it all start? Science can't tell us, but God knows. He made it with a breath and spoken word. He spoke into being all things and breathe live into all living things.

God planned all of this to show his glory. Remember Jesus said that even the rocks would shout praises. Well the entire universe does. Yes we are only a very tiny being on a tiny planet, circling a tiny star, in the Milky Way galaxy, but The God of the universe knows us. He knows our weakness, or troubles, our needs, our joy, and our hearts. He knows you better than anyone else, even better than we know ourself. Can any logical being not believe? Only one with a harden heart.

I praise God for all his glory and the beauty he has shown us. The beauty of God shows everywhere. Look around you God love is there, in the trees, the flowers, the rivers, lakes, oceans, and the Heavens. He is Love.

Gifts of The Son

2008-06-13T10:08:00.002-04:00

The Gifts of the Son are to facilitate and equip the Body of the Church. They are found in Ephesians 4:11 and 1 Cor. 12:38.

Apostles: Originally a select group chosen to carry out directly the ministry of Christ, including for a few writing the sacred canon. In contemporary times apostle refers to those who have a spirit of apostleship in remarkably extending the work of the church. They function as a messenger of God in overseeing a large section of the Church.

Prophet; A spiritually mature spokesman with a special, divinely focused message to the church or the world. A person uniquely gifted at times with insight into future events.

Evangelist: Refers mostly to a special gift of preaching or witnessing in a way that brings unbelievers into the experience of salvation. An example today would be Billy Graham, in the past Smith Wigglesworth. An evangelist operates for the establishment of new works while pastors and teachers follow up to organize and sustain.

Pastor/Teacher: The word Pastor comes from the root meaning "to protect" Which we get the word "shepherd. The function of this gift is to nurture, teach and care for the needs of the body.

Missionary: Implies the planning to make the Gospel known to all the world ( Romans 1:16). Shows an attitude of humility necessary for receiving a call to remote areas and unknown situations ( Is. 6:1-13). An inner compulsion to lead the world to a knowledge of Jesus Christ. (2 Cor. 5:14-20)

I pray that this past 3 post has increased the knowledge of those who have read it. I have based this on works by James Robison and Paul Walker.

Gifts of the Spirit

2008-06-11T09:34:00.003-04:00

1 Cor.12:8-10,28 give us the Gifts of the Spirit. I will give a brief description of each of the nine.

Word of Wisdom. Supernatural perspective. Sense of divine direction. Being led by the Spirit to act appropriately in certain circumstances. It is a knowledge given by the Holy Spirit working with knowledge and discernment.

Word of knowledge. Supernatural revelation of the divine will and plan. A supernatural insight or understanding of facts by revelation without human resources. It also involves moral wisdom to assist in living and relationships.

Faith. Supernatural ability to believe God without doubt, and to fight unbelief. Gives the ability to overcome adverse problems with a trust in God and His word.

Gift of Healing. The healing by supernatural means without human aid. May include divine assisted human medical treatment. Does not discount the use of God's creative gifts.

Working of miracles. supernatural power to intervene ans counteract earthly and evil forces. Literally means a display of power giving the ability to go beyond the natural. Works with faith and healing to defeat sin, Satan, sickness and evil forces at work today.

Prophecy. Divine inspired and anointed utterance. Supernatural proclamation in a known language. May be possessed and operated by all who are filled with the Holy Spirit.(1 Cor. 14:31). It is a calling forth of words from the Spirit of God.

Discerning of Spirits. Supernatural power to detect the relm of spirits and their activities. Gives the power of spiritual insight by supernatural revelation and plans of the enemy and his demons.

Different kinds of tongues. Supernatural utterance in a language not known to the speaker. These languages nay be existent in the world, revived from a past culture. Unknown in a sense as a means of communication inspired by the Holy Spirit. ( Is. 28:11; Mark 16:17; Acts 2:4; 10:44-48; 19:1-7; 1 Cor 12:10, 28-31; 132:1-3; 14:2, 4-22, 26-31).

Interpretation of tongues. Supernatural power to reveal the meaning of tongues. This is not an operation of the human mind. Does not serve as a translation but rather is a declaration of meaning. Is a supernatural phenomenon as are the gift of speaking in tongues and the gift of prophecy. The interpreter does not understand the tongue but is interpreting.

