Jesus revealed

Tears of Grief or Relief?  theunfetteredpreacher 

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Many tears have been shed this AM.  For me, they were of relief.  Others grief .  These tears should be a point of contact.  We are a people of diverse, views, desires and integrity.

Mr Trump was not my first choice, and I have some desires I would like to share.

~   Our police will once again be respected, criminals, punished.

~   Our  retired and active military will be honoured and given the tools and health care they deserve.

~   Race relations can return to the harmony we knew and walked in before our divider in chief was elected.

~   Health care would once again be affordable, taxes reasonable, debt acceptable.

~   A wall on our Southern border.  I do not care who pays for it…  Just build it.

~   Energy independence, infrastucture repaired.

~   Babies would once again be safe in the womb.

That is my wish list.  How about you?

Blessings

What is in your hand?  theunfetteredpreacher 

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I read a post from, 

“FaithBible Ministriesblog.com”  

What is your spiritual gift?

The question was ” What is in your hand?”

That is a great question for all who are seeking their place in the Kingdom.  

As a guy who loves to preach, who also plays piano… I am often given the job of playing while others who cannot play, preach.

They may not preach well, but that is where they desire to be.  The question is should they ? 

The test for me is:

~  Is there power in our words?

    *  are souls saved?

    *  are the sick healed?

    *  are there signs and wonders following ? 

Unfortunately, for most of our Churches, the answer is no.

Now, a Preacher may tell a good story, he might even motivate you to action.  

He may entertain, cause you to laugh or cry.  The test is this.

Jesus said:  “And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.”

A lot of Denominations, claim these verses were added, they do not belong.  So I guess we throw out this one also.  “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:”

They say it doesn’t apply, because  they believe but, signs and wonders aren’t following them.

Why not ? 

I used to blame the lack of signs and wonders in my life on the sin, that so easily besets me.

As I studied, I began to understand, Pauls sin, didn’t disqualify him from having signs following .   

So the problem is in the quality of our belief .   What exactly, what do we believe ? 

Salvation , certainly.   

Miracles,  God doesn’t do that anymore . .. 

 Really, tell me where it states that in the Word?

Oh, you think the Bible is that which is perfect?  NO, IT IS NOT.

When Jesus returns is that, which is perfect, will be here.  

Until that time, we need to reach up on the shelf , open the box of Gifts of the Spirit and ask the Holy Spirit for the Gift of Faith, the Gift of Working of Miracles ,  or the Gifts of Healing. 

If you are afraid of Tongues and Interpretation, seek the other Gifts.  Do not throw them all out because you don’t understand some . 

Seek the Holy Spirit ,  the Helper, Comforter,  the Teacher, the Leader to all Truth . 

Read the Word, be instant in season and out, have an answer, have faith… believe , pray and receive . 

Look behind you…  do you see them?

Your Will…  Amen

A Painful Confession:   theunfetteredpreacher 

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

It appears I am just a cry baby, upset, because once again God, refuses to do things my way.  I have laid on the floor, pounding my fists and kicking my feet.

I let my feelings and concerns be known.  Yet, the Lord still wants to do things His way.   How aggravating is that?

You would think after 2,000 years, He would be ready to listen to someone who knows what should be done.  Nope.

Are you not ashamed of yourself for thinking you know better than God?  I  know I am.   Yet, here I go again…  Lord, do it MY WAY, IN MY TIME, BECAUSE, I SAID SO!!!

Lord, I am glad You do things Your Way and not mine.  I realize You see the end from the start.  You know what is best for my life.

Please help me, to put a sock in it.  To Hush up and listen.  To understand and obey.  To humble myself . . Lord, I am listening.

You, Oh Lord, are God…  It is Your will and not mine, that must be done.  Forgive me oh God.

Make me a vessel of Your Love and Grace….  Help Lord…

Breaking News:  theunfetteredpreacher 

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Breaking News for all Catholics, Lutherans, Baptists, Methodists and all Denominational Christianity.

Peter, was not a Catholic.

Martin Luther was not a Lutheran.

John the Baptist, was not a Baptist.

John Wesley, was not a Methodist.

Surprised?

They were all followers of Christ.  It was those who followed them, that have screwed up, and split up, the Christian Church. 

