Tue, Apr 30th - 11:10AM

The church of Lord Jesus Christ didn’t need gimmicks yesterday and will never need them today, or tomorrow. While multitudes of churches trust the Gospel to build up the church, there are some relying totally on worldly gimmicks. Nevertheless I praise God, my sisters and brothers, as an eye witness of seeing the church at work going out jointly/individually to witness in their communities and elsewhere. 

However, even if I had not seen it for and done it myself, I know the word of God is true, and the Holy Spirit is still at work today as He has been at the beginning, enabling the saints (G40 hagios) to take the Gospel message to all that they can through Christ our Lord. God is faithful; God does not want ANY to be lost. All entering hell do so because they rejected Jesus Christ. God is so utterly faithful to His creations that the Bible notes:

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind: Mat 13:48 Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away. Mat 13:49 So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, Mat 13:50 And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.

God is drawing the whole world to Himself, and those who reject Him must be cast out, pure and simple. Now comes Ananias and Sapphira, being drawn to the church in God’s net of love for the whole world. With what hearts shall Ananias and Sapphira come to God?

love

serola 

Mon, Apr 29th - 7:09AM

Under the Holy Spirit we find the body of believers all in agreement, of one mind and one heart. They rejected the idea that anything they had was their own, and VOLUNTARILY sold their possessions and laid them at the apostle’s feet. There were no complaints that the apostles were unfairly enriching themselves at the expense of the other believers. We find no complaints of favoritism of any kind. Brothers and sisters let’s go to the scriptures to get the full picture.

Acts 4:32 ¶ And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any [of them] that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. Acts 4:33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. Acts 4:34 Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, Acts 4:35 And laid [them] down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.

Religious hucksters of today falsely teach AND DEMAND  believers to lay everything they have at their feet only for the benefit of the huckster. These greedy religious hucksters also teach believers to be greedy for gain, to do good only to get God to give them money and possessions. What a far cry these things are from the true church!

The Bible alone teaches us what the true church looks like for all time. It is not saying that all believers should live in community as described at the church’s beginning. However it sets a model that if some believers choose to live in this way, it must benefit all believers not just some. It must not unfairly enrich some and leave others in want. The true church is of one heart; the true church is in agreement about the word of God.

We have to notice here too, that God has set the eternal foundation of the church- the Gospel alone. We have to note that it is through the preaching of the Gospel message continually that believers were added to the church. We must note, they held no seminars on church planting, or how to attract people to the church through various methodologies, movies, skits, plays, music fests, dramas, etc. No, brothers and sisters, they just preached the Gospel message continually- AND GOD ADDED TO THE CHURCH. Nothing has changed. If we continually preach the Gospel, God will continually add to and build up the church.

1Cr 3:11 For 1063 other 243 foundation 2310 can 1410 no man 3762 lay 5087 than 3844 that is laid 2749, which 3739 is 2076 Jesus 2424 Christ 5547.

love

serola

3

Fri, Apr 26th - 8:24AM

The day of Pentecost had come as Lord Jesus had promised His disciples and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and fire. The final finished and complete work of the New Covenant of the blood of Jesus is fulfilled. Under the New Everlasting High Priest Jesus Christ,the Holy Spirit is unleashed as the permanent indwelling gift to all who believe.

Afterwards, brethren, we find the apostles preaching the Gospel message encouraged, enabled and lead directly by the Holy Spirit. Despite the threats of the ruling religious authorities of the day the Holy Spirit arises with His power and boldness to continually enable the believers to preach the Gospel without fear and with great zeal.

The Bible gives us the picture of these believers: Acts 2:44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; Acts 2:45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all [men], as every man had need. Acts 2:46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Acts 2:47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

love

serola 

Sat, Apr 20th - 11:57AM

God says over and over and over again throughout the scriptures: the Bible correctly understood and lived is God’s absolute and final answer. A large part of Christian fellowship focuses on helping one another to continually grow and be strengthened in understanding and living out the scriptures, out of love and obedience to God.

The more we know about God the more clearly we see what is important to Him. What matters to God is what absolutely must matter to us His people. The world is not going to love us God’s people. We can count on the fact that just as it hated and reviled our Lord Jesus, it will do the same to us. Nevertheless, brothers and sisters, God sustains us in His love, even as we must sustain one another in love. God has given us the right to fellowship with Him and one another. No Christian should ever have to beg for love, or subsist on crumbs of love.

The hallmark of God’s family is love. Sin no longer has any dominion over God’s people. We do not have to crumble or stumble in any vice or particular sin. The Bible has the perfect anecdote for dealing with lusts etc.

6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed , that henceforth we should not serve sin. 7 For he that is dead is freed from sin. Ro. 6:6 (KJV).

