“Deceived Unto Death”

Deceived Unto Death!

I awakened by The Spirit this morning and was given the following to speak to The Body about this very URGENT need to rightly “Discern” the “things” that are being passed off as to be things of “Christ”.

There is a saying that’s been around a little while that we are to “eat the whole chicken and then spit out the bones”, and that saying has been used a LOT in matters concerning “The New Things” that are happening with in The Body of Christ. We heard it an awful lot during the “Lakeland Revival”, and those in “Leadership” told the Body to do that any time they are pushing something “different.

Without getting into a lengthy discussion on the “Lakeland Revival” and the eventual demise of it, it is necessary that we look into this teaching of “eating the whole thing and spitting out the bones”

The Plumbline of God is the ONLY place that we should “measure” ALL teachings by. We are to just “Blindly go by” the teachings of people because of a “Title” or that they are “Over’ some “Large Network” of “Apostles and Prophets”, or from some “large mainstream denomination.

In 3 of the 4 Gospels, Yahushua tells us “ many will come in My name, BUT, do not believe them!!” [Paraphrase mine- Matt.24:5, Mark13:6, Luke21:8]

I want to tell you a story, a “parable of sorts”.
There was a young wolf that found himself to be very hungry, for it was a hard cold winter. The scenery was pretty to many people, BUT to the wolf, it was the cause of hardship. Food was in very short supply. One day while out hunting he got the “scent of blood” and took of to find it. He was so hungry and “starved”, that he took of without thinking of anything but to get “to the food”. After quite a rough little trip, the little wolf got to his “prey” and found what he thought to be food. After all, it looked like a bone that had fresh blood and even a little bit of meat. The wolf started lapping on the “bone” and the more he lapped the “better it tasted”. Little did he know, that the bone was a “Popsicle of death”, a very sharp knife, dipped in blood and frozen just for him. As the wolf lapped on the “bone” it was soon his own blood he was tasting, and soon his own “desire” for this “food” led him to his death.

In Paul’s letter to the Church at Thessalonica, he gives them many warnings, especially in chapter 5. The first SEVERAL verse speak to be careful of those who come in to the fold, and then Paul tells them these words that most have heard over and over, yet miss the meaning because they miss the “whole context” of the letter in chapter 5.

1 Thessalonians 5:21-23 (King James Version)
21Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
22Abstain from all appearance of evil.
23And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray    God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I want to address these 3 verses in the context of Paul’s writing and then make it applicable to these claims of “eating the chicken and spitting out the bones”.
Verse 21 tells us very clearly to “Prove all things”, which is to test by the written Word of God and By The Holy Spirit using discernment. The word “all” in the Greek means exactly that, “ALL, the whole of a thing, all forms of declension”. Just because it may have the “endorsement of someone” or the backing of some “network”, doesn’t mean that we should “blindly accept it”, to be the “truth”. The second part of that verse says, “hold fast that which is good”. Beloved the ONLY way to KNOW something to be good is to know it to be GOD! “My sheep KNOW My voice”
Verse 22 says,  “Abstain from all appearance of evil”. The problem here is, evil can come in many forms, even in the form of a tasty, blood soaked “Popsicle of death”. Notice the word “ALL” is used again and is directed to the word “Appearance”, which in the Greek means, ” a view, ie; FORM, fashion, shape or sight”.
Read these words to Timothy from Paul;

2 Timothy 3:4-6 (King James Version)

4Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

5Having a FORM of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

6For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,

Notice verse 5, that these people have a “FORM” of godliness.

Now back to the text of 1 Thess.5 and looking at verse 23;
Paul tells them as he starts to pray for them, that “the very God of peace sanctify you wholly”.  Beloved, as we run to these “New Things”, one of the first things we should have in our “spirit man”, especially if we are “Born Again” and Living by The Spirit, is “peace”. The kind of peace given to us by “the very God of peace”. If you have an uneasy feeling about something, you should “Prove ALL things”. Just because it looks good, sounds good, and may even “taste good”, doesn’t mean that you should “eat the chicken and then spit out the bones later”. Just like the hungry wolf, for him, “later was TOO LATE”. He had been “Deceived unto Death”.
Any good “Vet” will tell you “don’t give chicken bones to your dog, because they splinter easy and could choke them to death, lodged in their throat”.
Beloved, DO NOT go around eating “the whole chicken”, it could be a            “Popsicle of Death”!!

