Abide In Christ
1 John 1: 7-9, Ephesians 4:22-23
That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind. But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.
Today's focus discussion is Abide in Christ. Our scripture texts answers the implied answer question of how can we abide in Christ.
Abiding in Christ begins with the person/believers confessing his or her sins and turning to Christ our Savor who suffered bled and died on the cross atoning the sins of the world. Upon accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior then the person becomes a new creature in Christ and the old man have died to sin and the new spirit man takes over. This is the results of a transformed mind with a commitment to live in total devotion to God as we present our bodies as living sacrifices unto Him.
These questions come to mind, are you abiding in Christ in your Christian walk? If so, does the world see the light of Christ in your walk? Prayer and daily Bible reading must be part of our walk with Christ as we abide in Him?
Abide in Christ and He in you.
Comments are welcome
Author's contacts:
Dr. Willie White
white3285@sbcglobal.net
http://willie-writing.blogspot.com
www.goodshepherdwritingandpublishing.com
Friday, July 31, 2015
Tuesday, July 28, 2015
Communicate With God Through Prayer
Proverbs 15:8
The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, but the
prayer of the upright is His delight.
If the question was raised, how do we know God wants to hear from us as
believers? Our lesson text answers with a resounding positive answer by stating
that God delight in the prayers of His people. Our scripture text is supported
by Psalm 109:4 which states in part, "I will give myself over to
prayer." The Bible records a plethora of scriptures that talks about
prayer and the Lord our God delightfulness in communing with us through prayer.
There is power in prayer so much so that the sick is encouraged to call
for prayer from the elders of the church and prayers of the righteous availeth
much (James 5:15-16).
It is noteworthy to say that believers' effective and fervent prayer
cause Satan to flee as prayer is part of the conflict that believers are
engaged in with Satan and his army. This is because when Satan see believers in
constant prayer he knows that there is an unbreakable bond between God and the
believer.
Let me say that as believers grow in his or her prayer life then our
relationship with God grows, which leads to a closeness where the person can go
to God and ask Him anything with assurances that God will answer. If God
hesitates with His answer, He is preparing the prayer to receive the request.
We can be assured that God will give what best for us in answering our prayers.
Pray on and keep believing in your prayers. God is waiting to hear from
you.
Comments are welcome
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Friday, July 24, 2015
The Office Of Trustee
Acts6:1-7
...Brethren look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of
the Holy Ghost and wisdom; whom ye may appoint over this business.
Today's discussion is the conclusion of several topical discussions on
church leaders that occurred over the past several days. We begin by posing this
question, why was it necessary to appoint trustees for the church? The early church
was growing by leaps and bounds and seeing to non spiritual affairs of the
church became too much for the apostles. There was a murmuring among the
widowers of the church of being neglected, which necessitated the appointment
of seven men full of the Holy Ghost and honesty was chosen.
Our scripture text provides the qualifications for the office of trustee
and when one is selected what is to happen; prayers are made and the laying of
hands on the person. Being full of the Holy Ghost meant that the person
remained connected to God and His righteousness while being constantly filled
with the Spirit to effectively serve/minister in the office of trustee.
Ordaining a person to the office of trustee serves as a witness to the
church that the person selected perseveres in faith to do the work as assigned.
This should be done with humility, honesty, in faithfulness and
trustworthiness. The office of trustee entails caring for the welfare of the
church, which includes the church's finances and its upkeep.
Godly wisdom is very important when serving as a trustee because it
requires the care for our church home. Applying godly wisdom is evidence of
being led by God's Spirit as the trustee work in close communion with the
pastor and the deacon board.
Trustees, the pastor is God's under shepherd you follow him as he
follows God.
Comments are welcome
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Tuesday, July 21, 2015
Office Of Deacon
1 Timothy 3:8
Likewise must the deacons be grave, not double tongued not given to
much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre.
Continuing our discussions on Christ's church leaders and helpers;
today's focus is deacons and tomorrow's focus discussion is trustees, which
will conclude our discussions church leaders. The intent of these discussions
was to focus on the moral fiber of our church leaders and helpers as they are
to be filled with the Holy Spirit.
From our scripture text the qualifications for bishops/pastors and
deacons are similar as both are to be of moral character, devoted to God in
faith and righteous living as well as being faithful to one's spouse. In doing
so, they set righteous standards for the congregation manifesting the righteousness
of Christ our Lord and Savior.
It is worth noting that a strong deacon board that is Holy Ghost filled
is a church where praise and worship reverberates throughout the congregation.
The church is the bride of Christ and is to be without blemish;
therefore, its leaders and laity are to walk in the light of Christ manifesting
His righteousness. Upon Christ's return it will be for the pure church one that
remained faithful to Him.
Deacons, as you wear the righteousness of Christ you are to setting
godly, because you maybe the only Bible someone in your congregation is
reading.