Some of the writings on the gifts on the Father, Holy spirit and Son are based on work by James Robison and Paul Walker.

Gifts of The Father

2008-06-10T11:12:00.004-04:00

As Christians we are taught that there are gifts of The Spirit, but very little if any are taught about the gifts of The Father. Today I will talk about these gifts. Romans 12:3-8 are believed to be gifts from the Father although some also believe they are from the spirit. The Gifts of the Father are for basic life purpose and motivation.

The importance of this little study is to assist in the knowledge of the distinction and work of each member of the God Head. It also, I pray, will prevent any confusion in the foundational motivation in life and the service to God, and the openness to the Holy Spirit's power for service and ministry. I will write in the next few days on the gifts of the Spirit and the Son.

The first gift is a gift of both. Prophecy means to speak with forthrightness and insight, especially when enabled by the Spirit of God (Joel 2:28) The difference between the gift from the Spirit and from The Father is the focus. The Gift from the Father is general, characterized by the level of the prophetic gift which is for all believers. The gift from the Spirit is operational, and the other gifts of the spirit are equal to it.

The Gift of Ministry is not found among the gifts of the Spirit. This gift gives one the ability to minister and render loving , general service to others, seeking nothing in return. The office of deacon is a good example. (Matt. 20:26) This should not be confused with a the gift of Pastor which is a gift of the Son. Many pastors have this gift in operation in addition with the gift of the Son.

Teaching The supernatural ability to explain truths from God. Those having this gift have the ability to make Divine truths clear to God's people. There is a distinct difference between a teacher and a prophet. The prophet speak as a mouth piece of God, a teacher explains truths.

Another gift of the Father is exhortation. Literally it means to call aside for the purpose of making an appeal. In a more broad sense to entreat, comfort, or instruct. (Acts 4:36; Heb 10:25)

Giving, is to give out of a spirit of generosity. As we all know it refers to those with resources giving to those without. It is to be used without any show or pride and with liberality. The early Christian church all seemed to have this gift as they shared all things among the Body. Today the Christian church is still known for it's giving to others in need.

The gift of leadership refers to one "standing in front". This gift when exercise with The Holy Spirit can modeled, and develop the Body of Christ. It should be used with diligence.

The last gift is Mercy, which means to feel sympathy with the misery of another. To relate to others in empathy, respect, and honesty. This gift should be used with kindness and cheerfulness, not as a duty.

I know this little study only list and gives a small description of each gift. I would hope that each who read this will undertake a study on their own. Tomorrow I will have a short discussion on the gifts of the Spirit followed the next day on the gifts of the Son.

Battling Demonic Forces

2008-06-09T10:09:00.006-04:00

The Prince of Persia that is described in Daniel 10:13 is active again against Israel. The prince in this case is the fallen angel that rules over Iran (Persia). The messenger to Daniel had to have the help of one of The Chief Princes (angels) to overcome the prince of Persia. The Israel of today has to depend on the chief of princes for their help.

Iran is today threatening Israel. Promising to destroy Israel. They are actively, I believe, trying to achieve an atom weapon. With such a weapon they would have the power to do what they want. The demonic forces are still today trying to destroy the forces of good.

The struggles here on earth are many time, maybe most of the time, influenced by demonic attempts to change God's will on earth. We as Believers in the power of the Blood of Christ must make intercession in this battle. Remember that even the messenger of God to Daniel had to battle for 21 days before Micheal arrived to help him. We can not stop praying and fasting for the battle is long and hard.

There are demonic force at work in our nation. Evil is rampant. Violence is on the increase. Drug uses, and gang active is taking over neighborhoods. Children are left to find their own ways while their parents are drunk or high. Teenage sex is also rampant and is starting at younger ages, some as young as 9. Homosexuals are calling their sins an alternate life style.

Praise God we know the final outcome of the battle. Even so the battle is long and hard. If we as the Body of Christ do not continue to pray and fast many more souls will be lost. Part of our purpose here is to help in the battle. We should make part of our every day prayers a prayer for Israel and it's people. The prayer should also be for lost souls around the world, and for those who battle daily to win them to Christ. The force we oppose are strong but Christ has already won the final battle. We know this for we have read the last chapters of the Word.

