Where Faith Works by Love!
2 Aug
Godliness not only ensures protection and promotion, it also ensures prosperity.
Of course, when you use that word prosperity, people think about the natural realm—about financial and material prosperity. That’s true, but it actually means “to prosper in spirit, soul, and body.”
According to the Bible, your physical, material, and financial prosperity depend on your spiritual prosperity.
3 JOHN 2
2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest PROSPER AND BE IN HEALTH [that’s physical prosperity], EVEN AS THY SOUL PROSPERETH.
When it comes to the realm of the natural, so many people don’t see the truth that God wants them to prosper financially and walk in divine health. They think, God wants to bless us spiritually, all right. But we may have to go through life poverty-stricken and barely able to get by.
But that’s not true, and we see that fact over and over in the Word. Second Chronicles 26:5 says, “And he sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God: AND AS LONG AS HE SOUGHT THE LORD, GOD MADE HIM TO PROSPER.” If you’ll read all of this account, you’ll discover that God is talking about material and financial prosperity.
As long as we seek the Lord, God makes us to prosper. Joshua 1:8 says the same thing: “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.”
We could paraphrase that verse like this: “This Word of God shall not depart out of your mouth; but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do [do the Word; don’t just be a hearer of the Word according to all that is written in it: for then you shall make your way prosperous.”
Did you notice what God said? He said you will make your way prosperous. Of course, God would be behind your prosperity. He’s the author of it. But your actions determine whether or not you make your way prosperous.
You determine whether or not you prosper mentally or emotionally. It’s up to you whether you prosper in school, on your job, or in relationships. It’s up to you whether you prosper financially and physically. It’s up to you!
If you want to see a difference in every area of your life, and if you want to make a difference in other people’s lives, godliness is the key. Living a godly life will make your way prosperous, and you will have good success—spirit, soul, and body! With godly living you will receive divine protection, promotion, and prosperit
Written by: Kenneth E. Haggin
20 Jun
God took the strength of a mountain,
The majesty of a tree,
The warmth of a summer sun,
The calm of a quiet sea,
The generous soul of nature,
The comforting arm of night,
The wisdom of the ages,
The power of the eagle’s flight,
The joy of a morning in spring,
The faith of a mustard seed,
The patience of eternity,
The depth of a family need,
Then God combined these qualities,
When there was nothing more to add,
He knew His masterpiece was complete,
And so,
He called it … Dad
12 Jun
John 7:22 “Moses therefore gave unto you circumcision; (not because it is of Moses, but of the fathers;) and ye on the sabbath day circumcise a man.”
JOHN 7:21-24
The covenant of circumcision was given to Abram in Gen. 17:9-14. In v. 14, the Lord said that any man who did not carry this sign of the covenant in his flesh was to be killed. This placed a great importance on the act of circumcision. Paul says in Rom. 4:3-13, that Abraham had already been justified by faith before he was circumcised. It was Abram’s faith that saved him at least 13 years before the Lord commanded Abram to be circumcised. The Jews had focused on the outward act of obedience instead of the inward act of faith that caused Abraham to be obedient. This was the source of the contention between Jesus and the religious leaders too. They were emphasizing all the outward acts that the Lord had commanded and were totally disregarding the motives of the heart. Jesus was saying that if an individual would cleanse his heart, then his actions would inevitably change too.
The truth of salvation by faith had been lost in Judaism, and even though many of the Jews had come to put faith in Jesus as their Savior, they were trying to mix faith and the keeping of the commandments together as a requirement for salvation.
The condition of a person’s flesh is not the important thing. It doesn’t matter if that flesh is circumcised or holy. It is the condition of the spirit that matters with God. Today the act of circumcision is not the issue, but acts of holiness are still deemed by many as essential for receiving salvation. This same legalistic thinking lives on today in the doctrine of water baptism, church membership, and other acts of holiness which some preach are necessary for salvation. Faith alone in the love of God, as expressed through Jesus, is the only thing that God demands for justification. Religious rites mean nothing. The only thing that counts is becoming a new creation.
Written by: Andrew Wommack
25 Apr
MATTHEW 9:35-38, 13:53-58, MARK 6:1-6
People are born again through the power of the Word of God, not through prayer. Prayer is very important, but it is not a substitute for the Gospel.
