Just a Thought – http://wp.me/p503cN-4vX
It is the same today…
serving God
Is the Bible true? theunfetteredpreacher
It grieves my spirit, to hear Christians, people, I know, that love the Lord, say: “I don’t believe that…”
When they should be asking: What does the Bible say?”
Too often, our Belief System, even our Church Doctrines, have nothing to do with Biblical teachings.
Someone, older and wiser, told us A,B & C is truth and that’s the way it will always be.
When Sadly,… if a,b & c, are in the Word, they would probably be an incidental point, yet we treat them as ultimate truth
It is truly a sad day, when we are sure we have the corner on Biblical Truth.
When a Biblical Teaching, a Bible Truth, is rejected because we were never taught that.
When we pray: “If it be Your will Oh Lord.”
What of His will do we not know and understand?
Are we praying for lost souls? The Lord would have all men come to the truth of Salvation.
Are we praying for healing? The Lord healed all that were afflicted.
Are we praying for financial assistence? My God shall supply all my needs, according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.
If our prayer is about avoiding the consequences of our actions. Good luck with that, we reap what we sow.
I cringe when I hear, If he’s not healed here on earth, he will be healed in heaven. Where do you find that in the Word?
There are many more: Cleanliness is next to Godliness. …. The rich will never enter heaven. … Money is the root of all evil.
Not everyone needs the Gifts of the Spirit. … If He wanted me to speak in tongues, He would have given me that Gift. … Tongues just bring confusion. …
Saints, we need to take off our Denominational glasses, look at the Word anew. Ask the Holy Spirit to lead us to the truth.
We are not a Powerful, Living, example of Gods love and grace, a mighty, growing Church.
We would rather deny Biblical truth, than accept the possibility, there is more then what we currently know and believe.
“Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.”
2 Peter 3:15-17
King James Version (KJV)
“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;
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.
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.”
John 14:11-13
King James Version (KJV)
“Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake. 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. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.“
The Word is clear:
2 Corinthians 10:3-5
King James Version (KJV)
“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 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;”
We must believe and walk in the Spirit. To be in that place of truth and power.
Lord, help us please.
Sins – Error in the Church
I found this on Facebook. .. from My Blogs
Error In The Church – All Sins Are Equal
JULY 5, 2016 / LEAVE A COMMENT / EDIT
There are many errors floating around today amongst Christians and in churches. One of the most common is the one I will dismantle today, that being that all sins are equal.
I first heard of this doctrine some years ago when I was doing some ministry in Nashville, and it was always quoted in support of homosexuals and lesbians. In fact, the GLBGT, people quickly embraced this doctrine, supported it, and propagated it.
This biblical error goes something like this:
“No sin is worse than any other sin. Sodomy is not any more egregious than overeating, smoking, flying off the handle in anger, being rude, or being an adulterer or fornicator. Therefore sodomy, if it is a sin at all, is not any worse than a Christian pigging out at a buffet.”
Sounds nice doesn’t it? If I were a homosexual or lesbian, transvestite, pedophile, etc., I would embrace this line of thinking too. It would certainly lessen my guilt and sense of shame. I can go around with my head held high, believing that what I’m doing is no worse than being in a bad mood and snapping at someone with a sharp word.
Even preachers, whole churches, and denominations have embraced this delusion.
Here is why it is NOT true.
First let me lay out the premise. Some sins are worse than others. All sin is not equal. All sin is bad; but not all sins are equal.
Matthew 5:19 (KJV)
19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
Jesus is speaking here and He talks about the LEAST commandments. Least means of lessor importance. And, if there are commandments that are least, then there are commandments that are greater.
This alone should end the argument that all sins are equal!
Secondly, I believe that the, “all sins are equal,” error came from a misreading of
James 2:10 (KJV)
10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
This Scripture does NOT say that all sin is equal. It says that all sin is a breaking of the law, and that the breaking of the law means that all people need a Savior.
Thirdly, look at the Ten Commandments. God gave the Ten Commandments to Moses. God Himself put these commandments in a definite order, from one to ten. Why did He put, “You shall have no other gods before Me,” ahead of “You shall not desire your neighbors house?” Because while all are sin; and doing any of these things breaks the law; having gods and idols is more serious to Him than you wanting your neighbor’s car.
