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LOVE FULFILLS THE LAW

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

8 Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. 9 For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not bear false witness,” “You shall not covet,” and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”  10 Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.  Romans 13:8-10 NKJV

Under the Old Covenant, God’s people spent all their time trying to fulfill the law. Of course, they never managed to keep the law one hundred percent of the time and that was the whole point of the law: to give them a standard to live by, to make them aware that they were incapable in their own power of living up to that standard, that they needed a Savior and to point them toward Jesus Himself as Savior and Lord.

17 “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. 18 For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.  Matthew 5:17-18 NKJV

Jesus did not come to destroy the law, but to fulfill it and to deliver us from the curse of the law (Galatians 3:13). Out of His own mouth He gave us a new standard to live by.

34 But when the Pharisees had heard that he had put the Sadducees to silence, they were gathered together. 35 Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, 36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law? 37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.  Matthew 22:34-40 KJV

He did not tell us that we do not have to obey God’s commands once we are born anew from above, but He did give us an easier way to obey the commands of God—walk in the love of God. Romans 5:5 NIV says that, “God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.” Our righteousness, as believers, had nothing to do with what we have done, but with what Jesus did for us. We are washed in His blood, saved sanctified and redeemed! Now, with the help of the Holy Spirit we walk out our righteousness in obedience to God’s Word. It is love that fulfills the law and it is God’s love in us that enables us to keep God’s law and obey it. We do not obey God’s commands because we are afraid of Him, but because we love Him. Because we love Him, we also love our neighbor as He has commanded us to.

If you love God, you will keep the Ten Commandments. If you love God, you will put Him first in all things. You will not worship any other god or any other earthly thing, like money or possessions. If you love God, you will not take His Name in vain. You will take time to honor Him and to spend time in His presence. If you love God you will honor and respect your parents. Even if they were not perfect, the love of God in your heart will forgive them and begin to appreciate them and see them as valuable and precious. When you forgive them, you will not repeat their mistakes and where there are generational curses, they will lose all their power over you. As far as God is concerned, all curses are broken on the day you are born-again. You activate this power of God in your life in this area by walking in the love of God.

If you love God and your neighbor, you will not murder your neighbor—either in your thoughts, with your mouth or with your hands. If you love God and your neighbor, you will not commit adultery. You will honor the other person by not allowing the lusts of your flesh to triumph. You will not do anything that dishonors your neighbor and their current or future spouse. If you love God and your neighbor, you will not steal—you will not take something that belongs to your neighbor. You will work with your hands and earn your living honestly and you will give to the Lord and your neighbor according to the blessing of the Lord on your life.

If you love God and your neighbor, you will not lie about your neighbor nor accuse them falsely. You will always tell the truth. If you love God and your neighbor, you will not covet your neighbor’s possessions. You will not be jealous or envious. Instead, you will be blessed by the fact that your neighbor is blessed and you will sow your own seed and you will expect God for a harvest of blessing to come to your life in due season. When you love God and your neighbor, you are sowing seed for blessings to come back to you, good-measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over!

When you walk in love towards your neighbor, you have fulfilled the law.

 

 

How to Get Faith – Part II

Have faith in God

So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God.  23 For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says.  24 Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.  Mark 11:22-24 NKJV

Jesus commands us to, “Have faith in God.” If people could put as much faith in the Word of God as they do in the word of man – then they would assuredly get their prayers answered. If people have faith in God, their prayers would be answered without any human effort. Prayer would be a simple transaction of everyday business between them and God. If you claim to have faith in God, then your actions should bear that out. Most people won’t come out and admit that they place no confidence in God’s word, or that they do not believe that God is faithful to His word, but by their actions, they prove it’s so. They are happy to believe that unanswered prayers are God’s fault or God’s will. They will fight tooth and nail and go to court with other people over broken contracts, but they don’t exercise any faith in God to keep His contracts. God goes out of His way to emphasize to us that He will keep His word to us if we will claim all the promises of that word!

God speaks to every generation to remind them of His faithfulness and that He will never do anything that’s contrary to His word. He means what He says and He says what He means! God obligates Himself to His word and He keeps those obligations as long as we extend our faith according to His word, with nothing wavering. All failure is on the part of man, not God, so the sooner you realize that and make the adjustments or the corrections, the sooner you will see God answer your prayer.

Listen to good preaching

Good preaching is not a matter of style or technique – three points and a poem!

