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2012-10-28T17:01:00.001-04:00

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The Vehicle of Revelation

2012-10-28T16:58:00.001-04:00

Colossians 2: 2-3

“Love” is the Vehicle of Revelation

Love is the conduit through which spiritual wisdom and knowledge is carried along to the believer.

Brotherly love is absolutely essential for spiritual growth. As a matter of fact a Christian will not and cannot grow in wisdom and knowledge when brotherly love is compromised in the body of Christ. It like turning of the faucet to the flow of water; when the valve is closed the water flow is hindered and it comes to a standstill.

“Unity in Love” is the channel through which the knowledge and wisdom of God travels and it is essential for spiritual growth. When brotherly love is compromised spiritual growth is stifled.

The Christian is to be strengthened in heart and firmly bound together in Christian love. The revelation of God cannot be properly known apart from the cultivation of brotherly love within the community.

The Corinthian church, which had special need to learn this lesson, was reminded that “knowledge inflates, but love builds up” and it is later made clear in Ephesians 3: 17-18 that only as Christians “rooted and well founded in love” can they “comprehend with all saints” the fullness of divine revelation. And this love is personal: Christ himself is the mystery revealed. It is the mystery of God revealed– Christ, with whom they have become one.

When the physical body is sick it loses its appetite for solid foods and so it is with the church; the church becomes weak when Christian “love” is compromised. The church loses appetite for the meat of the Word. It closes the gate to deeper and fuller revelation which leads to spiritual riches.

Paul addressed the Corinthian church saying, “I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready for it...and the reason given for their lack of appetite for solid food is credited to compromised relationships.

The apostle Paul was prepared to take them further and deeper in the things of God but soon realized that the Corinthian believers were unprepared to it. They were caught up in schism and division. Paul’s energy now turns to the healing of relationships rather than leading them into fullness of Christ. The gateway to spiritual riches was closed by a rift in the church. The vehicle of revelation is now under repair.

1 Corinthians 3: 1-3, “Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly—mere infants in Christ. ² I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. ³ You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly?” There was a great deal of friction within the body of Christ. It was like metal rubbing against metal and the many parts of the body became overheated with friction and in danger of a meltdown. This church needed to get back its first love.

1 Corinthian 12:12-

Love is a Lubricant:

“Love” is the Lubricant that Reduces Friction.

A lubricant separates moving parts so they don’t rub against each other.

Moving parts require lubricant, otherwise, friction will create heat and the increase of heat will damage moving parts. The Lord is concerned about friction in the moving parts of His body. The body is a unit with many parts that form one body and every moving part of the body requires the lubricant of love from all the other members in order for it to function effectively. For this reason the word of God says, “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. (Eph. 4:2)

“From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” (Eph. 4:16) “Live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Eph 5:2) “And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight,” (Phil. 1:9)

The greater the love greater the ministry, greater the blessing, greater the presence of God, the more the Holy Spirit will be poured out on the believers. Keep in mind that those who are new in the Lord need a loving and caring family to mentor, disciple and nurture them in the faith.

The diversity in the body, Paul says, is by God’s design. The problem with the Church it seems is that it’s at issue with God’s design. “God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be.” The emphasis is on the fact that each member is there by placement.

Why is it that Christian get upset with God’s design for His church? Can you accept God’s design for the Church? The problem is that believers strive for uniformity at the expense of diversity. We like uniformity but struggle with diversity. Diversity within unity is Paul’s concern. Christians are not pickles in a jar...the same size and color...no my friend. And there’s also a diversity of gifts given to the church by the Holy Spirit.

Paul asserts that God is responsible for the diversity that makes up the one body and those whom God has placed in the church. The scriptures says He gave some to be apostles, prophets, teachers, pastor, evangelist, and then he speaks of the charismata; gifts of prophecy, gifts of miracles, gifts of healings, and gifts of tonques.

And none of these gifts can function effectively in the absence of love one for another. Being united in love is the way to go, otherwise, the way they are going is destructive to the church as a community. The way they are being called to is one that seeks the good of others before oneself. It is the way of edifying the church, of seeking the common good. It is not love versus gifts that Paul has in mind, but “love as the only context for gifts; for without the former, the latter have no usefulness at all – but then neither does much of anything else in the Christian life. “So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” (1 Cor. 13:13)

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2012-10-26T18:57:00.002-04:00

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An Open Door

2012-10-21T21:32:00.001-04:00

Revelation 4

Have you given much consideration to the content of the Lord’s Prayer? I mean have you ever consider what is being asked for when this prayer is recited? Jesus said, “After this manner therefore pray you: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:9-10)

That’s a pretty powerful prayer to pray, especially when you consider that God answers prayer. Whenever this prayer is prayed it’s a request to God asking that the activities of heaven be the activities on earth. I got thinking about this and wondered what is really happening in heaven at this very moment? Is there a similarity between what happens on earth and what happens in heaven? We know the sorts of things that take place on earth but heaven; well, we’re not so sure about. We can only imagine.

The truth is God didn’t just leave it to our imaginations; He gave us revelation to help our imagination; He gave us the book of Revelation. Revelation chapter four and five is really “an open door” to heaven. It’s God way of allowing us to see things without actually being there. It’s an open door that allows us to peer into heaven so we can get an idea of the sort of things that are taking place in the heavenly realms. The things that are happening there are to be expected to happen here on earth. Pray at this moment that the Holy Spirit will help us to see what is revealed in the scriptures concerning heaven.

Let us turn to the book of Revelation chapter four.

An Open Door to Heaven

John wrote in Revelation 4: 1 saying, “After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven.” This statement is very similar to what the prophet, Ezekiel in chapter one and verse one, “The heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God.”

It’s my prayer that God will bring us into the opened heavens. My heart longs for His glory and His presence. I exhort you to seek His face and worship before His throne on a daily basis. Worship prepares the heart for revelation; it prepares us for the ecstatic; the supernatural and the prophetic.

John 4:1 says John heard a voice speaking to him like a trumpet saying, “Come up here and I will show you what must take place after this.” John appears to be in a trance and is seeing things that are beyond the natural boundaries of this world. We content ourselves to know and experience God within the boundaries of the natural world.

Revelation 4:2 John said, “At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it.” The Spirit God will take us beyond the natural realm of this world and bring us into the realm of the heavenly. The Apostle Paul said. “I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heavens. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know – God knows. And I know this man...who was caught up to paradise. He heard inexpressible things, things that man is not permitted to tell.” (11 Corinthians 12:2)

You may be thinking this sounds a little stranger but have you consider 1 Corinthians 12:2 in light of Ephesians 2:6? It says “And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms ...” This verse is written in the present tense. Paul is telling us that we are presently seated with him in the heavenly realm even though our feet are planted on earth. The reason is Paul can say this is because believers are linked or joined to Christ by Holy Spirit. Yes, we are on earth and Jesus is in heaven and yet we are with Him in the heavenly realm at the same time. The Word says we are in Christ and Christ is in us.

How is it that Christ is in heaven and we are on earth and yet it can be said that “we’re seated with Him in heaven.” It’s a supernatural mystery. It’s a dual citizenship that gives us the ability to live in the supernatural (heavenly) realm. Why would God do something like this for us? The scripture says He did it to show the “incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness”. God shows us what’s beyond the natural world because he loves us. He’s shows us these things because He has wonderful things stored up for us. Heaven is our destination.

Jesus said, “I am going to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you may also be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.” (John 14:3 & 4) Church, we are to Rise into our Destiny! Our destiny is the heavenly realms of God’s glory.

Revelation 4:2 John said, “At once I was in the Spirit.” It’s amazing what happens to believers when they are in the Spirit. It’s glorious and it’s supernatural. There are some pretty powerful experiences awaiting those who are in the Spirit. The Spirit of God enabled John to see the future.

The Holy Spirit made Him a seer – a prophet! John heard a voice inviting him to “come to the door of heaven”. This is a door of revelation. Its metaphorical language designed to show that John had a vision of heaven. God opened the door so John could behold its wonders.

The Throne in Heaven

The first thing God sees in heaven is a throne. It symbols the absolute sovereignty of God. The one upon the throne is “the LORD God, the Almighty”, before him the twenty-four elders fall down and worship and all of creation joins in a doxology of praise and honor.

Psalm 47:8 says, “God reigns over the nations; God sits on his holy throne.” F.F. Bruce said, “Since events on earth have their origin in heaven, the heavenly ascent is not unexpected. A true insight into history is gained only when we view all things from the advantage point of the heavenly throne.”Heaven and earth is eternally linked. They are inseparable. “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness of it.” God has double ownership of earth; by creation and by redemption. The earth is bought with a price. It belongs to Christ. It’s His! The Scroll of chapter five is proof it belongs to Him!

What John saw when he John looked to the throne can only be described in term of brilliance of precious stones. John saw brilliance, like jasper, a transparent crystal-like stone, and a carnelian, a fiery red stone. The throne with its brilliance was surrounded by a rainbow which is as emerald green.

The Psalmist spoke of God as one who covered himself “with light as with a garment.” (47:8) and Paul described the Lord as “dwelling in unapproachable light, whom man has not seen or can see.” (1 Tim 6:16) We are reminded by the stones of the different manifestations of light often used in the Bible to represent the presence and glory of God.

Israel was led by a pillar of fire at night; the presence of God and glory of God in the Holy of Holies was as represented by the Shekinah glory. What John beheld was so great and indescribable that he resorted to stones to convey what he saw. John is simply trying to portray the majesty of God, resplendent and clothed in unapproachable light. Around the throne of God was twenty-four other thrones occupied by twenty-four elders dressed in white and wearing crowns of God. They have eyes in front and in behind which speaks of alertness and knowledge. Nothing escapes their notice. Keep in mind that the description of eyes is metaphorical language. They have the strength of a lion, the ability of an ox, the intelligence of man and the swiftness of an eagle. They are featured as falling down in worship. On one occasion they join the four living creatures in presenting the prayers of the saints to God. (5:8)

Adoration and praise are continuously on their lips. They are leaders in worship. The four living creatures of Revelation also suggest the seraphim (angels) of Isaiah 6:2-3 who lifted up their voices in praise singing, “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of host. They living creatures lead the heavenly hosts in worship and adoration of God. His holiness and power stretch from eternity to eternity; He is the One “who was and who is and who is to come.”

To fall down is the proper and appropriate response to the majesty to God: to worship is appropriate for His eternal being. In casting down their crowns before the throne the elders acknowledged that their authority comes from Him. The honor given them is freely returned to the One alone is worthy of universal honor.

The Blazing Lamps in Heaven

May the fire of God burn on earth as it burning in heaven! When we pray, “Thy kingdom come and thy will be done on earth” we are literally asking for the fire of God to burn in our midst. The presence of the Holy Spirit is represented by the seven burning lamps of fire which is before the throne which denotes the fullness of God’s Spirit.

Fire has always been associated with Holy Spirit in both Old and New Testaments; on Mount Sinai in the giving of the law and the day of Pentecostal. There was fire on Mount Sinai and there was fire in the Upper Room.

On the day of Pentecostal it says, “They saw what seemed to be tonques of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit.” The menorah burned 24/7 in the Holy of Holies. It burned 24/7 in the synagogues of Israel and it has to burn 24/7 in the church.

Paul said, “Pray without ceasing for this is the will of God.” He also said, “Be filled with the Spirit” which means that you are to be filled over and over and over and over again. Keep replenishing the oil of your lamps. “Fan it into full flame.” It’s power for ministry. It’s the power for service. It’s the power for worship. It’s the light that illuminates the scriptures. We need the fire of God in the church!

In the book of Exodus chapter 25 we read that God showed Moses on Mount Sinai the exact pattern of the tabernacle, and of all its furniture and he was told to make it according to the pattern. The Ark of the Covenant, the Table for Bread and the Golden Lamp Stand, the Bronze Altar, the Court of the Tabernacle and even the Oil for the Lamp was to be made according to the pattern shown to Moses on the mountain. It is the patter for acceptable and successful ministry.

