Walking in the Spirit
Are Tongues for today? theunfetteredpreacher
Jesus asked them: “Where is your faith?” He could certainly ask us all, the same question today.
Faith, we are all given a measure, the measure that allows us to see and accept, Jesus as Lord and Savior.
Unfortunately, many refuse to act on this Faith. They prefer to trust in themselves, someone else or the government.
They do not realize they are rejecting the good and perfect gift of God.
“God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.”
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights,”
Since we are only given a measure of Faith, (the Faith to believe), it is up to us to nurture and grow our Faith,
How? By the renewing of our mind, (reading, meditating, praying and knowing His Word), that we could prove, what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
That we would come into:
“the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God,”
That we:
“might perfect that which is lacking in our faith?”
“For by grace are we saved through faith;”
“that which is lacking in our faith?” What?
Paul was so concerned, for what the Thessalonians lacked, that He spent:
“Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?”
1 Thessalonians 3:10
Which brings us to today:
Although my Faith, sometimes wavers, (lacks), I believe I was brought by God, to this little UMC, to teach them, and lead them, into all that God has to offer.
The Pastor, always listens, says he is glad for me, BUT “God didn’t give him that gift. He doesn’t need that gift. That gift only brings confusion.”
He refuses to accept that the gift of Tongues could be his own; and in so doing, tells his congragation, they don’t need it.
~ He is maybe afraid that he would not be able to control the gift of tongues if he had it.
~ He cannot seem to seperate the prayer language from public tongues and interpretation.
~ He believes God would have forced it upon him if he needed it. (He had to ask for Salvation, but thinks the Baptism of the Spirit is not a separate Spiritual Blessing).
I have told him the scriptures, but he refuses to allow Gods truth, to bless him.
I will list some scripture here, in the hopes the Lord would open eyes.
~ First Question: Who should receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirt? (The Gift of Tongues, included).
Mark 16:17
“And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;”
Some will argue, that verse is not in the original text it was added later. (OK, then:)
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” 2 Timothy 3:16
Alright, you reject that scripture, how about these other witnesses?
Acts 2:4
“And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”
The one hundred and twenty believers, in one accord, in one place. “all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues,”
We have other witnesses:
Acts 19:6
“And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.”
Have you received the Holy Spirit since you believed? No? Here, by gosh, they spoke in tongues. (This is evidence, you can see and hear).
Acts 10:45-47
“And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God.”
“they heard them speak with tongues” Those who believe, is that you?
For the Lords sake, ask him to give the gift to you. Like with pSalvation, you know not the Spiritual Blessings until you allow the Lord to work His will in your life. (check out Deuteronomy 29:29), this is for us all to do His work).
~ Prayer language (No Interpretation) Confusion:
Do we understand what we pray, when we pray in Tongues? Are we hampered in our Faith or helped?
Selected verses from Romans 8:
“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:”
“ For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.”
“Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
“And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
We love that “all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
Why are we afraid to allow the Spirit to pray the will of God in our lives, we claim that is what we desire.
Selected verses from 1 Corintians 12, 14:
“Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.”
“covet earnestly the best gifts:”
“he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.”
“He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; “
I would that ye all spake with tongues but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.” (Notice switch from private prayer to public, keep the difference in mind while reading this chapter).
“Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.” (Public tongues uplifts the church, only with interpretation).
“Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.
For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.
What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.” (In public must have interpretation, in speech and song to bless the church).
“Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?”
“For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified. I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all: Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.”
We speak to God well, but others do not understand, so in public we need to interpret.
“Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.”
Please recognize the difference between a private prayer language and public tongues and interpretation.
“If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.”
If no Interpretation then: “keep silence in the church and let him speak to himself, and to God.” Private prayer.
“And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.”
You do not have to speak in tongues, like salvation it is a gift, we must receive it and take it off the shelf and exercise it.
“But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant. Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. Let all things be done decently and in order.”
To my mind too many want to remain ignorant.
My question to you is: Do you long to be strong in the Lord, to have the wisdom, power and grace to do his will?
Then accept, open and experience all the gifts He has given. They are the Talents the Master has left His servants, He did not leave us a talent of speaking, playing an instument or singing.
NO, He left us His Holy Spirit, to teach, guide and comfort. Yet we refuse His Gifts. We apparently truly think He is the author of confussion. “If any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.”
Do you accept the Word of God, or the Doctrine of your church?
