8. To believe that God gives liberally and that he does not upbraid or rebuke when we come to him for anything:

If any of you is deficient in wisdom, let him ask of the giving God [Who gives] to everyone liberally and ungrudgingly, without reproaching or faultfinding, and it will be given him. James 1:5 AMP

We have to believe that God is good. We have to believe that He gives us what we ask when we ask without picking on us for our past or present failures. He wants us to put ALL our hope, faith and trust in HIM and His ability and character – not our own. Come boldly to ask for His help, based on His love and His righteousness and His faithfulness. Don’t come in and ask based on your own merits, because you have none that qualify. Ask because you know that He IS good and that He will bless you because HE is good!

Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16 NKJV

9. To believe without ever a question or a waver that what is asked is done:

But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. James 1:6-8 NKJV

Ask in FAITH! Don’t even bother asking for something that you don’t think you will get, because you won’t get it, and it won’t be God’s fault! Believe! Don’t doubt! You can have faith in your heart, even when your head (carnal mind) is doing back-flips. Just keep believing in your heart and following your heart and cast down the vain imaginations that come to assault your mind. Focus on God’s promises – keep them in front of your eyes at all times.

10. To believe that it is the will of God to give what He has promised:

And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight. 1 John 3:22 NKJV

God is not just ABLE to answer your prayer, but He is also WILLING! Most people believe that God is ABLE to answer prayer, but many are not sure that He is WILLING. He wants us to KNOW that He is both willing and able!

11. To believe that Jesus Christ took all sickness and sin in His own body on the cross and that we do not have to bear them one minute after we accept His vicarious (substitutionary) work:

When evening had come, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed. And He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick, 17 that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: “He Himself took our infirmities And bore our sicknesses.” Matthew 8:16-17 NKJV

Who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness — by whose stripes you were healed. 1 Peter 2:24 NKJV

Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted. 5 But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:4-5 NKJV

Isaiah (Old Testament) says we ARE healed and 1 Peter (New Testament) says we WERE healed! That means that it is already done! Jesus bore ALL sickness and disease in the stripes on His own body. When we FULLY believe that Jesus bore ALL our sickness and disease and that we do NOT need to bear them, then we will be FULLY healed!

12. To believe that every believer can do the same works of God that Christ did and that God’s power in the baptism of the Spirit is the same today as when Christ and the early believers received it:

“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. 13 And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask anything in My name, I will do it. 15 “If you love Me, keep My commandments. John 14:12-15 NKJV

Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high. Luke 24:49 NKJV

But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. Acts 1:8 NKJV

Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” Acts 2:38-39 NKJV

And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him. Acts 5:32 NKJV

Jesus gave us the responsibility and the authority to do His will and to carry on His work in the earth. We must BELIEVE that we CAN do supernatural things and we must ACT like we can do them. If you believe that you CAN do the works of Jesus then you WILL do the works of Jesus!

These six things the Lord hates, indeed, seven are an abomination to Him: 17 A proud look [the spirit that makes one overestimate himself and underestimate others], a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, 18 A heart that manufactures wicked thoughts and plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, 19 A false witness who breathes out lies [even under oath], and he who sows discord among his brethren. Proverbs 6:16-19 AMP

One of the things that the Lord hates is strife and someone who sows discord among his or her family – or neighbors – in the Body of Christ. The Hebrew word translated strife here, also means: a contest; a quarrel; brawling; contention; contentious; discord. The dictionary definition of strife is: vigorous or bitter conflict; discord or antagonism; a quarrel, struggle, or clash; competition or rivalry. The root of all sin is selfishness. Selfishness and self-centeredness stir up strife and conflict, which never end well. They only produce bad fruit and are a fertile breeding ground for demonic activity.

Hate is a strong word. The word “hate” used here, of what the Lord hates, also means “enemy”. Strife, among other things, is an enemy to the anointing. The devil stirs up strife deliberately, to hinder and even destroy the anointing and the blessing in people’s lives.

Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23 But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes. 24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, 25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; 26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will. 2 Timothy 2:22-26 KJV

When people yield to sin and oppose the truth of the Gospel, they open themselves up to demonic activity and become ensnared by the devil. Then the devil takes them captive and has his way in their lives. No one in their right mind would want the devil having his way in their lives, but many people don’t realize that they have given him access and authority by their mouth and their attitude.

The most important thing we can all do – if we want the blessing of the Lord – is to follow after righteousness, faith, love, and peace. These things need to be a priority in our lives, our talk, and our walk. When we make pet doctrines more important than people or relationships, or if we won’t let go of old carnal ideas, then it’s going to cause division. A lot of strife is stirred up by people wanting to be RIGHT – arguing about opinions; arguing over foolish things. The spirit of religion and tradition is all about doctrines and dogmas, but Christianity is about a relationship with a loving Heavenly Father and peaceful, fruitful relationships with others.

