Wednesday, October 31, 2012

TITHE, ALMS AND OFFERING

Psalm 66: 8, 9
Praise our GOD, O peoples, let the sound of His praise be heard; He has preserved our lives and kept our feet from slipping.

THE BLESSING OF DELIVERANCE

The LORD has provided all things for our good; He has preserved us from all evil; He has "kept our feet from slipping". All He asks for us to do is to believe in Him, believe Him, follow Him and serve others. There is deliverance in all of these steps. When you believe in Him, you are delivered from the darkness of this world, into the glorious light of the Love of GOD. When you believe Him, you are delivered from doubt and mistrust into complete Truth and Trust. When you follow Him, and obey Him, the path is straight and the outcome is glorious and good. When you serve others, you are delivered from selfishness and become like JESUS, who gave His life for the salvation of the world.

The blessing flow from GOD when we give to the poor. His eye is always watching out for the poor and His ear is always attentive to their cry for help. Our part is to be GOD's provision for them; meeting their needs as He directs. It is true and faithful that those who give to the poor will, themselves be blessed.

O PEOPLE, LET THE SOUND OF HIS PRAISE BE HEARD.

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

TITHE, ALMS AND OFFERING

Proverbs 22: 9
A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor.
Proverbs 11: 24, 25
One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.

THE BLESSING OF GIVING

When a person gives alms, in the Name of the LORD, the recipient is blessed because his need has been met; the giver is blessed by prosperity from GOD; GOD is blessed, from the thankfulness of both the giver and the receiver. It is a win/win/win situation.

The most important thing is that the LORD receive the glory; He is well pleased by the generosity of His Children. "He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed" by GOD. I believe that things are put in our hands that really belong to another soul, it is our job to get it to the person the LORD wants to bless. When the provision, promised by GOD, is delivered to the one in need, the delivery person is thanked by GOD for obedience.

What is in your hand? What is the use of that thing you hold in your hand? Does it belong to you or to another?  Ask the LORD for the answer to these questions, and then be obedient to His voice. "There will be showers of blessing" upon your life for doing so.

ALL THINGS COME OF THEE, O LORD, AND OF THINE OWN HAVE WE GIVEN. 
"WHATSOEVER YOU DO TO THE LEAST OF MY BROTHERS, THAT YOU DO UNTO ME." THE WORD OF THE LORD.

Monday, October 29, 2012

TITHE, ALMS AND OFFERING

The Acts 20: 35, 36
I have shown you all things, how that so laboring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the LORD JESUS; how He said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." And when he had thus spoken, he knelt down, and prayed with them all.

The Apostle Paul was saying "good-by" to the Ephesian elders. He wanted to leave them with words of strength and direction, so that they would keep the Way of the LORD.  He stressed "support the weak" and that it was "more blessed to give than to receive". He wanted the Ephesian Christians to do the work of the LORD and be blessed, so he gave them keys for that blessing.

The tithe is what was expected for the work of the LORD, it is a pledge for the continuation of the spreading of the Word of GOD. The offering is the giving of an extra amount of time, talent or treasure for the strengthening of the Church in its ministry. Alms is a sign of our thankful hearts for the goodness of GOD to us, the reaching out to the poor in the Name of the LORD, and it carries with it the blessing of GOD.

In The Acts 10: 4 we have the words of an Angel who appeared to Cornelius in a night vision and said to him, "Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before GOD." GOD is well pleased when a Christian, out of the goodness of the heart, blesses others with their alms. I don't know about you, but I want to please GOD.

LET US BLESS THE LORD WITH OUR SERVICE WITH THE POOR; PRAY FOR THEM AND SERVE THEM IN THE NAME OF THE LORD

Sunday, October 28, 2012

TITHE, ALMS AND OFFERING

Matthew 6: 2, 3, 4
Therefore, when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth, that thine alms may be in secret; and thy Father, who seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.

TITHE IS WHAT YOU OWE; ALMS IS WHAT YOU SOW.

A tithe is what you pledge, to give back to GOD; an offering transcends the tithe; alms is a free will action to help the poor, the needy and the helpless.  Alms giving is an act of mercy, given freely and without conditions. It is your choice.

JESUS was very specific about alms giving. He said, "when thou doest thine alms" and again, "when thou doest alms"; He didn't say, "if you do alms", He said, "WHEN". This means that JESUS expects for the believer to give alms often, as part of their life as a believer.  The tithe is a vertical response to GOD's goodness; alms giving is the horizontal act of GOD reaching out to the world. This forms a cross and it is that cross that we are to "take up" and follow Him.

