Pondering what to write for this week’s blog, I was led to the above phrase as it relates to God’s invitation to humanity. It is God’s desire that all be saved and He invites all to come to Him without money, or any other baggage that could hinder the unsaved from receiving salvation.
What this phrase is saying that God in His love will do the cleansing through regeneration, sanctification, and justification for all who accept His gift of salvation, but the unsaved must first admit that they are a sinner and is in need of a Saviour. Repenting of ones sin the new convert becomes a born again believer in Christ as this is his/her spiritual birth through regeneration. The new convert becomes a new creature in Christ who has given his/her life to Christ and has been transformed from a life of sin to a new life in Christ.
Sanctification in the new convert’s life is a process where the believer is made holy, consecrated, or separated from the world and all ungodliness. Being sanctified the believer has the ability to live holy lives unto God and love Him with all their heart and soul. More importantly, the new convert achieves sanctification by faith (Acts 26:18) and is in union with Christ in His death and resurrection (John 15:4-10; 1 Corinthians 1:30) and by the blood of Christ (1 John 1:7-9).
During the cleansing process the new convert is justified, which being acquitted or found not guilty of ones sins before God. Justification is a gift of God as no one can make himself or herself right before God as this was seen in Old Testament times.
In closing this dialogue, the invitation “come as you are” is powerful in that God will perform the cleansing getting us ready to spend eternity with Him. More importantly, this invitation speaks to God’s love for all humanity. This reminds me of the prodigal son where the lost son did not have to clean himself, just admit his wrong doing and return to his father. The same principle applies to all lost souls-- God awaits for your return.
Come---God will wash you clean with the blood of Jesus.
Author’s contact:
wwhite@goodshepherdwritingandpublishing.com
white3285@sbcgloba.net
http://willie-writing.blogspot.com
www.goodshepherdwritingandpublishing.com
Friday, May 29, 2009
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Memorial Day
May 20, 2009
Memorial is designated as a time of remembering or reflecting, and as we approach this holiday day weekend, I felt it necessary to take time out to wish everyone a safe, happy and relaxing weekend.
Many will spend the day /weekend reflecting and paying tribute to love ones and our fallen soldiers who have given so much for this country; for this I say my prayers and love are with the families and the soldiers both past and present alike, and well as the families who pay tribute to love ones who have made their transition they too are us in my heart. For those who will spend time together with family and friends, I say love and peace.
Family time together is a beautiful portrait of love, happiness, mutual respect and unity.
Author’s contact:
Emails: wwhite@goodshpeherdwritingandpublishing.com
white3285@sbcgloal.net
Blog: http://willie-writing.blogspot.com
Website: www.goodshepherdwritingandpublishing.com
Memorial is designated as a time of remembering or reflecting, and as we approach this holiday day weekend, I felt it necessary to take time out to wish everyone a safe, happy and relaxing weekend.
Many will spend the day /weekend reflecting and paying tribute to love ones and our fallen soldiers who have given so much for this country; for this I say my prayers and love are with the families and the soldiers both past and present alike, and well as the families who pay tribute to love ones who have made their transition they too are us in my heart. For those who will spend time together with family and friends, I say love and peace.
Family time together is a beautiful portrait of love, happiness, mutual respect and unity.
Author’s contact:
Emails: wwhite@goodshpeherdwritingandpublishing.com
white3285@sbcgloal.net
Blog: http://willie-writing.blogspot.com
Website: www.goodshepherdwritingandpublishing.com
Thursday, May 7, 2009
The Holy Spirit
In preparation for the release my next book (June 2009), An Exposé of the Holy Spirit, I decided that this was an opportunity to provide a brief introduction to the book by looking at the word Pheuma and its meaning and then who He is in relationship to the other members of the Godhead as He is the third person that make up the Trinity.
The study of the Pheuma is Pheumatology which is the study of the person and work of the Holy Spirit. Pheuma is a Greek word for spirit which is sometimes translated as ghost, but it simply means spirit (Foundational Doctrine Dr. Harry E. Carr). The Holy Spirit is a deity just as the Father, and the Son as the three makes up the Godhead. Upon closer examination of the Holy Spirit, He is cop-equal with God the Father and God the Son as there is but one God operating as three distinct persons. In 1 Corinthians 3:16 referrers to Him as the Spirit of God and in Philippians 1:19 He is referred to as the Spirit of Christ. In Ephesians 4:4 He is referred to as the one Spirit as this scripture talks about unity in the Spirit as each of us has one body but many members that make-up the body as we are one in the Spirit.