Fourthly, Jesus taught that there are varying degrees of damnation, based on what one has done.
Mark 12:40 (KJV)
40 Which devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation.
If there is greater damnation, there is lessor damnation. But based on what? The following verses tell us.
Revelation 20:11-15 (KJV)
11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.
12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
Degrees of damnation are based on one’s works or deeds.
What about homosexuality?
Romans 1:24-28 (AMP)
24 Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their [own] hearts to sexual impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves [abandoning them to the degrading power of sin],
25 Because they exchanged the truth of God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, Who is blessed forever! Amen (so be it).
26 For this reason God gave them over and abandoned them to vile affections and degrading passions. For their women exchanged their natural function for an unnatural and abnormal one,
27 And the men also turned from natural relations with women and were set ablaze (burning out, consumed) with lust for one another—men committing shameful acts with men and suffering in their own bodies and personalities the inevitable consequences and penalty of their wrong-doing and going astray, which was [their] fitting retribution.
28 And so, since they did not see fit to acknowledge God or approve of Him or consider Him worth the knowing, God gave them over to a base and condemned mind to do things not proper or decent but loathsome…
Homosexuality can be a sign that God has given a person up; that He has given them over and abandoned them to degrading passions. Their consciences are seared. This is not said about most other sins.
Does God love homosexuals? Absolutely! But love is not approval, for homosexuals, or for the rest of us.
Repent and believe the gospel! Repent means to have a change of mind and heart. It is a change in opinion and viewpoint. It leads to changed behavior.
We can and must love gays but we cannot stand in solidarity with them. We must not hate. (Truth is love) We must not be violent. We must not be rude or disrespectful. But we cannot approve.
The secret things: The Fix-it Shop-Filling Station
This scripture keeps coming to mind, it tickles me, the way our Lord works.
Deuteronomy: 29. 29.
“The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.”
~“The secret things belong unto the LORD our God:”
What secret things?
How old is our earth and the universe?
Why did God made Global warming and Ice Ages?
Why Transfiguration, Sanctification, Justification, Mercy and Grace? Sheep and goats???
The Rapture: Is it the church or the wicked who are removed?
When is the end of the world?
Not all things are secret, the Lord has revealed many things, such as:
Why were we created?
Why give us Free Will?
~”those things which are revealed”
Revelation 4:11
“Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.”
We are created and given free will, for His pleasure. His desire is to see us prosper in faith and everyday life.
Think of the pleasure we receive when we witness our childrens success, or smiles of joy.
How much more pleasure does the Lord receive when we do well and walk with Him, when we find joy in Him.
Daniel 2
“Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his:”
“He giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:”
“He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him.”
“I thank thee, and praise thee, O thou God of my fathers, who hast given me wisdom and might, and hast made known unto me now what we desired of thee:”
He tells us, if we ask, we will receive, if we seek we will find, knock and the door will be opened.
Do we ask for and seek wisdom? No we ask for things. Do we ask for and seek His anointing?
Do we ask and seek the secret things, the things He desires of us?
What does the Lord desire of thee?
Micah 6:8
“He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?“
I often wonder, what is with the ?… ???
He just told us all the rituals and sacrifices do not meet His standard. I beleive it is there to make us question what we really need do.
➤ Do justly.. Be fair, discerning, wise
➤ Love mercy.. Forgive, let it go, don’t hold on to the hurts, arrows and lies thrown at you
➤ Walk humbly with God.. learn to take His yoke, walk with Him, obeying His voice, doing His will, for His glory.
Matthew 13; Jesus said:
“I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.”
We need to learn to walk with Him, trust Him, rely on Him. Let the Holy Spirit reveal His will and way for our life.
“those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.”
Are we doing His will? Lord, help us to obediently walk with You. Amen
Thanks to the Founding Fathers: theunfetteredpreacher
Be safe, Be smart, Be dedicated to returning America to its constitutional roots.
INDEPENDENCE DAY: Worth remembering and thanking, all who have fought for our FREEDOM. GOD BLESS YOU.
Shared from My Daily Musing
All The Great Things Are Simple – http://wp.me/p3EI2c-8AD
Shared from My Daily Musing
My Article Read (7-2-2016) – http://wp.me/p3EI2c-8AL
Pastor, where are you leading? theunfetteredpreacher
There are so many Churches, so many Pastors, so many frustrations.
