Be of Good cheer;

May 20, 2012 in Uncategorized | No comments

Be of Good cheer;

Matthew 10:36: And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household.

Matthew 10:35: For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.

Luke 12:53: The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.

Matthew 10:21: And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death.

Mark 13:12: Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death.

The above; is the Word of God.

These may be ones that you have given birth to; given life to. Etc.

Romans 8:37: Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
Romans 8:38: For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
Romans 8:39: Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

That hurts.

I do not like to post negative things. Yet the truth; is negative things will happen; it’s the Word of God.

We cannot stop the Word of God!

Because; it is the truth;

Numbers 23:19: God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it?  or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

No matter; how we try to avoid some things. Negative things do happen.

We; don’t have to be the cause of negative things; nor do we have to be a part.

We still have choices.

John 16:33: These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Just because; I have received Salvation; does not mean that I will never ever have a problem.

It means that I will never have to face the problem alone.

2 Thessalonians 2:1: Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,

2 Thessalonians 2:2: That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.

2 Thessalonians 2:3: Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

2 Thessalonians 2:4: Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

2 Thessalonians 2:5: Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?

2 Thessalonians 2:6: And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.

2 Thessalonians 3:1: Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:

2 Thessalonians 3:2: And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.

2 Thessalonians 3:3: But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.

2 Thessalonians 3:4: And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you.

2 Thessalonians 3:5: And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.

Jesus; is with me; He is in control of my life.

I don’t believe; that I am without responsibility:

2 Thessalonians 3:6: Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.

I must be a Wise believer!

Why? Because; I have committed, submitted and surrendered my life; and my Will to Him.

I have asked Him to please, lead, guide and direct me in the way that He would have me to go. I don’t want turn to the left nor to the right. I want to stay on the path; that He has chosen for me.

 

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Wise Believer’s

May 19, 2012 in Uncategorized | No comments

Wise Believer’s

Proverb 14:15: The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.

1 Timothy 4:12: Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

1 Timothy 6:12: Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

As many……………

Romans 8:14: For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

When; I was raising my children. Especially my sons; it would come a time; in all of their lives.

That, I would need; to make a believer out of them.

A believer; that Mama; meant what she said.

I am not a parent and never was a parent that believed in constantly telling a child; “I’m gonna get you. If I said, “I am going to get you” I kept my word.

I believe in keeping my Word.

I just believe; that God will make a believer out of us.

We can continue; to do things our own way; if we want to.

God will get fed up.

Quit sinning; while you have an opportunity to get things right.

I am happy that the Lord chastises me.

It means; He has not given up on me.

You know; when I think of it. My Mother was tired; she rarely disciplined me.

I have a son; that I told him; that I was tired; yet I was going to continue to whip his rear end.

As a parent; we cannot stop; disciplining our children and telling them what is right; because we get tired.

Please; realize; that I am not saying that as parents; we don’t get tired.

However; we cannot quit nor give up on them.

I believe; that one of the worst; things that could happen to me; is for God to turn me over to myself.

I am forever; thankful that God only allowed me to go so far.

Then; it is as though; he pulled the rug out from under me.

I thank Him for that.

God means just what He said!

My children; so to speak; tried me. To see what I would do.

May I suggest; that you not try to see how far; you can push the Lord; with disobedience.

God loves me; I have no doubt!

Think about it!

Romans 8:32: He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

2 Peter 2:4: For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;

 

 

 

 

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Are you growing?

May 19, 2012 in Uncategorized | No comments

Are you growing?

1 Peter 2:2: As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

Are you growing Spiritually and naturally?

Are you committing; the same sins; this year, which you committed last year?

Have you made a committed; your life to the Lord?

Are you using; your Spirituals gifts?

Do you know; what your Spiritual gifts are?

Normally if a child; is not growing in the natural.

As a parent, I want to find out why?

Do you not think that God is concerned about you; His child.

If you; are not growing?

There are some things; that we are responsible to do.

Praying and reading my Bible; I believe are part of the believer’s responsibility.

I am responsible to read the Word of God; on my own time.

It is impossible for the Minister; to tell me everything; I need to know; for a lifetime; with the Lord in a 45 minute service.

We should see ourselves growing.

It will show.

Are you still angry?