Good preaching is preaching that:
– presents the truth of the Word of God
– preaches the integrity of the Word of God
– tells us of all the great things that God has done
– inspires us to believe His word
– inspires us to believe that He’ll keep His word today

For in the Gospel a righteousness which God ascribes is revealed, both springing from faith and leading to faith [disclosed through the way of faith that arouses to more faith]. As it is written, The man who through faith is just and upright shall live and shall live by faith.  Romans 1:17 AMP

When we hear all the great miracles God has done and how He blessed and protected and delivered His people, when we hear personal testimonies of God’s faithfulness, then our faith rises. We realize that whatever God has done – He can and will do, to keep His obligations to give us what He has promised. Our faith is built up and we have a powerful expectation of answered prayer. Believe and accept any record of what God has and will do that is in harmony and agreement with the Word of God.

And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.  1 Corinthians 2:4-5 NKJV

Reject all bad preaching

When we go to churches where the minister belittles the Word of God or explains it all away as either something that didn’t really happen or something that’s “passed away”, or he claims that God didn’t really mean what He said, then our faith is hindered and squelched.

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, And bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.” 20 Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe.  1 Corinthians 1:18-21 NKJV

The message of the cross is foolishness to the world, but to the believer it is the power of God! On the other hand, the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.

Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. 19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their own craftiness”; 20 and again, “The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.” 
1 Corinthians 3:18-20 NKJV

No one can listen to preaching where man’s wisdom is exalted, and where God and His word are criticized, and expect to have their faith built up. If you want to develop a simple, unwavering faith, you cannot listen to preaching that contradicts the Word of God. Any man-made traditions or religions or sects that are faith-killing, Spirit-quenching, and truth-destroying, must be rejected if you want to build your faith and get results. Don’t tolerate any church or any preacher who slanders God’s word – for it is the source of your faith and your eternal life.

Twenty Facts of Eternal Life by John

  1. People can have Eternal Life by believing in Jesus Christ according to God’s Word.

John 3:14-16 NKJV – And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.  16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

John 3:36 NKJV – He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.

John 5:24 NKJV – Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.

John 6:40 NKJV – And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.

John 6:47 NKJV – Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life.

  1. It becomes a well springing up from your heart.

John 4:14 NKJV – But whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.

  1. People must gather fruit unto life eternal.

John 4:36 NKJV – And he who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together.

  1. It comes through searching and believing the Scriptures.

John 5:39 NKJV – You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me.

  1. People must labor for it – YOU have a part to play to get it.

John 6:27 NKJV – Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him.

  1. It comes by drinking of (i.e., partaking of) the benefits of the blood of Jesus Christ by faith.

John 6:54 NKJV – Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.

  1. Jesus Christ has the words of eternal life.

John 6:68 NKJV – But Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”

  1. Jesus Christ gives eternal life to His own – those who meet the conditions (See also John 6:27).

John 10:27-29 NKJV – My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.  28 And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand.

  1. God commands people to get it.

John 12:50 NKJV – And I know that His command is everlasting life. Therefore, whatever I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak.

  1. God sent Jesus to give it to all who come to Him through Christ.

John 17:1-3 NKJV – Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You,  2 as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him.  3 And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.”

  1. To know or to experience God and His Son, Jesus Christ, is eternal life (John 17:2-3).
  2. Jesus Christ is that eternal life.

1 John 1:1-3 NKJV – That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life —  2 the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us —  3 that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.

  1. This eternal life has actually been seen, heard, and handled (1 John 1:1-3).
  2. People must not only meet the conditions of receiving eternal life, but they must allow it to remain in them after they get it.

1 John 2:24-25 NKJV – Therefore let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father. 25 And this is the promise that He has promised us — eternal life.

  1. If people do allow it to remain in them, then they will continue in the Son, and in the Father (1 John 2:24).
  2. Eternal life is promised to all (1 John 2:25), but it is given only to those who meet the conditions of receiving and keeping it (John 6:27).
  3. No one who hates his brother has it.

1 John 3:15 NKJV – Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.

  1. Eternal life comes from God.

1 John 5:11 NKJV – And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.

  1. It is only in God’s Son (1 John 5:11).
  2. All people may know – be assured – they have it (See also John 3:16; 5:24; 17:2-3).