John on the Isle of Patmos was taken into the presence of God and a door to the Throne Room was opened and he was shown a pattern for worshipper on earth. “From the throne came flashes of lightning, and rumblings, and peals of thunder, and before the throne were burning seven torches of fire, which are the seven spirits of God...” (Revelation 4:5&6)

The fire of the Spirit burns before the throne of God. The worship before the throne of God is the pattern for the church. The fire of the Spirit is the pattern for earth dwellers. The church has taken the pattern of heaven and replaced it with a hymn sing or with a melody of choruses. But worship can only be worship with the blazing fire of heaven. When our lives are consumed with this blazing fire we will fall before Him who sits on the throne and who lives forever and ever. Crowns were cast before the throne saying “Worthy are you, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you are created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.

My Lord, let the pattern of heaven be restore to the church. The fire and wind that came into the Upper Room on the Day of Pentecost is according to the heavenly pattern and it must remain the pattern for the modern day church.

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2012-10-12T23:40:00.000-04:00

Life Is No Coincidence

2012-10-07T18:48:00.002-04:00

Life isn’t lotto 649, no my friend. So you’re thinking that the events just happens by chance, randomly, that it moves aimlessly through space and time with no set purpose. If you are thinking it is this way then you need to think again. Your life has a specific design; it comes with a set of blueprints and manual.

Seriously, I’m going to share with you insight from the Word of God with the intent purpose of setting you on the right path of thinking. The truth is; God created you, He loves you, He sent His Son to die on the cross to save you and He sent Holy Spirit to speak truth into your heart.

The hand of God can be clearly seen on the many characters in the Bible. I see this to be true in every chapter, every verse and in every line written in the Word of God.

Consider Abram, “The LORD had said him, ‘Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you.” (Genesis 12:1) God literally spoke to Abram. It wasn’t his father, mother, wife or some friend that spoke to him; it was God who spoke to Abram. “So Abram left, as the LORD had told him... he was seven-five years old when he set out from Haran.” (v.2)

Why God did call a seven-five year old man to uproot and move to a new location? It sounds crazy at first until you hear the explanation. God said to Abram, “I will make you into a great nation...I will make your name great and you will be a blessing.” (v.2, 3)

Greatness and blessing go together. Are you getting the revelation? God singled out one man and assigned him a place of great honor. In the same manner in which God entered into a covenant with Abram (Genesis 15) He enters into a covenant with you and I. It's a covenant relationship; one with a specific mission.

Moses was a shepherd attending to the flock of his father-in-law near Hored, the mountain of God, when He spoke to Him through a burning bush that didn’t burn up. God said, “I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.”

But Moses said to God, “Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites of Egypt? And God said, “I will be with you.” (Exodus 3:11 & 12) Moses thought the idea to be crazy; he was under qualified. He was by no means a match for Pharoah. Why would God assign him such an overwhelling mission? He wasn't a trained operative. He didn't have a Central Intellegence Agency working for him. He didn't have a standing army to challenge Pharoah. He had nothing but a promise from God; for he needed nothing else. With reluctance Moses obeyed and went to Egypt. (Exodus 3:10)

Are you getting the revelation? God is calling you and is giving you an assignment. He's calling you and sending you out to help someone in distress, someone in darkness, someone in bondage, someone in despair; He’s sending you out to bring that someone out of darkness, to lift that someone out of the pit, to rescue a soul. He has a ministry for you, He has a mission for you; will you go?

Don’t you worry about the outcome; the LORD who helped Moses will help you and give you great success. He will equip you for the task. He will equip you for the mission; just go in faith and believe His promises. Jesus sent twelve disciples out and “gave them authority over evil spirits...they went out and preached that people should repent. They drove out many demons and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them.” (Mark 6:7-12)

I hear the Holy Spirit saying, "there's someone reading this message who is called to the “Ministry of Bringing”. You are to bring others out of slavery and bring them into freedom. God is anointing you for this work and, this anointing will cause others to follow you. They will follow you as you follow Christ. They will follow you to church. They will follow your conversation. They will follow you just to hear you speak Words of Life.

When two men heard John the Baptist say, “Look, the Lamb of God!” they immediately followed Jesus. Jesus saw them following and asked, “What do you want?” They said, “Rabbi where are you staying?” “Come,” he replied, “and you will see.”

“So they went...and spent the day with Jesus. (John 1:35-43) Andrew, one of the two who heard what John had said, followed Jesus. The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon...to bring him to Jesus”. There’s an Andrew present who’s called to bring others to Christ.

The Holy Spirit just reminded me of Samuel who was just a young boy when God spoke to him. There’s some young boy, in his adolences, whom God is calling to preach the gospel of the kingdom of heaven. Obey and go!

The Word of God says that “Samuel was lying down in the temple of the LORD...when God spoke to Him.” (1 Samuel 3)

Samuel did not recognize the voice of God at first. He ran to Eli and said, “Here I am, you called me. But Eli said, “I did not call you, go back and lie down.” Three times God called Samuel by name before he realized it was God. God called Samuel to a specific task; to warn Eli’s family of coming judgement for sins committed. God anointed Samuel to warn them of judgment to come.

Are you getting the revelation? God calls individuals to warn of coming judgement. It’s a specific assignment given to warn others about God’s wrath and plead with them to repent and stop offending God.

The Holy Spirit just spoke again saying, "that many are being called with a special anointing to warn this generation of the wrath to come". God raised up Jeremiah to warn the whole nation of Israel of the coming calamity. Few listened and because they refused to repent, a nation of people went into captivity. Jeremiah was anointed for the task. Whenever he spoke he cried nothing but violence and destruction; the messagethat brought him insult and reproach all day long. It got so bad for Jeremiah, he thought, “I will not mention him or speak any more in his name". But he could hold it in, he said, “His word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones.” (Jeremiah 20:9)

There's a whole generation of believers who lack courage. When Christians lose courage they lose hope. When they lose hope they’re weakened in their resolve to defend family, church or the home land. Men will only follow a man with courage. God is calling you to be a man of courage. He’s calling you by the power of the Spirit to proclaim the Kingdom of Heaven. He’s calling you to be a general in His army.

Phillips Brooks said, Courage...is the indispensable requisite of any true ministry...Courage is good everywhere, but it is necessary here. If you are afraid of men and a slave to their opinion, go and do something else. Go and make shoes to fit them...But do not keep on all your life preaching sermons which shall say not what God sent you to declare, but what they hire you to say. *

Stay with me, the Holy Spirit has more to say to on this matter. The Word of God says that Samuel anointed David to be the King over Israel. David was given a special anointing for the task ahead. King Saul led the men of Israel astray but God anointed David to bring them back.

Let me give you a picture of how bad things can be with men. Saul and the Israelites gathered their forces for war against the Philistines. When David showed up on the front lines he found Saul and all the Israelites dismayed and terrified. As he was talking with them, Goliath, the Philistine champion...stepped out from his lines and shouted defiance and David heard it. When the Israelites saw the man, they ran from him in great fear.” (1 Samuel 17:24) The men were hiding in caves. They lost hope and were paralyzed with fear. “For forty days the Philistines came forward every morning and evening and took their stand.”

God called David, anointed Him with courage and sent him out to the battle line to break the spirit of fear and intimidation. David gave the army Israel a renewed hope. The revelation here is that a generation of men have lost their moral and spiritual courage and are paralyzed with fear but, things are going to change. God is sending His man to the front lines of battle. His mission to break the curse of dispair and hopelessness. His mission is to lead God's army into battle to destroy the works of the devil.

C.S. Lewis said, “Courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testing point.”

God is sending a band of brothers anointed with confidence to fight against the Philistines and to decapitate Lucifer. No longer will men retreat, no longer will they recoil. They will run to the battle line to face their adversary in the power of the Spirit. They will reach into the bag of God's promise as David reached for a stone to slain the enemy. God is sending His “Special Forces” who’s trained, disciplined, equipped and dangerous!

Over and over we hear the words of the LORD in the scriptures saying, “Be strong and of good courage, fear not...be strong and of good courage, fear not...be strong and of good courage, fear not.” In other words “never back down from a fight.”

Polycarp refused to back down and we bend to forces of opposition.

John Foxe - After the respite, the Christians again came under persecution, this time from Marcus Aurelius, in A.D. 61. One of those who suffered this time was Polycarp, the venerable bishop of Smyrna...As he entered the stadium with his guards, a voice from heaven was heard to say, "Be strong, Polycarp, and play the man." No one nearby saw anyone speaking but many people heard the voice. Brought before the tribunal and the crowd, Polycarp refused to deny Christ, although the proconsul begged him to "consider yourself and have pity on your great age. Reproach Christ and I will release you." Polycarp replied, "Eighty-six years I have served Him, and He never once wronged me. How can I blaspheme my King, who saved me?" Threatened with wild beasts and fire, Polycarp stood his ground.(From Foxe’s Christian Martyrs, published by Barbour Publishing, Inc., Uhrichsville, OH. Page 11. Used by permission)

Psalm 27:1-3 says, “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident.”

· (Quoted in: Who Will Be Saved? Edited by: House, Paul and Thornbury, Gregory, Crossway, 2000, p. 101.)

God Loves You!

2012-10-01T12:43:00.001-04:00

In John 3:16 (ESV) Jesus said, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

It is only one sentence. And that sentence contains only twenty-four words. Yet that one sentence is packed with so much truth that we literally will not have time to fully unpack its contents, but I will try.

From this one verse we can find at least seven truths (probably more) about the love of God. Let’s look at them now.

1. THE LOVE OF GOD IS UNCONDITIONAL. For God so loved the world

The Greek word for world (kosmos) is defined as “the ungodly multitude; the whole mass of men alienated from God, and therefore hostile to the cause of Christ.” This is the world that God loved. It doesn’t say that God loved all the good guys. Or that God loved all the Jews. Or that God love all the saints. It says, “For God so loved the world.”

That God should love the world only heightens the mystery of this love. Were we to imagine a pristine world, fresh from the hand of the Creator and uninfected by evil, we could more easily comprehend God’s desire to save it. But a wayward world which not only failed to recognize its maker (John 1:10) but openly hated His approach to it (15:18) would seem a poor choice for love.

So God’s love clearly isn’t based on our spiritual condition or our moral predisposition. It isn’t based on our behavior or our attitude toward him. Rather we see here that God’s love for mankind is universal and unconditional. He loves everyone. And this is one of the things that sets him apart from every other god held up by every other world religion...

Only Christianity dares to proclaim God’s love is unconditional. An unconditional love that we call grace. Christians boldly proclaim that grace really has precious little to do with us, our inner resolve, or our lack of inner resolve. Rather, grace is all about God and God freely giving to us the gifts of forgiveness, mercy, and love.

So God’s love for us is unconditional. It is as Philip Yancey once wrote: “There is nothing we can do to make God love us more. There is nothing we can do to make God love us less.”

2. THE LOVE OF GOD IS SACRIFICIAL. that he gave

According to a footnote in the English Standard Version of the Holy Bible an alternate translation of the first part of John 3:16 is as follows: “For this is how God loved the world…” How did God love us? He loved us by giving, by serving, by sacrificing. So here we learn something important about the nature of true love. Some people think they love others because of what those people do for them or how they make them feel. But God shows us that true love has nothing to do with what you can do for me, but everything to do with what I can do for you.

And what are the results of God’s sacrificial love?

3. THE LOVE OF GOD IS VALUABLE. His only

Here we see the value of the Father’s love for us. Not only was he will to give, but we see here that he was willing to give the only one he had. When you give to someone out of your abundance that is one thing, but when you give out of your poverty that is quite another. If you had several vehicles it might be seen as a noble thing if you were to give one of them to a family who had none. But if you were to give them the only vehicle you had that would be seen as something more than noble – something above and beyond the call of duty – it would been seen as real sacrifice.

