Wonderful Jesus!

Great Fear!

Acts 5:1- But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet. NKJV

THE FEAR OF GOD

The Book of Acts is loaded! So many things were happening to and through the apostles that it would take me at least a year to cover it all. Therefore, I have to choose things that resonate with me as I progress through the study; and hopefully, you will also be blessed.

As we enter this chapter, the disciples are receiving money to help support others in the church who are in need. Barnabas was led by God to sell his property and give the proceeds to the church:

And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

Acts 4:36-37 NKJV

Luke uses this incident in Barnabas’ life to introduce him to Theophilus and other readers of his letter because later he becomes a familiar person in the narrative of the church. Barnabas was a Levite from Cyprus. Later, we discover that he and Mark are relatives and that like Mark, he was a person of means. As the text shows us, he had land that he decided to sell to be a blessing to others. I have heard evangelists and pastors encourage people to sell personal items to support fundraising in the church. They use this account of Barnabas’ life as a biblical principle for giving. I don’t think this is an accurate way of using this event at all. Barnabas did what was in his heart, not something the apostles came up with to encourage giving. If God doesn’t speak to someone to sell personal items to give to the church, no one else has that right! The apostles were probably so impressed by his giving that they marveled at it. Even if they were not impressed, others were. Like Ananias and Sapphira.

Ananias and Sapphira also had land that they had decided to sell. But for some reason, they kept back part of the funds, and gave the rest to the apostles for ministry; but lied about how much they had received in payment. We are not given much information about Ananias and Sapphira, but Keener wrote that her name indicated that she was from a wealthy family, as was her husband. The fact that they even had land to sell supports this theory. But when Ananias gave the money to the apostles, Peter was there. And instead of being delighted to receive their offering, Peter had a rebuke for Ananias:

But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.”

Acts 5:3 NKJV

Peter immediately addressed the situation and called it for what it was. He told Ananias that Satan was responsible for filling his heart with the lie. Satan is still responsible for filling our hearts with lies. But Satan didn’t make him lie. Ananias decided that the lie was a good thing and went along with it. Peter wanted Ananias to see that while he had the land it was his to handle as he pleased. When he sold the land, the money was his to do with as he pleased. But when he told Peter that he sold it for one amount when in actuality he had sold it for another, Ananias chose to lie to God!

This is the pattern of temptation and sin. When the sin is presented to us, it is the devil. When we agree to do it, the temptation becomes sin, and in its fulfillment, we sin against God!

Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things. And the young men arose and wrapped him up, carried him out, and buried him.

Acts 5:5-6 NKJV

Judgment begins in the house of God! Literally and spiritually! Ananias dropped dead at the apostle’s feet. No one mourned his death or tried to come up with a natural cause of death. As a matter of fact, there was only one reason possible for his immediate death. The judgment of God! And as a result of what happened, all who witnessed it experienced a sense of great fear. I’m sure that fear was not only reverential fear but a genuine fear of sinning before God! We talk about sinning in the church! We talk about grace! But we don’t talk enough about the judgment of God. And whether we speak about it or not, whether we even believe or not, matters very little. Since God don’t never change, I believe it happens more than we are aware of it!

Now it was about three hours later when his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. And Peter answered her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?” She said, “Yes, for so much.”

Acts 5:7-8 NKJV

In small towns and communities, news travels fast; but for some reason, Sapphira hadn’t heard the news of what happened to her husband. She arrived at the place where the disciples were and Peter asked her if they sold the land for the price that the husband had shared with him. She told him yes!

Then Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.”

Acts 5:9 NKJV

Peter asked the question for one reason, to ascertain if she was involved in the lie. When she responded yes, Peter told her that her agreement with Ananias to lie about the money was in essence a lie to the Spirit of God. He told her she was about to die! That was more than he told Ananias. Then she died!

Then immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. And the young men came in and found her dead, and carrying her out, buried her by her husband. So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things.

Acts 5:10-11 NKJV

Again, Luke wrote about the great fear that came upon the church. I don’t know about you, but I am absolutely delighted that this didn’t happen regularly in the early church! At least we don’t have a record of it! And I am very grateful that it doesn’t happen regularly in the church today! But because of the kindness and love of God, we get to experience His great grace!

I am however wondering whether we are capable of experiencing fear of any magnitude for God. We say anything, do anything, and practice anything we want to, all in the name of the Lord. There are times when I wonder “What Jesus are they serving” or “What Bible are they reading”? It seems to be a free-for-all to do it all! God have mercy on Your people!

I think it is wonderful that we don’t experience the immediate judgment of God for our sins. I think His grace is as abundant and great as the Word declares it to be. But I don’t think that gives us the liberty to ignore the fact that we serve a HOLY God who requires us to live holy. I just pray that what happened to Ananias and Sapphira doesn’t have to start happening in our churches to cause us to have great fear of the Lord. It’s time for our hearts to start to shudder at the thought of sinning. We’ve become too complacent with the grace theology, not realizing that God is still a righteous God and an even more righteous Judge. I’m just saying! Wonderful Jesus!

Called to Glory! Revised!

2 Peter 1:3-His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us to his own glory and excellence” RSV

As believers, we want to experience and need to experience the glory of God. We talk about it, sing about it, and preach about it, but for most of us, it is as mystical as most things about God. In our text, Peter’s words, in the Revised Standard Version, convey an important message that I want to discuss with you.

Years ago, I was studying the glory of God. While studying, I fasted and prayed to understand the glory. I distinctly remember reading Billye Brim’s book “The Blood and the Glory”, and Creflo Dollar’s book, “The Anointing”. One night, I had a dream that I have never forgotten. I was standing in a thick cloud. I began turning around slowly within this cloud. Then a voice from the midst of the cloud spoke, “I have anointed you.” I woke from the dream and I just sensed the presence of God in our bedroom. Not wanting to disturb my husband, but wanting to commune with God, I went into our living room and bowed before the Father. I still sensed His presence as I had when I woke up. I stayed there in His presence until I could no longer stay awake.

