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. Living
Hope Fellowship Church Newsletter
Newsletter
Article Archives
1998
Fish & Work . . .
Jesus is a Divider
Servanthood
How Old Are You?
Are Your Priorities In Order?
Move in God
Things
Liberty
Are Miracles Today Authentic?
Unconditional Love
Wake Up America
Live the Life
Are You a Lip Service Christian?
Nothing To Pay
Serving Through Love
This Is It!
Perfect Love Casts Out Fear
Snared By the Words of Your Mouth
The Love of Jesus Christ, (Part 1)
The Old Nash
Looking Back? Don't!
Escape Corruption
The Love of Jesus Christ, (Part 2)
Grow Up!
It Takes a Miracle!
Having No Part Dark
Vow and Pay
A Joyous Christmas Carol
Fear of Rejection
Are You Rejected, Depressed, or Lonely?
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February
Fish & Work . . .
by Sharon Cromwell
My son now has, at last count, five fish. First he had six
guppies. They all died. Then he had three more guppies. They
all died. Then he got some gold fish. We added a scavenger
and it died. When the fish died, they just floated in the
water.
I was reminded of this when I found a paper about ministry
involvement. I borrowed some of the titles and put my own
definitions with them.
Some Christians are FLOATERS. They are like the fish in the
water, but are doing nothing, just there, acting dead. (James
4:17) Obligation is not their thing. Don’t ask them to
do ANYTHING regularly. They feel safe from God's wrath by
going to church once in a while, yet they like things the
way they are, doing what they can to satisfy self first. (Hebrews
10:24-25 & Luke 9:23)
Some stop at being a PLANNER. Some like the IDEA of helping
and doing right. They never get past that! Ideas go nowhere
without help. Someone must plan and someone must WORK. (Psalm
84:10) When you do something, do it heartily, as to the Lord.
(Colossians 3:23, Ecclesiastes 9:10) Some jobs are thankless,
but somebody has to do them.
The dictionary says to MINISTER is to give help. There are
many areas of ministry. One listed in 1 Corinthians. 12:28
is “helps”. We must be DOERS of the Word and obedient
to the will of God. (Matthew 7:21 & 24) Matthew 20:28
says, “Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered
unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”
Being called and obedient is important. Some are not qualified
for some jobs. (1 Timothy 3:5-6) In some instances training
is important, providing confidence and skill. ALWAYS be led
by the Spirit of God through prayer. Fast when necessary.
A SOUL WINNER seeks God for people to be saved. Christians
are disciples who follow the Lord and Master, Jesus Christ.
Proverbs 11:29 says, “. . . he that winneth souls is
wise.” We are to be fishers of men. (Luke 5:10)
The gold fish are hardy fish. They survived a very long trip
from the store to their new home. We must endure to the end
to be saved. Job 23:10 says, “But he knoweth the way
that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as
gold.” Remember, LIVE fish are active, but dead fish
just FLOAT!
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Jesus is a Divider
by Pastor Kevin Badgley (adapted from sermon notes)
Hebrews 4:12-13, “(12) For the word of God is quick,
and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing
even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the
joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and
intents of the heart. (13) Neither is there any creature that
is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and
opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.”
Jesus is a divider. He will show the division between: real
and pretend, truth and lie hid and open, darkness and light,
sin and righteousness, life and death, faith and unbelief,
evil and good.
Jesus wants us to make a stand for him. He knows our hearts.
He knows if we will deny him or not. He will cause you to
decide. Matthew 10:33-38, “(33) But whosoever shall deny
me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which
is in heaven. (34) Think not that I am come to send peace
on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. (35) For
I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and
the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against
her mother in law. (36) And a man's foes shall be they of
his own household. (37) He that loveth father or mother more
than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter
more than me is not worthy of me. (38) And he that taketh
not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.”
The intents of the heart are known by him. He will make a
division between failure and victory, things that easily beset
us, maybe you and the preacher, you and sin, what you claim
you are and what you really are, obedience and disobedience,
your plan and God’s plan for you. Jesus will make a division
and you must choose! It hurts to straddle a fence. . . . you
must decide. God made a division and separated his people
from the Egyptians. He will make a division between the church
and the world! An accusation about Jesus: Luke 23:5, “And
they were the more fierce, saying, He stirreth up the people,
teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this
place.” God’s division does stir people up! When
Jesus healed the blind man, it stirred up the people. Sometimes
division is good. We need to be separated from dead works.
Don’t be divided in the things of God. Jesus came to
set us free. You may be called a “holier than thou”
if you separate and try to do right, or a hypocrite if you
go backward, so go God’s way. Make a commitment. Draw
the line and don’t cross it.
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March
Servanthood
by Pastor Kevin Badgley
(preached 02/12/97)
Philippians 2:5-11, “(5) Let this mind be in you, which
was also in Christ Jesus: (6) Who, being in the form of God,
thought it not robbery to be equal with God: (7) But made
himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a
servant, and was made in the likeness of men: (8) And being
found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became
obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. (9) Wherefore
God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which
is above every name: (10) That at the name of Jesus every
knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth,
and things under the earth; (11) And that every tongue should
confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the
Father.”
Under the law you could become a bond servant to pay a debt.
If you wanted to stay a servant permanently, you would have
a certain earring to show it was for life. The servant owned
nothing, but had access to all. The laborer is worthy of his
hire according to Luke 10:7. Jesus humbled himself and became
obedient unto the death of the cross. Mark 10:44, “And
whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of
all.” It is humbling to just do what you are told without
murmuring and disputing. John 6:43 says, “Jesus therefore
answered and said unto them, Murmur not among yourselves.”
Abraham sent his faithful servant to look for a bride for
his son. God, our Heavenly Father, sends servants to get the
Bride for Christ. A good servant is hard to find, but is entrusted
with much by the Master. A good servant has a good attitude
and doesn’t gripe. Jesus was a servant to God. Joseph
was sold into slavery but God elevated him in Pharaoh’s
house. Jesus said in John 17:24 it was his will that we would
be with him where he is.
A good servant says, Yes, Lord. A servant may say, Send someone
else! Hebrews 5:8-9 says this about Jesus: “(8) Though
he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which
he suffered; (9) And being made perfect, he became the author
of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;” Jesus
never failed or disobeyed as a servant. Gehazi failed when
he laid the rod on the dead boy. Later sin was revealed in
his life (account of Naaman). We are God’s servants and
we are required to obey to the end. We must serve him in full
obedience.
Look at this. Matthew 21:28-31, “(28) But what think
ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first,
and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard. (29) He answered
and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went.
(30) And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he
answered and said, I go, sir: and went not. (31) Whether of
them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him,
The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That
the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before
you.”
As a servant it is ok to study it out, but don’t question.
God’s Word is not a democracy. It is a theocracy. You
can’t choose a job change. There is only one Master.
God is always right. Israel was always murmuring. That group
that came out of Egypt did not obtain the promised land. Romans
6:16, “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves
servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether
of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?”
Luke 9:23, “And he said to them all, If any man will
come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross
daily, and follow me.” Just obey God; do what he wants.
Galatians 3:29 and 4:1-2, “(3:9) And if ye be Christ's,
then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
(4:1) Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child,
differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all;
(2) But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed
of the father.”
Servants teach the children to obey the Father. The children
watch the servant OBEY. Learn to submit to the Lord. Matthew
16:24-25, “(24) Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If
any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take
up his cross, and follow me. (25) For whosoever will save
his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for
my sake shall find it.” Jesus had the “servant mentality”
that we need. Instead of our own, we need to find the purpose
of God for our life. If we have an attitude problem, we are
not a servant with the mind of Christ.
Matthew 24:45-47, “(45) Who then is a faithful and wise
servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household,
to give them meat in due season? (46) Blessed is that servant,
whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. (47) Verily
I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his
goods.”
