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God

Understanding the Godhead – Part 2

December 22, 2010 cpministries Leave a comment

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At this time if you are still having trouble seeing the Oneness of God, I would like to give you a run down and some more questions to further explain the Oneness of God. For this I would like to give a condensed example.

God the Word (John 1:1) became flesh (Jesus) (John 1:14) upon being conceived by Mary, whom the Holy Ghost hovered over. (Luke 1:35) Notice that 1) the Holy Ghost does not have a name. Yet all Angels, Man, and God have and had names. So then why would the Holy Ghost be a third individual without a name? And 2) the Holy Ghost hovered over Mary and not the Father so this would make the Holy Ghost the father of Jesus and not God being the Father of Jesus. Also, if the Holy Ghost can be in every person on planet Earth; that wouldn’t make the Holy Ghost 6.5 billion Individuals that make up the Holy Ghost. So then, if the Holy Ghost can be one, yet in 6.5 billion different people, how then is it hard to see that one God can manifest himself as an infinite number, yet still only be one God.

At this time I would like to bring your attention to one called Melchisedec.

Genesis 14:18-20
18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God.
19 And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth:
20 And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.

Here we read of a Melchizedek, who is the king of Salem and that he was the priest of the most high God. We also learn that Abram pays tithes to Melchizedek.

Now let’s read about Melchizedek in the book of Hebrews to better understand who he is.

Hebrews 6:20
20 Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

We now see that Jesus has been made our high priest after the order of this Melchisedec.

7:1 For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him;
2 To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace;
3 Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually.

Here we are told some very important things concerning Melchisedec. He was the King of Righteousness, the King of Salem, the King of Peace. Without father, without mother, without descent, having no beginning of days, nor end of life; and made like unto the Son of God; and abides a priest continually.

Many people try to pass off Melchisedec as being just a man, and try to say that he was without mother and father because they didn’t know his lineage. This is a very naive statement for many reasons. Lets discuss a few.

The Holy Ghost can easily reveal lineage. Since in the book of Luke 3:23-38, they give the lineage of Christ clear back to Adam, the son of God. This belief system completely ignores the wording of this verse which tells us he was without beginning of days, nor end of life. That is very clear, that he never had end of life. The verses also tell us that Melchisedec was made like unto the Son of God. What natural man could be like unto the Son of God? What man could fulfill being the King of righteousness, the King of Peace? Since the prophet Isaiah tells us in Isaiah 64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags. Let’s continue to read about Melchisedec.

(Continuing) Hebrews 7:4
4 Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils.
5 And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham:
6 But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises.
7 And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better.

In verse 6 we were just told that Melchisedec received tithes of Abraham and then blessed Abraham which had the promises of God. Then in verse 7 we are told that without contradiction the less, meaning Abraham, was blessed of the better, meaning Melchisedec. What natural man could have been more important than Abraham, which had received the promises of God. The answer is no one. That is why it was said that without all contradiction. The answer was because Melchisedec was not just a man, he was God.

8 And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth.

Again, it was stressed that men here that receive tithes die, but there Melchisedec received them, and it was witnessed that he lives.

9 And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham.
10 For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him.

These verses tell us that the sons of Levi paid tithes to Melchisedec even though they were yet in the loins of Abraham.

Continuing

11 If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron?
12 For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.
13 For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar.
14 For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.

These verses explain to us that God changed the priesthood, and since he changed the priesthood, out of necessity he also changed the law. That new law is the Law of Liberty, of which we now are free from the law of sin and death because Jesus died on the Cross and took back the keys of death and hell, and as many that are born again, and obey the New Testament and it’s commandments, through the Faith of Jesus Christ, we have eternal life.

This next verse is extremely important concerning the belief system that Melchisedec was just a man. It reads

15 And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest,

That priest was Jesus Christ. And this verse just told us that Jesus was after the similitude of Melchisedec. How then seeing that Jesus was Emmanuel, being interpreted God with us, can you compare him to only a flesh and blood man?

Since Emmanuel was God with us, we know that God had no beginning of days, nor does he have end of life. The only way that Melchisedec could be similiar to Jesus Christ would be that Melchisedec never had beginning of days, nor end of life, which was clearly stated as well as the fact that verse three also tells us that he was made like unto the Son of God.

Let’s reread Hebrews 7 verses 2 & 3.
2 To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace;

Since we know that Jesus is in the similitude of Melchisedec. Notice Melchisedec was the King of Peace, and that Jesus Christ is the Prince of Peace.

Verse 3
3 Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually.

Notice that it tells us that he abideth a priest continually. That means that he still is a priest. And since it also tells us he neither had beginning of days nor end of life, that means that if you are of a Trinitarian mindset you will either continue to say that Jesus came after the order of a man that was King of Righteousness or that now there is a fourth deity in the Godhead. Just because in 1 John 5:7 it says there are three that bear record in heaven, does not mean that Melchisedec ceased to exist.

Continuing at verse 20 and it reads.
20 And inasmuch as not without an oath he (Jesus) was made priest:
21 (For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:)
22 By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.
23 And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death:
24 But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.
25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

1 Johne 5:7
7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.

Notice that verse 7 said that the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost are one. It did not say these three are one made up of three. Because that would no longer be one, but three. And this is exactly what the Trinitarian does. They add to this scripture to make their doctrine fit.