Glory, according to the Vine’s dictionary is rendered in this way:

of the nature and acts of God in self-manifestation, i.e., what He essentially is and does, as exhibited in whatever way He reveals Himself in these respects, and particularly in the person of Christ, in whom essentially His “glory” has ever shone forth and ever will do.
Vine’s Dictionary

And virtue is rendered as:

intrinsic eminence, moral goodness, virtue,” of God; the manifestation of His Divine power
Vine’s Dictionary

When I think of being called by God, I think of a special assignment God may have on an individual’s life. For example, God called Abraham out of Ur because God wanted to establish a people for Himself. He called Bezalel while Israel was in the wilderness to be the designer of the Tabernacle, and then enabled him to teach others to build. Jeremiah was called to be a prophet to the nations. Peter was called to be the apostle to Jews. I think you get my point!

The writer of Hebrews makes this point:

For it was fitting that He, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through suffering.
Hebrews 2:10 RSV

Jesus, the captain of our salvation, is bringing many sons to glory. Since this principle is true, it is easy to understand how Peter would have stated that we were called to His own glory and virtue. That’s quite a calling when you think about it. God, the Father, and Jesus, our Savior is calling us to experience or live in their glory.

Consider what the psalmist wrote about God’s glory and man:

What is man that You are mindful of him, and the so n of [earthborn] man that You care for him? Yet You have made him a little lower than God, and You have crowned him with glory and honor.
Psalm 8:4-5 AMP

Young’s Literal Translation of the Bible reads that man was made a little lower than the Godhead. For most, that’s hard to wrap our brains around, but it is scriptural, so it is truth. God’s original state of man, when He made Adam, was that He crowned mankind with His glory. With the fall of man, that state was lost. But through Jesus, He is bringing us back to glory, which was His original plan for us.

That’s why Peter’s statement that He called us to His own glory makes perfect sense. Through the years, in a sense of humility, and because the enemy’s hand was in it, we have discounted the truth of what God’s real plan is for our lives. Yes, He wants to save us from hell’s eternal punishment, but that’s a small part of a much bigger picture. In the whole scheme of the gospel message, is a message of reconciling us to the rightful place, where we are crowned with the glory of God.

And His virtue, the manifestation of His divine power, is also part of what we are being called to as believers. Remember when the woman with the issue of blood encountered Jesus? In the KJV, Jesus spoke these words:

And Jesus, immediately knowing in Himself that virtue had gone out of Him, turned about in the press, and said, “Who touched my clothes?”‘
Mark 5:30

But in the NKJV, the word virtue is translated as power:

And Jesus, immediately knowing in Himself that power had gone out of Him…
Mark 5:30

As we can see, God’s virtue, is His power. God is calling us to experience His glory and His power! That’s a mind-blowing thought! It doesn’t seem possible!

Sin is the reason we fall short of the glory of God.

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.
Romans 3:23

But once we have been cleansed of our sin and reconciled to God, we are called to His glory and virtue, or power. Isn’t that what Peter is saying in 2 Peter 1:3? I think so! I think we are a work in progress, and we may need more transformation, but it starts with the realization that God’s glory and power are available to us.

I also believe that scripture backs this truth up. I don’t expect you to take my word for it, that’s why I gave you several scriptures to share my thinking. I’m still studying this. I’m gaining some insight into this verse that I never really took the time to understand.

If you are struggling with the principle, join the club. But as I continue to study, I am finding irrefutable truths in God’s word of His plan and desire for us to accept the call to enter into His glory and virtue. Wonderful Jesus!

No Other Name!

Acts 4:12-Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” NKJV

In my last post, I interrupted my study to express my absolute joy at the majesty of God’s creation. However, in this post, I return to the study of Acts. We’re moving to the fourth chapter, where the disciples have been arrested. In the third chapter, a lame man was healed by the power of God when Peter and John were headed into the temple. In chapter four, we continue with the backlash of this miracle; another wonderful display of the Holy Spirit moving in this book.

I was just chatting with one of my daughters and I marveled, as I have in times past, that miracles don’t always draw people to God. In the case of the ministry of Jesus, many believed and embraced Him, while others did not. Especially the religious leaders. Now, the disciples are experiencing the same persecution that Jesus experienced before His crucifixion:

Now as they spoke to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came upon them, being greatly disturbed that they taught the people and preached in Jesus the resurrection from the dead.

Acts 4:1-2 NKJV

As Peter and John preached the resurrection of Jesus, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees were greatly disturbed by their message. So they had the apostles arrested! I have found that people are okay with me talking about God because everybody has a “god”. But when I start talking about Jesus, some people become uneasy or upset, referring to me as narrow-minded. Fortunately, I haven’t been arrested yet! But the apostles were arrested! Not for illegal activities or being immoral; but because they preached the resurrection of Jesus and demonstrated the power of His Name, and a man was completely healed! But amid that confusion and obvious attack from the devil, the Holy Spirit was moving!

However, many of those who heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand.

Acts 4:12 NKJV

The church was growing! Despite the attempts of the religious folks to shut it down, it rapidly grew beyond their wildest dreams. This actually reminds me of a parable that Jesus shared with the disciples about the kingdom of God:

Then He said, “To what shall we liken the kingdom of God? Or with what parable shall we picture it? It is like a mustard seed which, when it is sown on the ground, is smaller than all the seeds on earth; but when it is sown, it grows up and becomes greater than all herbs, and shoots out large branches, so that the birds of the air may nest under its shade.”