It is an honor for a man to cease from strife and keep aloof from it, but every fool will quarrel. Proverbs 20:3 AMP

But if anyone teaches otherwise and does not assent to the sound and wholesome messages of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah) and the teaching which is in agreement with godliness (piety toward God), 4 He is puffed up with pride and stupefied with conceit, [although he is] woefully ignorant. He has a morbid fondness for controversy and disputes and strife about words, which result in (produce) envy and jealousy, quarrels and dissension, abuse and insults and slander, and base suspicions, 5 And protracted wrangling and wearing discussion and perpetual friction among men who are corrupted in mind and bereft of the truth, who imagine that godliness or righteousness is a source of profit [a moneymaking business, a means of livelihood]. From such withdraw. 1 Timothy 6:3-5 AMP

The people, who are the most argumentative and quarrelsome, are also the most foolish, arrogant, and ignorant. They are trying to look wise, but they show themselves to be fools. Many of these kinds of people will engage in extensive arguments – not because they are interested in the truth, but because they just like to argue. We need to each personally submit ourselves to the Word of God and focus on living a godly life. This is what will benefit everyone! Arguing doctrine and opinion is a waste of time and creates a fertile breeding ground for all kinds of sin and destructive talk and behavior.

For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another! Galatians 5:14-15 NKJV

There are NO winners when strife is not confronted and eliminated and repented of – and when it is allowed to run its course. Everyone is damaged in the end; everyone is the loser!

Do nothing from factional motives [through contentiousness, strife, selfishness, or for unworthy ends] or prompted by conceit and empty arrogance. Instead, in the true spirit of humility (lowliness of mind) let each regard the others as better than and superior to himself [thinking more highly of one another than you do of yourselves]. Philippians 2:3 AMP

Pride and arrogance cause and accelerate strife, but humility will defeat it. If we are truly saved and filled with the Spirit of God, then we will humble ourselves to apologize and forgive and, in so doing, defeat strife and triumph over the devil.

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. Galatians 5:19-23 KJV

Strife is a product of hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, and dissensions. These are works of the flesh and they destroy people and relationships. The antidote is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control!

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord  of hosts will perform this.  Isaiah 9:6-7 KJV

For to us a Child is born:

Unto us: The Child, Jesus Christ, was born to Israel – not just to Judah, but to both houses of Israel. Christ was descended from Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; Judah; Jesse; David; and from Israel as a nation.

To us a Child is born, to us a Son is given:
Jesus was born as a baby just like every other human. He grew up to give His life for mankind on the Cross. He was Born to be like us and to take our place – He was Given as an offering for our salvation.

The government shall be upon His shoulder:

The government – the empire – will be on His shoulders. To Him alone is given the authority to rule and the right to be the Sovereign of all the earth and the responsibility of rule, judgment and justice is upon Him.

His name shall be called:

Wonderful: a miracle; a marvelous thing

-Exodus 15:11 KJV – Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?

Counselor: advise; consult; to deliberate; guide. He is the only one who is supremely qualified to give counsel, advice and guidance to all.

-Psalms 16:7 AMP – I will bless the Lord, Who has given me counsel; yes, my heart instructs me in the night seasons.

Mighty God:

Mighty: p?owerful. By implication – warrior. Champion, chief, excel, giant, strong, valiant. God: Almighty; the Strong One. It literally means the Mighty Almighty, or the conquering God. Jesus was God in the flesh.

-John 1:1 KJV – In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
-1 Timothy 3:16 KJV – And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
-Hebrews 1:8 KJV – But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.

-1 John 5:20 KJV – And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

Everlasting Father [of Eternity]: Jesus is one third of the Trinity and was there with the Father and the Holy Spirit from the beginning. He was there for the planning and execution of creation – nothing was done without Him. He is the Ancient of Days (Daniel 7).

-John 1:2-4 AMP – He was present originally with God. 3 All things were made and came into existence through Him; and without Him was not even one thing made that has come into being. 4 In Him was Life, and the Life was the Light of men.

-Hebrews 1:1-2 NKJV – God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, 2 has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds.

Prince of Peace: Jesus brought peace between God and man as He reconciled the two by bearing the penalty of sin in His own body. Jesus brought about peace between men – uniting Jew and Gentile – all have sinned and all may receive forgiveness through faith.

-John 14:27-28 NKJV – Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

-John 16:33 NKJV – These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.

-Ephesians 2:14 AMP – For He is [Himself] our peace (our bond of unity and harmony). He has made us both [Jew and Gentile] one [body], and has broken down (destroyed, abolished) the hostile dividing wall between us.

-Ephesians 2:17-18 AMP – And He came and preached the glad tidings of peace to you who were afar off and [peace] to those who were near.  18 For it is through Him that we both [whether far off or near] now have an introduction (access) by one [Holy] Spirit to the Father [so that we are able to approach Him].

-Philippians 4:7 NKJV – And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. Psalms 127:3 KJV

Children come from God. They are created by Him as a blessing to us.

So God created man in His own image, in the image and likeness of God He created him; male and female He created them. Genesis 1:27 AMP

We are not evolved from amoeba of frogs or monkeys; we are created by Almighty God, male and female, in His image. He made the first man and woman and He placed in them the ability and desire to pro-create – to bring forth new life and more men and women, in the form of babies, who grow in the womb and are born into the earth. Mankind knows what to do to create (conceive) a baby, but it is God who guides the whole creative process and who forms the baby.

