The words 'bishop' and 'elder' are NOT titles of authority, but rather a description that simply denotes age and experience. Why are we calling young men and women 'elders' and 'bishops' in many of our churches across America?
I have met some of these preachers with these 'psuedo' titles of authority who are extremely rude, arrogant and stuck up to say the least. Its a wonder anyone can fit in the same room with them, their ego's are so big, legends in their own minds.
The word 'elder' and 'bishop' were used interchangeably during the time of Jesus Christ and the early church. The meaning was the same in most cases. These two words were usually in reference to “older” men that sat in the synagogue to help ‘oversee’ the functions of the meetings in the times of Christ and our early forefathers in the faith who went from house to house, "...and they continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of hert. Acts 2:46"
An elder is not a thirty 30 year old!
An elder is an older person!
Elder means E L D E R LY!
Come on Brothers and Sisters in Christ....Let's STOP the Madness!
The arrogance and the emulation that is permeating many hearts in America that pursue and acknowledge a bishop (correct meaning, elder, elderly person) as positions of authority over other churches and ministry gifts, is erroneous! It is ministry madness!! A gateway to self worship and pride.
How is it possible for a bishop (elderly person) to usurp authority over God’s appointed authority? How is it possible for someone to ‘oversee’ another fellowship when he cannot see? The essence of an overseer is sight. How can one be a bishop or overseer over churches that he spends absolutely no time with? Therefore, he “SEES” nothing!
The office of a bishop that is being promoted in America as one of authority over churches and denominations; is not part of the ministry gifts that Jesus gave in Ephesians Chapter 4 for the perfecting of the saints. He gave some to be apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. These offices cannot be appointed by man, though many covet and desire them, they cannot have these offices as in the case of a bishop (overseer of a fellowship). Why is this very important to note? When Paul wrote his pastoral letters to Timothy, he said that if a man desires the office of a bishop, he meant anyone with a desire! As long as they fit the requirements that he gave to Timothy, they could be a bishop, or an overseer of their fellowship. The older men (bishops) were literally overseers, supervisors of the churches that they were in.
As the early church was being established, there were no “pastors” who were rooted and grounded in Christ that could ‘oversee’ the churches as the ‘elders’ or ‘bishops’ could do at that time. They had more experience in life. They were mature. They were older and wiser men that “supervised” the early churches as the Ministry Gifts of Jesus; apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers were being set in the earth. These ministry gifts needed time to grow and mature into the knowledge and experience of Christ and His message. Why is this so very important for us to understand in America? Because NO bishop or elder has the right to claim God’s people as “his”! Nor does he have the right to try and usurp authority over delegated authority (apostles, prophets, evangelist, pastors and teachers) that have been called and anointed by Christ for the perfecting of His saints. There is a huge difference between the two.
Listen to what Paul writes in 1Timothy 3:1-4 “If a man desires the office of a ‘bishop (supervisor or overseer of a fellowship), he desires a good work. A bishop (lower case ‘b’, not a title, but a function) then he must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach; Not given to wine, nor striker, not greedy for filthy lucre, but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; One that rules well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;”
A bishop or elder in the infancy stage of the early church was to supervise or oversee what was going on in “a” fellowship; not churches all over the place that he could boast of how many were his. A bishop was "in house" NOT out of the house. Let me say that again, elders and bishops were in the house, NOT out of the house!
Church, we have been deceived in many Christian denominations. We have taken the function of a fellowship supervisor and turned it into a position of "pseudo authority" over God’s people and Christ delegated authority.
Many have become full of pride as they wave this ‘pseudo’ position of authority at God’s people, demanding acknowledgement and allegiance from their peers while provoking others to covet the same. We are destroying one another by emulating and imitating traditions and rituals that are erroneous and have the potential to bring spiritual desolation in our lives. God hates pride and more importantly than this fact, He will not allow anyone to usurp His only begotten Son's power and authority, for He is “The” Bishop of Souls (that is with a capital “B”.) He is the overseer, supervisor, and superintendent of his “global” church. He sees all, and knows all! Glory to God forevermore!
