Speak the good things that you are IN Christ.

 This post is from my notes as our teacher ministered the Bible Lesson

Spiritual Warfare - Art

As our Bible Study began, our teacher reminded us to acknowledge every good thing in you which is in Christ.

Philemon 1:6 That the communication of your faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. 

When Jesus ascended into heaven, He sent the Holy Spirit to be our comforter, to empower us to serve, and to instill in us gifts to use to help others.

The spiritual world is unseen with our physical eyes, but there are battles going on all the time.  There is Spiritual warfare that attacks our minds with doubt and unbelief.

As we speak out we will be building up our faith as we say words, such as "I shall not fear for God is with me,"  "I am the Righteousness of God In Christ."  "I have peace in every situation, because I have received the gift of peace and assurance that God is at work behind the scenes," 

It is good to write out the scriptures and keep them with us to verbally make our confession for victory.  They will constantly remind us that Healing is ours, Happiness is ours, and we shall Prosper and have Good Success.

Our enemy the devil uses people for his purpose and he has influence over people and cultures in the spirit realm.  Satan is a liar, a thief, a murderer and he uses others to attempt to destroy people, nations and you and me.  Jesus has given us authority in Christ to defeat our enemy the devil. 

As we acknowledge all we are In Christ, and our "New Man Person," becomes real to us in our heart not just our head, we can overcome satan by using our words, saying the scriptures and the Name of Jesus and pleading The blood of Christ which is all powerful.

Revelations 12:11 "They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb."  We overcome the attacks of the enemy by holding onto our Faith in Christ and standing Fast in the Liberty of which we have been set free.

1 Corinthians 12 reminds us that we have powerful spiritual gifts to use in our walk with Christ: Discernment using the Word of wisdom, the Word of Knowledge, special faith, gifts of healing, working of miracles; prophecy, seeing into the spiritual world, divers kinds of tongues, and interpretation of tongues. 

Our teacher cautioned us to take heed not to teach fables and be caught up in endless genealogies which do not edify us or others.   Fear God and walk humbly before Him.

Remember the words of Jesus who gives us His grace, His mercy and discernment so that we can walk worthy of our calling, and reach out to bless others.

Live Peaceably with One Another

From my notes I present the Bible Study, at our church on Sunday

Things happen and we face various circumstances.  Some are jealous because others prosper, or rebel because they are not allowed to do certain things.

This occurs in various cultures, work places and can also happen in churches.

We must learn how to come against a "spirit of Jealousy."  Thoughts are planted by the devil in our mind and we either accept the idea, or reject it.

When we invite Jealousy to occupy our mind, we are agreeing with the devil, and the devil is a liar.

John 8:44 (b) He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks of his own will: for he is a liar, and the father of lies. 

1 Peter 4:1-8 reminds us that we once walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, reveling, banquets and abdominal things, but no longer do we welcome these habits or lifestyles into our dwelling.

Our enemy also enjoys placing in our thoughts a "spirit of Rejection" that says, you are not worthy of God's love or His blessings.  Our enemy tells us that we are not good enough and that we should earn God's love by sacrifice and doing good works.  

It is not wrong to sacrifice or do good works, but realize our motive must be right.  We can never EARN our salvation because Jesus freely paid for you and me to have our sins forgiven and to receive Eternal Life.

We must be sober and watchful because the enemy is tricky and enters unawares if you open the door.   As we practice discernment, we can catch the enemy up front before harm is done.

Understand that you have authority to command spirits of Jealousy or Rejection to leave, to stop, to cease and to be no more.  Replace these thoughts with thoughts of love and goodness.

The spirit of "Offence," and the spirit of "Anger" are another spirits that many of us need to deal with and overcome.  It is best not to give in to these things that try to overtake us.

Peter continues to remind us "Above all else have fervent love for one another, preferring the other before ourselves, and to use hospitality without grudging.  If anyone speaks, let him speak as the "Oracles of God."