24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. Gal. 5:24 (KJV).

Getting down, dirty, and determined to excise anything out of our lives that conflict, contradict or oppose God’s standards leads to victory by God’s power. We can relax, knowing that whatever temptation comes Jesus our Lord is well pleased when we serve Him instead of sin.

love

serola

To crucify:

1) to stake, drive down stakes

2) to fortify with driven stakes, to palisade

3) to crucify

a) to crucify one

b) metaph. to crucify the flesh, destroy its power utterly (the nature of the figure implying that the destruction is attended with intense pain)

Fri, Apr 19th - 6:40AM

Brothers and sisters there is a war going on, and although some Christians will die in the battle( but shall live again), nevertheless victory in Jesus is absolutely assured. Satan is attacking the Gospel on all fronts, and preaching a false Gospel that Christians are just warmed over sinners, with the only difference being that Christians believe in Jesus. Satan is also using polls and so called "research" slandering God, and claiming Christians are no different from those who are not Christians.

Since only God is omnishcient, omnipotent and omnipresent, only God knows the exact state of all Christians. I still prefer to get my information from the Holy Bible, correctly understood. I know the the Bible states that many are called and few are chosen, however this is not stated in accordance with man's understanding;because God does not want any to be lost, although some people will end up in hell, through their rejection of Lord Jesus Christ. Secondly, Revelation reveals that the number of saints (G40 hagios) in heaven at the end will be so numerous that no man will be able to number them. I know there are Christians who think most Christians do not live up to the name; but this is presumptious, and slanderous against God. I have met cynical Christians, and all I can lovingly  tell them is that they are likely hanging out with the wrong crowd, and or the wrong place of worship.

Certainly Christians have God's command to admonish one another, as well as church leaders for correction and restoration, not merely just grumbling against one another. None in the church are above correction/discipline. Paul noted the Cretians had major problems:

12One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said , The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies.13This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;14Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.

It may seem brutal to some, but Paul was not condemning the Cretians, but he wanted to warn the brethren of the problems they had and the steps necessary to ensure that they remain sound in the faith.

Our words matter to God, and it matters what we tell others about His people. We must resist the temptation to bad mouth all Christians, since it says more about us than all Christians. The Lord warns us against  the root of bitterness as it defiles many. Lord Jesus also warns us that when we bad mouth all Christians we are bad mouthing Him. God owns all souls, and is the possessor of His people of whom He says:

Romans 8:1 KJV

love

serola

Wed, Apr 17th - 9:33AM

If the Gospel was a man-made religion, then men would have the rule, and be in charge of it. In this man made religion, men would call the shots; determine who was a saint, and who was in and who was out. Men would set the standard for what was good and what was evil. In this man made religion, men would be helpless sinners, powerless over sin. in this man made religion it would be utterly senseless and cruel to ever expect that men could live holy lives. At any given moment, men could walk away from God never to return. In this man-made religion God would never confront, discipline or withhold men from their desires no matter how evil. In this man-made religion the will of men would be exalted over the will of God. In this man made religion the conscience of men would never be troubled by their evil deeds. There is an old saying: “kill the conscience and all things are permissible”. Man- made religion kills the conscience and allows every evil of men to be permissible, and excused.

Man- made religion exists and it is a false gospel. One of its main characteristics is rejection of biblical inerrancy, and denial of the Triune God, and specifically the Holy Spirit: 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. Romans 8:6-9 (KJV)

God owns the Gospel. God owns all men. God alone is the eternal standard as set in His inerrant word. God alone rules in the kingdom of men. God alone rules His people. No errant Christian goes un-noticed, and no false christian can be hidden from Him: 6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. 7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? 8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Heb 12:6-8 (KJV)

love

serola

Sun, Apr 14th - 11:18PM

In the hall of shame we find at the top of the list Judas Iscariot. However there are many others including Simon the sorcerer. Their names will never be in God’s roll call of faith. They will never enter the kingdom of God. They sealed their own destiny, because they loved darkness more than light.

Sun, Apr 14th - 4:59AM

Brothers and sisters the Bible is full of examples of persevering saints. Praise God for the heavenly roll call of faith of countless saints who served God out of love and adoration for Him. I am thankful  also for this shared life granted by the Lord, for fellowship with God and so many brothers and sisters living in the love and reciprocity of Grace.

Yet there are many Christians who are home bound, disabled, or in nursing homes who have little or no fellowhip with other believers, due to infirmity. I pray we will remember to visit them, pray for them and encourage them. We must show them the love of God, and let them know God has no throw away people. We must let them know that their prayers are just as effectual and as readily heard  by God as those of any other Christian. It is not by our strength that we prevail, even the weak are made strong in the power of the Lord.