I made the earth and created man upon it. I, with My hands, stretched out the heavens, and I commanded all their host. Isaiah 45:12 AMP

For thus says the Lord — Who created the heavens, God Himself, Who formed the earth and made it, Who established it and did not create it to be a worthless waste; He formed it to be inhabited — I am the Lord, and there is no one else. Isaiah 45:18 AMP

God created the heavens and earth – not to be a worthless waste – but to be inhabited by His creation.

Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, And He who formed you from the womb: “I am the Lord, who makes all things, Who stretches out the heavens all alone, Who spreads abroad the earth by Myself. Isaiah 44:24 NKJV

Thus says God the Lord — He Who created the heavens and stretched them forth, He Who spread abroad the earth and that which comes out of it, He Who gives breath to the people on it and spirit to those who walk in it. Isaiah 42:5 AMP

The God who made heaven and earth also made you and me. He formed us in the womb and He gives life – breath and spirit – to every one of us.

For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb. 14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. 15 My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. 16 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them. Psalms 139:13-16 KJV

For thou hast possessed my reins:

For You formed my inward parts. “Possessed”, here, does not mean to possess or control; it means to own; acquire; set up; erect – to fashion, or form, or to cause to grow together in the womb. “Reins” literally mean “kidneys” and figuratively, it means the mind or inner self. It is referring to the foundations of our existence as a person. It could even be referring to what we now know as DNA. God is the owner and creator of the blueprint that created you and me.

I am fearfully and wonderfully made:

The creation of a person, from conception to birth, from one cell to billions of cells, in a perfectly functioning creation, is an awe-inspiring process. Ecclesiastes 11:5 NKJV says that, “As you do not know what is the way of the wind, Or how the bones grow in the womb of her who is with child, So you do not know the works of God who makes everything.” We are indeed wonderfully and marvelously created by our Creator.

My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret:

My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret. My substance, or my frame, was hidden from everyone except God as He made me in secret – in a special protected and private place – my mother’s womb.

Curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth:

Skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. “Curiously wrought” means: to variegate color, i.e. embroider; by implication, to fabricate; embroiderer, needlework, make curious work. My frame – of bones (the skeleton), and the external covering of muscular flesh, tendons, veins, arteries, nerves, and skin were skillfully and intricately woven inside the womb, which is the center of the body – from conception to full development.

Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect:

Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. “Substance” (not the same word as “substance” in the previous verse) means: a wrapped-up and unformed mass; referring to the embryo being imperfect or not yet fully developed. Even though it is “unformed” to the eye, at this stage, it is still a perfect little human being in process. A baby’s heart already begins to beat 18 days from conception, and by 21 days the heart is pumping blood through a closed circulatory system. A baby’s brainwaves can be detected at 6 weeks from conception

And in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them:

This is referring to the embryonic stage of growth, from the fertilized egg until the organs have developed sufficiently so that it can live independently. Even in this stage, the scripture says that all the human members or parts are contained or written in God’s book and that they are fashioned in accordance with God’s original pattern established when He created Adam and Eve. You were perfectly formed down to the smallest detail. Even all the hairs of your head are planned and numbered.

Even everyone who is called by My name, whom I have created for My glory, whom I have formed, whom I have made. Isaiah 43:7 AMP

The disciples came to Jesus after He had sent them

out to minister. They were so excited, they were jumping

up and down. “O, Jesus, isn’t it wonderful? Demons are

subject to us through Your name. We’ve been casting out

devils and you know what, they listen to us.”

 

Jesus said, in effect, “So what. I beheld Satan as

lightening fall from heaven. He’s defeated. Don’t rejoice

over the fact that demons are subject to you, but rejoice

over the fact that your name is written sown in the Lamb’s

Book of Life.” (See Luke 10:17-20).

 

My name is written down in the Lamb’s Book of

Life! My name may not be down in Who’s Who in the

Zoo. My name may not be down on this roll and that roll

and the bank roll. But my name is written down “when the

roll is called up yonder.” And I’m going to be there!

 

I’m part of the family of God. I’ve been bought

with a price. I’ve been brought out of darkness into light.

I’m an ambassador from the kingdom of heaven. I have my

passport made out. My visa’s stamped in the blood of

Jesus. I have first-class air tickets. I’m sitting on Rapture

Airlines. The flight attendant is serving me living water,

and new wine, and heaven’s bread. That’s something to get

excited about.

 

We don’t serve a dead God. We don’t serve a God

who’s deaf. We don’t serve a God who’s blind. We don’t

serve a God who has no power. Our God is still God. He’s

the same God of Moses and Elijah and Daniel. And He’s

alive in 1992. He wants to manifest Himself in 1992.

Too much importance has been placed on what

church you belong to. “Well, I’m of Paul and I’m of

Apollos,” we say. “We have a 5,000-seat church and a

thousand-voice choir. And you should see our deacons.