Mark 4:30-32 NKJV

Isn’t this a picture of what they experienced in Acts? They started out with 120 disciples in the Upper Room in chapter 2. (The Early Church was really small). But now it is growing by leaps and bounds.

Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.

Acts 2:41 NKJV

By verse 41, three thousand souls have been added to the church. By chapter four, they are numbering around 5,000. We call that a revival! And the kingdom has begun to grow in such a way that it is larger than any other movement or religion on the face of the earth! Don’t get caught up in the devil’s lies about the diminishing effectiveness of the Church of God! It’s still growing, not dying!

After spending a night in jail, they were called before the Sanhedrin. Keener described the Sanhedrin as a ruling council or senate. Typically, the Sanhedrin consisted of the leading citizens of the area. Jerusalem’s Sanhedrin had some influence on national affairs, only to the extent that the Roman government allowed them (Keener, Acts: An Exegetical Commentary, 2013, Vol. 2, p. 1138).

And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, “By what power or by what name have you done this?”

Acts 4:7 NKJV

Keener noted that the Sanhedrin sat in a semi-circle around the accused. So with Peter and John in their midst, they asked the disciples, “By what power or by what name have you done this?” This question, of course, referred to the healing of the lame man. I believe the religious rulers asked Jesus a similar question before His crucifixion! When they didn’t answer His question about John, He told them He wouldn’t answer their question (See Matthew 21:23-27)! You’ve gotta love the way Jesus so skillfully handled His adversaries.

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders of Israel:

Acts 4:8 NKJV

We read that Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit before he addressed the Sanhedrin. The Holy Spirit empowered him to speak boldly to them, and gave him the words needed to wisely do so! He pointed out that they were the rulers of the people and the elders of Israel implying that he had a higher authority than them. God! Peter continued his defense before the Sanhedrin by stating:

If we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well,let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole.

Acts 4:9-10 NKJV

Peter declared that the man was healed by one name, the name of Jesus! At the same time, he reminded them that this was the same Jesus they had crucified, but whom God had raised from the dead! Isn’t this something? I can hear Peter as he turns the tables on them from being the accused to making an accusation against them for crucifying the Lord! Thank God for the Holy Spirit’s boldness!

This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’

Acts 4:7 NKJV

Now Peter is getting in their faces! He references this scripture from Psalm 118:22, ascribing to them the place of the builders who rejected Jesus, yet despite their rejection of Him, He had become the chief cornerstone. Keener called the cornerstone, “the final stone fitted in place to hold the others in place (Keener, Acts: An Exegetical Commentary, 2013, Vol. 2, p. 1149).” In other words, the One they rejected was the One upon whom everything was held together!

By itself, Peter has preached a powerful message! But the Spirit of God isn’t done, yet! He’s been building to a specific point, a climax; and here it is:

Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

Acts 4:12 NKJV

That’s it! That’s the statement that the world hates so much! That there is no other name by which man can be saved! They hate that there is no other way a person can be saved! There is no getting around Jesus to get to God! He is the only way to the Father! And the world hates that truth because they are offended by it!

Not only can men be saved by the name of Jesus; but there is healing in that name! The lame man was physically made whole in the name of Jesus! The Sanhedrin had a problem with this! They had crucified Jesus, but they thought that would be the end of their problem with Him! But their problems had only just begun! There is no other name; none like Jesus! Salvation is in the name of Jesus! Wonderful Jesus!

Bless the Lord, O My Soul!

Psalm 103:1- Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name! NKJV

Wonderful Jesus! My family and I just returned from vacationing in the state of Arizona. And of course, what is a visit to Arizona that doesn’t include the Grand Canyon! It was majestic! But in the city of Sedona, where we stayed, I had a moment with the Lord and knew I wanted to share it with you! Our resort was situated in a canyon of its own and one day, as I was reading through the book of Psalms, I came to the 103rd chapter and my soul blessed the Lord!

Looking out on the red rocks of Sedona, I read:

Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name!

Psalm 103:1 NKJV

Then I paused and blessed the Lord! I am not a lover of nature. Quite the opposite! But I could well imagine David sitting outside, enjoying his surroundings, and saying,

Bless the Lord, O my soul;
And all that is within me, bless His holy name!

Psalm 103:1 NKJV

I also had a greater appreciation for the Indigenous people who lived in the area before being invaded by foreigners. It was amazing to see the places where they carved out a living for themselves without the benefit of modern technology! I was overwhelmed with the goodness of God as I read:

Bless the Lord, O my soul,
And forget not all His benefits:

Psalm 103:2 NKJV

Even now, my soul recaptures the emotions that welled inside me as I read this psalm. Then I began to say, “Bless the Lord, O my soul:

Who forgives all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases

Psalm 103:3 NKJV

Only I didn’t read it as it was written, for it was my iniquities and my diseases on my mind He had forgiven! Bless the Lord, O my soul:

Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies

Psalm 103:4 NKJV

Again! This psalm became so very personal to me. I’ve always seen it as a personal psalm, but as I began to insert verse one before every verse that followed it, my soul was captured in the goodness of God as my soul blessed His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul:

He has not dealt with us according to our sins,
Nor punished us according to our iniquities.

Psalm 103:10 NKJV

Isn’t that amazing! He doesn’t deal with us according to how we act, or don’t act. He doesn’t punish us even though we deserve it! He continuously extends His grace to us, because that’s the God we serve! Bless the Lord, O my soul:

For as the heavens are high above the earth,
So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him;

Psalm 103:11 NKJV

As I stood on a cliff in the Grand Canyon, I saw eagles flying around! Isn’t that something? As I looked down in the canyon, I could barely see the truck parked on one of the roads! We were up high! And yet, God’s mercy is greater than the expanse of the heavens from the earth! The concept is easily spewed out of our mouths but is difficult to understand. Particularly when we feel so unworthy. But it’s a concept, while mind-boggling, He gives to us! Bless the Lord, O my soul!

