biblical revelation

Is Jesus present? theunfetteredpreacher

bill theunfetteredpreacher cote serving God, Spiritual living, Walking with God , , , , ,

Is Jesus present, in our Church Services?

Yes, certainly, and many will quote: Matthew 18:20
“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”

Jesus said, “I will never leave or forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)

Should there be more? This is as it should be.

Acts 13:44-52. (AMPC)

“The next Sabbath almost the entire city gathered together to hear the Word of God [concerning [a]the attainment through Christ of salvation in the kingdom of God].

But when the Jews saw the crowds, filled with envy and jealousy they contradicted what was said by Paul and talked abusively [reviling and slandering him].”

The problem always lies with envy and jealousy.

The Spirit of God, is present in one Church,it is growing, vibrant, lives are being changed.

The members of the dead Church down the street get jealous, envious.

It’s Dead, not because God isn’t there, but because it is so filled with reverence, rituals and ceremony, that there is no room for the Lord, to act.

They love the Lord, but fill the service, with man’s busyness, because they long ago realized it was easier to do that, then Worship in Spirit and Truth.

They can’t be still and know He is God and allow Him, by way of Praise and Worship, to minister.

They will not, go to see this wonderful thing, find out why, the other church is growing.

After all our Pastor is wonderful and teaching the truth. They only go to that growing Church, for the music, drama or the Preacher doesn’t preach the word, he just tickles the ears.

It bothers me to hear folks say, of any man of God, he isn’t teaching the Word.

Have you sat down and searched the Scriptures to see if this is true?

No, his teaching disagrees with what you have been taught. The Bible is full of wisdom, revalation and knowledge.

We must Believe it over what we may have been taught.

“And so the Word of the Lord [concerning eternal salvation through Christ] scattered and spread throughout the whole region.

But the Jews stirred up the devout women of high rank and the outstanding men of the town, and instigated persecution against Paul and Barnabas and drove them out of their boundaries.

But [the apostles] shook off the dust from their feet against them and went to Iconium.

And the disciples were continually filled [throughout their souls] with joy and the Holy Spirit.“

Take a look at your services, is the peace that passes understanding there?

How about joy unspeakable and full of glory?

Signs and Wonders, people getting saved, set free?

If not, you should go check out that growing Church, study the Word, see if they are teaching Truth.

If they are, that’s where you should Worship, because that is where you will grow. Amen

A selfish rant: theunfetIteredpreacher

bill theunfetteredpreacher cote serving God, Spiritual living, Walking with God , , , ,

When I teach and preach, I hope to effect a change in people’s lives. I study and than teach what the Lord reveals to me.

What I have been taught, was all Bible. If there was any Biblical History, included, there wasn’t much, and it was to a specific point.

The purpose of the knowledge we received, was to help us in our Walk with the Lord today.

I teach hoping to inspire folks to want more of God in their lives. I enjoy the back and forth with people who are seeking more.

The learned, that kibitz, drive me nuts. If they would interrupt with scripture that applies, that would be great, even helpful.

I want to know how to serve God today, efficiently, effectively, productively.

Rant over. Forgive me please.

What do we believe? theunfetteredpreacher

bill theunfetteredpreacher cote serving God, Spiritual living, Walking with God , , , ,

So many of us, have beliefs, that are Unshakable, immovable… steadfast.

We know what we know, and we will not be moved.

How have we come to these beliefs?

What we have heard, seen, and experienced in our lives, influences what we believe.

As children, we were either dragged to Church, and told, “This is what we believe. ”

Some parents, (usually nonbelievers), decide not to influence their children either way, they don’t bring them to, or encourage them to go to Church.

They say, when they get older, they can decide for themselves.

This has given us a generation, with no moral compass, no standards of right, wrong, or healthy or destructive, actions.

They are left, adrift, anchor less, pulled, pushed, by a current to nowhere, with little hope of finding the truth.

Why? The Church has little power to draw them in, and there is little reason for them to stay and learn, to be introduced to the God of Creation and Salvation.

Thank God, I was forced to attend Church and Sunday School Weekly, until I left my parents house.

I heard, all the children’s stories, of the Ark, the parting of the Red Sea, Jesus healing the sick and dying on the cross.

They were all “childrens stories.” The same as, Little Red Riding Hood, the turtle and the hare, all of Mother Goose and the other childrens tales.

It wasn’t till I had searched for, and was introduced to the living God, that the Bible stories, were finally recognized as truth.

The trouble is, the Bible is Truth, yet it seems to be taught, as it were Tales from beyond.

We were promised a Gospel of Power but, have received only Hot, Empty Air.

Taught by unbelieving believers. Folks who want to believe, yet haven’t seen, experienced, the Power of God, so do not believe the Impossible, is possible.

They try, but lack conviction, and rely on ceremonies, rituals, programs and projects.