Colossian 2:13-15

2008-06-05T09:14:00.005-04:00

Colossian 2:13-15 "and you being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He Has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. Having disarmed principalities and power, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it."

The words wiped out here is a Greek word exaleipho which signifies a removal or obliteration, of sin (Acts 3:19)of writing ( Col 2:14), of a name (Rev3:15), or of tears (Rev 21:4). So we see here that Jesus has removed permanently the judgement against us.

The word Handwriting used here is the same as a signed confession of a debit owed, a bond or self confessed indictment.

The word it here is of course the cross. In Paul's other writings along with this he shows that Jesus death on the cross and all the suffering, shed blood, and the resurrection are the only means for our ransom from sin, and reconciliation with God.
Through the cross we are free from the slavery of sin and we are restored to God. The cross is the sole means of reinstatement to a relationship with God. See Eph 2:13, Gal 3:13,14, 2Cor 5:14-17, Rom 5:6-15. John also affirms this in Rev 12:10,11.

Paul uses in verse 15 a description of a Roman Generals homecoming, after a great victory, as a way of showing the events of the cross. It shows that God through the cross divested principlities and powers of their uncontested rule and authority. He made a public spectacle of them shows he did not destroy them but that their authority over the redeemed has been curbed. The final judgement against them awaits.

Gifts of The Spirit

2008-06-02T09:33:00.005-04:00

In my encountering God class on Sunday a question was ask about tongues? I know that this is a subject that many disagree on. I am going to write a little on the gifts of the spirit today. These are my personal believes.

Paul says in 1 Corinthians 14:14-15 " that if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with understanding." NKJ version. I believe that Paul is telling us here that our spirit can speak through our mouth in a language we do not understand. Paul goes on to say that any speaking of tongues is for the edification of the church. He also says that tongues are a sign for the unbeliever.

I do not believe that the only way to show that a person is filled with The Holy Spirit is through the speaking in tongues. I know people that are filled and do not speak in tongues but walk in another of the gifts. I also do not believe that one has to show any of the gifts to be saved, but I do believe they are missing a blessing from God.

All of the gifts of The Holy Spirit are still for us today. Hebrew 13:8 " Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." What was taught to the first church is still the same today, He said so in His Word. The gifts as described in 1Cor 12 are still active today. Read chapter 12 with an open mind and let the Spirit of God lead you. Verse 28 says "GOD has appointed these in the church: first Apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healing, helps, administration, varieties of tongues."

Most churches believe in the laying on of hands to pray for healing. I also believe this and Have been healed my self of oral cancer. I do not believe this has to be done only in a church building, but anywhere that 2 or more are gather in His name. We all claim to believe in miracles, yet dismiss the possibility that the gifts ,all of them, are still active today.

The Word says that there are those who walk in the gift of healing. Today because of many fakes, many do not believe that there are those that do, but The Word says there are. Most work unknown with out seeking any fame or rewards here on Earth. They work for the glory of God, for the growth of His Kingdom.

I believe that the Bible is the Word of God. I believe that not a word in it is not from Him and thus still for us today. I see the gifts of the Spirit in use daily. Sometimes without even knowing you will use a gift. My sister Supernatural Christian her husband, and myself were eating and discussing things when She mentioned a word she had been given. Without realizing it I was given a word to speak to her that explained what she had received.

There are other Gifts of course that we can walk in. I am only discussing these few today. I do believe that all of the gifts are active today and will continue until Christ returns for His Bride. Praise God for this promise. Praise God we have His Spirit at work here today, ministering to us.

Christian Love

2008-05-29T10:55:00.002-04:00

The Book of John gives us a look at how we are to treat each other. In John 13:34 & 35 Jesus gives us a new commandment, and gives us a test of Discipleship. In John 14:21 Jesus tells us That "he who has my commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me". John 15:12 " This is My commandment that you love one another as I have loved you." In 14:15 Jesus said " If you love Me, keep My commandments". All of these verses are Jesus speaking, they are not an option, but a commandment.

The body of Christ must commit this as a way of behaving. Jesus said that his disciples would be known by their love for one another. Are we known for our love, true agape love? To many times we get into arguments over small things. These disputes, unkind criticism, schism, and defamation of character are not what Jesus wants from us. In John 14:24 Jesus says " he who does not love Me does not Keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father's who sent me'. Are we keeping His word?