This is when the servant can overcome, grow up, become a
son, and inherit the anointing. Revelation 21:7, “He
that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his
God, and he shall be my son.” When you overcome you can
obtain sonship. When the Lord sends someone, they may forget
what they were sent for. Some like to stay at home better.
Some have 1,000 other things to do.
Luke 17:5-10, “(5) And the apostles said unto the Lord,
increase our faith. (6) And the Lord said, If ye had faith
as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine
tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted
in the sea; and it should obey you. (7) But which of you,
having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto
him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit
down to meat? (8) And will not rather say unto him, Make ready
wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till
I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and
drink? (9) Doth he thank that servant because he did the things
that were commanded him? I trow not. (10) So likewise ye,
when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded
you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that
which was our duty to do.”
When we have obeyed God, we should say we have just done
that which was our duty to do. Romans 12:1, “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.”
What is a servant’s attitude and heart? Give a blank
check to God, and sign it. We lose our independence as a servant
of God, but He can make us a son of God, and a ruler in his
household. Matthew 28:18, “And Jesus came and spake unto
them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in
earth.” He transfers some of that same power to us when
we overcome for him. Be an overcomer.
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May
How Old Are You?
by Sharon Cromwell
There are four main stages in your life in Christ: baby,
toddler or older child, adolescent, and adult. How old are
you in Jesus? Physical age is by years, but spiritual age
is determined by your growth in Christ. 1 Peter 1:23 tells
us how we are born into the family of God when we become Christians.
"Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible,
by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever."
BABIES. Babies have many needs. A baby will just lay there
and let anyone do something for them. Why? They don't have
a choice. They can't get up and do things for themselves until
they have grown enough to be ABLE to do them. A baby Christian
will die without help with: food, clothing, shelter, and protection
— the basic needs of LIFE. Their food at this stage must
be the nourishing milk of the Word of God (Hebrews 5:13-14).
Clothing? Babies need help in getting dressed. Our righteousness
is as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6). We must put on Jesus Christ
(Romans 13:14). Rev. 3:5, "He that overcometh, the same
shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out
his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name
before my Father, and before his angels." Armor is available
(Ephesians Chapter 6), but picture a baby in armor!
Shelter? Someone must protect this baby, doing warfare for
them against the enemy! (1 Peter 5:8) The devil is seeking
whom he may devour. Someone must pray for it and provide fellowship.
It needs to feel safe and secure.
A baby may make messes, spit up, and have gas pains (trouble
digesting the Word), growing pains, etc. It wets and dirties
its diaper. This is normal. There is no one who can skip this
stage, or any other stage of growth (Romans 12:3). It is not
pleasant, but it is necessary to change the diaper. The baby
Christian is learning to quit sinning. If the baby prays,
God will help. God also uses His children to help raise the
babies.
Babies don't understand WHY something has to be done now
in order for it to come out right later. They are short on
patience. You can read about the "little ones" in
Matthew 18:5 and Matthew 18:10. Babies are precious and must
be handled carefully, lovingly, and with God's help. Before
babies can walk, they must learn to crawl!
TODDLERS. When a baby starts to walk, nearly everyone is
bigger than they are and some may look down on them. Read
Romans 12:16. The older ones in the Lord should be prayed
up and ready to help, but know that there are times when all
you should do is pray.
A child of God should grow. Someone who says they have repented,
but whose heart is not free from the devil, cannot grow in
Christ; they are not yet born again. There are some who started
in Christ, but at some point refused to obey God; they quit
growing! Nobody likes being told "NO!" It hurts
the feelings and is intended to stop us from having our own
way. If the parent does not tell a baby "no" before
it touches a live poisonous spider or starts to play in the
toilet, the child could be severely hurt or get filthy. If
someone does not warn the young Christians of sin and destruction
to come, they can be hurt or destroyed (Romans 6:23).
OLDER CHILDREN. They realize they can and must do SOME things
for themselves. Some "so called" independence is
stubbornness. Some independence comes naturally. Children
must learn to accept responsibility. Correction and chastisement
(at any age) come from God when we resist what is right. We
are commanded to grow in grace and knowledge of Jesus (2 Peter
3:18).
ADOLESCENTS. Adolescence is the time of life between puberty
and maturity. Puberty is the state of physical development
when it is first possible to bear children. As Christians,
we are children of God. We are called sons of God, whether
male or female (Galatians 3:27-28, Matthew 22:30, Hebrews
2:10). As Christians, we are all considered the Bride of Christ.
Working with Christ, we can cause new births in the Kingdom
of God; souls will be saved (1 Corinthians. 3:9). In adolescents
there are many changes needed and expected, emotionally and
physically. Thank God for Hebrews 13:8. Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust
in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine
own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he
shall direct thy paths."
ADULTS. How do you know if you ever get to be an adult in
Jesus Christ? The standard is found in Ephesians 10:13. "(13)
Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge
of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of
the fulness of Christ:" Philippians 3:14, "I press
toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in
Christ Jesus." Keep your heart CLEAN (1 John 3:19-21).
God said he would pour out his Spirit upon all flesh (Acts
2:17). If we will put away childish things (1 Corinthians.
13:11) we can become fathers and mothers in the Lord. Read
2 Peter 1:1-12. Jesus did many impossible things. Read Mark
16:15-20 and let's grow up in Jesus! Mat. 16:24, "Then
said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after
me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow
me."
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June
Are Your Priorities In Order?
by Gail Redman
A well-known Christian author, entertainer, and speaker (who
was married with children) was asked how she dealt with the
many demands on her time. Her reply was so simple, yet so
immensely profound. She said, "Well, I have my devotions
every day. I minister to God, and and he gives to me. Out
of that, I minister to the needs of my husband. Then I minister
to my children by caring for their needs. And with whatever
time I have left, I minister to the Body of Christ,"
(taken from God’s Daughters and God's Work, by Jack W.
Hayford with M. Wendy Parrish.)
Are your priorities in order? They should be: God, husband
or wife, children, church, unsaved, employment, and then recreation
and other activities. Stress and discontentment enters into
our lives when we do not abide by God's order. Every Christian
should have a time alone with God for one on one fellowship.
This should be a time of praise and worship, prayer, and reading
the Bible. Are we fulfilling the needs of our spouse and children?
Do we allow the Holy Spirit to reveal to us the call that
we have in the body of Christ? Do we have a burden for the
lost? Have we allowed employment to take precedence over God
and our family? Are we burnt out because we never spend any
time relaxing or do we put recreation ahead of other responsibilities?
Peace comes only when we are abiding in the order ordained
by God.
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Move in God
by Lynetta Johnson
I was reading in my Bible the other day; I opened it up to
Romans 13:13-14. I keep asking God to tell me what it is that
keeps me from going any farther in him. This is the scripture
that I read, "(13) Let us walk honestly, as in the day;
not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness,
not in strife and envying. (14) But put ye on the Lord Jesus
Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the
lusts thereof."
Then I got to thinking, what is the lust of the flesh? I
don't have any lusts of the flesh! Then I read this scripture
in Jude 1:16, "These are murmurers, complainers, walking
after their on lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling
words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage."
I realized I do complain and murmur. God, forgive me. Church,
we have to wake up and realize every idle word that men speak,
they shalt give account thereof in the day of judgement (Matthew
12: 36). Verse 37, "For by thy words thou shalt be justified,
and by thy words thou shalt be condemned."
We can no longer walk around saying and doing anything we
please. As Christians we have to realize there are consequences
for our actions. I've heard Christians say, "I can drink
or say a curse word every now and then. Because I don't want
to hurt anybody's feelings, I just tell little white lies.
That white lie will take you to hell! They say, "God
knows my heart." The Bible says that out of the abundance
of the heart the mouth speaketh (Matthew 12:34). Why would
anyone want your God? They serve that god (the devil) every
day. Pray, read the Word, fast, and seek God. We can no longer
stay where we are. Spiritually, we've got to move. Move in
God.