Our words are important, that we speak words so that God is glorified.

As the Holy Spirit gives us words to share, may they be with discernment and kindness even as we prophesy, so that our words help and bring mercy and comfort.

Peter urges you and me to humble yourselves and cast all our anxiety on Jesus for He cares for us.

Discernment is Necessary

This post is from my Notes taken while our Pastor preached at our Church on Sunday

There are some things you have always done it that way, and you are sure it is in the Bible.  We have the right to change our mind about wrong teaching, or silly rules.

Religion is tradition without power. 

As we consider the Lord's Supper, Jesus said; "Do this in remembrance of me."  Jesus came not to destroy the law, but to fulfill it.

As often as you do this, consider my body and my blood.  How often was not stated.  Many churches serve communion on the first Sunday of the month, while others serve communion every time they meet. 

Here at Open Door, we serve communion at no particular set time.  Then in our Bible Study Class, our teacher has been serving to the members every week.  

How often is not the question, but the important thing is to discern the body of Christ as you eat the bread, and to consider his blood as you drink of the cup.  Discern and Examine your heart and make sure you are right with God before you partake of the Lord's Supper.

Jesus took our sins, infirmities and diseases on His body on the tree, and we need to remember how he suffered as they crucified him.

Jesus kept saying, remember how I walked with you, and remember my words. 

It is not just a cracker, or bread we hold, but it is the broken body and the blood of Christ as we partake of it.

It become part of us; body and spirit.  Communion is not an after thought, but we do this in remembrance, contemplating and consider all that Jesus did at His expense and to cover us with His blood.

The Law required an innocent lamb to be slain for sin.

Jesus suffered and died for our justification to give us His righteousness.  You are Holy and in right standing with God.

Tradition becomes burdensome and a meaningless ritual.  What determines your salvation?  Not tradition, but opening up your heart to receive Jesus.

Think about it.  Consider and accept his body and blood to become part of your flesh and your spirit.  

His body was broken for me.  The Life is in the Blood, and His Blood has set me free.

Thank you Jesus for your sacrifice of your broken body and your shed blood.

God Gives Good Gifts

Edited Notes taken during our Bible Study taught by our teacher Linda at our Church

What is the Church doing with her resources?  

What are you doing with your gifts? What do you desire to do with your gifts?

Matthew 7:11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? 

The Covenant that God gave to Moses included Blessings, IF the people would worship and serve God only.  If they rebelled and chose not to serve God, they would reap the opposite of blessings.  God said, if you do this, I will do that and if not it will be to your hurt.

On the day of Pentecost the 120 believers were in the upper room, because Jesus had told them to return to Jerusalem and wait for the Promise of the Father.  They were all in one accord in obedience to Jesus command.

Suddenly - - several things happened. The Physical and Spiritual senses were all involved:   A LOUD sound, (hearing) a rushing mighty wind (feeling) - that FILLED the room (the Glory presence of God - bringing awareness) and tongues of fire (seeing) and unknown languages (speech).  There was evidenced power from on high that shook everyone involved.  This was something new and exciting that had never happened before.  Peter was enabled to preach a powerful message with the result of thousands believing on Jesus. 

God set up the government of His church, 1 Corinthians 12:28  And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. 

God also give nine special gifts of the Holy Spirit available to all believers:  “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.”  (1 Corinthians 12:7-11)

Out of God's treasure there are many other gifts that He has given to us as believers:

God sent his own Son, Jesus to bring us Salvation and Eternal Life.

God provides supernatural Strength in times of need, and grants us protection from harm.

God provides us with peace, confidence and boldness.

God grants us freedom from fear and anxiety.

God pours out His love so that we are able to live peaceably with others.

Paul urged us to desire Spiritual Gifts and reminded us that all of God's gifts operate by LOVE. 

As we desire to use our gifts, some may question; What is my gift?  