Are you serving the Lord; with a huge chip on your shoulder?

Are you still angry; over what someone in the church did to you last year?

We each have our own responsibilities in the church.

As I have said; we attend church to give and to receive.

What have you given to the Lord lately?

Pray and ask God; where He wants you to be?

Why are you attending the church that you are attending?

If your answer; is anything other than the Lord.

Check yourselves; check your motive.

I am in the process; of joining church.

The Pastor and His family have such compassion.

It is evident.

 

 

 

 

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It’s up to me/you; to Ask! UPDATE; UPDATE

May 19, 2012 in Uncategorized | No comments

It’s up to me/you; to Ask!

Yesterday; when I was praying; this is what the Lord spoke to me. “It’s up to me to ask,”

God; has already; left me Word:

Luke 11:9: And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.

Also; I can have; what I say.

Mark 11:23: For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.

I believe; the operative word; here is say.

If that; is not enough?

When someone else; touches and agrees with me!

Matthew 18:19: Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.

I need to follow the instructions; that He has already told me.

If I am not satisfied with the way in which my life is going; I need to ask and do according to God’s instructions, and in His Time; see post on this website.

The scriptures state:

Luke 6:38: Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

I personally believe; that I must keep God first in my life; not only that I must watch what I say and keep the faith.

I have been a Tither for years; however. My mouth and my faith did not always line up.

James 2:20: But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?

All!

Romans 8:28: And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

I was so frustrated yesterday.

I got on my knees; to pray and I ask God; why are people trying to take advantage of me?

I got up and I went back to typing

This is where I was in my typing:

Matthew 10:24: The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord.

I began to understand things better.

I have repented for getting angry.

The word declares:

Ephesians 4:26: Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:

Psalm 39:1: I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.

God is Faithful; I can depend on Him; to do just what He says; he will do.

I must be sure to do my part.

It is foolish of me to expect the Lord to do his part and I have not done my part.

The two of us have a covenant together.

He will not let me go; He will hold me accountable for my actions.

He has also declared in the scriptures:

Isaiah 43:26: Put me in remembrance: let us plead together: declare thou, that thou mayest be justified.

I do not put any confidence in my flesh.

There is no one better to trust; than My God!

Isaiah 46:10: Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:

Anymore; I ask the Lord to choose my friends.

Matthew 7:21: Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

We each; show people; what we want them to see.

Just be yourself; if someone chooses not to be a friend; when I am being me.

I am better off going on.

Note: I can only be me; you can only be you.

Matthew 7:20: Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

I don’t need to point out anything; the spirit will do that.

I just need to pray.

I should not expect; the best; if I have not ask for the best!

The Lord knows what is best for me!

Luke 12:32: Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

James 1:17: Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

Jeremiah 32:27: Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?

Even; in my independence; (which at times; I’ve been too independent)

I’ve learned; when I go to God; first and seek his counsel.

He works things out right; every time.

I can make things more difficult for myself; then they need to be.

1 John 5:15: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

Note: I know He hears me; do you know?

Isaiah 58:9: Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am.  If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity;

I have mixed faith with His Word! Most of all; because of His Righteousness and Goodness!

 

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In His Time

May 18, 2012 in Uncategorized | No comments

In His Time

Always; always; always remember. God is the one in charge.

Don’t waste your precious time; that God has allotted you; seeking or trying to get revenge.

Barbara is responsible for Barbara. Barbara is also responsible for what the Lord has released to me.

I take comfort; in the Word of God!

Matthew 5:11: Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

Matthew 5:12: Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

Matthew 5:13: Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

With God; there is no respect of person.

Acts 10:34: Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:

Me; my family; friends we must all follow the same rules.

Matthew 5:14: Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

We (you and I) are the light of the world.

2 Corinthians 4:3: But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:

Matthew 5:15: Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

Matthew 5:16: Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

I endeavor; to point people toward Christ. That is able to save their souls. I cannot save anyone!

I personally; know (The Man) that can!

Don’t get me started. I can have church; just on the thought of knowing Him; you don’t hear me!

Back to my point; whatever anyone has done to you. Let them and the hurt go.

If:

Proverb 24:17: Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:

Proverb 24:18: Lest the LORD see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him.