It is much easier to be busy doing, than waiting for God’s direction, and desires.

No one seems to know how to wait on the Lord, to allow Him to grow in us, and then in the Church around us.

We know the Bible stories, so we don’t read them again. Sadly, we miss the message the Lord may have for us in those verses.

We cannot receive Godly Revelation, with hearts of stone, eyes that are blind, ears that will not hear, and minds that refuse to understand.

We must be willing to hear and except the truth. Be willing to admit, some of our beliefs are not Biblical. Just bad Doctrine.

Be willing to accept the truth of the Word, your Church leader, may be sharing, what he has learned from others, and not found the truth for himself, in study.

We are all responsible to know for ourselves, the truth.

Please, seek Him… Learn from Him… Don’t accept all you hear, until you search it out on your own. Amen

Life After: Mother Earth News

bill theunfetteredpreacher cote serving God, Spiritual living, Walking with God , , , ,

An old tale, well told from Mother Earth News….. Don’t believe in the after life?

In a mother’s womb were two babies. One asked the other:
“Do you believe in life after delivery?” The other replied, “Why, of course. There has to be something after delivery. Maybe we are here to prepare ourselves for what we will be later.”
“Nonsense” said the first. “There is no life after delivery. What kind of life would that be?”
The second said, “I don’t know, but there will be more light than here. Maybe we will walk with our legs and eat from our mouths. Maybe we will have other senses that we can’t understand now.”
The first replied, “That is absurd. Walking is impossible. And eating with our mouths? Ridiculous! The umbilical cord supplies nutrition and everything we need. But the umbilical cord is so short. Life after delivery is to be logically excluded.”
The second insisted, “Well I think there is something and maybe it’s different than it is here. Maybe we won’t need this physical cord anymore.”
The first replied, “Nonsense. And moreover if there is life, then why has no one has ever come back from there? Delivery is the end of life, and in the after-delivery there is nothing but darkness and silence and oblivion. It takes us nowhere.”
“Well, I don’t know,” said the second, “but certainly we will meet Mother and she will take care of us.”
The first replied “Mother? You actually believe in Mother? That’s laughable. If Mother exists then where is She now?”
The second said, “She is all around us. We are surrounded by her. We are of Her. It is in Her that we live. Without Her this world would not and could not exist.”
Said the first: “Well I don’t see Her, so it is only logical that She doesn’t exist.”
To which the second replied, “Sometimes, when you’re in silence and you focus and you really listen, you can perceive Her presence, and you can hear Her loving voice, calling down from above.”
– Útmutató a Léleknek
#Mother Mother Earth News

Fond Memories: theunfetteredpreacher

bill theunfetteredpreacher cote serving God, Spiritual living, Walking with God , , , , ,

It is sad, that I really have little memory of my High School and later years. I started drinking and abusing myself at that time.

(I don’t think I want to know or remember. I know I am ashamed of what I do remember).

Yet, I have many fond memories of my younger years, I had 4 close friends, I would like to thank.

As a young guy growing up in Ashburnham, I was blessed to know some wonderful people.

I kicked a kid in the face, on the slide, in first grade, (an accident), he became a close friend for many years.

Leo, you amaze me with your knowledge and the memories you share on the Ashburnham site.

Somehow you have grown into a valuable asset to our little home town. I have many fond memories.

Your folks were so kind to me. I still chuckle, for trying to eat the fruit that was always on the kitchen table.

I think I had a crush on your Mom, and hoped to grow up and be ruggedly handsome like your Dad.

I wish I had kept the service patches and medals I begged from him. You should have gotten them.

I spent time on your front porch, drinking beer and pouring out my troubles, after my failed marrige. I remember the kindness and wisdom, your folks shared.

The only reason I know how we met is you told me. I don’t seem to remember much, my eyes were always on myself.

Thank you for your friendship.

I have no idea how I met Joe, unless it was band, with Mrs Williams. (She was great).

Joe, I played more catch with you than should be legal. Football in grammar school, with Tom and Rick.

Walking home from football games in our Band Uniform’s.

I didn’t have a lot of contact with your Dad, but your Mom was so sweet.

We played at your house, all the time.

My dog caused me to crash my bike in front of your house. Your Mom came running out to help me.

I enjoyed my visits with her in later years, and I enjoy Matthew’s FB posts.

I was pleased to see your recent anniversary photos, congratulations.

I should have paid more attention to both you and Leo, you are both better men than I. Good examples, I ignored.

I wasted so many years in a bottle, the first half of my life. So glad I found the Lord.

Tom, was fun, popular, caring and a great friend, from football to swimming at his house.

Always a laugh, and a joy to be with. His Mom was always so kind.

Bruce, my rock and roll band mate. Thank you for the prayers. I am determined to have a better later years then the first.

Our bands, were the pits, but your friendship, priceless. You have been such a blessing since you found me on line.