If you wish to follow Christ, we must, read His Word, Know His Word, Obey His Word.

Recognizing that these men of God, Holy, Powerful, Leaders, of their  times, did not have or understand  the whole council of God.  

The Lords reveals Himself to those who seek Him.  As we understood salvation individually, so is it with the rest of His Word.

Revelation is available to whosoever will accept it, obey it, and walk with Him.

Psalm 27:8
“When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek.”

As Christians, we need to follow Christ, seek Christ, love Christ Jesus, above our Church building, above our Denomination, above our Pastor.

It is He who saves us, supplies our needs,  comforts and heals us.   

Seek Jesus.  Find everything important, everlasting, and meaningful . 

Amen 

Church Prayer 3: theunfetteredpreacher

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This is my third attempt to write a prayer that helps our church to go forward with the Lord.

We are sorely tied to the anchor of the past, with little desire for change.  Even if that means the death of this body of believers . 

Lord, hear my prayer.

Father God I desire that we, your people, might be filled with the knowledge of Your will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
That we might walk worthy of You, unto all that is pleasing, that we might be fruitful in every good work, and increase in our knowledge of You;

Strengthened with all might, according to Your glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;

Lord, that Your joy, would be our strength, Your peace, our constant companion, Your love our motivation.

Help us Lord to be perfect, to be of good comfort, to be of one mind, to live in peace; so then, we will know, the God of love, and peace is with us.

Lord, we ourselves were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. 

Forgive us Lord, I  pray.

Lord, we pray, that Your word, may have free course, and be glorified, in us, freeing us from our carnal self, to help us to love and care for one another.

We thank you Lord, for opening the doors of our hearts, that we would welcome and accept, new members, new ideas, and new ways to worship You.

Lord, that we might experience a mighty move of Your love and grace.

We thank you Jesus, for the Holy Spirit, who guides, directs, comforts, teaches and leads to Your truth.

Help us to see, consider, understand and believe Your Word.

Amen

Prayer for building of Church 2: theunfetteredpreacher

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Father God, I love You and ask that You hear and grant my plea.

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this world, and against spiritual wickedness in high places.”

Help us Lord, to put on the armour of God, that we may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Help us to speak boldly, as we ought to speak. May Your Holy Spirit guide, direct and protect us, to accomplish the work of Your will, as we take Your Yoke upon us.
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Lord, You would have all men to come to the knowledge of Your love and grace.

Give us the boldness to speak, may Your Spirit go before us to soften the hearts and open the minds, of whosoever will seek Your face.

Jesus, help us to build Your Body, that the lost could be saved, that You would comfort the brokenhearted, and heal the sick.

May we put aside, our carnal desires, our petty selfishness, our need to be noticed, so that You would be glorified.

Lord, use us to build Your Kingdom.

Thank You for this beautiful facility, please fill us with Your Spirit, that this building would be filled and used for Your Glory.

You alone Lord, are worthy of all glory, honor and praise. Lord, help us to worship.

Amen

The Battle is Over:  theunfetteredpreacher 

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

Some have noticed and been vocal of my continued posts on the need of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit . 

I believe that burden, has been lifted.  

I was sure the Lord sent me to this little UMC, to play the piano, and to explain the need for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, to the Pastor and eventually to the flock.

He said he believed; ” I f the Lord wanted him to walk in the Gifts  of the Spirit, he would have them already . 

After all, without the Spirit, he never would have been saved.”

I am disappointed that he never studied the scriptures  I laid out before him.  He never gave me scripture in rebuttal.

Just refused the Gifts of God.

I continue to pray the Lord bless and keep him. That the eyes of his understanding be opened and he would receive the Holy Spirit, and walk in the love and power of God.

Father, I am sorry, I couldn’t convey Your truth to my brother.  please send a more effective messenger of Your Love.   Amen

Biblical Prayer for Our Churches health: theunfetteredpreacher

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Our Pastor just left our Church.  I  lift him and his family up ,  that God will direct, send, and protect them.

That they will find the Lords perfect place to receive, themselves, and to minister  to others the Lords love.   

A Godly man, a loving man, a man that will be missed.

I have stolen some Biblical prayers to give to the congregation, to pray for growth of the Lords body in our little corner of the world.