I have been through many things in my life. I do not wish any hardships on anyone.

It does not bring me; any type of pleasure to know oe see someone hurting.

If it pleases you; to see anyone suffer or hurting; you need help. That Spirit is not of God!

I do not wish; bad or unpleasant things on anyone. Not even my enemy.

Have you ever noticed; how loving and kind the Lord is?

And in:

Romans 8:37: Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

Romans 8:38: For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

Romans 8:39: Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The Love of God continues; whether we choose to recognize and receive it or not.

I challenge you to release people and let the go.

Remember:

John 20:23: Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.

God’s Will, God’s Way, God’s Time!

Ecclesiastes 3:11: He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.

Put the person; the situation. In God’s capable hands and leave them there.

Don’t rehearse the hurt; don’t talk about it, don’t even think about it.

Don’t tell me; you don’t know how to control your thoughts. Satan is a lie.

Philippians 4:8: Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Think about the following:

Proverb 25:28: He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.

We are more than conquerors!

Romans 8:37: Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

In His Time! Not your or mine time. Let us not hinder our own progress.

2 Kings 6:16: And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.

 

 

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Miracles

May 18, 2012 in Uncategorized | No comments

Miracles

Historical events or natural phenomena that appear to violate natural laws but that reveal God to the eye of faith at the same time. A valuable way of understanding the meaning of miracles is to examine the various terms for miracles used in the Bible.

Both the Old Testament and the New Testament use the word sign (Is. 7:11, 14; John 2:11) to denote a miracle that points to a deeper revelation. Wonder (Joel 2:30; Mark 13:22) emphasizes the effect of the miracle, causing awe and even terror. A work (Matt. 11:2) points to the presence of God in history, acting for mankind. The New Testament uses the word power (Mark 6:7) to emphasize God’s acting in strength. These terms often overlap in meaning (Acts 2:43). They are more specific than the more general term miracle.

Miracles in the Old Testament are connected especially with the great events in Israel’s history-the call of Abraham (Gen. 12:1-3), the birth of Moses (Ex. 1:1-2:22), the Exodus from Egypt (Ex. 12:1-14:31), the giving of the law (Ex 19:1-20:26), the entry into the Promised Land (Josh. 3:1-4:7), etc. these miracles are for salvation, but God also acts in history for judgment (Gen. 11:1-9).

The plagues of the Exodus showed God’s sovereign power in judgment and salvation (Ex. 7:3-5). In parting the water, God showed His love and protection for Israel as well as His judgment on Egypt for its failure to recognize God (Ex. 15:2, 4-10). During the wilderness journey, God demonstrated, His love and protection in supplying the daily Manna (Ex. 16:1-36). Another critical period in Israel’s history was the time of Elijah, the champion of Israel. Elijah controlled the rain and successfully challenged the pagan priests of Baal (1 kin. 17:1; 18:1-40). God revealed Himself as Lord, as Savior of Israel, and as punisher of the nation’s enemies.

As with the Old Testament, the New Testament miracles are essentially expressions of God’s salvation and Glory. Why did Jesus perform miracles? Jesus answered this question Himself. When in Prison, John the Baptist sent some of his disciples to Jesus to see if He was the “one to come” (Matt. 11:3). Jesus told them to inform John of what He had done: “The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor” (11:5).

With these words, Jesus declared that His miracles were the fulfillment of the promises of the Messiah’s kingdom as foretold by Isaiah (24:18-19; 35:5-6; 61:1). Jesus’ miracles were signs of the presence of the kingdom of God (Matt. 12:39).

Jesus did not work miracles to prove His deity or His messiahship. In fact, He clearly refused to work miracles as proofs (Matt. 12:38-42; Luke 11:29-32). His death was the proof to Israel. However, Jesus’ miracles do give evidence that He is divine, that He was the Son of God, the Messiah.

The Acts of the Apostles is a book of miracles. Again these miracles are a continuation of the miracles of Jesus, made possible through the Holy Spirit. The miracles of the Apostles were done in the name of Jesus and were manifestations of God’s salvation (Acts 3:11). This thread of continuity is seen in Peter’s miracles, which paralleled those of Jesus (Luke 7:22; 5:18-26; 8:19-56; Acts 3:1-16; 9:32-35 36-42).