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Things
by Johnny Treat
A large ship is sailing through a violent storm. The ship
is loaded heavy and is driving deep into the tall waves. The
large ship starts to take on water through the cargo hole
in the top floor of the vessel. As the ship starts to go deeper
in the water because of the extra weight of the water, I run
down into the cargo hole and start trying to throw things
over to stay afloat. They were things that I didn't need anymore,
things that I didn't remember that I even had anymore, and
things that I was just afraid to get rid of because I thought
I might need them again sometime, things that were just taking
me down. I finally get rid of the things that were making
me sink: the junk, the clutter, the old trophies, ribbons,
and prizes, only to see the ship's hull empty.
The storm is over and the sea is still as I stand in the
large, vacant cargo hole. I think of the things that the Lord
could have done with this large, fine ship, if I would have
just given it to the Lord.
Now I ask the Lord to forgive me for trying to be the captain
instead of a part of the crew. I also ask the forgiveness
of the people whom I should have had precious cargo for and
have instead pulled in to the harbor empty. My prayer for
all to hear is John 3:30: "He must increase, but I must
decrease." Whatever it takes, Lord, help me to make it
so.
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July
Liberty
by Pastor Kevin Badgley
(adapted from sermon notes)
Read John 8:31-36. “(31) Then said Jesus to those Jews
which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are
ye my disciples indeed; “(32) And ye shall know the truth,
and the truth shall make you free. (33) They answered him,
We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man:
how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? (34) Jesus answered
them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth
sin is the servant of sin. (35) And the servant abideth not
in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. (36) If the
Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.”
Jesus was talking to believers. If you sin you are the servant
of sin, but Jesus can make you free. 2 Corinthians 3:17 says,
“Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of
the Lord is, there is liberty.” There are conditions
to obtain and keep liberty! Some have given their lives or
part thereof to get and keep freedom in this country. Somebody
came under bondage of rules and disciplines for a period of
time and some died so we could be free. We can no more be
children and expect to work for God.
We have to be subject to rules and regulations to stay free!
The cost of liberty in a country is to be subject for a time
to the military regulations, arms, clothes, and orders. We
pay the price willingly to be a soldier in God’s army.
Someone has said “Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty.”
Only a handful are vigilant, and the rest are coasting in
their blessing. You will war in the Spirit or you will not
go in the rapture. Coasters will keep on coasting - here.
Those who are believing to do greater works must be subject
to God. In John 8:36 Jesus says if you, “. . .continue
in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;” There is
a price to pay: fasting, praying, tithes and offerings, obedience
to God.
Matthew 7:12-14 says, “(13) Enter ye in at the strait
gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth
to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: (14
) Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which
leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” Holiness
begins in the heart; keep going till you are walking in the
liberty Jesus walked in. We will soon stand before the almighty
Judge and we will be judged according to the book of life.
There is NO liberty without the liberty of the Lord.
No one wants to be told “no.” If you dare to make
a rule or regulation, people tend to rebel and sull up. Our
constitution is based on the Ten Commandments. These are rules.
Jesus later called those who had believed on him in John 8:31-36
sons of the devil. Jesus said if you are still sinning, you
are bound. The truth can make you free.
According to 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12, if you do not receive
the love of the truth, you won’t be saved. You are bound
or you are free. The believers of John 8 said they had never
been in bondage; in other words, they didn’t have to
repent. God is a righteous judge. You will know a tree by
its fruit (Luke 6:43-44). If you are excusing sin, you are
holding on to the carnal. Few will pay the price for the liberty
of God.
Those who once believed in Jesus tried to kill him, but he
went OUT of the temple and passed by. Jesus goes out of us
if we refuse him! They were believers, but faith without works
is dead. If you wait till the enemy is on your borders, it
is too late. We enjoy freedom, but must pay the price to keep
it. The rules of a church are not to dominate but to KEEP
LIBERTY. Some think freedom is to do what you want to do,
but not all liberty is of God. There is a time freedom ends
and sin begins. There is a price to pay for liberty.
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Are Miracles Today Authentic?
by Sharon Cromwell
Read about it in God's Word! What does the Bible say? John
3:2 tells us that, ". . . no man can do these miracles
that thou doest, except God be with him." Jesus had healed
a lame man in Matthew 9:8 and, ". . . when the multitude
saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given
such power unto men." God can use mankind to show his
miracles. It is the power of God coming through an earthen
vessel. All the glory is to God.
Some say that no man is holy enough to be used of God to
do miracles. It is only by the power of God in them. John
9:16 says that people of that day said something similar.
"Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not
of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day. Others said,
How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles? And there
was a division among them.
Jesus is our mediator (we go through him to get to God).
Jesus said if we ask any thing in his name he would do it.
John 14:14-15, "(14) If ye shall ask any thing in my
name, I will do it. (15) If ye love me, keep my commandments."
These two verses are together for a purpose. How can a man
walk holy enough that God would hear his prayer and cause
people to receive miracles from God? You ask for the miracle
in the name of Jesus AFTER you have obeyed the commandments
of God found in his Word. It is the will of God to give the
gift of miracles to his people (1 Corinthians 12:10 &
28).
God is the maker of all things that BE. So great a God is
able to do ANYTHING. When he finds a man willing to stand
in the gap for others (Ezekiel 22:30) he can use him. With
God all things are possible (Mark 10:27). Let's make this
personal and get down to the nitty gritty. Jesus said in Mark
9:23, ". . . If thou canst believe, all things are possible
to him that believeth." You must believe that God is
God and he is able to do the impossible.
Unbelief will stop you if you let it. In John 12:37 we find
that Jesus himself did many miracles before the people, yet
some still refused to believe him. Even one of the twelve,
Thomas, after he had been with Jesus so long, did not believe
he rose from the dead. Jesus told him to be not faithless,
but believing (John 20:27). Read these things for yourself
in the Bible. Yes, these miracles are authentic. God does
miracles today. Hebrews 13:8, "Jesus Christ the same
yesterday, and to day, and for ever." Read God's Word!!!
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Unconditional Love
by Gail Redman
For the last several years I have been asking the Lord to
show me the way of His love. We all so desperately need the
love of God shed abroad in our hearts. If we could only have
a deeper revelation of the love of God has for us! God made
the supreme sacrifice when He sent His Son, Jesus Christ,
to die on a cross for our sins. We are never left or forsaken
by God. No matter what we have said or done, the grace and
mercy of God is available to us if we are willing to confess
our sins and turn from our wicked ways. That sin is forgiven
right then. We do not have to work our way back into God's
approval. He does not tell us, "If you can be good for
a month, I might consider letting you back into my grace and
mercy ."
The apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 12 teaches us about spiritual
gifts. In Corinthians 12:31 the church is instructed, "But
covet earnestly the best gifts; and yet show I unto you a
more excellent way." What is that more excellent way?
LOVE! Operating in all the spiritual gifts, faith to move
mountains, knowledge, giving all our money to the poor, being
a martyr, are of no profit if love is not in operation. Love
suffers long, is kind, is not envious, does not boast, and
is not proud. Love does not behave in a manner that is rude
and is not self-seeking. If we are operating in love we will
not be easily provoked and will keep no accounts of evil.
Love does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth.
Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things,
endures all things. Love never fails.
How many times have we failed and fallen short of God's glory?
However, God's love and mercy never fails us. Can you envision
a church that is not seeking spiritual gifts foremost, but
is seeking a closer walk with God? The closer we get in our
relationship with God, the more like Christ we will be. Then
the love of Christ in us will be felt by those to whom we
present the truth of the gospel. A church filled with the
love of Christ will be ready for revival, because the way
of love is the more excellent way, and never fails. Pray for
love to operate in your day to day walk so that as a body
of believers we come into one mind and one accord. 1 Corinthians
13:8, ". . . Charity never faileth"
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Wake Up America
by Sharon Long
We have become lazy! We want the Pastor to do our praying
for us. Isaiah 1:19 says, "If ye be willing and obedient,
ye shall eat the good of the land." Are you obeying God?
