Merry Christmas to all, I pray we all have a great Christmas and a wonderful New Year.
miracles
Let us go on unto perfection; theunfetteredpreacher
“Let us go on unto perfection; “
Hebrews 6:b
At our Tuesday morning mens group Pastor Nelson Hopkins shared from Hebrews 6:1-3
Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,
Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.And this will we do, if God permit.
Almost seems like blasphemy, to leave the principles of the doctrine of Christ.
What the writer wants us to do is to GROW UP, IN CHRIST.
The problem is: “We must go on unto perfection;”
And our Churches have done a horrible job of teaching us these fundamental principles of the doctrine of Christ.
We do not believe or practice most of them.
Yes, we accept the truth that we are saved by Faith, that Christ died for our sins. We are made blameless, only by being covered by His blood.
Yes, we believe in being Baptized. A symbol of our death and resurrection with Christ.
Then we go off the rails. At the time of water Baptism, Christ was also Baptized in the Holy Spirit.
~ THE DOCTRINE OF BASPTISMS.
Of REPENTANCE, IN THE NAME OF THE LORD, AND OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.
For this to happen to us, we need to first realize the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, is not automatically given.
Paul and Peter both asked believers if they had received the Holy Spirit. They then received it. (Acts 10 and 19) They also had the evidence of speaking in Tongues. (Two separate Baptisms).
So Saints, one step towards perfection in Christ, is Believing the Word over BAD CHURCH DOCTRINE.
We need the Holy Spirit and His Power to build the Church. The Baptism is a Fundamental building block of His Body.
~ THE DOCTRINE OF LAYING ON OF HANDS.
FOR HEALING, AND TO SEND OUT FOR MINISTRY.
We lay hands on the sick. (James 7). The elders lay hands on those chosen to go out in the work of the ministry. (1 Timothy 4)
~ DOCTRINE OF SALVATION
RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD. (This includes both dead in sin, and dead as in lifeless, no breath left).
~ DOCTRINE OF ETERNAL JUDGEMENT
Where will you spend Eternity?
Are you on the path to perfection? Do you believe and practice these truths?
Hebrews 6:4-6
“For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,
And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,
If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.“
If you hope to grow in and receive the Power of the Kingdom, to grow the Kingdom, LET THE HOLY SPIRIT TEACH YOU THROUGH THE TRUTH OF HIS WORD.
“ I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.“
(Romans 12:1-2, my prayer for you). Amen
We must build on the FULL COUNCIL OF GOD.
If we stop before we accept these first things, how do we grow in Him?
Christmas Shoes: theunfetteredpreacher
https://www.dropbox.com/s/ej03qf15f6a0ska/20171217_114724.mp4?dl=0
The Franklin Memorial United Methdist Choir, helped me to sing this heart wrenching Tune.
The Certainties of Cerimony, the Righteousness of Rituals: theunfetteredpreacher
When did the Cirtainties of Ceromony and the Righteousness of Rituals, replace the Foolishness of Preaching, in our quest to bring the lost to the Lord.
I am disappointed, disturbed, and defeated.
We have lost the ability, the desire, and the need to experience the Presence of God.
We sing many Hymns, without any attention given to the meaning.
They are just tunes we sing.
We recite many Scriptures, with no thought given to the significance of the Words.
They are just Words we recite.
We repeat, the Lord’s prayer, never learning, ‘How to Pray.’
Church, has become a meaningless exercise, a duty to preform, not a joy to experience.
We have a form of Godliness, that denies God’s, Presence, Power, and Peace.
We find comfort in the Dignity of Duty.
The Joy of the Lord is absent.
The Truth isn’t preached to set us free.
The Peace that passes understanding, can not be found.
It is all buried in Rituals and Cerimonies, our reciting, rather than living, the Word.
No thought is given, no attempt is made to call down the fire of God, to purify our lives, to become vessels of God’s love, healing powers, or saving grace.
We are not challenged to grow, to give, to become the image of the One we Love.
Then we wonder that our pews are empty.
Please, Throw Out, the Comfortable Orders of Service.
Learn to:
Sing the Word of God, to our God.
Sing until it becomes real, until you are filled with His Presence, until He surrounds and meets your every need and desire.
Cry and repent, as He brings your faults and sins to mind.
Laugh as you are touched by the Spirit of the Living God, when you realize you are forgiven and blameless in the Beloved.
Allow the foolishness of God to rule and reign in your life.
Our natural man, cannot accept this, we do not understand it, we build our services so to bypass, to negate, and ignore, the Spiritual.
We cheat not only ourselves, but those who came hoping to find the Truth of the Gospel.