Did JESUS give alms? Yes, His greatest "alms giving" was to lay down His life for the redemption of humankind. The Father gave Him life, He gave His life in service to GOD, He laid down His life as the perfect offering to GOD for the sin of the world. JESUS paid His tithe; JESUS gave Himself as an offering; JESUS healed the sick, cleansed the leper, raised the dead and gave His Body and Blood for the redemption of the world. His whole life was alms giving, that is why He says, "when thou doest thine alms". Alms giving is an expected part of the Christian life.

MAKE YOUR LIFE AN OFFERING AND SACRIFICE TO GOD FOR THE GOOD OF MANKIND


Friday, October 26, 2012

GOT CHURCH? - 5

John 17: 25, 26
O righteous Father, the world hath not known Thee, but I have known Thee, and  these have known that Thou hast sent me; and I have declared unto them Thy Name, and will declare it, that the love with which Thou has loved Me may be in them, and I in them.

JESUS PRAYS FOR HIS CHURCH

Seven times JESUS prays that the Church is given to Him by the Father. JESUS is the gift of GOD to the world and the believers are the Father's love gift to JESUS Christ. JESUS commits the believers to the Father for safety, since the Father's faithfulness is Eternal.  Thus the Church is dedicated to GOD through the act of JESUS in committing her to the Father; eternally safe and secure, beloved of GOD. 

JESUS declared to the world the Name of GOD and His righteousness; those who believed in Him are the body of JESUS and He is in the midst of the Church as its head. JESUS loves the Church and the Church responds with love for Him and reaches out to the world in His love. The Church declares the Name of GOD, the nature of GOD and the Love of GOD. JESUS is in the midst of the Church and dwells within each member of the body of believers. He said, "I in them, and Thou in Me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that Thou hast sent Me, and hast loved them, as Thou hast loved Me." 
(John 17: 23)

JESUS PRAYS FOR THE CHURCH; THE CHURCH INTERCEDES, WITH HIM, FOR THE WORLD.

Thursday, October 25, 2012

GOT CHURCH? - 5

Acts 12: 5
Peter, therefore, was kept in prison; but prayer was made without ceasing by the Church unto GOD for him.

POWER OF INTERCESSION

JESUS said that "if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them by My Father, who is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My Name, there am I in the midst of them." (Matthew 18: 19, 20). We should not be surprised that a miracle follows the Church interceding for deliverance from prison, but the Disciples were astonished when Peter showed up at their door, having been delivered from prison.

Intercession is a powerful gift and tool for ministry.  Often the intercessors are not identified or seen, but their ministry is felt by those who are set free from sickness, bondage and suffering. These unseen intercessors are in unity with JESUS who is the Chief Intercessor.  When the Church humbles itself and prays and seeks the face of GOD, it is, spiritually, kneeling with JESUS before the Throne of Grace, praying for mercy.  When two or three are gathered together in agreement in the Name of JESUS, JESUS is in the middle of the gathering, hearing the prayers and standing with the intercessors, as the intercessors stand with Him; they are one in JESUS.

The Church at prayer and intercession is the powerful tool of GOD for the transformation of the world, that He loves. SHARPEN THE TOOL AND PRAY!

PRAY, CHURCH, WITHOUT CEASING UNTO HIM WHO IS ABLE TO MOVE MOUNTAINS!

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

GOT CHURCH? - 5

John 17: 6
I have manifested Thy Name unto the men whom Thou gavest Me out of the world, Thine they were, and Thou gavest them to Me, and they have kept Thy Word.

JESUS INTERCEDES FOR THE CHURCH

JESUS came to bring the glory of GOD to man and to lift man to the right relationship with the Father, through His Blood. JESUS prayed for the Church, those who believed on His Name. JESUS says that the Father gave the exact people to Him and declares that each belonged to the Father, then to the Son and they were faithful to the WORD of GOD.

Think about the fact that we all belong to the Father and He gives us to His Son and to one another. We have been presented to JESUS as a gift and an inheritance. Our life is the beautiful gift given by the Father to the Son; we are a treasure to Him. This is something that we do not often think about, if we did, we would strive to make this gift extraordinary and remarkable. After all, JESUS deserves the very best.