As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our transgressions from us.

Psalm 103:12 NKJV

Have you ever traveled from the East Coast to the West Coast? Depending on what city you start in, that’s a pretty far distance. According to Google, it is over 2700 miles. By car, it would take about 40 hours to drive. By plane, leaving from San Diego, it’s at least nine hours! And we are only looking at the distance of the United States and not the world! Are you following this? Can you see why my soul was captured with such awe as I read this psalm in the surrounding beauty of the canyon? It put a new perspective on the vastness of the earth and therefore, on God’s removal of my sin from me, from us! Bless the Lord, O my soul!

But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting
On those who fear Him,
And His righteousness to children’s children,

Psalm 103:17 NKJV

I think I have made my point! This psalm has always been a favorite of most people! Yours truly, included! But when I sat in my room, looking out at the mesas that surrounded me in that valley; when I walked to the end of the road and was surrounded by the canyons on three sides; when I watched the family of deer as they ate their evening meal; I only had one thing to say:

Bless the Lord, O my soul;
And all that is within me, bless His holy name!

Psalm 103:1 NKJV

Wonderful Jesus, saints! Wonderful Jesus!

Using His Name!

Acts 3:6-Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” NKJV

When I began this study, I began with the fact that I believe this book is about the Acts of the Holy Spirit, more than it is about the acts of the Apostles. However we title it, God is moving on and through His people in this book! It’s an exciting book to read!

As Chapter 3 begins, we see Peter and John going into the temple to pray. The Bible refers to this as the ninth hour of the day.

Now Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour.

Acts 3:1 NKJV

If you are trying to figure it out with our current way of looking at time, you may get the wrong time of day. The Jewish time was a lot different from the Roman timeframe. There are charts on the internet that can be used to help us understand how time was referenced in biblical days, but for the sake of this blog, I will share a brief understanding. Jesus made a comment that will help us on this point:

Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours in the day?

John 11:9 NKJV

Since we all know that there are 24 hours in a day, what is Jesus talking about? Dr. Keener and others agree that the ninth hour of the day is 3:00 p.m. So how is it calculated? The day starts at 6:00 am and ends at the 12th hour, or 6:00 pm for the Jewish day. Therefore, 7:00 am would be the first hour, and 3:00 pm would be the ninth hour. This coincides with Jesus stating that there were 12 hours in a day. The chart that I hyperlinked to the article, gives more details about the hours and the night watches and is easy to understand.

Another thing we discover is that the ninth hour is also a time of prayer. Again, I look to Keener for clarification. He believes that Luke makes a point, in his writings, to point out that things happen during the hours of prayer. Don’t we agree that things happen when we pray? He also notes that traditionally, the Rabbis would have prayers in the mornings, during the ninth hour (after the 2:30 sacrifices), and sometime in the evenings. Keener also points out that the early Christians prayed together in the temple keeping to the morning and afternoon prayer times.

So, Peter and John went into the temple to pray with other believers. As they were entering, they saw a beggar:

And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms from those who entered the temple; who, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for alms.

Acts 3:2-3 NKJV

Beggars present an interesting dynamic in the lives of the believers. For example, this man was laid daily at the gate of the temple to beg for alms. So this was not the first time the disciples saw him begging for bread. They had to have passed him on several occasions before this miracle happened. Maybe, they gave him money previously or just ignored him. Like we do! Whatever the case, I don’t think this was the first time Peter and John saw him at the gate begging.

In our city, there are regular beggars. They have intersections that they claim so they can get money. They use signs, children, wheelchairs, and anything else they can think of to cause us to stop and give them alms. They beat on plastic buckets or shake their bodies as a form of entertainment, all for the price of a coin. They are not limited to age group, a nationality, a color, or sex. Their commonality is that they are begging. Maybe they don’t all see it as begging, for some, it’s just a hustle. But for the passersby, we feel as if they are begging us for money. It’s exhausting and at the same time, it is frustrating. Do I give this time? Should I even encourage this behavior? Is this really a person in need? How do we know? So we often pass them by!

Maybe Peter and John had similar thoughts before this moment. We don’t know. But we do know that after they experienced the power of the Holy Ghost, they were different men! They were confident that the experience they had with the Holy Ghost gave them what they needed to rise to occasion and meet this man’s needs:

And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, “Look at us.” So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.”

Acts 3:4-6 NKJV

First, Peter gave the man his undivided attention and required the same thing of the man. Peter didn’t want a casual encounter with the man, but a meaningful one. He was on his way to prayer, but something happened that had him initiate contact with this man. I believe we call Him the Holy Ghost! So Peter said, “Look at us.”

Secondly, on the other side of this miracle was a man with an expectation. Luke clearly notes that the man was expecting to receive something from them. I believe expectancy is a huge part of receiving from God. In this case, the man got more than what he was looking for; he got a miracle!

Peter said to the man:

“Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.”

Acts 3:6 NKJV

Peter didn’t let what he didn’t have, stop him from sharing what he did have! He had the name of Jesus, and he released his faith in that name to bless the man. In chapter 4, we see that Peter made it perfectly clear to everyone that it was by the name of Jesus that the man was made whole!

“let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole.”

Acts 4:10 NKJV

In other words, there is power in the name of Jesus! I read in Dr. Keener’s book, “Miracles Today” about a testimony of the power of the name of Jesus. A young man from India was visiting with his uncle who was also a Christian. Some Hindu workers were trying to drill for water in the area but without success. They said the ground was like rocks. So they went and asked the young man to pray for them to find water because they believed the gods were hindering them. Shivraj, the young man who was visiting, was concerned about what would happen to him if God did not answer, but he went anyway.