1 John 5:13 NKJV – These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.

1 John 5:20 NKJV – And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life. 

 

He Who Has a Glad Heart Has a Continual Feast

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!  Philippians 4:4 NKJV

All the days of the desponding and afflicted are made evil [by anxious thoughts and forebodings], but he who has a glad heart has a continual feast [regardless of circumstances].  Proverbs 15:15 AMP

It is our duty and privilege to rejoice in the Lord – at all times and in all conditions. The joy of the Lord is our strength (Neh. 8:10)! The Lord supplies us with all the grace we need to meet any circumstance of life fully (2 Cor. 12:9). Our attitudes color every aspect of our lives. We cannot always choose what happens to us, but we can choose our attitude toward the situation and how we respond. The secret to a happy heart and a happy life is to fill our thoughts with things that are good, pure, and lovely, dwelling on the good things in life (Phil. 4:8). If good men (and women) do not have a continual feast, it is by their own choice – they cannot blame God -it is their own fault (Prov. 15:15)!

We rejoice because God has made our heart glad:

Is anyone among you afflicted (ill-treated, suffering evil)? He should pray. Is anyone glad at heart? He should sing praise [to God].  James 5:13 AMP

We choose to rejoice; and rejoice again:  

Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord.  Philippians 3:1a KJV

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!  Philippians 4:4 NKJV

Rejoice always.  1 Thessalonians 5:16 NKJV

We rejoice jubilantly – in high spirits:

But let all those who take refuge and put their trust in You rejoice; let them ever sing and shout for joy, because You make a covering over them and defend them; let those also who love Your name be joyful in You and be in high spirits.  Psalms 5:11 AMP

But let the [uncompromisingly] righteous be glad; let them be in high spirits and glory before God, yes, let them [jubilantly] rejoice! 4 Sing to God, sing praises to His name, cast up a highway for Him Who rides through the deserts — His name is the Lord — be in high spirits and glory before Him!  Psalms 68:3-4 AMP

We rejoice because we are the righteousness of God in Jesus Christ and partakers of His holiness:

Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you [uncompromisingly] righteous [you who are upright and in right standing with Him]; shout for joy, all you upright in heart!  Psalms 32:11 AMP

Rejoice in the Lord, O you [uncompromisingly] righteous [you upright in right standing with God]; for praise is becoming and appropriate for those who are upright [in heart].  Psalms 33:1 AMP

The [uncompromisingly] righteous shall be glad in the Lord and shall trust and take refuge in Him; and all the upright in heart shall glory and offer praise.  Psalms 64:10 AMP

Light is sown for the [uncompromisingly] righteous and strewn along their pathway, and joy for the upright in heart [the irrepressible joy which comes from consciousness of His favor and protection]. 12 Rejoice in the Lord, you [consistently] righteous (upright and in right standing with God), and give thanks at the remembrance of His holiness.  Psalms 97:11-12 AMP

We rejoice because He is our provider; our source and supply:

Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and secret petitions of your heart.  Psalms 37:4 AMP

Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice, for the Lord has done great things! 22 Be not afraid, you wild beasts of the field, for the pastures of the wilderness have sprung up and are green; the tree bears its fruit, and the fig tree and the vine yield their [full] strength. 23 Be glad then, you children of Zion, and rejoice in the Lord, your God; for He gives you the former or early rain in just measure and in righteousness, and He causes to come down for you the rain, the former rain and the latter rain, as before.  Joel 2:21-23 AMP

We rejoice because He is our comforter and defender:

When I said, My foot is slipping, Your mercy and loving-kindness, O Lord, held me up. 19 In the multitude of my [anxious] thoughts within me, Your comforts cheer and delight my soul!  Psalms 94:18-19 AMP

We rejoice because sorrow is not an option:

A glad heart makes a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken.  Proverbs 15:13 AMP

All the days of the desponding and afflicted are made evil [by anxious thoughts and forebodings], but he who has a glad heart has a continual feast [regardless of circumstances].  Proverbs 15:15 AMP

We rejoice in His goodness:

So now arise, O Lord God, and come into Your resting place, You and the ark of Your strength and power. Let Your priests, O Lord God, be clothed with salvation, and let Your saints (Your zealous ones) rejoice in good and in Your goodness.  2 Chronicles 6:41 AMP

We rejoice because our names are written down in heaven:

Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.  Luke 10:20 NKJV

Finally:

I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have any being. 34 May my meditation be sweet to Him; as for me, I will rejoice in the Lord. Psalms 104:33-34 AMP

As for me I WILL rejoice in the Lord!