They can deke like no other dekes. Our elders can eld like

no other. Our church board is one of the boardest boards in

the city. We’ve got an orchestra. And have you heard our

pipe organ?” Well, who cares?

 

It doesn’t matter what church you belong to. It

matters what family you belong to. You are in either one

of two families. You’re either in the family of the devil or

you’re in the family of God.

 

To be born again is not confirmation. “I’ve been

through confirmation, Brother Rodney.” Well, wonderful.

 

Have you been born again? Jesus never said, “Ye must be

confirmed.” Jesus said, “Ye must be born again.”

“Well, Brother Rodney, I’ve been to catechism.”

You can’t “ism” it any other way. Have you been born

again?

 

“Well, Brother Rodney, we joined the church. We

filled in a membership.” Jesus never said, “Ye must fill in

a church membership. Ye must put thy name on the roll.”

He said, “Ye must be born again.”

 

“Well, Brother Rodney, we’ve been baptized in

water.” You can live under water till you get webbed feet.

But I’m telling you right now Jesus didn’t say, “Go under

water.” He said, “Ye must be born again.”

 

“Well, Brother Rodney, we had some water

sprinkled on our head.” You can have water sprinkled on

your head until you grow like a plant. He didn’t say, “Ye

must get water sprinkled on your head.” He said, “Ye must

be born again.”

 

“Well, Brother Rodney, we take communion.

Every week we have the Holy Sacrament.” You can

swallow grape juice or wine and wafers three times a day.

He didn’t say, “Ye must take communion.” He said, “Ye

must be born again.”

 

“Well, Brother Rodney, we observe religious duties.

We go to church regularly every Sunday morning and

 

Sunday night. We’re on every church committee.” He

didn’t say, “Ye must observe religious duties.” He said,

“Ye must be born again.”

 

You see, some people’s idea of the new birth is

adhering to what their father did and what their grandfather

did. But God has no grandchildren. Each one of us must

be born again for ourselves.

 

Many people have only an intellectual conception

of the Lord Jesus Christ. “I believe in Jesus,” they will say.

But is He your Lord and Savior? “Well, I believe in Him.”

Have you been born again? “Well, I believe Jesus, you

know. I believe in God.” The devil believes in Jesus. The

devil believes in God.

 

Even some of the worst sinners believe in God and

the Bible. When they get into a crisis situation, you’d be

amazed at what comes out of their mouth – the Bible.

They’ll quote anything they can think of. They get in a

motor car with a friend and he’s doing 120 miles an hour,

they start quoting scripture. “The Lord is my Shepherd, I

shall not want.” But that won’t save them. Jesus said, “Ye

must be born again.”

 

“Well, Brother Rodney, I’m a moral person,” some

will say, “If God is God how can all the good people in the

world, go to hell?” Because Jesus said, “Ye must be born

again.”

 

“But look at Brother Joe Blow. He was a good

man. He didn’t rob from anybody. He wouldn’t even hurt

a flea. Do you know that if he found a bug in his house,

he’d go and pick it up and nicely put it out. What a moral

man. What a man of high standing in the community.

Fifty years of marriage to the same woman. His children –

one is a doctor, the other one’s a lawyer. They were all

well respected. Do you mean to say he’s going to hell?

Jesus said, “Ye must be born again.”

 

You can’t be born again until you realize your need

to be born again. And you can’t realize your need to be

born again until you come face to face with the Lord Jesus.

The Bible says there is a way that seems right to man but

the end thereof is death (Proverbs 14:12). We have plenty

of cultured, refined, moral people, but unless they are born

again, they’re going to split hell wide open.

 

There is a Heaven to Gain and a Hell to Shun

There was a certain rich man,

which was clothed in purple and fine

linen, and fared sumptuously every day:

And there was a certain beggar

named Lazarus, which was laid at his

gate, full of sores,

 

And desiring to be fed with the

crumbs which fell from the rich man’s

table: more-over the dogs came and

licked his sores.

 

And it came to pass, that the

beggar died, and was carried by the

angles into Abraham’s bosom: the rich

man also died, and was buried;

 

And in hell he lift up his eyes,

being in torments, and seeth Abraham

afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.

 

And he cried and said, Father

Abraham, have mercy on me, and send

Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his

finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I

am tormented in this flame.

 

But Abraham said, Son, remember

that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy

good things, and likewise Lazarus evil

things: but now he is comforted and thou

art tormented.

 

And beside all this, between us and

you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they

which would pass from hence to you

cannot; neither can they pass to us, that

would come from thence.

 

Then he said, I pray thee

therefore, father, that thou wouldst send

him to my father’s house:

 

For I have five brethren; that he

may testify unto them, lest they also come

into this place of torment.

Abraham saith unto him, They

have Moses and the prophets; let them

hear them.

 

And he said, Nay, father

Abraham: but if one went unto them

from the dead, they will repent.

And he said unto him, If they hear

not Moses and the prophets, neither will

they be persuaded, though one rose from

the dead.

Luke 16:19-31

 

This was not a parable. Jesus said, “There was a

rich man.” This actually happened. The rich man, who had

never begged in his whole life, died and he went down to

hell. Lazarus was the beggar who had nothing. All he

could do was eat the scraps from the rich man’s table. He

died and was carried into Abraham’s bosom.