May I suggest that you ASK God to first of all baptize you with His Holy Spirit and power.  Then ASK for other gifts.  Do not fear because God only desires to give you GOOD Gifts.

Asking God is the key to receive what ever you need from Him.  God delights to bless you with His mighty gifts so that you will be able to touch the lives of your family, neighbors, and co-workers with His power.  

Many will begin with simple gifts such as hospitality, sharing, giving, loving, caring, but understand these are not lesser gifts, for they are stepping stones to expand your gift and outreach as God motivates you to do so.

Be open to the Holy Spirit's leading and direction and allow Him to give you gifts, and even more gifts in due time.

Prayer is Powerful to Change Situations

My notes for Pastor's sermon were few. You will find I have edited this sermon.

Today the teaching emphasized only the spiritual side of Isaiah 53 and James 5.  

The Old Covenant was only to cover our sins, and did not include physical and mental healing.   Praise God, Jesus brought us a New Covenant that includes Body, Soul and Spiritual Healing.

However as Pastor spoke, he realized there were many in our congregation who were needing spiritual healing for their habits, addictions, and sins.  Often when these are taken care of; then healing for the body will occur.

Notice James is urging the afflicted to pray for himself.  For others to sing especially the scriptures. 

James 5: 13-16 Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.  Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:  And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.  Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

For those physically sick, the elders can be called to anoint with oil in the name of Jesus and the prayer of faith shall save the sick and also forgive their sins.

This can be taken a step further to find a trustworthy person and confide in them your sins, and then pray for each other to be healed both spiritually and physically.

We pray for our city, our family and our children, and we continue to believe for this to come to pass.  We pray, "Lord send the Rain," for the Supernatural, and for God to pour out His Holy Spirit and flood our hearts and souls with His abundance of Living Water.

In a body of believers such as our church, there are some who are on various levels of being IN Christ.  Although they have come to Jesus, there are problems in their lives they continue to struggle with.  They are in need of a change in Mind, Body and Spirit.

When there has not been rain, the land is dry and parched, and all are thirsty.

Because of the wickedness of the King and the people, the prophet Elisha prayed that there be no rain,  and for three years there was none.  It was being more difficult to find water for the herds and searches for water had to be made. 

During this time of drought, God took care of Elisha, but finally it was time to deal with King Ahab and pray again for rain.

Elisha sent a message to the King to get ready for there was a "Sound" of abundance of rain.  As Elisha prayed and sent his servant to look, there seemed to be no answer.  After seven times the servant reported, that there was a small cloud coming in from the sea, about the size of a man's hand.  Elisha knew that was enough, so he told the king to head for the palace as a storm was on its way.

There are times when Satan attacks our minds with doubt and unbelief and his lies.  The enemy tells us that God is not really interested in our every day lives.  We can listen to the devil and wallow in our sin and unbelief, or we can find scriptures that tell us of God's abundant love and caring for us. 

Jesus declared that he came to save us from our sins; Notice that Jesus took Isaiah 53 further and vowed to take our sorrow, our grief, our pain, our infirmities, our diseases, our infections, our fractures, our bruises, and bring us total man healing for Body, Soul and Spirit.  Jesus brought us a New Covenant that includes Sozo healing.

Pastor called up the church leaders and placed oil in their hands.  Then he asked those who need "healing" to come forward and be prayed for.  Many came for various reasons and God blessed all who came.

Be Strong in the Lord

Sunday at Open Door Church, Pastor Allan was speaking from his heart as I took notes.

Battles come and when we don't know what to do, we rely on Psalm 1. 

"1. Blessed is the man that walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful. 2. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law he meditates day and night. 3. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he does shall prosper." 

Do you ever feel what you are doing for God is not enough?  We are not a mobile church.  75% of our members are involved in ministry outside this church.  Things are happening outside our walls.  We are always busy.  Sometimes when we sit down in church it is the first time all week we have sat down.  We are seeing God work in our city and in our neighborhoods.