Matthew 7:26
“And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:”
Ask the Lord for His truth. Amen.
Thanks for visiting.
‘You can have the relationship you desire with God. I desire an intimate one.’
The key of knowledge: theunfetteredpreacher
The key of knowledge. Not the Tree of, or the Word of, but the Knowledge of Christ. ‘Be not conformed to this world, but Transformed by the Renewing of your mind.’
Sadly, many Denominations have the Truth that was revealed to their Founders. Now.,, They have it all. There is no more to learn from the Scriptures.
New Revelation is discarded, refused, irrelevant. They are just like the Jewish Leaders, in the time of Christ.
Luke 11: 52.
“Woe unto you, lawyers! (Religious leaders), for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered.”
Another translation:
Luke 11:52 Names of God Bible (NOG)
“How horrible it will be for you experts in Moses’ Teachings! You have taken away the key that unlocks knowledge. You haven’t gained entrance into knowledge yourselves, and you’ve kept out those who wanted to enter.”
The Churches today, that deny the Work of the Holy Spirit for today, are looking for a Malpractice suit.
Saints, they cannot teach the Truth of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, they have no True Spiritual Discernment.
They claim to have the Spirit, but do not, or will not, ask for the Gift of Tongues.
It scares them. They do not realize: 1 Corinthians 14:32
‘The spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.’
When we first receive the Holy Spirit, with the evidence of Speaking in Tongues, it is easy to scare those without, our Joy, Peace and Love abounds.
We sing, Dance, Speak, Pray and Sing in the Spirit. It is hard to contain the Joy we receive, like David, we dance before the Lord.
Speaking not for man’s edification, but directly to God. (Spirit, ours, to God’s Spirit, perfect prayer), sadly some reject this as confusion.
We need to search the Scriptures, not to disprove, but to prove that they are true.
Church, you alone are responsible, for what you accept as Truth. The Word of Man, or of God.
I choose to believe and follow the Scriptures and the Lord, not the Bad Theology of some of our Churches.
Your choice, Your Walk with the Lord. I want a closer, more powerful life with Him. How about you?
Thanks for visiting, come back soon.
Know, you are loved.
bill Theunfetteredpreacher cote
‘You can have the relationship you want with God. My desire is a more intimate one.’
Do we know God’s voice? theunfetteredpreacher
Another older post revisited. Still the Truth
Do you think you know the Voice of God? Have you heard Him speak? Would you recognize His Voice, if He spoke to you?
Is it the sound of a Mighty Rushing Wind? Or a still small voice? Do you hear a noise of chariots, and a noise of horses, even the noise of a great host?
“Let it be, when thou hearest the sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry trees, that then thou shalt bestir thyself:” (What?)
Do you strain to hear Him? Do you understand what He is saying? Do you believe he speaks at all?
“They heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day:”
Adam and Eve recognized the voices of the Lord God, and because of their sin, hid.
Do we find ourselves, hiding from God, ashamed of ourselves? He desires we come boldly to His throne of Grace.
We certainly can do that, IF we are covered with the blood of the Lamb.
“If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the Lord that healeth thee.”
Freedom from the plagues of Egypt? One of the many promises given to those who love Him.
John 5:25
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.”
Are you living, do you hear His voice?
Psalm 29:3
“The voice of the Lord is upon the waters: the God of glory thundereth: the Lord is upon many waters.”
Psalm 95:6-8 (KJV)
“O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker.
For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his voice,
Harden not your heart, as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness:”
It may be a still small voice, we think of it, as our conscience. It might be a mighty rushing wind, we experience as we read His Word, and are blown away by His Revelation to us.
Or it could be in the midst of a storm.
The Lord wants to speak to us. To make His will and ways for our life clear. “Today, harden not your heart…”
He said:
“Take My Yoke, learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.”
Find rest, walk with Jesus, hear His voice.
Amen
Thanks for visiting, come back soon.
Know, you are loved.
bill Theunfetteredpreacher cote
‘You can have the relationship you want with God. My desire is a more intimate one.’
After him was none like him: 2: theunfetteredpreacher
Hezekiah, from the start of his reign, was blessed, as he turned Judah towards God.
2 Chronicles 31: 21.
“And in every work that he began in the service of the house of God, and in the law, and in the commandments, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart, and prospered.”
Judah, was a prosperous Nation, because they had turned to God. Prosperity and Peace lasted for 14 years, then several things happened.