God began His church with a powerful display of miracles. At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came on the People with great power (Acts 2:1-13), leading to conversions (Acts 2:41). When Philip went to Samaria, the Spirit of God anointed him with power (Acts 8:4-40), and the same happened with Peter and Cornelius (Acts 10:1-48). These powerful wonders were designed to convince the apostles and the Palestinian church that other cultures were to be a part of the church.

To these were added the stunning act of God through Peter when Ananias and Sapphira acted in hypocrisy (Acts 4:32-5:11), the church’s power in prayer (Act’s 4: 23-31), and Paul’s transforming vision (Acts 16-6-10).

Miraculous powers were also present in the apostles. Peter healed a lame man (Acts 3:1-6), a paralytic (Acts 9:32-35), and raised the dead (Acts 9:36-42). The apostles performed mighty miracles (Acts 5:12-16), and Peter was miraculously released from prison (Acts 12:1-11). Paul’s conversion was a startling incident (Acts 9:1-19). Ability to work miracles was taken as a sign for apostleship by Paul (Rom. 15: 18-19; 2 Cor. 12:12). Thus, this ability to work miracles is not an expression of God’s salvation but also God’s way of authenticating His apostles.

The lists of the gifts of the Spirit in the New Testament show that miracles were one of the means by which believers ministered to others (Rom. 12:6-8; 1 Cor. 12:8-10, 28-30; Eph. 4:11-12).

Compact Bible Dictionary

Ronald F. Youngblood

F.F. Bruce

R.K. Harrison

From Barbara Note: First of all;

Zechariah 4:6: Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.

That’s scripture.

Secondly; did you notice; that there are a lot of Ministers; that there titles are Apostle?

Does that mean that they have performed miracles?

Does this mean; that God has spoken to them directly?

I really don’t know. I don’t believe that we can or should judge what God has spoken to anyone!

James 1:17: Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

Matthew 7:20: Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

John 10:27: My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

Extra Note: I believe; that it is crucial; to recognize; God and His people!

 

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Apostle

May 18, 2012 in Uncategorized | No comments

Apostle

A special messenger of Jesus Christ; a person to whom Jesus delegated authority for certain tasks. The word apostle is used of those twelve disciples whom Jesus sent out, two by two, during His Ministry in Galilee to expand His own Ministry of preaching and healing. It was on that occasion, evidently, that they were first called “apostles” (Mark 3:14; 6:30).

These same disciples, with the exception of Judas Iscariot, were recommissioned by Jesus after His resurrection to be His witnesses throughout the world (Luke 24: 46-49; Acts 1:8). After Jesus’ ascension, the apostles brought their number to twelve by) choosing Matthias (Acts 1:23-26),

The word apostle is sometimes used in the New Testament in a general sense of “messenger.” For instance, when delegates of Christian communities were charged with conveying those churches’ contributions to a charitable fund, they were described by Paul as “messengers (apostles) of the churches” (2 Cor. 8:23). Jesus also used the word this way when He quoted the proverb “A servant is not greater than his master, nor he who is sent (literally, “an apostle”) greater than he who sent him” (John 13:16). Jesus Himself is called “the Apostle…of our confession” Heb. 3:1), a reference to His function as God’s special messenger to the world.

The word apostle has a wider meaning in the letters of the apostle Paul. It includes people who, like himself were not included in the twelve, but who saw the risen Christ and were specially commissioned by Him. Paul’s claim to be an apostle was questioned by others. He based his apostleship, however, on the direct call of the exalted Lord, who appeared to him on the Damascus Road and on the Lord’s blessing of his ministry in winning converts and establishing churches (1 Cor. 15:10).

Apparently, Paul also counted James, the Lord’s brother, as an apostle (Gal. 1:19). This James was not one of the twelve; in fact, he was not a believer in Jesus before the crucifixion (John 7:5). It was the resurrected who “appeared to James” (1 Cor. 15:7) and presumably commissioned him for ministry. When Paul says Jesus was seen not only by James but also by “all the apostles” (1 Cor. 15:7), he seems to be describing a wider group than “the Twelve” to whom Jesus appeared earlier (1 Cor. 15:5).