Many people petition God for someone to be saved and can’t understand why it hasn’t happened yet. We don’t have to ask the Lord to save anyone. He isn’t willing that anyone should perish. He has already made provision for everyone’s salvation.
So what do we pray concerning someone coming to the Lord? Jesus said to pray that the Lord send laborers across their path. They need to hear the Word. Also, we should bind the influence of the god of this world (Satan) who tries to blind them to spiritual truth (II Cor. 4:4).
God is more motivated to save our loved ones than we are. We don’t need to plead with Him, but rather we need to become a channel for Him to flow through to reach that person. We do that by sharing the good news (Gospel) with them and/or praying that others will come across their path who will do the same.
The Gospel is the power of God that releases the effects of salvation in our lives (Rom. 1:16). If a person needs healing, it’s in the Gospel. If deliverance is needed, it’s in the Gospel. Prosperity, answered prayer, joy, peace, love – they are all found through understanding and believing the Gospel.
The Gospel is the good news that although we are sinners and worthy of God’s wrath, God, in love, sent His Son to be our substitute, bearing our punishment, so that we could be made completely righteous in His sight. It’s based only on our faith in this completed work of Christ and not our own performance. Now that’s GOOD NEWS!
Mark 4:30, “And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it?”
MARK 4:30-34
The word “kingdom” means “the realm over which a king rules.” When applied to God, it could refer to all creation, since “his kingdom ruleth over all” (Ps. 103:19), but the kingdom more often applies to His rule in and through those who are submitted to Him. “The Kingdom of God” more specifically refers to Christ living and ruling in our hearts. So praying “thy kingdom come” is praying for the expansion and influence of God’s rule in the hearts of men everywhere and, ultimately, the establishment of His physical Kingdom here on earth at His second coming (Rev. 11:15; 20:4).
Throughout Jesus’ earthly ministry, the Jews kept looking for Jesus to establish a physical kingdom here on the earth and deliver them from the oppression of the Romans. Although, during the Millenium, the Kingdom of God will physically rule over the nations of the earth, Jesus’ Kingdom is spiritually established by His Word and not by carnal weapons (2 Cor. 10:3-5). Jesus said, “The Kingdom of God cometh not with observation . . .behold, the kingdom of God is within you.” (Lk. 17:20-21) Paul says we are already in the Kingdom of God (Col. 1:13). The Kingdom of God is therefore Christ’s “invisible Church,” His body. The Kingdom began during His earthly ministry and is still ruling the hearts of men today.
The new birth ushers us into the Kingdom of God which is infinitely greater in wonder and benefits than our finite minds can comprehend. To the degree that we do begin to understand how God’s Kingdom works and apply our lives to it, we can experience heaven here on earth. Pray for a release into the physical of what is already present in your spiritual being.
Written by: Andrew Wommack
28 Mar
The Meaning of Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday commemorates the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. The gospels record the arrival of Jesus riding into the city on a donkey, while the crowds spread their cloaks and palm branches on the street and shouted “Hosanna to the Son of David” and “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord” to honor him as their long-awaited Messiah and King.
The significance of Jesus riding a donkey and having his way paved with palm branches is a fulfillment of a prophecy spoken by the prophet Zechariah (Zechariah 9:9). In biblical times, the regional custom called for kings and nobles arriving in procession to ride on the back of a donkey. The donkey (or domesticated ass) was a symbol of peace; those who rode upon them proclaimed peaceful intentions. The laying of palm branches indicated that the king or dignitary was arriving in victory or triumph.
Palm Sunday in Modern Times
Today, Palm Sunday traditions are much the same as they have been since the tenth century. The ceremony begins with the blessing of the palms. The procession follows, then Mass is celebrated, wherein the Passion and the Benediction are sung. Afterwards, many people take the palms home and place them in houses, barns, and fields.
In some countries, palms are placed on the graves of the departed. In colder northern climates, where palm trees are not found, branches of yew, willow, and sallow trees are used. The palms blessed in the ceremony are burned at the end of the day. The ashes are then preserved for next year’s Ash Wednesday celebration.
In the simplest of terms, Palm Sunday is an occasion for reflecting on the final week of Jesus’ life. It is a time for Christians to prepare their hearts for the agony of His Passion and the joy of His Resurrection.