Speaking in tongues is very controversial to say the least. But for those of us that have experienced this 'spiritual' manifestation, it is not. Many do not believe in speaking in tongues and then there are those who believe and 'insist' that you must speak in tongues if you are in fact 'filled' with the Holy Spirit, for the latter it is considered the "evidence." However, I dare to disagree!
The ‘evidence’ of being ‘filled’ with the Holy Spirit is not speaking in tongues. It is a changed life shrouded with hope, peace, joy and a strong witness for Jesus Christ!
The Holy Spirit is not going to force anyone to speak in tongues, to prophesy or lay hands on the sick. How ludicrous it is for some of us to tell other sincere brothers and sisters in Christ that they do not have the Holy Spirit because they do not speak in tongues? This is absolutely false!! It’s like telling someone that does not want extra ketchup on their fries. They got the fries, but they do not want the ketchup! Jesus clearly tells us that the Holy Spirit is a gift inLuke 11:13. If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children; how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
The Holy Spirit's measure in the life of a follower of Jesus Christ is limited by desire. Many sincere Christians do not speak in tongues simply because they do not want too! Or, they are too intellectual to understand this "SPIRITUAL" gift. Let's face it, the 'carnal' mind does not understand 'spiritual' things. Speaking in tongues is SPIRITual! Like ketchup on your fries, everyone does not desire it. They prefer to eat them plain!
Tarrying for the Holy Ghost?
I visited a church where they gave an altar call for those that wanted to receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit with the ‘evidence’ of speaking in tongues. I went up and was immediately surrounded by women that began to babble and tell me to say, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus! I started saying, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus! This went on for what seemed like eternity. After about ten minutes of these Jesus, Jesus, Jesus repetitions, I was becoming frustrated and embarrassed, I kept thinking to myself, if this is how to receive the Holy Spirit, I DO NOT WANT IT!!!!
It was a very uncomfortable situation to say the least. I did not know what else to do and they didn’t seem to know either. They called this ‘tarrying’ for the Holy Ghost. Needless to say, when I left the church, I had not yet spoke in tongues. I felt defeated, embarrassed and confused because I knew I was living for God. I loved Him and I wanted to please Him. I wanted to know the Holy Spirit. I knew that these people were very sincere in what they were doing, however, that was not my way to receive this 'spiritual' manifestation of the Holy Spirit. Sad, but true, there are many that believe this is the only way to recieve. This is erroneous and very emotional to say the least.
Churches that do this ‘tarrying’ for the Holy Ghost use a proof text to justify this ritual,“And behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until you be endued with power from on high, Luke 24:49.”
This word ‘tarry’ in the above text in its Greek meaning as Jesus spoke it, means to wait, to settle down. In other words, Jesus was telling them to stay, wait, to settle down in the city of Jerusalem until the Holy Spirit came upon them in that city. He did not tell them to go and babble, or to use his name like some kind of good luck charm over and over again until the Holy Spirit came upon them. He simply told them not to leave Jerusalem. He did not tell them "WHEN" or "HOW" the Holy Spirit would come upon them, but He did tell them where the Holy Spirit would come upon them.
Repetitious babblings and saying Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, is not necessary as you tarry/wait and settle down in your heart to receive the Holy Spirit’s power in your life. As a matter of fact, Jesus says this about it, “But when you pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do; for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking, Matthew 6:7.”
The Holy Spirit gave me utterance in other tongues in my one bedroom apartment months later after I had an urge to pray and praise God. Up until that time since my emotional encounter at the tarrying church, I brought several books about the Holy Spirit. I kept believing and thanking God for this manifestation that I did not mentally understand, but I believed after I read these words of Jesus, Mark 16:17, "And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues."
