I pray it won’t be the same as the Old Year.
May we all be blessed with a closer Walk with God. A joyful time with others. Peace and Grace within. Amen
serving God
Why I Blog: theunfetteredpreacher
I thought I wanted to write a book. (About Jesus in the Old Testament). The woman I hired to proof read and edit, told me I should start a blog.
She thought the blog would help me correct my spelling and grammar. (If only it had. lol).
A blog? I had never read one, visited one or thought of bloggers at all.
Then I checked into it. Some wrote well, others, badly, but people read them, their voices were heard, Some had 12 followers, others had thousands.
Being the mighty man of Faith, I am, I decided if theunfetteredpreacher, was available, as a site, it would be a sign from God, to go for it.
I had bought a Tablet, so I could take pictures and write from my favorite chair, so I jumped in.
I desired to write, Biblical Teachings, that were not influenced by Denominational Rituals, Ceremonies or Doctrine.
I did not care what others taught, I longed to teach the Bible.
I believed then as I do now, the Church is Powerless, ineffective, and a hindrance to the building of the Kingdom of Heaven.
Why? We follow, Luther, Calvin or Wesley, when we should be following Christ.
People are encouraged to join a Church, a Denomination, a Fellowship, believe like us. We have the Truth…
No one has cornered the Truth, we all have a piece, a snippet, a revelation, that needs to be shared.
When we only deal with Our Denominations teaching, we miss out on so much truth.
Our God is bigger then what our Denominations teach.
We need to know what the Word says, not what anyone teaches.
The Word has to be the final authority.
Sadly, most of us do not search for ourselves, the truth of God’s Word. We rely on our Pastors Interpretation.
Very often, His Interpretation, came from another man. So you are learning something third hand, when we are responsible to know ourselves.
Let what you learn from others, spark your interest, to search the Scriptures to see if it be true.
Only then, do you become a follower of Christ, instead of following man.
The End is Near: theunfetteredpreacher
The End… of what?
Life, Liberty and the pursuit of happiness? Or maybe just the year…
I’ve not written much the last month or so.
Bette broke her wrist, and is hoping to have the cast removed next week.
Her body is healing, her attitude is good, but she hurts from within. Please lift her up, in prayer.
As for me, apparently I am Iron deficient, I have gone for one infusion and expect a second soon.
They said, “I would have more energy. I would think more clearly…”
Well, I’ve not written, because I don’t seem to be able to study the Word, and follow through, by writing a Post.
I do not read, like I used to. I don’t even seem to keep up with politics like I normally do.
So if I haven’t visited your site lately, please forgive me. Maybe after my second infusion I will be in better shape.
Meanwhile, have a safe and happy New Year.
“May the blessings of God, keep you safe and encircle you, like a flood, with His Love and Grace.”
Merry Christmas: theunfetteredpreacher
Merry Christmas to all, I pray we all have a great Christmas and a wonderful New Year.
Let us go on unto perfection; theunfetteredpreacher
“Let us go on unto perfection; “
Hebrews 6:b
At our Tuesday morning mens group Pastor Nelson Hopkins shared from Hebrews 6:1-3
Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,
Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.And this will we do, if God permit.
Almost seems like blasphemy, to leave the principles of the doctrine of Christ.
What the writer wants us to do is to GROW UP, IN CHRIST.
The problem is: “We must go on unto perfection;”
And our Churches have done a horrible job of teaching us these fundamental principles of the doctrine of Christ.
We do not believe or practice most of them.
Yes, we accept the truth that we are saved by Faith, that Christ died for our sins. We are made blameless, only by being covered by His blood.
Yes, we believe in being Baptized. A symbol of our death and resurrection with Christ.
Then we go off the rails. At the time of water Baptism, Christ was also Baptized in the Holy Spirit.
~ THE DOCTRINE OF BASPTISMS.
Of REPENTANCE, IN THE NAME OF THE LORD, AND OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.
For this to happen to us, we need to first realize the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, is not automatically given.
Paul and Peter both asked believers if they had received the Holy Spirit. They then received it. (Acts 10 and 19) They also had the evidence of speaking in Tongues. (Two separate Baptisms).
So Saints, one step towards perfection in Christ, is Believing the Word over BAD CHURCH DOCTRINE.