Are you fasting and praying for your family, friends, country,
and others for revival. 1 Timothy 2:8 says, "I will therefore
that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without
wrath and doubting."
Look at what is going on around us! Get mad at the devil.
Get in the position in God that you can bind the devil according
to Matthew 16:19. It takes obedience. 1 Samuel 15:22-23 (in
part) says, "(22) . . . Behold, to obey is better than
sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. (23) For rebellion
is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity
and idolatry. . . ."
What part of us are we giving in obedience to God? What part
are we sacrificing to God? Someone needs to take a stand for
God for our youth. The devil is not afraid and is taking his
stand against God's people. Romans 8:31 says, "What shall
we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be
against us?" Let's take back what the devil has stolen
from us and take more ground. Isaiah 59:1, "Behold, the
LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither
his ear heavy, that it cannot hear." God hears us and
he can deliver, so what are we waiting on? Second Corinthians
6:2 tells us that ". . . now is the accepted time; behold,
now is the day of salvation." It is time to stop playing,
and start praying and obeying God!
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August
Live the Life
by Pastor Kevin Badgley (adapted from sermon notes)
The anointing can be in a place, on people, on hankies, aprons,
etc. when God finds someone that will “live the life.”
When God cleanses you, the devil gets cast out; you aren’t
cast out of you.... Your old nature and mentality are still
there. God is not glorified by people who can’t pray
the prayer of faith, so grow in Christ, and “live the
life.”
John 10:17-18 says, “(17) Therefore doth my Father love
me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.
(18) No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself.
I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again.
This commandment have I received of my Father.”
You are bought with a price, so don’t use the liberty
of the Lord to have more time or a clear mind to go work more
in the world and worldly things. Our living sacrifice is reasonable
service to God. Don’t be conformed to this world and
you won’t be dependent on the world. Romans 12:1-2 says,
“(1) 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. (2)
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.” Let’s
prove what the will of God is, and let’s make God our
habitation (Psalm 91).
Matthew 10:37-39 says, “(37) He that loveth father or
mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth
son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. (38) And
he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not
worthy of me. (39) He that findeth his life shall lose it:
and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.”
We MUST take up the cross and follow him. Jesus is our example;
live the life.
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Are You a Lip Service Christian?
by Lynetta Johnson
The Bible talks about Christians that give lip service to
God. Mark 7:6, “He answered and said unto them, Well
hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written,
This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart
is far from me.” As Christians we are to serve God his
way.
One night while I was praying, God started dealing with me
about people who claim to be Christians. Yet, they don't go
to church, read the Bible, or obey it. They say they pray
every night, but all you hear out of them is gossip, cursing,
talking about who did them wrong, or what is wrong in their
life. They say, “All the bad things always happen to
me,” or, “Nothing ever goes right!!” . . .
which is the “poor pitiful Mes!” Some of them even
go to the riverboat for a “little enjoyment” and
spend the money that should be going to God on the things
of the Devil.
If you're a Christian, are praises going to God? Are you
thanking him for the very breath he has given you, or are
you griping, complaining that things aren't fair? It is so
frustrating as a Christian to watch people go to church, but
then do nothing for God. They never give a second thought
to the church service they just left. God says in James 4:17,
“Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth
it not, to him it is sin.” If you know what God’s
Word says and you're not doing it, then you are in sin and
God does not hear you. John 9:31 says, “Now we know that
God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of
God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.” The key here
is to do God’s will! God’s will is not for you to
moan and groan, or to keep hard feelings toward someone who
did you wrong years ago OR yesterday. He says forgive, and
if you don't forgive them God will not forgive you (Matthew
6:14-15). God wants a people who will serve God his way, not
the way you want. You can’t take a little of the Bible
here and there. He wants your whole heart.
It's not always fun; it's not always easy. As a matter of
fact, most of the time it's very hard because we feel like
we should have our rights. You have the rights God gave you,
and to serve God any other way but his way is of the devil.
You will never see heaven unless you repent.
The Bible says, “(36) But I say unto you, That every
idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof
in the day of judgment. (37) For by thy words thou shalt be
justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.”
Matthew 12:36-37.
If you want to be a Christian serve God his way, but don't
say you are and then live for the devil. You don’t have
to do anything extremely bad. You can just tell a lie, because
the devil is the father of all lies (John 8:44, use KJV).
Let's serve God the way his Word says to so that we can all
make heaven our home. The life of our family, friends, children,
this country, and this world depends on it.
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Nothing To Pay
by Danny Beggs
A few months ago while preparing a message for communion,
I began to see myself as I actually was. As I stood there
before Christ, seeking the Lord, I began to realize I wasn't
the person I thought I was.
Most people know they need salvation, but they still see
themselves as a pretty good person (Proverbs 14:12). When
we start seeing ourselves for what we really have (or have
not) been, we begin to see a clearer picture of what we are
without Christ. The Bible tells us that our own righteousness
is as filthy rags. In preparing my message this is how I could
see myself before Christ, the Holy One.
I had nothing to pay; I stood before Jesus with empty hands
and all my sins. He stood before me in all His righteousness
and glory, with the nail prints from Calvary still fresh in
his hands. I stood condemned, just like the two debtors (Luke
7:41-42); I had nothing to pay. However, when I reached out
to Jesus with my two empty hands, He didn't look to see how
dirty they were; He just took them in His nail pierced hands,
and I knew the debt was paid.
I had nothing to pay, but Jesus took my nothing and gave
me everything.
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Serving Through Love
by Cindy Willingham
Jesus was constantly helping and serving people. He sacrificed
himself every day to meet the needs of those around him.
When God created Adam and Eve, Adam was to take care of Eve
and she was to be his help mate. It wasn't until after the
fall that selfishness came. Pride, selfishness, lust, and
greed are characteristics of the Devil, not the Lord.
Our first witness of a servant's heart was in the garden
of Eden. When Eve was deceived in the garden, Adam chose to
identify with her in her sin. 1 Timothy 2:14 tells us that
Adam was not deceived. Before the fall, considering the other
one was the only way. After the fall everything was different.
That is why Jesus, our second witness, had to come and identify
with us in order to pull us up out of the miry clay.
Let's see how these two were similar. Adam, being put to
sleep, had his bride taken from his side. She was made of
the same thing he was, flesh and bone. She had three parts:
body, soul, and spirit. Jesus' bride was also taken from his
side when he was put to death. She was to be a spiritual being.
We are told in John 19:34, ". . . a spear pierced his
side, and forthwith came there out blood and water."
1 John 5:8 says, "And there are three that bear witness
in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these
three agree in one." The "one" is the bride
(Acts 1:8).
It takes the fire of the Holy Ghost to iron out the wrinkles
in our lives. It takes the washing of the water of the Word
every day to keep the spots out, and the blood of the covenant
to make us clean. How else can the bride be without spot or
wrinkle? So we see that the spiritual bride has three parts
to her also.
Jeremiah, a third witness, also had a servant's heart. He
truly had a heart of love and service for his fellow Jews.
Read Jeremiah 24 and 40:1-5.
We need to realize that we were born with a selfish nature.
It takes an act of God and an ongoing work of the Holy Ghost
to change us so that we become like Jesus. We must be willing
to serve others. Read John 15:15 and John 15:13.
Do you want to be used in this last great work and live in
the kingdom of God throughout eternity? Service through love
makes eternity different from this life of sorrow and grief.
That is the difference between Satan's kingdom of darkness
and God's kingdom of light.