Biblical Instruction Concerning Sound Doctrine

Be nourished up in sound doctrine:

If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed.  1 Timothy 4:6 NKJV

A good minister of Jesus Christ faithfully teaches the doctrines of the Gospel – the Word of God.  When you are faithful to the Word of God – when you love it, believe it, and trust it – it will nourish and sustain you.

Attend to sound doctrine – give time, attention, and honor to it:

Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.  1 Timothy 4:13 NKJV

Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.  1 Timothy 4:16 NKJV

You cannot be a true and faithful minister of the Gospel, if you do not reverence the Word of God and biblical doctrine.  The function of a minister is to read and teach the Word of God, and to encourage others to do the same.

Hold Bible doctrine in sincerity:

For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.  2 Corinthians 2:17 KJV

In all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility.  Titus 2:7 NKJV

We, as ministers and believers, show by our sincere lives that we believe the word that we preach.  A true believer believes that the Word of God personally applies to him or her, and lives accordingly.

Hold steadfastly on to sound doctrine:

Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.  2 Timothy 1:13 NKJV

Holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.  Titus 1:9 NKJV

The devil will send all kinds of temptations across the path of the believer, to get him or her take his or her eyes off the Word of God.  He might suggest that the Word of God is irrelevant, that it does not apply today, or that it is not necessary to obey it.  However, the Word of God tells us to hold fast to the pattern of sound words that we have heard, and to hold fast to the faithful word, as we have been taught. This is so that by sound doctrine, we are able to exhort and convict those who contradict it.

Continue in sound doctrine:

Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.  1 Timothy 4:16 NKJV

Continue in sound doctrine.  Run your race in such a way that you are able to finish your race.  Preach the word to yourself and to others.  Allow God’s Word to do its work in you, even as it works in those who receive it from you.

Speak things that are becoming to sound doctrine:

But [as for] you, teach what is fitting and becoming to sound (wholesome) doctrine [the character and right living that identify true Christians].  Titus 2:1 AMP

Sound, or wholesome, doctrine is that which combines correct knowledge and understanding with consistent practice.  Wholesome doctrine is found in the Bible.  It is consistent with the Bible as a whole. It keeps Jesus at the center, and it results in good attitudes, behavior and actions.  It promotes sound spiritual health in us and in others.

Obey sound doctrine from the heart:

But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.  Romans 6:17 KJV

Abide in sound doctrine:

And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. Acts 2:42 KJV

Those who obey the doctrine of the Word of God, walk faithfully in it:

[Tell] bond servants to be submissive to their masters, to be pleasing and give satisfaction in every way. [Warn them] not to talk back or contradict, 10 Nor to steal by taking things of small value, but to prove themselves truly loyal and entirely reliable and faithful throughout, so that in everything they may be an ornament and do credit to the teaching [which is] from and about God our Savior.  Titus 2:9-10 AMP

Obedience leads to surer knowledge of sound doctrine:

If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on My own authority.  John 7:17 NKJV

Those who oppose sound doctrine tend to be proud, ignorant and argumentative:

If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, 4 he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions.

1 Timothy 6:3-4 NKJV

Those who oppose sound doctrine are not to be received by the Body of Christ:

If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; 11 for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.  2 John 10-11 NKJV

Those who oppose sound doctrine are to be avoided:

Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.  Romans 16:17 NKJV

The wicked do not endure sound doctrine:

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.

2 Timothy 4:3-4 NKJV

God’ Mandate to the End-Time Church – Part Two

Foundation Scripture:

 

Then spake Joshua to the Lord in the day when the Lord delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel, Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon; and thou, Moon, in the valley of Ajalon. 13 And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies. Is not this written in the book of Jasher? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down about a whole day. 14 And there was no day like that before it or after it, that the Lord hearkened unto the voice of a man: for the Lord fought for Israel.  Joshua 10:12-14 KJV

 

1.   The Lord Fights for Us – the Battle is the Lord’s

a.    October 2008 – Phoenix, Arizona

b.    Tell the church to speak to the sun

c.    Fasting, prayer, and intercession

d.    Pray and speak

e.    Luke 19:12-13 KJV – He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.