How many times have you heard or even said yourself: “I can’t give you that because it’s the only one I’ve got.” We’ve probably all said that. But we learn here that God didn’t have a back up. God didn’t have a spare. But he loved us so much that he was willing to give us the only one he had. “The power and passion of God’s love comes across, not through a supposed special meaning of the Greek word involved, but through the length to which God was willing...

4. GOD’S LOVE IS PERSONABLE. Son

God’s love is not merely some abstract concept. It isn’t just a philosophy or a theological construct. God’s love was made manifest in this world through the person of Jesus Christ the only Son of the Father. Jesus Christ came into this world to reveal to us the love of God in human form.

A child was once trying to quote from John 3:16 in the King James Version, which says, “his only begotten Son.” But the child misquoted it and said, “his only forgotten Son.” It was one of those slips of the tongue that carried more truth than we would care to admit. For by most people in the world today Jesus Christ is truly forgotten. His life is forgotten. His love is forgotten. His sacrifice is forgotten. It is our job as Christians – as God’s ambassadors – to help them remember.

God’s love is personable on the one hand because it was made manifest through a person – Jesus Christ – but also as Max Lucado explained it:

There are many reasons God saves you: to bring glory to himself, to appease his justice, to demonstrate his sovereignty. But one of the sweetest reasons God saved you is because he is fond of you. He likes having you around. He thinks you are the best thing to come down the pike in quite a while… If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it. If he had a wallet, your photo would be in it...

5. GOD’S LOVE IS ACCESSIBLE. That whoever believes in him

Yes, God’s love is accessible to everyone and that includes you! You don’t have to be born with the right color of skin or on the correct continent; it is not reserved for only the intellectual elite or the power brokers or financial wizards. No, the love of God is accessible to “whoever believes in” Jesus – the only Son of God. The really good news about God’s love is that it is not limited to a select few.

Please understand that that He has made His love accessible to the average, ordinary person like me and like you. He is not a distant God who loves us only from some mystical, faraway place that is completely removed from us. Rather, he has entered into our world and he longs to enter into our lives.

Will you believe in his Son who made the ultimate expression of God’s love by giving his life on the cross for your sins? By choosing to believe in him you access the love of God, the grace of God and the forgiveness of God. By believing in him you access the new life that only he can provide.

6. GOD’S LOVE IS NONJUDGMENTAL. Should not perish

God’s goal in sending his Son from heaven to earth was not condemn you or to show you how bad you are, how unworthy you are or how hopeless you are. God’s only desire in sending his Son was showing you His love and to draw you into a love relationship with Himself. Jesus didn’t come into the world in order to rebuke you. He came to rescue you. He didn’t come to criticize you; He came to affirm you. He didn’t come to punish you; He came to pardon you. He didn’t come to destroy you; He came to restore you. Believe on Him. Accept Christ as your Lord and Saviour. Pray the prayer of faith and invite the Lord Jesus into your life. If you need further help please get in touch with me.

Rising Into Destiny

2012-09-24T15:26:00.001-04:00

God made prophets, priest and kings. God made Abraham a Father of many nations. He made Moses a deliverer, Levi a priest, David a King, Solomon the wisest man in the world and Jeremiah a prophet. The word of the LORD came to me, saying, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”

God made Matthew, Mark, Luke and John Apostles. He made John a Seer who wrote everything he saw in the book of Revelation.

He made Paul a “letter-writer” to the churches. He said, “It was [God] who gave some to be...evangelist, some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ is built up.”

This verse has our names all over it. What Pastors do for Christ and the church is no accident or fluke. Paul wrote, “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to [be set apart].” (Eph. 1:4)

The LORD does not call pastors to be shepherds of His flocks and then appoint others to work in opposition to them. God does not work against Himself; it’s contrary to His divine nature. It’s that simply. The Word of God says, “Do not touch my anointed ones; do my prophets no harm.”

There are many ways to do God’s prophets harm. When you harm the prophet you harm the work of God. You hinder the work of the Holy Spirit.

Paul warned Timothy saying, “Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done. You too should be on your guard against him, because he strongly opposed our message.At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom.”

Perhaps there’s a an “Alexander” in your life whose done you harm. Don’t fear; God is taking care of you. Keep your eyes on Jesus and remain faithful. Don’t be thrown off your course by those who are trying to harm you; any attempt to disrupt your work will be minuscule by God’s greatness. Be confident that God has called you to ministry and find comfort in Psalm 121

“I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you—the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”

Paul said, “God appointed some to be...evangelist, pastors and teachers, prophets and Apostles.” Congregants must release the leadership of the church for the work of the ministry by removing the limitations placed upon them. The church needs the five-fold ministry. Every Pastor needs a prophet and every prophet needs a Pastor. Every church needs to be linked to the five-fold ministry.

We are not cessationist. Cessation means something has ceased to function and it`s no longer needed or it’s no longer necessary. Cessationist generally believes that the miraculous gifts were given only for the founding of the early Church. Cessationism is the view that the miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit, such as tongues, prophecy and healing, ceased being practiced early on in Church history. Cessationism says that the five-fold ministry is not needed in the church today. The opposite of Cessationism is Continuationism. Pentecostals are Continuationist not Cessationist!

We believe that the miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit, such as tongues, prophecy and healing is for the church today; for the equipping of the saints and for the building up of the church. We believe the gifts continue to manifest in the body of Christ for the purpose of comforting, edification and for exhortation. The need for supernatural gifts is greater today than it’s ever been. We live in an age of confusion, darkness, and chaos. The church’s success depends on the supernatural equipment given by the Holy Spirit to win the war for truth! Cessationism is bad theology. The church need not be divided against itself along these lines.

I encourage you to be filled with the Holy Spirit, speak in tonques and prophesie.

Paul corrected the Thessalonians and rebuked the error of their ways when he said, “do not treat prophecies with contempt.” (1Thess. 5:20)

For crying out loud, the majority of preachers are muzzled by religious traditions. Leonard Ravenhill said, "If Jesus preached the same message preachers preach today He would never had been crucified." Don't be slaves to meaningless tradition or to the opinion of others. Pastors need not be slaves but to Christ only. God made pastors to be filled with the Spirit. God made Pastors to preach the Word in season and out of season. God made pastors to correct and rebuke. He made pastors to give oversight to His work on earth. (2 Timothy 4: 1 & 2) God made pastors to lay their hands on the sick that they may be healed. He made pastors to cast out devils. (Mark 16:18)

God made pastors to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (Ephesians 4:3) God made pastors to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and return sight to the blind, to release the oppressed, and proclaim the year of jubilee. (Luke 4:18-19)

The most unusual observance that God commanded the Israelites through Moses was the keeping of the year of jubilee. For most people this celebration occurred only once in their life time, and for many, not even that, as it occurred only once every 50 years.

At this year of jubilee all Israelites who had sold themselves into slavery were set free, and all land that had been sold reverted to its original owner. This meant that no Israelite could ever be in permanent slavery; nor could any Israelite permanently lose his inheritance.

How is it, that some of God’s people have return to slavery? How is it that so many have lost the prophetic anointing? How is it so many have forsaken their rich inheritance? Hear what the Spirit is saying church.

Pentecost means fifty which speaks of jubilee. There’s fifty days between Easter and the Day of Pentecost. God is ready to restore our fortune once again. He is ready to restore our inheritance with a renewed outpouring of the Holy Spirit. A new and fresh fire is coming to the church. We are coming into open heaven. God has shown me the first fruit of this revival: 50 men saved, 50 women saved, 50 young people saved, 50 healings, 50 Spirit’s baptism, 50 prophetic utterances given to the church, 50 called to ministry, 50 backsliders returning to Christ, 50 churches on fire for God, 50 regional revival centers strategically placed in Canada. This is the first fruit of the renewed outpouring of the Holy Spirit. There’s much, much more to come. Great spiritual freedom is coming to the church and it’ll be the first fruit of revival!

“Those whom Christ has set free are free indeed!”

Speaking of freedom let me share a story.

The “House Divided Speech” was an address given by Abraham Lincoln’s June 16, 1858 on Springfield, Illinois, one hundred years before I was born. The speech became the launching point for his unsuccessful campaign for the senate seat against Stephen A. Douglas. The speech created a lasting image of the danger of disunion because of slavery.

The best-known passage of the speech is this:

A house divided against itself cannot stand. I believe this government cannot endure, permanently, half slave and half free. I do not expect the Union to be dissolved — I do not expect the house to fall — but I do expect it will cease to be divided. It will become all one thing or all the other. Either the opponents of slavery will arrest the further spread of it, and place it where the public mind shall rest in the belief that it is in the course of ultimate extinction; or its advocates will push it forward, till it shall become alike lawful in all the States, old as well as new — North as well as South.*

Of course we know Abraham Lincoln was quoting the Bible to make his point. In Mark’s gospel 3: 24-26 Jesus said, “If a kingdom is divided against itself, the kingdom cannot stand. If a house divided against itself, that house cannot stand; his end has come.”

There’s always a danger of disunion! As a church, we too must decide our status; are we slaves or are we free? It’s one or the other; we can’t have it both ways. We can’t be speaking from both sides of our mouths as Christ church. “It is not right for one man to spiritually enslave another and for the third man to allow it.” We must decide!

Most famously, eight years before Lincoln's speech, during the Senate debate on the Compromise of 1850, Sam Houston had proclaimed: "A nation divided against itself cannot stand" (Mark 3:24). During the War of 1812 a similar line appeared in a letter from Abigil Adams to Mercy Otis Warren. Mrs. Adams wrote "... A house divided upon itself - and upon that foundation do our enemies build their hopes of subduing us."*

The aim and purpose of the gospel is to end slavery; every form of spiritual bondage.” God made anointed pastors “to proclaim freedom for the prisoners...to release the oppressed, and proclaim the season of the Lord’s favor?” (Luke 4:18-19)

We have entered that season; revival is in the air. The warm winds of the Holy Spirit is blowing upon us and the river of God is flowing, the sound of heaven is heard, the birds are singing the praises of the Lord, the Lily of the Valley and the rose of Sharon is sending forth its beautiful fragrance. Proclaim it now! Proclaim the Lord’s favor! Proclaim the anointing! Proclaim His glory! Proclaim the wonderful works of God! Proclaim healing! Proclaim freedom! Proclaim prophetic utterances! Be a voice of hope to a hurting and dying world.

Rise into Destiny!

I Will Remember

2012-09-16T16:38:00.000-04:00

Part 1

Sharon and I both grew up in Baie Verte (2006 Population 1,275) a town located on the northeast coast of the island of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Baie Verte dates to the late 19th century, but remained a small village until the discovery of asbestos and other ore bodies of copper, lead, zinc and gold in the mid 1950s when the town underwent major expansion. By the early 70’s the population reached the vicinity of about 3000 people and then declined when the mining industries went bust.

In the early 60’s young graduates from Eastern Pentecostal Bible College, Peterborough, Ontario showed up in our community to hold Pentecostal meetings in the old theatre house. The Theatre meetings ended with the departure of the young Evangelists who came to town and the families that got saved at the meetings began meeting in homes. Our family home on Main Street became one of the two places where Holy Spirit services were held each week. The cottage meetings alternated between the Rideouts family Home and our home. Sharon’s dad, Jack, who happened to be a local entertainer, attended one of the cottage meetings and when the collection plate was passed around he threw in a two dollar bill and said to his wife, “Grace, that’s my first two dollars I gave and it’s my last.”

Needless to save, Jack returned again to the house meeting where he found Jesus and became the first worship leader of that fledging little band of worshippers. Soon they out grew the house meeting places and, within a few years, land was purchased to build a church. A new vibrant Pentecostal work was now flourishing in our community. Trinity Pentecostal Church was now well on its way in the midst of a booming mining town. As children growing up attending services we witnessed many who came to Christ in faith, the sick healed, believers baptized in water and with Holy Spirit.