You have given me hope and confidence even with my spelling. To know someone who was interested in my posts.

My heart goes out to you and Chris, I hope you are finding joy in your lives again.

I still remember the joke Chris’s Dad told me, the one time I visited her home. (I was scared to death of him).

Why do dogs have their tales between their legs, when they are running away?

Do you know?

I didn’t spend much time at your house, but was so impressed with the phone stuff, your Mom was a dispatcher or something?

Again, my eyes were on me…. sorry.

I had many others I was friendly with, but was closest to these four.

Thank you guys, you all made my youth a better place.

To all the girls I knew before. Please forgive me, my ignorance. When I was young and stupid, I was.

Boat for sale: Confusion Reigns: theunfetteredpreacher

bill theunfetteredpreacher cote serving God, Spiritual living, Walking with God , , , , ,

Confusion:

1 Corinthians 14:33
“For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace,“

Confusion:

A state of mind. Most of our confusion can be found to be man made.

Unfortunately, this is the state, we seem to be living in.

Up is down, down is up, wrong is right, right is wrong, man is woman, and woman is man.

Confusion, we often cause it. In small inocent ways.

Sven notices his neighbor has a sign in his yard-

“Boat for Sale.”

“Ole,” he says, “you don’t own a boat. All you got is your old tractor and your combine.”

“Yup,” said Ole. “And they’re boat for sale.”

Sometimes, … well… a misunderstanding.

A young couple, bring their newborn into the home. The wife days, “This doesn’t look like our baby…”

The man answered, “Don’t you remember?The baby filled her diaper and you told me to go change the baby.”

Man made confusion. The confusion we are dealing with today, is definitely man made.

It is running rampant in our world today. We have gone over the edge.

Our youth do not know, whether they are boys or girls, men or women?

Feelings today, … are more important than common sense, or ancient wisdom.

What has given us this confusion? It is not from God.

It is happening because, as a society, we have rejected God.

At a college graduation. (A true story), in the mid-west.

The schools tradition, for graduation, was the men wore a blue gown, the women white.

One young girl thought she was a man, and refused to wear the white gown.

What should they do, for this confused young (Woman?)

Common sense would tell her. Our Forefathers would have told her. An adult should have told her.

“You are a woman. Wear the white.”

There would be, no discussion, no counseling, no arguing… Case closed.

Is that what happened? Of course not.

Not in this P.C. world. Afraid that we might scar her tender feelings for life, Confusion now reigns supreme.

Everyone wore blue gowns with a white sash.

Problem solved? Not at all.

No, her confusion has infected the whole school.

There was not a man in sight.

How did we get here?

Leviticus 18:22-24 (KJV)
“Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.

Neither shalt thou lie with any beast to defile thyself therewith: neither shall any woman stand before a beast to lie down thereto: it is confusion.

Defile not ye yourselves in any of these things: for in all these the nations are defiled which I cast out before you:”

Leviticus 20:11-13 (KJV)
“And the man that lieth with his father’s wife hath uncovered his father’s nakedness: both of them shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.

And if a man lie with his daughter in law, both of them shall surely be put to death: they have wrought confusion; their blood shall be upon them.

If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.”

Sexual sin, so prevalent today. Has brought us CONFUSION. In NC, we have the bathroom bill.

Many seem to believe that adult males belong in the showers with young girls.

These people are not just confused, the confusion has caused them to become evil.

From gay rights, (same sex marriage), to multiple partners to man/child sex…. all are ok, to the confused.

Ten Commandments, do not mention same sex relationships. Why?

It was beyond the evil they could imagine. Why would we need to be warned about the unnatural?

In the Bible, confusion is first found in Genisis 11. The building of the tower of Babel.

“The whole earth was of one language, and of one speech. They had brick for stone, and slime had for morter, so they said, let us make brick.

Let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.

The Lord came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men builded.

The Lord said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do.

So the Lord scattered them abroad, from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city.”

He reversed that confusion on the day of Pentecost.

Not that we now, understand each other, but that our Spirit, speaks directly to God.

Our prayers, (in the Spirit), reflect Gods, will and will cause us to do, exceedingly, abundantly above all we ask, think or even image.

Instead of embracing His Holy Spirit to guide, direct and protect us, who will keep us from evil, that it might not grieve us.

The Holy Spirit ‘s is feared, His Gifts for building the Church, rejected, misunderstood.

The Holy Spirit is not allowed to rule and reign in our mortal bodies. Sad, confusion.

Psalm 71:1
In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion.

We sinned sexual sin, it has brought us confusion, soon to follow, destruction.

Lord, please change our hearts, minds and direction, help us to turn towards You. Amen

To Touch Him: Our Desire?  theunfetteredpreacher 

bill theunfetteredpreacher cote serving God, Spiritual living, Walking with God , , , , ,

The last verse of Mark 6:

as many as touched him were made whole.