The King of Assyria had taken Isreal captive ten years before. He had been defeating all Nations and their Gods, that were in the area. Now, he turned to Judah.
2 Kings 18: 11-13
“And the king of Assyria did carry away Israel unto Assyria, and put them in Halah and in Habor by the river of Gozan, and in the cities of the Medes:
Because they obeyed not the voice of the LORD their God, but transgressed his covenant, and all that Moses the servant of the LORD commanded, and would not hear them, nor do them.
Now in the fourteenth year of king Hezekiah did Sennacherib king of Assyria come up against all the fenced cities of Judah, and took them.”
Here we see Hezekiah falter in his faith. Judah, was under attack, some of it’s cities had fallen, and Hezekiah began to pay Tribute.
He removed Gold from the Temple doors, all the Silver from the Treasury… the Riches that the Lord had given, because they had turned to Him, and gave it to Sennacherib.
He found it was not enough.
Then Sennacherib, sent emissaries to the walls of Jerusalem, and told the people, he would soon conquer them and their God.
The people, by order of Hezekiah, were silent. Sennacherib, also sent letters to Hezekiah saying much the same.
This finaly opened Hezekiahs eyes.
2 Chronicles 32: 6-8
“And he set captains of war over the people, and gathered them together to him in the street of the gate of the city, and spake comfortably to them, saying,
Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that is with him: for there be more with us than with him:
With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.”
He rent his clothes, went to the house of the Lord, and laid his concerns before God.
Isaiah 37: 14-17
“And Hezekiah received the letter from the hand of the messengers, and read it: and Hezekiah went up unto the house of the LORD, and spread it before the LORD.
And Hezekiah prayed unto the LORD, saying,
O LORD of hosts, God of Israel, that dwellest between the cherubims, thou art the God, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth: thou hast made heaven and earth.
Incline thine ear, O LORD, and hear; open thine eyes, O LORD, and see: and hear all the words of Sennacherib, which hath sent to reproach the living God.”
Lord, open Your eyes and see, and Your ears to hear…
The Word of the Lord came to Isaiah the Prophet.
Isaiah 37: 35-37
“For I will defend this city to save it for mine own sake, and for my servant David’s sake.
Then the angel of the LORD went forth, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians a hundred and fourscore and five thousand: and when they arose early in the morning, behold, they were all dead corpses.
So Sennacherib king of Assyria departed, and went and returned, and dwelt at Nineveh.”
Where Sennacherib, returned in shame to Assyria, and was killed, while he was Worshiping his god, by his own people.
Notice, the fight was not in the natural world, but was WON, in the Spiritual. The Lord sent His Angel to win the battle.
2 Chronicles 32: 23.
“And many brought gifts unto the LORD to Jerusalem, and presents to Hezekiah king of Judah: so that he was magnified in the sight of all nations from thenceforth.”
The second prayer of Hezekiah, answered in a spectacular manner. Because Hezekiah:
2 Kings 18: 5.
“He trusted in the LORD God of Israel; so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor any that were before him.”
Thanks for visiting, come back soon.
Know, you are loved.
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‘You can have the relationship you want with God. My desire is a more intimate one.’
I am disappointed! theunfetteredpreacher
Truth, unveiled
Thanks for visiting, come back soon.
Know, you are loved.
bill Theunfetteredpreacher cote
‘You can have the relationship you want with God. My desire is a more intimate one.’
After him, was none like him: 1: theunfetteredpreacher
Hezekiah, a man of God. At 24 he became King of the Tribe of Judah. The two Tribes, (Israel and Judah), had both fallen away from the Lord.
Hezekiah, in his first month, of his first year, as King, called the Levites and Priests to Sanctify themselves, and the House of the Lord. (Sanctify- To set apart for the Lord’s Service).
2 Chronicles 29: 10-11
“Now it is in mine heart to make a covenant with the LORD God of Israel, that his fierce wrath may turn away from us. My sons, be not now negligent: for the LORD hath chosen you to stand before him, to serve him, and that ye should minister unto him, and burn incense.”
He called all of Judah to Sanctify themselves, to come to the House of the Lord to Worship. Not enough Preists were Sanctified, so the Levites, stepped up to do the work.
(The Levites, were originally called to care for the Tabernacle, and all the contents. They were in charge of keeping the Holy Vessels and Lamp Stands and Alters ready for the Preists to Sacrifice and obtain Forgiveness for the people. The Levites led in Praise and Worship).