First, he prayed inwardly. “Lord, you know what’s going on here; I just ask that you take care of the situation for your name’s sake.” Then he prayed aloud, “Dear Jesus Christ, you are the Lord of the earth and water. The land is yours and you are able to do anything. These people are looking to you for help, so please give them water. In your name, let this be so (Keener, “Miracles Today, p. 189).” An hour later, the workers returned to the house to inform Shivraj that they had found water and declared his God to be a great God! Hallelujah!

Shivraj knew that God could, but he wasn’t sure that God would. Instead of trusting in his faith or his abilities, he trusted in Jesus and asked for the miracle in His name!

In this same book, although I can’t find it at the moment, he shared a testimony of healing. An American missionary was in another country sharing the gospel. They asked him to pray for a person in the village, because he had shared that Jesus healed. When he prayed for the person, nothing happened. But after he left, they continued to pray by just speaking the name of Jesus. When the missionary checked on them the next morning, the person had been healed. They explained that they just used the name of Jesus! They had more faith in the power of the name of Jesus than the missionary had!

We have access to the same power today. We just have to ask God to help us to realize that truth! We always say “In the name of Jesus” but are we really expecting that Name to change what is happening around us? Or more accurately, are we like the missionary and the use of His name has become so common to us we’ve nullified the power of it? I am challenging myself today to learn to trust in that Name like never before! I want to see the Holy Spirit working in and through me like He does for so many others! Will you join me? Wonderful Jesus!

Put it to the Test! Revised!

1 Thessalonians 5:19-22 – “Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil. NKJV

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In this letter of 1 Thessalonians, Paul is full of advice. His advice is more accurately called exhortations, or words of encouragement meant to push the believer into becoming more mature. The part of the verse I want to look at today is, “Test all things”.

My husband likes to share the story of one of our first dates. He and I went to a pizza place to eat. When we placed our drink order, he asked for a beer. I didn’t say anything while the server was present, but afterward, I remarked that I was surprised he ordered a beer. To be perfectly honest, I told him that if a Christian friend of mine was to walk past us, I would be embarrassed. He told me he didn’t have to have the beer and he wasn’t a drinker. Years later, when I mentioned this event, he said it was a test to see how I would respond in an uncomfortable situation. I can also honestly say that I never saw him drink beer again, so I can accept his explanation. He put me to the test, and I guess I passed the test! One of many according to him! But I want you to know that I had some tests of my own I was putting him through!

In life, we will find ourselves in many situations where we will have to put something to the test. A courtship is a perfect time for testing. Having warm fuzzy feelings for an individual is great, but I can assure you that the feelings don’t last with the wrong person. It’s easy to take people at face value when you think you are in love, but people can be pretentious. Therefore, having “little tests” whereby you can discover another’s character isn’t such a bad idea. I can’t even begin to tell you how many people got married, only to later say, “I don’t know this person”! That advice was free!

When looking into the word, there are a few things that we are to test, starting with ourselves! This test, according to the Vine’s dictionary is for the sake of “approving”. Paul is basically telling us that we get to give our approval of all things in this life. Many want us to believe that we should just take everything that happens, especially in the church, without having an opinion about it, but I don’t agree! And neither does Paul, for he said to test all things! When it comes to people, however, I think we should definitely understand what things we are testing!

Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified.

_{2 Corinthians 13:5 – NKJV}

Isn’t it interesting that Paul encouraged us to examine ourselves so that we would know if Jesus was really in us! We all feel like we can tell if someone is saved or not. I’m certainly guilty of this opinion. Here, Paul is saying, “Examine yourself”. You know if you are the real deal or not, for the proof really is in the pudding. In the faith isn’t talking about how you believe God for things, but if you are a member of His family. Put it to the test! During the pandemic, a lot of people got to examine the importance of attending church. Many found they could continue to enjoy anyone they wanted to on the internet and had no desire to return to church. While others couldn’t wait to get back into the sanctuary. Not only were we put to the test, many of us failed it.

Another thing we can test is those who are in spiritual authority over us! Yes, we can!

But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless.

_{1 Timothy 3:10 – NKJV}

In the church, almost anybody can be a deacon, it seems, today. Years ago, I was attending a church, when a deacon said from the pulpit that Mary was not a virgin. On that note, I found another place to worship. We can’t just attend church because of our soul ties and connections. If the word isn’t being preached, and the leadership isn’t living a godly life, they have failed the most important test! Put them to the test! By that, I mean that we should pay attention to their discourse of the word and the things that they say about their lives. Jesus commended one of the churches in Revelation for this very thing:

“I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars..

_{Revelation 2:2 – NKJV}

This isn’t being judgmental, it’s testing them. Not with paper and pencil! Not by being judgmental! But watch their life and listen to what they say! If that person can’t hold up to the test of the word, then you should pray about your next steps. I have been blessed through the years to have some really good pastors, but I put them to the test, without them knowing it! So don’t be ridiculous in the testing! Had the congregants tested Jim Jones and people like him, they would have been spared a horrible end!

Then there are spirits! There are so many spirits that we have to test them and see if they are from God or not!

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

_{1 John 4:1 – NKJV}

Yes! I believe in the gift of prophecy, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t test the spirits of the “prophets” or the spirits behind situations. Try the spirits! If it’s of God, it will stand the test, and if it’s not of God, then it won’t! I was having breakfast recently with a young woman who asked me if I thought that pastors had the right to dictate the lives of the congregation. No! They do not! They can give counsel, but they can’t control how we live. One of my former pastors counseled me not to marry my husband, but I believed God had said the opposite. I obeyed God and we have been married for almost forty years! What a loss I would have suffered if I had listened to him!