Your are welcome to use any part of it to pray for your church or ours.  Comments are always welcome . 

Thanks for visiting . 

Lord, we love you and come to You now to remind You, that we are Your people, the sheep of Your pasture.

You promised us in Psalm 23, that You are our Shepherd and we shall not want.

Well Lord, I am sorry, but this body of believers, is in want. We remember when the pews of this building were packed with souls that loved You.

We remember the Spirit being alive, and it was exciting to learn of and to walk with You.

So knowing that it is Your Word that You honor, I borrow from Your Word to pray, for Your Church. (Snippets from Ephesians).

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

Since You hath chosen us in Christ,
before the foundation of the world, (I ask You to help us Lord, to learn to be holy, without blame, to be acceptable, to You).

You have made known unto us the mystery of Your will, according to Your good pleasure which You hath purposed in Yourself:

Wherefore I cease not to give thanks for (our Church body), making mention of them in my prayers;

That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto us, the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:

That the eyes of our understanding be enlightened; that we may know what is the hope of our calling, and what the riches of the glory, of our inheritance is, in the saints,

And what is the exceeding greatness of Your power to us who believe, according to the working of Your mighty power, for by grace are we saved through faith; and that not of ourselves: it is the gift of God:

Not of works, lest any man should boast.

We are Your workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,

That he would grant us, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;

That Christ may dwell in our hearts by faith; that we, being rooted and grounded in love,

May be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;

And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that we might be filled with all the fulness of God.

That we grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

We let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from us, with all malice:

And being kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven us.”

Lord, change our hearts and minds, help us to lift you up, so that You can draw all men to Yourself.

Let Your Spirit, guide, teach and direct us, into Your perfect will. Help us to be obedient, loving children, to build Your Body, Your Church.

We thank You, for this beautiful building. We ask You to build Your body, to use us, for Your glory.

Amen

The Ministry Years: – Opened eyes, today’s revelation – 1st Miracle – theunfetteredpreacher 

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I have read, known, believed and loved the Word of God for well over 30 years.

All  this time, the ministry years of Jesus, have been exciting reading, but somewhat confusing.

I would see the same stories repeated book after book.  That’s nice, but are they are in a different order, or have different details?

My mind did not comprehend.

I have been teaching Old Testament, on Wednesday nights to a small group in our Church,  (8 to 12 folks),  for several years.

A couple of chapters a week, from Genesis through  Kings.  ( to show Jesus, through out).

I decided it was time to look directly at Jesus.

Since they hear of the birth and death of Jesus every year, and unfortunately not much of His ministry,  I decided to do a Harmony of the Gospels teaching.  

We are using Mark as our anchor.  Last week we made it through His Baptism and 40 days of temptation.   

A realization, a revelation, my  eyes were  opened,  events, did not occur in the order I had always assumed.   (We must back up, and fill in information from John).

Tonight, I am going to set the time line of events, from the Baptism, (Jesus, receiving the Holy Spirit). To the wilderness, Andrew, seeing Jesus, bringing Peter to meet Jesus, to the wedding, (Water to Wine the first miracle).

It was after this Miracles, that the Disciples believed on Him.

Passover ,  cleansing of the Temple,  they ask for a sign?  Tear down, 3 days….  Alluding to the death and resurrection .

Many believed, when they saw the miracles He did, He did not call them to follow Him.  “Because He knew what was in all men“.

He then met Nicodemus.  You must be born again.

Men loved darkness, rather then the light.

He came to Judaea, Desciples baptized unto repentance.  John the Baptist  was elsewhere, Baptizing, not yet imprisoned. (John explained).

“He must increase, I must decrease“.

John: 3. 34-6

“For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.  The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.   He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.”

The Samaritan woman and the water of life.  The first missionary. 

John: 4. 24.

“God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”
The second miracle, the healing of the Noblemans son.  

John: 4. 48.

“Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe.”

Accept you come, my son will die.  He believed, and it was so, in the same hour.

John is imprisoned at this time. (Mark 1:14,15, Matthew 4:12-17, Luke 4:14-15, John 4:3,43,45).

On way to Galilee He passed through Nazareth, Luke 4:14-30.  