Jesus loved us with an unconditional love. His love was always to provide the best to others. Our priority is to love one another, all of the body of Christ, not just those we attend church with. Jesus did not die for a individual church, but all who call on His name in true repentance. We can not be His with out this love for each other. We cause many to fall away with our petty arguments. Many sinners look at us and say there is nothing but strife among them, why join them. Why become a Christian, there is no love or peace.

Remember that Jesus suffered for us. The love He showed for us is the love we are to give to one another. We are to bear with other's sins, with stabbing remarks and treatment. This is hard for us to do, but as we are a temple of the Holy Spirit we can. His love has been poured out into our hearts and we can ask Him for his grace and guidance to love as Jesus did. Jesus said in John 15:14 " you are My friends if you do whatever I command you." Would He call us His friend? I pray He would call me His friend.

Our Sacrifice

2008-05-28T07:34:00.003-04:00

In Isaiah 1:11 The Lord says "to what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices to me. I have had enough of your burnt offerings of rams and the fat of fed cattle.I do not delight in the blood of bulls or lambs or goat." He continues on in verse 13 to say "bring no more futile sacrifices."

The last statement is the real heart of what the Lord is talking about. The people were bringing their sacrifices because they were required to. There was no love for Him in them. Their hearts were far from God. The laws of man were what was being followed. God goes on to say in verse 15 that He would hide His eyes from them.

God was not telling the people not to sacrifice, but to change their heart. They must make their sacrifice with a sincere devotion. The sacrifice was required, but God wanted a right relationship with Him. David shows his understanding of this in Ps. 51 when he says "God's delight is not in animal sacrifice but rather a broken and contrite spirit."

Today we do not have to make animal sacrifices. Jesus was our sacrifice and He fulfilled all that the many sacrifices were for. Just as when Isaiah wrote many today worship only with their mouth, not their hearts. If we do not come before Him with a broken and contrite spirit we will not be accept, and God will turn His eyes from us. Mere ceremony will not do, just as it did not in Isaiah's day. We need to examine our hearts. We must accept with our heart the work that Jesus did on the Cross, with a sincere devotion to Him. This is the only way to be accepted by God. Only through the Blood of Christ is he satisfied.

storm damage

2008-05-27T14:32:00.001-04:00

Do to damage done my a storm I will not be blogging until Wed. May 28.

lets play cowboys and indiana

2008-05-23T10:37:00.008-04:00

Tombstone generator

I was memeed Friday by my sister supernaturalchristian. The question was who would you like to have in your wagon on the Oregon trail. Here is who I would like to have.

adrivebyshooting. To chronicle our journey

a-homestead-neophyte. To hunt that ever elusive yellow rabbit.

scenicmichiana. Her daughter is a trained soldier.

my life's journey. Her dog Poco could help to hunt the yellow rabbit.

Brother Mark He likes Colts.

Communion

2008-05-22T22:35:00.004-04:00

Last night in our small group we had Communion. We were each ask to have a verse that meant something to us about the Lords supper. As different people read the verses it gave one a time to meditate on what the last supper really was. Several verses were from the Old Testament. This made me wonder how many people really can tie the Old Testament feast to the Lord's Supper.

The time of the meal was at the Passover. The Lord Jesus is our Passover Lamb. Just as he had the Disciples prepare for the Feast, the Passover Lamb had to be prepared. When the Israelites Left Egypt the had to prepare the lamb and then sacrifice it. The placing of the blood is also important. The blood was to be placed on the top, both sides and at the bottom of the door. When Jesus died on the Cross his blood was at the top, both sides and at the bottom (Head, hands, feet). Jesus was telling us that we are to continue this in remembrance of Him, our Passover Lamb. Just as the Jews are were to keep the passover, we are to remember Him in this fashion.

Jesus told us He was the Passover Lamb. In The Old Testament the Lamb had to be eaten after the sacrifice, Jesus was using the meal to show us again by the eating that He was the lamb. He said take and eat this is my body, drink this is my blood. Jesus did nothing by accident He knew what was ahead for Him. He was the spotless Lamb.