In closing, I will tell you this, speaking in tongues does 'edify' you SPIRITUALLY! I speak in tongues now more than ever because of the intense warfare that I am constantly in. I find the Holy Spirit sings more than he talks thru me. Some of us call this "Prophetic Songs" OR the "Song of the Lord." Paul and Silas were singing songs of praise while in prison. I am willing to bet, they were songs being uttered from the Holy Spirit! (Read this story found in the Book of Acts. "I am not going to tell you where to find it!" This is your homework assignment for the day")
Speaking in tongues is real as a $20 dollar Bill! Skeptics cannot receive what they cannot explain. This is why they are skeptics!
My dear Friend, if you seek God for what is clearly revealed in His Word, you shall receive! Tongues is for those who believe. I would not trade this 'spiritual gift' for all the tea in China! Halleluja! Jesus IS alive!
Be Filled With the Holy Ghost!!!
"He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said,
out of his belly shall flow riversofliving water." (John 7:38)
Make time for God daily. Quiet your heart down, worship him in song, dance or however you choose to worship Him. Read the scriptures, talk to God…..keep thanking Him daily for His power in your life. When the Holy Spirit manifests in your life, you will know it my Friend. Trust me, you will know! Do not expect fire works or some 'magical' feeling. But do expect thoughts that you have never had before. Knowledge you never knew before. You will have understanding about things that you’ve seen and heard a thousand times, but you see it like you have never seen it before.
Make sure you read my Blog - The Big Lie About Prayer!
When you do speak with other tongues/languages, if that is your desire, remember, it is your mouth speaking and your voice that you will hear. Trust God my Friend and remember, speaking in tongues is SPIRITUAL. The intellectual and carnal mind cannot receive spiritual things.
Listen to this beautiful song that quiets the soul
and welcomes the Holy Spirit:
I recall seeing a so called “bishop” in the parking lot of a local grocery store. I had already gotten into my car when he pulled up. I did not notice him "until" he got out of his vehicle dressed in his “bishop” attire with a beanie on his head.I was in shock! I thought to myself, "What in the world is he doing?" THE GROCERY STORE??????????? Halloween was many months away. This man was obviously having some “very serious” emotional issues as I watched from my car while he strolled through the parking lot. Everyone was looking at him. You could not help but notice this man in his long, black, flowing robe, with “hot pink” trim and matching beanie, with a big ‘gold’ cross around his neck at the grocery store?Come on!What is “really” going on here?
Preachers, when you go to the barber shop, grocery store or wherever you may go, do you introduce yourself as "The Most Reverend, Dr. Bishop.” If the answer is yes, you are deceived. You likely have a self-esteem problem that only God can fix. You are ego-tripping! You are EdgingGodOut by drawing attention to yourself. Do we not realize that this type of behavior is a gateway to pride, arrogance and self-worship? Do we not realize the spirit of elitism and self-importance that many of our brethren have on them is a “stench” in the nostrils of God? He hates pride and vainglory! And yet, many aspire to be just like the ones that they see exalt themselves in this manner.
Young Ministers! Don't Do It!! Jesus is our example. He condemned vainglory!!
Unfortunately, many of us do not know who we are in Christ. We carry on like we are so prestigious and pious just like this man, while demanding acknowledgement from everyone that we come in contact with because we have deficits in the chambers of our own souls. We become corrupted by the call of God. Instead of becoming a servant, we are deceived into believing that we are “celebrities” to be served and revered because of our call. This is deception!This is anti-Christ! It is a “anti-servant” spirit! A prideful, evil, celebrity spirit that must be guarded against and rooted out if you want to spend eternity with God, God hates pride.
Some will suggest that when they put on their garments, they "feel" the anointing.....Hmmm? These are 'psuedo' feelings my friend. The anointing of the Holy Spirit comes from within. No man-made garments from without is necessary.
Listen to what Jesus tells us in Matthew 23:11, “The greatest among you will be your servant. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” Saints of God, how can we ‘serve’ anyone that we believe deep in our hearts, we are better than them?Some of us believe because of “the call” of God and the things that we know and have acquired, that we are superior to our brethren. Are we not all sheep of His pasture? Is not Jesus the Head of the Body?