So Hezekiah, as his first order of business, was to bring the people back to God.
The King called all of Israel and Judah to come to Jerusalem, to celebrate the Passover, they were a month late, and had not kept the tradition for years. They returned to the Lord.
He pleaded that they not be stiffnecked as their fathers were, but to come and yield themselves to The Lord, in the Sanctuary.
2 Chronicles 30: 4.
“And the thing pleased the king and all the congregation.“
Many of those who came to Worship, had not Sanctified themselves, yet ate the Passover.
2 Chronicles 30:18-20
“For a multitude of the people, even many of Ephraim, and Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun, had not cleansed themselves, yet did they eat the passover otherwise than it was written. But Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, The good LORD pardon every one ,That prepareth his heart to seek God, the LORD God of his fathers, though he be not cleansed according to the purification of the sanctuary.
And the LORD hearkened to Hezekiah, and healed the people.”
This was the first of Three recorded Prayers of Hezekiah, that the Lord answered.
Hezekiah spoke and comforted the people, assuring them that God’s wrath, would be turned away.
There had not been such great Joy in Jerusalem, since the days of Solomon, the son of David. The Preists and Levites Blessed the people, and their voice and prayer was heard in Heaven.
Hezekiah appointed the Preists and Levites to receive the Gifts of the People, and to build storehouses.
2 Chronicles 31: 21.
“And in every work that he began in the service of the house of God, and in the law, and in the commandments, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart, and prospered.”
The story of Hezekiah is found in 2 Chronicles, 2 Kings, and in the Book of Isaiah. The other two prayers the Lord answered are up next. I will leave you with this verse.
2 Kings 18: 5.
“He trusted in the LORD God of Israel; so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor any that were before him.”
Thanks for visiting, come back soon.
Know, you are loved.
bill Theunfetteredpreacher cote
‘You can have the relationship you want with God. My desire is a more intimate one.’
A diet of Milk or Meat: On to Perfection 1: theunfetteredpreacher
An other older truth
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Know, you are loved.
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Nevertheless he regarded our affliction: Psalm 106: 43-45 theunfetteredpreacher
An older post… still true.
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Know, you are loved.
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“I beseech you therefore, brethren;” theunfetteredpreacher
Paul could not more strongly call us, to a closer Walk with God. To begin at the end, we have all been given,’a measure of faith.’
Everyone, can see the Majesty of God, in the heavens and the earth. There is buried within all of us, the measure of Faith, to believe, to find Salvation.
Some find it, never hearing the Gospel, by seeing and knowing the Savior, within their hearts. Some have heard and rejected our Savior.
Then there are you and I, we heard the Word, and asked Jesus to be Lord and Savior. The problem is, we Trust Him as Savior, not necessarily as Lord.
We have not taken the time, put in the effort, ‘that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.‘
He tells we can and should know God’s good, acceptable and perfect will of god.
Knowing the Will of God, would change our lives. If we know and believe His Will, we would be Working and Walking in the Gifts of the Spirit.
The Gifts were given us to build His Kingdom. They are the straw that will make our bricks, (the people of God, that make up His Church).
With-out the Gifts, we spend time building our facilities, the structures where we meet. We have children’s church, divorce care, AA, NA, singles groups, all things we do, in our power, instead of learning to use God’s Power.
We can only work in God’s Power, by ‘renewing our minds.‘
How do we renew our minds? We need to fill our minds with God’s Word, and Promises. We must Submit ourselves to God and resist the lies of the devil, only believe, we can do all Jesus did and more if we only believe.
We also must, ‘present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.’
Our reasonable service, being living sacrifices, giving up our will, our desires, our wants, we must be holy, acceptable to God.
We must set ourselves apart, sanctified to His Service. If we learn to trust Him, we will find the Joy, Peace, Love, and Comfort of the Holy Spirit.
His love will flow through us, and people will meet Jesus, as they interact with us. We will not need special training, as we Walk in the Yoke with Jesus.
He will direct us in all we need to do and be. Only Believe…
Romans 12: 1-3
“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.
For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.”
When we find that great pearl, (Jesus), we should give up all to serve Him. Amen
‘You can have the relationship you want with God. My desire is a more intimate one.’
Thanks for visiting, come back soon.
Know, you are loved.
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The Relationship We Choose: theunfetteredpreacher
The other night at Bible Study, I mentioned how we must give up all, to follow Christ.