Often times the Holy Spirit is referred to as “it” as this can be contributed to false teaching or the lack of understanding of the Trinity, but the Holy Spirit is a person with an intellect, a will and emotions.
For a brief moment let us look at the intellect of the Holy Spirit, 1 Corinthians 2:10 states that “But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea the deep things of God.” With that being said, then the Holy Spirit has the ability to think, reason, plan and know as He is God as this is how He can teach all things to mankind. If a person has a will he or she has the power to choose and the power to act on that choice; in Acts 13: we see a choice being made and acted upon with the separation of Barnabas and Saul as they were to preach the gospel of Christ to other nations. Lastly, what are emotions; they are feeling and the ability to respond to those feeling. Therefore, just as humanity has feeling so does the Holy Spirit, as He can be grieved over humanity’s unconfessed sins and we are encouraged not to grieve the Holy Spirit. (See Ephesians 4:30).
In my book I look at the many titles/names, emblem, ministries and works of the Holy Spirit that is associated with Him and supports each with scripture references. In next week’s blog I will provide more insight from the book as it takes an in-depth look at the Holy Spirit in an effort to give a better understanding of who the Holy Spirit is and His interaction in man’s life from creation to the end as the book is designed for good reading, to enlighten, to gain a better understanding about the Holy Spirit, as well as it can be used as study guide, but more importantly it designed for both believers and non-believers.
Author’s contact:
Emails: white3285@sbcglobal.net
wwhite@goodshepherdwritigandpublishing.com
Website: www.goodshepherdwritingandpublishing.com
Blog: http://willie-writing.blogspot.com
The study of the Pheuma is Pheumatology which is the study of the person and work of the Holy Spirit. Pheuma is a Greek word for spirit which is sometimes translated as ghost, but it simply means spirit (Foundational Doctrine Dr. Harry E. Carr). The Holy Spirit is a deity just as the Father, and the Son as the three makes up the Godhead. Upon closer examination of the Holy Spirit, He is cop-equal with God the Father and God the Son as there is but one God operating as three distinct persons. In 1 Corinthians 3:16 referrers to Him as the Spirit of God and in Philippians 1:19 He is referred to as the Spirit of Christ. In Ephesians 4:4 He is referred to as the one Spirit as this scripture talks about unity in the Spirit as each of us has one body but many members that make-up the body as we are one in the Spirit.
Often times the Holy Spirit is referred to as “it” as this can be contributed to false teaching or the lack of understanding of the Trinity, but the Holy Spirit is a person with an intellect, a will and emotions.
For a brief moment let us look at the intellect of the Holy Spirit, 1 Corinthians 2:10 states that “But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea the deep things of God.” With that being said, then the Holy Spirit has the ability to think, reason, plan and know as He is God as this is how He can teach all things to mankind. If a person has a will he or she has the power to choose and the power to act on that choice; in Acts 13: we see a choice being made and acted upon with the separation of Barnabas and Saul as they were to preach the gospel of Christ to other nations. Lastly, what are emotions; they are feeling and the ability to respond to those feeling. Therefore, just as humanity has feeling so does the Holy Spirit, as He can be grieved over humanity’s unconfessed sins and we are encouraged not to grieve the Holy Spirit. (See Ephesians 4:30).
In my book I look at the many titles/names, emblem, ministries and works of the Holy Spirit that is associated with Him and supports each with scripture references. In next week’s blog I will provide more insight from the book as it takes an in-depth look at the Holy Spirit in an effort to give a better understanding of who the Holy Spirit is and His interaction in man’s life from creation to the end as the book is designed for good reading, to enlighten, to gain a better understanding about the Holy Spirit, as well as it can be used as study guide, but more importantly it designed for both believers and non-believers.