 

The rich man was in torment. This tells me that hell

is a place of torment and that heaven is a place of rest and

peace. The earth is the only hell that the child of God will

ever know; the earth is the only heaven the sinner will ever

know.

 

The Bible says it’s appointed unto man (…once to

die, but after that the judgment (Hebrews 9:27). There are

people who are committing suicide and they’re thinking

that they’re going to end their life and go into blessing and

peace. They go from the frying pad into the fire. They go

straight into hell, a place of eternal damnation and eternal

torment.

 

Did you know they’re trying to pass laws in the

state of California where it’s illegal for a preacher to preach

on hell because he’s causing duress on people’s emotional

state? They’re trying to pass laws in this country where it’s

illegal to preach the gospel and bring people to a place of

decision.

 

If they ever pass that law, they’re going to have to

lock the door and throw away the key on me, because I am

not going to quit preaching the truth of the Gospel of the

Lord Jesus Christ. I’m going to tell people there’s a heaven

to gain and a hell to shun. Hell wasn’t made for man. Hell

wasn’t made fro God’s people. Hell was made for the devil

and his angels.

 

Those who are in hell right now – given the

opportunity – would want to come out because of the

torment. But if you told the, “When you come out, you just

accept Jesus,” they would turn Jesus down. That’s why

they must go to a lost eternity. It’s not because God wants

to keep them there, but because they do not want to accept

Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

 

The rich man said, “If you would send someone out

to talk to my five brothers, they would believe.” Abraham

said, “They have Moses and the prophets. They didn’t

believe them, why are they going to believe someone back

from the dead?”

 

The rich man never begged in this life. Lazarus

begged in this life. But the rich man became a beggar in

the life to come. I’d rather be a beggar in this life and not

beg in the life to come, than be someone who does not beg

in this life but must beg in eternal life. He was begging for

a drop of water to cool his tongue. He was begging that

Abraham would send somebody to go and speak to his

brothers. But even someone from the dead would not

convince some people of their need to be born again.

 

My schoolmates used to mock me and say, “You’ve

wasted your whole life serving God. You don’t run to the

parties, you don’t get drunk like us.”

 

I said, “First of all, I don’t want to do that because I

love Jesus and I’m having great fun anyway. But let’s say,

just for argument’s sake, that there is no God. Let’s say

there is no eternity. When I die and you die, we’ve lost

nothing.

 

“But what if there is a God and there is a heaven

and a hell? When I die, I’m going straight to be with the

Lord. What will you do when you stand before the

Almighty God? What will you say the? God will take you

back to this day when you and I were talking face to face

and you told me it’s a bunch of hogwash. You’ll spend the

rest of eternity in hell realizing the opportunities you’ve

missed.”

 

Hell is a place of torment. The people there are

going to see the missed opportunities they had to accept

Jesus.

 

I shudder to think of people who have come to our

meetings and stormed out because they didn’t want to

accept Jesus as Savior. In hell they will remember and say,

“O God, if only, if only, if only.” The reason they have to

go there is not because God wants to punish people but

because they do not want to accept Jesus Christ as their

Lord and Savior.

 

There’s only one way to God. The new birth is

through one door and that’s Jesus Christ. The new birth is

not through Mohammed. The new birth is not through

Buddha. The new birth is not through Confucius.

 

The difference between Jesus Christ and Buddha

and Mohammed and Confucius is you can go to Buddha’s

grave today and it’s full. You can go to Mohammed’s

grave today and it’s full. You can go to Confucius’ grave

today – it’s also full.

 

But the grave of the Lord Jesus Christ is empty! He

is risen. The stone is rolled away. That’s what makes

Christianity different from every other cult and every other

religion. Jesus Christ is alive. He is risen! If He hadn’t

risen, Christianity would be like every other cult. But He

rose from the dead.

 

Jesus rose and He’s coming back again. When He

left the earth, the angels said the same Jesus you’re seeing

go now is coming back (Acts 1:11).

 

If You Were Arrested for Being a Christian

The Bible says, “If any man be in Christ, he is a

new creature: old things are passed away” (Second

Corinthians 5:17). But if you look at some Christians,

there’s no telling that they’ve passed from death unto life.

 

I heard one preacher ask, “If you were arrested for

being a Christian, would there be enough evidence against

your life to convict you?” Some Christians would get off

on probation. Others would get life sentences without the

chance of parole.

Foundation Scriptures

Isaiah chapter 7 verse 14  Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign:  Behold, the young woman who is unmarried and a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel (God with us ).

Luke chapter 7 verses 10 & 11  And when the messengers who had been sent returned to the house, they found the bond servant who had been ill quite well again.  Soon afterward, Jesus went to a town called Nain, and His disciples and a great throng accompanied Him.

1 John chapter 3 verse 8  But he who commits sin (who practices evildoing) is of the devil (takes his character from the evil one), for the devil has sinned (violated the divine law) from the beginning.  The reason the Son of God was made manifest (visible) was to undo (destroy, loosen, and dissolve) the works the devil (has done).