The Foolishness of God is Wiser than the Wisdom of man.
Please, I beg you.
Quit going to Church.
Start to Seek His Face. To Experience His Presence. To Recognize, the Power of the Spirit in our lives.
1 Corinthians 1:21
“For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.”
Biblical Promises 5: theunfetteredpreacher
Abram, a friend of God, believed God and was considered Righteous.
Genisis 12:1,4
“Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee:
So Abram departed, as the LORD had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran.”
These are interesting scriptures for me, “The Lord had said.”
This tells me the Lord spoke to Abram more than once, about leaving his family and home country.
I don’t think Abram refused, just did not fully understand. The Lord told him he would be a great nation. The Lord would Bless him.
So “Abram departed as the Lord had told him.”
The beginning of a beautiful friendship. Abram Walked in God’s mercy and Grace.
He built alters to and Worshiped the Lord. He was promised an heir, that would bless all the families on earth. He would be given much property.
Genesis 17: 1-5
“And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.
And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly.
And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying,
As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations.
Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee.”
Please note, the Lord, (The Father, the Eternal One, the Law giver), said, Walk before me, and be perfect, then I will…
Then God, (The Son, the Creator, the Supreme Ruler), spoke, My covenant is with thee, Abrams name was changed to Abraham, he and all who were with him were circumcised that day.
When we meet and accept Jesus, we have a new name, we are circumcised in our hearts, and I know I fell on my face and Worshiped.
But it was the promise of a son, when both of their bodies were past child bearing age, that caused Abraham to be called Righteous.
Romans 4:20-22 (KJV)
“He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;
And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.
And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.”
We have many great and impossible promises from God.
Is it with-in us, to believe. That He means for us to prosper and be in good health, as our soul prospers.
That as well as desiring all men to be saved, He would have us pray for and experience, and share, His Healing Power?
That we would be His Hands, and Voice in proclaiming His Kingdom is at Hand.
He desires us to understand and to Walk With Him, comforting the hurting, healing the sick, even raising the dead. Both Spiritually and Physically.
He is THE LIVING GOD.
Saints, He wants us to broadcast this to the World.
O ye simple, understand wisdom: theunfetteredpreacher | theunfetteredpreacher
https://theunfetteredpreacher.com/2016/08/22/o-ye-simple-understand-wisdom-theunfetteredpreacher/
An old post, seeking Wisdom.
Biblical Promises 4: theunfetteredpreacher
The Biblical Promises are “exceeding great and precious promises:” (2 Peter 1) “that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature ”
The Promises of God are Yes and Amen, they are for us TODAY. What can this mean?
That we might be partakers of the ‘Divine Nature?’
It depends on our Freewill, we might have Eternal life, with Jesus, if we choose correctly. (The might refers to where we will spend Eternal Life, not if).
It is by our Freewill, that we escape the corruption that is in the world, through lust.
We must choose to be diligent in adding to our Precious Faith:
Virtue; knowledge; temperance; patience; godliness; brotherly kindness; and charity. (Love)
Our Freewill choices, are what makes us, a man after God’s heart, a friend of God, a Disciple of Christ.
It is our Freewill, that allows us to believe and to do the Work of the Misistry. Peter tells us, “if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
We have accepted this Precious Faith.
We should be partaking of His Divine Nature. The Divine, (Godly, Good,)
Nature:
Full Definition
1 a : the inherent character or basic constitution of a person or thing : essence
b : disposition, temperament
We should be partakers of, God’s Nature. Jesus, healed, saved, raised the dead, and gave us this Power, and, expects us to do the same.
ONLY BELIEVE….
That is the only requirement. “I believe Lord, help my unbelief.”
How do we grow our Faith?
We are all given a measure of Faith. The basic Faith, to believe Jesus, changes (saves), us
How do we build up pur Faith?
Diligently Studying His Word.
Praying His Word. (Pray Paul’s prayers, for Spiritual, not Worldly ends).
“This comes by Prayer and Fasting.”
We need to deny self, and learn to please God.
If we do these things, we will, grow, and the Lord will be with us, and let none of his words (the Lords), fall to the ground.
And all will know, we are established to be messengers of the Lord.
Amen
Biblical Promises 3: theunfetteredpreacher
The Promises of God. Are they for today?
As a child, in Catachesm class, I would ask the Priest or Nun, Who, What When Where and How?
The answer much of the time was:
“It’s a mystery.”
“Or God moves in mysterious ways.”
“Or, we will never understand His unsearchable riches.”
“We must accept GOD’S WAYS, ARE NOT MAN’S WAYS.”