 

2.   The Great Commission:

a.    Preach, teach, and demonstrate

b.    Mark 16:15-16

c.    God confirms His word with signs following

d.    Preach, teach, and demonstrate – in that order

 

3.   This is How We Take Territory:

a.    Preaching the Gospel brings conversion

b.    Teaching the word grows believers – disciples – followers of Jesus

c.    When we take territory, the devil uses territory – we do this by changing and transforming hearts

d.    This happens by every believer taking their place in the kingdom

e.    Each one reach one

f.      Each one teach one

g.    Make disciples

h.    When the lost at any cost

 

4.   We are Living in the Last of the Last Days:

a.    Acts 2:1-22

b.    Matthew 24:36-51

 

But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. 37 But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, 39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 40 Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. 41 Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left. 42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. 43 But know this, that if the good man of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. 44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. 45 Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? 46 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. 47 Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods. 48 But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; 49 And shall begin to smite his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; 50 The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, 51 And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Matthew 24:36-51 KJV

 

5.   The Parable of the Five Wise and the Five Foolish:

a.    Matthew 25:1-14

 

Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. 2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: 4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. 6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. 7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. 9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. 10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. 11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. 12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. 13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.  Matthew 25:1-14 KJV

 

b.    We must be ready

c.    Could it be that 50% are not ready?

d.    Do not be like the foolish virgins – make sure there is oil in your lamp

e.    Be full of the Holy Spirit and on fire for Jesus

The Kingdom Already Created Within You ¬¬– You Were Born a Winner!

“Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” 3 John 2

When we prosper on the inside, we prosper on the outside.

“A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.” Proverbs 13:22

The valuables (wealth) of the sinner are treasured (stored up) for the just.

Wealth = resources/power/riches/strength/substance
Laid = hide/hoard/reserve/protect/kept secret
Just = to be right (man) in a moral/forensic sense

Your success is determined by your choice.

“I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live.” Deuteronomy 30:19

“The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.” Proverbs 12:24

The hand of the diligent will rule but the lazy man will be put to forced labor.

You were empowered for success in all that you do.

“And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.” Genesis 1:28

You have been given all the seeds of success that you will ever need.

“And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.” Genesis 1:29

– A person’s destiny is determined by their desire.
– The seeds you sow determine how far you go.
– Building your life financially takes diligence and effort.
– Positive words produce positive results.
– Take charge of your mouth and you take charge of your destiny.
– Your attitude determines your altitude.

Marks of a Good Pastor – Part VI

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

But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. John 10:2 AMP

7. A good Pastor/Minister desires divine success – they realize that they are under-shepherds under the Good Shepherd, Jesus, and they are responsible to Him for His sheep.

a. A good Pastor/Minister is a minister – not for money or popularity or any other selfish reason – but out of God’s call, out of love for Him, out of the desire to please Him, and out of love for people.

John 10:11-13 AMP – I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd risks and lays down His [own] life for the sheep. 12 But the hired servant (he who merely serves for wages) who is neither the shepherd nor the owner of the sheep, when he sees the wolf coming, deserts the flock and runs away. And the wolf chases and snatches them and scatters [the flock]. 13 Now the hireling flees because he merely serves for wages and is not himself concerned about the sheep [cares nothing for them].

b. A good Pastor/Minister must be zealous and fearless to protect, heal, preserve, increase, watch over, and sacrifice for the flock.

Mark 16:15-18 NKJV – And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. 17 And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; 18 they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

James 5:14-16 NKJV – Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. 16 Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

Luke 19:10 NKJV – For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.

c. Father God uses strong words against pastors and ministers who do not do their job and who do not take care of the flock. He expects the pastors/ministers to love, lead, feed, protect, warn, reprove, rebuke, and admonish the flock. He also expects them to stand in the gap for them and warn them of things to come.

Jeremiah 23:1-5 NKJV – “Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasture!” says the Lord. 2 Therefore thus says the Lord God of Israel against the shepherds who feed My people: “You have scattered My flock, driven them away, and not attended to them. Behold, I will attend to you for the evil of your doings,” says the Lord. 3 “But I will gather the remnant of My flock out of all countries where I have driven them, and bring them back to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and increase. 4 I will set up shepherds over them who will feed them; and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, nor shall they be lacking,” says the Lord.