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This Is It!
by Gail Redman
“Excuses mean nothing when millions are passing into
eternity without Jesus.” This sentence was taken from
the cover of Pentecostal Evangel. Think about the people that
are waiting on us to tell them about Jesus or perhaps invite
them to church. As someone once said, “Get on fire for
God and people will come and watch you burn!” As Christians,
we need to stir up the gift that is in us. We have the good
news of the gospel of Jesus Christ. As Pentecostal Christians,
we have the baptism of the Holy Ghost. The Word of God is
the sword of the Spirit, and is quick, and powerful, and sharper
than any twoedged sword. A preacher pointed out that it is
not how loud we shout at the enemy, but that we use the Word
of God. This is what Jesus did during the time in the wilderness
when he was tempted of the devil. Three times he told the
devil, “It is written....” As Christians, we need
to kick out unbelief and start acting like we believe what
the Word of God says. The next time the enemy whispers in
your ear a lie that conflicts with the Word of God, say, “Read
my lips. It is written.” Then start quoting scriptures
and let the devil know you mean business. We need to start
praising God for the wonders that we have experienced personally.
Continue to believe God for an increase of his presence in
our lives. We need to fall on our faces, humbled before the
King of Kings and intercede for the millions that are lost.
Prayer needs to go forth for the bands of wickedness to be
loosed so the oppressed can go free. THIS IS IT!!!!!!
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September
Perfect Love Casts Out Fear
by Gail Redman
The only type of fear that a Christian should have is the
fear of the Lord. Many scriptures support this. The type of
fear that we should have toward God is an awe and reverence.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and our days
will be prolonged if we fear the Lord (see Proverbs 9:10 &
10:27). Proverbs 14:26 says, "In the fear of the LORD
is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place
of refuge."
A fountain of life to depart from the snares of death is
a result of the fear of the Lord (see Proverbs 14:27). If
we fear the Lord, he is there to help and shield us (see Psalm
115:11). We will be blessed if we fear the Lord (see Psalm
ll5:13).
There are many other scriptures, but the above lets you recognize
the blessings involved with having a fear of God. However,
any fear that is not of God results in torment and a snare
(see Proverbs 29:25). Any one that has fear is not made perfect
in love (see 1 John 4:18).
There are many types of fear that plague man. Some are fear
of failure, rejection, man, loss, pain, death, heights, animals,
and water. We can be delivered of any type of fear that hinders
our walk with God. First we must recognize that fear is not
of God and is tormenting. Then we should confess our sin,
because fear is unbelief, results in bondage, and does not
come from God (see Matthew 8:26 & Roman 8:15). We can
then come boldly to the throne of God at an altar of prayer
petitioning God for deliverance from our bondage.
Christians should be overcomers and an example to those still
in darkness and unsaved. If we walk around in fear and unbelief,
why would an unbeliever want what we have? Start recognizing
fear for what it is, do not allow it to control your life,
and become the witness for Christ you are called to be.
**************************
1 John 4:16-18 says, "And we have known and believed
the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth
in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. Herein is our love
made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment:
because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear
in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath
torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love."
Jesus said in John 14:15, "If ye love me, keep my commandments."
That is plainly understood. Perfect love causes good communication.
Ask him to take away all fear but the fear of God in you.
Obey him, and he will do it! Do you fear the devil? You don't
have to! Memorize James 4:7: "Submit yourselves therefore
to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."
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Snared By the Words of Your Mouth
by Tina Poley
Are you aware that the words of your mouth can determine what
you get or don't get from God? Proverbs 6:2 says, "Thou
art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with
the words of thy mouth." The Hebrew word for "taken"
in this scripture means in a net, or in a trap.
Let's see how this trap applies to us. Let's say we have
a special need or desire (God said he'd give us the desire
of our heart.) The first thing we should do is pray and read
God's Word to see if our request is in line with God. In 1
Samuel 1:27, Hannah made a petition and she received her son.
Make your petition before God and then PRAISE GOD for it.
This may be difficult for some, but read Romans 4:17.
Whatever it is you are believing God for, whether it be a
healing, a spiritual need, a financial need, a lost loved
one, or whatever it may be, begin to praise God by faith in
advance for it.
When we have stepped out in faith and have believed God for
something that seems impossible, we feel good inside about
it. However, a few days may go by and sometimes you can't
see any results. Maybe a dear friend comes by and plants doubts
in your mind.
What is the first thing that comes out of your mouth? "I
know God can but what if . . .?" There you have it. The
words of your mouth have just shown God you have fear, doubt,
and unbelief. There is no faith in "what ifs" and
"buts." Matthew 13:58 says, "And he did not
many mighty works there because of their unbelief." Jesus
could not do many mighty works because of their unbelief!
Remember that fear, doubt, and unbelief are all backed by
the Devil. God backs faith. Refuse to speak negative things.
You may have negative thoughts, but rebuke them. Second Corinthians
10:4-5 says, "For the weapons of our warfare are not
carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong
holds; Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that
exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing
into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ."
Praise, praise, praise God for whatever you believe God for.
Refuse to let the words of your mouth prevent you from getting
all God has to offer you!
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The Love of Jesus Christ, (Part 1)
by Janey McAdoo
Have you ever counted yourself unworthy? Unworthy of salvation,
or worse still, unworthy of the love of Jesus Christ? Have
you ever said in your soul, "I am black . . . mine own
vineyard have I not kept." (Song of Solomon 1:5-6) The
blackness you felt inside was the stain of iniquity that you
somehow could not wash clean; even though you knew you were
born again; even though you felt your Savior near; even as
the Word of God promised you HE loved you . . . your emotions
still resembled the humbling verse of scripture quoted above.
Jesus Christ, knowing our wrestling with our own unworthiness,
has given us a true understanding of HIS love for us, although
we do not always recognize it. He makes it very clear just
one verse further in that same scripture. "Tell me, O
thou whom my soul loveth, where thou feedest, where thy makest
thy flock to rest at noon . . . If thou know not, O thou fairest
among women, go thy way forth by the footsteps of the flock,
and feed thy kids beside the shepherds’ tent." (Song
of Solomon 1:7-8)
In other words, “Where are you? Where do you spend your
time? I'd like to get to know you better. Where can I find
you? Please follow the flock of MY children, and make your
time by the shepherd's tent” (Jesus is also referred
to as the Shepherd).
Isn't it interesting to know that He beckons us to spend
time with Him; that He longs to form a solid relationship
with us? In Chapter 2, Verse 10, we see that there is understanding
that Jesus has beckoned to us. "My beloved (Jesus) spake
and said unto me, rise up, my love, my fair one, and come
away." He wants us to come away from the world, ourselves
and carnality to be with Him! What an invitation!
In the next verse Jesus lets us know that He delights in
seeing us AND hearing us pray. "O, my dove, that art
in the clefts of the rock, in the secret places of the stairs,
let me see thy countenance, let me hear thy voice, for sweet
is thy voice, and thy countenance is comely." Did you
know that when you pray with an honest and upright heart,
your voice is sweet in His ears? He also lets us know where
we stand with him, in the clefts of the rock. Every Christian,
every true, blood bought believer, should have faith in that
statement. Jesus holds us in the cleft of the rock--even though
at times it seems we are tossed about--if we are true to Him!
God be praised!
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The Old Nash
by Vona Koontz
In 1961 our old Nash car sprung a leak in the radiator, so
my husband Warren drove into a gas station for water. The
engine was off and the station attendant poured cold water
into the radiator, causing a crack in the motor’s block.
A couple mornings later I woke up and got my mind on how much
we needed our car.
The Lord began to impress me how he had put the iron ore
in the Cumberland and Blue Ridge Mountains that we had come
through two months before. After getting up for the day, and
with breakfast over, I suggested to Warren that we go out
and get water in the wash tub and believe God as we fill the
radiator. The water all ran out the crack in the block and
the tail pipe. So we just went back into our travel trailer
and sat down.