Author’s contact:
Emails: white3285@sbcglobal.net
wwhite@goodshepherdwritigandpublishing.com
Website: www.goodshepherdwritingandpublishing.com
Blog: http://willie-writing.blogspot.com
Friday, May 1, 2009
A call to repentance
Zephaniah 2:1-3; 2 Chronicles 7:14; Romans 12:2
In light of the daily distressing news, I felt the need to reiterate the call for repentance. I say reiterate because this was the title of my April 30th devotional reading and many didn’t receive the booklet.
American and the whole world need to repent and I make this statement because America and the world are experiencing financial and health crises which is due mainly because of sin in one form or the other. America has been a blessed nation all of its young history and as God blessed America it began to drift farther and farther away from God and this displeased Him. Racism has been a thorn in America’s side that has and continues to cause strife among its citizens and many say there are Christians. How can this be when the Bible says if we say that we love God whom we have never seen and hate our brother who we see daily then we are a liar? Also, America has become so puffed up in its self until it implies that it no longer need to put God first in all that it does. Why? Because America wants to remove the wording “In God we trust” from our monetary system, which raises this question, if we do not trust God then who do we trust? Is it that we have become so modern until we feel that God has no place in our lives? Have we replaced God with our gods? However each person answer, it is God who we must place our trust in because He is supreme and always will be.
Other sinful acts that has brought God’s wrath upon America and the world in that America is allowing same sex marriages, greed is running rampant and self-centeredness has taken center stage in many of our lives. In short man has gone against the Will of God and He is angry.
In this writer’s opinion God has taken a health issue, the swine flu and fanned it across the world like a raging wild fire and it is raging out of control, and only God will put out this fire through His grace and mercy. People, God is angry and unless man repents of his sins we will continue to experience unimaginable pestilence far worse than what were are witnessing. This brings into focus our scripture verses; in Zephaniah 2: 1-3 we see the prophet Zephaniah calling on the nation of Israel to repent and return to God before His pronounce judgment. In 2 Chronicles 7:14 God issued a call to repentance where God asked His people return to Him as God ask mankind to do four things which are (a) Humble themselves, (b) Pray, (c) Seek my face, and (d) Turn from their wicked ways and if man does these four things then God will do three things, which are (a) hear, (b) forgive, and (c) heal. The call remains open for all humanity.
Fellow believers the time has come for an earthly revival which must begin in the hearts and minds of all mankind and through the sincere prayers of God’s people there can and will be a change (a return to God) which is badly needed. It is prayer time.
Believers join me in prayer.
Father God I make this petition on behalf of all mankind, Father I see Your anger and Father I am asking You to touch the hearts and minds of all mankind as we have sinned against You and only You and for this I am asking for forgiveness. Man’s pride, greed and his disobedience has brought Your anger upon this land and Father if You just blow Your breath of healing upon Your created earth, there will be a healing of physical and spiritual sickness on all humanity. Father, I know You can and I believe that You will for this I thank You and will forever give Your name the praise and glory You so richly deserve. In Jesus name Amen!
In light of the daily distressing news, I felt the need to reiterate the call for repentance. I say reiterate because this was the title of my April 30th devotional reading and many didn’t receive the booklet.
American and the whole world need to repent and I make this statement because America and the world are experiencing financial and health crises which is due mainly because of sin in one form or the other. America has been a blessed nation all of its young history and as God blessed America it began to drift farther and farther away from God and this displeased Him. Racism has been a thorn in America’s side that has and continues to cause strife among its citizens and many say there are Christians. How can this be when the Bible says if we say that we love God whom we have never seen and hate our brother who we see daily then we are a liar? Also, America has become so puffed up in its self until it implies that it no longer need to put God first in all that it does. Why? Because America wants to remove the wording “In God we trust” from our monetary system, which raises this question, if we do not trust God then who do we trust? Is it that we have become so modern until we feel that God has no place in our lives? Have we replaced God with our gods? However each person answer, it is God who we must place our trust in because He is supreme and always will be.
Other sinful acts that has brought God’s wrath upon America and the world in that America is allowing same sex marriages, greed is running rampant and self-centeredness has taken center stage in many of our lives. In short man has gone against the Will of God and He is angry.