Pastors who love the Lord, who desire to make Disciples of Christ. Unfortunately, their Church isn’t growing. Frustration… after Frustration.
There could be several reasons.
- You have reached the number of people you can Disciple. Are you having success? Is your flock doing the work?
- Are you teaching the full council of God? Probably not. Prosperity, poverty, tithing, giving, Gifts of the Spirit, healing, Old Testament, New Tesrament, Sin, Sanctification, justification.
It is almost impossible for one man to teach the full council. We all know what we know, teach what we know, believe the parts of the Word, we believe.
Some teach humility, poverty, justification. Others teach prosperity, tithing, giving, Sanctification.
Some teach about the Spiritual, others focus on the Natural.
These are all valid Biblical truths. How can that be, you would have to be double minded…. NOT SO.
We must realize, there is a time in our lives for all these things. Do not get stuck in any one, they are all in His Word, there to guide us to truth.
We must ask the Holy Spirit to lead, guide, direct. Allow others to teach the parts we don’t understand. Check it against the Word.
If you think it is wrong, but it is in the Word, it is YOU, WHO IS IN ERROR.
Deuteronomy 29:29
King James Version (KJV)
“The secret things belong unto the Lord our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.”
If it is in the Word, it is profitable for us. If we don’t understand it, ask the Holy Spirit to show you. DO NOT JUST REJECT IT OUT OF HAND. IT IS FOR ALL OF US.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”
We must take off Doctrinal glasses, read the Word, accept the Truth of the Word, over the Doctrine of our Denominations.
Let the Word and the Holy Spirit, lead us to all truth. Open our eyes and hearts, to receive the life, truth and power of Your Word, Oh Lord. Amen
Shared from insanitybytes22
Things that make you go hmm… – http://wp.me/p4a6eV-fAw
absolutly
Happy Independence Day
If our founders were alive today, the world would have heard another shot….
It is time to stand for Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness, once again.
Life in the womb? Freedom? All we do is to pursue Happiness….
We must Stand Fast, Act like men, Look for the Salvation of God.
The Supernatural is Gods Natural: theunfetteredpreacher
It bothers me that the Church as a whole, has rejected the reality of Gods Natural State. Jesus promised that signs shall follow, they don’t.
Is God a man that He should lie?
Oh, we believe it is possible for God to do the Supernatural, but for some reason He isn’t.
We prefer to think, we are in a time of silence, like the Hebrews were before Moses and the Exodus.
Let us take a look at that, why did the Lord finally send Moses with signs, wonders and miracles to save His people?
Was His nap time over, so now, He could save His people…. NO, READ THE BOOK.
Let us look at the words of God, (Jesus in my mind) and the Lord, (the Father), from Exodus 2 and 3.
“It came to pass in process of time, that the king of Egypt died: and the children of Israel sighed by reason of the bondage, and they cried, and their cry came up unto God by reason of the bondage.
And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. And God looked upon the children of Israel, and God had respect unto them.“
The children signed by reason of the bondage, and they cried.
- The first step to seeing a ministry of power, we need to sigh and cry out. “I cannot stand this life of bondage to sin and shame any longer. I cannot let the lost continue without direction, the sick to suffer, the brokenhearted to mourn. Lord, it is time to act!!!!!”
- God heard their groaning, remembered His promise, had respect for His children, and sent a Savior.
Now let us see what the Father said.
“The Lord said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows;
And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey; unto the place of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites.
Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel is come unto me: and I have also seen the oppression wherewith the Egyptians oppress them. Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt.“
- I have seen the affliction of my children
- I have heard their cry because of their taskmasters.
- I know their sorrows
- I have come down to deliver them
- I will bring them to a land of milk and honey
- Their cry has come to Me
- I have seen their oppression
- Come, I will send thee, (Moses), to save my people
He heard their cry, saw their affliction, knew their sorrows….
You see our problem, the reason we do not see the Supernatural Power and might of the Lord, is like the Hebrews, the bondage we are in hasn’t reached the unbearable….
We are fat, dumb and happy, with the little we have. We are satisfied, with who we are and who we allow the Lord to be.