LBOLM is on the “air”

I am pleased to announce that we are now broadcasting our weekly meetings over the internet now on LiveStream. The link for that is;

http://www.livestream.com/livingbreadoflife

 As we strive to reach out to wider opportunities of ministry, it is our prayer that many will be touched by the teachings and revelations given by The Holy Spirit. We pray that you will be blessed by these and the many more to come.

You may access these videos from the link and the “page” bar on the site at any time, also.

What is going on at MorningStar?

This is a MUST SEE video, and it saddens me that things have gotten to this.

http://www.youtube.com/v/_rwzbcMXpSQ&amp;hl=en_US&amp;fs=1&amp;”></param><param

Some thoughts on Haiti.

I know that the “popular thing” to do right now is rush down to Haiti and help out. YES, as Christians we should. BUT. what then?
The headlines on MSN.com say that the U.S. is taking the lead in the effort to “aid” this country. BUT, what then?

“I am weary with repenting”, saith The Lord [ Jeremiah 15:6 ]

TRUE healing for Haiti can ONLY come from YAHWEH, whom they have rejected. For over 200 years ago, Voodoo and witchcraft became a main source of power for Haiti, and the current leader has declared it a “religion” acceptable for Haiti. When ANY “king” seeks power from any source but YAHWEH, then scripture is clear of the outcome. People who can’t see God The Father in this, had better WAKE UP. HOW LONG, O LORD, will you put up with a rebel who runs to and fro?

Look Up, you who call yourself Christian, but are not! Your redeemer draws closer. And His Judgement as well!!
The U.S. has a leader who says we are not a nation of Christians. The SAD fact is, he is close to being right. For many have forgone the truth, and run after the things of the world. Calling themself Christian, yet denying the very power there of.
YES, run to Haiti and help those in need. BUT, run with God The Father, as the Healer and Truth. Yes give them food and water, clothing and shelter. BUT, give them The Bread of Life along with The Waters, that they may never hunger or thirst again. Bind up the wound of those who are hurt, BUT release The Healing power of God on the sick. Give them THE TRUTH!! Less we too fall into the snares of the enemy.

Abstinence. It’s Good For What “Ails” You!

 

 

 

Abstinence. It’s Good For What “Ails” You !

Let’s set the record straight to start with!! This isn’t ENTIRELY about “pre-marital” sex. As a matter of fact, it is more about what The Word of God says about “Abstain”

Our central text comes from 1 Thessalonians 5 and read like this;
21Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
22Abstain from all appearance of evil.
23And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The word “abstain” is a New Testament word and doesn’t appear in the OT when you research it out. BUT, by it’s very meaning, Abstain, is mentioned throughout the whole Word of God. Let’s look at what Webster’s Dictionary says about “Abstain”.
Definitions: Abstain
Abstain
Verb
1. Refrain from voting.
2. Choose to refrain; “I abstain from alcohol”.
Source: Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. Copyright © 2001 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.

Date “abstain” was first used in popular English literature: sometime before 1010. (references)

Synonyms: Abstain
Synonyms: desist (v), refrain (v). (additional references)
Antonym: consume (v). (additional references)
Top

Synonyms within Context: Abstain
Context Synonyms within Context (source: adapted from Roget’s Thesaurus).
Absence of Choice Verb: be neutral; Adjective: have no choice, have no election; waive, not vote; abstain from voting, refrain from voting; leave undecided; “make a virtue of necessity”.
Avoidance Verb: abstain, refrain, spare, not attempt; not do; maintain the even tenor of one’s way.
Disuse Verb: not use; do without, dispense with, let alone, not touch, forbear, abstain, spare, waive, neglect; keep back, reserve. lay up, lay by, lay on the shelf, keep on the shelf,lay up in ordinary; lay up in a napkin; shelve; set aside, put aside, lay aside; disuse, leave off, have done with; supersede; discard; (eject); dismiss, give warning.
Inaction Verb: not do, not act, not attempt; be inactive; abstain from doing, do nothing, hold, spare; not stir, not move, not lift a finger, not lift a foot, not lift a peg; fold one’s arms, fold one’s hands; leave alone, let alone; let be, let pass, let things take their course, let it have its way, let well alone, let well enough alone; quieta non movere; stare super antiquas vias; rest and be thankful, live and let live; lie rest upon one’s oars; laisser aller, faire; stand aloof; refrain; (avoid) keep oneself from doing; remit one’s efforts, relax one’s efforts; desist; (relinquish); stop; (cease); pause; (be quiet).
Temperance Verb: be temperate; Adjective: abstain, forbear, refrain, deny oneself, spare,swear off.