If the Lord chose to list twenty different things and told us that these twenty things bear record in heaven, and these twenty are one, we would not conclude that they are one made up of twenty. The reason: because the verse said these are one. If we were to have concluded twenty, then we would have been told, and these twenty are one made up of twenty. So the Trinitarian person has added to the Word of God by teaching that these three are one, made up of the Holy Trinity, which consists of three co-equal individuals made of the same substance but each with the ability to think separately and make decisions.

So there are three that bear record in heaven: the father (God), the Word (God), and the Holy Ghost (God), and these three are one God named Jesus. Just as Melchisedec (God) is another manifestation of God. This means he is still alive even though he doesn’t bare record. He is alive as God.

Melchisedec can not be overlooked or ignored. He was a manifestation of God. Many Trinitarians call Oneness people heretics for saying that, God is one God, who manifested himself in different roles, as the Father, the son, and the Holy Ghost, and these three are one whose name is Jesus. Melchisedec was existent not as a fourth individual in the God head, but as the One God who is capable of manifesting himself as anything, anywhere, in any number, at any time. Just like he appeared as the burning bush (Exodus 3:5) and as a Rock in the wilderness that followed Moses. (1 Corinthians 10:4) These just being more examples of how He is all powerful, just as he appeared in the fiery furnace in Daniel. (Daniel 3:25)

We look at our own body made in his image. And I see one body that is made up of three: Body, Soul, and Spirit. Yet I am only one person. Just as spiritually Jesus was one body made up of three: God, Jesus, and the Holy Ghost.

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God

Understanding the Godhead – Part 1

December 15, 2010 cpministries Leave a comment

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Deuteronomy 6:4-6
4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:
5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.
6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:

Deuteronomy 32:39
39 See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand.

So up to this point, we see that the Lord our God is one Lord and there is no god with Him.

2 Samuel 7:22
22 Wherefore thou art great, O LORD God: for there is none like thee, neither is there any God beside thee,

Deuteronomy 4:35 {it also says that there is no god beside Him.}
35 Unto thee it was showed, that thou mightest know that the LORD he is God; there is none else beside him.

This is very important to understand. Now we know that God is one Lord, and there is no god with him, neither is there any god beside of Him.

Isaiah 43:10-11
10 Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he:before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me.
11 I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour

Here we see that not only is there no god with Him, or beside of Him, there also was no God formed before Him, neither shall there be any god created after Him.

James 2:19 {reinforces that the Lord is one God. It reads,}
19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

So, we have just read in Isaiah that the Lord said beside me there is no saviour. Now listen to what it says in,

Acts 4:10-12
10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.
11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.
12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Here we see that God said beside me, there is no saviour, and we just read in Acts that there is no salvation in any other name but Jesus Christ.

1 Timothy 3:16
16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

This verse tells us that God manifested himself in the flesh as Jesus.

Colossians 2:1-9 (Apostle Paul Explains Jesus Christ’s role in the Godhead.)
1 For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;
2 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgment of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;

Notice in these verses that Paul desires all the people to be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto the riches of the understanding of the mystery of God, the Father, and of Christ. The three things he mentioned was the mystery of God, the Father, which is God, and of Christ, which is the anointed one of God.

3 In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
4 And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words.
5 For though I (Paul) be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ.
6 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:
7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.

Hear the Reason to be rooted in the faith!!!

8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
9 For in him (Jesus) dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.

This is very important. We have just learned that in Jesus is all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.

An example of what Paul was referring to when he said in verse eight, beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, would be the Trinitarian doctrine. One can go research the two councils that were responsible for this change in the teaching of Christ. They are the Council of Nicea and the Council of Constantinople.

This is a prime example of being spoiled by man’s philosophy and vain deceit. They took place hundreds of years after Jesus’ death and the teachings of the gospel. They were presented in a controlled environment in a biased group of men, and enforced by Emperors of Rome.

So the next question is, Is it possible for anyone to know the mystery of the Godhead? The answer to this question is yes according to:

Romans 1:19-22 (Apostle Paul is addressing all the people in Rome)
19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath showed it unto them.
20 For the invisible things of him (God) from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

Again verse 20 very clearly states that even his eternal power and Godhead can be understood.

So to recap what we have learned thus far. We now know that God is one Lord, that there is no god with Him, or beside of Him, that there was no God formed before Him, neither shall there be any god created after Him, and that beside Him there is no Saviour, and that there is no other name, but Jesus Christ, given under heaven where by we must be saved. We also learned that in Jesus Christ is all the fulness of the Godhead bodily, and that the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ can be understood.

The next scripture that will help to better understand the Godhead is,

Matthew 1:23
23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

Now we see that Jesus Christ is God with us.

John 14:9 (listen to Jesus’ reply to Philip.)
9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?

Now listen to something very important!!!

In John 16:23-25 we find out that Jesus spoke in proverbs concerning the Father.
23 And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.
24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.
25 These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall show you plainly of the Father.

You may be wondering what a proverb is,

A Proverb is: a short saying stating a truth or piece of advice.

To better understand this proverb concerning the Father, let’s read,

Isaiah 9:6
6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

This was a Bible Prophecy concerning the birth of Jesus Christ, stating that he would be The mighty God and The everlasting Father. Now, Recall Matthew 1:23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

There is only One….

Ephesians 4:4-6
4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

There is only One body,
The Body of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 12:5
5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.

There is only One Spirit,
The Spirit of God, the Spirit of Christ.

Romans 8:9
9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

There is only One hope,
Eternal life through our Savior Jesus Christ.

Titus 2:13
13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

There is only One Lord,
Jesus whom God made both Lord and Christ.

