Beauty & The Gospel MADE PERFECT THROUGH JESUS CHRIST
JULY 2021
| ISSUE 6 VOL 4|
IT IS VERY EASY TO DIE
0UR VISION Romans 15:20(TPT) It is my honor and constant passion to be a pioneer who preaches where no one has ever even heard of the Anointed One, instead of building upon someone else’s foundation.
OUR MISSION 1 Corinthians 1:17 (MSG) God didn’t send me out to collect a following for myself, but to preach the Message of what He has done, collecting a following for Him. And He didn’t send me to do it with a lot of fancy rhetoric of my own, lest the powerful action at the center—Christ on the Cross—be trivialized into mere words.
how to become SAVED? Your commitment to Jesus Christ is the most important decision you will ever make in your life. It can be said that “the longest journey begins with a single step.” Begin your journey and partner with God to change your life. This is only the beginning. What does it mean to be saved? Salvation is not a denominational doctrine or a family inheritance. It is a personal experience. If you have any doubt about your salvation, pray the sinner’s prayer (see prayer below). First, you must repent of your sin! Consider your life and anything in it that I'm a philanthropist, would grieve God. List those things. Now read the following Bible verses as you consider how God feels author, public speaker, about those sins:
businesswoman, and an artistic person. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the Gracefully set apart and redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to anointed as were a demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over by the Him sins that Prophetess. previously committed, to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.” (Romans 3:23-4:3) Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord. (Acts 3:19) Do you feel convicted to turn away from sin? If you do, you are ready to take the second step, which is to believe that Jesus Christ died for your sin. He has paid the price for those moments when you failed. If you ask for forgiveness, He will freely give it. The Bible makes that very clear: "Since we have now been justified by His blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through Him! For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to Him through the death of His Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through His life!" (Romans 5:910) Hand those sins over to Him, and feel His love and forgiveness in your heart. Then you must ask Him to come into your life. He is the door to the Father. Jesus Himself said, “I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture” (John 10:9). And the apostle John later told the early Christians, “Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father either; he who acknowledges the Son has the Father also” (1 John 2:23). Take a moment to ask the Lord Jesus to be a part of each day of your life. At a time when you are ready, recite the following prayer of salvation and your name will be written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. No one can blot it out. You are His. You will spend eternity with the Father in heaven. Lord, I ask that You forgive me of all my sins, both known and unknown. I ask that You accept me as Your own and write my name in the Lamb’s Book of Life. I acknowledge and believe that You died and rose again. From this day forward I will read Your Word and obey it. Because of the blood of the Cross, I am now forgiven. My sins are buried in the sea of forgetfulness, never to be remembered against me anymore. I am now a child of God, and Jesus Christ is the Lord of my life. Amen. PASTOR JOHN HAGEE
declarations e u g n o t e h t f o Power V E R B S 1 8 : 2 1 PRO
My destiny helpers and midwives are locating me My hands shall produce results that shall build up the Church, family , community, & colleagues by the grace of God for His Glory Out of my belly shall flow rivers of LIVING WATER My life is an answer and solution to those in need I declare divine acceleration and edification upon my physical and spiritual life My life is a testimony that shall draw man unto GOD this month is filled with the manifestaion of the Kingdom of GOD O Lord , oppose those who oppose me. Fight those who fight against me.
our CONTRIBUTORS
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JillbelBU GUessS & a CHAN EV .GoANodn Ntom of God, servants Jesus of r love rents , pa Christ , ts and en ar dp gran ters. es soul harv
PR essTNtGEomZAbelNIa odnHE GoOP of God, servant neur, re ep tr en husband. d father an king I love ma h! and ug la people g. travelin
Dr André & Jenny Roebert bels,a rent esss ,Ntpaom Gopaodn stor sus Je lovers of d His Christ an unders of Word. Fo Faith Tv
Beauty & The Gospel
CONTENTS DON’T LOSE YOUR CROWN BECAUSE OF VANITY! 351 chambers of hell & 47,000 cities of Heaven Prophet Aston gives accounts of these real revelations IT'S TIME it’s time to get our houses in order because the Lord Jesus Christ, is coming back to earth very soon. THE ARMOR OF GOD TO GOOD HEALTH FLIES IN THE OINTMENT Not only is sin like flies, sin is like a particular member of the fly family The Blessed life series unlocking the secrets on how to activate the blessed life BUILD A QUALITY RELATIONSHIP AND NOT PERFORMANCE I want people that are enjoying life to know that Hell is real and it exists and that after death there is another life awaiting humanity, which is either the abode of the dead, which is perdition or the kingdom of Heaven