As you can tell, Abstain can be summed up with one word, refrain. To simply “Not do” or “Stay away from”.

In the context of Biblical Scripture, Abstain is most often used in that vernacular.
The problem with most people is they are of a “rebellious spirit”, and they often look at “abstinence” in the wrong way and call it “Legalism” , “out of date”, or for most Christians, “not under the New Covenant” as in reference to “Grace”.

When we look at what is sin and what isn’t, there are many varied opinions.
One of the most quoted explanations is “sin is anything that comes between you and God”. This definition is really very simple, but it really can be misinterpreted as well.

I am going to take the “Dietary Laws of God” for an example. Just for those who don’t know it, “The Dietary Laws of God” is a term given to “thou shall not eat…”.
This really is a confusing statement to many people, BUT, in today’s modern “scientific” world, one should easily understand why God said “thou shall not eat ….”. God, who is infinitely wiser than any man ever has been or will be, simply knew what’s best for us. After all, The Creator, would know how He created these things, right? So, He would know whether, say, pork, shellfish, bottom feeding fish, or “buzzards” would be good for us to eat. SO, when He said don’t eat them, it wasn’t so He could give us a bunch of rules to live by, as some try to claim. It was simply because He knew and still knows, what is best for us. For one to claim that these are a “Law of God” and by not keeping it, you will go to hell, WELL, that’s simply not the truth. You will probably die a lot quicker, by not eating good healthy food, that God made for us and gave us to eat, BUT, eating these things isn’t going to send you to hell.
We are to “Abstain” from these things for our own good. God, the Father, knows best!!

When we look at the simplest meaning of “Abstain”, it is really hard to misunderstand it, from a purely Biblical sense.
We are to “hold on to the good things” of God, and “Abstain” refrain or stay away, do not do, “those things” which are bad for us.
When we do that, we begin to become the “New Creature”, who has died to our “fleshly, lustful ways” and have been “Crucified with Christ”, “Born Again, Resurrected” into the Child of God, that a Loving, Caring, Merciful, and yes, even Graceful, God would be proud of. As parents, it should be easy for us to understand how God The Father, wants what is best for His Children.
ABSTAIN from anything that would keep us from standing before YHWH and having him say, “Well done!”

Here are ALL six[6] times that the word “Abstain” appears in the KJV of the Bible!

Acts 15:20
But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.
Acts 15:29
That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.
1 Thessalonians 4:3
For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:
1 Thessalonians 5:22
Abstain from all appearance of evil.
1 Timothy 4:3
Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.
1 Peter 2:11
Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;

A Man After God’s Own Heart !

A Man After God’s Own Heart!!

 [Sermon Notes from 10-24-09]

There have been many different views of the saying that David was a man “after God’s own heart”. Most teach that it was about the “heart of Worship”, which is derived from the fact of David’s worship, musically of YHWH. Some conclude it to be from the time spent in the hillside as a shepherd. What ever you believe from these two may be the truth, BUT, I want to share with you another look at “David, A man after God’s own heart”.

 

Turn in your Bibles to 1Samuel 24.

Here we find David on the run from King Saul, for as we know from previous scripture, that King Saul had a “spirit” enter him, a “spirit of jealousy” or a “spirit of fear”, driven by “jealousy”. David had become famous in the sight of the people of Israel, because of his defeat of Goliath and the Philistines. Saul felt jealous, as David became more popular than he. Later, Saul sought to kill David. This is where we are with this story here in Chapter 24.