In this writer’s opinion God has taken a health issue, the swine flu and fanned it across the world like a raging wild fire and it is raging out of control, and only God will put out this fire through His grace and mercy. People, God is angry and unless man repents of his sins we will continue to experience unimaginable pestilence far worse than what were are witnessing. This brings into focus our scripture verses; in Zephaniah 2: 1-3 we see the prophet Zephaniah calling on the nation of Israel to repent and return to God before His pronounce judgment. In 2 Chronicles 7:14 God issued a call to repentance where God asked His people return to Him as God ask mankind to do four things which are (a) Humble themselves, (b) Pray, (c) Seek my face, and (d) Turn from their wicked ways and if man does these four things then God will do three things, which are (a) hear, (b) forgive, and (c) heal. The call remains open for all humanity.
Fellow believers the time has come for an earthly revival which must begin in the hearts and minds of all mankind and through the sincere prayers of God’s people there can and will be a change (a return to God) which is badly needed. It is prayer time.
Believers join me in prayer.
Father God I make this petition on behalf of all mankind, Father I see Your anger and Father I am asking You to touch the hearts and minds of all mankind as we have sinned against You and only You and for this I am asking for forgiveness. Man’s pride, greed and his disobedience has brought Your anger upon this land and Father if You just blow Your breath of healing upon Your created earth, there will be a healing of physical and spiritual sickness on all humanity. Father, I know You can and I believe that You will for this I thank You and will forever give Your name the praise and glory You so richly deserve. In Jesus name Amen!
Friday, April 24, 2009
The mighty name of God
Malachi 1:11
“For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering: for my name shall be great among the heathen, saith the 
LORD of host.”
Malachi’s prophecy of the time when all people from every nation shall sincerely call on and worship the name of the Lord and given today’s current crisis one may be inclined to believe that those days are fast approaching. When we look at current events that is happening in our world today when man is attempting to remove the phrase “In God we trust” from our currency and remove the Ten Commandments from court houses as this is the work of Satan and his tactics of turning man away from God. Our scripture verse tell us that the name of God will be known around the world as Satan has no win and as prophecy continues to be fulfilled, we will witness churches truly preaching Christ, missionaries going into the far reaches of the world witnessing Christ with boldness given by the Holy Spirit and the whole world will know and acknowledge the name of God. Also, as our scripture verse states regardless of what continent the sun rises or set God’s name will be preached, worshipped, and praised for He is worthy as there is no other name like the name of God (Isaiah 45:22).
LORD of host.”Malachi’s prophecy of the time when all people from every nation shall sincerely call on and worship the name of the Lord and given today’s current crisis one may be inclined to believe that those days are fast approaching. When we look at current events that is happening in our world today when man is attempting to remove the phrase “In God we trust” from our currency and remove the Ten Commandments from court houses as this is the work of Satan and his tactics of turning man away from God. Our scripture verse tell us that the name of God will be known around the world as Satan has no win and as prophecy continues to be fulfilled, we will witness churches truly preaching Christ, missionaries going into the far reaches of the world witnessing Christ with boldness given by the Holy Spirit and the whole world will know and acknowledge the name of God. Also, as our scripture verse states regardless of what continent the sun rises or set God’s name will be preached, worshipped, and praised for He is worthy as there is no other name like the name of God (Isaiah 45:22).
In closing, our scripture verse is saying in retrospect that some day “every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess the name of the Lord,” meaning all will know God.
Author’s contact:
http://www.goodshepherdwritingandpublishing.com/
http://willie-writing.blogspot.com/
white3285@sbcglobal.net
The Peac of God
Jeremiah 33:6
How does the Bible define peace? First, the Hebrew word for peace is shalom which mean something far more than the absence of conflict whether it is wars, conflicts or upheaval in the home. Shalom/peace address the presence of wholeness, harmony, soundness and well-being in every aspect of one’s life. Second, the King James Study Bible commentary section defines peace in the following manner:
Peace can refer to tranquility in international relationships, as seen between nations that are at war (1 Samuel 7:14).
Peace refers to a settled feeling within a nation during a time of prosperity (2 Samuel 3:21-23; 1 Chronicles 22:9).
Peace can be experienced as wholeness and harmony in human relationships both inside and outside the home (Proverbs 17:1; 1 Corinthians 7:15).