How did Jesus conduct Himself? Can you imagine Him going to the Synagogue draped in some of the attire that some of us are wearing in the name of “clergy” attire?As an “illustrator,” I am careful to speak. I use costumes and visual aids whenever I am teaching the Word of God. However, I use them for teaching purposes only!
Why are some of us spending thousands of dollars on customized “priestly” garments? Clerics. Why? What is the real reason behind all of the ceremonial parading of flesh in the House of God? It is obvious that Jesus condemned those in His day that “liked to walk around in flowing robes and loved to be greeted in the marketplaces and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets.” Why are we doing this?
The answer is clear, some of us in ministry are very Insecure. These men and women that do this are hurting themselves and others as they misrepresent Jesus and our forefathers in the Gospel who would rebuke them for carrying on like this.Putting on airs and false images of ‘pseudo’ authority and piety is sin! They twist the scriptures and use Old Testament rituals that are no longer necessary for this dispensation of grace to justify this anti-Christ behavior. God help us all!! If Jesus did not do this, Brother and Sister in Christ, why are we doing this??
I have heard some say they "feel" the anointing when they wear this attire. If that is the case, you need to get saved and "filled" with the Holy Ghost my Friend. No man made garments needed when you have Him resident "in you." Away with this tradition of men! People are hurting and addicted, they don't care about our robes and collars! Do you have a Word from God?
This tradition is tired and played out like a 8 Track tape! It is 'dated' and nobody cares what you wear, they care that you care! Can you, will you help a Brother or Sister out?
Can you reeeeally imagine Jesus wearing the expensive “priestly” attire that some of us insist on wearing while He was in the Garden of Gethsemane having His final prayer meeting with His disciples? The scriptures tell us this about Jesus in Luke 22:44, “And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.” Sweat! Drops of blood! How can any of us say that we could really engage ourselves in prayer this intense with a $3,000 custom-made robe or suit on, with jewelry valued at over $20,000 on our wrist and fingers? Come on brothers and sisters in Christ, some of us must admit; we have some serious self esteem issues!
The sad truth is that many of us need material things to draw our self worth. This is precisely the reason multitudes in the church are immersedin materialism and debt. They are looking at those of us that should be free from the things of this world, but rather we are the very ones that are advocates of materialism as we carelessly showcase, and on many occasions, brag about our earthly possessions.
There are those that like to use the ceremony and the rituals that were commanded and used by the priest in the Old Testament to justify their obvious need to be “set apart” and recognized. However, we must understand one very important difference between then and now ~ Jesus!He is the High Priest. He is the one that has sent us. Therefore we must strive to be like Him! Jesus was not a ceremonialist, nor was He a materialistic showboat that you would notice in a crowd because of His $3,000 custom made robe.
I have sat in meetings where I was totally distracted by the “huge” diamond and gold rings on some of these types of ministers’ fingers. They would constantly use other fingers to keep the ring positioned ‘right’ to make sure that we saw its rays while they were “ministering.” How tacky! How unbecoming for any “servant” of Jesus to have this obvious awareness of 'self' while handling the Bread of Life.?
The Spirit of Christ is challenging each of us to examine ourselves. Why are we wearing the things that we wear - when Jesus himself condemns this type of grand standing in the above scripture amongst the most intellectual and pious group of people in his day, the religious leaders.Brothers and sisters in Christ, we must look at this behavior that has become very pervasive in our nation.It is anti-Christ!Jesus is our model. He is our Master, which in the Greek means, teacher or instructor. Not a bishop, apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor or teacher. It is Jesus!Jesus was common among men. We would not be able to pick Him out of a crowd because of His expensive, distinguished looking attire.
Consider John the Baptist, who most would consider a very eccentric prophet of God. Matthew 3:4-6 tells us,“John’s clothes were made of camel’s hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey.People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.” Wow! So much for intellectualism, fancy robes and collars! John would have flunked the test of time in our generation! He would not fit any of the “standards” and traditions that we have placed on clergy in our churches and denominations in America.Especially considering the thought that is permeating the hearts of many that somehow believe that we should look the best and have the best because we represent the best. How erroneous is this thought?