Here we find King Saul had went into a cave to rest himself. Little did he know that David and his men were in this same cave. David’s men began to tell him that God had delivered his enemy, Saul, into his hands. They edged David on to get justice by killing King Saul [ver 3&4] Then David arose and cut off the skirt of Saul’s robe.

NOW, listen to verse 5; “And it came to pass afterward, that David’s heart smote him, because he had cut off Saul’s skirt”.

David’s heart, [ his spirit man, conscience] began to trouble him for what he had done. David told his men that he should NOT do this thing to “my master”, The LORD’S anointed. David’s spirit would not let him kill his enemy.

Beloved, THIS is where David showed that he truly was a man “after God’s own heart”.

In Matthew 5, we find Yahushua, Christ Jesus, giving His famous sermon on the “BE Attitudes”.

 Here Jesus taught us to be “poor in spirit”, that is to say “humble”. David became humble when given the opportunity to kill Saul.

Jesus taught us that if we mourn, we shall be comforted. David’s heart was grieved because of what he had done and was considering doing to King Saul. David found comfort and strength, by not doing what he had all right to do.

Jesus taught us to “hunger and thirst after righteousness” [ Justice] David, in the flesh, had the right to go after and kill his enemy, BUT, the Heart of God is to love your enemy. That is TRUE righteousness.

Jesus taught us to be “merciful”, and in doing so, we would get mercy back. What you sow, is what you reap. If you sow hatred, you get hatred. If you sow love, you get love. David had the chance to sow something, death to an enemy or life to his own soul, by sowing mercy.

Jesus taught us to have a “pure heart”. Boy, that is a hard one, especially when someone is “out to get you”. David’s heart of vengeance was turned into the ” pure heart” of God, by showing love to an enemy, and forsaking the old thoughts of destruction for revenge and gaining the Heart of God, which is Love.

Jesus taught us to be “peacemakers, and they shall be called children of God”. David, knowing that though he had been chosen to be the future king of Israel, recognized that Saul was still The LORD’S anointed one. David became a peacemaker, by walking away from the chance to kill Saul. In doing so, David actually was fulfilling his destiny to be a “child of God” and into his “inheritance” as promised by God.

Jesus taught us that those who are persecuted and reviled by man, for HIS name sake, will be blessed. David certainly had been reviled and persecuted by King Saul, BUT, David knew “who he was and Whose he was”.  Upon discovering the truth of what had happened to him, King Saul recognized that David would become a great king over Israel.

Beloved, we are called to be “the Salt and Light of the earth” [Matt5 :13] If we are who we are called to be, Children of God, then we should strive to become known as a “man after God’s own heart”.

How many times in our own life do we feel that we have been done wrong?

How many times do we feel like “getting Justice”.

A friend of mine once said that, “many people want the God of Justice for someone else, BUT want the God of Mercy for ourselves”.

God’s heart is for us to pray for mercy for our enemy. Then we shall obtain the mercy we want. Then God’s Justice is fulfilled.

When someone has done you wrong, don’t “kill them” by lowering yourself to their standards by gossip, etc. Ask for mercy for them. Father, Forgive Them!!

Can we become like David? Can we get a pure heart? Can we give mercy? Can we become “poor in spirit” which is humble ourself?

When we start doing these things, THEN, maybe we can become known as a “man after God’s own heart”!!!!!!! 

I am angry!! Halloween on the Sabbath! Christians “trunk or treat”

I think I understand how Yahushua, Christ Jesus, felt upon entering the temple and seeing all the “moneychangers” who were profaning the House of  The Lord.

There has been a “righteous anger” growing in my spirit man over the last few days, as I am hearing more and more so called “Christian churches” having “trunk or treat events or “fall festivals” on October 31. There is something WRONG with this picture, and I, for one am tired of so called “Born Again” people trying to rectify and make excuses for celebrating this PAGAN holiday.

 We have posted several good teachings on our sites and let people know of the truth of this abominable doings. How long will you think YHWH will put up with your contemptible acts?

First, NO TRUE “Born Again” child of YHWH should even WANT  to participate in anything that honors this satanic holiday.