The Central Promise of Pentecost the church would possess an extraordinary knowledge of God and His will problem of the prodigal son faith oracles
`KING JESUS ISSUE NO 6 VOL 4
that gurl's
EDITOR'S NOTE to die 27 Every human being is appointed ent.[a] once, and then to face God’s judgm Hebrews 9:27 TPT Beloved, this is an appointment that every human being has been scheduled for. In this world, we can miss appointments, talk our way out of them, bribe, appoint others or simply reschedule. When it comes to this appointment with the King of Glory, it's fixed! This scripture has been ringing in my spirit the past month, also backed up by dreams of this scripture and attending a funeral. To my surprise there has been three funerals in three consecutive weeks of people I know. As children of God, we shouldn't cry for the body , which has been appointed to go back to the ground but the soul of man, as that's a judgement that cannot be interjected. Have you introspected at your life lately, as to if you were to drop dead NOW, where would your eternal destination be . To be honest beloved, it's either the spirit goes to Heaven or Hell fire. Have you taken the time to preach and live the Gospel truthfully to your peers, family, colleagues, children , neighbours and associates? If not , it's best you get started . We as the children of God have been commissioned to do so. Don't allow anyone's blood to be on your hands for simply not preaching the GOOD NEWS ! SHALOM
EDITOR
tsakani mhlongo @empress_teekay
devotions
The Holy Spirit In And Upon Us by Dr André and Jenny Roebert Isaiah 11:2 (KJV): "And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord." This is how Jesus lived when He walked among us. The Holy Spirit rested upon Him. Yes, Jesus was filled with the Spirit of God, just as we are (Luke 4:1); but He also lived in a way that the Holy Spirit was able to rest upon Him. There was an outward demonstration of God's Presence on the Person of Jesus. He always welcomed, accommodated and yielded to the Holy Spirit. He deliberately chose to keep His flesh under the control of the Spirit. He didn't allow Himself to react to situations, but always relied on the Spirit of wisdom and understanding to govern Him. Before He spoke or acted, He drew from the council and strength of the Holy Spirit - never relying on His natural senses or knowledge. When Father God spoke, Jesus obeyed; when He perceived that His Father was moving in a certain direction, He followed - always loving and honouring Him. Jesus displayed the very image of God the Father, the Word of God made flesh. Jesus is our wonderful example. Not only did He model how to walk this earth in victory, He gave us the very secret: a life yielded to the Holy Spirit, living in and upon us.
THE 351 CHAMBERS OF HELL & THE 47,000 CITIES OF HEAVEN
HELL & HEAVEN TESTIMONY
SOURCE: HTTPS://SAVIOUR4EVER.WORDPRE SS.COM/|| REVEALED TO : PROPHET ASTON ADAM MBAYA
Transcribed and compiled by Joshua Chong Thanks to Peniel Ngonde who translated the French sermons of Prophet Aston Adam Mbaya to English and posting his videos on YouTube.
"I WANT PEOPLE THAT ARE ENJOYING LIFE TO KNOW THAT HELL IS
Beloved, the Lord visited me and showed me the reality of the afterlife. The Lord said, “I am showing you this because I want you to go to the world and tell the world the reality of the afterlife. Life and Hell that you will see here so that they will know that there is life after death.
REAL AND IT EXISTS AND THAT AFTER DEATH THERE IS ANOTHER LIFE AWAITING
I want people that are enjoying life to
HUMANITY, WHICH IS
know that Hell is real and it exists and
EITHER THE ABODE OF
that after death there is another life awaiting humanity,
THE DEAD, WHICH IS PERDITION OR THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN.”
HELL & HEAVEN TESTIMONY
which is either the abode of the dead, which is perdition or the kingdom of Heaven.” Brother, I have received this mandate from the Lord to testify the reality and truth about the afterlife and the reality of Hell. When I came to the Lord Jesus right after my conversion, the Lord began to talk to me and warn me that He will take me beyond the grave to see the truth and the reality of the afterlife so that I can warn humanity. Years after this promise, I was praying in the night. One day, as I continued to pray, I sensed that my room was illuminated by an intense light. When I sensed this intense light, I decided to open my eyes to check what was happening. The moment I opened my eyes to check the light I fell on the floor. I was on the floor when I heard the powerful voice of the Lord talking to me. The Lord said to me, “Aston, I am Jesus Christ your Lord. I have chosen you for I want to take you beyond the grave to see the realities of Hell so that you will warn humanity.” Then I heard the Lord asking me to stand from the floor. When I stood up, I realized that my body was still lying on the ground, and it was actually my spirit that stood up. When I left my body, I saw the people that were also sleeping in my room. I wanted to wake them up, but when I tried to do so, I saw that I could not touch them for I was no longer physical. Quickly, I went out of my room in the street. When I got to the street I saw there were so many people who are wondering and crying, and I wondered. I saw these people crying and saying, “We are not dead.
