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Have compassion, making a difference:  theunfetteredpreacher

bill theunfetteredpreacher cote Walking with God , , , ,

As Christians we are told to have compassion.

Jude 1:

“And of some have compassion, making a difference:“

Have compassion, making a difference.

Jesus said:

Matthew 18:33
“Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?” Peter wrote:

1 Peter 3:8
“Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:” John the beloved reminded us:

1 John 3:17
“But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?”

What is compassion, or pity?

Compassion is,

“:a feeling of wanting to help someone who is sick, hungry, in trouble, etc.

: sympathetic consciousness of others’ distress together with a desire to alleviate it.” (Webster)

The first mention of compassion in the Bible is in Exodus. “Now there arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph.”

Joseph had risen to be second only to Pharaoh, and had led Egypt through the 7 year draught, assuring they had food and supplies to survive.

The Hebrew people, 70 at the time of Joseph, grew (in 400 yesrs), to be millions, they were put into slavery, to build the cities of the Pharoahs.

The king was afraid of rebellion, ordered male babies killed.

“The midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive.”

The child Moses, was ordered to be thrown in the Nile to die. “Pharaoh charged all his people, saying, Every son that is born ye shall cast into the river, and every daughter ye shall save alive.”

Was found by Pharoahs daughter, alive, in a basket.

Exodus 2:6
“And when she had opened it, she saw the child: and, behold, the babe wept. And she had compassion on him, and said, This is one of the Hebrews’ children.”

The first mention of compassion in the Bible, led to the saving of Moses, the release of millions from slavery and want, to find freedom and provision.

“Have compassion, making a difference.”

Do you hope to make a difference in this world, where our leaders, our fellow citizens, do not remember, or they never did know the Lord, or what He has done.

We must: “Have compassion, making a difference.”

The Psalms repeatedly tell us:

“The Lord is gracious and full of compassion.” Why? “For he remembered that they were but flesh; a wind that passeth away, and cometh not again.”

Jesus, our example:

“Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.”

“Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him.”

“Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean.”

Lamentations 3:22

“It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.”

“When Jesus saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.”

” Jesus called his disciples unto him, and said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way.”

CHECK THIS OUT:

“I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now been with me three days, and have nothing to eat:”

Three days with Jesus, nothing to eat. (Try keeping the flock in church beyond noon… lol).

Moses was on the mountain, twice for forty days and nights, no food or water, the 5,000 and 7,000, with Jesus, three days, nothing to eat.

How can this be? He had his disciples feed the crowds with a few fishes and loaves of bread, before He sent them away.

He told Peter, and us, through him, “To Feed My Sheep.”

Yes, He had the fed, physical food, but He had been feeding them Spiritual food, for three days… no complaints of hunger, they were filled with the presence of Jesus.

That is our calling, feed the Presence, the Life, the Power of the Risen Christ. A God whose “compassions fail not.”

Heal the sick, feed the hungry, (spiritual food), raise the dead, those who know not Christ, by introducing them, open the eyes of the blind, make the lame to walk.

That is the charge we have been given, in John 14, Jesus said:

“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.”

How do we get to the place, where, “Haveing compassion, makes a difference” really works?

Learn to live at the feet of Jesus, wear His Yoke, Do His Will, WALK WITH HIM.

Then we would find the reality of Psalms 65:4, fulfilled:

“Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple.”

The Lord choose you, and you invited Him into your heart. He caused, (allowed you), to be as close as you desire, to His heart. To receive His many blessings.

We can dwell in His courts, right outside the Holy of Holies, free to enter boldly to receive Grace and Mercy in our times of need.

We will be satisfied, our (hunger, physical and spiritual), and like the Hebrews, our clothes will not rot, shoes not fail, there was no sickness, disease, hurts, wants or needs, the Lord did not meet. “We shall be satisfied.”

If we would only learn to dwell IN HIM.

2 Corinthians 1:20
“For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.”

Like this cactus, That blooms at and by the will of God, we can also. We must abide in Him.