I wonder what John the Baptist would have to say to us in this hour about this obvious deception that is corroding the heart of many confessing Christians that have been taught this very philosophical teaching by spiritual leaders. They prescribe that somehow we must “look” a certain way to be received and anointed. How foolish is this thought considering Jesus himself boasted that “…Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist…,” (Luke 7:28) John lived in the desert, dressed very strange, and yet, Jesus gives him this awesome compliment?
“…Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist…,” (Luke 7:28) John lived in the desert, dressed very strange, and yet, Jesus gives him this awesome compliment?
Church, we are being deceived! Putting on ‘airs’ with “priestly” garments and other outward adornment to impress others can produce a gateway to becoming a “wolf” in a designer suit! Preaching so very eloquently the written Words of God as the Pharisees, chief priest, elders and teachers of The Law did in Jesus day. John the Baptist would not be “qualified” to speak at many of our conferences today. He would offend those who clad themselves in the best designer clothes, cars, jewels and clergy attire.Are you one of them? Have you allowed pride to corrupt your call unaware? Do you feel you need outward adornment and things to impress others?
If you do my Friend, you need to be healed. Be healed from the inside out! Jesus has provided an eternal Robe of Righteousness for all who desire to wear Him! His garment of Righteousness fits ALL sizes and is never out of stock, AND more importantly than that ~ Its FREE! Halleluja to the Lamb of God Forever! Be adorned in His Love for you my Friend. It is Eternal. He is ALL that you need!
The most important thing to know about the Holy Spirit is who he is NOT. The Holy Spirit is not emotion! However, when He is quickening you or speaking to your heart, it can make you want to express emotion.
The Holy Spirits Purpose in Your Life is to:
Teach
Counsel
Direct
Correct
Motivate
Navigate
Adjust Our Agenda
Inspire you in your God given purpose
Comfort you in times of suffering
Empower you to speak boldly of Jesus Christ
Remind you of God's promises for your life
The Greatest work of the Holy Spirit is conviction! The same conviction that brought us to Christ, keeps us near Christ!
What does it mean to really walk in the Spirit:
To be aware or conscience of God at all times and his righteousness that is Jesus Christ. A Poor conscience or awareness of God is the gateway to addictions and bondage to sin.
How do you hear from the Holy Spirit:
Quietness
Learning to silence your emotions
Studying the Word of God
Keeping watch over your spirit
Desire to hear His voice
Learning the difference between 'your' thoughts and 'inspired' thoughts
What is His method of speaking:
Impressions
Thoughts
Nudges
Prompting
Peacefulness
Uneasy Feeling
A "Comforter" is designed to keep you warm,
especially in the Winter Season!
Grief, Rejection, Betrayal and abondonment can cause the heart to grow 'COLD' if you do not learn the voice of the Holy Spirit to 'COMFORT' you.
What Grieves The Holy Spirit: "And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption." (NIV), Ephesians 4:30
Pride
Rebellion, Stubborness
WillfulSin
Retaliation
Selfish Ambition
Ungratefulness
Fear of Man
Vanity
Murmurring and Complaining
Loving anyone more than God ie., children, your spouse, your ex, your parents
Lust for power and possessions
Fear of Man
Foul Langauge (Perverse Tongue)
Make sure you read my Blog on "Speaking In Tongues"
Listen to This.......
John 15:26
“But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning."
John 10:9
“I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.The fthief coeth not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destryoy:I am come that they might have life, and that theymight have it more abundantly.
John 14:26
“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you.Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
John 16:15-18
If you love me, keep my commandments.And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, becaue t seeth him not neith knoweth him: but you know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.I will not leave you comfortless:I will come to you.