We have been given to one another to strengthen one another and to lift each to the LORD as beautiful. We are to pray for one another as JESUS prayed for us; we are to encourage one another as JESUS encourages us; we are to value one another as treasures of great worth. We are the Church of the Living GOD, holy and precious.

What would make us and the Church a glorious gift; a beautiful Bride. Faithfulness to the Word of GOD; faithfulness to the Church, the body of Christ; love of JESUS beyond all others, preferring JESUS to all others. JESUS is LORD of our life and GOD of our salvation; let us praise His Name.

THE CHURCH GLORIFIES GOD

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

GOT CHURCH? - 5

I Chronicles 7:14, 15
If My People, who are called by My Name, shall humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. NOW Mine Eyes shall be open, and Mine Ears attentive unto the prayer that is made in this place.

THE CHURCH AT PRAYER

The LORD has called the Church, "His People", and directs the Church to humble itself, pray, seek His face and turn from wickedness.  When the Church, the body of believers in JESUS, humble themselves, pray and seek His face and turn from wicked ways, THEN He will hear, forgive, and heal.

We all have heard this verse and have read many commentaries on the verse, but have we understood the next verse? The LORD says, "NOW" His eyes are open and His ears attentive to the prayer.  NOW the LORD will answer the prayer made in this place; NOW, not later.

I believe in the GOD of NOW, right now, immediately, suddenly and permanently. In the Scripture, when the people of GOD humbled themselves and prayed, things happened to right wrong and establish the good and GODLY. Only GOD can do this, reverse wrong and establish good.  BUT WE MUST HUMBLE OURSELVES AND PRAY AND SEEK HIS FACE AND TURN FROM THE WICKED WAY.

When the Church prays in one accord, things happen; mountains are removed, miracles unfold, healing is received.  GOD is present NOW and His eyes are open and ears attentive to the prayer that is made by His Church.

ARISE, CHURCH AND PRAY FOR THE HEALING OF THE LAND

Monday, October 22, 2012

GOT CHURCH? - 5

James 5: 13-16
Is any among you afflicted? Let him pray. Is any merry? Let him sing psalms. Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the LORD; and the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the LORD shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

THE CHURCH AT PRAYER

A vibrant, active and effective Church is on its knees in prayer, with its sleeves rolled up for action. The action that GOD calls His Church to, is care and comfort through prayer and  ministry. The ministry of the Church of the Living GOD takes its direction, through prayer, from GOD; it acts out the direction in service. Prayer is key to the vitality of the Church.

James was the author of this letter. He was the head of the first Christian Church in Jerusalem. James was the brother of JESUS. Five times, in the quoted Scripture from the letter of James, the words "pray" or "prayer" are used. James thought that prayer was so vital to the life of the Christian Church, that he stressed it in his letter. Why is prayer so important? because it is the vital like between GOD and man. It is through prayer that the Church receives direct guidance from GOD, confirmed by the Word of GOD. A Church that follows the direction of GOD will succeed and thrive; Church without prayer will die.

This vital link was a great gift from GOD to man. It unites the Church with its head, giving it life and strength. When two or three are gathered together in the Name of JESUS and are in prayer, agreeing together on anything, GOD is in the midst and the prayer is answered with action from GOD. In the verse from James, the agreement of the Church elders with the anointing of the Holy Spirit saves the sick and the LORD raises Him up; bodies are healed, souls are saved, sins forgiven when the Church fulfills its commission of service of the LORD.

EFFECTUAL, FERVENT PRAYER OF A RIGHTEOUS MAN AVAILETH MUCH. 
THE EFFECTUAL, FERVENT PRAYER OF THE CHURCH IN AGREEMENT ACCOMPLISHES MUCH FOR THE GLORY OF THE LORD.

Sunday, October 21, 2012

GOT CHURCH? - 5

Psalm 92: 12, 13
The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree; he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Those who are planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our GOD.

LIVING IN THE GREEN TREE
When we live in the "green" we are living in prosperity. The Children of GOD are living IN prosperity and flourishing like the palm tree and growing like the cedar. Why is this so, that the righteous are living IN prosperity? because, to be rightly related to GOD through Christ JESUS, makes all things work together for good.  There is no darkness or shadow of turning in Christ JESUS, therefore there is no lack in Him. Poverty comes when we focus or turn to the dark side; in the light of Christ, there is only prosperity. GOD provides all that we need; Begin to "count your blessings; name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the LORD has done."