I listen to Talk Radio, there is one host, who refers to the Bible often.
I believe, he is a believer, but, he is positive that God is not all powerful.
His reasoning is, an all powerful God would never let 911, or the Holocaust happen.
He is sure of this.
He has no concept of Freewill.
Quite frankly, there are a lot of Christians who do not understand Freewill, either.
We have Freedom, to make our choices, as the Angels did. Satan, chose wrong, (his pride was too strong), and was kicked out of heaven, along with a third of the Angels.
Some believe, once saved always saved. If someone turns back to the world, after accepting Christ, they were never really saved.
Really? Do you realize even John the Baptist, questioned his faith?
Can you not envision a tragedy, a loss, in your life that could make you doubt?
Have you not questioned, the Lord’s will and ways in your life?
I can understand, someone hurt, then being deceived, and walking away.
(Their Freewill. Or even the Prodigal).
Someone thinking the old life was better.
The Father never chased the rebellious, he was always welcome home, but He did go find the lost.
We see the Hebrew people, Wanting to turn back all the time. Even as God preformed signs, wonders and miracles daily.
I can not understand, someone who has surrendered to the Lord. Not Being Saved. (Now that, to me is scary).
That said, what about Signs, Wonders and Miracles today?
What about multitudes trying to get into our services, because the Power of God is present?
What about people healed by our shadows?
That is what happened to the early Church.
How did we lose this Power?
We have seen that God’s Promises, are Yes and Amen.
That Jesus sent the Comforter to teach us and bring all He said and did to our remembrance.
He showed us the Holy Spirits Promise, we have left His Gifts on the shelf.
The Church has lost the Power of the Kingdom of God.
Why?
FREEWILL!
What? In the 400 years of captivity, do you really believe God was silent?
Or was it, no one, was ready to give all, as Moses did.
Is David the only man, after God’s heart?
David, Moses, Abram, Peter, Paul and Mary, all exercised their FREEWILL.
THEY GAVE THEIR ALL TO GOD.
Saints, God has not lost His Power, His Might, or has changed His mind. He would have all men come to a saving Knoiwledge, of Him.
The Lord always used Signs, Wonders and Miracles to draw people close. He then allowed their Freewill to work.
He is the same, yesterday, today, and tomorrow. It is up to us to give our all to Him. To fast and pray, to walk in obedience.
Whosoever will.
His promises are still viable, we just need the will to grasp and use them.
We must, “Take the Kingdom by force.”
Acts 2:38-39 (KJV)
“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
For the promise is unto you, and to your children? , and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.“
His promise is alive today. Find a Promise, hold on to it until it blossoms in your life.
Go out and do the Work of the Ministry. Amen
What is in your hand? theunfetteredpreacher | theunfetteredpreacher
https://theunfetteredpreacher.com/2016/11/04/what-is-in-your-hand-theunfetteredpreacher/
An other old post. My hearts cry.
Biblical Promises 2: theunfetteredpreacher
What are the Promises? Why are they not fulfilled in our Churches?
‘The Truth is, our beliefs are shallow, cursory, and superficial.’
As Christians, we love the Lord, and have accepted the Gift of Forgiveness. We realize, we are blameless in the Beloved.
That the blood of Jesus, has saved us from our deserved end. We are spending Eternity in Heaven, with the Lord.
This Truth, this Promise, we delight, revel in, and celebrate.
We Trust, and accept it’s Truth. We Believe.
Why then, is it so hard to accept, to Believe, the other Biblical Promises.
In John 14:25-26 we find this Promise from Jesus.
“These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.
But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.“
He promised the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, would be sent to, Given to us.
He would:
• Teach us all things:
We must give Him access, to our hearts, minds, eyes and ears. We must ask the Holy Spirit into our lives.
Above and Beyond Salvation.
Both Peter and Paul asked, have you received the Holy Ghost, since you believed?
The Baptism, the in-filling of the Holy Spirit is reserved for believers.
Receiving Him, fulfills the Promise of a Comforter, Teacher, and the Power to do the Work of the Ministry.
The Holy Spirit, will help whosoever will, learn to Walk in His love, to show His mercy, to lead others to the truth of the Gospel.
We could learn to Walk in Power.
• He will bring all Jesus had taught, to our remembrance.
Jesus, had shown them, Grace, Power, Healings, Signs, Wonders and Miracles.
He told them in that same Chapter, John 14:12:
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.“
Jesus healed the sick raised the dead, caused the blind to see.
He didn’t have fancy Churches, children’s church, AA, NA, or couple’s divorce seminars.
He had the Power of the Holy Spirit.
Children saw the Miracles, heard the Gospel preached in Truth and Power.