Ezekiel 13:1-9 NKJV – And the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 2 “Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel who prophesy, and say to those who prophesy out of their own heart, ‘Hear the word of the Lord!'” 3 Thus says the Lord God: “Woe to the foolish prophets, who follow their own spirit and have seen nothing! 4 O Israel, your prophets are like foxes in the deserts. 5 You have not gone up into the gaps to build a wall for the house of Israel to stand in battle on the day of the Lord. 6 They have envisioned futility and false divination, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord!’ But the Lord has not sent them; yet they hope that the word may be confirmed. 7 Have you not seen a futile vision, and have you not spoken false divination? You say, ‘The Lord says,’ but I have not spoken.” 8 Therefore thus says the Lord God: “Because you have spoken nonsense and envisioned lies, therefore I am indeed against you,” says the Lord God. 9 “My hand will be against the prophets who envision futility and who divine lies; they shall not be in the assembly of My people, nor be written in the record of the house of Israel, nor shall they enter into the land of Israel. Then you shall know that I am the Lord God.

Ezekiel 34:1-5 NKJV – And the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 2 “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy and say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord God to the shepherds: “Woe to the shepherds of Israel who feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed the flocks? 3 You eat the fat and clothe yourselves with the wool; you slaughter the fatlings, but you do not feed the flock. 4 The weak you have not strengthened, nor have you healed those who were sick, nor bound up the broken, nor brought back what was driven away, nor sought what was lost; but with force and cruelty you have ruled them. 5 So they were scattered because there was no shepherd; and they became food for all the beasts of the field when they were scattered.

Ezekiel 34:10 NKJV – Thus says the Lord God: “Behold, I am against the shepherds, and I will require My flock at their hand; I will cause them to cease feeding the sheep, and the shepherds shall feed themselves no more; for I will deliver My flock from their mouths, that they may no longer be food for them.”

Ezekiel 34:31 NKJV – “You are My flock, the flock of My pasture; you are men, and I am your God,” says the Lord God. (See Ezekiel 34:1-31)

Thirty Things That Grace Cannot Do – Part V

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

But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. 1 John 1:7 NKJV

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 NKJV

7. Grace cannot cancel the law of confession of sins before they are forgiven.

Receiving Jesus as Lord and Savior involves acknowledging our sin – “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23 KJV) – believing that Jesus died to pay the price for our sin and that He rose from the dead to give us His resurrection life. It involves confessing Him as the Lord and Master of our lives from that moment on. From that moment all your sin, and your old life, is washed away by the blood of Jesus – you receive a new heart, a new slate and a new beginning.

If you sin after that, God’s grace cannot erase the sin while it yet remains. In order for God’s grace to be applied to the sin, you must repent of the sin and confess it as sin. Once you repent and confess, you are forgiven by His grace.

8. Grace cannot forgive future sins, for transgression and confession are necessary before forgiveness.

The one thing that the Blood cannot wash away, nor can grace do away with, your future sin. The Bible says that you are New Creature in Christ and that you are the righteousness of God in Christ. When you sin, you must come and confess your sin to the Lord, ask His forgiveness and then He will forgive you. God cannot forgive you of sin you have not yet committed. Besides the Holy Spirit convicting you of sin, God can only begin to actually deal with your sin after you sin and after you repent and confess it to Him as sin. Repentance is not merely being sorry for getting caught, but it is being sincerely sorry for the sin and turning away from that sin.

Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place — unless you repent. Revelation 2:5 NKJV

Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth. Revelation 2:16 NKJV

Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds. Revelation 2:22 NKJV

As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. Revelation3:19 NKJV

There were present at that season some who told Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2 And Jesus answered and said to them, “Do you suppose that these Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans, because they suffered such things? 3 I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish. 4 Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them, do you think that they were worse sinners than all other men who dwelt in Jerusalem? 5 I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.” Luke 13:1-5 NKJV

Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38 NKJV

So they went out and preached that people should repent. Mark 6:12 NKJV

Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? 5 But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, 6 who “will render to each one according to his deeds” Romans 2:4-6 NKJV

For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death. 2 Corinthians 7:10 NKJV

9. Grace cannot cancel the responsibility of saved men concerning sin.

But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. Romans 14:10 NKJV

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. 2 Corinthians 5:10 NKJV

Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. Galatians 6:7-8 NKJV

So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. Romans 14:12 NKJV

We are each responsible for our own choices and our own sin. We will reap what we sow here on earth and – no matter what – we will still have to give God an accounting of our lives and what we have done. Grace cannot change the fact that we must give an account and be held responsible before God, but grace can wash away our sin when we pray, confess, and repent of the sin we’ve committed so that we don’t have to take it with us when we go before the Judgment Seat. You never know when the end will come for you, that is why you need to make sure you keep your heart right with God at all times!