Do we believe? Walk thou in it. Amen.

Biblical Promises 4: theunfetteredpreacher

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

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

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

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

A day late: theunfetteredpreacher

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

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

Biblical Promises 1: theunfetteredpreacher

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

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

At Thy Word: theunfetteredpreacher

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

“Let it be known this day that, I have done all these things at thy word.”

(1 Kings 18 )

The heathen, have prepared their sacrifice, the kindling is ready, they called on their god, pleaded, cut themselves, yet, nothing has happened.

Their god is not THE ALL POWERFUL GOD.

Elijah, drowns his sacrifice with water, water all around, wet wood, wet kindling, wet sacrifice, no way will fire start here. (It would take a miracle). Elijah, calls on God.

“Let it be known this day that, I have done all these things at thy word.”

The confidence in this man, he knew Jehovah, he knew God’s power, he knew God’s will, he walked in God’s mercy and grace.

God answered his call.

Saints, there are times, when we believe we need a miracle. We beg, plead, cut ourselves,… yet, we are left in want.

Why is that?

Obedience.

When we meet Elijah, the first thing we see, is him telling Ahab, it will not rain, UNTILL I SAY SO.

It was after this, that the Lord, said,

“Get thee hence, and turn thee eastward, and hide thyself by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan.” (1 Kings 17: 3)

After he does the will of the Lord, the Lord speaks.

GO HIDE!!!

He was fed by Ravens, drank from a brook. When the brook dried up, told to go live with a widow woman.

She was gathering a few sticks, had a little meal, a little oil, and was preparing, a little cake, what she believed was her and her sons last meal.

Elijah said, “Make me a little cake, first”.

She did. He stayed with her for three and a half years. She never ran out of oil or meal.

She did not proclaim he was a man of God until, he raised her son from the dead.

“Now by this I know that thou art a man of God, and that the word of the Lord in thy mouth is truth.” (1 Kings 17:24)

Is that not a picture of believers today?

We enjoy, God’s provision, His grace, (Salvation), mercy, (Forgiveness), peace and joy.

Yet, we do not walk in Miracles. In the place of Power. We do not have that relationship of trust, of belief, of knowing, His will, His desires, of walking in His Yoke.

Experiencing His Power and Grace.

Psalm 119:162
“I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil.”

Have we found that “great spoil”, do we know the Lord, rely on the Lord, believe, Trust, Walk with Him.

We have a New Testament example.

“And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.”

Here we are, we have done everything we can, worked as hard as we are able. To no results.

Then we try it God’s way. “At thy word I will.”

Jesus wanted them to go do what they had been doing, only on the other side of the boat.

Are you Nuts?… OK, we will do it.

This act of obedience, gave them the biggest catch they ever had. They left

all, on the shore and followed Him.

Saints, we need to believe and obey, so He is able to touch those in need.

1 John 3:18
“My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.”

We must:

Know the Lord.

Trust His word.

Walk in His Grace.

Obey His commands.

Reap His Blessings… Realize His Power. Recognize His Love.

Amen

Bricks without straw: -3- theunfetteredpreacher

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

The Evangelist:

I am sharing this study, because I have a Zeal, a burden, a compulsion, to see the born again, lovers of Christ, fulfilling their calling.

Growing strong in the Lord, and in the Power of His Might.

As Pharoah, once supplied straw, to build bricks.

The Lord sent His Spirit and His Ministry Gifts to build His Kindom,

The Hebrews soon learned, that if Pharoah didn’t supply the straw, their work became almost impossible.

We as a people, are slow to learn, if God isn’t guiding, directing and protecting us, His Kingdom’s growth is negligible.

In the first 2 “Bricks without straw”, I attempted to show why we need Apostles and Prophets, in our Churches today, now we will look at the Evangelist:

Ephesians 4:11-13 (KJV)

“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:”

Remember, He gave us these Ministry Gifts to empower us for the Work of the Ministry, (of edifying, building up the body).