I will be taking the next couple of days off. I am going on a Church retreat and we leave all computers, cell phones, and cares of the world at home and concentrate on God. I Pray that I will have a closer walk with The Lord upon my return. God Bless all.

Correction of Children

2008-05-22T11:02:00.004-04:00

Today I read a blog on spanking and thought it worth while to ling it for reading. click here It is I believe a law of God that the government is banning from us.

We as Christians are losing many of our rights. We are being told that we can not teach some of the truths that the Bible teaches. This form of correction is banned in many states. Those that oppose spanking now say that even a small slap on the rear harms the child. What are we teaching our children? We are teaching them that there is no penalty for disobedience. You can look at today's youth and see the results of the no touch policy. Gangs are at a record high, drugs are getting worse, sex among early teens is increasing. I could go on for the list is long.

Soon we will be arrested for hate crimes for teaching against homosexual activity. We can no longer have the Ten Commandants in a government building, Crosses are under attack. There have been attempts to ban Crosses from Veteran Cemeteries and memorials. It is going to get worse. Our Government has drifted far from what our founding fathers planed for this country. Our country was founded on Christian principles. Even the readers of the early schools were from the Bible. Wake up America, we are head for doom if we do not turn our country back to God.

Abundant Life

2008-05-21T09:39:00.002-04:00

John 10:10 says "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly". The word abundantly here comes from the Greek word, perissos. In the Strong's concordance this word means superabundance, excessive, overflowing, surplus, over and above. So Jesus in this verse is telling us that He came to give us and overflowing life.

As we give our self to God He has promised to return all plus more. He owns every thing and in this verse He promises to give back to us. I guess you could say it is like loaning some one something and they return it much better than when they got it. God in this case is giving His all to us as we give our all to him.

The first part of the verse describes what Satan does. He comes as a thief, to rob and kill. To bring us to total destruction. He came to steal our souls, to rob us of God's blessing. He wants to destroy our bodies through sickness and accidents. What a contrast to our loving, giving Saviour.

Christ came to Earth to defend life. He also calls us to do everything that we can to improve the lives of those around us. He wants us to preach the word not only with words but action. We are to help to relieve poverty, disease, hunger, injustice and ignorance. Jesus came to defeat death, but He also came to deliver abundant life.

This is a Covenant between God and us. From the beginning of time God has wanted us to have an abundant and prosperous life. God made everything and said that is was GOOD. He gave this beautiful planet to us. We were suppose to live here and have dominion over all of it. Man was suppose to live in that abundance. When we fell God still wanted man to live that way. To return man to this abundance God sent His Son to bring us again what we had lost.

We can have this abundance. To do so we must give our all to God. Not just our money, but our all. We must turn our lives over to Him, our talents, skills, our all. We must trust Him to deliver what He has promised. If you are sick, know that it is not from God but all illness is from the devil, and God can and will heal. He will get that job you need for you. If you are not living in his fullness examine your life and ask am I giving my all to God. If not I pray you will, He awaits with everything He has for you. He wants to give to you. Jesus said so, so it is true.

Genesis 3:15

2008-05-20T10:11:00.003-04:00

In Genesis 3:15 we find the first place that The Messiah is foretold. Even as God was kicking Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden he was promising a redeemer. He was Telling Eve that the redeemer would come from her seed.

All of the troubles that were to come, between the serpent (devil) and man, were told. We see these troubles through out the Old Testament. The wickedness of the people before Noah that cause the Lord to destroy all living things except those in the ark. Even after the flood man again turned against God. We have such short memories.

The Gospel has it first proclamation here. We today know that the seed of Eve was Jesus and that he fulfilled all that was foretold in Genesis. As the serpent was striking at the heal of Jesus he crushed the serpents head. All of what Jesus would do is told here in a miniature form. All of the power we had turned over to Satan was given back to us through Jesus. Jesus Died as the serpent struck, but death had no hold. Jesus was alive and He dealt the devil a crushing blow. There is a song I heard a few years ago that was a fight between Jesus and the devil. As Jesus falls the count is not from 1 to 10 but, 10 to 1, as Jesus raises, at the count of 1, He delivers the final blow.