Acts 2:36
36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

There is only One Faith,
The teaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Philippians 1:27
27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

There is only One baptism,
The baptism into the death of Jesus Christ.

Romans 6:3
3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?

There is only One God,
His name was manifested by Jesus Christ.

John 17:6
6 I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word.

There is only One Father,
His name was declared by Jesus Christ.

John 17:26
26 And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.

There is only One door,The door which is the Lord Jesus Christ.

John 10:7
7 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.

There is only One name,
Every knee shall bow before Jesus Christ.

Philippians 2:9-10
9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

I would like to pose to you a question……

1 John 3:8
8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

If Satan had not sinned and the son of God then not manifested, would you have any reason to believe that there is a Trinity?? Of course not. Why? Because God wouldn’t have had to manifest himself as the Son of God to remove sin from the world.

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Know Your Enemy

To be Carnally Minded is Death

November 15, 2010 cpministries 1 Comment

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As many of us already know, it is essential that we not walk after the flesh, but that we walk after the Spirit of Christ, the Holy Ghost.

Romans 8:6-8 says
6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

Romans 8:13
13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

We must put to death the deeds of the body and live unto Christ!!

Colossians 3:4-13
4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
6 For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:
7 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.
8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.
9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;
10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:
11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.
12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.

1 Corinthians 11:1-2
1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.
2 Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.

Matthew 16:24-27
24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.

1 John 2:3-6
3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.
6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

Let us also be followers of Christ! Let us also walk as He walked. Let us Pick up our cross and deny ourselves!!!

Romans 12:1-2
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Here Apostle Paul has told us that presenting ourselves a living sacrifice is our reasonable service. That means it’s only fair that we should offer ourselves a sacrifice to God since Jesus Christ also offered himself a sacrifice for us all that we may be reconciled unto God again. Again in the following verse we are told to not be conformed to this world but rather transformed from the world. The word transform means: to change in condition, nature, or character; convert.

1 Thessalonians 5:21-23
21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.
23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Notice that the Apostle Paul tells us that he prays God for our whole spirit, soul, and body that they be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus. It is important how you clothe your body so that you will be found blameless when the Lord does come.

James 3:13-15
13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him show out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.
14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.
15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.

Romans 13:13-14
13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.
14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

Ephesians 4:1-3
1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Ephesians 4:22-32
22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.
26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
27 Neither give place to the devil.
28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.
29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

Philippians 4:4-7
4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Colossians 2:5-7
5 For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ.
6 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:
7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.

1 Timothy 6:11-12
11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
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.

2 Timothy 2:22
22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

James 5:12
12 But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.

1 Peter 1:13-16
13 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
14 As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:
15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;
16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

1 Peter 2:24
24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20
19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

1 Peter 2:5, 9
5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

We are no longer our own. We have been bought with the price of blood. Our bodies now are a temple wherein the Holy Ghost dwells. We now have become a royal priesthood, that offers up spiritual sacrifices, unto the Lord. A people now called unto the showing forth of praises to Him that has called us out of darkness into His Glorious light.

Romans 6:19, 22
19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.
22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.

Philippians 4:8
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.

Here we have been given a filter by Apostle Paul for our thoughts. If our thoughts do not line up with whatsoever is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of a good report, then we need to get our thoughts back under subjection to the obedience of Christ.

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Christian Living

The Importance of being Faithful & Trustworthy

November 8, 2010 cpministries Leave a comment

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Let’s start off with the definition of the word faithful according to dictionary.com.

faithful: 1. strict or thorough in the performance of duty: ex. a faithful worker.
2. true to one’s word, promises, vows, etc.
3. steady in allegiance or affection; loyal; constant: ex. faithful friends.
4. reliable, trusted, or believed.
5. adhering or true to fact, a standard, or an original; accurate: ex. a faithful account; a faithful copy.
6. full of faith; believing.

John 14:12-15
12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.

The questions you need to ask yourself today is, “Are you Faithful to God?”, “Are you loyal to Jesus Christ?”, “Does Jesus Christ see you as someone who can be trusted or reliable?”

Remember the phrase, “Actions speak louder than words.” Do you believe that? If I tell someone that they are my best friend and like no other, and then I steal their money out of their wallet when they are not looking, was I telling the truth? Or did my actions speak louder than words? Was I found trustworthy to my friend?

So if I tell Jesus Christ He is the love of my life and like no other, and then I decide not to pay tithes or give in the offering to my church this week, and to rob the Lord out of His storehouse, was I found trustworthy to my love? Was I loyal to my Lord?

Malachi 3:6-11
6 For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.
7 Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the LORD of hosts. But ye said, Wherein shall we return?
8 Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.
9 Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation.
10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts,if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
11 And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts.

What about when you are at your girlfriend or your boyfriend’s house and no one else is home but you, can God trust in you not to lie with one another? Can you be trusted as Saints of God to be loyal to Jesus Christ?

2 Corinthians 11:2
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.

1 Corinthians 6:15-20; 7:1-2
15 Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid.
16 What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh.
17 But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.
18 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.
19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.
7:1 Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.
2 Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.

What kind of music do you listen to? What kind of lyrics are in the songs you listen too? While you are tilling the land, have you ever wondered what kind of seeds you are sowing?

Galatians 6:7-10
7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

Are you of the household of faith?? Can the Lord depend on you? What about the movies you watch, or the TV programs you are watching? What about your internet activities? What kind of content are you allowing yourself to be watching??