As soon as I was relaxed, the Lord spoke and said, “
I told YOU to do it.” How many times do we try to put
off on some one else what he has told us to do? So I said,
“I am going out and try it again.” Warren said,
“No use, the motor is so water logged by now, it probably
won’t even start, and if it does start, you can’t
keep it running because you have got to keep your foot on
the gas pedal.” Now I had more doubt and unbelief to
deal with. I made up my mind it was God and went right out
and carried water and filled the wash tub, and got the dipper
ready to pour water. The motor started right off. An empty
pop case was sitting there with one empty bottle in it. I
set it on the gas pedal and the motor kept running. Then I
poured the water and began to look for the radiator to fill
and it did. I then looked at the block and tail pipe and there
was no water running out. Glory to God! [Submitted by Vona
Koontz, an evangelist.]
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Looking Back? Don't!
by Pastor Kevin Badgley (adapted from sermon notes)
Luke 9:62 says, “And Jesus said unto him, No man, having
put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the
kingdom of God.” Why look back? Is it because of sentimentality
or the “good old days?” Remember Lot’s wife!
We have exceeding great and precious promises to look forward
to. Press toward the mark of the prize of the high calling.
Philippians 3:13-14 says, “Brethren, I count not myself
to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those
things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things
which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of
the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Irresponsibility
is a form of rebellion. We have a heavenly calling to fulfill.
Take on the reputation of Christ.
Hard times break you. When we have bad times we may daydream
back to the good times-where the past is “locked in.”
Quit looking back; endure the war; remember Lot’s wife.
You can’t press in if you are constantly looking back.
Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the substance of things
hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
Read Ezekiel 29:14. Egypt became a base kingdom, yet generations
later Israel still looked back to Egypt as a confidence. God
will destroy the confidences. We want something to fall back
on and some even have a “plan” to backslide and
not go on in Jesus.
Covetousness is idolatry. Athens was advanced but was wholly
given over to idolatry. Paul’s heart was stirred at the
poverty of their souls. They had made an altar to the unknown
God. In Matthew 16:26 it says, “For what is a man profited,
if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or
what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?”
You can’t go too deep in the Lord. You must have faith
and confidence in the Lord. To grow in God we have to burn
bridges, shut doors, and go on in God. In Mark 10:24 the disciples
were astonished how hard it would be for a rich man to enter
heaven. The rich young ruler turned away sorrowful because
he trusted in his riches. If you trust in any thing more than
in God, it is sin to you; keep priorities right.
In Luke 12:15 we read, “And he said unto them, Take
heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth
not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.”
Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek ye first the kingdom of
God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be
added unto you.” Live for God and make him your confidence.
Go straight on to God, and don’t look back.
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October
Escape Corruption
by Pastor Kevin Badgley (adapted from sermon notes)
Second Peter 1:4 says we have exceeding great and precious
promises and that we can escape the corruption that is in
the world. Read 1 Corinthians. 15:53-54. John 8:36 says, “If
the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.”
We are corrupted through lust, so get rid of the lust. 1 Peter
2:11, “Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and
pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the
soul;”
Things that I used to have affection for are like gravel
to me now. Luke 16:13-15 says we can’t serve two masters.
You will love the one and hate the other.
Matthew 26:41 says, “Watch and pray, that ye enter not
into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh
is weak.” Let’s get our priorities straight. Some
use Luke 19:13 that says, “. . . Occupy till I come.”
as an excuse to goof off. Can we justify ourselves with God?
No. We don’t need enticing words of man’s wisdom,
but the demonstration of the power of God. We are to be perfect
as our Father in heaven is perfect. We are the servants of
the most high God. Come to Jesus and get to the place you
can say as he did that the prince of this world had nothing
in him (John 14:30).
We need God. Many are in need and don’t know it. Rev.
3:17, “Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased
with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that
thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and
naked:” Luke 10:19 promises us power over all the power
of the enemy and John 4:14 says if we drink of the water Jesus
gives, we will never thirst. God has unlimited power; don’t
limit Him (Psalm 78:41). People are scared to die to sin and
weights and be resurrected in Christ. We see the hopelessness
of the world but we must pray through to discern how to do
something about it.
John 15:19 says, “If ye were of the world, the world
would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but
I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth
you.” Expect trouble from the world and from church folk,
Christians that are still carnal. Ephesians 2:19 says, “Now
therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow
citizens with the saints, and of the household of God;”
That is a supernatural thing. Don’t just co-exist with
the world. We have the power to be aggressive against the
devil. Occupy in the Spirit. We are on our way to that place
in God! Revival is at the door.
Hebrews 12:1-2, “(1) Wherefore seeing we also are compassed
about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside
every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and
let us run with patience the race that is set before us, (2)
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who
for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising
the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne
of God.”
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The Love of Jesus Christ, (Part 2)
by Janey McAdoo
Last month it was shown in the book of Song of Solomon how
much Jesus loves us and how He longs for a personal relationship
with us. This month we delve even further to learn of the
unmerited love of Christ.
In Chapter 3, Verse 1-3, we see what happens when we do not
pray or study God's Word as we should: “I [Jesus] sought
him whom my soul loveth [us]: I sought him, but I found him
not. I will rise now, and go about the city in the streets,
and in the broad ways I will seek him whom my soul loveth:
I sought him but I found him not. The watchmen [angels] that
go about the city found me: to whom I said, Saw ye him whom
my soul loveth?” Jesus looks for us! He looks for us,
but cannot find us! He is longing to speak with us, but we
have our heart somewhere else! If only we could remember this
scripture when we forget to pray! If only we really grasped
how He longs to be with us!
In Chapter 5, Verse 5-8, we see more of what happens in this
same situation: “I rose up to open to my beloved [Jesus
sees you coming to Him in prayer]; and my hands dropped with
myrrh [or gifts/blessings], . . . I opened to my beloved;
but my beloved had withdrawn himself, and was gone [we pray
until we're almost there, then we stop]: . . . I sought him,
but I could not find him; I called him, but he gave no answer.
The watchmen that went about the city found me, they smote
me, they wounded me [They parted Jesus' lots among themselves].
I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem, if ye find my beloved,
that ye tell him, that I am sick of love.” As you see
the crucifixion being portrayed in this portion of scripture,
remember how He spake, “. . . Father forgive them, for
they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34) In other words,
“I am sick of love.” So we see, when He called us
and we did not answer, the crucifixion occurred. Should we
be concerned that He may still feel the nails every time we
do not answer His calls to be with us? YES! Are we making
Jesus literally sick with love?
John 15:16 says, “. . . Ye have not chosen me, but I
have chosen you. . . .” In Song of Solomon 6:1 &
2, we see that Jesus, still in His infinite love, decides
to come to us: “Whither is thy beloved gone? . . . My
beloved [us] is gone down into his garden, to the beds of
spices, to feed in the gardens, and to gather lilies [He sees
you tending to your garden--whether spiritual or carnal].
In Verse 3 we see excitement; Jesus proclaiming as He sees
you in the garden, “I am my beloved’s, and my beloved
is mine. . . .” In Verse 11, Jesus comes to our spiritual
garden to see if we are bearing fruit. “I went down into
the garden of nuts to see the fruits of the valley, and to
see whether the vine flourished, and the pomegranates budded.”
We must realize that Jesus is looking at the fruit of our
labor. How it must break His heart when there is none!
In Chapter 7, Verse 12, we see Jesus politely asking, “Let
us get up early to the vineyards; let us see if the vine flourish,
whether the tender grape appear, and the pomegranates bud
forth: there will I give thee my loves.” In other words,
tend to your spiritual garden. Give your time to Jesus, and
then he will richly bless you.”
In Chapter 8, Verse 6, Jesus states to us, “Set me as
a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love
is strong as death [Jesus' love for you was STRONGER than
death]; jealousy is cruel as the grave. . . .” In other
words, do you provoke your God to jealousy? (See 1 Kings 14:22)
Exodus 20:5 says, “. . . for I the LORD thy God am a
jealous God. . . .” “Thou shalt have no other Gods
before me.” (Exodus 20:3) He wants us to set Him as a
seal upon our hearts!