So we would be unified in our faith, (In the Spiritual. The Temporal, earthly desires, the worldly things, are not important).

That we would become perfect in our knowledge of, and in the working of His Spirit.

So who or what are Evangelists?

Evangelist – Eastons Bible Dictionary

“a “publisher of glad tidings;” a missionary preacher of the gospel (Eph. 4:11). This title is applied to Philip (Acts 21:8), who appears to have gone from city to city preaching the word (8:4, 40). Judging from the case of Philip, evangelists had neither the authority of an apostle, nor the gift of prophecy, nor the responsibility of pastoral supervision over a portion of the flock. They were itinerant preachers, having it as their special function to carry the gospel to places where it was previously unknown. The writers of the four Gospels are known as the Evangelists.“

Billy Graham is obviously the most prominent Evangelist, in our lifetimes.

A preacher, who reaches the most people, he could not Pastor all the people he has lead to the Lord.

He has a Special Calling, an anointing that every Pastor, Preacher or Teacher longs for.

This anointing, draws to Christ. The Evangelist, must be Humble, Unassuming, Reliant on the Lord, speaking the Words of the Lord.

All of these Ministry Gifts, if they are effective in the Work, draw people to Jesus, if they could work together, we would see growth, in our Churches.

There are not many, who can draw a crowd like Billy. What made him so different, from other Preachers?

I was never a fly on the wall of his prayer closet, so I am just making an educated guess.

He never stopped searching the scriptures, to see if they were true.

He prayed the Scriptures.

He took apon himself, the Yoke of Jesus.

He walked with Him, obeyed His voice, never allowed the devil, to gain ground in his life. (When he missed the mark, he took responsibility, and repented).

He refused to believe He was Special, He gave the Glory to God.

He humbled himself and God lifted him up.

Pride is the biggest stumbling block in my life. I am sure, I could fill up a Church, people would be memorized by my words. lol…..

What a joke, I couldn’t fill a phone booth. If we still had them.

Without the Lord, my work is in vain.

I am too quick to say, “Ok Lord, I’ve got it from here.”

Only by His Power are any of the Ministry Gifts, effective.

Bricks without straw: -2- theunfetteredpreacher

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

In attempting to compare the Hebrews building bricks, without straw, to our building the body of Christ, without the Spirit, apparently I was confusing. I apologize.

Hopefully this will clarify.

Pharoah, supplied what was needed to make solid, usable bricks. When he denied the straw, the job proved almost impossible.

The new bricks lacked, substance, strength, and took forever to complete.

In building the body of Christ, if we do not employ the tools given us, by the Lord.

Our results lack substance, (words that engage), strength, (the power, to change lives). We will work and see little result, (few souls reached).

We must use the tools the Lord gave us, I believe we need to start with the Ministry Gifts from Ephesians 4.

Ephesians 4:11-13 (KJV)

“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:”

The end product, the goal, the purpose of these gifts, is for:

~ perfecting the saints for the work of the ministry,

~ to edify the body,

~ to bring all to Unity of the faith.

~ to bring all to the Knowledge of Christ,

~ to bring us to perfection in Christ,

~ we become or equal Christ’s stature.

To have a healthy growing body, all of these Gifts must be available to the body.

In my Bricks 1, I wrote of the Apostles. I believe God raises up Apostles to build his Church.

They have been given a Truth, from the Word, that was not recognized before them.

Wheather, it was, Luther, Calvin, Wesley, or more recently Derstine, Oral Roberts, or Joel Osteen.

These folks recieved a revelation from God, shared this truth and ended up starting a Denomination that follows their teaching, or interpretation of the Word.

Apostles are alive and well, doing the work of God today, We see this in the non-denominational churches that are growing all over our country.

This is New Wine, we need to be sure it lines up with the Word, then reject our non-biblical, beliefs and press toward the mark of the high calling of God.

The problem is we Worship, and follow the old revelation, that man, and not the Lord.