Proverbs 27:19-20 [Hear what the Wise man tells us!!]
19 As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of man to man.
20 Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied

Just as Hell and Destruction are never full, so the eyes of man are never satisfied. You can never get enough!! Are you a slave to yourself? Are you a lover of pleasure more than a lover of God?? Or can the Lord trust that you will not give in to the pleasures of sin for a season?

2 Timothy 2:19
19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

1 John 2:15-17
15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

2 Corinthians 6:17
17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,

I’m faithful to Jesus Christ. But I don’t think you have to do all those standards to live a Holy life before the Lord. I just don’t see it that way.

Job 28:28
28 And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.

Ephesians 4:11-13
11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

Hebrews 13:17
17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

Are you obedient to your Pastor? Do you listen to them that have the rule over you? Do you follow the path of peace and holiness? Or do you pick and choose what you want to hear and what you want to apply?? Are you faithful to God and to the five fold ministry that He has appointed? Are you loyal to Jesus Christ?

To be loyal you must be obedient to them that have the rule over you! Submit yourself unto God and resist the Devil and he will flee from you!!! Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded!!!

Ephesians 5:6-11
6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.
7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them.
8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:
9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)
10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.
11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.

Proverbs 11:20-21
20 They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the LORD: but such as are upright in their way are his delight.
21 Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.

Do you desire what your neighbor has? Are you envious of others because they have more than you do? Are you always wondering how it is that everyone else seems to have more than you do?? Or are you faithful to God’s Word?

Ephesians 5:5
5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

Hebrews 13:5
5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

Proverbs 14:30
30 A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.

Proverbs 27:4
4 Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?

Proverbs 24:1-2
1 Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them.
2 For their heart studieth destruction, and their lips talk of mischief.

Proverbs 14:11
11 The house of the wicked shall be overthrown: but the tabernacle of the upright shall flourish.

Can the Lord trust you to be merciful? Are you a forgiving person?? Can the Lord count on you to pray for those who wrongfully use you?

Matthew 5:7
7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

Matthew 6:14-15
14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Luke 6:27-36
27 But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,
28 Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.
29 And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloak forbid not to take thy coat also.
30 Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again.
31 And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.
32 For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them.
33 And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same.
34 And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again.
35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.
36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.

What do you allow your mind to think about throughout the day? Do you keep your thoughts loyal to Jesus Christ? Do you bring your thoughts into captivity to the obedience of Christ?

2 Corinthians 10:3-5
3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

1 Corinthians 4:1-2
1 Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.
2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

Can the Lord trust you with the mysteries of God?? Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

Luke 12:42-48
42 And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?
43 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.
44 Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath.
45 But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken;
46 The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.
47 And that servant, which knew his lord’s will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.
48 But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.

So the question you need to be asking yourself today is, “Does Jesus Christ see me as someone who can be trusted or reliable?”

If that answer is no, then it is time to find an altar of repentance and let the Lord know that you are sorry and ask Him to forgive you, and to bring you to a new spiritual walk with Him. Ask the Lord for a desire to study His word. Ask Him to open up the Word of God to you. Lay down any weight, hindrance, or sin that may be in the way of you establishing a closer relationship with the Lord. Make Jesus Christ your first today. Make up your mind that you are going to pursue the Lord with all diligence, with a great fervency, and then surrender your will to His will. I can promise you that you will never regret turning your life fully over to Jesus Christ, but and if you should happen to continue your life without the Lord being first and foremost in your life……

Proverbs 5:11-13
11 And thou mourn at the last, when thy flesh and thy body are consumed,
12 And say, How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof;
13 And have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor inclined mine ear to them that instructed me!

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Faith

Applying the Word of God

July 12, 2010 cpministries 2 Comments

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Apply: 1. to put to use, especially for a particular purpose. 2. to bring into action;

It is important that we as Christians do not find ourselves being a hearer of the Word of God only.

James 1:22-27
22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.

Hear how important it is to apply the Word of God. You don’t want to be one who hears the word and walks off and forgets what manner of man you are because you are not a doer of the Word, but just a Hearer of the Word.

25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.
27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

So if you are a doer of the Word, you shall be blessed in your actions. Also notice that Pure religion is to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep yourself unspotted from the world. This is True and Pure religion.

Matthew 7:12-27
12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

As a hearer of the word, it is important that you also be sure that what you hear is truth. We will know every person by the fruit they produce, because a good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit. Likewise a corrupt tree cannot bring forth good fruit.

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.

Take notice of whom Jesus tells us it is that would make it into the kingdom of heaven, those who do the will of my Father. Another words, those who apply the Word of God. It is these people that will gain access to the kingdom of heaven.

22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

We learn here from Jesus that we need to be a Hearer, a Believer, and a Doer of the Word of God, or you are likened unto a foolish man that built your house upon the sand and as the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon your house; that it fell: and great was the fall thereof.

It is very important that we always verify what we are being taught with the scriptures.

Acts 17:10-12
10 And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.
11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
12 Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few.

John 5:24
24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

Romans 2:7-13
7 To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:
8 But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,
9 Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;
10 But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:
11 For there is no respect of persons with God.
12 For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;
13 (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.

So you don’t want to find yourself only being a hearer of the Word of God, but also a doer.

John 14:15 Jesus tells us something extremely important.
15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.

Romans 1:1-6
1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,
2 (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,)
3 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;
4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:
5 By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:
6 Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:

Obedience Requires Action!!!!

Romans 16:24-27
24 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,
26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:
27 To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.

Galatians 5:5-6
5 For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.
6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.