We must learn how to touch Him….. “My God shall supply all my needs.”

Whether it’s Healing, Comforting, Providing financial, physical, or spiritual needs, OUR GOD IS ABLE.

The Old Testament is full of testimonies of individuals, who learned how to touch the Lord.

They had a special relationship. One we should covet as our own.

Starting with Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, Gideon, Samuel, David, Solomon….

All individuals, all for a time, walked with and touched the Lord, and the will of God went forth in Power.

In the time of Moses, the people feared to deal with the Lord, personally. They wanted to hear what God wanted, through a Mediator.

When Jesus came, He changed the rules.

Now, all of us are “to come boldly to the throne room of Grace, to receive Mercy and find Grace in our times of need.” (Hebrews 4)

We should learn from the Old Testament, the Word tells us:

2 Chronicles 16:9
“For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him.”

We find God stepping in to keep Abimelech, from sinning with Sarah, when Abraham, claimed she was his sister.

“God said unto him in a dream, Yea, I know that thou didst this in the integrity of thy heart; for I also withheld thee from sinning against me: therefore suffered I thee not to touch her.” (Genesis 20)

The integrity of his heart, touched God, and God, kept him from sin.

The Lord is watching us today, Wanting to show Himself strong, for those whose hearts are perfect towards Him.

Any chance your heart is perfect towards Him? What does that mean?

It is interesting, we can fail to do the right thing, yet have a perfect heart. We can also do the right thing, and miss the mark.

1 Kings 15:14
“But the high places were not removed: nevertheless Asa’s heart was perfect with the Lord all his days.”

2 Chronicles 25

“Amaziah,did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, but not with a perfect heart.”

An interesting read, without a perfect heart, he fell away, and it did not end well for Amaziah.

“Now after the time that Amaziah did turn away from following the Lord they made a conspiracy against him in Jerusalem; and he fled to Lachish: but they sent to Lachish after him, and slew him there.“

To have a perfect heart towards God, does not mean we follow Him perfectly. We can miss the mark and still please Him.

We need to seek His face, want Him, desire to obey Him, to love, Worship and praise Him.

In the New Testament, we are told to:

James 4:7
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

We find that all of us, whosoever will, can learn to touch the Lord.

“All who touched Him, were made whole.”

We all can touch Him. We are all called to the Holy Place, the throne room of Grace.

Do not be disappointed when we fall short, not able to stay in His presence .

There are only two, who seemed to Master pleasing God. Enoch and Elijah. Both now in heaven, in bodily form, ready and waiting to return in the fulness of time.

Look to God the Auther and Finisher of our Faith. Be true to Him, He is true to us.

Our Anchor: theunfetteredpreacher

bill theunfetteredpreacher cote serving God, Spiritual living, Walking with God , , , ,

Where are you Anchored?

Before meeting Christ, I was Anchored in the rough seas of sin.

This Anchor, pulled me down, as the waters of sin rose, filling my heart and mind.

My thoughts and actions, were no longer my own. I was controlled by the carnel nature of man.

Prideful, Pitiful, and Powerless, my addictions, (the true loves of my life), were in control.

BOOZE, BROADS AND TOBACCO. (An unholy trinity).

I was lost in the Swift currents of destruction. Soon to drown and die.

Then a true Miracle ocured, I recognized the knocking at my heart, to be Jesus.

It wasn’t the first time I felt His gentle nudge.

No, as the Lord had said to Abram, come out from among them. I finally obeyed and walked with the Lord to a new land.

I asked Jesus, into my life. I begged for and received forgiveness, I became blameless and accepted in the beloved.

My Anchor no longer held me down, it now lifted me to the heavens.

The weight of sin and death, was gone. I could see, hear, think and love, both in Spirit and Truth.

I hungered and thirst for more. For the Righteousness, Peace and Joy, of the Holy Ghost.

I found it.

Life wasn’t perfect, troubles still surrounded me, dogged me, at times tempted me. But…

I WAS ABLE TO OVERCOME, by the Blood of the Lamb and the Word of my Testimony.

I submitted myself to God, and resisted the devil, and he fled.

There are two Truths to live by and trust.

1: IT IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR GOD TO LIE.
Jerimemiah 29:11

“

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”

2: FAITH IS THE SUBSTANCE OF THINGS HOPED FOR, THE EVIDENCE OF THINGS NOT SEEN.

Hebrews 11:6
“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.“

Hebrews 6:18-20 (KJV)

“That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:
Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;
Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

”

We can now, and should enter into that Holy Place, we will find Mercy and Grace in our times of need.

The Disconnection: theunfetteredpreacher

bill theunfetteredpreacher cote serving God, Spiritual living, Walking with God , , , ,

We do not seem to be connected to the truth of the Gospel.

Oh, all the different factions, groups, the Denominations, all claim that they have the truth. The whole truth and nothing but the truth.