Secondly, and this is the one that gets me personally, is the fact that they are doing it on the very day that YHWH “sanctified ” and “blessed” and for most of the Biblical history of mankind, been considered the Sabbath, as set by YHWH in Genesis 2:2&3.

Jeremiah 15:6, YHWH says, ” I am weary with repenting”!!

If  HE grew weary with the chosen children of Israel for all of their rebelling, what more will HE have to say to those who claim to be “grafted in”??

Six ways the Holy Spirit communicates with us. By Charles C. Carrin

Six Ways The Holy Spirit Will Communicate With You

One of the tragic loses in modern Christianity is the near-elimination of the Holy Spirit from the life and activity of many believers. Religion that is learned and formalized can function without the Holy Spirit; true spirituality cannot. A prominent church leader once said of his denomination that “If the Holy Spirit were to disappear from the Church 90% of its work would go on as if nothing happened.” In many cases that is so. The loss is enormous. While your church or denomination may not be like that there are still no known Christians today experiencing the Holy Spirit in the same capacity as did first century believers. Nor are we getting the same results. Modern Christianity exerts a fading influence in Western culture.

In John 16:13, Jesus promised, “When the Spirit of truth has come He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is mine and declare it to you.” And again, in John 15:26 He said, “When the Helper comes whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me.” The word Jesus used for “Helper” has a rich and wonderful meaning in its Greek equivalent, parakletos, and was used in the ancient Olympic Games to identify those who accompanied a marathon runner by shouting encouragement to him. This example of the Holy Spirit and the Christian with the marathon-runner to his paraklete is an excellent illustration. Para = “alongside of;” kaleo = “to call.” Here are six scriptural ways the Holy Spirit wants to accompany our race and shout encouragement:

1. THE HOLY SPIRIT BEARS WITNESS DIRECTLY TO OUR SPIRIT AND LEADS US INTERNALLY: Romans 8:16. “The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.” 1 John 5:6-8. “And it is the Spirit who bears witness, because the Spirit is truth. For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one.”

2. THE HOLY SPIRIT WILL LEAD US EXTERNALLY: Acts 16:6-7. “Now when they had gone through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia. After they had come to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia but the Spirit did not permit them.” Genesis 24:27: “As for me, being on the way, the Lord led me to the house of my master’s brethren.” I Samuel 10:6. “Then the Spirit of the Lord will come upon you, and you will prophesy with them and be turned into another man.” Galatians 5:16-19. “Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.”

3. THE HOLY SPIRIT WILL SPEAK TO US IN WORDS AND SENTENCES: Acts 8:27-29. “And behold, a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace the queen of the Ethiopians, who had charge of all her treasury, and had come to Jerusalem to worship, was returning. And sitting in his chariot, he was reading Isaiah the prophet. Then the Spirit said to Philip, ‘Go near and overtake this chariot.’” Acts 10:19-21. “While Peter thought about the vision, the Spirit said to him, ‘Behold, three men are seeking you. Arise therefore, go down and go with them, doubting nothing; for I have sent them.’”

4. THE HOLY SPIRIT WILL SPEAK TO US PROPHETICALLY THROUGH OTHERS: Acts 11:27-28. “And in these days prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch. Then one of them, named Agabus, stood up and showed by the Spirit that there was going to be a great famine throughout all the world, which also happened in the days of Claudius Caesar.” Acts 6:8-11. “And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. Then there arose some from what is called the Synagogue of the Freedmen (Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and those from Cilicia and Asia), disputing with Stephen. And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke.” Acts 21:9-11. “Now Philip had four virgin daughters who prophesied. And as we stayed many days, a certain prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. When he had come to us, he took Paul’s belt, bound his own hands and feet, and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit,’So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man who owns this belt, and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.'”

5. THE HOLY SPIRIT GIVES SPECIFIC REVELATION KNOWLEDGE: Ephesians 3:1-6. “For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles — if indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you, how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already, by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ), which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets …” I Corinthians 12:8. “For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit.” I Corinthians 2:9-10. “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him. But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.”

6. THE HOLY SPIRIT SPEAKS THROUGH THE WRITTEN WORD OF SCRIPTURE: 2 Peter 1:19-2:1. “And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” II Peter 1:20,21: “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.