In (1 Corinthians 12:28 and Ephesians 4:11, apostles are listed along with prophets and other saints as part of the foundation of the household of God. In this strictly New Testament sense, apostles are confined to the first generation of Christians.

At an early stage in church’s history it was agreed that apostles to the Jews and Gentiles should be divided into separate camps. Paul and Barnabas were to concentrate on the evangelization of Gentiles; Peter, John and James (the Lord’s brother) were to continue evangelizing Jews (Gal. 2:7-9).

As pioneers in the work of making converts and planting churches, apostles were exposed to special dangers. When persecution erupted, they were the primary targets for attack (1 Cor. 4:9-13). Paul, in particular, welcomed the suffering he endured as an apostle because it was his way of participating in the suffering of Christ (Rom. 8:17; 2 Cor. 1:5-7).

The authority committed to the apostles by Christ was unique. It could not be transmitted to others. The apostles could install elders or other leaders and teachers in the churches, and they could authorize them to assume special responsibilities; but apostolic authority could not be transferred. Their authority has not come to us through their successors; it has come through their writings, which are contained in the New Testament.

Compact Bible Dictionary

Ronald F. Youngblood

F. F. Bruce

R. K. Harrison

Note: I had to look this up; to see where the word apostle came from.

I believe; that all Christ suffered for Me! “I Owe Him.”

Let’s take a look; at some of the things Paul suffered,

2 Corinthians 11:1: Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me.

2 Corinthians 11:2: For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.

2 Corinthians 11:3: But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.

2 Corinthians 11:4: For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.

2 Corinthians 11:5: For I suppose I was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles.

2 Corinthians 11:6: But though I be rude in speech, yet not in knowledge; but we have been throughly made manifest among you in all things.

2 Corinthians 11:7: Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely?

2 Corinthians 11:8: I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service.

2 Corinthians 11:9: And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself.

2 Corinthians 11:10: As the truth of Christ is in me, no man shall stop me of this boasting in the regions of Achaia.

2 Corinthians 11:11: Wherefore? because I love you not? God knoweth.

2 Corinthians 11:12: But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we.

2 Corinthians 11:13: For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.

2 Corinthians 11:14: And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.

2 Corinthians 11:15: Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

2 Corinthians 11:16: I say again, Let no man think me a fool; if otherwise, yet as a fool receive me, that I may boast myself a little.

2 Corinthians 11:17: That which I speak, I speak it not after the Lord, but as it were foolishly, in this confidence of boasting.

2 Corinthians 11:18: Seeing that many glory after the flesh, I will glory also.

2 Corinthians 11:19: For ye suffer fools gladly, seeing ye yourselves are wise.

2 Corinthians 11:20: For ye suffer, if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if a man take of you, if a man exalt himself, if a man smite you on the face.

2 Corinthians 11:21: I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak. Howbeit whereinsoever any is bold, (I speak foolishly,) I am bold also.

2 Corinthians 11:22: Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I.

2 Corinthians 11:23: Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.

2 Corinthians 11:24: Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one.

2 Corinthians 11:25: Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;

2 Corinthians 11:26: In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;

2 Corinthians 11:27: In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.

2 Corinthians 11:28: Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.

2 Corinthians 11:29: Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not?

2 Corinthians 11:30: If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities.

2 Corinthians 11:31: The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I lie not.

2 Corinthians 11:32: In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desirous to apprehend me:

2 Corinthians 11:33: And through a window in a basket was I let down by the wall, and escaped his hands.

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“What is the day of Pentecost?” GotQuestions.org

May 17, 2012 in Uncategorized | No comments

“What is the day of Pentecost?” GotQuestions.org

Answer: “Pentecost” is significant in both the Old and the New Testaments. Pentecost is actually the Greek name for a festival known in the Old Testament as the Feast of Weeks (Leviticus 23:15; Deuteronomy 16:9). The Greek word means “fifty” and refers to the fifty days that have elapsed since the wave offering of Passover. The Feast of Weeks celebrated the end of the grain harvest. Most interesting, however, is its use in Joel and Acts. Looking back to Joel’s prophecy (Joel 2:8-32) and forward to the promise of the Holy Spirit in Christ’s last words on earth before His ascension into heaven (Acts 1:8), Pentecost signals the beginning of the church age.