But does anyone?

No, we all miss the mark, some more then others. Even the Full Gospel Churches, do not seem to teach the Full Counsel of God, if they ever did.

The Bible gives us many promises, that we seem to believe, once were, or will be, true, someday.

We do not see, what was once lived, and experienced. We do not expect to see it in our lifetimes.

The Signs, Wonders and Miracles of the Bible, passed with the Apostles, and we are living in another, silent time.

Just as it was between the Old and New Testament, or during the 430 years of captivity the Hebrew people suffered.

God is quiet, He has given us the Bible, it is God’s final word.

Healings, Deliverance, evil spirits, angels, even the hand of God, no longer reaches out to touch His Saints. We are on our own.

I do not accept, that God was silent now or at anytime.

It just took 400 years for someone to notice and Examine the burning bush.

As soon as the Lord saw, that Moses was paying attention, God spoke.

Are we paying attention?

It saws in Genisis 12 that the Lordhad said to Abram get thee out of Thy country. Had said, is the key.

Abram, did not just leave, the Lord spoke to Him several times, till he understood and obeyed.

How often must He speak before we hear and obey?

We no longer follow the fire or the cloud, we follow Luther, Calvin, Wesley or some other person, who at one time, maybe even yesterday, followed the Lord.

(Billy Graham, Oral Roberts, Joel Osteen, Ravi Zacharias, our Pastors…)

They received a piece of biblical revelation and built a belief system on it. Not realizing that was the start of revelation and knowledge and not the end.

We must all, study to shew ourselves approved, be workmen, rightly deviding the Word of Truth.

We must work out our Salvation, in fear and trembling. Knowing ourselves the truth of the Word.

All of God’s promises are for us, today. The Signs, Wonders and Miracles.

We just need to believe and obey, to walk and work in them. As the leaders of our Churches once did.

Epaphras revisited: theunfetteredpreacher

bill theunfetteredpreacher cote serving God, Spiritual living, Walking with God , , , ,

In “Epaphras an unsung giant,” I spoke of his love and prayers of the people of Colosse, Laodicea, and Hierapolis.

Epaphras’s love for these people caused Paul to pray for them.

Paul gave thanks to God and the Father, (see Jesus in the Old Testament), praying always for them.

He prayed for them because he had heard of their faith and love for all the saints, from Epaphras.

He prayed that they would stay strong in the faith, that they would bear fruit, as they allow the word to grow in themselves.

He told them he did not cease to pray for them.

“That they might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;”

(Saints once again this should be our prayer for one another, please pray it for me).

Paul gives thanks to the Father, which made all saints partakers of Eternal Life with Him.

Jesus, delivered us from the Power of darkness, and translated us into His Kingdom, the image of the invisible God, the Creator, and by His blood, we are forgiven of our sins.

He reminds them, and us, that we were once alienated, seperated from God, because of our evil hearts of unbelief.

Jesus presents us unblameable, and unreproveable in His sight, if we continue in the Faith. (Even after Salvation, we have the Freewill to reject God’s Grace).

We can reject, “Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:
To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:”

Paul preached Christ, who works in us continually, and mightily, warning and teaching every man, that they might be presented perfect to Christ.

He asks that they, pray also for Paul, that God would open unto him a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ.

That the Word would be manifested, God’s power and grace recognized, and proclaimed.

He mentions Epaphras once more, as being a Servant of Christ, who sends his greeting, and labors faithfully and fervently for them in prayers.

That they might be perfect and complete in the will of God.

Paul again mentions Epaphras’s great Zeal for them.

He reminds them to Walk in Wisdom towards those without. (Do not loose your Witness, by your speech or actions).

“Let your speach be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”

In short, Walk your Talk. Show the love and grace of Christ, in all you say and do.

Philemon, Onesimus and Epaphras: theunfetteredpreacher

bill theunfetteredpreacher cote serving God, Spiritual living, Walking with God , , , , ,

All people Paul praised, made mention of and obviously loved. He tells us quite a bit about them in a few words.

First off Philemon. He wrote to him specifically, to beseech him, to plead for a favor.

He first reminds Philemon, that they labored together in the Lord’s work.

He told him he prayed daily for him, not for health or wealth, or safety, but that his sharing of the Gospel would be effective.

(If you care for me, I covet this prayer).

He had heard of his love of and faith in Christ, and was pleased at his sharing, that he was causing the Saints, to grow and be excited in their faith.

He had a teaching, not evangelistic ministry. He was reminded to give the glory to God for any good thing that was within him.

Then he brings down the hammer.

“Yet for love’s sake I rather beseech thee, I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:”

He needed to plead to Philemon, because Onesimus, was once known to him.

Paul led Onesimus to the Lord, (in prison), as he apparently did Philemon. It is probable that Onesimus, was sent to prison, for doing wrong to Philemon.