"Those who are planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our GOD". Plants have roots, the roots of the Spiritual life are in the Living water provided by JESUS. This Living water flows from the Throne of GOD and GOD is in the midst of her (Psalm 46: 4, 5). Psalm 52:8 says that the righteous are like a green olive tree in the house of GOD, because they trust in the LORD forever and ever. The roots grow deeper and deeper through prayer and study of the Holy Scripture.

WE FLOURISH AS WE PRAY AND MEDITATE ON THE WORD OF THE LORD.
ARISE CHURCH, SEND YOUR ROOTS DEEP INTO THE WATER OF LIFE.

Friday, October 19, 2012

GOT CHURCH? - 4

I Thessalonians 5: 12-15 (NIV)
Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the LORD and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.

BE KINDLY AFFECTIONED ONE TO ANOTHER WITH BROTHERLY LOVE, IN HONOR PREFERRING ONE ANOTHER (Romans 12: 10)

The Church is the Body of Christ in the world, therefore, it shows the character of JESUS to all who observe.  Kindness, patience, and respect are hallmarks of the Church of the Living GOD.  We are to be kind, one to another; patient with each other and respectful at all times.  Rudeness is the mark of the devil and should not be tolerated in any case; there is no excuse for rudeness. Rudeness is putting your self and your needs ahead of the needs of another person; JESUS always put the needs of others before His needs, and so should we. 

Those who work hard for the spreading of the Gospel of JESUS Christ should receive our highest respect, since they are ambassadors for Christ.  The weak should receive our love and encouragement, so that they will join the work of the LORD with vigor. 

If we would see each other as bearers of the light of Christ and honor each other as witnesses of JESUS in the world, we would support, encourage and love each person with the kindness and tenderness we would give directly to JESUS.  JESUS is in our midst, when we love the members of His family, we are loving Him.

BE KIND, EVERYONE, BE KIND TO ALL, FOR THE SAKE OF JESUS 

Thursday, October 18, 2012

GOT CHURCH? - 4

Romans 15: 4 (NIV)
For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scripture we might have hope.

ENCOURAGEMENT OF THE SCRIPTURE BRINGS HOPE

We often think of encouragement as coming from people who are in our network of friends; here we see that the best encouragement comes from GOD through the Scripture. We are without excuse in the realm of encouragement, because GOD has provided all that we need in His Word.

It is amazing how the LORD has provided everything that we need, if we turn to Him for His provision. He provided the means for us to be saved, healed and restored to wholeness. He has provided our breath so that we might live. He has provided the way for us to walk in right relationship with Him. There is nothing that He has not provided for us; all we have to do is believe in JESUS. IT IS THAT SIMPLE. Yes, it is so simple that many miss it, or rebel against it.

We are witnesses of the goodness of GOD; be encouraged to press on, bringing the good news of the Gospel to every person and encourage them to find hope in the Scripture.

ALL  SCRIPTURE IS GIVEN BY THE INSPIRATION OF GOD; BREATHE IN HIS BREATH OF LIFE.

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

GOT CHURCH? - 4

Proverbs 27: 17
Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.

WE NEED EACH OTHER

Yes, we need one another to build us up in the Most holy Faith. Sometimes it is with words of encouragement and sometimes it is with correction; either way it is important to be in fellowship. When two or three are gathered together in the Name of JESUS, He is in the midst, listening, watching and instructing us. "Lone Rangers" can get themselves in a lot of trouble, because they do not have the accountability of the Body of Christ.

JESUS sent the Disciples out 2X2, He didn't suggest that they go it alone. Isolation makes us vulnerable to the "wolves" of the world, who appear to be "sheep" but are not. When the Body of Christ is together, the gifts of the Holy Spirit are manifest, if we are open to them. When the Gifts are operating, there is healing, wisdom, knowledge, discernment and the language of GOD. GOD will not withhold anything from His children as they meet together in the Holy Name of JESUS.

GATHER TOGETHER IN THE NAME OF JESUS AND RECEIVE HIM.

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

GOT CHURCH? - 4

2 Corinthians 1: 3, 4
Blessed by GOD, even the Father of our LORD JESUS Christ, the Father of mercies, and the GOD of all comfort, who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them who are in any trouble, by the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted of GOD.