The only reference to the actual events of Pentecost is Acts 2:1-3. Pentecost is reminiscent of the Last Supper; in both instances the disciples are together in a house for what proves to be an important event. At the Last Supper the disciples witness the end of the Messiah’s earthly ministry as He asks them to remember Him after His death until He returns. At Pentecost, the disciples witness the birth of the New Testament church in the coming of the Holy Spirit to indwell all believers. Thus the scene of the disciples in a room at Pentecost commences with the beginning of the Holy Spirit’s work in the church with the conclusion of Christ’s earthly ministry in the upper room before the crucifixion.

The description of fire and wind mentioned in the Pentecost account resounds throughout the Old and the New Testament. The wind at Pentecost was “rushing” and “mighty,” a powerful wind that nevertheless did not extinguish the tongues of fire. Scriptural references to the power of wind (always understood to be under God’s control) abound. Exodus 10:13; Psalm 18:42 and Isaiah 11:15 in the Old Testament and Matthew 14:23-32 in the New Testament are only a few examples. More significant than wind as power is wind as life in the Old Testament (Job 12:10) and as spirit in the New (John 3:8). Just as the first Adam received the breath of physical life (Genesis 2:7), so the second Adam, Jesus, brings the breath of spiritual life. The idea of spiritual life as generated by the Holy Spirit is certainly implicit in the wind at Pentecost.

Fire is often associated in the Old Testament with the presence of God (Exodus 3:2; 13:21-22; 24:17; Isaiah 10:17) and with His holiness (Psalm 97:3; Malachi 3:2). Likewise in the New Testament, fire is associated with the presence of God (Hebrews 12:29) and the purification He can bring about in human life (Revelation 3:18). God’s presence and holiness are implied in the Pentecostal tongues of fire. Indeed, fire is identified with Christ Himself (Revelation 1:14; 19:12); this association naturally underlies the Pentecost gift of the Holy Spirit, who would teach the disciples the things of Christ (John 16:14).

Another aspect of the Day of Pentecost is the miraculous speaking in foreign tongues which enabled people from various language groups to understand the message of the apostles. In addition is the bold and incisive preaching of Peter to a Jewish audience. The effect of the sermon was powerful, as listeners were “cut to the heart” (Acts 2:37) and instructed by Peter to “repent, and be baptized” (Acts 2:38). The narrative concludes with three thousand souls being added to the fellowship, the breaking of bread and prayers, apostolic signs and wonders, and a utopian community formed in which everyone’s needs were met.

Recommended Resource: Bible Answers for Almost all Your Questions by Elmer Towns.

 

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Lord Send the Wind of a Fresh Pentecost/ J. LEE GRADY

May 17, 2012 in Uncategorized | No comments

Lord Send the Wind of a Fresh Pentecost/ J. LEE GRADY

In the days leading up to the Global Day of Prayer, let’s bombard heaven on behalf of the United States.

Twelve years ago a South African businessman, Graham Power, felt God nudge him to organize a prayer gathering in the city of Cape Town. About 45,000 Christians responded to the call by jamming into a rugby stadium in March 2001 to intercede for their nation.

That was the beginning of the Global Day of Prayer, an event that will likely involve millions of Christians in 220 nations on Pentecost Sunday, May 27. This year organizers are encouraging people to extend their prayers for 10 days prior to the event, beginning on May 17. They are also urging pastors to fuel the prayer with sermons about the necessity of the Holy Spirit’s power.

“One breath of the Holy Spirit can bring life to dry bones! Lord, send the refreshing wind of Your presence into lifeless congregations.”

It’s obvious the Holy Spirit is orchestrating this grass roots movement, and I hope you will join it, either by attending local gatherings during the next 10 days or by focusing your personal prayers on the need for a fresh Pentecost. I believe we are on the verge of a new season of spiritual awakening, and the concentration of prayer this month is a key to unlock it.