We need the Holy Spirit and His Power to build the Church. The Baptism is a Fundamental building block of His Body.
~ THE DOCTRINE OF LAYING ON OF HANDS.
FOR HEALING, AND TO SEND OUT FOR MINISTRY.
We lay hands on the sick. (James 7). The elders lay hands on those chosen to go out in the work of the ministry. (1 Timothy 4)
~ DOCTRINE OF SALVATION
RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD. (This includes both dead in sin, and dead as in lifeless, no breath left).
~ DOCTRINE OF ETERNAL JUDGEMENT
Where will you spend Eternity?
Are you on the path to perfection? Do you believe and practice these truths?
Hebrews 6:4-6
“For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,
And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,
If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.“
If you hope to grow in and receive the Power of the Kingdom, to grow the Kingdom, LET THE HOLY SPIRIT TEACH YOU THROUGH THE TRUTH OF HIS WORD.
“ 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.
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.“
(Romans 12:1-2, my prayer for you). Amen
We must build on the FULL COUNCIL OF GOD.
If we stop before we accept these first things, how do we grow in Him?
Christmas Shoes: theunfetteredpreacher
https://www.dropbox.com/s/ej03qf15f6a0ska/20171217_114724.mp4?dl=0
The Franklin Memorial United Methdist Choir, helped me to sing this heart wrenching Tune.
The Certainties of Cerimony, the Righteousness of Rituals: theunfetteredpreacher
When did the Cirtainties of Ceromony and the Righteousness of Rituals, replace the Foolishness of Preaching, in our quest to bring the lost to the Lord.
I am disappointed, disturbed, and defeated.
We have lost the ability, the desire, and the need to experience the Presence of God.
We sing many Hymns, without any attention given to the meaning.
They are just tunes we sing.
We recite many Scriptures, with no thought given to the significance of the Words.
They are just Words we recite.
We repeat, the Lord’s prayer, never learning, ‘How to Pray.’
Church, has become a meaningless exercise, a duty to preform, not a joy to experience.
We have a form of Godliness, that denies God’s, Presence, Power, and Peace.
We find comfort in the Dignity of Duty.
The Joy of the Lord is absent.
The Truth isn’t preached to set us free.
The Peace that passes understanding, can not be found.
It is all buried in Rituals and Cerimonies, our reciting, rather than living, the Word.
No thought is given, no attempt is made to call down the fire of God, to purify our lives, to become vessels of God’s love, healing powers, or saving grace.
We are not challenged to grow, to give, to become the image of the One we Love.
Then we wonder that our pews are empty.
Please, Throw Out, the Comfortable Orders of Service.
Learn to:
Sing the Word of God, to our God.
Sing until it becomes real, until you are filled with His Presence, until He surrounds and meets your every need and desire.
Cry and repent, as He brings your faults and sins to mind.
Laugh as you are touched by the Spirit of the Living God, when you realize you are forgiven and blameless in the Beloved.
Allow the foolishness of God to rule and reign in your life.
Our natural man, cannot accept this, we do not understand it, we build our services so to bypass, to negate, and ignore, the Spiritual.
We cheat not only ourselves, but those who came hoping to find the Truth of the Gospel.
The Foolishness of God is Wiser than the Wisdom of man.
Please, I beg you.
Quit going to Church.
Start to Seek His Face. To Experience His Presence. To Recognize, the Power of the Spirit in our lives.
1 Corinthians 1:21
“For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.”
The Weekly Headlines
https://lafayetteangel.com/2017/12/02/the-weekly-headlines-62/
Interesting posts, gathered in one place
Biblical Promises 5: theunfetteredpreacher
Abram, a friend of God, believed God and was considered Righteous.
Genisis 12:1,4
“Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee:
So Abram departed, as the LORD had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran.”
These are interesting scriptures for me, “The Lord had said.”
This tells me the Lord spoke to Abram more than once, about leaving his family and home country.
I don’t think Abram refused, just did not fully understand. The Lord told him he would be a great nation. The Lord would Bless him.
So “Abram departed as the Lord had told him.”
The beginning of a beautiful friendship. Abram Walked in God’s mercy and Grace.
He built alters to and Worshiped the Lord. He was promised an heir, that would bless all the families on earth. He would be given much property.
Genesis 17: 1-5
“And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.