In those days, as in all Pentecostal churches, worshippers gathered three times on Sunday, morning and evening with Sunday school 3 P.M. in the afternoon. My older siblings babysat us younger ones while our parents attended the evening services. But we thought it unfair to be left at home when we were hearing such good reports of salvations and believers being filled with the Holy Spirit. Soon, everyone in our family attended the Sunday evening services.

Don’t you cherish those wonderful memories of Holy Spirit’s outpouring, people getting saved and the sick healed? I can remember as a young boy attending a Pastor’s conference hosted by our church and seeing all the pastors dressed in black suits and thinking to myself, "I want to be a pastor some day and be just them".

That day came. It was at the age of sixteen when God spoke clearly into my heart calling me to ministry. Let me add, he called us both of us into the ministry. Honey, it has been thirty years and here we are, pastors at Calvary Pentecostal, Renfrew, ON where we’re expecting great things from God.

Part 2

I will never forget our first church in the community of Cow Head located on the Great Northern Peninsula of Newfoundland, in Gros Morne National Park. Cow Head has been known to be a central location to very rich fishing grounds, as well as being in the shipping and trading lanes since the 1800's. Fishermen traded with the English trading company "Bird and Company" and Nova Scotia traders. In the 1970's, with the development of Gros Morne National Park, Cow Head became an enclave community in the park as well as designated a semi-growth area for the park. The town had a population of 493 in the Canada 2006 Census.

It was here we conducted our first evangelistic meeting with Evangelist Ivan Randal. Ivan received a prophetic word from the Lord right after he had finished preaching and said, “God isn’t through with us tonight; there’s a healing for someone in this service. If this healing is for you please stand and receive it.” Sharon immediately stood to her feet and the power of God went down through her body. She was instantly healed. Every complication went from her body. On several accounts the doctors told her that it was a miracle that she had carried Jordan to full term. They told us “he is the first child and he is the last. There will be no other children.” The Doctors diagnosis was right but God had other plans. He had planned three other wonderful children for us; Julian, Jon-Beth and John. To God be the glory! We were off to a great start and looking back I can report to you that our entire ministry has been marked with miracles, signs and wonders. God is faithful! Our boast is in the Lord! Our help is in Him!

Our growing family moved to Port Au Port Peninsula. It’s located on the west coast of the island of Newfoundland. The Port au Port Peninsula represents the most varied ethnic and linguistic mix in the entire island of Newfoundland, with the highest proportion of French-speaking settlement on the island (15%). Newfoundland's unique folk music has been somewhat influenced by musicians from the Port au Port Peninsula, notably Émile Benoît. Émile Benoît was a fiddler who became well-known for popularizing Franco-Newfoundlander folk music traditions. Additionally, the area's strong Roman Catholic tradition is reflected in the high visibility accorded to churches throughout the peninsula's communities.

A notable miracle took place among the people during our tenure of ministry on the Port Au Port Peninsula. Sharon received a call from Margie, a member of our congregation, asking for the pastor to come and pray for Norma, her daughter.Norma was suffering acute pain from infection due to child birth. I went to my office upon receiving the news and prayed, “Lord, Norma needs more than a pastor’s visit; She is in need of a miracle.” I went immediately from prayer to Margie and Peter’s home. I placed my hands on her head and prayed for healing. Within the hour Norma went to the washroom and all infection caused by child birth got expelled from the uterus. Norma had no more pain and everyone was rejoicing and praising the Lord.

A few years later our family moved to Burin. Burin comes from the French word burin meaning cold chisel; a tool of engraving. The Burin Peninsula is often affectionately nicknamed "The Boot" due to its resemblance to the footwear when seen on a map, with the town of Burin located near the "heel".

It was here I went to visit an elderly widow who attended my church. I sat next to the old-style oil stove in the kitchen and Mrs. Pike began to talk about her great grandson. He had a severe nerve condition. He was very emotionally unstable. The boy cried often. He was unable to attend school, seldom played with other children, was seeing a Psychologist and spent most of his time at home. I asked Mrs. Pike where the boy lived. She told me where he lived and then informed me that he had come for a visit and was in the bedroom. I asked Mrs Pike if she could bring him out so I can pray for him. Mrs. Pike went to the room and brought the boy out. I gave him my chair and he sat and listened while I share a few words with him. I asked him,“Do you believe Jesus can heal you?” He said yes, nodding his head. So I placed my hands on him and prayed, “Jesus heal this boy!” I left Mrs Pike's home and I didn’t see her again until that following Sunday. The report she shared with the congregation in the testimony meeting was very good. The boy emotional state had returned to normal. He no longer cried and had returned to school.

Mrs. Pike continued to testify at the church for several more Sundays reporting that her great grandson was like other normal children. The boy’s parents were so impressed with the miracle they thought it necessary to enroll him in the Salvation Army Sunday School; they lived next door to a Citadel.

It was in the same community where I led in prayer from the pulpit for a United Church woman who was admitted to the Health Science Centre, St John’s NF. She had severe blockage in her arteries and was scheduled for surgery. The next day she was discharged from the hospital and sent home. The blockage broke loose the evening we prayed and there was no need for surgery. Isn't God good?

Part 3

It was nine years into ministry when I received an invitation to serve as the pastor in Stoneville, Newfoundland. Driving through Stoneville will lead you to the Fogo Island ferry. Sharon and I spent six years leading this vibrant spirit-filled congregation. It is here we experienced a great move of God. Revival broke out in the church and a large number of people got saved and baptized in water. I can remember baptizing upward of 30 men and women in water at one service. There is so much to speak about concerning the move of the Spirit in this assembly that I will need to write about it at another time.

Prior to our arrival to this small town with a large church I had two individuals in Burin share a dream with me and both dreams were identical. Mary Broomfield, a member of the Burin assembly, told me about a dream. In her dream I was the Pastor of a church full of people with a large number of children that gathered at the front.”

Later on, my brother Ed, came to visit me (while we still lived in Burin) and told me about a dream he had and it was the same as Mary’s dream. Sometime after I moved to Stoneville Ed and Mary came for a visit. Of course they came at different times. When they walked into the church and after they had a good around both of them had the same response; “This is the dream I had; this is the church in my dream,” they said.

True to the dream, the church was filled with people with an average of 30-35 children in the Sunday morning service. All the children attending would come to the front for prayer before being dismissed for Children’s Church. God was directing us through dreams and confirming our call to this work. That’s supernatural.

I believe it’s appropriate to say that one of most outstanding miracles Sharon and I had witnessed in our ministry took place in a Sunday evening worship service in Stoneville.

An elderly man by the name of Eli was diagnosed with cancer in the prostate gland. He had diabetes and suffered from a skin disorder, problems with his bones and high blood pressure. He was so sick he could he could not raise his arms in church to praise the Lord; not until a miracle took place during the evening service. Eli spoke out immediately after we had finished a hymn saying, “Pastor Do you mind if I speak? Something has happened to me,” he said. Upon being acknowledged, Eli stood to his feet and said, “Look, I can raise my arms; I feel good. I know the Lord has healed me.”

What happened was supernatural! It was miraculous! God made him new! He was completely healed from every sickness and disease in that moment of time. He was schedule for surgery at the Health Science Centre in St. John’s but later he was told by his doctor “there’s no need for surgery; you no longer have cancer. You can go home and there’s no need to come back.” The doctor gave him a complete bill of health. Eli’s skin had returned to normal, his blood pressure returned to normal and he stop taking needles for diabetes. The man was an older man in his 70’s and went on to live for another fifteen years before he died and went home with the Lord. The miracle so impacted everyone that it catapulted the church into red hot revival. I can remember counting upwards to thirty unsaved men and women setting in an evening service. There were men who had never darkened the doors of the church started attending the revival meeting. I will write more about the revival at another time but for now, I will move on.

As you can see the Lord has taken us on an amazing journey.

Part 4

1990 I moved my family to Ontario and accepted the call to pastor a small country church in the Upper Ottawa Valley. Quadeville is located along the Madawaska River in south-eastern Ontario. It is part of Township of Madawaska Valley. It was here I developed a green thumb. I cultivated a vegetable garden, grew our own potatoes, fished the beautiful lakes, cut fire wood for the church’s outdoor furnace and went on ice-fishing derbies with the church. It was something like being on a sabbatical without taking one. Our family felt welcomed by the locals and the church folks. We were informed that one of their former pastors was a Newfoundlander which served as an indication that we were a good fit.

One evening I received a call from a member of the Quadeville assembly asking if I would consider driving to Pembroke to visit his daughter-in-law who attempted suicide on her life. I drove to Pembroke to make a pastoral visit. At the hospital I stood next to Lisa’s bed listening to her story. She told me she has suffered many years from manic depression and this was her third suicide attempt. I prayed with her and promised I would keep in touch. After Lisa’s return home from the hospital I made regular visits, prayed with her and encouraged her to attend church. Lisa continued to suffer from manic depression and have suicidal thoughts.

One evening Lisa called and asked if I would meet at the church with her and her husband. After I said yes, I said to myself, “What have I done? I’m not a professional counsellor, or a Psychologist. I’m not trained or skilled to deal with mental health issues.” I’m a Pastor. My work is ministry. The only think I can do is pray. I went to prayer over the matter and ask the Lord for wisdom. The Lord spoke to me and said, “All you have to do is to listen to her story.”

That evening I met with Lisa and her husband. For a good thirty to forty minutes I listened to Lisa poured out her sorrows. I could feel her pain. I saw her tears of anguish. Towards the end of her story she made a statement that got my attention. Lisa said, “God is trying to teach me something from my troubles. I’ll just have to bear it. I deserve it.” With that said, I responded: “Lisa”, where did you get that idea? Give one lesson you have learned from all your pain and sorrows? Can you give one lesson God has taught you? Lisa thought about the question. I waited for an answer. There was no answer. She could not retrieve one single lesson she learned from her experience.

Now I was ready to speak truth into Lisa’s life. I explained to her that “God is a God of love and compassion. He loves her and He cares for her. I told her that He sent His Son to die on the cross to save her. He’s ready to help and deliver from all afflictions.

“Who told you this lie”, I asked. “My Mother”, she said. “Why did your mother tell you this?” I responded. Lisa said that her mother had told her repeatedly that God was punishing her for all the wrong things she had done in life. I told it her it was a lie. You’re blaming the wrong person. You should blame the devil. It’s the devil who’s got you in this mess.

Something shifted in her spirit in that moment of revelation. There was atmospheric change. Jesus said, “You shall know the truth and the truth will set you free.”Suddenly, we found ourselves in open heaven. The presence and power of God filled the room. We were all silent. No one was speaking; God was at work. I could see from looking at Lisa and her husband that the glory of the Lord had overtaken them. I knew that God was at work healing Lisa’s broken heart. The presence of God was so powerful that it was tangible.

After the glory had lifted I spoke to Lisa and asked her what had happened. She said, “It was as if a light flooded the room and entered into me. It came down upon my head, she said, and went from my head to my feet and up to my head again. Then I felt something lifted off me. A dark cloud lifted off my life and I felt a peace come in.” I asked her husband the same question. Her husband said, “I felt the same thing that Lisa described happening to her.” Lisa was no longer in mental anguish. Her countenance was radiant with joy.

Jesus said,“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Luke 4:18-20) Lisa went home a changed woman. Her emotional state improved, she testified at church telling the people what Lord had done in her life. I have visited Quadeville a number of times over the years and I never again hear that Lisa attempted suicide. Lisa became a regular church attendee along with her husband. We rejoiced together in what the Lord had done. God is good!