John 15:10
10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.

At this time I would like to turn your focus upon Abraham, the father of all them that believe.

Genesis 22:1-14
1 And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am.
2 And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.
3 And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and saddled his ass, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son, and clave the wood for the burnt offering, and rose up, and went unto the place of which God had told him.

Notice that Abraham did not question God, nor did he hesitate to do what the Lord had commanded of him.

4 Then on the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes, and saw the place afar off.
5 And Abraham said unto his young men, Abide ye here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you.

Abraham had faith that not only would he return, but also his son Isaac would also return with him.

6 And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering, and laid it upon Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife; and they went both of them together.
7 And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?
8 And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together.

Abraham was confident that God would provide the sacrifice, and believed that he and his son would return back to his camp.

9 And they came to the place which God had told him of; and Abraham built an altar there, and laid the wood in order, and bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar upon the wood.
10 And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son.
11 And the angel of the LORD called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I.
12 And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.
13 And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son.
14 And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovahjireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of the LORD it shall be seen.

James 2:20-26
20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?
26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

What James is trying to expound to us, was that Abraham’s faith, wrought with his works, brought him to the place of offering up the child of promise; trusting that God was able to rise him up again from the grave. This showed that Abraham truly feared the Lord and fully trusted in the Lord.

Hebrews 11:17-19
17 By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son.
18 Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called:
19 Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.

Faith produces actions of obedience in accordance of what you believe. Thus Abraham believed God, obeyed God, and God then imputed unto him righteousness for his faith in God.

Genesis 22:12
12 And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.

Abraham believed God would provide Himself a sacrifice. He knew that God would do what He had promised him. A father of many nations through his seed Isaac. He put forth actions of obedience to God. This was how faith was made perfect. It is one thing to say I believe God will keep His promise. It is another to walk up a mountain, tie your only son up, place him on an alter you made, and then take a knife and begin to strike him dead. It was the obedient actions of faith taken that made faith complete. Because faith without works is dead being alone. If Abraham would have said I believe God will keep His promise, but did not obey what the Lord told him to do, His faith would have been dead and nothing more than that of words.

Let’s be sure that we are not only Hearers of the Word of God, but also Doers of the Word of God!!!

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Christian Living

The Power of Unity

July 5, 2010 cpministries 3 Comments

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I’m sure everyone has heard the phrase, United we stand and Divided we fall. This phrase has been used in mottos, from nations, states, and songs. The concept is that unless the people are united as one, then it is easy to destroy them.

This is in direct contrast to the phrase, Divide and Conquer, which is a combination of military, political, and economic strategy of gaining and maintaining power by breaking up larger concentrations of power into smaller concentrations of power that is less powerful than the one trying to conquer.

The idea of being a united people and standing or being a divided people and falling has its root in the Bible.

Mark 3:22-26
22 And the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils casteth he out devils.
23 And he called them unto him, and said unto them in parables, How can Satan cast out Satan?
24 And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.
25 And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand.
26 And if Satan rise up against himself, and be divided, he cannot stand, but hath an end.

As you can see from Jesus’ own words there is Power in Unity!

Psalms 133:1-3
1 A Song of degrees of David. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!
2 It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments;
3 As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.

David has told us how precious it is for brethren to dwell together in unity. He compared brotherly unity, to the holy anointing oil that was poured upon the first priest Aaron, and which anointed the tabernacle.

Brotherly Unity is priceless!!!!

We find that brotherly Unity, was an absolute necessity of the Apostles and their work for the Lord.

Acts 1:12-14
12 Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day’s journey.
13 And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James.
14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.

There is Power in Unity!!!!

Matthew 18:18-20
18 Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
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.
20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

Acts 2:1-4
1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

There is Holy Ghost Power in Unity!!!

Acts 2:46-47
46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

There is Revival in Unity!!!

Acts 4:19-33
19 But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.
20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.
21 So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done.
22 For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was showed.
23 And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them.
24 And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is:
25 Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things?
26 The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ.
27 For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,
28 For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.
29 And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,
30 By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.
31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.
33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.

There is Holy Ghost Power in Unity!!!!!

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
9 Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.
10 For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.
11 Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone?
12 And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

There is Strength in Unity!!!

Acts 5:12
12 And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon’s porch.

Acts 15:24-27
24 Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment:
25 It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,
26 Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
27 We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth.

As the Apostles lived in Unity, they also instruct us to do the same!!!!

Romans 12:16-19
16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

We must be of the same mind to be in Unity!!!!

Romans 15:1-7
1 We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
2 Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.
3 For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.
4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
5 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:
6 That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
7 Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.

1 Corinthians 1:10-11
10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
11 For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.

There is No Division in Unity!!!

2 Corinthians 13:11
11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.

Ephesians 4:11-16
11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

Unity comes from the 5-fold Ministry!!!

Philippians 1:27
27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

We must be likeminded to have Unity!!!!

Phillippians 2:1–3
1 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,
2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

Unity seeketh not her own!!!!!!!

1 Peter 3:8-11
8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:
9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:
11 Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.

1 Peter 4:1
1 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;
2 That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.

When there is Unity, There Will Be Revival!!!!!!!

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Christian Living

Cast Out the Bondwoman!!!

June 29, 2010 cpministries Leave a comment

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Galatians 4:1-31
1 Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all;
2 But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father.
3 Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:
4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

Apostle Paul is speaking to the Church of Galatia. He is reminding all of them that they were once a servant of sin. In bondage to the world!! But when the fulness of time had come, God sent forth His Son, made of a woman, made under the law, as a propitiation to conciliate God and man once again. To lift us from the curse of the law, and to restore sonship unto man through the Spirit of God, which is Christ Jesus. As a son of God we are no longer a servant to sin, but an heir of God through Christ.