And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly.
And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying,
As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations.
Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee.”
Please note, the Lord, (The Father, the Eternal One, the Law giver), said, Walk before me, and be perfect, then I will…
Then God, (The Son, the Creator, the Supreme Ruler), spoke, My covenant is with thee, Abrams name was changed to Abraham, he and all who were with him were circumcised that day.
When we meet and accept Jesus, we have a new name, we are circumcised in our hearts, and I know I fell on my face and Worshiped.
But it was the promise of a son, when both of their bodies were past child bearing age, that caused Abraham to be called Righteous.
Romans 4:20-22 (KJV)
“He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;
And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.
And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.”
We have many great and impossible promises from God.
Is it with-in us, to believe. That He means for us to prosper and be in good health, as our soul prospers.
That as well as desiring all men to be saved, He would have us pray for and experience, and share, His Healing Power?
That we would be His Hands, and Voice in proclaiming His Kingdom is at Hand.
He desires us to understand and to Walk With Him, comforting the hurting, healing the sick, even raising the dead. Both Spiritually and Physically.
He is THE LIVING GOD.
Saints, He wants us to broadcast this to the World.
O ye simple, understand wisdom: theunfetteredpreacher | theunfetteredpreacher
https://theunfetteredpreacher.com/2016/08/22/o-ye-simple-understand-wisdom-theunfetteredpreacher/
An old post, seeking Wisdom.
Biblical Promises 4: theunfetteredpreacher
The Biblical Promises are “exceeding great and precious promises:” (2 Peter 1) “that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature ”
The Promises of God are Yes and Amen, they are for us TODAY. What can this mean?
That we might be partakers of the ‘Divine Nature?’
It depends on our Freewill, we might have Eternal life, with Jesus, if we choose correctly. (The might refers to where we will spend Eternal Life, not if).
It is by our Freewill, that we escape the corruption that is in the world, through lust.
We must choose to be diligent in adding to our Precious Faith:
Virtue; knowledge; temperance; patience; godliness; brotherly kindness; and charity. (Love)
Our Freewill choices, are what makes us, a man after God’s heart, a friend of God, a Disciple of Christ.
It is our Freewill, that allows us to believe and to do the Work of the Misistry. Peter tells us, “if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
We have accepted this Precious Faith.
We should be partaking of His Divine Nature. The Divine, (Godly, Good,)
Nature:
Full Definition
1 a : the inherent character or basic constitution of a person or thing : essence
b : disposition, temperament
We should be partakers of, God’s Nature. Jesus, healed, saved, raised the dead, and gave us this Power, and, expects us to do the same.
ONLY BELIEVE….
That is the only requirement. “I believe Lord, help my unbelief.”
How do we grow our Faith?
We are all given a measure of Faith. The basic Faith, to believe Jesus, changes (saves), us
How do we build up pur Faith?
Diligently Studying His Word.
Praying His Word. (Pray Paul’s prayers, for Spiritual, not Worldly ends).
“This comes by Prayer and Fasting.”
We need to deny self, and learn to please God.
If we do these things, we will, grow, and the Lord will be with us, and let none of his words (the Lords), fall to the ground.
And all will know, we are established to be messengers of the Lord.
Amen
Biblical Promises 3: theunfetteredpreacher
The Promises of God. Are they for today?
As a child, in Catachesm class, I would ask the Priest or Nun, Who, What When Where and How?
The answer much of the time was:
“It’s a mystery.”
“Or God moves in mysterious ways.”
“Or, we will never understand His unsearchable riches.”
“We must accept GOD’S WAYS, ARE NOT MAN’S WAYS.”
I listen to Talk Radio, there is one host, who refers to the Bible often.
I believe, he is a believer, but, he is positive that God is not all powerful.
His reasoning is, an all powerful God would never let 911, or the Holocaust happen.
He is sure of this.
He has no concept of Freewill.
Quite frankly, there are a lot of Christians who do not understand Freewill, either.
We have Freedom, to make our choices, as the Angels did. Satan, chose wrong, (his pride was too strong), and was kicked out of heaven, along with a third of the Angels.
Some believe, once saved always saved. If someone turns back to the world, after accepting Christ, they were never really saved.
Really? Do you realize even John the Baptist, questioned his faith?