FELLOWSHIP OF HIS SUFFERING

Yes, in this life we will have trouble, but the redemption of our trouble comes in the form of ministry to others. GOD receives the glory whether we suffer or are delivered from our suffering. This is the whole reason for our life and the life of the Church, of which we are a part, TO GIVE GLORY TO GOD. 

It is amazing how the LORD will take the things that the devil throws at us and turns them into blessings for us and for others.  The devil has plans to hurt and harm the children of GOD; BUT GOD IS GREATER, when we are in Him, no weapon that is formed against us will prevail.  

JESUS suffered for the redemption of the world; if we suffer, we are in fellowship with the sufferings of Christ, therefore, we know that we will be resurrected from the suffering just like JESUS was resurrected from the dead.  "What a fellowship! What a joy Divine! Leaning on the everlasting Arm." 

Church is the fellowship of believers in JESUS; Church is fellowship with JESUS.

WE ARE THE CHURCH OF THE LIVING GOD WHO DWELLS IN US AND WE IN HIM.

Monday, October 15, 2012

GOT CHURCH? - 4

Hebrews 10: 24, 25
And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is, but so much the more as ye see the day approaching.

ENCOURAGEMENT LIFTS FROM DARKNESS INTO LIGHT.

Encouragement has the power to lift the soul of a person from the darkness of despair into the light of joy. The Church, the assembly of believers in JESUS, should be the means of encouragement from the source of the Holy Spirit.

Encouragement has three strong aspects: 1. exhortation to love and good deeds. Calling a person forward who is sliding backward; 2. call the best out of a person, not pick on the things that are not the best; 3. comfort those who mourn, comfort the afflicted and comfort those who walk in darkness. 

If the Church would give the gift of encouragement to all its members, the light of Christ would shine through everyone and light up the world around it.  We are best encouraged by assembling together on a regular basis, lifting one another up in the Most Holy Faith.

It is time to arise and lift up our voice in praise and faith. It is time to arise and spur one another on, to keep running the race for the glory of the Kingdom of GOD. The time is at hand; the Kingdom of GOD is in our midst, through the risen JESUS; let us spread the light of glory to all we know, so that JESUS will be glorified in our midst.

ARISE, CHURCH, THE DAY IS AT HAND; THE COMING OF THE LORD IS NEAR.

GOT CHURCH? -4

I John 1: 7
If we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the Blood of JESUS Christ, His Son cleanses us for all sin.

FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD AND ONE ANOTHER

"What a fellowship! What a joy Divine! Leaning on the everlasting arms." This is the first line of a very old Hymn of faith. I open with this, because it says, in a few words, the essence of Church. Church is, first of all, fellowship with JESUS Christ. By His Blood He reconciled us to GOD, breaking down the dividing wall between GOD and man, so that we would have fellowship with Him.

Church is fellowship with JESUS and fellowship with one another.  If you look at it from the view of vertical and horizontal  our relationship with JESUS is the vertical and our relationship with one another is horizontal, forming a CROSS. It is through the cross that we have agreement in the Spirit and therefore, fellowship.

Let us walk in the light, as He is in the light. JESUS is the light, when we are in Him, we are filled with His glorious light.

LET'S MEET AT THE CROSS; WORSHIP JESUS, AND FELLOWSHIP IN THE SPIRIT.

Friday, October 12, 2012

GOT CHURCH? -3

Acts 4: 31
And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the Word of GOD with boldness.

CHURCH - THE PLACE OF SIGNS AND WONDERS

The Church is the gathering of believers in JESUS, who pray together, hear the Word of the LORD, receive Communion and worship. When the Church gathers together, they are there to show their love for GOD, build one another up in the Holy Faith and receive the blessing of the Presence of GOD in their midst.

When the LORD is loved, worshiped, taught, preached and honored, the presence of the LORD is strong and powerful; He is known and felt. In the passage from Acts 4, the Holy Spirit filled the house and the people spoke the Word of GOD with boldness.  Does this always happen when the Church meets and prays? Yes it does, the question is, Are you looking for Him? Is He welcome?

JESUS said that when two or three are gathered in His Name, He is in the midst. It is puzzling that often times He is not acknowledged as being present.  The attendance role call is taken at a meeting, but the Name of JESUS is not spoken; business is conducted without calling on JESUS to guide the deliberations; Worship is held, the right words are said, but JESUS is never welcomed.  This is why we do not receive the blessings of the manifestation of the presence of GOD and His signs and wonders.