8 Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods.
9 But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?
10 Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years.

At this time, Apostle Paul is questioning the Jewish people as to why it is, that they have turned from following after the Spirit of Christ, and instead are now following again after the old Mosaic Law. Once again observing days, times, and customs. Basically asking them why they have brought themselves back into bondage wherein they were delivered from.

11 I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain.
12 Brethren, I beseech you, be as I am; for I am as ye are: ye have not injured me at all.
13 Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first.
14 And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus.
15 Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me.
16 Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?
17 They zealously affect you, but not well; yea, they would exclude you, that ye might affect them.

This is important to understand. The Apostle is teaching us by their example that there is people, who will zealously affect you, so that it might affect them. This is not profitable for you.

18 But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you.
19 My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,
20 I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice; for I stand in doubt of you.

Here we are taught that being zealous in good things is great. But now the Apostle is going to question those who are teaching that the customs and traditions of men, which were practiced under the Mosaic Law, must still be upheld.

21 Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law?
22 For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman.
23 But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise.
24 Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar.
25 For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children.
26 But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.
27 For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband.

This is of the utmost importance. The covenant of the Mosaic Law given by Moses in Mount Sinai, makes you a servant of the law, and into bondage, which is an allegory of the handmaiden Agar, the bondwoman of Sara, who also had a son by Abraham. But she was not the freewoman, nor was her son the child of promise.

Romans 3:19-20
19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.
20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

(Continuing from Galatians 4:28)
28 Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise.
29 But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now.
30 Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.
31 So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free.

Cast out the Sin in your Life!!! Cast out the Bondwoman!!!

Romans 6:16-18
16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?
17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.

What form of doctrine. The Death, Burial, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ!!!

18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.

How did you become free from sin? By being obedient to the doctrine of the Death, Burial, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ!! We became the servants of righteousness.

By becoming a Son of God, partaking of being born of Water and of the Spirit as the Apostle Peter told us in Acts 2:38-39 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

This is the restoration of Sonship!! Being Born Again!!

Galatians 5:1-26
1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
2 Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.
3 For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law.
4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.
5 For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.

It is our obedient faith in Christ that leads us to the free gift of God, the imputation of righteousness!

6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.

Listen Carefully to what Apostle Paul has spoken!!! This faith works by love!!!

What do you mean Brother Ronnie?? I mean this faith works by the action of love!!!

I John 5:3
3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.

Notice that again we are told to take an action. We are told to Keep His Commandment, and that they are not grievous. What!!!!????? Are you telling me I have to work for my salvation?? No, I am certainly not telling you that you must work for your salvation, but I am telling you that faith works by love, which is an action word. And we were told how to fulfill this action of love, through the Keeping of God’s Commandments? I thought we weren’t under the Law? We are not under the Mosaic Law, but we are under the Law of faith!!! The Law of Righteousness!!! The Law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus!!!!! The Perfect Law of Liberty!!!!!

Cast out the Bondwoman!!! Come out from among Her my people!!!

(Continuing Galatians 5:7)
7 Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?
8 This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you.
9 A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.

A little Sin leavens the whole loaf!!!

10 I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be.
11 And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased.
12 I would they were even cut off which trouble you.
13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

Romans 13:10
10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

(Continuing Galatians 5:15)
15 But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.
16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

Hebrews 12:1-3
1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

Luke 13:23-24
23 Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them,
24 Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.

Strive or Fight Vigorously to enter in at the strait gate.

Matthew 16:24-26
24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

Cast Out the Bondwoman and Live!!!

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Christian Living

We are His Witnesses

May 31, 2010 cpministries 1 Comment

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Isaiah 43:10-11
10 Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me.
11 I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour.

1 Peter 3:12-15
12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.
13 And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?
14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;
15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

It is of the utmost importance that we as the witnesses of Jesus Christ, are always ready to give a scriptural account of the hope we have within us. This hope not only pertaining to the plan of salvation, but to everything that witnesses of the hope that lies within us.

Some examples could be: how you overcome trials and tribulations, why you live a separated life from the world, I thought once you were saved, you were always saved, etc.

As you can see, to be an effective witness, one must have a knowledge of the Word of God, and then they need to be a humble servant of Christ and present this information with meekness (quiet, gentle, and submissive) and (in the) fear (of the Lord).

2 Timothy 2:24-26
24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

As we learn here from the Apostle Paul, we must not strive or fight vigorously against those who oppose themselves. We must be gentle and patient. And again in meekness as we give instruction. And then perhaps, or maybe, God will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth.

Remember the parable of the sower……

Luke 8:11-15
11 Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.
12 Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.
13 They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.
14 And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.
15 But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.

We need not strive or debate the Word of God with anyone. As you can see by the Word of God, the receiving of the Word is a heart condition. Those who hear the Word with an honest and a good heart, and keep the Word, will bring forth fruit with patience.

As a witness of Jesus Christ, one of the first and most important scripture verses for opening up someone’s eyes to the possibility of being misinformed with the knowledge of Christ that they have been taught, is….

2 Timothy 3:16
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, Not some scripture is and others are not.

This verse clearly states that All scripture is profitable for doctrine. All scripture is profitable for reproof. All scripture is profitable for correction. All scripture is profitable for instruction in righteousness.