The Lord Jesus is not satisfied, I am sure He is frustrated in His love for us. He gave us the means and way to victory in this life, and we leave it wrapped on the shelf, unopened and dusty.
Buried and forgotten. You have read it here before, the Gifts of the Spirit are the Talents the Master left His Church. (You and me). To use to build His Church, to INCREASE HIS KINGDOM.
What is wrong with us that we do not learn to use the one Talent given to all that believed. (READ IT AGAIN) They all spoke with tongues. It isn’t just for use in public, it is how our spirit, communicates with Gods Spirit, perfectly, read Romans 8, that is how all things work together for good.
In Jude it tell us we build up our most Holy Faith. If your Church Doctrine says this passed away… THROW IT OUT, BELIEVE GODS WORD, ASK FOR THE GIFTS… WALK IN THE POWER AND MIGHT OF THE LORD.
He sent a man, Moses, to free His people. He will send another, could it be you or me? Jesus, wants the world to see, consider, understand and know He is Lord. He has given us that task.
I do not understand how people who claim to love the Lord, can leave His gifts unopened. I desire to walk in all the Lord will give me. I long for His will to be done in my life and in the world.
If Jesus used signs and wonders to attract belivers, why do we think we can do without? Amen
How deep is your Faith: theunfetteredpreacher
When I was young in the Lord, I was quick to judge. I would decide who was a real Christian and who was lacking. (lol… foolish, I know).
He’s not really a Christian, he smokes, or swears, he doesn’t attend church 3 services a week. His attitude is bad. He is not nice.
How can they love the Lord. They are not as holy, set apart, as special as me. They don’t have much fruit.
As I’ve grown, I have begun to understand the Love of God is bigger than my beliefs.
Salvation isn’t a test of wheather you sin or not. (We all do).
It isn’t a race to see who has the most fruit. Or who is the most holy.
Salvaton is simply accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior. If we have, we are covered by His blood, We are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus.
Now, I accept there are those who believe, who walk a less than wonderful example of His love and grace than others, but;
It is Faith that saves us. Foolishness, to those who do not believe. To us the power of God.
How deep our faith is, is our personal choice. I write this blog, hoping that it will draw people closer to the Lord. Deeper in faith, stronger in the Lord.
To make them realize Gods promises are real and avalible to those who believe, seek and except them. In hopes they will desire more.
In “Elisha, a man of God 1:” I commented how bold and taste less it was for him to ask for a double portion of Elijahs anointing.
It wasn’t; The Lord tells us to come boldly to the throne of grace, to receive mercy and grace in our time of need.
He tells us to covet earnestly the best Gifts, (of the Spirit), the one we need right NOW, is the best one, right NOW. Healing, Prayer, a Miracle, a Word of Wisdom or Knowledge, Faith…
We deside how to build our faith.
Luke 6:4
“He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.”
Have we dug deep, do we understand this simple fact?
Psalm 135:6
“Whatsoever the Lord pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places.”
The Lord doesn’t do things because of our understanding of His Word. He does what He pleases, whether it’s the hardening of Pharaohs heart, or causing the King not to sin, with Abrahams wife.
1 Corinthians 2:10
“But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.”
Daniel 2:22
“He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him.”
We need to let go of the Church Doctrine that denies the Power and Teachings of Jesus.
Ask the Lord to open our eyes and hearts, ask for a double anointing, to do His will. Amen
Shared from Elihu’s Corner
Expanding the Core: Building relationships with Christians in the Church – http://wp.me/p5H6wI-2bY
To have a friend we must be friendly… to build the church…. same thing.
good advice, good read
Elisha, a man of God 2: theunfetteredpreacher
2 kings 2
He took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and smote the waters, and said, “Where is the Lord God of Elijah?” and when he also had smitten the waters, they parted hither and thither: and Elisha went over.
And when the sons of the prophets which were to view at Jericho saw him, they said, “The spirit of Elijah doth rest on Elisha.” And they came to meet him, and bowed themselves to the ground before him.
When the annointingof the Lord is upon you, it is recognized. Some, who are secure in who they are, will allow you to minister and grow.
Others will do their best to keep you down.
And they said unto him, “Behold now, there be with thy servants fifty strong men; let them go, we pray thee, and seek thy master: lest peradventure the Spirit of the Lord hath taken him up, and cast him upon some mountain, or into some valley.”