Because of all Jesus did on the Cross we have no fear of death. Death has no power on us. We will rise just as our Lord did. We will be with Him that defeated the serpent of old. Glory to God. He gave us the way to salvation as a gift. Christ paid the price for us. Praise God.

Time with God

2008-05-19T10:01:00.002-04:00

I read on another blog that the blogger was having trouble reading through the Bible. I do not remember at this time who wrote it. I can understand this as I also had the same trouble the first couple of times I read through it. One of the problems is that we don't understand why some of the things are there. After a couple of times through, things that I didn't understand started to stick. There is a reason for tells us who was the father of who, or how the tabernacle was built. There is nothing in the Bible that does not have a purpose.

One of the ways to make sure you read all the way through is to set a time to read daily and and amount of time you must spend doing so. If you make this a promise to God and ask Him for understand He will open your mind to the wonders in the Bible. Each time I read through the Bible He reveals more, even in those chapters that seem to be drab or boring. After reading take the time to mediate on what you have read, listen to what God is saying. Be still and learn.

I also set aside time to read other Christian books. They can help your growth in the Lord. Many outstanding preachers have written books that are good teaching tools for your walk with the Lord. I set aside at least 30 minutes a day for reading this type of books, and again listening to God for what he wants me to learn.

It also helps to have a time of prayer before and after reading. Before we should be asking for His guidance and for Him to open our minds to His word. Ask Him to clear your mind of distractions. Distractions can cause us to lose interest and not to understand what we are reading. This is a favorite trick of the enemy. But this is a time you set aside for God and our enemy will not like it.

After you have read think God for the time you have spent with Him. It should be a time of joy, so let Him know you enjoy the time with Him. This also makes our enemy mad, he wants our time and will be upset at giving time to God. He will again try to stop your reading. Persist and the attacks will lessen and you will grow in the knowledge of God.

An Abomination Against God

2008-05-16T12:28:00.002-04:00

Yesterday in California there was a court ruling that said that homosexuals can marry. Leviticus 18:22 "You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. It is an abomination."Lev. 20:13 "If a man lies with a male as he lies with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination. They shall surely be put to death". The Bible strictly prohibits any homosexual activity. In Lev 18:25 we are told what will happen when the land is defiled. "for the land is defiled; therefore I visit the punishment of its iniquity upon it,and the land will vomit out its inhabitants". This is a warning to us. The land will vomit us out. Many scholars believe that the Bible leaves out the U.S. in the final days. If the land vomits us out for the immoral things, we allow,then they are right.

The apostle Paul calls homosexuality "shameful" and the result of being given up by God to "vile passions" Romans 1:24-27. In 1 Cor6:9,10 we are told that the homosexual or sodomites will not inherit the kingdom of God. Paul shows that homosexuality is the final rebellion against God. Romans 1:18-32 tells us what is happening, it is as true today as when Paul wrote Romans. In verse 32 he says "those that practice such things are deserving of death, not only the same but also approve of those who practice them." If we allow this ruling to stand we are approving of those practices.

The Bible makes it clear that homosexuality is a sign that a society is in the last stages of decay. In everything around us we can see this decay. We as the Body of Christ must stand together and fight against this decay. If we do not what type of future does our children and grandchildren have. We need to let our political leaders know that we will not support any erosion of our moral fiber. The life of this country depends on it.

True Worship

2008-05-15T12:23:00.005-04:00

Matthew 15:7 You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you:
8 " 'These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far
from me
9 They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.'"

In Matthew 15:7-9 we find Jesus quoting Isaiah to the scribes and Pharisees. He is accusing the Pharisees with setting aside God's Word by their traditions. He tells them that their hearts are not right and that their worship is with their lips only.

True worship requires us to worship with both our heart and our lips, they must be aligned, in agreement. The words we use in worship must pass from our heart to our lips to be true worship. We must have a true love for God to do this. True worship must not be a ritual, but must be deeply felt. All other is just human traditions, and according to Jesus hypocritical.

We are called to genuine worship and praise, not as pretenders or performers. Let us speak what The Holy Spirit has laid on our heart, let them be without hypocrisy. To truly receive all that The Lord has for us we must worship Him in both spirit and truth. We must not worry about what others think, worship is between you and God. Remember He wants a personnel relationship with you, not just words from a book. He wants our love, not false actions.