This teaches us that we can not stack one scripture against another to justify why we choose to only apply certain Bible verses in our walk with God. I would like to give 3 examples of how people commonly use one scripture to reject another.

Example 1

John 3:16 (accepted)
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Mark 16:16 (rejected)
16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

Yet we have learned that all scripture is inspired by God and profitable for doctrine.

Example 2

Romans 10:9 (accepted)
9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

Acts 2:38 (rejected)
38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Example 3

Ephesians 2:8 (accepted)
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

Acts 22:16 (rejected)
16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

When you are witnessing to someone, be sure to introduce 2 Timothy 3:16 into the conversation so that you can show the person that we should never use one scripture against another, but rather all scripture will work together.

After you have opened up their eyes to the acknowledging that all scripture is inspired by God and profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness, a great follow up is to explain to them, how the scriptures are set up.

Isaiah 28:9-13
9 Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts.
10 For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:
11 For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people.
12 To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear.
13 But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.

The prophet Isaiah is telling us that knowledge and the understanding of doctrine, comes by studying the scriptures one line at a time. Which is line upon line. And also by one precept at a time. Which is a rule that governs one’s behavior or thought, which would be a commandment. So, he is saying we learn by one commandment at a time, and by studying the scriptures one line upon another line, one commandment upon another. Gaining knowledge here a little and there a little.

Meaning part of the information you need for a particular subject is found in one book of the Bible while more of the information you need is found in other books of the Bible.

God purposed this for man so that we would study the scriptures. God is looking for someone who truly loves Him and is seeking Him. These type of people, will search the scriptures, pray about them, learn from teachers, and will always consider all possible meanings of the verse at hand, because they want to make certain, they are obeying the Gospel correctly. It is to these people, that God will open the scriptures up to, because the scriptures are spiritually discerned.

1 Corinthians 2:12-15
12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.

Now I would like for you to take notice of Isaiah 28:13 again.

Isaiah 28:13
13 But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.

This verse here is speaking of the Jews. The Jews had been disobedient over and over to the LORD. In His Jealousy, He decided that He would go to another people who were not a people. This being (us) the Gentiles.

So Isaiah tells us that the word of the LORD to the Jews was one commandment upon another, one line upon another, until it caused them to be snared. It became a trap to them. The Word of God is written in a way, that God reveals to some, while concealing it from others. The answer for why, is because of seeing whether you have an honest or a dishonest heart. Do you truly love Him and will you obey what he says, or will you not truly love Him and decide to build your own plan of salvation from the scriptures. Listen to Jesus give the answer to His disciples.

Matthew 13:10-15
10 And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?
11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.
12 For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath.
13 Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.
14 And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive:
15 For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.

You may have read this just now, and missed the answer to why this happens. The answer is verse 15. Jesus tells us, their hearts is waxed gross, their ears are dull of hearing, and here is the answer to why they don’t see, for their eyes they have closed. Least at any time they should open their eyes and see, which would allow them to open their ears, to hear, which would bring understanding to their heart, which would bring repentance and conversion, and then Jesus would heal them.

Jesus is looking for a bride that truly loves Him. Someone Obedient and Faithful to Him. Thus scriptures were deliberately set up to either ensnare you if you love not the truth, or if you do love the truth, the spirit will open your understanding. Let me show you who the gospel is hid from and who it is revealed to.

Matthew 11:25
25 At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.

2 Corinthians 4:1-4
1 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;
2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.
3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

This goes right along with what Jesus answered to His disciples concerning them that had shut their own eyes. Now we find out that because they believed not, the god of this world has blinded their minds. So the Gospel is only hidden to the Wise, Prudent, and to them that are lost. Yet it is revealed to babes.

2 Peter 3:13-18
13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;
16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.
17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.
18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

As the witnesses of Jesus Christ it is important to understand how the scriptures are set up and that all scripture is inspired by God. This knowledge will allow you to quickly assess whether the person you are speaking with is hungry for truth. If they are, this will lead to many other questions from them. As the Lord’s witnesses we must be prepared to answer these questions by growing in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ as we have just been instructed.

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Holy Spirit

The Power of Pentecost!

May 23, 2010 cpministries 1 Comment

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The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth; And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.

The voice of John the Baptist

Matthew 3:11
11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:

What is this fire? This Pentecostal fire?

Acts 2:1-8
1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire,and it sat upon each of them.
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Pentecostal Power!!

5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.
6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.
7 And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?
8 And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?

Acts 2:13-18
13 Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.
14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:
15 For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.
16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;
17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:
18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:

I’m talking about ……..The Power of Pentecost!

Acts 2:3
3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.

I say this fire is a purifying fire!! A Godly fire that purges out our ungodliness and it sanctifies us!

This is Pentecostal Fire! – Godly Fire!!

Let Me Speak To You About The Mystery of the Human Tongue

James 3:6-10
6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.

Devilish Fire – Sensual Fire

7 For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:
8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.
10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.

With our tongue we praise God and curse our brother who is made in the image of God. But when the Holy Ghost comes in, God’s Spirit unites with our Spirit and cries out Abba Father in recognition that you have became a child of God. God only can tame your tongue! When you receive the Holy Ghost God does sanctify and tame your tongue.

Receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in other tongues is the Power of Pentecost!

Church the Power of Pentecost is not a one time experience!

Acts 1:5-8
5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
6 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?
7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.
8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Power to Witness; Pentecostal Power!!!

Isaiah 43:10-11
10 Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me.
11 I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour.