We are alive. Why are people crying for us?” Brothers, their loved ones were crying for them since they were dead. But these deceased souls refused to accept that they were dead. Immediately I came to understand that I was also dead like these people. When I realized that I was dead, I was shocked. And I began to cry. I cried, and I began to pray, saying to God, “Lord, remember me, I served You during my life on the Earth.” Brother, it is when I was praying and asking for mercy that I saw a bright light descending from Heaven. The light was shining and descending up to me. When this light descended and reached me, I saw that this light was a man. It was actually the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. I knew that it was the Lord because on His forehead, there was His name. And on His chest was written King of kings and Lord of lords.The Lord said to me, “Servant, I promised many years ago to take you beyond the grave to see the reality of Hell and report to the world. The time has come for you to visit the abode of the dead in order to warn the world. The Lord said, “Let us rise to the mountain so that you can see the world.” Immediately we rose to the top of the mountain, and I saw the whole world was covered in total darkness. The Lord asked me, “What are you seeing?” I replied, “I can’t see anything because of the absolute darkness.” Straight away the Lord placed a stone on my eyes.
As a result, I began to see the nations of
HELL & HEAVEN TESTIMONY
the world and the world population and many things happening on the Earth. The Lord asked me, “What are you seeing?” When I looked I saw people in various places carrying coffins to the cemeteries for burial. However, I saw the souls of the dead on top of these coffins. I saw a man whose body was in the coffin. The man was trying to talk to the people mourning for him. He told them, “Why are you trying to bury my body? I’m not dead, I am alive and I am all right.” This man told the crowds, “Stop crying for me. I am alive.” However, I saw that no one could hear this man. At that moment, the Lord began to show me the death of many people, including pastors, musicians, and presidents. The souls of these people were wandering the Earth before going to the abode of the dead. I saw people dying in drowning, in their houses and traffic accident. Their souls were wandering the Earth and attending their funeral. I stood with the Lord on top of this mountain. Quickly I saw a traffic accident in the city. Later, I came to understand that this traffic accident that I was witnessing had already happened not long ago in our city. Many people died in that accident. But the Lord wanted me to see what had happened in the aftermath of this traffic accident. I saw that after the accident many passengers were dead. When I looked again, I saw that the souls of these passengers stood around the bus that had crashed.
These souls were all watching the bus and their bodies that had received shocks and fatal injuries. These people who were dead in the accident were watching their bodies in shock since they realized that they were dead while their living was crying for those who had died in the accident. The deceased souls were trying to tell the living that they are alive. They are not dead. And while these deceased souls were trying to talk to the living, I saw a celestial vehicle that was beaming great light descending towards the boulevard where the accident happened. I saw that in the heavenly vehicle, there were angels dressed in white and they were singing a song that said, “Everything in this world will pass away, May the Lord be glorified.” In the meantime, I heard a deceased soul among the dead saying, “I cannot die now. I just got married and my wife knows that I went to work.” I heard dead men and women who were father and mother saying, “We cannot die, for we are the ones who look after our family. Who will look after our children?” However, I noticed among the dead, a lady who was not complaining about the fact that she had died, yet her body was torn and destroyed completely on this bus. This lady was full of the rapture of joy. She was dressed in a white garment and she was worshiping the Lord. The lady said, “The judgment and justice of God have been fulfilled in my life.” And while she was in a rapture of joy,
HELL & HEAVEN TESTIMONY
I saw the angels of the Lord heading to her and they embarked in this celestial vehicle, and they flew upward to the kingdom of Heaven. They were celebrating in the celestial car. I asked the Lord, “These bright angels took just the lady and everybody else was left behind.” The Lord said, “These people did not have the mark of God, which is the Holy Spirit. That is why they could not rise to the heavenly.” Then the Lord showed me how the man of God the evangelist and revivalist, Alexander had died. I saw the angel of the Lord appearing to the father of the evangelical revival of our country, telling him that he must prepare himself for death is coming. A few days after the warning of the angel, the man of God died and he was gathered by the angels of the Lord who took him to the celestial world. Brothers, the very moment the angel transported this lady to the heavenly world, I saw dark demons showing up and landing around the site of the accident right in front of the deceased souls. These demons captured these people who have died in this traffic accident. As they have captured these people, I saw these demons collecting the blood of the victims that was spilled in the bus when the accident happened. Beloved, the blood of the dead and living are collected by demons of this kingdom when a man or woman is injured. Brother, I stood with the Lord Jesus before the site of the accident where the demons had captured the souls of the-
dead and were collecting the blood that was spilled in the bus. Afterward, I saw these demons rising in space with these captive souls. After rising in space, they finally began to descend with these captives. They were descending to the center of the Earth at great speed.The Lord Jesus told me, “Servant, we have to follow them.” While we follow these demons, at that very moment, I saw the death of a pastor in the city. This was a satanic pastor. When he died, I saw his soul being captured by demons, and he joined the souls that were captured by these demons in chains. They were all descending to Hell. As we were descending to the center of the Earth, I saw 12 openings over the globe. The Lord said, “These are the 12 gateways leading to the abode of the dead. They are the 12 entries of Hell. When people die on the Earth, they are either drawn to the 12 gates of Heaven or the 12 openings of the Earth, leading them to the 12 gates of Hell. When we arrived in the center of the Earth, I saw thousands and countless of souls in a queue before a gate, upon which it was written, “The Gate of Hell.” I saw that these numerous souls were holding in their hands something that looked like a computer disc (CD).