Peace also can be one’s personal sense of wholeness and well-being, free from anxiety and fear, or being at peace within one’s soul and with God (Psalms 4:8; 119:165).
Webster’s (P.651) definition of peace corroborates the Bible’s definition of peace as being “a state of tranquility or the freedom from civil disturbance or foreign war; harmony in personal relationships.”
In Genesis 1-2 we see shalom being describes as the perfect harmony and wholeness that existed in God’s created world. With that being said, a question come to mind, what or who disturbed the perfect harmony that existed after creation? The answer is found in Adam and Eve when they disobeyed God’s command by eating from the forbidden tree (Genesis 3:1-7) as they listened to the serpent as oppose to God. Their act of disobedience introduced sin into the world and disrupted the perfect harmony that existed from creation. We see then that the harmonious relationship between God and man was broken so was the relationship between man and wife (Genesis 3:16). Social conflicts that plague our homes and communities were ushered in with Adam and Eve’s disobedience. Also, sin disrupted the harmony that existed between man and nature. So then, if the question were raised, will peace be restored and if so when? The answer is yes and this will occur when Satan and his power is completely destroyed, which will be fulfilled with the second coming of Christ. Micah 5:5 prophesied of Jesus’ birth as the ruler in Bethlehem by stating “this man shall be the peace.” Also, Ezekiel 34:25; 37:26 prophesied of the new covenant that God would establish through Jesus would be one of peace, and this would be accomplished through the redemptive work of Christ. Therefore, we who believe and have accepted Christ as our personal Saviour have the peace of God that rules our heats as we seek and pursue peace as well as live peacefully with one another.
Therefore, let the peace of God reign in your daily lives as only God can give true peace.
Author’s contact:
www.goodshepherdwritingandpublishing.com
http://willie-writing.blogspot.com
wwhite@goodshepherdwritingandpublishing.com
white3285@sbcglobal.net
How does the Bible define peace? First, the Hebrew word for peace is shalom which mean something far more than the absence of conflict whether it is wars, conflicts or upheaval in the home. Shalom/peace address the presence of wholeness, harmony, soundness and well-being in every aspect of one’s life. Second, the King James Study Bible commentary section defines peace in the following manner:
Peace can refer to tranquility in international relationships, as seen between nations that are at war (1 Samuel 7:14).
Peace refers to a settled feeling within a nation during a time of prosperity (2 Samuel 3:21-23; 1 Chronicles 22:9).
Peace can be experienced as wholeness and harmony in human relationships both inside and outside the home (Proverbs 17:1; 1 Corinthians 7:15).
Peace also can be one’s personal sense of wholeness and well-being, free from anxiety and fear, or being at peace within one’s soul and with God (Psalms 4:8; 119:165).
Webster’s (P.651) definition of peace corroborates the Bible’s definition of peace as being “a state of tranquility or the freedom from civil disturbance or foreign war; harmony in personal relationships.”
In Genesis 1-2 we see shalom being describes as the perfect harmony and wholeness that existed in God’s created world. With that being said, a question come to mind, what or who disturbed the perfect harmony that existed after creation? The answer is found in Adam and Eve when they disobeyed God’s command by eating from the forbidden tree (Genesis 3:1-7) as they listened to the serpent as oppose to God. Their act of disobedience introduced sin into the world and disrupted the perfect harmony that existed from creation. We see then that the harmonious relationship between God and man was broken so was the relationship between man and wife (Genesis 3:16). Social conflicts that plague our homes and communities were ushered in with Adam and Eve’s disobedience. Also, sin disrupted the harmony that existed between man and nature. So then, if the question were raised, will peace be restored and if so when? The answer is yes and this will occur when Satan and his power is completely destroyed, which will be fulfilled with the second coming of Christ. Micah 5:5 prophesied of Jesus’ birth as the ruler in Bethlehem by stating “this man shall be the peace.” Also, Ezekiel 34:25; 37:26 prophesied of the new covenant that God would establish through Jesus would be one of peace, and this would be accomplished through the redemptive work of Christ. Therefore, we who believe and have accepted Christ as our personal Saviour have the peace of God that rules our heats as we seek and pursue peace as well as live peacefully with one another.