4 Mar
FAITH AND TRUST IN GOD
“Written by: Randall Grier on March 2009”
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he
that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a
rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (Hebrews 11:6)
Jesus Christ said to Kenneth E. Hagin, “Go teach my
people faith”. Mark 11:23-24 was the foundation
scriptures for his teachings on faith. I believe the reason
Jesus told him that, was to prepare a generation to walk in
the supernatural power of God in this day. We must return
to teaching and preaching on faith as well as putting it into
practice in our daily lives.
King David became so successful through faith in God
that Satan convinced him that he could accomplish
anything without God. The church has become successful
through faith and trust in the Lord. Now Satan has
convinced many that we can do it without God.
I encourage you to study the Word of God and spend
time in prayer on a daily basis. We have included special
offers in this newsletter that will help you get to the place
you need to be in the Lord.
13 Feb
GOD – the greatest lover
SO loved – the greatest degree
The world – the greatest company
That He gave – the greatest act
His only begotten Son – the greatest gift
That whosoever – the greatest opportunity
Believes in Him – the greatest attraction
Should not perish – the greatest promise
But – the greatest difference
Have – the greatest certainty
Eternal Life – the greatest possession
1 Feb
The Holy Spirit
1.) The third person of the trinity known as the Holy Spirit is just as much God as Jesus and the Father. They are equal but at the same time different persons. When we make reference to him we need to make the point that he is a person, not a thing. He has a mind, a will, and emotions. He is the teacher of the church, and he is our intercessor to the Father. He is the still small voice that we hear when we need advice or direction. As we read and study the Bible we need to know his character. He is referred to as the wind or breath of God, he is the fire of God, and water also represents him. When we see the priest being anointed with oil, that oil represents the Holy Spirit. Also the dove that descended upon Jesus pointed to him, When we get born again the Bible tells us that we are sealed by the Holy Spirit, we have Gods stamp of approval!
2.) The Holy Spirit has work to accomplish, and he needs the church of Jesus Christ to work with him to get this done. He is just like Jesus and he will not force us to do anything. In essence we can grieve the Spirit by ignoring him or walk in disobedience to the word of God. When we aim to please people more than pleasing Jesus this will grieve the Spirit. I think the biggest hurt we cause him is when our churches refuse to receive or accept his ministry in the service. This happens because most people operate in the flesh and are actually scared of the move of God. I think the biggest reason is because to let him operate is a total act of faith, and all the glory will go to him.
3.) The Holy Spirit worked different in the Old Testament than what he does now in the new covenant. In the Old Testament the Spirit would come upon the King, Priest and Prophet. He would inspire them and they would speak forth what the Lord needed them to know. Now in our day, in the new covenant we have a much better deal. Not only does he inspire us but also he makes his home, or his dwelling place within us. Once we receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior he comes in and seal us. Then if we will receive his ministry and all that he has to offer will can be filled with his Spirit and operate just as he did through Jesus. What an awesome God we serve!
Say Yes 2 Jesus today!
16 Jan
Words have power! In the natural world they can hurt or heal one’s feelings and attitudes. However, in the spiritual world they are containers of power that can change your life, direct your future, and allow you to get your life in line with God’s Will! Words can carry God’s Power to literally heal your body, bring financial blessing to your circumstances, and bring the promises of God’s Word into this natural realm to bless you and your family!
Dr. Kenneth E. Hagin once said, “Faith begins where the will of God is known.” You must know the Word of God in order to believe what the Word says. The Word of God contains the power within itself to cause what it says to come to pass. If you believe God’s Word, and use it as God intended for you to use it, then the Word will begin to work in your life. You must act on the Word. Faith is an act! The best way to act on the Word is to speak it!
Speaking the Word is called “Confession.” There is a saying, “Confession brings possession.” In order for the Power of God to cause something that God has promised to be manifested in this natural realm, you must speak, or confess, His Word and agree with God! Then God will back up His promise by bringing it to pass in this natural realm! You must speak the Word!
“Confession brings possession.” This means that what you desire and confess comes from the spiritual into the physical realm. A spiritual truth takes on physical form in this world. God is a Spirit and those that worship Him must worship Him in Spirit, and in Truth! (John 4:24) The spiritual realm is higher than the natural realm. God created all matter, and He can change it as well!