Part 5

We served the Quadeville assembly for four and a half years before we accepted the call to Brighton, a town in Northumberland County, approximately 150 kilometres (93 mi) east of Toronto and 100 km (62 mi) west of Kingston.

Brighton was primarily an agricultural community, specializing in the farming of apples and production of new apple types. However, in recent years, many of the original orchards in the area have been partially removed, to make way for the steadily growing population, and more profitable agricultural produce, such as: wheat, corn and soybeans. In late September, Brighton is host to Applefest, its largest yearly festival.

Our tenure in Brighton is marked with an outstanding miracle. A nurse called from the Trenton hospital and said a man from my congregation was very ill and that I should come and pray for him immediately. When I arrived at the ICU, sure enough, Percy had suffered heart failure and it wasn`t looking good for him. I briefly spoke with Percy and then placed my hands on him and prayed a prayer of faith over him. I left that hospital and didn’t see Percy again until the following Sunday. To my surprise I met him on the parking lot and he looked to be in good health. As a matter-of-fact he was looking great! He reported to me that the nurse had told him that “he was going downhill fast until your Pastor walked into the ICU and prayed.” The nurse said, “After your Pastor’s visited with you in the ICU things started looking up.” Percy’s condition improved so significantly that in just a day or two he was discharge from the hospital and returned home.

Psalm 40:5 says “Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders which You have done, And Your thoughts toward us; There is none to compare with You. If I would declare and speak of them, They would be too numerous to count.” What I’m sharing is timbits of what God has done in our thirty years of ministry.

Job said, “Can you fathom the mysteries of God? Can you probe the limits of the Almighty?”

There’s more to tell and there’s so much more to come. With great joy I report to you that God has worked signs and wonders many times. You can expect a miracle today!

Part 6

Currently we are pastors at Calvary Pentecostal Church, Renfrew ON.

Renfrew is a town on the Bonnechere River in Renfrew County. Located one hour west of Ottawa in Eastern Ontario. Renfrew is the third largest town in the county after Petawawa and Pembroke. The town is a small transportation hub connecting Highway 60 and Highway 132 with the Trans-Canada Highway. Renfrew is also known historically for its role in the formation of the National Hockey League.

Another amazing miracle took place in this assembly. About two years ago, after delivering the Word of God to the congregation I exhorted the church to move to the front of the church and gather around the altar for ministry. A good number of worshippers came forward for ministry and one of the couples who responded was Jim and his wife. Jim is a retired chief of police officer with the Renfrew detachment. My wife, Sharon approached him and started to minister with them both. Just a short time later we received a call from Jim asking “if we would come to his home for a visit.”

We went to his home and Jim shared his story with tears in his eyes. He was diagnosed with a three inch tumor on his bladder and was scheduled for surgery. When the surgeon operated on him they immediately closed him back up. There was no tumor. When Jim woke up and realized he had returned from surgery much earlier than he expected he thought the worst thing had happened and that the doctor couldn`t do anything to help him. However, it turn out the report was good. When the doctor opened him up the tumor wasn’t there. The x-ray showed a three inch tumor setting on the bladder but, for some unknown reason to the doctor, it was gone. Jim was told “to go home and there’s no need to come back.”

On our way back home from the visit, I asked Sharon what she had prayed for when she prayed with Jim and his wife at the church that morning. She said, “I prayed that God would deal with his unbelief.” God most certainly answered that prayer.

The Bible is filled with miracles, signs and wonders. The more I read the Bible the more I believe and the more I expect God to manifest among us. Paul said, “My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power...for when we brought you the Good News, it was not only with words but also with power, for the Holy Spirit gave you full assurance that what we said was true.” (1 Cor. 2:4; 1 Thess. 1:5)

More than two years ago my wife, Sharon, was running when she suddenly tripped and was thrown off the tread mill. She twisted her tousle and tore the bursa in her right thigh. The doctor told Sharon the bursa (which is the lining that separates the muscle from the bone) was torn and the muscle was rubbing on the born. Sharon received therapy and cortisol injection. Nothing was working. She walked with a limp and she found it extremely difficult to walk stairs.

Sharon and I had been following the Bay of Holy Spirit Revival meetings for some time. One evening we were sitting together on the coach in the basement of our home listening to Nathan Morris, a British Evangelist, minister at the Bay of Holy Spirit Revival service, live streaming. Nathan started to pray for the sick and the injured. Together, we placed our hand on the area of Sharon’s injury and prayed for a healing. When the service ended Sharon and I walked upstairs and when she reached the living floor she turned and said, “Lorne, I think I’m healed.” To our amazement the pain was gone. Sharon no longer walked with a limp and had no trouble walking stairs. We rejoiced once again at mighty works of God. Three months ago we attended the Bay Revival meetings in Detroit where Sharon testified about the healing. You can watch the video on my blog spot.

It’s amazing how our faith increases with signs and wonders. It brings an increase in the anointing and power upon our lives. It prepares us for more and more of His mighty works. There’s no telling what will happen next. The good news is it did happen again.

It was last year’s Christmas Eve during my message to the congregation on “A Sign Shall Be Given” when another notable healing took place. I was move to pause in the message to say “a sign will be given here tonight. There’s a healing for someone in this service. Receive this gift right now, it’s yours.” A Catholic lady sitting with her brother heard the words I spoke and she reached out her hands and said, “It’s for me.” Florence came to the service that evening with swollen and bruised legs. She had difficulty walking. She told me that she had struggled with this medical issue for some time. It was sometime after the Christmas Eve service and she had returned home she realized something had chance. She checked both of her legs and found that the swelling and bruising was no longer there. Florence has been attending our services in Renfrew from that time on and testified in public what the Lord had done.

When I was telling our story last Sunday, “I Will Remember”, the power of God was released once again, unknown to me at the time. I had ended preaching and I could see that Christine had made her way to the front of the church to stand at the altar for prayer. I thought she came for prayer.
I approached Christine and started to pray when she said, “No Pastor, you don’t need to pray for me, I’m already healed.” I stepped back, took at look at her with tears steaming her face and said, “if that is the case than you must testify.” She testified to the church that the pain she was experiencing had completely gone from her body.

To make a long story short Christine had a kidney transplant this past summer and was suffering from complications. She had developed a large hernia and it bulged so badly she to wear a girdle. Christine lived with constant pain and couldn’t attend church very often and seldom socialized. While delivering my message, “I Will Remember” in celebration of our thirty years of ministry, the healing power of God was released and Christine became a recipient of God's unmerited favor. She's no longer having pain and is rejoicing in the mighty works of God.

Jesus said to Thomas “stop doubting and believe.”

The Andrews Family Home, Baie Verte NF

A family of seven boys and one girl

My father worked as an operator in the open pit mines,

a skilled carpenter and mechanic.

Trinity Pentecostal Church where the Andrews family worshipped

K-6 Shool where the Andrews children attended

the High School is next to this school

Main River, Baie Verte NF

Rattling Brook, Baie Verte NF

"down by the bay"

2012-09-11T15:42:00.002-04:00

Accomodations For The Conference

The Rock Mountain House - Motel

409 Steward Street N.

Renfrew, ON

613 432-5801

Two Night Stay Special @ $89.00 per night

www.therockymountainhouse.com

Best Western Renfrew Inn

760 Gibbsons Road

Special Rate: $127.99

613 432-8109

1 800 668 0466

www.bestwesternrenfrewinn.com

Audio Sermons

2012-09-10T15:30:00.001-04:00

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Living in God's Favor

2012-09-09T14:56:00.001-04:00

Romans 8: 28-39

Years ago H.B. London Jr. received a letter from Vonette Bright, the wife of Bill Bright – founder of Campus Crusade for Christ International. She wrote of Dr. Bright’s declining physical condition.

In the letter, she related a conversation she had with Bill and a question she asked him: “Why do you think you’re suffering? Why would God put you through this?” Bill’s immediate reply was, “I’m not suffering! It depends on the definition of suffering. Even grasping for breath for extended periods of time does not compare with what Christ went through during his trial and crucifixion. He has six hours suffocating on the cross. Think about Peter being crucified head downward, Paul’s persecution and finally being beheaded. All the disciples were persecuted and martyred, except John who was exiled.” Dr. Bright continued, “What I am going through is very minor...”*

Our Part: Love God and Resting in His Favor

Trouble comes to everyone. Christians are not exempted. Some interpret it as a sign that there’s something spiritually wrong but the Word of God tells us otherwise; it’s really an indication that God is at work.

Every person in the world will encounter various trials throughout life. Satan seeks to defeat you by tempting you to trust your own wisdom, to live according to your self-centered feelings, and to gratify the desires of your flesh. In contrast, God’s will is for you to be an overwhelming conqueror in all of these tests for His honor and glory.

The Epistle of James says “Consider it pure joy...when you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (1:2) He continues in verse 12, “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trials, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”

That little and seemly insignificant statement, “to those who love him”, is a key to God’s favor. Your subjective attitude towards the Lord is everything. The devil will tempt believers to blame God. You cannot both love God and blame Him. James said, “When tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting me...For God does not tempt anyone with evil.” (v.13)

Rather than blaming God try praising Him when passing through difficulties. Sing praises to His name. Pour out your heart in love and exaltation. Jesus said, “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecuted you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because is your reward in heaven...” (Matthew 5:14)

“After Paul and Silas had been severely flogged, they were thrown in prison...About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoner were listening to them...All at once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody’s chains came loose...and jailers and guards alike got saved that night!

Martyn Lloyd-Jones said, “As Christians we should never feel sorry for ourselves. The moment we do so, we lose our energy, we lose the will to fight and the will to live, and are paralyzed.”

John A. Younts said, “Self-pity is a powerful, negative attitude that gives rise to many, many excuses for sin. People fall into Satan’s trap of giving themselves “permission” to sin to compensate for the difficulties and trials they’ve had to bear. Self-pity is a direct rejection of God’s control. It is saying, “I don’t like what you’ve done in my life, and I absolutely will not be content! I can’t change it, so I’ll just be angry and miserable.”

The antidote to self pity is found in God’s Word, Psalm 92: “It is good to Praise the Lord and make music to your name.” Worshipping and singing God’s praises is much, much better for us. It places us in a position of Divine favor. Romans 28: 28 “And we know that in all things God works for good of those who love him.”

Here is that little and seemly insignificant statement again; the key to bringing the believer into a place of favour and great assurance. Circumstances will oppose and seek to hinder but remember what the word says “if the Lord is for you who can or what can work against you?” God is for you!

It’s important for all of us to know just how much our heavenly Father loves each one of us. But, how many know that it has to be a mutual love. We are to reciprocate this love. If our passion for Him is not reciprocated then there is something spiritually wrong. Our passion and love for Him is expressed through our devotion, worship, prayer, fellowship and serving Him.

And If for some reason you’re unsure as to how deep and passionate your love should be towards our Lord I exhort you to examine the scriptures and listen to the dialogue between Jesus and Simon the Pharisee in Luke 7: 36-50. It’s a story about a forgiven sinful woman who came to Jesus with an alabaster jar of perfume...who wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them...Jesus said “she loved much.”

Jesus turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.” (44-47)

Her love for Jesus positioned her in Divine favor. A shift took place. The repentant sinner moved into orbit with the Father’s love. She moved into the realm of divine favor; her many sins were forgiven.

John Murray said, “In such terms no criterion could be more discriminating, for love to God are both the most elementary and the highest mark of being in the favor of God. In the sovereign love and wisdom of God all the nasty experiences we go through are all made to converge upon and contribute to that goal of good for us. Not one detail works for evil; in the end only good can be our lot.”

The saint is assured that no ultimate evil can befall the child of God. Glory is the only outcome, no matter what the tribulations may be. The believer can be confident of God’s loving protection. Paul says “we know”. He is certain. He knows from his own experience and also by the record of God’s dealing with other like Jacob, Joseph and Job.