He promised the same to us. We have failed.
I know the Lord wants,… no,… expects, more from us.
He has shown us, we need to live in His Truth.
We each need, to find a Promise we can believe.
John Alexander Dowie, believed Acts 10:38.
“How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.”
He believed.
Because of this belief, he called down rain to end two different droughts.
He, (by the Power of the Holy Spirit), healed many who were sick, the lame, he also comforted the hurting.
Because, the Hope of a Living God was manifested here on earth. Multitudes flocked to this show of God’s Promise.
I know, many will reject this out of hand.
We are not worthy of this outpouring of the Holy Spirit. We do not Hunger and Thirst for His Righteousness.
Many would not remain humble, obedient, teachable.
Many would fail.
We will never know if we refuse to seek His face, to Seek the Power of His Might.
We cannot quit, when we miss the mark, until the day we succeed. When we see, Signs and Wonders following us.
We will have learned, to touch the Hem of His Garment. Learned to enter the Holy of Holies. We found Mercy and Grace, in our times of need.
Souls will be saved, the sick healed, the Body of Christ, strong, the Lord will add to His Church, daily, all those who would be saved.
Lord, draw us close to You. Amen
A day late: theunfetteredpreacher
For years, I have put up my Christmas lights, Thanksgiving morning.
With Bette breaking her wrist, Tuesday night, Wednesday morning, by Thursday I was beat.
Celeste, home for the weekend, helped me with her Mom, and the lights, as usual.
A Tradition, I cherish.
Bette is doing better, pain controlled by meds. She is a blessing.
Happy Thanksgiving
I am disappointed! theunfetteredpreacher
An old post, still the cry of my heart. Not just in my life, but for the Church, the Body of Christ.
Biblical Promises 1: theunfetteredpreacher
Biblical Promises: Best if used before 90 AD.
The early church, saw Signs, Wonders and Miracles.
Today many seem to believe, these things had an expiration date of 90 AD. The Apostles died and so did the Power of the Holy Spirit.
All the Holy Spirit can do today, is lead some to the Lord. Comfort some of the hurting. Teach us some truth. Preform some Miracles.
As Christians, we believe in Salvation… we believe this Truth, that Jesus died, was Resurrected and Sits on the Right Hand of the Father.
We now have access to the Holy Place, we come boldly to the Holy Place, because we are covered with the blood of Jesus.
We readily believe this, yet…
Signs, Wonders and Miracles? Not really?
You say, ‘He does miracles all the time.’
Really, turn around, do you see any following You?
These signs SHALL FOLLOW, THOSE WHO BELIEVE.
Are there multitudes flocking to you, your Pastor, Church, or to anyone you know?
Do they come, to hear the Truth, to see the Power of God, to experience Salvation, Healing, Peace, Joy, or Hope?
If not, why not? Do we really believe the Full Council of God?
2 Corinthians 1:19-22 (KJV)
“For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, even by me and Silvanus and Timotheus, was not yea and nay, but in him was yea.
For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.
Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God;
Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.“
We have the,
“earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.”
The promise of the Holy Spirit, the promise of ALL THE POWER, LOVE, MERCY AND GRACE OF GOD, is available to Whosoever will , all that is needed, is to believe, and then do.
He has given us the Holy Spirit, to teach and to lead us to all TRUTH.
The Truth is, our beliefs are shallow, cursory, superficial.
Saints, we have accepted the promise of Salvation. Why do we throw out the rest of the Gospel?
We need to become deliberate students of the Truth.
Ask the Holy Spirit to help us to understand, to act on that knowledge.
In the late 1800’s, a simple recognition, a realization of the Truth, a Revelation came to John Alexander Dowie.
He was a man that accepted the truth of Acts 10:38
“How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.”
He understood the Biblical Promises, not just of Salvation, but of Power, Love and a Sound Mind.
(Interesting fact, he prophesied that Tongues and Interpretation would come back to the Church, while working in the Gift of Faith and Working of Miracles).
He believed, received, and preformed the Work of the Ministry.
The Spiritual and Ministry gifts are available to Whosoever will.
We must take them off the shelf, thank the Lord, open our hearts, minds and spirits, and allow the Holy Spirit to Rule and Reign in our lives.
Please, Saints, Turn Your Face Like Flint, toward seeking the Lord, and the “Power of His Might.”
Amen
Last words: theunfetteredpreacher
Last Words:
Jesus, spent three years, preaching, teaching and exhibiting the Power of the Kingdom of God.
His last words before going to join His Father were:
“All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.”
He understood, He had done all, He had opened the portal between heaven and earth.