Comments are welcome
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Tuesday, July 14, 2015
The Holy Spirit's Work Through Church Leaders
Acts 5:12-16
And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought
among the people; and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch.
Today's discussion focus is the Holy Spirit working through church
leaders. Peter, John and the other apostles kept doing great works through
their empowerment of the Holy Ghost which gave credence to the risen Christ and
His message. The same Holy Ghost is still empowering church leaders and laity
today to do great works in God's kingdom as we continue carrying the good news
of the gospel as we preach and teach Christ.
Also, our scripture text being into focus Acts 1:8 which speaks of
receiving power after the coming of the Holy Ghost. Believers will have the
power to boldly witness Christ, and be able to perform signs and wonders. This
is what the early apostles were doing. Today, believers have the power to
boldly witness Christ and some have the gift of healing. God gave and gives
special gifts as He saw and see fit; therefore, every believer leader and laity
is to use his or her God-given gift to edify the body of Christ.
Leaders, we have been called, commissioned and set aside by God for His
special purpose; therefore, we are encouraged to let the Holy Ghost work
through us in fulfilling that purpose-leading His people in truth and righteous
living.
We welcome your comments
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Friday, July 10, 2015
A Spiritual Reawakening
2 Chronicles 7:14
If my people, which are called by my, shall humble themselves, and
pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; than will I hear from
heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
Tuesday's focus message was Moral Correctness, and it was determined that
moral correctness is obeying and abiding by God's moral laws; therefore, today's
focus is a Spiritual reawakening which incorporates obeying God's laws and
recognizing that His laws is right are just and holy.
A spiritual revival comes from acknowledging that yes we need a Savior,
and a deliverer. God is the answer who can and will save and deliver. God asks
us to do four things; (a) humble ourselves, (b) pray, (c) seek His face, (d)
and turn from our wicked ways, and then He will do the rest. God never fails
and is faithful to His promises.
The question now becomes, why do we need saving and delivering? Sin is
the culprit as it is rampart. It appears as though there are no God-fearing people;
I am confident there are more God-fearing people than there are sinners. This
question comes to mind, how do we get spiritually revived? This is achieved by
humbling one self before God, praying, and seeking God's face while turning
from evil. In doing so there is a renewed commitment to God and His moral
standards, which is what all humanity will be judged.
It is noteworthy to say that from personal knowledge many of in the
Christian community is steadfast in our faith to God and His ways as we continue
praying for a healing of this nation. God answers prayers. "The effectual
fervent prayers of the righteous man availeth much" (James 5:16). A
spiritual revival is on the way.
Comments are welcome
Author's contacts
Tuesday, July 7, 2015
Moral Correctness
Today's message is a series of reflective questions that is inspired by
the latest immoral events that have occurred in this country over the two
weeks, but began some time ago. Several years ago (2008) I wrote commentaries
which asked the following questions: (a) has
America
lost its moral Compass? The question was raised because it appeared back
then that what was wrong had become the new norm and today that perception is more
prevalent than ever before with the Supreme Court ruling that same sex marriage
is protected under the Constitution of this country. This contradicts God's law
which states that marriage is between man and a woman, not two of the same sex.
These questions come to mind, did these decision makers ever consider the institution
of marriage implemented by God according to Genesis1:27? How did we get to this
point when our leaders and or appointed officials feel that they have the final
say or of the highest authority? There is a God and He is going to rain down
judgment on this country. I have been taught and believe that the Bible (the
Holy Scriptures) is the highest authority because it is God's holy Word and
this country was founded on godly principles. Scripture also teaches that when
man's law contradicts that of God, then we are to obey God's law.
(b) Has America
become the new face of Sodom and Gomorrah? I think so
because we are witness all manner of sin and evil. Prayer was removed from
schools and in walks Satan. The family structure has been compromised, where society
has basically taken the man out of the house, and with this same sex marriage
it is ok for two of the same sex to marriage and raise children. What kind of
mind set these children will have as adults? What is being taught about God?
Does exist, or is He just an imaginary figure? Our religious freedom and rights
are being eroded when a business owner cannot refuse services to same sex
couples because of his or her religious beliefs and or persuasions. Racial hate
is making it impossible to attend church for worship. What is next in our immoral
society?
(c) Is God angry with America?
When I wrote this article was after Katrina and I felt strongly this was a
warning from God, which was His attempt to get America's attention and for her to
change her evil ways. There were many other disasters here in this country and
around the world to me signifies God's anger. Things have only gotten worse.
Please note there are many of God's people constantly making prayer
intercessions for the conditions of this country and the world.
God is going to rain down His judgment on America and sin everywhere because
He sees all and records are being kept (scripture references Amos 8:1-14; Hosea
11:1-7). All participants (corrupt leaders, laity and false prophets) get ready
your day of reckoning with God is near because He has no tolerance for sin. His
longsuffering is giving man time to repent.
Moral correctness/laws is what God' says it is as described in
scripture. God's moral and standards is what all humanity will be judged.
Comments are welcome
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