Proverbs 3: 6 says, "In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He will direct thy path." Welcome the presence of GOD in the midst, look and see how He  manifests Himself with signs and wonders.

HE WILL DIRECT THY PATH

Thursday, October 11, 2012

GOT CHURCH? - 3

II Chronicles 5: 13, 14
It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised the LORD saying, "For He is good; for His mercy endureth forever" that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the LORD. So that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of GOD.

ONE ACCORD; ONE VOICE; PRAISING  GOD

When the worship of the living GOD is in one voice and in one accord, there will be a special manifestation of the power and presence of GOD. In these verses from II Chronicles, we see what happens when the Church is assembled in one accord and one voice, the Shekinah Glory filled the place, like a cloud. This cloud was so filled with the power of GOD that the priests could not stand up. 

Say aloud, when you read this devotional, "For He is good; for His mercy endureth forever; GOD is good; blessed and holy be the name of the LORD" Let us join voices in one accord, throughout this world, saying, "For He is good; for His mercy endureth forever." Watch for and expect a manifestation of the glory of the LORD; look for Him to arise. 

WORSHIP THE LORD IN THE BEAUTY OF HOLINESS; LET THE WHOLE EARTH STAND IN AWE OF HIM.

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

GOT CHURCH? - 3

Matthew 18: 19, 20
Again I say unto you that if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them by My Father, who is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My Name, there am I in the midst of them.

GATHER IN THE NAME OF JESUS

The third reason that we must go to Church is that there is a special manifestation of the presence of JESUS when two or three gather together.  The first reason that we must not neglect the gathering together as the Church is, it expresses our love for GOD. The second reason that we gather is to build up the brethren in spiritual strength. The third is that there is a special manifestation of the presence of GOD.

The verse from Matthew underscores the power of the gathering of the Church.  When "two or three agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them by My Father, who is in heaven" This is the power of corporate worship and prayer. How is this so powerful? Because JESUS is in the midst.

The assembly of the born-again believers, has the ability to bind on earth and therefore, bind in heaven or loose on earth and therefore, loose in heaven. (Matthew 18: 18). Prayers are answered and people are healed when the Church unites in corporate prayer.

AGREE, TOUCH, ASK, RECEIVE FROM GOD

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

GOT CHURCH? - 3

Acts 20: 28
Take heed, therefore, unto yourselves,  and to all the flock, over which the Holy Spirit hath made you overseers, to feed the Church of GOD, which he hath purchased with His own blood.

 TAKE HEED; BE WATCHFUL

In this series of teachings on the Church we have discussed this verse, but it deserves another look.  When the Scripture is sounding an alarm about something, there will be a word which causes us to dig deeper. The word in this verse is,"take heed" which means pay attention.

What are we to pay attention to? We are to pay attention to ourselves, then to the flock of GOD. We are to keep ourselves in prayer and in study of the Word of the LORD, so that no teaching or sharing be other than what agrees with the Word of the LORD. We are to read, study and inwardly digest the Word that comes from the LORD and meditate on that word day and night. Then in our teaching and sharing with others, we are assured that the teaching and sharing is good, profitable and encouraging to the hearer.

It is vital that we take this instruction seriously, since the Church was purchased with the Blood of the only begotten Son of GOD. The Church is precious to GOD and everyone who makes up the flock of GOD is known by name and is beloved.  Since JESUS watches over His Church as the Good Shepherd, we have the awesome responsibility to feed the flock of GOD with pure food. The purest of food comes from the Holy Scripture.

BE ALERT; BE WATCHFUL; TAKE HEED; PAY ATTENTION!

Monday, October 8, 2012

GOT CHURCH? - 3

I Timothy 4: 13, 16
Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine...Take heed unto thyself and unto the doctrine; continue in them; for doing this thou shalt both save thyself and them that hear thee.

SOUND DOCTRINE

II Timothy 3:16, 17 says that "All Scripture is given by inspiration of GOD, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of GOD may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." Therefore, we are to read, study and inwardly digest the Holy Scripture, in order to stay firm in the Doctrine handed down from the Apostles, who saw and heard JESUS in the flesh. 

When we gather together in one accord, we are to build one another up in the Holy Faith. This is done best through the reading, studying,  preaching, and teaching the Word of the LORD in Holy Scripture. Apart from the Scripture, we walk in dangerous territory.