HELL & HEAVEN TESTIMONY
And before the gates of Hell, there was a demon in the name of Nickel; he is the destroyer Apollyon. This demon was holding a huge book with the names of the lost souls standing before him in the queue. The demon was seated on a throne and calling the names of the dead. I saw that these people who had died and landed before the gates of Hell were overwhelmed. They were stunned, dumbfounded, and in terror; they were restless and complaining, they could not accept that they had died and had fallen into this place. These people that were surprised by death could remember their loved ones and families, their homes and children, and life on the Earth. They could not accept that they had died and separated from their loved ones. Brother, in Hell you will remember your wife and husband, your family and friends. I saw that whenever this demon called the name of a soul in the queue, the disc was taken from his hand and his whole life was projected on a huge screen. The Lord said, “This CD you see in the hand of the deceased souls is called a testament of existence before the birth of men on the Earth. God gives souls of men this testament of existence and He instructs all the souls coming to Earth to keep His law for all their deeds will be written and recorded in a testament of existence.
It is this testament of existence that allows the world of Satan to broadcast peoples’ lives and actions on the screen.” Beloved, among the people in the queue. I saw a child of nine years old. He was crying and saying, “I am a child, I should not be here.” The child was crying the names of his parents. Quickly the demon took the disk from his hand and the life of the child was projected. I watched on the screen his life on the Earth. I saw a scene where his mother instructed him to clean the place. He had finished eating, but the child refused to do so and went to play. It is when he went to pee after playing that he slipped in the bathroom and fell. He was hospitalized and he died in the hospital. The Lord could not receive his soul in Heaven and he fell to this place. After this demon had broadcast the life of this child on screen, he threw his soul in Hell. Then I saw a woman from our city. She was a Christian, and she kept saying to herself, “I should not be here. I am a Christian. I go to church and I tried hard to fear the Lord. I always try to please the Lord, why am I here?” Then the demon took her CD and screened her life. When her life was projected on the screen, I saw a scene where she was cooking, but she had a problem with her cauldron and coals. Since her neighbor who was her friend went out and left her cauldron with her coals boiling her food. This lady went on to use her friend’s cauldron and coals while she was absent without permission.
HELL & HEAVEN TESTIMONY
She did everything behind the back of her friend. She thought it was no big deal since she used someone’s property without asking the owner’s permission. The accusation was raised against her because she used someone’s property without asking the authorization and permission. In fact, I saw her friend called beside her. And there were voices of accusation against this woman who was shocked that this act led her to this place. The lady was asking, “What wrong did I do?” The demon of Hell told her, “Lady, you used someone’s property without asking for permission. It is illegal. You should have asked even if she was your friend.” The gates of Hell were opened and the lady was cast into the fire. Then I saw a man who was also condemned for using his neighbor’s soap without permission. The man thought it was no big deal. It’s just a soap failing to realize there was accusing spirit in the afterlife .And other brothers were condemned for using his neighbor’s things without asking. As a result, there was an accusation and he was condemned. All these people in the queue were forced inside the gates of
When we entered the gates of Hell, Brother, I saw a huge flame. I mean, I saw a huge volcano and a huge fire. Indeed, when people enter the gates of Hell, I saw that they were falling into the sea of lava inside the volcano. I asked the Lord about this place. The Lord told me that this was the reception of Hell. Brother, this place was a massive volcano with huge lava boiling and bubbling at high temperatures. And there were thousands and numerous people inside the lava of this enormous volcano. I saw countless souls inside the lava of this huge and massive volcano. Don’t go to Hell, beloved, I saw that these people were completely scorched. They were skeletal and worms were alive over them. The Lord said, “When people fall into Hell, they first fall in this place before being transported to their respective chambers and there are 351 chambers in Hell.” These souls were crying and gnashing their teeth in this place. The torment was beyond imagination. And the darkness was really thick.
BOWLS OF FIRE FROM THE EARTH
Hell. As we moved from this place I saw the Brother, every man living on the Earth
damned souls running away and I
has a testament of existence where all
wondered. I came to see that they were
his deeds are written. And when we die,
running from a rain of bowls of fire.
our lives will be screened on the big
The Lord told me that this rain of bowls of
screen thanks to the testament of
fire come from the Earth.
existence.