God gives us permission to put Him to the test in the area of tithing:

Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this,” Says the Lord of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it.

_{Malachi 3:10 – NKJV}

He is so confident in the blessing of the tithe that He said you could put Him to the test with it! Go ahead and start tithing and see if He won’t bless you!

And then there is the trying of the word! Everything that we are told that the word says, doesn’t necessarily mean that the word says it. This is where studying the word comes into play, to prove if what we are being taught is so:

Then the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea. When they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.

_{Acts 17:10-11 – NKJV}

Paul knew he was telling the truth, and yet he was impressed with the Bereans studying the scriptures to see if what he taught was true. I’m skeptical of people who get upset when they know people are checking out what they say about what is in the Bible. One thing I love about the ministers I know, they get happy when they see or hear others studying the Word. I can remember as a kid, that I saw Jim Jones throw the Bible on the floor. Ah! It’s time to leave! Why does this keep coming to my mind tonight? Is someone involved in a questionable ministry? If that’s you, put it to the test, and then do what God tells you to do!

I have to close, but I leave you with the words of Solomon:

All this I have proved by wisdom…

_{Ecclesiastes 7:23 – NKJV}

Proving all things involves the wisdom of God. Whether you are testing a person’s character because you want to marry them, or testing yourself, wisdom from God will be your top priority. Don’t walk around thinking that you are being used by the devil when you privately “test’ something by the Spirit of God. Notice, I said privately! And as you seek wisdom from Him, He will help you to prove all things! Wonderful Jesus!

Growing Through Fellowship

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

We’re still in chapter 2 of Acts, and a lot of things have happened. First, the Spirit of God comes in like a mighty rushing wind baptizing the disciples and they speak in new tongues. Then, those nearby hear the tongues, and many of them recognize their own language. Peter stands and delivers the gospel message causing 3,000 people to receive Jesus as their savior, get baptized, and become a part of the fellowship. And we now have the Early Church.

Verse 41 is considered by scholars to be the verse that argues the pattern for establishing a community of believers as a church: the apostles’ teachings, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayers (Keener, Acts an Exegetical Commentary, vol. 1, p. 1000). Each of these elements is thought to result in evangelism outreach and church growth. But in today’s blog, I would like to explore how these same things can result in our personal growth and development as believers.

The apostle’s teachings are none other than the teachings of God’s word. As the apostles began to share the teachings they heard from Jesus, they acted as a sort of bridge from the ministry of Jesus, to the ministry of the Holy Spirit through God’s people. As a foundation of the newly formed church, there was a high value placed on the learning of God’s word. They were so interested in learning the word that they met regularly to hear the apostles teach about Jesus!

As believers, if we are to grow and become all that God has called us to be, then we must be like-minded as the early believers. We must realize there is great value in the learning of God’s word. There are a variety of ways in which we can demonstrate that we value God’s word: reading it, studying it, allowing it to be the roadmap of our lives, attending church services and bible studies, and sharing it. Not just once, but as the early Christians did, continuously. With the technology that we have access to, we can listen to the Bible on demand, read it at will, and pull up great sermons on a variety of platforms! We are without excuse.

The word for fellowship in this text is koinōnia and it refers to a shared purpose. The disciples gathered consistently with a shared purpose to demonstrate the love of Jesus with each other. In verse 45, we read the disciples:

..sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.

They took care of one another, distributing goods and partaking in the love of God in a spirit of unity. But koinōnia also conveys the thought of communication and participation. The disciples shared their faith in the Lord Jesus and a love for God. They shared their struggles and victories. They shared the joy of living for Jesus and carrying the message of the truth (www.blueletterbible.org). They truly had all things in common.

As believers, we want to make sure that we are fellowshipping with others in a way that we share what is common among us. As we hope to grow in the Lord, it is important that we have the type of fellowship with others that demonstrate our love for God, that we believe in the same Jesus, that we also have struggles and yet we enjoy many victories. These are some of the ways that we can ensure that our fellowship is with believers who have like precious faith (2 Peter 1:1).

The breaking of bread can reference two different things. Keener believes it could simply be the sharing of a meal, or possibly the partaking of communion. Other scholars believe it to be a sharing of communion. Whichever, is the correct rendering of the phrase, they are both good things for us to practice today. Sometimes we need to get with other believers in the Lord and just eat together. I’ve had a lot of great discussions about the Lord over a meal. I’ve gotten to know others in the church community over dinner. And therefore, I certainly agree with the value of spending time with other believers to simply enjoy a meal.

If, however, it is about partaking of the communion elements, which reminds us of the price Jesus paid for our salvation, I can also see how this was important. Jesus told His disciples that as often as they shared the communion table together, to do it in remembrance of Him. Keeping Jesus’ sacrifice before us assists us in our personal growth and development because it keeps Him at the forefront of our minds and the center of our lives.

And of course, there is the practice of prayer. Because the disciples started their journey after the ascension with prayer and experienced Pentecost, it is understandable that they would continue in prayer. Throughout the book of Acts, there are numerous occasions where the disciples gathered for prayer. And as a result of their prayers, they saw God move on their behalf. Whether Luke was referring to corporate prayer times which could have still been a part of their worship experience, or individual prayer times, we understand that they placed a high value on prayer.

Many people focus on the fact that unanswered prayer is a big hindrance to the practice of prayer. I can understand that. But that happens when our focus is on getting things from God. When we pray with the sense of communing with the God who created the heavens and the earth, who delivered us from the kingdom of darkness and placed us in the kingdom of His Son, and gain audience with the only true God who desires to spend times of intimacy with us, it’s a game changer. Just as corporate prayer causes the church to grow, it causes individuals to grow in their personal relationship with the Lord.