It was like I had two heads… lol
I am not sure how to explain this.
It seems in some Denominations, we have taught people how to be saved. We must, Believe in and Confess, that Jesus Christ is Lord.
That’s it, you’re all done, get in line for heaven, and in truth, that is all. That is all that is expected and required of our Walk with the Lord.
Until, you dig a little deaper. He calls us to be faithful and wise stewards.
Matthew 13: 44-46
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls:
Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.“
Have we given up, all we had, to follow Him? All our sins, desires, plans, expectations?
Have we given Him all?
Luke 5:27-29
“And after these things he went forth, and saw a publican, named Levi, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he said unto him, Follow me.
And he left all, rose up, and followed him.
And Levi made him a great feast in his own house: and there was a great company of publicans and of others that sat down with them.“
Philippians 3:8
“Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,“
‘You can have the relationship you want with God. I want a more intimate one.’ Amen
Thanks for visiting, come back soon.
Know, you are loved.
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God left him: theunfetteredpreacher
“God left him, to try him, that he might know all that was in his heart.” 2 Chronicles 32:31
Have there been times in your life, when God just doesn’t seem to be aware of your situation? He doesn’t realize you need His help, His Peace, Wisdom, or Comfort?
It does happen. He tries us, not so He knows what is in our hearts, but so we know.
He knew Abraham had the Faith to sacrifice Isaac.
It was Abraham who had to prove it to himself. Was he willing to give up his most precious possession for his Walk with God? (He did).
In the example above, Hezekiah failed the test. (2 Kings 20:12- 19)
I have failed the test. I do not know if the Lord will give me a make-up test or not. It was a long time ago. I knew it at the time.
It sent me into a funk, that took years to climb out of.
It wasn’t until I was obedient to play piano in a small UMC Church, that I realized His Presence in my life again.
I am here, until I learn, to accept whatever He is teaching me.
Lord, open my heart and mind, my eyes and ears, to understand and obey Your voice, to Know and Do Your Will.
Amen
‘You can have the relationship, you want with God. I want a more intimate one.’
Thanks for visiting, come back soon.
Know, you are loved.
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In line: Theunfetteredpreacher
When I was a youngster, we stood in line. We waited in line, we walked 2 by 2, in line to class, to the movies or to lunch.
I never heard of waiting on line, until a few years ago. Now everyone is on line, waiting, for an event. (Not just on computer).
On instead of in? Whose great idea was that?
It doesn’t make sense, or sound correct, but, some clown thought it up, it is so.
My Dad, brother, and I, were small business owners.
Please do not call me an entrepreneur, it sounds like I run a house of ill repute. lol
Regardless… that is the word….
I heard some dictionary geek, say irregardless, is a word, just a more emphatic regardless. Maybe so, but it sounds ridiculous.
Inflammable? Do not get me started.
Things change, for no good reason, and for no rhyme or reason.
I guess it is OK, in some instances, but, there are things that never change.
We cannot wipe out sin, by making it legal.
Wrong does not become right, down isn’t up, just because of public opinion.
Man isn’t Woman or Woman Man, just because we feel like it. There are not 58 genders, only two.
Integrity, modesty, honesty, manners, being polite, civil, courteous, genteel, gracious, mannerly, well-bred.
These things are always in style, and sadly missing in our world today.
Somethings should never change. We need to re-educate much of society today, and be sure to raise up the next generation, in the way they should go.
Saints, stand fast, for that which is right.
Amen
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Know, you are loved.
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Bad Theology: theunfetteredpreacher
I grew up in a Catholic Church. We were taught Jesus was born of a virgin, and died on the cross, to save us from our sins.
He now, Sits at the right hand of the Father, and has sent us, the Holy Spirit.
The problem was, it wasn’t personal, we confessed to the Priest, he gave us our penance, we prayed, and were forgiven.
The Holy Spirit? Not really sure what that was about?
I was saved in a Charismatic Church, we Spoke and Sang in Tongues, Lifted our Hands, Clapped, Danced, Exhibited the Joy of the Lord.
It was a personal awakening, God is Alive.
For many years, I Preached, and Taught in those circles. I would lead the Church to the Throne Room of God, in Praise and Worship.
I thought all Christians, would jump at the chance to grow in Christ, to learn to enter into the Holy of Holies, and have their needs met.
I was Wrong… Boy, … was I Wrong.
After failing as a Pastor, I climbed into a hole and hid for 20+ Year’s.