HELL & HEAVEN TESTIMONY
It is written in Psalm 11:6-7, 6 Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire, and brimstone, and a horrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their cup. 7 For the righteous LORD loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright. People were hiding from this rain of fire. The Lord explained why this rain of fire falls in this place. There was a woman who was a good person of a good character. She was a widow and she has managed to raise her children despite all the problems. It was unanimous that she was a good person. However, this woman had hidden sin. She resorted to prostitution by selling her body in order to raise her children. And when she died, people at her funeral were praising her for her good characters. But these words of praise were coming to this lady in the form of a rain of fire. Many people in Hell complain and asked people in the world to stop praising them for their words come in the form of a rain of fire. Among these people suffering from the rain of fire were Gospel singers who were praised and complimented by people on the Earth. Wherever people testify their good behaviors on Earth, the rain of fire was burning them, and the demons were laughing at them. The pain in this place was beyond understanding; this torment is unbearable. I was around this huge volcano and lava
The Lord said, “You will tell the world to avoid this place.” It is not a place to come to as it is unbearable. The torment is beyond imagination. Brother, Hell is gruesome, you will burn but there is no redemption for the flame of fire would become part of your existence. There was this wind of fire burning lost souls in this place. And when the wind was blowing, I saw that a figure was controlling and steering this wind of fire. I saw this human identity emerging behind this wind of fire. I could read on his forehead an inscription that said, “The Lord of evil.” I asked the Lord, “Who is this man that is coming in the wind of fire?” The Lord said, “This is the devil, the adversary of God and men.” I saw the devil talking to the demons who were laughing and mocking the damned souls that were burning in the wind of fire. The devil said to his demons, “My servants, behold the so-called image and likeness of God. These people were made in the image and likeness of God. But look at what they have become since they now look like skeletons. They look like corpses rotting covered with worms. Yeah, they were made in the image and likeness of God. ”The devil was laughing at these souls and he asked them, “Is it not true that your God made you in His image? Now, look at what you have become. You are now skeletal. Has your God made you in this shape? Just look at you.” At that time I saw the people begging the devil who was heartless.
that is called the reception of Hell when suddenly a wind of fire razed from the horizon. This wind burned these lost souls that were trying to hide.
TO BE CONTINUED....
CONTRIBUTOR
IT'S T I M E written by:
ANGUS & JILL BUCHAN Jill and I found Jesus as our personal Lord and Saviour on the 18th of February 1979, just two years after settling in Greytown, Kwa-Zulu Natal Midlands, South Africa. Originally from Zambia, we bought a piece of land on which we planned to farm crops and livestock. We had very little to start with but even as brand new Christians, we were content with our farm, which we later called SHALOM.
If we go to the Gospel of Mark 1:15 (NKJV), the Word of God says, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” It’s time for us to stop playing the fool, it’s time for us to stop wasting precious moments, it’s time to get our houses in order because we firmly believe that our risen Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, is coming back to earth very soon. Just like John the Apostle wrote in the Book of Revelation 22:20, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus!” People are weary, people are tired, people don’t know which way to turn, they don’t know which way to go. This is our time to call people to get ready. This life is but a mere vapour. It is here today, it is gone tomorrow and we really need to get our house into order. This scripture is one of my favourite scripture verses and basically there are four points. The first one is: Time is fulfilled. A good farmer will tell you when the fig tree produces new leaves you know that spring is coming and summer. Jesus said that and we see the signs all around us in the world.
Jesus is coming back very soon. Jesus says He is going to come like a thief in the night, He will not give us notice. We cannot be unprepared. Remember keep short accounts with men and short accounts with God. Repent. It means to change your ways, it means to change your direction. It means to start putting your priorities in order. God first, your spouse second, your children third and then the rest after that. Then lastly, Believe. Stop doubting the Word of God, stop questioning the Bible so much and start believing what the Bible says and you will be ready for the greatest day that this world has ever seen, when the Lord comes back in all His glory and majesty.
Jesus bless you, Angus and Jill Buchan
REMINDER
BUILD A QUALITY RELATIONSHIP AND NOT PERFORMANCE SHEPHERD HILL COMMUNITY
"And He (JESUS) ordained twelve, THAT THEY SHOULD BE WITH HIM, and that He might send them forth... And to have Power" Mark.3:14-15.
From the opening Bible passage, it states that we are not primarily called to work for the Lord, but to spend time with Him, then He empowers and sends us to work for Him.
Dear friend, do you sometimes feel you're not doing enough for the Lord? Such feeling may not really be coming from the Spirit of the Lord after all; because you cannot do much for the God you know too little about.
While discussing this topic in a small group, somebody referred me to Daniel.11:32b, maybe to prove me wrong, but I told him to read that scripture carefully.