There is harmony in the bitter and the sweet in God’s superintending providence. Sunshine and tears, “He knows it all.” My heavenly Father watches over all of His children. We know all things works for our benefit. They do not work for evil but for good. So it was for Joseph. Though sold by his brethren, falsely accused and put in a dungeon, God was with him and he became ruler over Egypt and at the end of the day he rescued Joseph saved his family from starvation.

Our heavenly Father has our best interest at heart. There’s times when you may feel abandoned but it’s only a feeling. Your heavenly Father will never leave you nor forsake you. He will never leave you an orphan. He loves you with an everlasting and unconditional love.

Every element and every molecule set in motion is “working together for good to them that love Him.” In His sovereign love and wisdom everything is made to converge upon and contribute to that goal.

His Part: Conformity to His Image

Here is something that blows me away! God’s children are foreknown, predestined, called, and glorified. Did you get all that? The “call” God placed upon our lives is the “guarantee” that such will be the result. You and I are called into fellowship with Christ “who saved us, called with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before times eternal.”

Foreknown

God foreknew every believer before they came on the scene of action. The child of God was known in eternity, was chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world. (Eph. 1:4) and was ordained unto eternal life. (Acts 13:18) God did foreknow those who would believe, who would respond to the Holy Spirit. (Acts 16:14)

Predestinate

Whom He foreknew He did predestinate to be conformed to His image. God’s purpose for the believer is that he “be conformed to the image of His Son.”

Romans 5:3-4 says “not only so, but wealso glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” God’s purpose is to bring many sons unto glory who will be like His son. To be like Christ is the ultimate purpose.

Sinclair Ferguson said, “How can all things be worked together by God for good? The answer is at hand. It is because God's ultimate purpose is to make us like Christ. His goal is the complete restoration of the image of God in His child! So great a work demands all the resources which God finds throughout the universe, and He ransacks the possibilities of joys and sorrows in order to reproduce in us the character of Jesus…”

“There is nothing more important to learn about…than this: Growing in grace means becoming like Christ. “Everything working together for the good of those who love him...” What is this “good?” It consists of believers being conformed (changed and remade) to the image of Christ (Rom. 8:29). Thus, all the experiences of life are intended, under the sovereign hand of God, to help us to grow towards the great goal of the Christian life – Christ-likeness.”

God is for us when we are in the furnace. He’s for us when we are in the lion’s den…when we’re going through the storm. He’s for us in all our conflicts and trails. The child of God has four-fold protection in Christ. The four points given in verse 33-35 may be called the four pillars of great assurance.

1. The Pillar of Atonement: “It is Christ that died” He’s our Conciliator

2. The Pillar of Resurrection: “who was raised to life” He’s our Justifier

3. The Pillar of Ascension: “is at the right hand of God” He is our Mediator

4. The Pillar if Intercession: “is also interceding for you” He is our Advocator

The Holy Spirit is touching hearts here this morning. He’s positioning you in a place of favor. Just trust Him and don’t let the enemy of your soul miss things up. The Holy Spirit is bringing you much assurance today. Everything is working for your good…stay faithful…hold fast to the faith…don’t lean on your own understanding…walk in the wisdom of the Word. You’re created for success!.

*Pause Recharge Refresh by H.B. London JR. P. 177

Freedom

2012-09-04T17:58:00.002-04:00

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Freedom

2012-09-02T14:16:00.003-04:00

Romans 7 & 8

Perhaps you are a person with a sincere desire to live your life pleasing to the Lord but find that your Christian life is more of an experience of frustration and disappointment than anything else. Perhaps, you’ve come to this blog site feeling defeated, discouraged or weakened by sinful habits. I know this happens to Christians and for some, it can be the norm. But I also know Hosea 4:6 says “my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge.” The question you need to settle is this: “Am I experiencing spiritual defeat due to lack of knowing the full extent of what Christ has accomplished through His redemptive work on the cross?” Think about it. The Lord has equipped us with every source of strength and power needed to come out a winner. It takes rigorist training to win Olympic gold and yet, only one contestant can take it home. The Christian race is different. We all can take home gold. So let’s go for the gold.

Sometimes it’s just a matter of throwing off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles...running with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. (Hebrews 12:1& 2) However, the issue may run a little deeper than simply throwing of a garment of sin that’s impeding our progress in the faith. For others, it may be a lack of knowledge or a theological understanding of the finished work of Christ on the cross. Jesus said, “You will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” If freedom is what you want than you have come to the right place. Christ has made you a winner and win you will!

Roman 7: 14-25

How did our Lord make us winners? The Apostle Paul admitted he was a constant loser until he encountered Christ on the road to Damascus. He tried hard to be a good person but fell short of the mark. Paul said, “For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.”

Isn’t it frustrating when you find yourself succumbing to the same temptation; repeating the same mistakes and overtaken by sin? It’s absolutely frustrating! Paul said “I had every good intention to be good; but then he admits, “We know the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin.”

Paul’s admitting that that the life he lived as a Pharisee he lived “as a slave to sin.” Wow! Now that’s a confession if ever I heard one. He’s expressing spiritual frustration and admitting the truth about himself. The Apostle Paul was a devote man before He met Christ; a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee. Paul said, “according to the strictest sect of our religion, I lived as a Pharisee...if anyone thinks he has reason to put confidence in the flesh, I have more. Circumcised on the eight day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless. But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.” (Philippians 3:5) Paul is confessing, outright, to be a slave to sin before his encounter with Christ.

Listen to what he wrote in Romans 7:21

“So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members.”

Let we give you a definition of the word “law.”

Webster Dictionary says a law is a binding custom or practise of a community: a rule of conduct or action...enforced by a controlling authority.” The Apostle Paul is admitting before he met Jesus his life was regulated by a power called “the law of sin.”

There’s a regulatory power or principle that operates within every man known as the “the law of sin”. It’s as though there’s a legislative power embedded in the DNA of every human being. No amount of therapy, counselling, positive thinking, psychology, education, social or religious conditioning can alter this controlling power at work in our bodies. Humanly speaking, there’s no earthly cure for this demise.

Romans 7:8

Paul throws up his hands in despair and cry’s out to God saying “What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God – through Jesus Christ our Lord!

The Damascus experience changed everything for Paul. Paul’s name was Saul before his encounter with Christ and after his encounter with Jesus our Lord gave him a new name. He was given a new name to go with his new nature. It was there on a dusty road Saul met the risen Savior who entered into his life and smashed the regulating power that held him a slave to sin.

Romans 8:1

Now, Paul can write and say “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.”

“The law of sin” was no longer controlling or regulating Paul’s life. He’s now free from its legislating authority. He’s no longer a slave to sin. The problem with some Christians is that they think that “the law of sin” and “the law of the Spirit of life” can co-exist. It`s one or the other. It can’t be both. It`s either the “The law of sin” or its “the law of the Spirit of life.” Paul said, “But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.” (Romans 8”9b)

Some look for freedom from guilt and condemnation but do not expect to be set free the power of sin that controls their live. But what God has done in Christ through the cross sets us free from the power of sin. It is not only freedom from guilt; it’s also freedom from the enslaving power of sin. “But whom the Son sets free is free indeed.”

Romans 8:2

“For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus made me free from the law of a sin and death.”

What is the law of the Spirit of Life? The Holy Spirit is the “Spirit of life” because he is the author of life and He is life. The word “law” is used as regulating or setting into motion a power or a legislating authority. Now that we are in Christ “the law of the Spirit of Life” operates in us to make us free from the power of sin which is unto death. The power given by Holy Spirit is unto life, and therefore, it makes us free. When Christ enters into our lives He breaks and cancels the law of sin controlling the flesh. He brings judgement upon it. Only Jesus can bring judgement upon the law of sin so as to destroy its power; nothing else can do this. This is exactly what God did by sending his own son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin.

Romans 8:3-4

“For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by sinful nature, God did by sending his Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh.”

Condemned here means destroyed. He cancelled, or it can be said, Christ “smashed” the strong hold of sin in our bodies, that controlling, legislating authority that holds us captive to sinful habits.

The scripture says that Jesus came in the “likeness of human flesh.” It doesn’t say He came in “sinful flesh.”

When the Father sent the Son into this world of sin, of misery, and of death, He sent him in a manner that brought him into the closest relation to sinful humanity possible without becoming Himself sinful.

He himself was holy and undefiled. The word “likeness” guards this truth. But he came in the same human nature. And that is the purpose of saying “in the likeness of sinful flesh.”

The Father sent the Son for no other reason than for the purpose of dealing with sin. It was to deal with sin that He came and it brought Him into the closest possible relation to sinful humanity without becoming Himself sinful. And in doing this he destroyed sin in the flesh and overthrew its power.

Today is Freedom Day for you. Christ will break every form of addiction, every sinful habit, every controlling spirit over your life because “greater is He that is in you and then He that’s in the world and you are more than conquerors through Christ who loves us.”

Romans 8:5-9

Now, we are free to live; I mean really live! You’re to live in complete spiritual freedom from sin. Always and keep this in mind every day of your life that you’re free from guilt, shame, free, condemnation, addiction, and every kind of slavery to fleshly sins.

Do you not realize that the things you think about serves as an indicator of your spiritual freedom? What consumes your thinking? What’s your deepest desire? What’s does your heart long for? Are your thoughts constantly upon worldly and fleshly things or, is your mind on things above? Is your mind free from sin and pure before God? Or are you a slave to sexual perversion, pornography, homosexuality, alcohol and drug abuse, gambling, fits of rage, gossiping, jealousy, envy? The list can go on but the buck stops with Christ.

Jesus not only blotted out our sin’s guilt and brought us near to God. He also vanquished sin as a power and set us free from its enslaving dominion. The way to remain free is be filled over and over and over again with “Spirit of life.”

“The law of the Spirit of life” is the regulating and controlling power of the Holy Spirit. We are to ‘walk not after the flesh but the Spirit.’ The Spirit is the Holy Spirit and He is the directing power in our lives not the flesh but the Holy Spirit. It is by His indwelling and direction the righteousness of the law comes to its fulfillment in our lives, and by the operation of grace which is an empowering grace. There’s no contradiction or opposition between law and grace. The law demands and the Holy Spirit energize – “the law is Spiritual.”

This gospel is designed to set you free! Are you free? Take your freedom! “Whom the Son sets free is free indeed.”

My Wife's Testimony @ Bay Revival

2012-08-24T20:02:00.001-04:00

Sharon and I are featured on this pic but her testimony is midway into the video.

Bay of Holy Spirit Revival Meetings

2012-08-23T15:28:00.001-04:00

February, 2011

My Friend and I attended the Bay of Holy Spirit Revival Meetings at Sayreville, NJ

This is Lydia Stanley leading in anointed worship.

Pastor John Kilpatrick and Evangelist Nathan Morris

Amazing attendance!

Pastor John Kilpatrick and Evangelist Nathan Morris

Host Pastor doing carpet time with Holy Spirit

The response to the altar call after the delivery of a powerful

message by Evangelist Nathan Morris

Supernatural Books

2012-08-23T14:43:00.002-04:00

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Authentic Christianity

2012-08-19T16:35:00.002-04:00

1 John 4:7-5:1-11

Let me begin with a question. Are you confident that you are an authentic Christian?” If the answer to this question is negative then this message is for you. Perhaps, the best indicator of uncertainty is the feeling of anxious concern causing distress of mind. The apostle Paul stated “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.” (2 Corinthians 6:6)

If you were to die at this moment are you certain that your life is in good order and you are ready to meet your Creator? To put it another way; if the Lord was to return today are you certain that you are ready for the catching way or does the thought of it cause anxious concern or distress of mind? If this is the case you fear judgment and fear of judgment is an issue we need to address.

John saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of like. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books.” (Revelation 20:11-12)

What is your emotional response to the idea of standing before the judgment throne of God? The Lord is expecting you to be completely honest in your response to this question? Your answer can only be “Yes, I am absolutely confident” or “no, I’m not confident and I’m not certain that my name is written in the Lambs book of life.