I still loved the Lord, but was not able to comprehend, what had gone Wrong.
I quit playing piano and leading Worship, I had nothing within to Teach or Share.
I was a broken man.
Then, I received a call to Substitute on the Piano in a small UMC. I needed the cash, so…
After being there several weeks, I had to ask, if it was a Church that believed in the Born Again experience?
I could not believe that people went to a Church for 60+ Year’s, that was so dead.
I realized they knew and loved the Lord, but year, after year they had just been taught the Church Calendar, the Lexicon.
In other Words, the same messages every year, at the same times, with few minor changes.
They spoke of loving the Word, but the Old Testament and what was taught in the New Testament, was only revealed in Sunday School or Bible Studies.
Since most only attended Sunday Mornings, they only received 20 minutes of the Word a week.
So those nice folks, only knew of the Miracles, and Promises of God as Childrens Story’s, and had never studied, or heard them as adults.
I was not surprised at their ignorance of the Old Testament, and spent a few years of Wednesday night’s Bible studies, teaching the first 5 books of the Old Testament.
The surprise came in teaching the New Testament. I don’t know how many times I have heard, ‘I never knew that.’
I said all that, to say this.
All the information they had, about the Gifts, the Miracles, the Signs and Wonders, was not taught from the Bible.
They were just told, God doesn’t do those things today. We now have the Bible and do not need them.
They have never been encouraged to read, or study the Word, all they needed was to be Saved, and the train to heaven would come.
It is so sad, to have baby Christians, after so many years, attending a Church.
Of Charismatic Praise and Worship, or Speaking in Tongues, that was all just ‘confusion,’ and not of God.
1 Corinthians 2:14
“But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”
Of course it was confusion, they have never been taught, or received anything from the Spirit, except Salvation.
After 60 years of Bad Theology, they refuse to except the Truth.
Mark 12:24
“Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God?”
It hurts to see people who want to love and serve God, who are not taught, or encouraged to seek Him in His Word.
A Sermon a week, is not enough, for a Christian to grow strong, and be a faithful Witness for the Lord.
If we are not making Disciples, the Kingdom is not being built.
We must learn to teach and use all the tools the Lord has given us, to build His Church.
Currently, we are making bricks, without straw. A Church, that will not stand fast, in the Trouble to come.
Sadly true. Amen
Thanks for visiting, come back soon.
Know, you are loved.
bill Theunfetteredpreacher cote
I have fully preached: theunfetteredpreacher
Paul said in Romans 15:19:
“I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.”
Can we say the same?
Do we speak boldly, is there Power in our Words? Or are we just filling the air, with white noise?
We have many Churches, with folks that love the Lord, and they are faithful;… to their Church, or Denomination. (But),
Are they full of Faith in the Lord?
The Gospel we preach, has no Power.
How can we expect the flock to believe the Lord, is able to Comfort, Heal, and Change lives, when we seemingly have No Power.
Saints, we must have more.
More Love, More Power, More of God, of Jesus, of the Holy Spirit in our hearts and life. The first believers;
Romans 15: 19.
“Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.“
Mighty Signs and Wonders, by the Power of the Spirit of God.
That, is what is missing from the Gospel we Preach. Why?
Why does the Church rarely see Signs and Wonders?
Acts 14: 3.
“Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.“
We do not have the Testimony of His Grace, we are not granted His Signs and Wonders.
We don’t speak boldly, about God’s healing, or miracle Powers, because we want to believe, and do believe He can, but do not know, that He will, honour His Word.
Like the Leper that came to Jesus and said, ‘If you will, you can heal me.’ A statement, wrapped in a question.
Our faith explained. We believe, but do not know.
When the Word clearly tells us, ‘we have the mind of Christ, our effectual, fervent prayers availeth much, we shall not want, my God will supply all my needs, by Christ Jesus.’
The Word is not engrafted, in our hearts by meditation, study, and prayer.
We have not been transformed, by the renewing of our minds. (Romans 12)
We do not know the ‘Good, Acceptable, or Perfect, will of God.’
When we are clearly called to this knowledge.
If we would comprehend, the Will of God;
Mark 16:20
“And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.”
This is what ‘the Church,’ lacks, it will only return, when we return, when we transform our minds, and accept the mind of Christ, over our own.
We need to think and act as Christ would.
‘Only believe, nothing is impossible to those who believe.’
Will we?