 

It is a historical fact that Jesus was born.  What scholars dispute is whether He was all God or all man or part God and part man.  We know, from the Bible, that He was God manifest in the flesh.  He is completely God and completely man.

 

Think about this:  His birth, life, death and resurrection have affected the earth like none other before or since.  He was the Word made flesh and dwelt among us.  He affected the timetable of a whole planet – this is not something you can deny or ignore.

 

Isaiah chapter 9 verse 6  –  For unto us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father (of Eternity), Prince of Peace.

His name shall be called “Wonderful” because He is so wonderful.  There is none like Him in all the earth.  Our Lord Jesus Christ is so wonderful in His saving, healing and delivering power.  Wonderful in His miraculous virgin birth, wonderful in His sinless life, wonderful in His miracle ministry of signs and wonders.  Wonderful in His conquest of sin, sickness and satan at Calvary.  Wonderful in His supernatural resurrection from the dead.  Wonderful in His present day ministry interceding for us at the Father’s right hand in Heaven.  Wonderful in His power to cleanse and forgive every sin.  Wonderful in His ability to set every captive free.  Wonderful in His grace that heals the broken hearted and breaks every bondage.  He is wonderful because His love reaches out to touch and transform all who will come to Him and call upon His name.

 

Acts chapter 4 verse 2   –  But many of those who heard the message believer (adhered to and trusted in and relied on Jesus as the Christ).  And their number grew and came to about 5,000.

This Christmas, reflect again on the goodness of God and the fact that Jesus really is the reason for the season!  As Christians, we have something to shout about and celebrate, because Jesus lives and in Him we live and move and have our being.

 

Rejoice, child of God, for unto us a son is born, a Savior who is Christ the Lord!

Thoughts on Stewardship
Worship at a Set Place
Foundation scriptures: Deuteronomy 12 verses 5 – 19

But you shall seek the place which the Lord your God shall choose out of all your tribes to put His Name and make His dwelling place, and there shall you come; 6 And there you shall bring your burnt offerings and your sacrifices, your tithes and the offering of your hands, and your vows and your freewill offerings, and the firstlings of your herd and of your flock. 7 And there you shall eat before the Lord your God, and you shall rejoice in all to which you put your hand, you and your households, in which the Lord your God has blessed you. 8 You shall not do according to all we do here [in the camp] this day, every man doing whatever looks right in his own eyes. 9 For you have not yet come to the rest and to the inheritance which the Lord your God gives you. 10 But when you go over the Jordan and dwell in the land which the Lord your God causes you to inherit, and He gives you rest from all your enemies round about so that you dwell in safety, 11 Then there shall be a place which the Lord your God shall choose to cause His Name [and His Presence] to dwell there; to it you shall bring all that I command you: your burnt offerings, your sacrifices, your tithes and what the hand presents [as a first gift from the fruits of the ground], and all your choicest offerings which you vow to the Lord. 12 And you shall rejoice before the Lord your God, you and your sons and your daughters, and your menservants and your maidservants, and the Levite that is within your towns, since he has no part or inheritance with you. 13 Be watchful not to offer your burnt offerings in every place you see. 14 But in the place which the Lord shall choose in one of your tribes, there you shall offer your burnt offerings, and there you shall do all I command you. 15 However, you may kill and eat flesh in any of your towns whenever you desire, according to the provision for the support of life with which the Lord your God has blessed you; those [ceremonially] unclean and the clean may eat of it, as of the gazelle and the hart. 16 Only you shall not eat the blood; you shall pour it upon the ground as water. 17 You may not eat within your towns the tithe of your grain or of your new wine or of your oil, or the firstlings of your herd or flock, or anything you have vowed, or your freewill offerings, or the offerings from your hand [of garden products]. 18 But you shall eat them before the Lord your God in the place which the Lord your God shall choose, you and your son and your daughter, your manservant and your maidservant, and the Levite that is within your towns; and you shall rejoice before the Lord your God in all that you undertake. 19 Take heed not to forsake or neglect the Levite [God’s minister] as long as you live in your land.  Deuteronomy 12:5-19 AMP

1.  Even though this is an Old Testament passage concerning, the children of Israel, and the altar—the place of worship—we believe that several aspects of it apply to us today:

a. It is not scriptural to hop from church to church.
b. It is not scriptural to not go to church at all.
c. God sets the solitary in families.
d. We are not to forsake the gathering of ourselves together—even the more so when we see That Day approaching.
e. It’s not a matter of control—it’s a matter of covenant.

2.  We believe in the local church as the modern day “altar”—the place where we bring our worship and our offerings (our sacrifices).

a. God does not live in tabernacles made with hands.
b. We understand that He lives in us and that we are His temple.
c. Corporately we come together to fellowship with one another, to worship, and to bring our offerings, in the place that God chooses.
d. Not every church is where you should be but you should be where God sends you. Bring your families; your kids. Be rooted and grow. Come to a place of maturity.
e. Those who refuse to do these things are out of order—they are not under God-given authority. The apostle Paul said, “Follow me as I follow Christ”. The prerequisite for leadership is that they must follow Jesus and point you also to Jesus and not themselves. If they do not do this —what are you doing there?
f. Put your seed into good ground—that which produces for eternity.