For you who are uncertain I will read to you what is written in the First Epistle of John on this matter. It’s my role to show you the grounds on which a person may be sure with much confidence that your name is written in the Book of Life.

The first letter of John 4: 18, “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”

In a loving relationship fear and love cannot coexist. We cannot love and fear at the same time. In a relationship of mutual love there is no possibility of fear. Where there is a perfect relationship of love, it drives out all fear of God because fear is bound up with punishment. A person who stands in a right relationship of love can look forward to the future day of judgment without fear and apprehension...there is no danger of condemnation and judgment. We need not be afraid of God. God is love. If a person is afraid of God, this is because the love of God has not yet filled his heart and driven out all fear.

Many believe salvation has to do with belonging to the right religion. There is not a single strand of teaching in the Bible that requires you to be affiliated with a particular religious tradition or denomination. On the contrary, the Christian life is completely relational not religious. We don’t have a religion that saves; we have a relationship with God that saves us. It’s your relationship with heavenly Father that count’s not your religion.

It is similar but not the same as your relationship with your spouse, children, relatives and friends.

“A crowd was sitting around [Jesus], and they told him, “Your mother and brothers are outside looking for you.” “Who are my mother and my brothers? He asked. Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.” (Mark 3:32-34)

Their commitment to God’s will in sending Jesus created a bond with him and his disciples more intimate than those achieved through physical relationships. It is the doing of God’s will which is the deciding factor in determining kinship with Jesus. The pursuing of God’s will binds a person intimately to Jesus and His new family. Jesus said “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." (John 13:35)

The word of God gives a number of key indicators that show as to who is an authentic Christian.

Hear the words of the first Epistle of John 4: 7-12

Key #1 Love and Knowing

“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” (1 John 4:7 and 8)

John has already made it clear that love is one of the evidence of the new birth. The supreme demonstration of love for others is shown in the sending of God’s Son as an atoning sacrifice for sin. Now John goes on to claim that Christians ought to love one another because God loved them.

Romans 5:8 says, “but God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” The beginning of love is to be found in love shown by God, and the true nature of love is to be discovered by considering what loves means in the sending of God’s son as an atoning sacrifice for our sin. Anyone who shows this kind of love, the love that belongs to the divine sphere, must belong to the sphere.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.”

1 Peter 4:8^,“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”

Key #2 Love and Believing

“If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the son of God, God lives in him and he in God.” (1John 4:15)

To be sure the statement of love is open to misunderstanding. One might conclude that anybody who shows love is a child of God, regardless of whether he actually believes in Jesus as the Son of God. This misunderstanding can only arise if this statement is plucked out of context in the letter. John makes it plain that the true child of God must believe and love.

Perhaps you are thinking, “how is possible for people who do not believe in Jesus to love one another- as they surely do?” There is love outside of the Christian faith, and sometimes non-Christians seem to love one another better than Christians. How is this love be explained and does it place them in right standing with God? The doctrine of creation can explain, in part, the answer to this question. It is because men are created in the image of God, an image which has been defaced but not destroyed by the fall and because this is true people have the capacity to love. Besides this, society is deeply influenced by the gospel and understands the obligation to love one another even though they fail to respond to the call to believe in Jesus.

Human love, no matter how nice it may feel, falls short if it refuses to include the Father and the Son. Human love falls short of the divine pattern, and by itself cannot save a man; it cannot compensate for the sin of rejecting God. Love alone is not a sign of being born of God. 1 John 5: begins by affirming that everybody who holds the true confession of faith about Jesus has been born of God. Faith is a sign of the new birth, just as love and doing what is right are also indicators that a person has been born of God. John is not trying to explain the new birth; his aim is rather to indicate the evidence which shows that a person stands in the continuing relationship of child to God his Father: that evidence is that he holds to the true faith about Jesus.

“Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God...” (1 John 5:1) But this statement is to merely prepare the church for the point.

Key #3 Love and Obeying

“...everyone who loves the Father loves his children as well. This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome...” (1 John 5: 2 and 3)

We would expect John to say, “Everyone who is born of God must love his fellow Christians” But this is not what he says. John does not refer forward, he refers backward. Normally we would say loving our brothers is proof we love God. It must refer backwards. Love must start with God and the keeping of His commandments. “We know that we ought to love the children of God whenever we love God and keep his commandments.” The content of loving God and keeping his commandment is love for God’s children, since love for God must involve love for his children.

Key #3 Love and Overcoming

“And this is not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the son of God.” (1 John 5:1-5)

The world can’t love like this. An Atheist can’t love like this. A Moslem can’t love like this. A Hindu can’t love like this. A Confucianist can’t love like this. A Jehovah Witness can’t love like this. A Mormon can’t love like this. “Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God” can love like this....What the Epistle of John is saying is “only an authentic Christian can love like this!” This level of love is too burdensome for anyone who does not “believe Jesus is the son of God.” They simply can’t rise to this level of relationship. It’s only possible through the new birth, through the regeneration of the heart, through the forgiveness of sins by the blood of Jesus. This kind of love is dispersed in our hearts by the Holy Spirit.

How may we be sure that “we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming” (2:28)? “This how we know that he lives in us: we know it by the Spirit he gave us.” (1 John 3:24b)

Walking in Forgiveness

2012-08-12T17:02:00.002-04:00

Luke 7:36-50

This is another amazing story of God’s mercy

It’s a story of God’s love and forgiveness of sin. The theme of forgiveness is huge in the scriptures. It’s at the core of the gospel...the essence of the Christian faith and yet forgiveness is one of the most widely misunderstood doctrines of scripture.

Sometimes divine forgiveness is confused with human forgiveness which merely involves an apology.

Divine forgiveness, on the other hand, is one of the most complicated undertakings, demanding complete satisfaction to meet the conditions of God’s outraged holiness.

Just think about it; The Bible consists of 66 in-depth books. It takes 66 books and more than 4000 years and counting to deal with the issue of sin and to reveal God’s plan for reconciliation.

The book of Genesis is the first one. It means beginnings- many beginnings – the beginning of the universe, the beginning of man and woman, the beginning of human sin, the beginning of God’s plan for forgiveness of sin and the beginning of a special relationship between God and Abraham. There are four other books, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. The first five books of the Bible are called the Torah which means Law. The law set forth God’s standard of acceptable moral and ethical behaviour. The Torah is where you will find the 10 commandments. I will not assume that everyone is familiar with the 10 commandments. I will give them to you.

The 10 Commandments are found in Exodus, Chapter 20.

They were given directly by God to the people of Israel at Mount Sinai after He had delivered them from slavery in Egypt:

"And God spoke all these words, saying: 'I am the LORD your God…

ONE: 'You shall have no other gods before Me.'

TWO: 'You shall not make for yourself a carved image--any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.'

THREE: 'You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain.'

FOUR: 'Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.'

FIVE: 'Honor your father and your mother.'

SIX: 'You shall not murder.'

SEVEN: 'You shall not commit adultery.'

EIGHT: 'You shall not steal.'

NINE: 'You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour.'

TEN: 'You shall not covet your neighbour's house; you shall not covet your neighbour's wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbour's.'

Christ's Summation in the New Testament

About 1,400 years later, the 10 Commandments were summed up in the New Testament at Matthew 22, when Jesus was confronted by the religious "experts" of the day:

"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbour as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments" (Matthew 22:36-40).

A reflective reading of Christ's teaching reveals that the first four commandments given to the children of Israel are contained in the statement: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." It continues that the last six commandments are enclosed in the statement: "Love your neighbour as yourself."

Now turn in your Bibles to Matthew 19:16-22 to hear a dialogue between a Rich Young Ruler and Jesus. The Rich Ruler asked Jesus a vital question.

The scripture says “Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?" "Why do you ask me about what is good?" Jesus replied. "There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments." "Which ones?" the man inquired. Jesus replied, " 'Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother,' and 'love your neighbour as yourself.'

Note Jesus’ response: “If you want to enter life.” He didn’t answered by saying if you want “eternal life” – The rich man is concern about the hereafter. The 10 commandments is about the here and now...it’s all about character and the quality of life you live here on earth. The Rich Young Ruler is looking for affirmation not transformation. He’s looking for assurance not change. Jesus impressed upon him that if you want eternal life then you must change the way you are living here and now.

"All these I have kept," the young man said. "What do I still lack?"

Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.

The Rich Young Ruler was convinced he had lived in obedience to the 10 commandment and had considered himself good, “all these I have kept,” he said and we since from this exchange that there’s a nagging feeling in his heart that something wasn’t quite right. He’s in doubt. He’s not 100 % sure.

When tested to see if he really had kept the 10 commandments it became obvious that he’s a failure. Selfish greed and personal gain corrupted love for God and responsibility for the poor.

“There is only One good,’ and it’s certainly not this man. He walked away sad – He walked away condemned. Was he condemned by Jesus? No! The Law condemned him. John 3: 17, “For God did not send his son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”

Romans 3:20 says,“Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by the observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin.”

Through the law we become conscious of the need for forgiveness and the remission of sin.

The law says ‘There is no righteous, not even one...” Everyone stands guilty...the Pharisees, the Sadducees, the Priest...everyone stands condemned by the Law. Scriptures says righteousness is a gift, it is not merited! `

Romans 3:22, ``this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

The Rich Young Ruler didn`t get it. He needed repentance and forgiveness and yet he walked away from Jesus. Now he is twice condemned! John 3: 18, Whoever believes (receives) in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men love darkness instead of light because their deeds are evil.”

The Rich Ruler stood face to face with the righteousness of God. He looked into the eyes of God’s son who was ready to offer pardon for transgression but he just didn’t get it; his vision was blurred by greed and great gain. The gospel message makes no since to those who think they’re good enough...who think they are OK just the way they are.

It makes no since to the moralist...the self-righteous...those that trust in riches, political or economic gain. It makes no since to the self-righteous and religious person who trust in rituals, ceremonies, and liturgy as the way.

There were others in Israel who just didn’t get it. It was mostly the religious; the Pharisees and the Sadducees. But thank God sinners got it! Simon the Pharisee didn`t get it but a woman who lived a sinful life did.

Turn to Luke 7: 36-50 and let us listen to a dinner conversation.

Simon was thinking to himself: “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is – that she is a sinner.” (V.39)

It appears that Simon had no concept of God’s forgiveness. Forgiveness was not included in his theology. Jesus message was radical. His whole mission was based on forgiveness. It says in verse 37 “a woman who had lived a sinful life.” It’s written in the past tense. She lived (pass tense) a sinful life which means she no longer did. Something happened and something changed; she’s no longer an immoral woman. What happened? She met Jesus and now she’s forgiven! She found God.

Simon is struggling with all of this...he’s refusing to accept her new status. “She’s a sinner...a harlot out of the red light district...the other side of town...the brothel and nothing can change that! Well, Jesus did change that!

Why is Simon struggling with it? I will tell you why. Jesus had just erased a boundary line that existed for centuries...the boundary line between the “righteous” and “sinners”.

Jesus is asking Simon, “Are you saying you are not a sinner? Are you saying you have no sin Simon?” Are you saying you have no need forgiveness? I have something to tell you. You are a sinner! And you do need forgiveness and you need it as much as this woman needed it.

The difference between you and this woman is quantitative...it’s the amount...the number of sins committed. Simon’s sins amount to 50 and the woman’s sin amount to 500. “Simon, you are a sinner too.” Sin is sin; small sins, big sins, few sins or many sins? Whether 50 sins or 500 sins they all require forgiveness.

Hey wait a minute Jesus! Simon says, “I don’t get it...you’re putting me in the same category as this woman?” “Yes I am”, says Jesus, the only difference is she in the big league and you’re in the small league. His strength is morals but his weakness is pride. Everyone, those with covert sins of the spirit as well as those with overt sins of the flesh, stands in need of forgiveness.