In Chapter 8, Verse 7, Jesus lets us know: “Many waters
cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it.” Jesus
loves us more than we can comprehend. He desires that love
from us. He doesn't demand it; he longs for it! Isn't it time
we gave to the Lord? Isn't it time that we bless our God?
Isn't it time to stop taking Jesus Christ for granted? Oh,
to be more like HIM!
*[author’s explanation]
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November
Grow Up!
by Dianna Miller
I have something I'd like to share with you that's been on
my heart for quite some time now. I have to be honest and
say I was caught up in this myself at one time, but I praise
God for what He has brought me out of and what He is teaching
me. The subject I would like to discuss is our fellow Christians
in the church.
When we feel that someone is not doing right, how are we
handling it? Are we pulling other people in the church aside
to tell them how we feel about the situation, or calling people
on the phone to discuss it? Without realizing it, you could
be a tool of the devil by letting him sow discord among brethren
(see Proverbs 6:16-19). What kind of witness is this for Christ?
Does it please God when we talk about our brethren in the
Lord? I don't care if it's true or not, what does the Bible
say to do? Our first priority as a Christian is to desire
to please God and obey His Word. I can truthfully say when
you are caught up in this thing you are not being obedient
to God's Word. Ask yourself, "Did Jesus do this while
he was on this earth?" No! His goal was to do the work
that His Father sent Him to do, and that is to heal the sick,
raise the dead, cast out devils, and most of all, to win souls
for the kingdom of God. What does the Word of God say about
it?
Let's first look at James 5:9: "Grudge not one against
another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge
standeth before the door." In other words, do not murmur
and complain about people in the church who you think are
not doing right. Take it to God in prayer. Do not give place
to the devil by talking about the problem or even harboring
hard feelings toward a person. In James 4:11 it says, "Speak
not evil one of another, brethren. . . ." When we allow
ourselves to be used by the devil in this area we are not
walking in the Spirit. We are walking in self. We are walking
in carnal thinking. You may say, "Well, you don't know
what that person did" or "You don't know what he
said to me" or "After all, the church isn't right
you know."
Well, I've got news for you. . . . Get over it! Be careful
that you aren't really making a bigger issue out of it than
it really is. Believe me, that’s the devil's job so he
can get people to quit church and quit serving God. What are
we doing for God? Do we blame others because we aren't where
we should be? You say, "Well, that doesn’t support
me" or "They are hindering me because they aren’t
doing right". Who is hindering who? When we fail to obey
God's Word ourselves we are actually backslid in our hearts
toward God. We have become like the Scribes and Pharisees
in the Bible by always finding fault in the church. In Matthew
15:8 it says, "This people draweth nigh unto me with
their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart
is far from me."
James 3:10 says, "Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing
and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be."
How can you talk about people in the church in one breath
and praise God in another? Something's not right! God loves
you but you cannot make heaven with this loveless attitude
or with unforgiveness in your heart. If a brother or a sister
in the Lord has offended you in any way, what does the Bible
say to do? Matthew 18:15 says, ". . . if thy brother
shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between
thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained
thy brother." Do not give place to the devil by holding
hard feelings against that person and then talking about that
person to other people. This is not obeying God's Word; this
is following your flesh. Ask yourself what you will tell God
when you stand before Him on the Day of Judgment. What will
He say to you?
"Let's get right or be left," as a song says. Don't
be so proud that you don't pray and ask God to forgive you
for any wrong attitudes that you have or wrongs that you have
done. Get your eyes off of man and on God now, today, before
it's too late. Psalm 51:10 says, "Create in me a clean
heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me." Psalms
51:17 says, "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit:
a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise."
There is a saying that the teachers sometimes tell a child
when he or she is always wanting to tattle on another: "Who
are you supposed to worry about?" Let’s make sure
our hearts are right so we can make heaven. When we pray,
God will take care of the rest. It’s not worth losing
our salvation over. It’s not worth losing our joy over.
Now let’s go ON for God. Let’s get our hearts right
so we can do what we are supposed to do as Christians —
win souls for Christ. Let’s grow up!
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It Takes a Miracle!
by Pastor Kevin Badgley, (adapted from sermon notes)
John 4:48 says, “Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye
see signs and wonders, ye will not believe.” We believe
for our salvation without seeing it. Why can’t we believe
God for miracles? John 20:29 says, “Jesus saith unto
him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed:
blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.”
In Mark 16, Jesus said signs will follow them that believe.
1 Corinthians 12:28 lists things that God has set in the church,
and miracles are on that list. God has made us dependent on
miracles. “And God hath set some in the church, first
apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that
miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities
of tongues.”
Noah depended on miracles. His family cooperated for 100
years (think about that)! God spoke to the animals to come
and load up. That was a miracle. It takes a miracle to save
people. Joshua had to have a miracle, so God stopped the moon
and the sun. The Bible says in Joshua 10:13-14, “ And
the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the people
had avenged themselves upon their enemies. Is not this written
in the book of Jasher? So the sun stood still in the midst
of heaven, and hasted not to go down about a whole day. And
there was no day like that before it or after it, that the
Lord hearkened unto the voice of a man: for the Lord fought
for Israel.” Moses had a miracle at the Red Sea and many
other times. Matthew 8:13 says, “And Jesus said unto
the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be
it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame
hour.”
Accept nothing less than perfection in the Lord! It is normal
for Christians to be in need of miracles. Miracles are extraordinary,
not normal. When Elijah needed food, he did not run to the
Salvation Army. Ravens brought him good food; they usually
bring road kill!
What about PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE? Instead of having sicknesses
or diseases, we must pray and believe. We must sanctify ourselves
and get rid of unbelief, because faith touches God. Expect
a miracle! Let go and believe God for miracles! Jeremiah 32:27
says, “Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is
there any thing too hard for me?” Jesus became a man
and overcame the flesh, the world, and the devil. We have
got to do the same! John 16:33 says, “These things I
have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the
world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have
overcome the world.”
1 John 5:4 says, “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh
the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world,
even our faith.” Our trouble is unbelief. Peter and John
prayed for the lame man and he was healed. Acts 3:6 says,
“Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such
as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth
rise up and walk.” Peter walked on the water to Jesus
(see Matthew 14:29). Man’s substitute for that is insurance,
life preservers, artificial respiration . . . When all else
fails, they try God. Let’s believe God and trust the
blood of Jesus.
God holds your breath and Jesus is the life, light, door,
and the resurrection! Job 22:28 says, “Thou shalt also
decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and
the light shall shine upon thy ways.” God still does
miracles today through those who live holy and will believe
him to do it!
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Having No Part Dark
by Sharon Cromwell
Jesus is the light and John 1:9 says, “That was the true
Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.”
Matthew 5:14 tells us that we are the light of the world also.
Mark 4:2 says, “And he said unto them, Is a candle brought
to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set
on a candlestick?” Do you know what will happen if you
put a lit candle under a bed or bushel basket? It certainly
would not allow light to shine and give light to all in the
house as Jesus intended in Matthew 5:15-16! Jesus said, “Let
your light so shine before men, that they may see your good
works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
We are supposed to show Christ to the world. “To open
their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from
the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness
of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by
faith that is in me.” Acts 26:18.
Luke 11:36 says, “If thy whole body therefore be full
of light, having no part dark, the whole shall be full of
light, as when the bright shining of a candle doth give thee
light.”
Look at Matthew 6:22-23: “The light of the body is the
eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall
be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body
shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is
in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!” SO,
how much of you have you let the Lord have? The righteous
shall shine as the sun in the kingdom of their Father (see
Matthew 13:43). Can we really be 100%? If this flesh walks
in the power of the Spirit of God, it is possible. Jesus was
without spot or blemish and wants His church to be the same
way. It takes a daily cleansing.