Get to know the Holy Spirit! He is Real! He is powerful,
Depression rates are soaring like never before. Especially amongst confessing followers of Jesus Christ. America is the third largest Christian confessing Nation in the entire world. Jesus Christ is The Prince of Peace, yet many who confess to follow him do not possess peace or joy in our lives. What is going on?
Do you or someone you know take anti-depressant drugs? Do you know according to God's Word you are sinning against him and you cannot go to heaven if you are? Why are pastors and preachers not warning our nation and their congregants about these facts?
Anything that alters your state of mind is considered witchcraft! Anti-depressant drugs are no different from someone that smokes marijuana, crack or is an alcoholic. The only difference with these drugs is that anti-depressants drugs are legalized in our modern day society, however God's Word clearly forbids them.
In the Greek, the word witchcraft and sorcery has the same meaning, which is rendered pharmakĕia. In the English language we get the word pharmacy or pharmaceutical from its original Greek meaning, which is: magic, medication, a spell giving potion, a druggist (pharmacist), poisoner, a magician, a sorcerer (ref. from The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of The Bible).
In the Scriptures, Galatians, Chapter 5, tells us that no person that practices witchcraft or sorcery shall enter the Kingdom of God. Listen to what Jesus tells us in the Book of Revelation 21:7, "He that overcomes all things shall inherit all things; and I shall be his God; and he shall be my son. But the fearful and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone; which is the second death."
The wisdom of man in our culture has many things to say about mental illness and ways to help those that do struggle with its affects.However, the above scriptures are clear.Taking prescribed drugs that alter your state of mind is sin! Why are pastors and preachers not warning their church members of these facts?
If you had a ten million dollar home or property, would you paint images or write names on it....Nooooo. So why are we writing on God’s property? I know everybody is getting painted, but God says NO!!! The Word of God is very clear and I want you to understand why.
Tattoos affect you psychologically!
Once you are painted you want to show it off. This is where vainglory enters the heart and countless followers of Christ are finding it very difficult to stop sinning. Why? What you are proud of you showcase, for some, they cannot stop having illicit sex because they are craving someone new to see their tattoo on their lower backside. Their spouse is not enough of an audience. They are craving affirmation and attention. This is why we are seeing a very rampant move of women who are unashamedly showcasing their breast in public with tattoos on them in the church as well. Marriages are in shambles as women are compromising their integrity to make their husbands jealous, so they dress provocatively and revealing to showcase their markings. We see male preachers with tight muscle shirts on showing off their muscles and tattoos. Showcasing. Drawing attention to themselves. My dear friend, this is idolatry. Self worship. In fact this is the precise reason many Christians are privately depressed. We are grieving the Holy Spirit with our quest for attention with these forbidden markings that make you SELF conscience, rather than GOD conscience.
Make sure to read my Blog, No More Sex! Get Out that Bed!
Listen to this very carefully, Leviticus 19:28, God gave the people of Israel a direct commandment not to get tattoos.....Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the LORD. In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 we read that the body of a Christian is a temple of the Holy Spirit and that we are to honor God with our bodies.....Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.
If you have painted your body DONOT feel condemned!! But you MUST understand the weight of pride that you must contend with. You MUST ask yourself this very important question: Why did you get the tattoo in the first place? Why?
I recall a young lady in a church service who sat in front of me. During the ‘praise and worship’ part of the service, she was dancing and carrying on in a way that you could not help but to notice her because of her over expressive “praise and worship.” I was shocked when the speaker told everyone to turn around and greet someone that you did not know. This young lady had on a tight fitted shirt that revealed her breast. She had a tattoo of a ‘cobra snake’ in the middle of her breast!
This young lady was loud and constantly kept saying hallelujah! She kept standing up during the service as the Word of God was being preached. She was determined that everyone would see her. She was not ashamed in the least. Why? She was not at church to hear from God, but rather to showcase her god, herself and the serpent that was so carefully revealed on her breast, which was a clear indicator of who she really served. This is the seduction of tattoos; you are tempted to always ‘showcase’ it. Even at the expensive of others in the House of God.