The overt sinner who received forgiveness and covert sinner did not. It’s easy to speak about the sins of others but why is it next to impossible to speak about one’s own?

Simon’s sin is the hidden kind, covert sins of the spirit...hidden, until now. The woman’s sin is the open kind, overt sins of the flesh...unhidden but forgiven.

Turn in your Bibles to John 8: The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law of Moses commanded us to stone such a woman. Now what do you say? But Jesus bent down to write with his finger.

(What did he write? He wrote Dt. 17:7 “The hands of the witness must be the first in putting her to death, and then the hands of all the people.”)

Jesus knew it takes two to tangle...He knew there was a second adulterous person somewhere hiding among the crowd. One or more of those accusers was as guilty as the accused.

Paul was a Pharisee in his time and he knew all about the hypocrisy among the religious leaders. He wrote these words in Romans 2: 21-23 which says “you, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself? You who preached against stealing, do you steal. You who say that people should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery?”

Yes, there’s an adulterous witness somewhere among the accusers.

When they kept on questioning Jesus, he straightened up and said to them, “If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone.” Again he stood down and wrote on the ground. All those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her,

‘Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you? ‘No one sir, she said. ‘Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”

Evangelist Reinhard Bonnke believes the Holy Spirit came and settled down on all the accusers that day and suddenly they received a vision of the 10 commandments and they heard a voice saying: The 1^st Commandment “GUILTY!” 2^ndCommandment, “GUILTY!”

Let’s return to Simon’s house and listen some more to what Jesus has to say.

Now look at the woman. Why did she come to Simon’s house, to see Simon? Hardly not! She went into Simon’s house against all her own prejudices, the old prejudices...if you like, the scorn in heart for the cold moralist. She knew perfectly well with what scorn that sort of man would look on her, but she was blinded to everything. Jesus was in the house, and into the house she went. The scripture is clear that she had received forgiveness of sin. But Simon could not see that. He could only see her for what she was. Simon needed help in seeing who she is not who she was. Jesus showed him came way of comparison...by way of contrast not on the level of morality but on the level of social hospitality.

Simon’s invitation was not cordial, but rude. Jesus pointed out to Simon that when He entered his house, he neglected the common courtesies of an Eastern home. In an Eastern home the first thing on the arrival of the guest is the bringing of water to wash the feet; the first mark of welcome and salutation is kiss upon the cheek; and the guest is offered oil for his head. Simon did none of these things.

He said, “Now look at this woman. Let me help you to see her. I came and you were rude to me. You brought me not water she bathed me with her tears. You refused me the kiss of welcome. She smothered my feet with kisses. You did not bring oil. She brought me ointment.

Simon, you said, If I were a prophet I could see her. Can you see her, Simon? I have put you side by side with her, and by comparison you are as coarse as sandpaper and she as fine as silk.

There are members of the Christian church today who look at that woman as she use to be, and never see her as Christ made her. Are we giving Him a cordial or a rude reception? Our Lord notices neglect and He values adoration.

The NEB reading is to the point: “And so, I tell you, her great love proves that her many sins have been forgiven; where little has been forgiven, little is shown.” Why is the woman known to be forgiven? The answer is that her display of affection is evidence of it. She loved much.

The Requirements for Forgiveness

Because God hates sin, the price for forgiveness is high. Scripture gives the following requirements for forgiveness:

Sacrifice. Hebrews 9:22 says that "without the shedding of Blood, there is no forgiveness." In the Old Testament, a sacrifice of an unblemished lamb was required to satisfy God's wrath. Jesus, the sinless Son of God, died on the cross and became the ultimate sacrifice for sin. Jesus bought our forgiveness when he died on the cross.

"For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God." (1 Peter 3:18a)

"In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace." (Ephesians 1:7)

Confession of sin. We must admit our sins to God if our relationship with Him is to be restored completely. Looking back at the real need for forgiveness, we see that unconfessed sin can separate us in our relationship with God. Confession is the way to restore that relationship with the Lord, remembering that it is for our own benefit that we confess to return to the Lord because He is faithful even when we are not (2 Timothy 2:13).

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9)

Repentance. We must decide to change, to turn from our sins.

"Therefore this is what the Lord says, 'If you repent, I will restore you that you may serve me.'" (Jeremiah 15:19a)

The Results of Forgiveness

The Bible promises the following benefits of God's forgiveness:

Happiness. When we know God's forgiveness, we are blessed (happy).

"Blessed (happy) is he whose transgressions are forgiven, who sins are covered. Blessed (happy) is the man whose sin the Lord doesn't count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit." (Psalm 32:1,2)

God chooses not to hold our sins against us. Another result of forgiveness is that God doesn't keep a record of our sins, He does not hold them against us. Because the blood of Christ covered our sins, God chooses to put them out of His mind.

"I, even I, am he who blotsout your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more." (Isaiah 43:25)

Supernatural Restoration

2012-08-11T17:25:00.001-04:00

Scripture Reading: John 21:1-9

A preacher stood up at a pastor’s conference to testify to his faith. His testimony was a bit of a shock to everyone when he said, “I am a lay pastor of a small, not-growing church. I am not ordained. I am not seminary trained. I was asked to leave both colleges I attended. I am divorced and remarried. I am capable of being a jerk with my wife and family.

I am terminally insecure, which causes me to compensate with bouts of arrogance. At times people irritate me, and I hide fro them. I am impulsive, which causes me to say things I shouldn’t and make promises I cannot keep. I am inconsistent.

My walk with Christ is a stuttering, stumbling, bumbling attempt to follow Him. At times His presence is so real I can’t stop the tears, and then, without warning, I can’t find him.

Some days my faith is strong, impenetrable, and immovable – and some days my faith is weak, pathetic, helpless, knocked about like a paper cup…”

I have been a Christian for 45 years. I am familiar with the vocabulary of faith, and I am often asked to give advice about matters of faith. But I am still a miss. I am light-years away from being able to say with Paul, “Copy me”.

I am fifty years old and still struggling –a flawed, clumsy, unstable follower of Jesus. “A bona fide failure…”

Perhaps you can identify with this story. Perhaps your life is marked with mistakes.

Perhaps you can put yourself in Peter’s place this morning. Like Peter, you have sinned and went from God and now you wonder can God still love me after all that I’ve done. Is there still a place and purpose for me in His Kingdom?

Peter’s life was also one of ups and downs. After boasting that he would never leave Jesus, Peter watched from a distance as Jesus is led away…to be tried in the court of the high priest and eventually to be crucified. Peter could have taken a stand on the night of Jesus betrayal but he stood outside and chose to warm himself by the fire, and three times Peter was recognized, three chances he had to make a bold stand for the Lord, and three times he blew it. And when the rooster crowed, scriptures say, that Peter wept bitterly. He too was a bona fide failure.

Fred Astaire was without dispute one of the top singers, dancers and actors of all time. In Top hat, Swing Time, Holiday Inn, and other famous movies, he danced and crooned his way into people’s hearts worldwide.

But in 1932, when Astaire was starting out, a Hollywood talent judge wrote on his screen test: “Can’t act. Can’t sing. Can dance a little.” As Christians, we may fail badly. What kind of a Christian would do that? We think. How can I ever serve Christ again?

But we develop in the Christian life when we leave those failures behind and daily use our God-given gifts for Him. In time those failures will be forgotten footnotes.

My friends let us visit with Jesus and his disciples where Jesus appears to the disciples for the third time after His resurrection and confronts Peter with a fireside chat. The account is found in John 21:1-18.

Notice the similarities between Peter’s first calling to follow Jesus and this account. Both occurred on the Sea of Galilee, both times Peter couldn’t catch a thing, both times Jesus told him to throw his nets into the water and both times there is a miraculous catch.

Here Jesus is going to offer Peter another starting point, a second chance to make things right. The impression is that Peter and John is living with no sense of purpose, no sense of mission…they are without a plan and with no settled aim.

They were fishing for the sake of making a living. Maybe there wasn’t anything else to do. So after a meal together, Jesus turns to Peter and in front of all the other disciples, and confronts Peter.

I suspect he feared the day when Christ might say something like, “Peter, why did you deny me? Why Peter? Why did you turn your back on me? I am glad Jesus is not like that. No, that is not like Him. His mission was to take away Peter’s guilt.

Look at Jesus’ approach with Peter. It is filled with grace and mercy. In verse 15 we read, “When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon son of John, do you truly love me more then these? Do you love me more than the fish…more than this way of life? Perhaps Jesus is thinking about Peter’s boast in the upper room (“I will lay down my life for you.”) and He was asking, “Simon, are you still willing to make that claim? And Peter wasn’t willing to make this claim, at least, not at first.

He response by saying “Yes, Lord…why are you asking me this?’ ‘You know I love you” Many of us make the claim that we would never find ourselves in the sins that others commit. But we never know. That is why we should always be vigilant, always on guard.

David never thought he would commit adultery. Solomon never thought he would worship idols. Peter never thought he would deny knowing Jesus. That is why 1 Corinthians 10: 12 says “If you think you are strong, you should be careful not to fall.”

Peter was overconfident but he soon learned that he wasn’t as strong as he thought.

Peter did respond in an honest fashion. He knew that his actions didn’t match that kind of devotion, and that he wasn’t quite there. To paraphrase this text “Peter, do you love me 100% MORE THAN ANYTHING ELSE?” Peter says “Lord, you know I like you.”

Peter was simply being honest here. He wasn’t at that level of love yet. Don’t pretend your relationship with Christ is fine when it is not. And let me tell you, It’s OK to admit to that.

The first step to recovery is to admit the weakness and be totally transparent about it.

It was possible for Peter to be a successful fisherman without having to love his source of employment. He could despise his work; express contempt towards the hard work, low wages and the heat of the day. He could even hate the social stigma associated with the life style of unlearned fisherman but it could not be so being a fisher-of-men, a servant of Jesus Christ.

“Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?’ ‘Yes Lord, he said, you know that I love you.” Jesus said,“Feed my lambs.” Take care of my sheep. Take care of my church. Get involved in ministry. Get connected…know your place and serve.

The success of Peter’s new mission depended completely upon his love for Christ. The results and success of this new commission would depend deeply upon the emotional and spiritual bond between Peter and Jesus – unless there is a strong bond, Peter would eventually abandon his mission. Love is the adhesive that holds the church together.

There may be many imperfections in the heart and mind; there is one prime quality that must show – love for Jesus and for His church.

It is not intellect…it is not eloquence…it is not gifting, talent or charisma or any other self-centered quality but love to Christ pouring over in love for people.

Paul says in the scripture “And now I will show you the most excellent way. It is not speaking in tonque, prophesy, knowledge or faith. The most excellent way is love for Christ! It is love for His church. It is love for one another.

As far as success goes in biblical language“success is failure turned inside out.” Time, location, seasons, technology, experience are not always relevant with God. Jesus said, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find fish.”

Peter’s renewed calling comes with an external focus. Success in ministry comes when it is no longer about me but about others. Love for others…love for people.

To recap:

First, no matter how missed up your pass maybe, Jesus stands ready not only to forgive but to restore. He will restore and use you for His glory. Even if you are a bona fide failure, Jesus stands ready to turn your life around and reposition you in His body.

Second, if you are going to be restored then you must be completely transparent about your spiritual condition. Some are not doing that great. You lack devotion. You lack commitment. You lack in support. You lack in zeal. The first thing you need to do is to admit that. Admit that your walk with our Lord is not what it should be and then allow Christ and the Church, take you to the level where you need to be.

Third, recognize that when you are honest with God; be prepared for God to be forthwith with you. And if you come to God saying, “I just don’t feel close to you.” Be prepared to hear, “well, I haven’t heard from you in a while, where have you been?”

The Lord will put His finger at the root of the problem and that is not always an easy thing for us to take.