Pastor Adonica’s Thoughts:
If you call yourself a Christian and you are not submitted to God in every area of your life, especially giving, then you are nothing less than rebellious. If you do what seems right to you and you do not obey the written word or allow the Lord to lead you on all these things, you have idols of self-will and un-submissiveness in your heart (Ezekiel 14:4 AMP). Pray about which church you should commit to and then commit, through thick and thin. Don’t follow the line of least resistance. Commit to a church and allow God to burn the junk out of your life.

Pastor Rodney’s Thoughts:
This passage is very plain. God did not want people sacrificing on any altar available. Even though we are on television, we have always believed that you are to tithe to the local church. The tithe does not go anywhere other than where you are being fed. That would be like living in your parent’s house, eating at your parent’s table, using their electricity, their covering, their wisdom, and paying board to the next door neighbor. You would be supporting those who do not even care for you. It is important for your spiritual well-being, just like the commitment of marriage. You don’t go around sowing your seed all over the place—only with the wife of your youth. You must be committed to a local church and bring your offerings and sacrifices there.

Prayer and Confession:
Father, this day I commit to support Your work in the place You have chosen for me. In faith I give and I worship You with my giving.

Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. 1 Corinthians 12:1

Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. 8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; 9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; 10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: 11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 KJV

God does not want us to be ignorant about spiritual things. He wants us to know and understand and operate in them. The Greek word translated “spiritual gifts” is “pneumatikos,” which literally means “spirituals,” or “things of the Spirit.” They are gifts in the sense that they are given by God and do not originate with man.

Diversities of Gifts:

The word “gifts” here is “charisma,” which means: a (free) gift; a (divine) gratuity; (specifically) a (spiritual) endowment; (subjectively) religious qualification, or (objectively) miraculous faculty. These gifts are bestowed by the Holy Spirit and cannot be merited or earned. They operate through Spirit-filled people, but are gifts to the Body of Christ. They all originate from, and are given by the same Spirit.

Differences of Administrations:

There are differences of administrations – or ministries. The word “administrations” is the Greek word, “diakonia,” meaning: services; ministries; offices. The spiritual gifts are “gifts” because they come from God, but as “ministries” as they are applied. The person who exercises his/her spiritual gift in the Body of Christ, also ministers to the Body. As many spiritual gifts and spiritual offices there are, so are there also as many spiritual ministries, and they are all by the same Lord Jesus Christ. Spiritual gifts are not given as rewards or payment, or primarily to bless and benefit the possessor, but the Holy Spirit imparts the gifts that the Body may receive ministry. Their value is in their capacity to bless, profit, and edify the Body of Christ.

Diversities of Operations:

The Greek word translated “operations” is “energema,” which means: operation: working. It also means an effect; or active principle. Our English word “energy” comes from the same root word. The activities of the Spirit, through us, produce spiritual gifts, which result in spiritual effects. The Spirit energizes the operations, which produce effects in the Body. All of these are under the control of one and the same God, Who is head of all.

The Manifestation of the Spirit:

The manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all. The Greek word “manifestation” is “phanerosis,” which means: exhibition; or making visible. The visible manifestations would be the things we can see: healings, miracles, prophecies fulfilled, tongues, interpretation, words of wisdom, words of knowledge, discerning of spirits, and other spiritual discernment. Every operation of the spiritual gifts is a manifestation of the Spirit. A manifestation is defined as an outward evidence. The gifts of the Spirit bring the Holy Spirit into manifestation, or into outward evidence, where His work can be seen. The operation of the gifts in the Body causes believers to become aware of the presence of God, producing in them the desire to praise and worship Him – it brings glory to Him.

Every Spirit-filled believer has the capacity to operate in these gifts / manifestations. It is given to every man to profit all. The exercise of the gifts is a manifestation of the Spirit, not of the person it flows through. The fruit of the genuine gift is that it edifies and profits the whole Body of Christ.

Diversity; Differences:

The Greek word translated “difference” and “diversity” is “diairesis,” meaning: a distinction or (concretely) variety. Every believer should make themselves available to be used by the Holy Spirit in these things. There is a great variety of gifts, administrations, and operations, but only one Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – the Trinity – who originate all of these spiritual things.

Dividing to Every Man Severally as He Wills:

But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills. 1 Corinthians 12:11 NKJV

The Holy Spirit operates these gifts, distributing them to individuals, as He wills. You cannot operate these gifts by your own will-power or desire. You must yield to Him and allow Him to flow through you and use you as He sees fit. Do not strive – be content with what He gives you.

The Purpose of Spiritual Gifts:

Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. 1 Corinthians 14:12 KJV

The purpose of the spiritual gifts it for the edification of the Body of Christ. “Edify” means: to build up spiritually. If they do not edify and build up, then they are useless.