Christians do not mark your body! Especially, with another persons name. It is a sign of ownership. You are branded and claimed for life! If you have marked your body, you must seek God for freedom from the soul tie that you will more than likely have to the person or the thing that you placed on your body. You must resist the temptation to exalt yourself by exposing your markings on your body and understand the power of these markings that feed the ego and can cause a gateway of pride in your life. I have seen praying hands and crosses on many. They are very proud of their religious images on their bodies, but remember this. The greatest testimony for Christ is your testimony, NOT your tattoo! The Gospel of Jesus Christ should be 'preached' NOT painted on God's property!
This mansion is the most expensive estate in America boasting a price tag of $150 Million. God's temple is worth more!
To be a Spirit Filled follower of Jesus Christ does not make us passive and fearful people whatsoever. Many are fearful of allowing the Spirit of God to have his way in them beyond their personalities. Do you not know my friend that this is grievous to the Holy Spirit? Why? Because there will be times in your life that you need to get out of the way and say exactly what needs to be said in the way it should be said.
If your child wondered off in front of a moving train and was not paying attention, wouldn't you lift your voice to warn them they were in harms way? So why is it that so many confessing Christian cry when they are rebuked? There are some things that cannot be said sweet. The Lion needs to be heard in the rebuke NOT The Lamb. Why? When "The Lion" in you speaks, there is a sense of urgency and emergency that does not come when The Lamb speaks.
The Lion in you is strong, fearless and will not back down - The lamb in you will. The Lamb will not stand ground in the face of pride, rebellion and stubbornness that will often emanate when we are being confronted with information we do not like or want to hear.
There is a sweep of humanism, shrouded in fear that has swept through the Body of Christ. We are constantly talking about 'speaking in love,' what exactly does this mean? Your tone of voice? What is it for real, because I have noticed that when it comes to rebuke or provoking the brethren to understanding, it oftentimes does not matter how "sweet" and calm you are, there is going to be resistance and offense.
In these "intense fellowship" moments, it is very important for us to strive to learn the move of the Spirit of God in you as you are speaking to others. Especially when the conversation involves negative behavior and sin.
I recall a couple who came up to me after church service for prayer. I was part of a team of people called the 'altar workers.' We exhorted and prayed for whoever needed prayer after all services. The wife was crying and the husband was trying to console her. I was thinking in my natural self that she needed a hug and a very "sweet" word of encouragement, but instead the moment I opened my mouth, the Spirit of God came on me with boldness and I found myself rebuking her, and telling her she needed to pull herself together as she was driving her husband crazy with her constant whining and other things said by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
I was horrified! I could not believe that I went off on this lady. She was in shock and so was her husband. I was very active in my church. My pastor at the time trusted me and took interest in helping me learn and utilize my 'spiritual gifts.' One being the word of knowledge. I did not know what was going on in their marriage, but the Holy Ghost did and "The Lion" in me was not budging, but my mind was telling me, "you are in trouble, what are you doing? Why are you talking to her so firmly (some would consider harshly)?" I could not wait to get out of there! I went to my car and cried. I was overwhelmed because I did not understand the move of the Spirit of God at this time in my walk with God. This was very upsetting to me to say the least, I was out of "character."
Three weeks later I received a note in the mail. It was this woman. She thanked me for 'loving' her enough to speak the truth to her in the "tone" and "spirit" that I did. She admitted that she was very angry with me, but she also admitted that all things said to her was the truth. This lady was destroying her marriage and the Holy Spirit graced me to call that out in the Spirit of The Lion, The Lamb could not have gotten thru to her. Her tears was the 'smokescreen.'
God is powerful! His Spirit lives in us. He loves us enough to place others in our lives to "ROAR" sometimes at us, not to hurt us, but rather to help us grow up and pull us out of thorns and thickets that we have fallen into. A wise man WILL NOT despise rebuke! The carnal man makes light of "how" things are said, but the spiritual man will steady his ear to hear "what" has been said....a lie or the truth. Selah!