During these next 10 days I will be meditating on the first chapters of the book of Acts and praying for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the United States. If you’d like to join me, you can use the following prayer points as a guide:

1. Lord, send the wind of sincere repentance. The original outpouring at Pentecost triggered a wave of repentance that resulted in 3,000 conversions. This level of raw conviction is never the result of eloquent sermons, staged events or man’s programs. Only the Holy Spirit can do this. The greatest miracle on earth occurs when a sinner’s heart breaks before God and he or she is born again. Lord, unleash a flood of conversions in America! And as sinners repent, let backslidden Christians, disillusioned believers and weary saints return to You.

2. Lord, send the wind of spiritual renewal. Many churches in the United States are feeble and powerless, and some are dying. Many denominations are paralyzed by the spirit of religion. Many pastors are battle-scarred and discouraged. But one breath of the Holy Spirit can bring life to dry bones! Lord, send the refreshing wind of Your presence into lifeless congregations. And with Your wind, send a flame on every Christian’s head—especially those reluctant Gideons and timid Timothys who know they are called but need Spirit-inspired confidence.

3. Lord, send the wind of a youth awakening. When the winds of Pentecost blew the first time, Peter preached from the prophet Joel, saying, “ ‘In the last days,’ God says, ‘your sons and your daughters will prophesy, and your young men will see visions’ ” (Acts 2:17, NIV). This promise is still ours to claim. A huge percentage of America’s youth are fatherless, addicted, abused, sexually confused or somehow at risk. Lord, raise up and strengthen ministries to reach our schools and college campuses. Give students the courage to stand for Christ and speak for Him. Send another Jesus Movement to this generation.

4. Lord, send the wind of supernatural demonstration. The most pitiful heresy ever hatched was the idea that God stopped doing miracles after the Bible was written. Forgive us, Lord, for limiting You! We need the power of Pentecost today more than ever. When the first Pentecost occurred, normal people were “clothed with power from on high” (Luke 24:49), and they began to heal the sick, raise the dead and cast out demons. Forgive us, Lord, for being so smug and sophisticated that we pulled the plug on Your power. (And forgive us, too, for misusing, merchandising and exploiting the Holy Spirit’s gifts for personal gain.) Unleash the miraculous in the American church. Let the same miracles that are occurring in Asia, Africa and Latin America become common in our nation.

5. Lord, send the wind of bold evangelism. When the first disciples were touched by the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, they declared “the mighty deeds of God” (Acts 2:11, NASB) to every racial and ethnic group that had gathered in Jerusalem. We need this boldness in the United States because we have become the largest English-speaking mission field in the world. Many of our communities have no gospel witness—and many Christians never share their faith with anyone. The true anointing of the Holy Spirit always results in evangelism. Lord, turn up our volume! Raise up laborers to touch every sector of American society, including our forgotten and ignored Native American reservations. Send immigrants to this nation who can reach their own ethnic groups. Let the gospel be preached in every language spoken within our borders.

6. Lord, send the wind of divine intervention. Our nation is in desperate crisis. Families are disintegrating, morality has eroded, perversion is celebrated, and our culture is becoming hostile to biblical faith. Unless the Lord answers with His holy fire from heaven, we are sunk. Lord, deliver us from evil! Extend Your mercy and send a Third Great Awakening. Amen.

J. LEE GRADY is the former editor of Charisma and the director of The Mordecai Project. You can follow him on Twitter at leegrady. You can find more details about the Global Day of Prayer at globaldayofprayer.com.

 

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2 Corinthians 9: 1-15

May 17, 2012 in Uncategorized | No comments

2 Corinthians 9: 1-15

2 Corinthians 9:1: For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you:

2 Corinthians 9:2: For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked very many.

2 Corinthians 9:3: Yet have I sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this behalf; that, as I said, ye may be ready:

2 Corinthians 9:4: Lest haply if they of Macedonia come with me, and find you unprepared, we (that we say not, ye) should be ashamed in this same confident boasting.

2 Corinthians 9:5: Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your bounty, whereof ye had notice before, that the same might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness.

2 Corinthians 9:6: But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.

2 Corinthians 9:7: Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

2 Corinthians 9:8: And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:

2 Corinthians 9:9: (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.

2 Corinthians 9:10: Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)

2 Corinthians 9:11: Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.

2 Corinthians 9:12: For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;

2 Corinthians 9:13: Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men;

2 Corinthians 9:14: And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you.

2 Corinthians 9:15: Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.

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