THE VITAL QUESTION IS THIS:

Please hear this carefully: It is absolutely impossible for any of us–now–later–ever–to fully explore the Being and ministry of the Holy Spirit. He is God. He cannot be restricted to the interpretation of our denominational boxes. All of us are learners on earth and will still be that 100,000,000 light-years into eternity. The Holy Spirit is illimitable, inexhaustible, inexplicable, unreachable, unfathomable, impenetrable, inconceivable–and much, much more. Our attitude before the Holy Spirit must remain one of unrelenting reverence, complete awe, and utter submission. When we have accepted this fact, submitted to this truth, and established this quality of relationship with Him, we will experience more quickly and deeply His influence in our lives.

On the Day of Ascension, Jesus told the disciples at the Mount of Olives, “John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now … You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you.” Acts 1:5,6. In a single statement, Jesus connected baptism in the Spirit to the imparting of His power. That wonderful event occurred on the day of Pentecost when 120 disciples in the Upper Room received the blessing. Scripture carefully explains that others who were not present at Pentecost experienced the same empowering later. That included the Samaritans, Acts 8:14-17, Saul of Tarsus, Acts 9:17, the household of Cornelius, Acts 10:44, and the Ephesians, Acts 19:1-7. Young Timothy followed the example. II Timothy 1:6. Of the two billion Christians worldwide, some 500,000,000 now accept the validity of the Spirit’s Baptism. In 1977, I received the Baptism through the laying-on-of-hands by a born-again, Spirit-filled prisoner in the Atlanta Federal Penitentiary. Without question, that was the most phenomenal, earth-shaking day of my life. Would I go back to my previous life and ministry? Never!

The Apostle Paul, who received the Spirit’s imparting through the laying-on-of-hands by Ananias, later wrote an 84 verse treatise on spiritual gifts. I Corinthians 12,13,14. His explanation provides the most comprehensive, authoritative information we have on the subject. More importantly, It is the only resource bearing the seal of Divine Authorship. All conflicting opinions, no matter how cherished or long-established, are but human speculation and must be discarded. Scripture is our final, absolute authority.

The Apostle begins his dissertation with the plea: “Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant.” 12:1. Interestingly, this appeal that we “not be ignorant” appears seven times in the New Testament; once by Peter, six times by Paul. Each time, the request reveals an especially deep concern of the writer. Its appearance here should command the attention of every conscientious believer. The Apostle then proceeds carefully to detail the operation of nine grace-works of the Spirit. These are the direct result of the Spirit’s baptism. Having defended the need and purpose of the gifts, Paul then concludes his discourse with the stirring rebuke, “But if anyone is ignorant, let him be ignorant.” 14:38. In other words, he says, “After this careful explanation of spiritual gifts, if anyone refuses to learn, I have nothing more to say to him. Let him remain illiterate!” Paul seemingly anticipated that some believers would reject his teaching on miraculous works of the Spirit and added this harsh warning: “If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things which I write to you are the commandments of the Lord.” I Corinthians 14:37.

What are the “commandments” of which he speaks? The answer: The Apostolic teachings on spiritual gifts. I Corinthians 12 and 14 speak with God’s authority as much as any other of Paul’s writings. We are no more at liberty to reject these Biblically mandated instructions than any other commandment of the Lord.

Until recent years, there was probably no other subject about which the Church was more ignorant than that of spiritual gifts. Instead of heeding Paul’s instruction, the Church engaged in open warfare against them. This was done in full view of Paul’s exhortation that we:

1. “Earnestly desire spiritual gifts.” I Corinthians 12:31.

2. “Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy.” 14:1.

3. “Since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel.” 14:12.

These admonitions do not indicate the reluctance that typifies the modern church’s attitude against spiritual gifts. There was no such lukewarmness on the part of Paul or the Corinthians. Identically, believers today are encouraged to exercise the gifts for the benefit of everyone: “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all; for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills … But if anyone is ignorant, let him be ignorant.” I Corinthians 12:1;4-11;38.