Power over death, hell, and the grave! Power over sin! Power over our trials, tribulations, sorrows, and persecutions.

With Pentecostal Power-comes persecution!

The early church after the day of Pentecost was persecuted for preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ is the Power of Pentecost!

(Peter and John taught and preached Jesus to the people in the Temple after healing the impotent man at the gate Beautiful. )

Acts 4:1-10
1 And as Peter & John spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them,
2 Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead.
3 And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide.
4 Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand. (What a revival in a single day!)
5 And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes,
6 And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem.
7 And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this? (By the power of Pentecost!)
8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,
9 If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole;
10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.

The Name of Jesus Christ Invokes the Power of Pentecost!

Acts 4:15-21
15 But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves,
16 Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it.
17 But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name.
18 And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.
19 But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.
20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.
21 So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done.

Acts 4:29-31
29 And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,
30 By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.
31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.

Pentecostal Boldness!

The Holy Ghost is the Power of Pentecost! (The nine gifts of the Holy Ghost is Pentecostal Power!)

These scriptures prove that the Baptism of the Holy Ghost is not a one time experience, but continuously moves on His people. That is they were all refilled with the Holy Ghost, they already had the Holy Ghost yet they received a refilling when they prayed and asked God for boldness to preach His word.

Again I say Church Pentecostal Power is not a one time experience!

Church, saints hear me! The Holy Ghost is not a one time experience, we can be refilled over and over again! As a matter of fact- we must be refilled over and over again, lest we grow feeble and weak, spiritually sick. The joy of the Lord is our strength, and that joy is the Baptism of the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance.

Speaking in other tongues is a miracle, it is Pentecostal Fire!

Speaking in tongues is not a one time experience!

Do not let Satan lie to you and tell you, that you cannot speak in tongues anymore. Every time that you allow the Holy Ghost to move upon you, move in you; the gift of speaking in tongues will well up within you as a well of living water. It will bubble over, it will overflow you. For out of your belly shall flow rivers of living water.

Stir up the gift within you! The gift of the Holy Ghost!
Stir it up! Get beside yourselves!
Crucify your flesh!
Bring your flesh into subjection to the Holy Ghost in you!
Let God have reign in your life!
Submit yourselves unto God!
Give God a spiritual sacrifice of praise! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Begin to worship God!

Pentecostal Power – You shall receive Power after that the Holy Ghost has come upon you!

Raise your hands and worship the Lord! Cry out to God like you did when you first repented and earnestly sought God. You can have a Pentecostal experience right now! This very moment! Draw nigh unto God, lift Him up and God will draw nigh unto you. Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever!! He changes not!!

Worship God, love God, praise God, lift up Holy hands unto God!!

The Holy Ghost is a continual blessing of eternal life! Renewed in your heart daily!! Day after day, after day, forever and ever!

Pentecostal Power is the saving power of Jesus Christ.

Lesson written by Perry Harris.

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Faith

Lord If Thou Wilt Thou Canst Make Me Clean

May 17, 2010 cpministries 1 Comment

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Matthew 8:1-2
1 When he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him.
2 And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.

A leper cried, “Lord if thou wilt thou canst make me clean!” The leper spoke of a physical corruption of his fleshly healing of his body, he suffered from a natural, physical corruption of his flesh. This desire terrified the people of Jesus’ day, there was no cure – for it was highly contagious in some cases.

People with leprosy were cast outs separated by themselves, not able to live with their families. Their very flesh rotted, their fingers fell off from rot, their toes fell off, their lips, nose, and ears rotted off. It was horrible beyond our imagination. It was a “living death”. If I were this leper and saw Jesus coming by, I too would have worshipped Him and cried, “Lord if thou wilt thou canst make me clean!”

Today, Church, sinners are suffering from “Spiritual Leprosy.” Spiritually in the eyes of God they are corrupt, rotten, decaying, already spiritually dead. But Praise God, Jesus came that we might have life and that more abundantly.

When we hear His voice (“Jesus)” harden not your heart, “for today is the day of Salvation.” Jesus will save and cleanse and make clean and whole all sinners who cry out to him “Lord if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean!”

Now let me speak of us, the Church; the saved, the body of Christ, his sons and daughters.

Yes, Lord I have repented.
Yes, Lord I have been baptized in Jesus name for the remission of my sins.

And thank God, I have received the Holy Ghost speaking in tongues as the spirit giveth the utterance! Thank you Jesus, praise your name! Hallelujah, I have been born again!

But, oh, Lord I have not been perfect since that wonderful day of Salvation. I have fallen short. I have failed. I have sinned. Church we have fallen short, we at times have failed, we are guilty of sin!!

We must cry out “Son of David have mercy on me!”

Thank God for His Word, “the Bible” wherein lies our Salvation our hope.

I John 1:5-10
5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

Then this is the message, verse 9, If we confess our sins, Jesus is faithful to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. This is after being saved, being born again!

I John 2:1-6
1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.
6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

We have an advocate.
He is our propitiation for our sins.
Walk as He walked.

Matthew 8:3
3 And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.

And Jesus put forth his hand and touched him “the leper”, saying, I Will Be Thou Clean, and immediately his leprosy was cleansed.

Church today; right now, Jesus is stretching out his hand to the sinner and to us the saved, saying come; repent. I will be thou clean!

Lesson written by Perry Harris.

Connecting Point Ministries

Tag Archives: Religion

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The Power of Pentecost!

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Lord If Thou Wilt Thou Canst Make Me Clean

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A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.