We are admonished in Ephesians 4:27: “Neither give place
to the devil.” Remember and heed the FIRST of the basic
ten commandments repeated in Mark 12:30, “And thou shalt
love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy
soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this
is the first commandment.”
Luke 11:33 says, “No man, when he hath lighted a candle,
putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but
on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light.”
Matthew 5:15 says, “. . . and it giveth light unto all
that are in the house.”
Go and shine for Jesus!
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December
Vow and Pay
by Pastor Kevin Badgley
(preached 12/24/97)
GOD KEEPS PROMISES! He does not forget what he has said and
he does not forget what WE say. You can read Psalm 15:1-5
which tells us who shall dwell in God’s holy hill. Verse
2 says it is: "He that walketh uprightly, and worketh
righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart."
A vow is a promise to God. You make a commitment. A vow is
an act of faith. A vow is a very important thing. A vow is
your word, a part of your life. If you break a vow you fall
into confusion.
Some instances of vows require that you SAY what you are
going to do! BUT be careful what you SAY. Don’t use the
name of the Lord in vain. Luke 12:48, ". . . For unto
whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required:.
. . ." Mat. 12:37, "For by thy words thou shalt
be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned."
Mat. 12:36, "But I say unto you, That every idle word
that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the
day of judgment." You can be cursed because of you words.
Ecclesiastes 5:2 says, "Be not rash with thy mouth,
and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before
God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore
let thy words be few." Ecclesiastes 5:4-6 says, "When
thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath
no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed. (5)
Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest
vow and not pay. (6) Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh
to sin; neither say thou before the angel, that it was an
error: wherefore should God be angry at thy voice, and destroy
the work of thine hands?"
Defer not means neglect not. Keep the appointments you make
with the Lord. Deuteronomy 23:21, "When thou shalt vow
a vow unto the LORD thy God, thou shalt not slack to pay it:
for the LORD thy God will surely require it of thee; and it
would be sin in thee." The church (individuals and as
a whole) needs to pay its vows so the Lord will hear their
cry.
If you don’t make a vow, it is not a sin to you. When
you do make a vow the devil fights extra hard to keep you
from keeping the vow. Deuteronomy. 23:23, That which is gone
out of thy lips thou shalt keep and perform; even a freewill
offering, according as thou hast vowed unto the LORD thy God,
which thou hast promised with thy mouth."
Luke 6:45 says, "A good man out of the good treasure
of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil
man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that
which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth
speaketh."
REMEMBER: GOD KEEPS PROMISES! He does not forget what he
has said and HE DOES NOT FORGET WHAT WE SAY, so Vow and keep
it or say nothing!!!
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A Joyous Christmas Carol
by Sharon Cromwell
Isaac Watts was only five foot tall and pockmarked, but stature
and physical appearance is not a factor in the measure you
can please God. In 1719 Isaac Watts sat under a tree near
London, England and wrote the hymn, “Joy to the World.”
This hymn is based on Psalm 98. In 1836 Lowell Mason rearranged
part of George F. Handel’s composition, “The Messiah,”
and thus we have the tune for “Joy to the World.”
Neither the writer nor the composer for this hymn imagined
that “Joy to the World” would become a popular and
loved Christmas Carol.
We must realize, as we enjoy singing carols this season,
that our joy and our praise to the King of Kings is appropriate
at ALL times, not just during the holiday season. In Luke
2:10 the angel said, “. . . behold, I bring you good
tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.”
Our rejoicing that the King and Savior is born is not complete
until we accept Him as the one who forgives our sins. God
promised a saviour would be born. However, it was on the cross
that Jesus said “It is finished.” (See John 19:30.)
Jesus was born for a purpose. 1 John 3:8 says, “He that
committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from
the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested,
that he might destroy the works of the devil.”
The angel spoke of great joy to all people. Because Jesus
was born, lived obedient to God’s will for his life,
and died according to God’s plan for our salvation, we
have joy unspeakable (1 Peter 1:8). Our joy goes further than
the wonderful knowledge that we will escape going to hell
if we continue in Christ. Romans 14:17 says, “For the
kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and
peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.” First Thessalonians
5:16 tells us to, “Rejoice evermore.” In John 16:24
Jesus said, “Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name:
ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.”
God has provided a joyful way for us to give back to him.
Let’s do a work for Christ, pleasing him not only during
the time people celebrate his birth, but always.
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Fear of Rejection
by Gail Redman
Several years ago the Lord revealed to me that I had a fear
of rejection. I publicly testified and the Lord told me that
if I went to be prayed for, I would be delivered of this fear.
I was shown that I approached God in the same way I approached
man.
If I did not feel His presence, I assumed I had done something
to cause Him to abandon me. Man fails and falls short, but
God never leaves us or forsakes us. Jesus knew what was in
man. John 2:24-25 tells us, “But Jesus did not commit
himself unto them, because he knew all men, And needed not
that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.”
In a teaching tape I listened to, it was pointed out that
Jesus takes it personally when someone rejects you. This is
supported in the Bible in Luke 10:16, “He that heareth
you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and
he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me.” It
stated that the best way to get over rejection is to forgive
the person who rejects you.
All of us offend in many ways. Most people do not wake up
with the intention of trying to offend as many people as they
can in one day! However, many times someone is offended by
and individual that just has an opposing opinion. Neither
individual may necessarily be wrong.
People quit serving God because of offenses that have occurred
within the church. Just because we become Christians does
not mean that we will not be wounded by a fellow believer.
The wounds inflicted by a fellow Christian dig much deeper
than by a sinner. We must forgive those that offend us. If
we do not forgive, a root of bitterness will take over our
thoughts. Our heart must not be hardened to the love of Christ
that heals all our hurts.
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Are You Rejected, Depressed, or Lonely?
by Sharon Cromwell
Jesus loves YOU. I have heard that during the holiday season
there is more risk of suicide than any other time. Words often
associated with “holiday” are vacation, furlough,
celebration, fun, friends, and family. Sometimes severe loss,
changes, fears, doubts, or feelings of hopelessness will come
into your life, but Jesus never changes. We have no excuse
to sin, no matter what comes our way. On earth, Jesus was
tempted like we are now, and he did not sin (see Hebrews 4:15).
Jesus has promised us a way of escape (see 1 Corinthians 10:13).
Suicide is sin; suicide is murder. Matthew 19:18 tells us,
“. . . Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder. . . .”
Isaiah 53:3 tells us that Jesus was, “. . . despised
and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with
grief. . . .” Verse 5 says, “. . . he was wounded
for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities:
the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes
we are healed.”
YOU ARE LOVED! While we were yet sinners, Jesus died for
us! That is love! Jesus suffered in our place on the cross!
Isaiah 53:6 tells us that we have gone astray and turned to
our own way, even though the Lord God has laid our iniquity
upon His Son Jesus for us. Further on Verse 12 lets us know
that Jesus bore the sin of many and made intercession for
the transgressors! Jesus died, but he AROSE and is now making
intercession for us to God in heaven.
We have a way of escape. Jesus is our hope, the truth, the
life, and the way to eternal life. Jesus paid the price for
our salvation and healing. Call upon him in prayer for forgiveness
of sins. Then ask him for healing and deliverance from your
trouble. Ask him to replace your fear and doubt with peace.
Ask him for the comfort you need in your distress. Jesus knows,
Jesus cares, and Jesus will hear you if you repent of sin
(see John 9:31). A heart free of sin will have hope, love,
joy, peace, and faith in God. Romans 6:23 says, “For
the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal
life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
There is no time in eternity; eternity is everlasting. However,
we must live one day at a time here on earth. We will be judged
according to our deeds at the end of this life. Commit your
life to Christ, live every day for Him, and it won’t
be long till you will see him and live with Him forever! That’s
joy!
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Living Hope Fellowship, Inc
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