There is a warning in I Timothy 4: 16 that we should take very seriously, "Take heed unto thyself and unto the doctrine; continue in them; for doing this thou shalt both save thyself and them that hear thee."
False doctrine not only pollutes us, as individuals, but everyone with whom we come in contact. Therefore, we can lead others into unrighteousness, if we follow false doctrine. We are commissioned and instructed by GOD to present the Gospel of JESUS Christ to all people, leading them into a personal relationship with Him. Therefore, we must continue in the Apostles teaching, studying the Word of the LORD fervently. Then, when we are in fellowship together, we are to build one another up in the most Holy Faith according to the Word of the LORD. 

THIS IS CHURCH IN THE TRUEST FORM; ROOTED AND GROUNDED IN THE WORD OF THE LORD.   

Sunday, October 7, 2012

GOT CHURCH? - 3

Psalm 22:22
I will declare Thy Name unto my brethren; in the midst of the congregation will I praise Thee.

WHY DO YOU COME TO CHURCH?

We come to Church to express our love for JESUS.  We make that love visible by our declaration of love for Him with our friends and in the middle of the congregation. When we come, we bring all our tithe into the storehouse on the first day of the week, so that there will be plenty in the storehouse for the needs of others. We pay our vows to the LORD in the midst of the congregation, as a sign of our devotion to the LORD.

Yes, we can love the LORD at home or in our play time, but we are to live a life that is devoted to the LORD in the midst of the Congregation of the faithful. We are the witnesses of the LORD and our devotion to Him is demonstrated by our attendance in corporate worship. We are admonished by the Apostle Paul not to neglect our assembly together. When we come together in one accord, JESUS is in our midst; He manifests himself to us in a precious, special and unique way when we worship Him.

COME TO CHURCH AND DEMONSTRATE YOU LOVE FOR JESUS

Friday, October 5, 2012

GOT CHURCH? - 2

Acts 2: 42
And they continued steadfastly in the apostles doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

4 ELEMENTS OF CHURCH

The Church is the gathering of the people of GOD; assembling together for one purpose, the worship of the LORD GOD. The Church is called out from the world's influence, in order to nurture and strengthen, edify and encourage the faithful, bringing those who hunger for the LORD, into the fellowship. To know JESUS and to make Him known is the hallmark of the Church.

The character of the Church has four elements which identify it as being the Church of the Living GOD:
1. Steadfast belief in the Gospel; the Word of GOD preached and believed.
2. Fellowship; assembling together for worship of JESUS.
3. Breaking of Bread; regular Communion, partaking of the Body and Blood of JESUS.
4. Prayers; praise and adoration of the Living GOD, intercession for all the saints.

When the Church is fully alive in Christ JESUS, signs and wonders will follow and the Church will be renewed everyday. People will flock to the gathering, because they know that in the Church there is TRUTH; in the world there is the opposite.

The Church is known as the "called out"; those who have come away from the influences of the world to embrace the life of identification with JESUS. Some choose to do this physically, as leaving the world system to join Monasteries. Some choose to think and live, separated from the influences of the lure of the world while living, physically in the world. Some choose to invest themselves in the flow of the world, while being a healing agent of the LORD in the world. Whichever path you are called to take, do not forget to assemble with others of like belief in JESUS; be strengthened in the faith and armed with the truth of GOD. Never neglect the Word of the LORD, for it is the power of GOD unto salvation for those who believe. Receive Communion of the Body and Blood of JESUS regularly and pray always; praising GOD, magnifying and glorifying Him and intercede for all those who believe or those who neglect the faith.

ARISE CHURCH, LET US GLORIFY THE LORD TOGETHER .


Thursday, October 4, 2012

GOT CHURCH?- 2

2 Corinthians 8: 1,2
Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of GOD bestowed on the churches of Macedonia, how that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.

ABUNDANCE OF JOY

It is a known fact that when the Church is persecuted, it grows; when an area is devastated, the Church grows; the poorer the community, the stronger the Church. In hardship and persecution the church increases, and in prosperity the Church decreases. It is also true that in hardship and devastation, love, compassion, hope, faith and mercy abound. It seems that the character of JESUS is unlocked when things are hard and people are hurting.  WHY IS THIS SO? SHOULD IT BE SO?