REMINDER
It reads: "......but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits." You cannot know the God you don't spend quality time with, and hence you can't do exploits for Him. The emphasis is on 'the people that know their God' and not 'exploits'. Many Christians today have the Martha kind of attitude. While Mary chose to spend time with JESUS, Martha her sister, chose to be busy 'serving' the Lord. JESUS said, Mary made the better choice- Luke.10:39-42. JESUS was not against Martha serving Him, but just to make it clear that 'you don't put the cart before the horse'. Do not feel you have to work more for the Lord, when actually He feels you need to spend quality time with Him. We can only draw strength to serve the Lord, at the place and time of meeting with Him. Therefore, how far you go in service to the Lord, depends on the quality of your relationship with Him. Think about this, the better you understand your boss, the more gladly you want to serve him or her effortlessly. Most women are generally more gifted in the area of relationship than men. I'm a man and I hope the men won't feel offended by this. Some women would rather have their man stay home with them just, to discuss and tell stories, than see the man stay out of the home chasing money.
Having money is very good, being busy is also good, but most women prefer the man's company. The Lord does not desire our company because He would feel lonely without us, but because we would feel lonely and unproductive without Him. JESUS said: ".....for without Me ye can do nothing." John.15:5. While people see your service to the Lord, only the Lord knows the quality of your relationship with Him; and it's what the Lord knows about you that determines the measure of reward you receive and not what men see you do. Interestingly, the bible also says, God is 'a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him' Hebrew.11:6c. The more you seek Him, the better you'll serve Him. Therefore, I conclude that the deeper the quality of our relationship with God, the more effective and acceptable we would be in the performance of our service to Him. I urge you to surrender your life to Christ and be Born Again. It is only when you do this that you truly become a Child of God and can access the blessings of God.
Shepherd Hill
Community
featured Article: FELICIANO LIMA Source: saviour4ever.wordpress.com
DON’T LOSE YOUR CROWN BECAUSE OF VANITY! JESUS’ MESSAGE TO WOMEN Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him. (James 1:12). Peace of the Lord, my beloved brothers in Christ Jesus. I am your brother in Christ, Feliciana Lima.
I come to tell you an experience that the Lord gave me about a singer who passed away a few days ago.
Fabiana Anastácio de Costa. [Gospel singer Fabiana Anastácio died in São Paulo on Thursday morning (4th June 2020) victim of Covid-19,
a disease caused by the new coronavirus. She was 45 years old. Born in Santo André, Fabiana is the daughter of a pastor and conductor and has been singing since she was 4 years old. She released her first solo album in 2012.]
I am not afraid of judgment. I’m not afraid of fingers pointing at me. And I’m not afraid of retaliation. The One that is in me is bigger then the one who is in the people who give place to the enemy. I was in a place that was a greenfield that had great clarity. There was a middle ground that divided the clarity of light and the side that was darkness.
But it was apparent that this joy was not authentic and she had a forced smile. Quickly, my beloved brothers while I was talking to her, I saw that she was there beside wide crystalline transparent water, but she was not in the water. She only had her fingers in the water by the bank of the river.
The crystal clear water was being replaced by blackwater of sewage which started to enter. When I looked at Fabiana, I saw her crown on her head and this crown shone with very strong light. This crown had a very beautiful diadem, but as the light was dissipated by darkness very quickly, her crown began to lose its radiance and brightness.
I could see the water The Lord gave me to see what was in that middle ground between darkness and light. I saw that
hitting only the tip of the toes of her foot. Fabiana said, “I don’t know what happened to me.
But before it lost its light, my beloved brothers, I saw a hand emerging from darkness and I saw the big
darkness was separated from light that illuminated with clarity in that green grass. One side was
Everything happened in the blink of an eye. I was not ready for this and this happened when I was not
hand stealing the radiant crown of the singer from her head. This figure took off Fabiana’s crown and
darkness. But I saw on the other side glow of light, yet it seems that that darkness was slowly erasing light in this place.
expecting it. And I landed here. I had a lot in my agendas this year. Everything I was supposed to do was programmed for the whole year. I had already scheduled this year. I did not know that it was my final year on Earth. I had the calendar checked up to the end of this year. Unfortunately, I couldn’t finish my schedules.”
gave her another crown. He exchanged the crown of light with another. When he stole the shining crown, I saw that he put on her head another rusty dark crown.
I was curious. When I looked at the light, I saw that there was a very big river with great light. Quickly I saw someone on the bank of that river. Immediately, I realized that it was Fabiana Anastácio de Costa. I wonder what she was doing there. When I asked her what she was doing there, at first, she seemed to be joyous in this place.
The singer was talking to me when suddenly darkness began to erase light in this place.
When I saw this scene and I went to try to warn her, but I saw that I had lost my voice. First, the singer lost her crown of glory. Then I saw that her white robes had completely turned dark. I asked the Lord for I didn’t understand the meaning of this.