Let all things be done unto edifying. 1 Corinthians 14:26b KJV

But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. 1 Corinthians 14:3 KJV

The Gifts Operate Through Love:

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 NKJV

The gifts and manifestations are fruitless – worth nothing – without love. Do everything in generosity, and the agape love of God, and to bring glory to Him alone.

“From the Heart” teaching by Drs. Rodney & Adonica Howard-Browne.

Psalms 23:1-6

1The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

Psalm 23
Verse 4 – Even though we walk under the threat of death and destruction, if we do not fear, God’s presence will be with us to protect and preserve us.  Winston Churchill made a true statement, when he said, “We have nothing to fear, but fear itself!”

It does not matter what threat of disaster comes your way, it cannot actually touch you, as long as you realize that God is on your side and He walks with you to comfort and encourage you. Only if you take your eyes off Jesus and His Word and allow the devil and the circumstances to intimidate you, will you fail or fall. As long as you keep your eyes on Jesus and His Word and you continue to trust in Him, you will make it through and you will come out in victory on the other side. Your victory is not dependent on the severity of the attack, but on the strength of your trust in God.

Matthew 14:26-32
26And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. 27But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. 28And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. 29And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. 30But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. 31And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? 32And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.

Peter stepped out of the boat and walked on the water. This is a major miracle, defying all the natural laws of physics, even on a totally calm day. Peter, however, took his eyes off Jesus and looked at his surroundings, his circumstances, the wind and the waves, and he began to sink. He did not sink because he was on water – he sank because he considered the circumstances above Jesus’ word, “Come”. It does not matter what you are going through, your faith in God’s Word makes water solid ground under your feet. The good news is that Peter walked back to the boat, on the water, with Jesus.  You must deal with your fear if you want to make it through.

Psalm 23
Verse 5 – It does not matter what terrible circumstances you have to live through, or what the enemy is trying to do to you, God promised to prepare a table before you – to meet all your needs. Not only that, He anoints your head with oil. The word ‘anoint’ has to do with ‘fatness’ and ‘fullness’ – in other words –abundance. God also promises not only to fill your cup, but cause it to overflow! Even though you might face a strong enemy and a mighty battle, if you will trust God, He can bless you exceeding abundantly above all you can ask or think. Great victories come from great battles – as long as you do not lose heart or faint!

2 Timothy 1:7
7For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

“From the Heart” teaching by Drs. Rodney & Adonica Howard-Browne.

Acts 10:1-6

1 Now [living] at Caesarea there was a man whose name was Cornelius, a centurion [captain] of what was known as the Italian Regiment,

2 A devout man who venerated God and treated Him with reverential obedience, as did all his household; and he gave much alms to the people and prayed continually to God.

3 About the ninth hour [about 3:00 p. m.] of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God entering and saying to him, “Cornelius.”

4 And he, gazing intently at him, became frightened and said, “What is it, Lord?”  And the angel said to him, “Your prayers and your [generous] gifts to the poor have come up [as a sacrifice] to God and have been remembered by Him.

5 And now send men to Joppa and have them call for and invite here a certain Simon whose surname is Peter;

6 He is lodging with Simon a tanner, whose house is by the seaside.”

Cornelius was a gentile, but he venerated and reverenced God, as did his household.  He prayed continuously to God and he gave a lot of money to those less fortunate than himself.  These two things – his praying and his giving – came up as a sacrifice before God.  They got God’s attention.  Because of this, God moved supernaturally on his behalf to bring salvation to him and his household.  When you honor God with your heart and with your actions, He notices you and remembers what you did.  He will move on your behalf to bless you.

When God created man, He gave them a garden with everything they needed.  They lacked no good thing.  When their disobedience removed them from this garden and their abundant supply, they began to know lack and deprivation for the first time.  It was not in God’s plan for man that they be in lack and want.  Even though man has been disobedient, God loves them and cares for them and desires to bless and provide for them.  God wants those of us who have – to share with those of us who don’t.  God never blesses you so you can be selfish – He blesses you to bless you – and to bless those who cross your path.

Proverbs 14:31  (NIV)

31 He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.

When you are kind to those in need and when you do what you can to help them, you are showing respect and honor to God. When you overlook the poor and you pass over opportunities to help – then you show contempt toward God – no matter what a good Christian you claim to be.

Proverbs 19:17  (NAS)

17 He who is gracious to a poor man lends to the LORD, and He will repay him for his good deed.

When you are gracious (showing grace and mercy) to a poor man – you are lending to the Lord.  God sees, remembers, and repays you.  You give to the poor as much for his sake as yours.  God watches your attitude.  He watches to see if you walk in love and generosity toward everyone – not only to those in your own circle.

You might not have much to give.  You might only be able to give $5 or $10 or $20, but that could mean the difference between someone else being able to eat that day or not!  It is not the amount – it is the fact that you care enough to be generous toward others with what God has given you.

2 Corinthians 8:9  (NKJ)

9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.

God provided for every one of us to be redeemed from poverty through the sacrifice that Jesus made.  The way you tap into the blessings available to you is to give – and one of the ways you give is to give as much as you can to those less fortunate than yourself.  God sees, He hears, He remembers – and He supernaturally brings to you the things you need the most!