Paul told him he was a changed man, that if possible he, Paul, would keep Onesimus as his own minister. (Helper in the Gospel).

Apparently, Onesimuses, prison time was over, so Paul begged Philemon, to receive Onesimus, as a fellow laberer, as a beloved brother in the Lord.

Paul, used his relationship to persuade Philemon. If he wronged thee, I will repay, place it on my account.

I won’t remind you how much you owe me. (Salvation?)

Bring joy to me, by doing this, I hope to be with you soon. I write to you knowing you will do more than I ask.

We find Paul, calling on behalf of a brother, to a brother.

He completes his letter, by asking Philemon to say Hay, to Epaphras his fellow prisoner and other, fellow labourers.

We can conclude that Philemon was at least in contact with the churches at Colosse, Laodicea, and in Hierapolis.

More to come on Epaphras.

 I have learned by Experience:  theunfetteredpreacher

bill theunfetteredpreacher cote serving God, Spiritual living, The Filling Station, Walking with God , , ,

I have learned by Experience, that the Lord hath blessed me for Thy sake.

Laban admitted this to Jacob, I admit it to my wife. I have been blessed of late. It is because I married a Godly, Psalms 31, Woman.

I am blessed beyond all I could ask, think or imagine.

Thank you Jesus. For being such a Lord and Savior.

Genesis 30:27
And Laban said unto him, I pray thee, if I have found favour in thine eyes, tarry: for I have learned by experience that the Lord hath blessed me for thy sake.

In Whose Name? Theunfetteredpreacher

bill theunfetteredpreacher cote serving God, Spiritual living, Walking with God , , , ,

In Whose Name?

In The Name: If a rose by any other Name…

We believe in some Names.

For me if Clint Eastwood’s Name is in the credits, I am sure I will enjoy the movie.

For others it may be Spielberg, or Pixar, Disney ot Tom Hanks, that gets the blood flowing.

Just the Name conveys confidence that we can trust and rely on the experience we will have.

It’s the same with Churches, Baptist, Methodist, Full Gospel… the Names all have an implied meaning.

We would feel betrayed, if we walked into a Full Gospel Church and found a Methodist order of service. The reverse would also be true.

We depend, trust, and rely on the Name, to guide and direct us, we can’t Worship there, they don’t believe like we do.

We make many choices because of a Name, a brand of gas, a can of beans, a bag of chips. We make choices based on a Name.

In the book of Acts, the lame man from the gate beautiful was healed, the people gathered and Peter explained.

It wasn’t John or I that healed this man, only Jesus.

Acts 3: 16.

“And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.”

Acts 3:16 (AMPC)

“And His name, through and by faith in His name, has made this man whom you see and recognize well and strong. [Yes] the faith which is through and by Him [Jesus] has given the man this perfect soundness [of body] before all of you.”

Faith in His Name. JESUS

Faith through His Name. JESUS

Faith by this Name. JESUS

That is a Name we can trust, rely and depend on.

Do we? Really?

For Healing? Comfort and Joy? Salvation?

Turn around, are there signs and Wonders following? If not, the Lord said we do not believe.

Have we lost, our Faith in His Name?

Epaphras: An unsung giant: theufetteredpreacher

bill theunfetteredpreacher cote serving God, Spiritual living, Walking with God , , , ,

Epaphras, who was he? We find him mentioned only in the books of Colossians, and Philemon.

In Philemon 23, we learn Epaphras was a fellow prisoner, with Paul.

He was a prisoner with Paul, because he was not ashamed to proclaim the Gospel.

We know, from Paul’s writing in Colossians 1 and 4:

~ Epaphras was our dear fellowservant.

He was not just a fellow prisoner, but a fellow servant. A Willing follower and Worker for Christ.

A man who is not afraid, to proclaim his Faith, his Belief, even if it leads to mockery, scorn, stripes, and even prison.

~ A faithful minister of Christ;

Saints, he didn’t just proclaim the Gospel, he lived it. The first century Christians, proclaimed the Gospel in the Power of the Holy Spirit.

Eastons Bible Dictionary defines a Minister as:

□ a subordinate officer or assistant employed in relation to the ministry of the gospel.

□ one who serves, as distinguished from the Master.

(See the Ministry Gifts Roman 12:4-9; Ephesians 4:11-12)

Moses, and Elijah’s Ministers, stayed by their sides, made sure their needs were supplied, their orders followed.

They are invisible, supporting the Master. Everything they do points to, Magnifies, Glorifies, Lifts up their Master. (Some people are naturally Ministers to those they respect)

Acts 4:29-31(KJV)

“And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,

By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.

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.“

A powerful prayer, note please, they prayed; Lord, do what you have promised.

A faithful Minister did not just speak the Word. He was and should be, the Lord’s delivery man.

They delivered by the Power of the Holy Spirit, healing, comfort, peace, joy and the Love of Christ.