Amen
2 Peter 2:1,2 theunfetteredpreacher
2 Peter 2: 1,2
“But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.”
“And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.”
False Prophets, False Teachers, bringing:
“damnable heresies”
Many people follow these, “damnable heresies”, and the Truth of the Gospel, is lost. The Gospel seems Powerless.
What could these, “damnable heresies” be?
First on my list is, denying that the Gifts of the Spirit are available today. That we no longer need them, now that we have the Written Word of God.
If the Lord Himself needed Signs, Wonders and Miracles, to free the Hebrews from Slavery, and Jesus also used Signs, Wonders, and Miracles to draw people to the truth.
We certainly need to be Working in as well as Speaking in the Power of the Holy Spirit.
The Church is dying today, because we do not believe we are partakers of the divine nature.
We should be Walking in the Power and Love of the Holy Spirit.
The Church is concentrating on fulfilling the needs of the Flesh, when the Spirit is desirous of our attention.
The Gifts of the Spirit, are the tools the Lord gave us to build His Church. There seems to be few, who seek after, and learn to Walk in these Gifts.
We sit back and deny, the Power of God, in our lives. I believe, the Leaders who do not teach the Truth of the Full Council of God, are responsible for this Powerless Church.
Second on my list is, how many Churches teach a limited number of Books of the Bible, (Teaching only the Church Calendar).
I admit to not teaching the Prophets. Mainly because I do not understand enough. But the New Testament should be taught completely.
Third: Our preoccupation with the physical building and programs, that are not Biblical. Children’s Church, Divorce Care, Singles…. ect.
We need to believe the Word, Walk in the Word, Know that GOD IS, AND HE IS A REWARDER OF THOSE WHO DILIGENTLY SEEK HIM.
John 10: 27-3]
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. I and my Father are one.”
1 John 2: 3-4
“And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
John 10: 15.
As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.
2 Peter 1:17-21 theunfetteredpreacher
2 Peter 1:17-21
December 18, 2015 bill theunfetteredpreacher cote
2 Peter: 1. 17-21
“For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”
In the close, Peter reminds us of the voice of the Father saying “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
2 Peter 1:17-18
“For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.”
The Father told all who would hear 2 times, at the water baptism and at the Mount of Transfiguration “This is my beloved son.”
This will likely cause some to pause but…..Jesus became the only begotten son at the resurrection. He referred to Himself as the only begotten ….but wasn’t called that till after His death and Resurrection.
See Psalms 2:7
“I will declare the decree: the Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.”
What day? On earth He called Him beloved, on this day, (resurrection), He was begotten.
Hebrews 1:4-6
“Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.”
They Worshipped the baby for what He had given up, (devine power and stature) and what He would accomplish. Shedding His blood for our sins.
2 Peter 1:19-21
“We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”
You may not agree on when Jesus became the “only begotten” and that is OK, in heaven we will learn many things that confuse us now.
“whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:”
The truly important point of this first chapter of 2 Peter is that we learn to grow in Christ. We continue to seek Him, love Him, and share Him to all we come in contact.
Matthew 5:16
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
“Go ye therefore and teach all Nations.”
2 Peter 1:17-21
“For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”
Lord, change our hearts, that we become useful vessels of Your Love.
Thanks for visiting, come back soon.
Know, you are loved.
bill Theunfetteredpreacher cote
2 Peter 1:10-16 theunfetteredpreacher
2 Peter 1:10-16
December 18, 2015 bill theunfetteredpreacher cote
This verse is an encouragement to do the former and a promise of results.
2 Peter: 1. 10.
“Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:“
Be diligent, give serious and thoughtful attention to, read, study, meditate. Know your calling and election. Know who you are and what you are supposed to be doing.
“The gifts and calling of God are without repentance. “
We have been called to serve, so do it. If we do “we shall never fail.” To please and grow in the image of our Lord.
2 Peter 1:11-14
“For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth. Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance; Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me.”
We received our ticket to heaven when we accepted Jesus as Lord. The gates of heaven will be opened wide, I am pretty sure there will be a cloud of witnesses to our triumphant entrance.
Peter wants to remind us….to keep on, don’t give up, we will bare fruit at the time appointed. He would have us established, faithful, strong, ready to answer those in need. Work men, not ashamed, working.
Knowing his time is short, Jesus had prophesied his death and he was ready.
2 Peter: 1. 15,16
“Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance. For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.”