Can you not envision a tragedy, a loss, in your life that could make you doubt?
Have you not questioned, the Lord’s will and ways in your life?
I can understand, someone hurt, then being deceived, and walking away.
(Their Freewill. Or even the Prodigal).
Someone thinking the old life was better.
The Father never chased the rebellious, he was always welcome home, but He did go find the lost.
We see the Hebrew people, Wanting to turn back all the time. Even as God preformed signs, wonders and miracles daily.
I can not understand, someone who has surrendered to the Lord. Not Being Saved. (Now that, to me is scary).
That said, what about Signs, Wonders and Miracles today?
What about multitudes trying to get into our services, because the Power of God is present?
What about people healed by our shadows?
That is what happened to the early Church.
How did we lose this Power?
We have seen that God’s Promises, are Yes and Amen.
That Jesus sent the Comforter to teach us and bring all He said and did to our remembrance.
He showed us the Holy Spirits Promise, we have left His Gifts on the shelf.
The Church has lost the Power of the Kingdom of God.
Why?
FREEWILL!
What? In the 400 years of captivity, do you really believe God was silent?
Or was it, no one, was ready to give all, as Moses did.
Is David the only man, after God’s heart?
David, Moses, Abram, Peter, Paul and Mary, all exercised their FREEWILL.
THEY GAVE THEIR ALL TO GOD.
Saints, God has not lost His Power, His Might, or has changed His mind. He would have all men come to a saving Knoiwledge, of Him.
The Lord always used Signs, Wonders and Miracles to draw people close. He then allowed their Freewill to work.
He is the same, yesterday, today, and tomorrow. It is up to us to give our all to Him. To fast and pray, to walk in obedience.
Whosoever will.
His promises are still viable, we just need the will to grasp and use them.
We must, “Take the Kingdom by force.”
Acts 2:38-39 (KJV)
“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.“
His promise is alive today. Find a Promise, hold on to it until it blossoms in your life.
Go out and do the Work of the Ministry. Amen
What is in your hand? theunfetteredpreacher | theunfetteredpreacher
https://theunfetteredpreacher.com/2016/11/04/what-is-in-your-hand-theunfetteredpreacher/
An other old post. My hearts cry.
Biblical Promises 2: theunfetteredpreacher
What are the Promises? Why are they not fulfilled in our Churches?
‘The Truth is, our beliefs are shallow, cursory, and superficial.’
As Christians, we love the Lord, and have accepted the Gift of Forgiveness. We realize, we are blameless in the Beloved.
That the blood of Jesus, has saved us from our deserved end. We are spending Eternity in Heaven, with the Lord.
This Truth, this Promise, we delight, revel in, and celebrate.
We Trust, and accept it’s Truth. We Believe.
Why then, is it so hard to accept, to Believe, the other Biblical Promises.
In John 14:25-26 we find this Promise from Jesus.
“These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.
But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.“
He promised the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, would be sent to, Given to us.
He would:
• Teach us all things:
We must give Him access, to our hearts, minds, eyes and ears. We must ask the Holy Spirit into our lives.
Above and Beyond Salvation.
Both Peter and Paul asked, have you received the Holy Ghost, since you believed?
The Baptism, the in-filling of the Holy Spirit is reserved for believers.
Receiving Him, fulfills the Promise of a Comforter, Teacher, and the Power to do the Work of the Ministry.
The Holy Spirit, will help whosoever will, learn to Walk in His love, to show His mercy, to lead others to the truth of the Gospel.
We could learn to Walk in Power.
• He will bring all Jesus had taught, to our remembrance.
Jesus, had shown them, Grace, Power, Healings, Signs, Wonders and Miracles.
He told them in that same Chapter, John 14:12:
“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.“
Jesus healed the sick raised the dead, caused the blind to see.
He didn’t have fancy Churches, children’s church, AA, NA, or couple’s divorce seminars.
He had the Power of the Holy Spirit.
Children saw the Miracles, heard the Gospel preached in Truth and Power.
He promised the same to us. We have failed.
I know the Lord wants,… no,… expects, more from us.
He has shown us, we need to live in His Truth.
We each need, to find a Promise we can believe.
John Alexander Dowie, believed 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.”
He believed.
Because of this belief, he called down rain to end two different droughts.