Elisha answered: “Ye shall not send.”
And when they urged him till he was ashamed, he said, “Send.” They sent therefore fifty men; and they sought three days, but found him not.
And when they came again to him, (for he tarried at Jericho,) he said unto them, “Did I not say unto you, Go not?”
And the men of the city said unto Elisha, “Behold, I pray thee, the situation of this city is pleasant, as my lord seeth: but the water is naught, and the ground barren.”
Elisha answered: “Bring me a new cruse, and put salt therein.”
And they brought it to him. He went forth unto the spring of the waters, and cast the salt in there, and said, “Thus saith the Lord, I have healed these waters; there shall not be from thence any more death or barren land.”
Elisha, a word of knowledge, and working of a miracle. (We could have these Gifts of the Spirit, if we would seek them).
So the waters were healed unto this day, according to the saying of Elisha which he spake.
And he went up from thence unto Bethel: and as he was going up by the way, there came forth little children out of the city, and mocked him, and said unto him, “Go up, thou bald head; go up, thou bald head.”
He turned back, and looked on them, and cursed them in the name of the Lord. And there came forth two she bears out of the wood, and tare forty and two children of them.
And he went from thence to mount Carmel, and from thence he returned to Samaria.
Like Elijah, calling down judgement… The Anointed of the Lord, have Power.
We need to boldly seek the anointing of God, the Gifts of the Spirit, the Power of God, if we are to see His Church grow and prosper.
Amen
Tales from my Father 5: theunfetteredpreacher
My Dad made sure we had a weeks vacation every summer. Most of the time it was camping.
The first years it was a tent, then we graduated to a tent camper. He built a pull out draw, that held a gas camping stove, cabinets for food and a place for an ice chest.
It was made so you could cook inside in bad weather or pull it outside, under a tarp, for good weather.
It really worked great. Until the raccoons figured out how to open the cabinets and ice chest. They ate well, once, anyway… lol
He taught me to fish cat fish at night. He would find a fist sized rock, tie a big rubber band to one end, and a fishing line to the other.
He would throw it as far out in the lake as he could. The fish would bite, we’d reel them in, re-bait, release the line and it would zoom back out.
No casting, same place every time. It worked a treat.
We would visit every National, or State Park and every battle field, fort, or famous persons home we came across.
We often brought a friend to keep me company, what fun.
At home the rest of the year, on Sundays, if we weren’t out for a ride, and ice cream or hot dogs, we would play badminton, or catch.
It drove me crazy that I had to wait till after his 20 minute noon time nap.
Many good memories.
I hope Celeste has as many.
The soul of the people was much discouraged : The Fix-it Shop-Filling Station
Numbers 21:4-5
“And they journeyed from mount Hor by the way of the Red sea, to compass the land of Edom: and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way. And the people spake against God, and against Moses,
Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread, neither is there any water; and our soul loatheth this light bread.”
I will speak the truth:
“I am much discouraged because of the way.”
I am not speaking against God, but I do wonder why He has brought me to this place to die?
There is no life, no praise, the bread I am fed has no power to transform, to cause growth.
There is no one who understands or cares to seek Your face, to realize change.
There are moments, fleeting, elusive, just fragments, pieces, a glimpse of victory.
Followed closely by defeat.
The war is in the heavenlies, the battle is in my mind. I should overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of my testimony.
I’m do not… “The Lord God of thy fathers hath said unto thee; fear not, neither be discouraged.”
Help me, Lord, to overcome: “Where is the Lord God of Elijah?” I need you now, today…. Amen
Elisha, a man of God 1: theunfetteredpreacher.com
Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.
And Elisha saw it. He took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and went back, and stood by the bank of Jordan; and smote the waters, and said, “Where is the Lord God of Elijah?” and when he had smitten the waters, they parted hither and thither: and Elisha went over.
“Where is the Lord God of Elijah?”
Elisha, because he saw Elijah taken to heaven by a whirlwind, received a double portion of Elijahs annointing.
His first act and words: “Where is the Lord God of Elijah?” and when he had smitten the waters, they parted hither and thither: and Elisha went over.
A miracle, the waters parting, Elisha smote the waters, they parted, he passed over and a ministry is born.