He wants us to continue in his absence, he hasn’t made this up, he knew Jesus and faithfully gave us His Word and Will.
2 Peter: 1:10-16
“Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth.
Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance; Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me.
Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance. For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.”
Lord, help us to endeavour to grow in your likeness, to walk in Your path, to bring others into Your flock.
Thanks for visiting, come back soon.
Know, you are loved.
bill Theunfetteredpreacher cote
2 Peter 1:8,9. theunfetteredpreacher
2 Peter 1:8,9
December 18, 2015 bill theunfetteredpreacher cote
Peter is giving us instructions on how to live a Godly life. In the first four verses of 2 Peter 1, he tells is our “precious faith”, is the same faith as the Apostles.
He goes on to tell us, Jesus, “hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness,” we can live a Godly life, a life of peace, joy and love.
He has also, “given unto us exceeding great and precious promises:” wow…not just promises but exceeding great and precious promises.
That we might become, like Jesus, “having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”
Jesus, beat the devil, the ways of this world, by knowing and living in the Word, by speaking the Word. We can too, that is the path to a victorious Godly life. He then tells us to grow in the following ways, to exercise them in our life.
“faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, charity.”
Then another promise.
2 Peter: 1:8,9
“For 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. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.”
Throughout the Word the Lord causes the barren to be fruitful, Peter is telling us how to become fruitful in our knowledge of Jesus. By exercising these things, we will bare fruit, (bring many into the Kingdom.)
If we fail to grow in these areas, we are blind and cannot see far off.
Quite simply, we are not understanding the Lords plan and purpose for our Salvation.
He shed His blood, not so we alone, can live with Him, but so all we bring with us, can also. He came into the world, not to condemn but that through Him the world may be saved.
Have we forgotten why we were forgiven? We have joined the heavenly host, we must train and prepare for Spiritual Battle. “Go ye therefore”
2 Peter: 1:8,9
“For 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. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.
Thanks for visiting, come back soon.
Know, you are loved.
bill Theunfetteredpreacher cote
2 Peter 1:5-7. theunfetteredpreacher
2 Peter 1:5-7
December 17, 2015 bill theunfetteredpreacher cote
As we continue on, the first words of verse 5 seem confusing. “And beside this” but it simply means since: “having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” We need to continue growing in Jesus.
Peter then gives us a list that is quite close to the Fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5.
2 Peter: 1. 5-7
” And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.”
These 2 lists are close.
Galatians 5:22
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
“giving all diligence,”
We must learn to be consistent, methodical in our prayer and study life. Like Appointment TV…get into a rhythm, let God set His watch by your consistency. (Wish I was more consistent. ..do as I say…).
“add to your faith” “faith”
We start out with a measure of faith. We build up our most Holy Faith by praying in the Holy Spirit and learning the Word. As we exercise our Faith we must learn to exercise virtue.
What is virtue? “goodness“
Morality, modesty, honesty, character. ….all the things our politicians don’t understand. As we grow in God these virtues should be growing also.
“Knowledge:” “peace”
See Study 2 Peter 1:2
“temperance” “temperance “
Moderation in food, drink, speech, actions, life. Even sharing our faith…in love….
Philippians 4:5
King James Version (KJV)
“Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.”
“patience” “longsuffering”
James 1:2-8
“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”
Learn to wait on the Lord, in peace and joyfully. Somehow I missed “Godliness” In 2 Peter 1:3, so here it is:
“godliness” “gentleness”
Timothy 4:7
King James Version (KJV)
“But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.”
1 Timothy 4:8
King James Version (KJV)
“For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.”
Timothy 6:6
King James Version (KJV)
“But godliness with contentment is great gain.”
2 Timothy 3:5
“Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.”
Abstain from lude and rude activities, be content, “believe God is and He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.” Don’t pretend to be Holy, strive to be Holy.
“brotherly kindness;” “Meekness”
Brotherly love, fellowship, you don’t always have to be right, the best, the boss.
“charity” “love, joy”
“They will know you are my disciples by your love.” “This is My commandment that you love one another. “
Like fruit, it takes time, nourishment, (the Word), and water, (prayer), to grow and be consumed and accepted as sweet comfort to the lost.
2 Peter: 1. 5-8
” And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.”
I understand these aren’t a great match, but you get the idea.
Lord, help us to grow in you.
Thanks for visiting, come back soon.
Know, you are loved.
bill Theunfetteredpreacher cote
theunfetteredpreacher 