The Lord told me, “Fabiana Anastácio de Costa had the opportunity to dip in the crystal clear water for purification, for all that will enter the eternal kingdom must be clean in that crystalline shining water, but she only had the tip of her toe washed by the crystal water.”
And the Lord spoke in the air with a tremendous voice. I asked the Lord, “What about this crown I saw shining on her head if she was not saved?” The Lord told me, “That crown that you saw on her head is the crown of salvation that I have made available for each of My children that obeys My Word and that walk in holiness with My Spirit.”
Because of her failure to separate from outward adornment, vanity, and makeup she got her crown of life turning rusty, and since she failed to clean up and purify herself from vanity, her crown of life lost its luster.”
And the Lord said, “The
The Bible says a contender does not receive the crown unless he competes according to the rules. (2 Timothy 2:5) I said to myself at that
deceiving her thinking she was saved from damnation. I gave her a lot of opportunities to go
hairy black hand with big nails that you saw taking away the crown of salvation from her head
moment. So the more we are walking in holiness with God obeying the word of the Lord, our
through a process of purification when she was in bed in pain before her death, and many times I
and putting a rusty one was that of Satan, who came to her life to steal her crown of salvation.”
crown shines brighter and brighter every day.
came to her to cleanse her from her sins.”
The Lord told me, “Satan comes to steal the crown of salvation of many of My children. You read in My word in Revelation 3:11. I said, Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which you have, that no man take your crown.”
surrender, when we separate from the world to move away from sinful life and live in holiness, our crown shines with great radiance in the spirit world. And when the light, radiance, and the brightness of our crown gets stronger, this light draws the attention of our enemy that will rise and will try to corrupt and contaminate us with the things of this passing world.
The Lord said to me, “She had a lot of opportunities. A deceptive spirit was
And my beloved brothers, I heard that voice of the Lord talking to me in the air. It was a gentle, polite, and soft voice. As the Lord told me these things, I said, “Lord, why is it that she didn’t allow You to clean her through the crystal water?” The Lord said to me audibly in the air, “My servant, she thought that she was serving Me. She thought that she was saved. I tell you that she was not saved.”
And then I asked the Lord about the rusty crown that was placed on the head of the gospel singer by this hairy dark hand. The Lord said, “That’s because of her sinful life, which is her attachment to outward adornment, vanity, and makeup.
Brother when we
Many God’s servants have rusty crowns because of failure to purify and to separate from the contamination of the world. I told myself that a lot of God’s servants have already lost the crown of salvation.
And the Lord gave me an understanding of this word that it is not just Satan that wants to steal the crowns of the servant of God, but also false servants that deceive the brethren. The enemy
Likewise, a competitor does not receive the crown unless he competes according to the rules. (2 Timothy 2:5) You who are attached to world adornment take care not
wants to corrupt us with the things he offers us. Satan uses men and women that pretend to be servants of God. They want to steal our crowns. We have to watch and pray. The Lord told me to watch
to lose your crown of salvation for Satan steals the crowns of many servants of God and put another rusty one on them. Still, they think that they are saved. God revealed to me that we must have walk in
The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 9:25, everyone who competes in the games trains with
and pray like a watchman in surveillance so that Satan doesn’t come to steal my crown. The Lord revealed
obedience, living in fasting and praying in sanctification and truly obeys the Word of God if
stricter discipline. They do it for a crown that is perishable, but we do it for a crown that is imperishable. And I said to
this mystery to me, for I didn’t understand and never imagined neither thought that this crown was the
we want to live in Heaven.
myself, my brothers, we got to take care of the crown of salvation. We must not let the enemy steal our crown and we must not let our crown become rusty.
salvation of the Christian. A Christian life was only to accept Jesus and go to church and fast and pray and turn away from the appearance of evil. We must secure our salvation.
walks in sincerity in His presence and have peace from the Lord Jesus.
A lot of God’s people living in pleasure have their crowns of salvation losing the glow, radiance and the brightness and many are with rusty crowns due to sin, vanity and greed. Beloved brothers, this is what the Lord told me.
The Lord said to me, “The crown of salvation of the Christian represents the salvation and redemption of the Christian.” So we must take care that Satan does not steal our crown, which is our salvation. The Lord said, “I am coming soon. Hold fast to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.”
The Lord talked to me about renewed gospels singers of the gospel world. He revealed to me the singers were attached to outward and worldly adornment, makeup, and vanity. If they don’t regret the sin of worldly adornment and vanity, there is no way they will enter His Father’s kingdom.
The Lord reveals to those who are obey and that
1 Corinthians 9:24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way as to take the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games trains with strict discipline. They do it for a crown that is perishable, but we do it for a crown that is imperishable. 26 Therefore I do not run aimlessly; I do not fight like I am beating the air. 27 No, I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.