Therefore, let the peace of God reign in your daily lives as only God can give true peace.
Author’s contact:
www.goodshepherdwritingandpublishing.com
http://willie-writing.blogspot.com
wwhite@goodshepherdwritingandpublishing.com
white3285@sbcglobal.net
Thursday, April 9, 2009
What does "it is finished" and "He is risen" mean to you?
Matthew 27:50; 28:6; John 19:30
In answering today’s topical discussion question, the phrase “it is finished” tells all believers that Jesus’ work in providing salvation to all is now complete as this was a triumphal shout of victory and not a cry of despair. On Psalm Sunday Jesus road into Jerusalem in triumphal victory; He is now telling the world “it is finished” “victory is won in spite of me hanging here on the cross in severe pain.” It further means that Jesus had completed His earthly mission that was given to Him by God, the Father. It means that Old Testament prophecy had been fulfilled as He was the promised Messiah who would suffer many things for mankind. It mean that He had completed His works of redeeming man as He was the perfect sacrificial Lamb of God who gave His blood as an atonement for sin. In addition, it means that Jesus had now won a decisive victory over Satan and his demonic angels. It means that man is now reconciled back to God and humanity’s broken fellowship is now restored. One final thought on what the phrase “it is finished” mean is that there is nothing to be or can be added to Jesus’ work on the cross in that salvation is now open to all who believe in and accept Jesus and His completed works at Calvary.
Next, let us look at “he is risen” and reflect on the importance of Christ’s resurrection to all who believe in Him. First, Jesus’ resurrection is the truth of the gospel as it proves the effectiveness of His death. Second, Jesus’ resurrection proves without a shadow of a doubt that He is God’s Son. Third, it authenticates scriptures as well as providing proof of judgment that the wicked is sure to face in the future. Fourth, Christ’s resurrection is foundational for all believers as His gift of the Holy Spirit and a spiritual life for all believers as His intercessory ministry is now taking place on the right hand of the father. Sixth, Christ’s resurrection assures all believers of their inheritance in heaven and their resurrection when Christ returns. Seventh, Christ’s resurrection makes available His power and presence over sin that all believers is sure to encounter daily.
Thank You Jesus for Your completed mission of providing salvation to all and proving once again who You are. Your victory gives me victory and a permanent home in heaven.
In answering today’s topical discussion question, the phrase “it is finished” tells all believers that Jesus’ work in providing salvation to all is now complete as this was a triumphal shout of victory and not a cry of despair. On Psalm Sunday Jesus road into Jerusalem in triumphal victory; He is now telling the world “it is finished” “victory is won in spite of me hanging here on the cross in severe pain.” It further means that Jesus had completed His earthly mission that was given to Him by God, the Father. It means that Old Testament prophecy had been fulfilled as He was the promised Messiah who would suffer many things for mankind. It mean that He had completed His works of redeeming man as He was the perfect sacrificial Lamb of God who gave His blood as an atonement for sin. In addition, it means that Jesus had now won a decisive victory over Satan and his demonic angels. It means that man is now reconciled back to God and humanity’s broken fellowship is now restored. One final thought on what the phrase “it is finished” mean is that there is nothing to be or can be added to Jesus’ work on the cross in that salvation is now open to all who believe in and accept Jesus and His completed works at Calvary.
Next, let us look at “he is risen” and reflect on the importance of Christ’s resurrection to all who believe in Him. First, Jesus’ resurrection is the truth of the gospel as it proves the effectiveness of His death. Second, Jesus’ resurrection proves without a shadow of a doubt that He is God’s Son. Third, it authenticates scriptures as well as providing proof of judgment that the wicked is sure to face in the future. Fourth, Christ’s resurrection is foundational for all believers as His gift of the Holy Spirit and a spiritual life for all believers as His intercessory ministry is now taking place on the right hand of the father. Sixth, Christ’s resurrection assures all believers of their inheritance in heaven and their resurrection when Christ returns. Seventh, Christ’s resurrection makes available His power and presence over sin that all believers is sure to encounter daily.
Thank You Jesus for Your completed mission of providing salvation to all and proving once again who You are. Your victory gives me victory and a permanent home in heaven.
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