Qualifications and Responsibilities of Leadership – Part IV

I have counsel and sound knowledge, I have understanding, I have might and power. 15 By me kings reign and rulers decree justice. 16 By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges and governors of the earth. Proverbs 8:14-16 AMP

10. A great leader is truthful above all.

Moreover, you shall choose able men from all the people — God-fearing men of truth who hate unjust gain — and place them over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens, to be their rulers. Exodus 18:21 AMP

Proverbs 29:12 AMP – If a ruler listens to falsehood, all his officials will become wicked.
ERV – If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials will be evil.

A great leader speaks the truth, even and especially when it’s not popular to do so. However, it seems that the majority of politicians, law-makers, judges, and even preachers choose to do the exact opposite. Only when a man is founded securely on the Word of God, will personal integrity be a priority to him. Otherwise, he will always choose the path of least resistance and lie when it’s convenient.

Great leaders do not lie themselves and they do not tolerate lying in those who work for them. Many leaders fail because they allow those under them to flatter them and tell them what they want to hear. Firstly, leadership needs to be willing to hear the truth. Secondly, the biggest flatterer is usually your “Judas” anyway. Many leaders fail because they do not immediately expel those who are found to be liars. If you tolerate liars, before long you will be surrounded only by evil, ungodly, unscrupulous people.

A truthful witness saves lives, but a deceitful witness speaks lies [and endangers lives]. Proverbs 14:25 AMP

Lies endanger the lives of good people. Lies, which are not confronted and exposed by the truth, can destroy many lives – even whole nations – and bring down mighty men.

Truthful lips shall be established forever, but a lying tongue is [credited] but for a moment. 20 Deceit is in the hearts of those who devise evil, but for the counselors of peace there is joy. Proverbs 12:19-20 AMP

If you are truthful – you will have a good, long, prosperous career. If you are a liar, you will not last very long.

11. A great leader hates covetousness and greed.

Moreover, you shall choose able men from all the people — God-fearing men of truth who hate unjust gain — and place them over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens, to be their rulers. Exodus 18:21 AMP

Like a roaring lion or a ravenous and charging bear is a wicked ruler over a poor people. 16 A ruler who lacks understanding is [like a wicked one] a great oppressor, but he who hates covetousness and unjust gain shall prolong his days. Proverbs 28:15-16 AMP

If a ruler or leader is covetous, then they can be bought. They will make decisions based on a money motive. They cannot be trusted to remain impartial or to judge fairly or to administer justice. The people under them are at the mercy of their greed. Money will be more important to them than righteousness and doing what is right.

But those who crave to be rich fall into temptation and a snare and into many foolish (useless, godless) and hurtful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction and miserable perishing. 10 For the love of money is a root of all evils; it is through this craving that some have been led astray and have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves through with many acute [mental] pangs. 1Timothy 6:9-10 AMP

Covetousness is a corrupting force and is the cause of many evil acts and much heartache and pain. One of the biggest problems in every nation, today, is that those in leadership have been corrupted by the love of money and have sold out to the highest bidder!

Let your character or moral disposition be free from love of money [including greed, avarice, lust, and craving for earthly possessions] and be satisfied with your present [circumstances and with what you have]; for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!] Hebrews 13:5 AMP

But the noble, openhearted, and liberal man devises noble things; and he stands for what is noble, openhearted, and generous. Isaiah 32:8 AMP

12. A great leader has a disposition to refuse bribes.

You shall take no bribe, for the bribe blinds those who have sight and perverts the testimony and the cause of the righteous. Exodus 23:8 AMP

A great leader is one who has kept their heart free from covetousness and who cannot be bought. Once bribes are taken, there is no hope of justice. You can see, in the countries where bribes are common – from the traffic police on up to the presidents and kings – corruption is the rule and justice is scarce or non-existent. Even the very lives of the people become worthless to the leaders as they pervert justice for monetary gain. There can be no prosperous and peaceful society where its leaders accept and encourage bribes.