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me . ”   

Isaiah 61:1
Names of God Bible (NOG)
The Lord Will Anoint His Servant with His Spirit

“The Ruach (spirit)of Adonay (supreme ruler) Yahweh (Father) is with me
because Yahweh (the Father) has anointed me
to deliver good news to humble people.
He has sent me
to heal those who are brokenhearted,
to announce that captives will be set free
and prisoners will be released.

He has sent me to announce the year of Yahweh’s good will
and the day of our Elohim’s (God’s, the Creator, Supreme Ruler) vengeance,
to comfort all those who grieve.”

He was rejected at Nazareth , went to Capernaum. Matthew  4.  Repent the Kingdom of God is at hand.

He there called the Desciples.



Come to Jesus moment:  theunfetteredpreacher 

bill theunfetteredpreacher cote serving God, Spiritual life , , , , ,

Your come to Jesus moment.  

Was it a time of trouble and strife?  Fear and or depression?   Loneliness, financial need, a broken heart,  the loss of a loved one?

For me, it was loneliness, I didn’t really feel a part of anything or anyone.  I needed comfort, I was brokenhearted. 

I needed love, not human love,  the true love of God.  Agape, love.   

How about you?

In my study this am, (I am doing a harmony of the Gospels, comparing  the points of view of Mark, Matthew and Luke of the Ministry of Jesus, using  Mark as my starting point).

It is interesting to see which details each include, and how they differ.  

Silly, I  know, but I really never understood  they were describing the same instances, from different points of view. 

Take in point, the calling of Peter, James and John.  In Matthew and Mark they are fishing and leave their nets. 

In Luke, we find they were mending their nets, when Jesus borrowed Simon’s boat to use as a platform to teach the crowd.

He spoke of the Kingdom, then, had them fish a certain side of the boat.   They had to call James and John to help land their biggest  catch ever.

At this point, they left all behind to follow Jesus.

In John, Andrew (a follower of John the Baptist),  is the first to discover Jesus and he brings Peter to the Lord.

The account in John, seems out of sync,  but  it was probably their introduction to Jesus,  and the miracle of the catch, that caught them.

It is a truth.  

The day you decide to follow Jesus.  Is the most successful day, you will ever experience.   Spiritually, Physically, Physiologically or Financially. 

We become blameless, forgiven, by the covering of His blood.

By His stripes we are/were healed.  (Both Spiritually and Physically).

He is our Shepherd,  we shall not want, my God shall supply all my needs according to His riches in glory.  (SPIRITUAL, PHYSICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL,  FINANCIAL,)  ALL MY NEEDS.

When we learn to Trust In The Lord, to Walk  With The Lord, to Live For The Lord. 

Life becomes Exciting,  His Provision, Is Precious, His Presence, Indescribable.  The Shekinah Glory of God, will visible in our lives, to whatever extent, we give ourselves to Him.

Whether you are at the top or bottom right now today,   “Today is the day.”   The acceptable day, the most successful day you could experience.  The day of Salvation,  Forgiveness and Love Devine.

He is knocking at the door of your heart.  Open the door invite Him in.  Change your future. 

Amen 


The blanket of His love will not just put out the fire, but keep you safe and secure.    Amen

That they might understand:   theunfetteredpreacher 

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

Luke 24:45
“Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,”

Our Lord had died on the cross, been buried, rose again, and showed himself alive, by many infallible proofs.

He appeared to them, many times for forty days, speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:

As He broke bread with them, He “Opened their understanding, that they might understand.”
Isn’t it interesting, not so they would, but they might.

With the Lord, it is all FREEWILL, all whosoever, all our choice, and only our choice. 

We are all given a measure of Faith.  What we do with it is our choice.  Does it lay dormant, unknown and not used?

Or have you learned to build up your most Holy Faith.  (See Jude for directions).

All our choice.  To believe and receive, to walk in faith or without.  We alone decide our fate.  He never forces His love on us, we must ask to receive. 

We must seek, comfort, peace, joy, healing, power and “understanding“. 

The first time understanding is mentioned in the Bible is at the Tower of Babel.  The Lord said:

Genesis 11:7
“Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another’s speech.”

The Lord, God and the Holy Spirit as one, seeing and understanding.

“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.”

One language.  Today, whosoever will, can receive the One language, given to us to communicate with the Lord.