I believe that people unlock the doors of their faith, hope, love, compassion and mercy when they have nothing or little to protect. When they look to JESUS for help, they look for others to help; they reach out, not withhold. The Church of JESUS reflects His character in all time and all conditions, not just when things are bad. The more we yield to JESUS, the more of JESUS is seen in us. I believe that the conditions around us should not dictate how we love JESUS and yield to Him. Instead, our love for JESUS should be unending and continuous, ever growing in depth. I believe that Love, mercy, compassion, faith and hope should abound in the Church as a sign of the unconditional love of JESUS. 

For the Church to grow, more and more manifestations of the character of JESUS must be seen in each member. When people, who walk in darkness, see JESUS, they are drawn to the Light and want to embrace Him for their life. We are not only to preach the Gospel, but to LIVE THE GOSPEL as witnesses of the Love of JESUS.

BE TRANSFORMED BY THE RENEWING OF YOUR MIND

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

GOT CHURCH? - 2

Hebrews 10: 23-25
Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering ( for He is faithful that promised).
And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as ye see the day approaching. 

HE IS FAITHFUL THAT PROMISED

The LORD is faithful to us and, since the beginning of time, He has been faithful to every word that He has spoken. What He is asking of us is to be faithful to Him and to one another. JESUS is the head of the Church and we are His Church, therefore, we are to be faithful to Him first and then to one another as part of the body of Christ.

We are to be faithful without wavering. We are to consider one another before considering our own self. We are to encourage the fellowship to good works and abundant love. All of this is accomplished through faithfulness in assembling ourselves together, in one accord and in one bond of love.

We are the Church of the living GOD; we are alive in Him. The purpose of the Church is to glorify, magnify and exalt the Name of the LORD JESUS. We are His witnesses to the end of the earth.

THE CHURCH IS FAITHFUL TO HIM.
BLESSED BE THE NAME OF THE LORD.

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

GOT CHURCH? - 2

Luke 4: 16
And He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up; and, as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read.

JESUS WENT TO CHURCH

Since JESUS was Jewish, He had a "custom" to go to the synagogue to worship His Father. This was His custom from His childhood and he never missed the opportunity. In every town that JESUS went, He would go to the Temple or the Synagogue. It is recorded in the Gospels that JESUS went to the feast days, to celebrate the feasts ordained by His Father. JESUS went to Church to worship the Father in Heaven; shouldn't we consider that important in our life also?

JESUS never neglected His assembly together with other worshipers. These were His people and He loved them; these were His Father's children and He loved them. JESUS gathered together with the family of GOD in worship, because He loved His Father deeply and He loved the children of GOD fervently.

JESUS is teaching us that we are to be "glad when they say unto us, 'Let us go into the House of the LORD". We are called to worship the One we love, with the ones we love ,who are worshiping the One, whom we love. JESUS did; so should we.

I WAS GLAD WHEN THEY SAID UNTO ME, "LET US GO INTO THE HOUSE OF THE LORD".

Monday, October 1, 2012

GOT CHURCH? - 2

Psalm 122: 1
I was glad when they said unto me, "Let us go into the House of the LORD".

REJOICE IN THE LORD EVERY DAY; ALWAYS.

It is a joyful thing to be in the presence of the LORD GOD and to feel His love for us.  The Church is the Body of Christ, the gathering of all believers in Him, and those who are drawn into His fellowship. The word in the Greek for Church is "Ecclesia" which means; gathering, assembling together, fellowship and the "called out ones".  We gather together, assemble and fellowship together in one accord, JESUS, the Holy One. We are "called out" from the world and assemble together with JESUS Christ, who is the head of the Body of believers. 

The joy of gathering together in the Name of the LORD JESUS is full of great creative energy and love. As we gather in His Name, we become more and more like Him, thus we bring to the world around us, the character of the One we worship. His love blooms in us and His joy becomes a light in the dark gloom of the joyless lives around us. Everything that we touch is enlightened by the joy of the LORD. The Church changes the world around by manifesting the character of JESUS.

Buildings serve as the gathering halls where the Church meets to be encouraged, edified and enlightened in the way of the LORD. We are the Church in worship and in service; we are the witnesses of the great love of JESUS for His creation. 

" I am the Church, you are the Church, we are the Church together. All who follow JESUS all across the world; yes, we're and Church together."

"WE ARE ONE IN THE SPIRIT, WE ARE ONE IN THE LORD AND THEY'LL KNOW WE ARE CHRISTIANS BY OUR LOVE."