If I could only use one word to describe each of these elements that Luke made note of, it would be koinōnia. I believe that communing with God happens in each of these situations. As believers, our hearts should be to enjoy koinōnia with God’s people, but also with Him. As we do so, we will find ourselves growing as Christians and desiring to experience each of these phases of growth more and more! Wonderful Jesus!

It’s For Today!

Acts 2:4- “And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” NKJV

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My last post found me with too much to say and too little space to say it in. Needless to say, this is a love topic for me. Today, I want to actually talk about speaking in tongues. Because I am going through the book of Acts, I am revisiting some former posts and improving on them, but most of my posts will be new.

It was the day of Pentecost. The disciples had remained in Jerusalem, as instructed by Jesus. It’s been 50 days since their last human contact with Him. Dr. Keener explains that there were two major reasons why Luke points out that it was the feast of Pentecost. The first reason was to reiterate that it wasn’t a long time since Jesus gave the Promise of sending the Holy Spirit, and the second reason was to explain why so many Jews were present in the city and therefore were able to recognize their language. Also, feasts served as times of communal and religious celebrations (C. S. Keener, Acts: An exegetical commentary, vol. 1, p. 797).

Luke wrote, that when the Day of Pentecost was fully come, they were still all on one accord and in one place. Dr. Keener stated that this meant the time had arrived, or the waiting period was over! Suddenly, “there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and the whole house was filled”. The reference to the house being filled was probably a way of connecting what was happening to former times when God’s glory “filled” the temple.

Many tend to think this was a little quiet prayer meeting with a little wind that was more like a breeze. But I live in the Windy City and understand the power of blowing wind. I believe this rushing mighty wind, came with force, blowing things and possibly, people around. Luke references the “sound” of the wind, and Keener agrees that it gives a picture of “a sudden and violent” imparting of God’s Spirit. Now, I hope we understand that I am not stating that anyone got hurt during the imparting of the Holy Spirit! What I am suggesting is that it was such a powerful experience that none could deny it was the Presence of God!

Luke informed us about this event by saying, that there appeared to them, divided tongues as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. There were 120 people and 120 tongues, that sat upon them like fire. Keener points out that the reference to both wind and fire was often regarded as the presence of divine power. Although there are many allusions in scriptures where wind and fire are noted, there’s no time and space for it in this blog!

Luke wrote, that they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. People differ on what these tongues are. Some believe that tongues are a “heavenly language” that no one understands. Others believe that tongues are a language that the individual hasn’t learned, which empowers them to be able to witness to others in another culture. I believe there is scripture for both!

Keener points out that to be “filled with the Spirit” applied to the Holy Spirit’s enablement upon people to do specific tasks they had no former knowledge of being able to do. He uses examples of the men God enabled to work on the temple in the wilderness, of people being able to lead or prophecy, and for others to understand the will of God. While individuals can receive multiple fillings, the word baptize is only associated with the initial experience.

As we continue through the Acts, we will see that Luke made a point of identifying individuals as being “filled with the Spirit” or “full of the Spirit”. These individuals were able to speak prophetic messages from God and do works of miracles. Dr. Keener stated that Luke explained tongues as “Spirit-inspired speech, a fulfillment of the eschatological promise of the prophetic Spirit.”

We can’t stop there in the recount of what happened. Luke doesn’t! He informed us that there were all kinds of people in Jerusalem that day, from every nation under heaven. And when this sound happened, they all heard their own language. All the people in the house spoke the same natural language, yet now, they are all speaking supernaturally, all kinds of languages that they have not learned. The people who heard them were truly amazed at this strange event, wondering what was going on!

They didn’t have to wait long to gain insight into what was happening. Peter stood up and preached a powerful message that caused great fear to come upon every soul, resulting in many crying out to be saved. They had come into contact with power from on high, just as Jesus had said. Peter’s key text, as we call it today was:

“And it shall come to pass afterward that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions. And also on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days.

_{Joel 2:28-29 NKJV}

Peter was basically saying, this day, this scripture is fulfilled in our midst!

The fire is an important aspect of this baptism, because John the Baptist told the people that he baptized with water, but Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire! (Matthew 3:11) On this Day of Pentecost, He did just that! The baptism was so great, that after they were heard speaking with tongues, they became a different group of disciples. After the crucifixion they were fearful. After the resurrection they had joy mixed with apprehension. But after the baptism of the Holy Spirit, with tongues of fire, they became a mighty force against the kingdom of darkness. They were transformed!

Today, tongues have become, just that, speaking in tongues. Not many speak of the baptism with the evidence of tongues and fire. But the fire was as much a part of the baptism as the tongues.

Tongues were mentioned by Jesus before He left. In His great commission He said:

“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; 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.”

_{Mark 16:15-18 NKJV}

Notice that He said that one of the signs that would follow those who believe is “they will speak with new tongues”.

When Peter was sent to Cornelius’ home to share the gospel, the Holy Spirit fell upon the Gentiles as they listened to the gospel (Acts 10:44-46). Some argue that this baptism was only for the apostles, but not only were they not apostles, they weren’t even Jews. Yet, they heard the gospel, received it, and spoke in tongues!

If Jesus said that we would speak with new tongues, then we should be doing just that! Although there is some concern that it should be in a “known” language since that was how the baptism initially happened, Paul tells us differently:

Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries.

_{1 Corinthians 14:1-2 NKJV}

Paul wrote that when we speak in a tongue man doesn’t understand us because we are speaking mysteries to God. I agree both are correct. I have heard testimonies of both happening, people get a new language, or they speak in an unknown language. However, God’s Spirit releases tongues for you, I encourage you to embrace it and to go beyond speaking in tongues to walking in miracles. Because tongues are for us today to do work on the kingdom. Wonderful Jesus!