1 Corinthians 14:2
“For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.”

This is our prayer language, it does not need Interpretation.  Our Spirit communicates directly to God and “now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do.

This is  not the post I had planned to write. I had no intention of bringing up the Gift of Tongues again. 

I am grieving and groaning within….

I am consumed by the “ZEAL OF GOD “  to see His will be done.  “To build HIS CHURCH. ”

As the Pharaoh gave the Hebrews, all they needed to build the strongest, most useful,  bricks to build His temples, that they would withstand any conditions, from weather or war.  Good times and bad.

The Lord gave us all we needed to build His Body.  We refuse to add the ingredient that will make it strong, able to withstand weather or war.

We refuse the straw.  Like the Hebrews, we have to go find it.  Unlike that time, Jesus said wait till you receive.  The Holy Spirit, the Lord, Jesus freely gives, all good and perfect gifts.

You are able to understand and proceed.  You are charged with building His Temple, His Kingdom, His Church.

You, Whosoever will, have Freewill.   Will you accept the gift of God.  Use the available tools, and do the will of God?

No Hope?  Know This!  theunfetteredpreacher 

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A man, feeling alone and unloved.  Looks for comfort in a bottle, maybe smokes a little weed, pops a pill.   What can it hurt?

His life improves.  He now understands why people have rejected, ignored and avoided him. 

His eyes are opened, his ears hear. Yes, he is sure, this is the truth, finally revealed.  

He just needed a little help to give him the confidence, the strength, the ability to shine, to become himself. 

He is smarter, faster, better than others,  the secrets of the universe are an open book.  

He is a God, the master of his world.

He becomes  friendly,  loved, popular.   He is sure,  life is better.

It is all a dream.  He is in chains, shackles, as he screams and roars, relief is not to be found. 

He is lost, he is alone, hopeless. 

 An older woman, her hands deformed, gnarly, painful to look at, impossible to use. 

A Humpback.  Her legs and feet, twisted, swollen, almost useless.  To walk, and engage with others is to be tortured, humiliated.

She is ashamed of what she looks like, what she has become.  What she has done.

Her money gone. Given willingly, to physicians, pharmacists, therapists.  Nothing they prescribed has  worked.

The rest went to charlatans, quacks and frauds.  Always seeking an answer, relief, even rescue. 

All the promises of health and peace, comfort and love,  of a pain free life.  Gone, unrealized, forgotten.

She is lost, alone, hopeless. 

Then we have a father, his only daughter, sick, with an incurable decease.   Slowly wasting away, her body, confined to her bed, nothing but skin and bones.  

Weak, unable to attend to her own needs, fed, clothed, cleaned, by those who love her and who grieve and groan, desiring her return to health.

There is no where to turn, a death sentence has been pronounced, the trial finished, the hammer has sounded.  It is over.

He is lost, he is alone, he is without hope.

There is no where for these people to turn. 

Their  wealth has been spent, their hopes dashed, the future is set in stone.  They are not alone.

There are many on this journey, a multitude, countless millions. 

 Lost, alone, hopeless. 

The road they are on, has a name.  It is denial, their eventual destination, what they are seeking,  is relief.

They are nearing…



They believe the answer is death, the grave. 

There they will suffer no more, be at peace, find relief, be released from the problems, pain and troubles of this world.

I have heard it said:  “They are in a better place, their suffering is over, they are at peace.”

Really,  and you know this how?  Are you sure?   Is that your final answer?

No hope, hopeless,  why?   

Meanwhile the church gathers together weekly.  Boasting, we have fed hundreds, clothed many, paid the light bills for others.  

We have helped all who have come to our door. 

We have sent missionaries abroad, financed them, prayed for them.  

We are the few, the faithful, the chosen. 

Is that it?  Have we done enough? Is our job done?  Have the scriptures been fulfilled? 

Has the world, our city, our neighborhood, our loved ones, heard the answer?

Have we told them the Kingdom of God is at hand?  That peace, joy, comfort, mercy and grace is available, affordable, and theirs for the asking?

I have not been faithful, in proclaiming this truth. Have you?   

Father, we love You,  forgive us.  Empower us for Your Service.  

Teach us, Show us, Draw us close to You.  

Lord, may Your Love be recognized in us.  Desired by those we meet.  Would touch those in need. 