God is activating "The Church" to touch lives.  God's purpose is to change lives and bring our citizens out of darkness into His light.

We see the gifts of the Spirit bringing more power, and we are experiencing power to touch people. 

We get tired in the physical and if we are not careful, we minister out of ourselves instead of in His strength.

Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.  Put on the whole armor of God that you might stand and not fall.  Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit.

Move "In Christ," or you will find yourself beat up and discouraged.  When you step out into the enemies territory, expect attack.  That is why you must be equipped, and covered with the blood as a supernatural covering and protection.   When God moves, so does the devil. 

Early this morning as I stopped to pick up my coffee, there was an aggressive person acting up to disturb me and distract me from today's Godly purpose.

That is why you may experience conflict, because the enemy is upset with you, but know that God is pleased with YOU.

Don't feel guilty, just know you are doing something right.  Just be yourself and don't fear to join in with other believers to unite with you and bring strength.  We need one another.

We must train our minds to be focused on the Word and stay in His Presence.  Keep charged up as we labor together.

Be careful not to take on more than God asks of you. 

The world is needing Jesus and we are to bring Christ to them.  We work with other organizations during the week to do this.

Reminder:  This is your home church and you need to come here to re-group.

Take time for your family, have fun, but also take time to teach your children at home God's Word. 

Our Sheriff has certain things in his office: A vest, helmets, weapons, and authority to exercise them.  We have God Spiritual Armor to use and to protect us as we go out in this world.

Our Sheriff has certain things in his office: A vest, helmets, weapons, and authority to exercise them.  We have God Spiritual Armor to use and to protect us as we go out in this world.

At times we are tired and discouraged, when we labor in our flesh we will have adrenal failure.  That is 'burn out' which is not good. 

We must step 'into' Christ and put on Jesus allowing Him to do the work through us.  

There are other times we need to take a break and have some quality time with family and friends.  Even then we are being equipped to become strong in the Lord.

Out of His Massive Treasures

Bible Study at Open Door Church from my notes

Out of His Massive Treasures - - God Offers us Gifts - -

As we read the familiar scriptures, and ponder them, often we receive new light.  Read them again and more is revealed.  Jesus said, I must go away, but I will not leave you comfortless, for I will send the Spirit of Truth.  I go away, but I will prepare a place for you.

Today we will examine the treasures God has for us, many are hidden and others are there in plain sight. 

John 14:26  But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. 

Your sin was paid for on the cross for all time.  Jesus rose from the dead so that we might have eternal life as we receive his gift of salvation. 

Our teacher passed out slips of paper for each member of our class to take turns reading and sharing.  God's precious gifts are for us today:

1.  His Gift of Salvation: 2 Corinthians 9:15 Thanks be unto God for his indescribable gift.

2. God's Love: Jeremiah 31:11  His Love is Everlasting.

3. God's Grace: Ephesians 2:8-9 By Grace are you saved, not of yourself or your works, but by God's gift of grace.

4.  God's Peace:  God gives us peace of mind: John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world gives, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. 

5. God gives us Power: Acts 1:8 You shall receive Power after the Holy Spirit comes upon you.

6. God gives us NEW LIFE:  2 Corinthians 5:17 You are now a new creation; Old things are passed away and all things have become new. 

7. God gives us Supernatural Strength:  Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

8.  God's GRACE is sufficient for me. Romans 5:15  Much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. 

9. God's only Son: John 3:16  God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son so that we should not perish but have everlasting life.

10. Children (family)  We are in the image of God and are His child.

11. Power, Love and a Sound Mind - - discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

12. Eternal Life. John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

13.  Wisdom:  James 1:5  Ask of me and I shall give you wisdom.

What ever we lack, when we ask of God, He will give us liberally and generously.

God opens up to us His TREASURES and offers us His precious gifts.  It is then for our part to receive and use what He has freely given to us.