It is such a blessing that some of  the disabled are still able to get around, some of them blind, some in wheelchairs.The curbs of many streets are slanted to give easy access, and special provision is made on public transport, many have various aids to help them daily. It is so easy to feel compassion for the physically handicapped. When they are sick, thank God, medical help is available, and the church is eager to offer prayer and support. 

Unfortunately, the mentally ill are feared and shunned. When they are in crisis usually law enforcement is called. This is mainly because due to impaired judgement, they may be unable to keep themselves from harm or harming others. The brain can be ill for a variety of reasons in addition to mental illness. Here the church must still teach, love and encourage them with the wisdom to know when it is time to get them the protection necessary for their continued well being. We must remove the shame from the mentally ill who may have to be hospitalized from time to time to limit decompensation and restore them to improved functioning. It is no shame to need help, and no one should fear to ask or seek it.

love

serola

Thu, Apr 11th - 1:41AM

14 And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: because the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.

1 Kings 19:14 (KJV)

18Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.

1 Kings 19:18 (KJV)

This was God's answer to the great prophet Elijah who thought that he was the only prophet left alive. So it is today, God always has a multitude of faithful brothers and sisters whose knees have never bowed to baal, neither has stooped to compromise the Gospel.

We walk by faith and not by sight. God is faithful, His warriors remain strong in the Lord and the power of His might.

love

serola

Tue, Apr 9th - 4:27AM

Again brothers and sisters, we have to ask the question is it too late for the sorcerer? Has he finally stepped over the line? Didn’t the sorcerer get baptized along with everyone else? Didn’t the sorcerer say he believed? What more could God want from the sorcerer?

Now it is time for the sorcerer to respond to Peter’s apostolic command of the Gospel, and the sorcerer answers:

²⁴ Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.

Acts 8:24 (KJV)

Did Peter the apostle let out a sigh of relief and say “ Dude, you have finally come around, and it took you long enough!”.

Nope, that is not what happened at all, the Bible states:

²⁵ And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.

Acts 8:25 (KJV)

There is no biblical record of another word being spoken to Simon the sorcerer, by the apostles. The Bible says not another word regarding this particular sorcerer. There are those who incorrectly assume that the sorcerer truly repented in his reply to Peter.

Simon the sorcerer did no such thing. He absolutely did not repent. What the sorcerer wanted was for Peter to petition God, so that the sorcerer could escape the consequences of  his wicked desires to make money off of the Holy Spirit. There are people like that today, who want to make money off of the Gospel, and still think they can escape the penalty for their gross evil.

True repentance is turning to God and away from the practice of  evil. True repentance is from the heart and never born out of solely the desire to escape the consequences of practicing evil.

The apostles preached the full Gospel message. Peter exposed the sorcerer, and clearly told him :

²¹ Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.

Acts 8:21 (KJV)

After the deceitful and devious response of the sorcerer, the apostles went on about God’s business of preaching the Gospel message to others. Dear friends of Jesus that is what we all must do. Give the full Gospel message, without partiality and expose those who oppose it letting them know the consequences. Then we do not waste time with them, but go on to tell others of the full Gospel of Jesus Christ. Be of good cheer, brethren; do not allow the wicked to distract you from your labors in partnership with the Lord.

love

serola

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Fri, Apr 5th - 1:17PM

But wait, can the sorcerer still be saved? Is there anything he can do to escape his gross error in thinking he could use the Holy Spirit to make money off of and promote himself above God? Is it too late for the sorcerer? Maybe the sorcerer did not see his problem, nor understand God had the remedy. Beloveds, Peter is not done speaking to the sorcerer; he continues to give the apostolic remedy of the Gospel:

²² Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. ²³ For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.

Acts 8:22-23 (KJV)

Peter did not say to the sorcerer,  “ dude you are a one trick pony, with a one track mind and a one track song: me, me, me, me, me”.  We also do not find any apostolic diatribe against the sorcerer. No, brothers and sisters, in the apostolic response to the sorcerer we find the utter fairness of God. Truly God is beyond fairness, He is the God of utter justice, in that He gives the solution to the problem, before stating the problem.

The sorcerer is told that he must absolutely change his mind, think differently, and turn from  his depravity, maliciousness and evil.. The sorcerer had allowed himself to be poisoned by bitterness. The sorcerer’s way of life was to operate out of the very principles of unrighteousness as a way of life. Like glue bonds one thing to another, the sorcerer was willingly bonded to wickedness.

Surely some would beg and clamor for God to cast out the sorcerer at once. Some might even pray: " Lord, please, fry that sucker now!!

Yet all must be amazed at the long suffering, and patience of God, who is not willing that any be lost, neither takes any pleasure in the death of the wicked. 

The question is would the sorcerer heed the apostolic remedy and repent? 

love

serola