May we be vessels of Your healing, comfort and salvation, to the lost and dying world.    A road map that leads, only to You.  

Thank You, Lord, that Your mercy is new every morning.   You are an Awesome God. Your Love knows no bounds.

 Amen

(The truth is found in Mark 5)




Is Church Growth Possible Today?  theunfetteredpreacher 

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

We have a glut of “us 4 and no more“, Churches.  (I am speaking of Churches with 30 or so active members, that cannot seem to grow).

Is there a reason, a problem, a Biblical Solution? 

Absolutely:  The Lords will is:

“That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.

And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.”

We need to be of one mind.  This has nothing to do with the corporate world, and everything to do with the Spiritual. 

We will never agree on the color of the carpet, the Praise songs we sing, the style of preaching our Pastor may employ, the time and order of Service. 

Or anything else in this world.

“We must have one mind to Serve, Love and Obey the Lord.”

That is what is important. 

We have devolved into an order of Service that is focused on a Worship Leader and a Preacher.


This is great to teach the believers, but death to real growth.  We have instituted a closed system.  

We all have a way we look at the Word, understand the Word, explain the Word.  We must let other parts of the body to speak.

With no source of new Revelation, death is soon to follow. 

(See the Catholic, Baptist, Episcopal, Methodist,  all people that love God, but without a Billy Graham, or a motivational speaker, not much growth).   

Most of us do not have Billy’s Annointing, or the skill to lead the multitudes. 

So what is the Biblical Answer?

“God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

covet earnestly the best gifts:”

The Church is not just Worship and Preaching. 

 Is your Sunday and weekday Service open for the Apostle, Prophet, Teacher to share?

Probably not.

Is there room for workers of miracles?   Do you anoint the sick with oil, pray corporately for healing?

Are your people who do everything willing to let others help and into the club?  (There is too much, “That’s my job.)”

People want to help, physically, spiritually, financially.   We must give them the opportunity. 

Our government in the Church, should only guide to Jesus… POINT TO THE SPIRITUAL, the Lord promised He would take care of the rest.

Our facility upkeep is important but second to Spiritual upkeep and growth. 

Yes, I am sorry,  but diversities of tongues is included.  (Check  my old posts for information  on this).

I do not know why this next one is hard to understand?

“Covet earnestly the best gifts:”

What is the BEST GIFTS?  HOW DO I KNOW?

The best gift is the one needed right now.  That is what the Lord wants to give us.  A good and perfect gift, that comes down from above.

So how do we allow the Lord to GROW HIS CHURCH?

“Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.

If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.

But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.

And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.

For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?

If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.

But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.

Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.

Let all things be done decently and in order.”

The Worship Leader and Pastor are not the only ones the Lord speaks to. 

In the Old Testament,  we have a servant girl informing Nathan of the miracle ministry of Elijah.

God will cause His Praise to come forth from stones if we keep silence.   This does not have to be messy.

Just forget:

Our order of Service.   You will not find it in the Word.

Our insistence of Music.  The Lord would have us sing songs and hymns and spiritual songs. 

Our reliance on the Worship Leader.  We must learn to Worship ourselves,  learn to enter the Holy of Holies to find mercy and grace in our time of need.

Our reliance on the Pastor for our Spiritual Food.  If you need to be fed, you haven’t progressed to the meat of His Word.  Learn to feed yourself. 

We  all have the opportunity, the ability, and the responsibility to draw close to Him.   

If we would, He promised to draw close to us.

Let Gods people, seek Him and share His Revelation knowledge one with another. 

AMEN

The LORD hath been mindful of us:   theunfetteredpreacher 

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

This may seem a little long, but if you are familiar with the scriptures it should be a quick read.

Psalm: 115. 9-13

“O Israel, trust thou in the LORD: he is their help and their shield. 

O house of Aaron, trust in the LORD: he is their help and their shield. 

Ye that fear the LORD, trust in the LORD: he is their help and their shield. 

 The LORD hath been mindful of us: he will bless us; he will bless the house of Israel; he will bless the house of Aaron.   

He will bless them that fear the LORD, both small and great.”

This is one of my favorite scripture songs…  Forgotten until, I come upon it once again.