The argument immediately arises, “These gifts passed away.” Paul did not believe that. Nor should you. The New Testament does not teach it. In the introduction of his Corinthian letters (29 chapters and longest of all New Testament writings) Paul exhorted believers to ” … Come short in no gift, eagerly waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ.” I Corinthians 1:7.

In that brief statement, Paul equated the duration of spiritual gifts to be the same length as the Church’s waiting for Jesus’ return. Examine it for yourself. This is precisely what the Apostle said. There is probably no greater ignorance in the Church today than of spiritual gifts and Jesus’ offer of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. But, someone asks, why do I need the baptism in the Spirit and the imparting of spiritual gifts? Here are a few of the many reasons:

 

Are you experiencing the Holy Spirit’s communication in all these ways? No matter where we are in our present walk with God, the Holy Spirit offers us far more than we are accepting. if our relationship with the Holy Spirit is not being enlarged and if we are able to remain comfortable with our limited contact with Him, then we have not fully encountered Him–either in Scripture or in Person. It is impossible for us as limited, human beings to be brought into contact with the infinite Holy Spirit and find that we already have a full, comprehensive, satisfactory, understanding of Him and His work. Any church or pastor who makes such a claim is already in profound error and spiritual ignorance. Those who claim that all their questions about the Holy Spirit were answered years ago and they have no need of further enlargement, are merely revealing the emptiness of their religious wells–plus the deception of their pride. Eternity itself will not provide us with sufficient time to master the incomprehensible work of the Holy Spirit. 1. Jesus said you needed it.

2. Without it, you are an incomplete disciple.

3. Good as you presently are, you will be better with it.

4. You need to be moved out of “soulish” effort into spiritual effort.

5. The baptism in the Spirit releases power in your life which can be had no other way.

6. Once you, your family, friends, recover from the shocking, personal change the baptism brings to your life, everyone will recognize you are a better person.

7. The Bible teaches it. Early Christians depended on it. History confirms it.

The Holy Spirits impartation of spiritual gifts into your life opens you to His other manifestations. You need every method of His leading–including the six named above. Stop your arguments and receive them!

Charles C Carrin

Are we “born sinners”?

I just want to post that question for you all to ponder on. I pray that you will seek the Word and The Holy Spirit before just jumping in with what some denomination might say or some commentary.
Let’s hear from you all!!
Are we “born sinners”?

Rosh Hoshanna or Feast of Trumpets? Which one is for Christians?

While there are some who would say that neither one is for Christians, I will come right out and tell them, “WRONG”. I am going to keep this as simple as possible. Anyone wanting to get into finer points of this subject, feel free to do so. That’s why I posted it as a blog, so it can be discussed.

Rosh Hoshanna was started by man, during the captivity in Babylon.

Feast of Trumpets was instituted by YHWH in Lev.23:24 and called a “memorial” meaning to always be observed.

Rosh Hoshanna points to the sin nature of man.

Feast of Trumpets points to YHWH and the Second Coming of Yahushua, Christ Jesus, who MADE us free from our sin nature.

There are those who say that because Rosh Hoshanna fall on a sabbath this year, that they should not blow the Shofar.

YHWH says in setting up the Feast of Trumpets, “ye shall have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets”!!

Rosh Hoshanna celebrates a “New Year” in the month of Tishrei. Why? In the Hebrew it means “head”, but in the Babylonian language, it means “beginings”. This is in direct conflict with YHWH, as He calls it the 7th month from the month Abib, which He gave to Israel in Exodus 12:2, ” This month shall be unto you the begining of months: it shall be the first month of  the year to you”. So we see that man, because of  the influence of Babylon, turns his back on YHWH and does what is right in his own eyes.

Some of those who celebrate Rosh Hoshanna, believe that the afternoon of Rosh Hoshanna, they are to “cast their sins” into a stream of flowing water, by throwing pebbles into the stream.

Yahushua said to cast them on Him! He already dealt with the sin.

Rosh Hoshanna is an annual “time of reflection”, to deal with sin.

Yahushua has already been Sacrificed ONCE AND FOR ALL who sin. The writer of Hebrews,l reminds us NOT to crucify Christ afresh, not to go back to repentance over and over [Hebrews 6:6]  

I WILL celebrate the Feast of Trumpets, until Yahushua comes back!!