But You Shall Receive Power! Revised!

Acts 1:8 – “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. KJV

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In Luke 24:49, Jesus told His disciples:

Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.”

The Holy Spirit executes the power of God. Jesus knew this! He also knew that the assignment He had given to the disciples, to preach the kingdom of God, would require that they walk in power. Therefore, His last instruction to them was to remain in Jerusalem until they received power from on high!

Many people, mistakenly believe that the baptism in the Holy Spirit or Holy Ghost is all about speaking in tongues. Well, it isn’t! Speaking in tongues is the initial evidence of having received the Holy Spirit, but it is not the whole picture. A better picture is that tongues are evidence of the presence of Holy Ghost power! My wedding ring is not my marriage, but it is the evidence of my marriage! (That may be too simplistic for something so amazing!)

In the book of Acts, when the Holy Spirit was released, wasn’t His introduction to the world. The Holy Spirit has been present, since Genesis, where He hovered over the waters; to produce God’s will upon the creation of the earth. The Holy Spirit was at hand when the Red Sea was parted. The Holy Spirit was present at the conception and resurrection of our Lord. And the Holy Spirit was present on the day of Pentecost. The difference is that when He came on Pentecost, He remained on earth to assist Jesus’ Church in the work of the ministry!

Today, we are living in the appointed time, the “chairos” time, of the Holy Spirit. You can live a godly life in Christ and not be filled with the Holy Spirit, with the evidence of speaking in tongues. Your life will be blessed and you will meet Jesus in eternity. I’m not one who believes less of a person because they don’t speak in tongues or more of a person, because they do. Unfortunately, in the Body of Christ, many believe that those of us who speak in tongues are of the devil. I think that is not only wrong, but it is shameful! That’s how the Pharisees acted towards Jesus!

As Christians, we should accept the truth of the gospel. Simply stated, we believe that through the blood of Jesus, our sins are forgiven and we are cleansed. We believe that Jesus is the Son of God, who came in the flesh, and He is God. And we believe there is no other way by which we can be saved. That’s it! Whether we speak in tongues or not, when we meet that first criteria and give our heart to the Lord, we are born again. For any Christian to look upon another Blood-bought individual, and to accuse them of belonging to the devil, is pure nonsense!

As I mentioned already, Jesus felt it necessary that the disciples, who had walked with Him, be filled with the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues. If they weren’t of the devil, then neither are the people who are filled today! The disciples were told to tarry, or wait; but after that, there are no other mentions of tarrying for the Holy Spirit. Although many have tarried and made it a requirement for receiving the baptism of the Holy Ghost, it is not; we just receive Him by faith!

On the day of Pentecost, which was 50 days after the resurrection of our Lord, the disciples, about 120 of them, were together in the Upper Room, praying, worshipping, and waiting for power from on high! As they sat in the meeting, the Holy Spirit came in the room, upon each of them.

Jesus told them that when they received this power from on high, they would be His witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the uttermost parts of the earth.

When we think of being a witness, we think of the simplicity of sharing the gospel. It is typically how this verse is read and preached, and it isn’t necessarily incorrect. It just isn’t the whole picture! When Jesus was referring to us being His witnesses, He was also referring to us expanding the kingdom in the same way that He did it, by bringing heaven to earth in the lives of the people.

How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. Acts 10:38 – NKJV

He was a witness that God was real and that He is the Son of God. As He went about the villages teaching, preaching, healing, casting out demons, and raising the dead, He demonstrated His power over everything in the earthly realm. It was His way of being a witness to the truth and reality of God!

Paul said that he didn’t operate in just great preaching and being able to persuade people to his point of view but with a demonstration of the Spirit and power (1 Corinthians 2:4-5)!

So what witness was Jesus referring to?

And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. Acts 4:33 – NKJV

Jesus knew that His disciples would have to operate just as He did, to witness to the truth that He is alive. Jesus had received the Holy Ghost on the day of His water baptism and the Holy Ghost never left Him. He was man, operating as God, by the power of the Holy Ghost! And so must we!

The apostles couldn’t get a young man free from demons when Jesus was alive, without His authority. After the Holy Spirit came upon them, they operated in great power.

And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people…And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women… Acts 5:12-16 – NKJV

Now that’s some power! Throughout the New Testament, tongues was understood as evidence of the baptism of the Holy Spirit, but it was the power that gave greater proof and great witness about Jesus!

Since I have been baptized in the Holy Spirit with the initial evidence of speaking in tongues, it has been a great pleasure, and an honor to experience God’s power. It has been an ever greater blessing to realize that the Holy Spirit is alive and well, and is still moving through countless believers, in a diversity of situations, to bring witness to the resurrected Savior and the kingdom of God.

As we navigate through Acts, we will see this theme repeat itself. The disciples gave great witness to the truth of the resurrected Jesus. The command to be filled with the Holy Spirit still rings true today. We are to be filled to be witnesses for Jesus.

We have reduced witnessing to knocking on doors, passing out tracts, and sharing our faith. All of this is true and needed. But when people are sick and we lay hands on them and they receive their healing, the witness of God’s power moving through us is a greater testimony. When someone asks you to pray with them about a situation and God moves in that situation and brings an answer that is a result of your praying, that is power! All I am saying today is that some things in life require Holy Ghost power and as the Body of Christ, we need to be in a position to confidently help people experience Him! Wonderful Jesus!

Happy Father’s Day!

Proverbs 20:7-The righteous man walks in his integrity; His children are blessed after him. NKJV

I just wanted to wish you a very Happy Father’s Day! I hope you and your family will enjoy the word that you hear in church and that it will encourage you. I also hope that you will not be forgotten by your family for all the things you do to love and protect them. May this be the best Father’s Day you have had in quite some time! Wonderful Jesus!