He, (by the Power of the Holy Spirit), healed many who were sick, the lame, he also comforted the hurting.
Because, the Hope of a Living God was manifested here on earth. Multitudes flocked to this show of God’s Promise.
I know, many will reject this out of hand.
We are not worthy of this outpouring of the Holy Spirit. We do not Hunger and Thirst for His Righteousness.
Many would not remain humble, obedient, teachable.
Many would fail.
We will never know if we refuse to seek His face, to Seek the Power of His Might.
We cannot quit, when we miss the mark, until the day we succeed. When we see, Signs and Wonders following us.
We will have learned, to touch the Hem of His Garment. Learned to enter the Holy of Holies. We found Mercy and Grace, in our times of need.
Souls will be saved, the sick healed, the Body of Christ, strong, the Lord will add to His Church, daily, all those who would be saved.
Lord, draw us close to You. Amen
For all this they sinned still: the unfetteredpreacher | theunfetteredpreacher
https://theunfetteredpreacher.com/2016/08/21/for-all-this-they-sinned-still-the-unfetteredpreacher/
Another old post, that is still my hearts cry.
A day late: theunfetteredpreacher
For years, I have put up my Christmas lights, Thanksgiving morning.
With Bette breaking her wrist, Tuesday night, Wednesday morning, by Thursday I was beat.
Celeste, home for the weekend, helped me with her Mom, and the lights, as usual.
A Tradition, I cherish.
Bette is doing better, pain controlled by meds. She is a blessing.
Happy Thanksgiving
I am disappointed! theunfetteredpreacher
An old post, still the cry of my heart. Not just in my life, but for the Church, the Body of Christ.
Biblical Promises 1: theunfetteredpreacher
Biblical Promises: Best if used before 90 AD.
The early church, saw Signs, Wonders and Miracles.
Today many seem to believe, these things had an expiration date of 90 AD. The Apostles died and so did the Power of the Holy Spirit.
All the Holy Spirit can do today, is lead some to the Lord. Comfort some of the hurting. Teach us some truth. Preform some Miracles.
As Christians, we believe in Salvation… we believe this Truth, that Jesus died, was Resurrected and Sits on the Right Hand of the Father.
We now have access to the Holy Place, we come boldly to the Holy Place, because we are covered with the blood of Jesus.
We readily believe this, yet…
Signs, Wonders and Miracles? Not really?
You say, ‘He does miracles all the time.’
Really, turn around, do you see any following You?
These signs SHALL FOLLOW, THOSE WHO BELIEVE.
Are there multitudes flocking to you, your Pastor, Church, or to anyone you know?
Do they come, to hear the Truth, to see the Power of God, to experience Salvation, Healing, Peace, Joy, or Hope?
If not, why not? Do we really believe the Full Council of God?
2 Corinthians 1:19-22 (KJV)
“For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, even by me and Silvanus and Timotheus, was not yea and nay, but in him was yea.
For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.
Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God;
Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.“
We have the,
“earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.”
The promise of the Holy Spirit, the promise of ALL THE POWER, LOVE, MERCY AND GRACE OF GOD, is available to Whosoever will , all that is needed, is to believe, and then do.
He has given us the Holy Spirit, to teach and to lead us to all TRUTH.
The Truth is, our beliefs are shallow, cursory, superficial.
Saints, we have accepted the promise of Salvation. Why do we throw out the rest of the Gospel?
We need to become deliberate students of the Truth.
Ask the Holy Spirit to help us to understand, to act on that knowledge.
In the late 1800’s, a simple recognition, a realization of the Truth, a Revelation came to John Alexander Dowie.
He was a man that accepted the truth of 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.”
He understood the Biblical Promises, not just of Salvation, but of Power, Love and a Sound Mind.
(Interesting fact, he prophesied that Tongues and Interpretation would come back to the Church, while working in the Gift of Faith and Working of Miracles).
He believed, received, and preformed the Work of the Ministry.
The Spiritual and Ministry gifts are available to Whosoever will.
We must take them off the shelf, thank the Lord, open our hearts, minds and spirits, and allow the Holy Spirit to Rule and Reign in our lives.
Please, Saints, Turn Your Face Like Flint, toward seeking the Lord, and the “Power of His Might.”
Amen
theunfetteredpreacher 