He had brought the Power of God, down to His people, to those who believed. (If they could keep it.)
Acts 10: 38.
“How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.”
He had shown them the Power’s use and how to use it. He sent them out to display it.
Mark 6:7,12-13
“And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits;
And they went out, and preached that men should repent.
And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them.”
He gave them the Power, to cast out devils, and heal the sick. He had shown them how, that it was possible.
They went about, and did the Work of the Ministry.
The Church, once embodied, used and lived that Power. Many came to the Lord, the Church grew.
Somehow, we have lost the Power, He had given it to us, to build His Church.
He gave us the Power and told us to go use it. We can’t even find it, never mind use it.
We were told to GO…. Not To Church, but out into the world, teaching them, with signs and wonders following.
Baptizing and teaching of the Kingdom.
Matthew 28:
“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
Teaching them all He had shown them, taught them, shared with them.
John 14:
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.”
Mark 16:
“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
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.
And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen. ”
Signs and wonders, should be following, If we believe.
The Lord promised He would confirm His Word with signs following.
Romans 15:13
“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.”
Pray that the Lord fill you will all joy and peace in believing.
There is peace and joy in believing the Lord, in doing the Work of the Ministry.
That hope would abound, in our lives, By the Power of the Holy Ghost.
We Must Seek the Power of the Holy Ghost.
This Power is what builds the Church.
“ Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.“
Amen
Bette’s Battle: theunfetteredpreacher
This mighty man of Faith and Power, is writing this from our local ER.
It is 3:54 AM, the 22nd of November, 2017.
I woke up at midnight, checked on Bette, asleep in a chair in the living room.
She sounded fine. I can usually tell by her speech if her blood sugar is low.
I told her to go to bed, she said sure. I went back to sleep. About 1:30, she woke me and asked for help.
She had fallen, hurt her wrist, and her sugar was low.
As always, she was more worried about checking her sugar, than to eat and get it back up.
Thankfully, Halloween candy was there to rescue her sugar.
Her wrist…. not so much.
X-rays taken, IV in place, waiting for Doctor.
5:00 AM, wrist is broken, waiting for team to put her out and set and splint it.
5:30, She’s out, 5:40, splint on Waking up.
7:30 Home … waiting to call Dr. For cast.
She wants to go to work….
Dr. Did not put a solid cast on. He said the ER, did a good job lining up the broken bones.
Do not use that arm, or hand. Keep it elevated, come back in a week to check.
She didn’t go to work. Did not cry, or complain about pain.
“Oh my goodness”, the only words spoken while, bones were being set.
Wish I was that strong. She’s a keeper for sure.
Glad it isn’t worse.
Prayers requested for quick healing, and that surgery will not be needed.
Thanks,
Bill
On a certain day: theunfetteredpreacher
Luke 5:17 (KJV)
“And it came to pass on a certain day, as he was teaching, that there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, which were come out of every town of Galilee, and Judaea, and Jerusalem: and the power of the Lord was present to heal them.”
On a certain day. What day? Today is the day.
Jesus taught everywhere He went.
If you read the Gospels, multitudes sought Him out, those who believed and were seeking a healing touch. As well as those who were religious.
Those who were sure they understood how, where and when God would show Himself.
These doubted Jesus was THE ONE.
We seem to have forgotten why the Lord used signs, wonders, and miracles.
Do you wonder why we don’t see these things today?
The last line of Mark 6, reads, “As many as touched Him, were healed.”
We have asked Him into our hearts, accepted His Forgiveness and put Him on the shelf.
We take Him out Sunday mornings, and if we are really religious, Wednesday evenings.
We don’t seem to need Him other days. As a result, He has become Powerless in our lives.
“The power of the Lord was (is) present to heal them.”
Jesus said, many times: “ONLY BELIEVE”
As young children, most of us believed, we were safe while our parents provided our needs and wants.
As adults, we believe we are the providers.
We work long hours, extra jobs, just to have a little extra money, over what we need to pay the bills.
Arthritis hit, not able to work extra jobs, some days not able to do my regular job. (Tuning and playing pianos)
I am not earning what I was accustomed to. Yet, miraculously, the bills are paid, there is money for the little things.
“THE POWER OF THE LORD IS PRESENT”
Not just to heal, but to supply our needs, provide comfort, peace and joy.
On a certain day.
The day we trust, obey, and BELIEVE.
My God is able to do exceedingly above all I can ask think or imagine. For me and mine, as well as for you and yours.
ONLY BELIEVE
Is Jesus present? theunfetteredpreacher
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
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.
Life After: Mother Earth News
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
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.
theunfetteredpreacher 