I am not a big fan of Contemporary Christian Songs…  some seem to bring us to the throne, but never make a change in our hearts and minds.

Hymns?  Good messages,  too many words, must read…  we have to think too much.  

 Is either of these Worship?

Not really,  we may call it that, but Worship, is being totally one with the Lord.  In reverence, in obedience, in mind, body and spirit. 

That is why I believe scripture songs truly bring us into His Presence, and soften our hearts to His Word. 

They are easily remembered, enjoyable and simple to sing.  Most importantly:  It is The Word and will of the Lord. 

Look at the scripture:

First order of business, for all of us:

~  “Trust in the LORD:”

Why should we “Trust in the LORD:”

~ “He is their help and their shield.”

Are you an Israelite,  a priest,  do you Fear the Lord? (Love, obey and reverence Him?)  Is He your Savior?

If so “He is your help and shield.”

He also promises:

~ The LORD hath been mindful of us:”

We are not just here on our own.  We have the same opportunity to walk with the Lord, talk to the Lord, as Adam.   He longs to walk with us in the cool of the day,

~  “he will bless us;“

In Deuteronomy 28:1-13, we find the promises of the Lord to those who listen and obey.

* these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee,

* Blessed shall be the fruit of thy body, of thy ground, of thy cattle, the increase of  thy flocks.

* Blessed shalt thou be in the city,in the field.

* Blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in, goest out.

* Blessed shall be thy basket and thy store.

* Blessed shalt thou be in the city, and in the field.

* And all people of the earth shall see that thou art called by the name of the LORD; be afraid of thee.

* The LORD shall establish thee an holy people unto himself, if thou shalt keep the commandments of the LORD thy God, and walk in his ways.

* The LORD shall cause thine enemies that rise up against thee to be smitten before thy face: they shall come out against thee one way, and flee before thee seven ways.

* The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow.

*  The LORD shall command the blessing upon thee in thy storehouses, and in all that thou settest thine hand unto; and he shall bless thee in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.


*  And the LORD shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the LORD thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them:

These Blessings of the Lord are ours, only if we Accept them.  Listen and Obey Him, Love and Serve Him.   

Like Salvation,  we must ask, accept and change direction.  If anyone of these is neglected, then we miss His best for us.

Finally, we find, His Blessings are for all, from the least to the greatest.

~ “Both small and great.“

The Lord would have all, to come to a Saving Knowledge of His Love.  

We cannot force others to partake,  to acknowledge His Love.  

When we sing the Words of this song,  people will see, consider, understand and believe that Jesus Christ is Lord.

It will be evident in our countenance, actions and hearts.  

Lord, open our hearts to TRUE WORSHIP.

 Amen

Jesus, at birth, man or God?  theunfetteredpreacher 

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

The Bible tells us a lot about Jesus, He is called many things.  Emmanuel, God with us, the Son of God, Son of man, Savior, Lord, Almighty God. 

 The Prince of Peace, a bright and morning star, Jesus is the Christ, Jesus is the Lord, the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

How  about?  “The seed of Abraham?”
Hebrews 4:16-17

“For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.

Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.”

The Holy Spirit came over Mary, the power of the Highest overshadowed her.  Jesus was born, the seed of Abraham…. not full of the Spirit… a man.

Hebrews: 4. 14. 

“Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.

For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”

Can God be tempted?  

We can try His patience, test His anger, even cause Him to repent of His plans, (Moses on the mountain… reminding the Lord of His promises).

James 1:13
“Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:”

Only men and angels fall prey to the temptation of the Devil.   Why would God, Himself have a problem with lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and the pride of life?

Philippians: 2. 7. 

“But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:   And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”

“was made in the likeness of men:”

Jesus, until His Baptism was all man.  The only miracle recorded before this was water into wine.   A special dispensation,  “Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.”  

He had not yet received the Holy Spirit,  The Father allows the Holy Spirit to work through Him as He did when Jesus sent the Desciples out 2 By 2 to heal the sick, and cast out Devils. 

They did this before they received the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost.   God is able to do the impossible,  for His Word to go forth.
“The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”

Jesus was a flesh and blood man, the beloved Son of the Father.  He is able to use us, empower us, if we allow Him.  Elijah,  did miracles, by the Power of the Holy Spirit.  