So I took the heads of your tribes, wise, experienced, and respected men, and made them heads over you, commanders of thousands, and hundreds, and fifties, and tens, and officers according to your tribes. Deuteronomy 1:15 AMP

Great leadership is godly leadership. When the presidents and kings and law-makers and judges of all the nations – and all those under their command – turn in reverent worship toward the Lord and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ – then, and only then, will we see truly great leadership in action, and peace and justice will rule and reign in the nation

I have counsel and sound knowledge, I have understanding, I have might and power. 15 By me kings reign and rulers decree justice. 16 By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges and governors of the earth. Proverbs 8:14-16 AMP

10. A great leader is truthful above all.

Moreover, you shall choose able men from all the people — God-fearing men of truth who hate unjust gain — and place them over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens, to be their rulers. Exodus 18:21 AMP

Proverbs 29:12 AMP – If a ruler listens to falsehood, all his officials will become wicked.

ERV – If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials will be evil.

A great leader speaks the truth, even and especially when it’s not popular to do so. However, it seems that the majority of politicians, law-makers, judges, and even preachers choose to do the exact opposite. Only when a man is founded securely on the Word of God, will personal integrity be a priority to him. Otherwise, he will always choose the path of least resistance and lie when it’s convenient.

Great leaders do not lie themselves and they do not tolerate lying in those who work for them. Many leaders fail because they allow those under them to flatter them and tell them what they want to hear. Firstly, leadership needs to be willing to hear the truth. Secondly, the biggest flatterer is usually your “Judas” anyway. Many leaders fail because they do not immediately expel those who are found to be liars. If you tolerate liars, before long you will be surrounded only by evil, ungodly, unscrupulous people.

A truthful witness saves lives, but a deceitful witness speaks lies [and endangers lives]. Proverbs 14:25 AMP

Lies endanger the lives of good people. Lies, which are not confronted and exposed by the truth, can destroy many lives – even whole nations – and bring down mighty men.

Truthful lips shall be established forever, but a lying tongue is [credited] but for a moment. 20 Deceit is in the hearts of those who devise evil, but for the counselors of peace there is joy. Proverbs 12:19-20 AMP

If you are truthful – you will have a good, long, prosperous career. If you are a liar, you will not last very long.

11. A great leader hates covetousness and greed.

Moreover, you shall choose able men from all the people — God-fearing men of truth who hate unjust gain — and place them over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens, to be their rulers. Exodus 18:21 AMP

Like a roaring lion or a ravenous and charging bear is a wicked ruler over a poor people. 16 A ruler who lacks understanding is [like a wicked one] a great oppressor, but he who hates covetousness and unjust gain shall prolong his days. Proverbs 28:15-16 AMP

If a ruler or leader is covetous, then they can be bought. They will make decisions based on a money motive. They cannot be trusted to remain impartial or to judge fairly or to administer justice. The people under them are at the mercy of their greed. Money will be more important to them than righteousness and doing what is right.

But those who crave to be rich fall into temptation and a snare and into many foolish (useless, godless) and hurtful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction and miserable perishing. 10 For the love of money is a root of all evils; it is through this craving that some have been led astray and have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves through with many acute [mental] pangs. 1Timothy 6:9-10 AMP

Covetousness is a corrupting force and is the cause of many evil acts and much heartache and pain. One of the biggest problems in every nation, today, is that those in leadership have been corrupted by the love of money and have sold out to the highest bidder!

Let your character or moral disposition be free from love of money [including greed, avarice, lust, and craving for earthly possessions] and be satisfied with your present [circumstances and with what you have]; for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!] Hebrews 13:5 AMP

But the noble, openhearted, and liberal man devises noble things; and he stands for what is noble, openhearted, and generous. Isaiah 32:8 AMP

12. A great leader has a disposition to refuse bribes.

You shall take no bribe, for the bribe blinds those who have sight and perverts the testimony and the cause of the righteous. Exodus 23:8 AMP

A great leader is one who has kept their heart free from covetousness and who cannot be bought. Once bribes are taken, there is no hope of justice. You can see, in the countries where bribes are common – from the traffic police on up to the presidents and kings – corruption is the rule and justice is scarce or non-existent. Even the very lives of the people become worthless to the leaders as they pervert justice for monetary gain. There can be no prosperous and peaceful society where its leaders accept and encourage bribes.

So I took the heads of your tribes, wise, experienced, and respected men, and made them heads over you, commanders of thousands, and hundreds, and fifties, and tens, and officers according to your tribes. Deuteronomy 1:15 AMP

Great leadership is godly leadership. When the presidents and kings and law-makers and judges of all the nations – and all those under their command – turn in reverent worship toward the Lord and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ – then, and only then, will we see truly great leadership in action, and peace and justice will rule and reign in the nation