I am a Baptist, Methodist, Church of God.

When in reality, we put more stock in the Denominations understanding of the Word, then what the Bible, actually says.

The second gift, was Prophets. They are called to help the Apostle complete the work, he started.

There are many mentions of Prophets and Prophecy in the Bible. It’s purpose has both changed and stayed the same, over the years.

Franklin Graham is probably the best known Prophet today.

Deuteronomy 18:18
“I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.”

As the prophets were rejected by the Religious, the Holy, the Learned, so are they today

Matthew 10:41
“He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward.”

The Reward is a new understanding of the Lord, and a closer more intimate walk with Him.

We must be open to grow, to recognize and accept the truth of the Gospel.

Then we will have, Power, Love and Grace, in our lives to share with others.

The Prophets words today, as in the past are to encourage, exhort, and direct us, to God.

Select verses from 1 Corinthians 14:

1 Corinthians 14:

3. “But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.”

12. “Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.”

31. For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.”

32. “And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. 33. For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.”

37. “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. 38. But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant. 39. Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. 40. Let all things be done decently and in order.”

We must be ZEALOUS, in seeking the Spiritual Gifts. The Gifts of Apostles and Prophets, need to be allowed in our services.

Next stop Evangelists.

On a certain day: theunfetteredpreacher

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

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

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

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

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.

The Ministry Years: Miracle 39- – The Tomb is empty – wondering in himself – theunfetteredpreacher

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The Tomb is empty.

The last Miracle before the ascension.

Luke 24:1-12 (KJV)  Mark 16:1-8 (KJV)  Matthew 28:1-8 (KJV) 
John 20:1-12 (KJV)

The  Tomb is empty.

Peter, “wondering in himself at that which was come to pass.“

They had seen Him dead, and buried.  They came to ready Him for a proper burial.

The Tomb is empty.

Mary Magdalene and Joanna, and Mary , “they were much perplexed.”

The Tomb was empty.

The Apostles.    “they believed them not.“

The Tomb was empty.

Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome.  “they trembled and were amazed:”

“they were afraid.”

The Tomb was empty.

Mary Magdalene and the other Mary.  “departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy;

The Tomb was empty.

Mary Magdalene.  “stood without at the sepulchre weeping:”

Wondering in himself, perplexed, believed not, trembled, amazed, afraid, fear and great joy, (having heard the promise of a Resurrected Christ), Stood weeping.

How would we have reacted?  The Word tells us they had not yet,  “remembered his words,”  “For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead.”

This should open our eyes.  We have Scripture, that, As yet we know not the meaning.   Do not reject out of hand a revelation a saint may have.

Study to see if these things be true.  If it is a revelation from God, there will be two or three other scriptures to confirm.

If you find confirmation, embrace this new revelation, it is given to carry out the Lords work.

Deuteronomy 29:29

“The secret things belong unto the Lord our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.”

The Lord has given us the bricks to build His Church.  (the gifts of the Spirit),  We must learn to use them.

Luke 24:1-12 (KJV)

“Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them.

And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre.

And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus.

And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments:

And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead?

He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee,

Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.

And they remembered his words,

And returned from the sepulchre, and told all these things unto the eleven, and to all the rest.

It was Mary Magdalene and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles.

And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not. 

Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulchre; and stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed, wondering in himself at that which was come to pass.”

Mark 16:1-8 (KJV)

“And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him.

And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun.

And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre?

And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great.

And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted.

And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him.

But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you.

And they went out quickly, and fled from the sepulchre; for they trembled and were amazed: neither said they any thing to any man; for they were afraid.”

Matthew 28:1-8 (KJV)

“In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.

And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.

His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:

And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.

And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.

He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.

And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.”

John 20:1-12 (KJV)

“The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre.

Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him.

Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre.

So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre.

And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in.

Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie,

And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself.

Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed.

9 For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead.

Then the disciples went away again unto their own home.

But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre,

And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.”