Many believers can be used by the Father, even before the Holy Spirit Baptism and indwelling. 

James 5:17
“Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.”

Psalm 115:3
“But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.”

I believe and know;  every man, woman and child, wrote about in the Word, whether sinners or saints.  Were all humans, just like you and I.

The Lord uses them for evil or good.  We can be used by the Lord to further His Kingdom.  

We seem to use our power, (results, sad), when we should be seeking the POWER OF GOD. 

Saints, let us, let the Lord work within us…. we need to be empowered by the Lord, to do His will.  

1 Corinthians 2:5
“That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.”
Amen 

Open thou mine eyes;  theunfetteredpreacher 

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

Psalm: 119. 18.
“Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.”

Saints, the Lord has been silent in my life, now for many days. I have many posts started, and no inspiration to complete them.

The Word of the Lord, has stirred my heart, but not to fulfillment.

My prayer is that the Lord would open a door of utterance. I seek a pulpit, a place to share the Lords love and grace.

I stand believing signs and wonders will follow. As the Word is proclaimed.

No Commentaries, No daily verses, No book of Discipline, No Lectionary, just the Word.

If we run into something we don’t understand, we ask the Holy Spirit to guide and direct.

We must learn to Trust and Rely on Him and His Word. We must take up His yoke, and walk with Him.

Then our eyes will be opened, and His Word will be alive.

Thank You, Jesus… Amen..

Set thine house in order; theunfetteredpreacher

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

There came a time, when Isaiah brought news to Hezekiah. 

2 Kings 20

“In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz came to him, and said,  Thus saith the Lord, Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live.”

It is interesting the way Hezekiah handled the news.  Did he complain and mope?  Did he just accept the Word of the Lord?   NO:

“Then he turned his face to the wall, and prayed unto the LORD, saying,”

We need to learn, our first response should be turning from our troubles, and turning to the Lord.

Pay attention to what he prayed.  He reminds the Lord of his devotion. 

“I beseech thee, O LORD, remember now how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight.”

Like Moses, he reminds the Lord of their past relationship.  With weeping.  He allowed his emotions into his prayer, he was real.

Isaiah didn’t get very far, he had to bring another word from the Lord to Hezekiah. 

It is interesting to note, Hezekiah had powerful prayers, prayers that moved the Lord.  Hezekiah didn’t receive the Lords answers himself. 

“And it came to pass, afore Isaiah was gone out into the middle court, that the word of the LORD came to him,”

When we allow ourselves to pray, in groanings that cannot be uttered,  when we allow our Spirit to speak directly to the Lord…  He shows us His will.

“Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee: on the third day thou shalt go up unto the house of the LORD.”

He doesn’t stop there, He goes to the heart of the matter.

“And I will add unto thy days fifteen years; and I will deliver thee and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria; and I will defend this city for mine own sake, and for my servant David’s sake.”

He gave directions for a healing poltus…  Isn’t it just like us, we want more.  We want confirmation. 

And Hezekiah said,  “What shall be the sign that the LORD will heal me, and that I shall go up into the house of the LORD the third day?“

Isaiah said, “This sign shalt thou have of the LORD, that the LORD will do the thing that he hath spoken: shall the shadow go forth ten degrees, or go back ten degrees?  And Hezekiah answered, It is a light thing for the shadow to go down ten degrees: nay, but let the shadow return backward ten degrees.”

Ask for the impossible,  seek that which is beyond our grasp, expect the Lord to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask, think or even image. 

“Isaiah the prophet cried unto the LORD: and he brought the shadow ten degrees backward, by which it had gone down in the dial of Ahaz.”

After this, Hezekiah foolishly showed all the kingdoms treasures to strangers from Babylon. 

Isaiah said:  “Hear the word of the Lord.

Behold, the days come, that all that is in thine house, and that which thy fathers have laid up in store unto this day, shall be carried into Babylon: nothing shall be left, saith the Lord.

And of thy sons that shall issue from thee, which thou shalt beget, shall they take away; and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.”

This is really bad news.  Sadly, Hezekiah answered:  “Good is the word of the Lord which thou hast spoken. And he said, Is it not good, if peace and truth be in my days?”

Who cares what happens to my people and children, as long as peace reigns in my time.

A sad end to a once great king.