The Lord longs to touch and meet the needs of His people. He longs to use us to be the vehicle of His Grace.

We need to forget about ourselves, our wants desires, plans, and concentrate on pleasing Him.

We need to Know Him, and the Power of His Resurrection, the Fellowship of His sufferings, we must, be conformed to His image. (Philippians 3),

We should be invisible, pointing all to Christ.

~ Epaphras, also declared your love in the Spirit.

We heard:

☆ of your faith in Christ Jesus,

☆ of the love which ye have to all the saints,
☆ of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven.

This truth of the gospel; came to you because of the Faith and Zeal of Epaphras.

☆ that Gospel, brought forth fruit, since the day ye heard of it, and you knew the grace of God in truth:

Colossians 4:

Tells us of the Zeal of Epaphras, how he labors for the people in fervent, effective prayers that availeth much. (James 5)

We all, (every Church, fellowship, Christian), need an Epaphras, someone who loves us enough to battle in the Spiritual, for our mortal souls.

Who sees beyond this physical world into the next.

Are you an Epaphras?

Or do you fail, like I do, to make the cut.

There was another unsung giant, Onesimus.

In Philemon, Paul tells us, Onesimus, was at one time unprofitable to Philemon.

Through the Power of the Holy Spirit, he became so useful, Paul would have kept him as his own Minister, but felt that Philemon should receive Onesimus as a beloved brother.

To receive Onesimus, as he would Paul. If he had done Philemon any wrong, he was to forgive him, and charge it to Paul’s account.

In Colossians 4, we find Onesimus, to be a faithful and beloved brother.

If we have missed the mark, there is still time to change, to become a useful, truthful, trustworthy servant of God.

To learn to enter into the throne room of Grace, to receive the Grace and Mercy we need this day, hour or minute.

The Lord desires to walk with us, to empower those who are willing to accept the responsibility, the mantle of Leadership, in His Kingdom.

The Birthday Blues: Theunfetteredpreacher

bill theunfetteredpreacher cote serving God, Spiritual living, Walking with God , , ,

For her birthday in August, my wife wanted to replace our green shutters for ‘new blue shutters’.

Someone had told her, for a house to look good, it should have 3 colors.

Ours, when we bought it, was:

Gray House with White Trim..

She decided, at that time, for green shutters and front door.

It did look nice….

This year she decided to go with blue, instead of green.

Fine, I special ordered the shutters. (In August). Do to health and laziness, I put them up yesterday. (October 20th)

I decided to do them one at a time. I started with the most western window.

The original green set, came with both plastic and regular screws. I mistakenly used a couple of the plastic.

They would not unscrew, I had to break the heads off and drill them out.

I did this, put the new shutter on.

Something did not look right.

I stepped back, looked and realized I had put the green shutter back on….

Nothing like doing the same job twice, that warms the heart. lol

The first set, took forever to install, a nap, and the second set, was a breeze. (Who am I kidding, it was a pain in the neck.

Blue shutters up, Wife happy…. Worth it.

Mountain and Moses: theunfetteredpreacher

bill theunfetteredpreacher cote serving God, Spiritual living, Walking with God , , , ,

We know the story of Moses receiving the Ten Commandments from God. How the first tablets were broken, and Moses went again up the Mountain to receive the replacements.

So Moses went up the Mountain twice, alone. Right? Wrong. He ascended the Mountain, six times.

We need to reread the story, it’s a bit more complex.

The first trip is recorded in Exodus 19:1-6 He received a fairly straightforward message from God to the people.

Moses went up unto God, and the LORD called unto him out of the mountain, saying, Thus shalt thou say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel;

Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles’ wings, and brought you unto myself.

Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine:

And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.

The Lord told him to sanctify the people for the third day.

The second trip up the Mountain is in Exodus 19:16-24.

“Moses brought forth the people out of the camp to meet with God; and they stood at the nether part of the mount.

And mount Sinai was altogether on a smoke, because the LORD descended upon it in fire: and the smoke thereof ascended as the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mount quaked greatly.

And when the voice of the trumpet sounded long, and waxed louder and louder, Moses spake, and God answered him by a voice.

And the LORD came down upon mount Sinai, on the top of the mount: and the LORD called Moses up to the top of the mount; and Moses went up.”

The Lord then sent Moses back down, to make sure no one tried to see the Lord.

Then told him to come back up with Aaron.

The Third trip.

At this point, God tells Moses and Aaron the Ten Commandments. In Exodus 20:18-22:

“And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off.

And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die.

And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not.

And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was.

And the LORD said unto Moses, Thus thou shalt say unto the children of Israel, Ye have seen that I have talked with you from heaven.”

The Problem the Church has today, is the people still want someone else to talk with God and relay His Word.

God tells us to come boldly to the throne of grace, and receive the mercy and grace we need.