How is this possible? Where did he find this boldness? First, “give me a double
portion.” (How Rude, Taste Less, Unseemly).
Then “Where is the Lord God of Elijah?”
Bold, strong, expectant, full of faith and power. Why? He didn’t learn this in seminary.
He had been with a “man of God.” A man who called down fire… A man who raised the dead… A man who was fed by ravens and then a little oil and meal, for three plus years.
Personal experience, he didn’t just watch Elijah, he learned how to pray, how to hear and understand the Lords, Words of Wisdom and Knowledge, he knew the Lord.
He knew the Lords will and ways, he walked with Him, he was His voice and strong right arm, here on earth, at that time.
Elisha, like Elijah was just a man. Just like you or me. If we would push in to that Holy place at the feet of Jesus, and learn of Him.
We will become, vessels fit for His use. Lord, please draw us close. Amen
Jesus went: theunfetteredpreacher
The lesson we refuse to learn from Jesus…
“Jesus went“… Yes, He went to the Synagogues, and to cities and towns. He taught, He preached the Gospel of the Kingdom, He healed all and every manner of sickness and disease among the people. (Matthew 4:23, 9:35)
“Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.” (Matthew 14:14)
Jesus did not just do things on the Sabbath, He was out among the needy and lost daily…
On the Sabbath, He dealt with believers.
Both groups, received compassion, both groups were healed, comforted, “Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.” (Matthew 14:25) Even walking on water…. to reach the needy.
Acts 10:38
“How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.”
“Jesus went”
“He was anointed by God”
“He went about doing good”
“He healed all the oppressed of the devil”
“God was with Him”
We expect people to come to our Church on Sunday to hear the Good News.
It is true that multitudes followed Jesus, wherever He went.
WHY? He healed all who were sick or had a disease.
All we seem to have to share with folks are words. NO POWER, NO HEALING, NO PEACE OR JOY.
It is no wonder our Churches are dying, attendance is down, interest is non-existent.
We need to be become the righteous of God in Christ Jesus. How? We are half way there when we believe for Salvation.
We need to up the ante, Abraham believed God and it was counted unto him for righteousness.
Abraham already believed in the Lord, he had Sacrificed, Worshiped the Lord for 24 years.
What counted for righteousness was his belief that he would have a natural son, beyond his years. (The impossible)
The Lord, Jesus, gave us the Holy Spirit, who gave the Church, (that’s you and I), the Gifts of the Spirit. (Signs, Wonders, Miracles)
It is sad that even the Spirit filled Churches, do not teach, promote or exercise the Gifts.
WHY? To see and work in the Spirit, we must dig into the Spirit, spend time in fasting and prayer, learn to walk in obedience to the Lord.
Deny ourselves… Rely totaly on Him… Rest in Him…
Sorry, we want folks to come to us, when we have nothing to offer…. Not going to happen.
We need to practice the presence of God. It is His Power, His Grace, His Love people seek.
We must learn how to allow Him to work. Learn how to get out of His way. To allow His Power and Love to shine through us to those in need. Amen
The Great Holy Spirit Robbery: theunfetteredpreacher
Why are there so many small Churches? Maybe we have not grasped and accepted the whole council of the Lord.
Matthew 25:1-13
The wise and foolish virgins:
I’ve heard the teachings, that it was a great honor to be in this group, waiting perhaps for days, until the bridegroom appeared.
How the wise had brought enough oil to wait Him out, but the foolish ran out and Had to go and find oil, thereby missing the bridegrooms coming.
Then, when they were finally ready, the bridegroom refused them entrace to the marriage supper.
We are warned to watch, for we know not when the bridegroom will appear.
Matthew 25:14-30
The Talents: (Were the talents money or skills?)
Again the teachings, the Master leaves his servants, 5, 2, and 1 Talent according to their ability. He leaves, when he returns, he finds.
The one with 5, increased to ten, the one with 2 increased to four, both were told to enter into the joy of the Lord.
The one who had received one, buried it. The Master was not pleased… “You should have at least invested it, so I would gain the interest.”
“Take his Talent and give it to the man with ten. For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.”
Cast the unprofitable servant into outer darkness, where there is weeping and nashing of teeth.
Matthew 25:31-46
The Sheep and the Goats: (It’s not about live stock).
Quite simply have you done what the Lord comanded? Fed the hungry, given water to the thirsty, met the needs of the needy?
Are you a sheep, have you accepted the Lords commands, have you done as He has expected?
Or are you a goat, butt, butt, butt….I don’t need that, Lord, do it my way.
If a goat, “these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.”
What is this chapter really about? Knowing and doing the will of God.
The oil for the lamps:
Is being filled with the Holy Spirit.
The Talants:
Jesus, our Master left us the Holy Spirit and Power, The Holy Spirit gave us the Gifts of the Spirit, the tools for building His Kingdom.
We need to seek the best gift… the one needed right now, healing, wisdom, knowledge, faith, miracles, prayer….
Most Denominations have buried the gifts, not increased their use, have not built up the Church.
The Sheep and Goats:
The Sheep:
Those who have accepted the Gifts, grown in the Lord, have learned to increase the Church, by the Power of the Holy Spirit.
The Goats:
Those who think they don’t need the Gifts. They do not realize, they had to ask for and accept Salvation.
They need to ask and accept the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, with the evidence of Speaking in Tongues.
They must learn and accept the difference between our prayer language, (no interpretation needed), and public tongues, (interpretation, mandated).
With the proper use, there is no confusion, just a release of the Power of the Holy Spirit.
Growth, excitement, people are drawn to the love, grace, peace the healing, comfort the blessing of the presence of the Lord.
I love the folks and my Pastor in the UMC, I attend, but it is dying, the Pastor doesn’t believe he needs the Gifts.
He does not understand they are the tools for personal and corporate growth.
He has built a fence between him and the Power and Victory in Jesus. Lord, tear down this wall…
Lord, open their eyes, I beg You. Amen
Elijah, a man of God 14: theunfetteredpreacher
2 Kings: 2:1
And it came to pass, when the LORD would take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal.
Elijah said unto Elisha, “Tarry here, I pray thee; for the LORD hath sent me to Bethel.”
Elisha said unto him, “As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee.”
So they went down to Bethel. And the sons of the prophets that were at Bethel came forth to Elisha, and said unto him, “Knowest thou that the LORD will take away thy master from thy head to day?”
Elisha answered: “Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace.”
Elijah said unto Elisha, “Tarry here, I pray thee; for the LORD hath sent me to Jericho.”
I find it interesting, that Elijah seems to be discouraging Elisha from coming with him. Elisha, apparently knew not to let go, and leave him.
Elisha answered: “As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee.”
So they came to Jericho. And the sons of the prophets that were at Jericho came to Elisha, and said unto him, “Knowest thou that the LORD will take away thy master from thy head to day?”
Two different groups of prophets, with the Word of Knowledge, of Elijahs emanate departure.
Once again, he answered, “Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace.”
Elijah said unto him, “Tarry, I pray thee, here; for the LORD hath sent me to Jordan.”
Third times a charm… Elisha said, “As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee.”
And they two went on. And fifty men of the sons of the prophets went, and stood to view afar off: and they two stood by Jordan.
Elijah took his mantle, and wrapped it together, and smote the waters, and they were divided hither and thither, so that they two went over on dry ground.
Moses: Exodus 14 and Joshua: in Joshua 3, walking across a body of water on dry ground… Apparently it wasn’t even muddy.
And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, “Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee.”
Elisha said, “I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me.”
That would be my desire also, I long to see and be apart of the Power of God. He asked for something only the Lord could give.
Elijah answered: “Thou hast asked a hard thing: nevertheless, if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee; but if not, it shall not be so.”
Here we have one more Word of Knowledge, a Gift of the Spirit, given to us on the Day we received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Why have so many Denominations buried these Gifts, they are the Talents Jesus left us to increase the Church.
And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.
Fire, the Lord once destoyed all flesh with water…. Fire, is the fate now.
Elisha saw it, and he cried, “My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof.”
And he saw him no more: and he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces. He took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and went back, and stood by the bank of Jordan; And he took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and smote the waters, and said,
“Where is the Lord God of Elijah?”
That is my cry, everytime I pray for the sick and afflicted, the depressed, discouraged, the lost. That is my prayer today, right now….
“Where is the Lord God of Elijah?”
theunfetteredpreacher 