The Forth trip is in Exodus 24:32

Moses, Aaron, Nadab and Abihu and seventy elders this trip.

“And they saw the God of Israel: and there was under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in his clearness.

And upon the nobles of the children of Israel he laid not his hand: also they saw God, and did eat and drink.

And the LORD said unto Moses, Come up to me into the mount, and be there: and I will give thee tables of stone, and a law, and commandments which I have written; that thou mayest teach them.”

Now Moses continues up the Mountain, with Joshua to receive the Ten Commandments.

“And Moses rose up, and his minister Joshua: and Moses went up into the mount of God.

And he said unto the elders, Tarry ye here for us, until we come again unto you: and, behold, Aaron and Hur are with you: if any man have any matters to do, let him come unto them.”

We do not know how far Joshua went up the Mountain, I believe he stayed at Moses side.

“Moses went into the midst of the cloud, and gat him up into the mount: and Moses was in the mount forty days and forty nights.”

“God gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God.”

“The LORD said unto Moses, Go, get thee down; for thy people, which thou broughtest out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves:”

“I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiffnecked people:

Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may wax hot against them, and that I may consume them: and I will make of thee a great nation.”

Moses prayed for the people, reminded God of His promises, and God repented, changed His mind.

“And Moses turned, and went down from the mount, and the two tables of the testimony were in his hand: the tables were written on both their sides; on the one side and on the other were they written.

And the tables were the work of God, and the writing was the writing of God, graven upon the tables.

And when Joshua heard the noise of the people as they shouted, he said unto Moses, There is a noise of war in the camp.

And he said, It is not the voice of them that shout for mastery, neither is it the voice of them that cry for being overcome: but the noise of them that sing do I hear.

And it came to pass, as soon as he came nigh unto the camp, that he saw the calf, and the dancing: and Moses’ anger waxed hot, and he cast the tables out of his hands, and brake them beneath the mount.”

Fifth trip is in Exodus 32:30-35, Moses prayed once again,

“And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses said unto the people, Ye have sinned a great sin: and now I will go up unto the LORD; peradventure I shall make an atonement for your sin.

And Moses returned unto the LORD, and said, Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold.

Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin–; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written.

And the LORD said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book.

Therefore now go, lead the people unto the place of which I have spoken unto thee: behold, mine Angel shall go before thee: nevertheless in the day when I visit I will visit their sin upon them.

And the LORD plagued the people, because they made the calf, which Aaron made.”

After this they built the Tabernacle in the wilderness. Exodus 33: 7.

“And Moses took the tabernacle, and pitched it without the camp, afar off from the camp, and called it the Tabernacle of the congregation. And it came to pass, that every one which sought the LORD went out unto the tabernacle of the congregation, which was without the camp.

And it came to pass, when Moses went out unto the tabernacle, that all the people rose up, and stood every man at his tent door, and looked after Moses, until he was gone into the tabernacle.

And it came to pass, as Moses entered into the tabernacle, the cloudy pillar descended, and stood at the door of the tabernacle, and the LORD talked with Moses.

And all the people saw the cloudy pillar stand at the tabernacle door: and all the people rose up and worshipped, every man in his tent door.

And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle.

And Moses said unto the LORD, See, thou sayest unto me, Bring up this people: and thou hast not let me know whom thou wilt send with me. Yet thou hast said, I know thee by name, and thou hast also found grace in my sight.”

It was after this, in Exodus 34, that Moses made his own tables of stone, and went back up the Mountain, for another 40 days and nights to receive the Ten Commandments, once again.

His Sixth trip up the Mountain.

Our First Order of Business, REST: 1 : theunfetteredpreacher

bill theunfetteredpreacher cote serving God, Spiritual living, Walking with God , , , , , ,

God reveals His truths to any and all who will recognize and accept them.

This is a Scriptures I hold dear, realizing there is much more to learn.

Deuteronomy 29:29 (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.”

David Jones, who was the Pastor of the UMC, (where I play piano), speaking under the Anointing of God, (in passing), pointed out, that the first thing man had to learn, was to rest in God.

REALLY? Is that true?

Continue reading →

What is more important? theunfetteredpreacher

bill theunfetteredpreacher cote serving God, Spiritual living, Walking with God , , , ,

What is more important? What we believe? Or what the Bible actually says?

In my life, if I find the Bible contradicting what I’ve always thought or believed. I search the Word for the truth.

If I find two or three scriptures that agree? I have a choice to make.

Do I change my beliefs, or cling to my old ways?

So far, and I hope forever, I will throw out the old and believe the Word.

It breaks my heart, that so many will not search the scriptures and see if it is true.

They reject, out of hand, that they may have been taught incorrect information.

Their Pastors, Daddies, or Church Doctrine have authority over the written Word.

Sad. We must study to show ourselves approved, workmen rightly dividing the truth.

I only wish we would. Amen