LAW & FAITH
Chanelle Fairlene Pillay Chanelle Fairlene Pillay is a South African born, qualified attorney with her Masters in Business Law, and woman of faith! She is connected to the ministry known as The SuperNatural Church of Jesus Christ where she encountered more of the Lord and His dynamic plans for her life! Author of books titled :‘A SHEPHERD KING’ and AWAY FROM YESTERDAY all available on Amazon. @chanelle.fairlene
YOU HAVE THE ANSWER LIVING INSIDE OF YOU! When one has a health-related issue, they seek out medical professionals. When one has a legal matter that requires solving, they seek out an attorney. When one requires counselling, they seek out a therapist. When the world has questions, who can it seek out for the answers? This should be the body of Christ; the Church, the believers, the ones in whom the Spirit of the LORD dwells! Every answer and solution to that which we face on this earth is locked up in the Word of-
God and in Jesus. He said in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life…”. If we are His children who are part of His Kingdom and set apart and destined for a great purpose on this earth, we should be in the position to give the world every answer they seek. In a time of famine, we should be able to point them to the Provider. In a time of sickness, we should be able to point them to the Healer. In a time of mourning, we should be able to point them to the Comforter. In a time of war, we should be able to point them to the Prince of Peace.
LAW & FAITH
Imagine consulting with a medical professional regarding your health, only to find out that they have absolutely no knowledge of the human anatomy and how to correctly treat you! Imagine hiring the services of a builder who has no idea how to use his tools! How can one call themselves a Christian when they have no desire or ability to share Jesus? The Christian should be set apart, equipped, and filled with the knowledge, wisdom and understanding from the LORD to make a difference in the world. In these last days, great darkness is sweeping across the earth. Yet, Jesus said in Matthew 5 that we are the LIGHT of the world!
ChyaounresliteFnalaiwrl&efnithPilay
I always look at the life of Joseph as an example of this. His life story if so remarkable. There came a time when Pharoah called for Joseph to interpret his dreams concerning the land of Egypt. When Joseph stood before Pharoah, Pharoah said, “I have dreamed a dream, and there is none that can interpret it: and I have heard say of thee, that thou canst understand a dream to interpret it. And Joseph answered Pharoah, saying, it is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace.” (Genesis 41:15-16).
In a simple scripture, we discover such power! An unbelieving King in the land of Egypt could not find the answers to his dreams from his own gods, his own counsellors, his own magicians and wise men. Yet, he had heard about a young Hebrew man that served the LIVING GOD. He heard that Joseph could interpret dreams. Pharoah called this young man into his courts to give him the answers he so desperately required. And this young man, Joseph, humbly stood before a king and pointed him to the God who gives dreams, interprets, and who is the Prince of Peace. Pharoah went on to ask his servants a significant question in Genesis 41:38 – “Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?” Today, many are seeking answers and guidance from a world that cannot satisfy. People are putting their trust in systems, leaders, political parties and science to bring them security. Yet, there are sons and daughters belonging to a Kingdom that is not part of this world – and we have the Living Word of God and His Spirit to break boundaries, take territory, tear down the plans of the enemy, and represent and display Jesus Christ and His Glory to this lost and dying world! The Bible says in 1 John 4:4-6, “…because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. We are of God…”
As a child of the Most High God – you have a responsibility to make souls your number one priority. In your family, in your place of work, in your schools, in your church, and in your walk and talk – show the world the Answer you have living inside of you!
CHANELLE WISDOM
"AS A CHILD OF THE MOST HIGH GOD – YOU HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY TO MAKE SOULS YOUR NUMBER ONE PRIORITY." Chanelle Fairlene Pillay
P R O B L E M
O F
T H E
P R O D I G A L
S O N
'FAITH ORACLES' epistle by: Prophet Joseph Yamkela
T
The problem of the prodigal son wasn't his claim of his inheritance from the father, it was a noble thing for him to realise that he was an heir of his Father's reality. The problem was his departure from the father after he had successfully claimed his fair share of his father's reality. Most of the time what destroys us is not what we rightfully received from the Father but what we do after receiving from him. Our major problems don't come from the answers we get but from what we do when we have been answered. Our behaviour after prayer is what truly gives us advantage or works against us. It is easy to receive but what we do and where we go with what we receive is the issue.
Unless our character is ready to contain God's blessings we will not be able to maintain ourselves in His presence when breakthrough comes. The greatest prayer that should be in our hearts is that: 'Lord build within me a character that can maintain blessings in your presence'. The Presence of our Lord Jesus Christ should be where we remain after an answered prayer, but many of us when the prayer is answered we move away from the Father and follow our heart desires and squander our inheritance with pagans. You cannot celebrate your Father's inheritance in a foreign land. How many Christians today who are enjoying God's blessings in night clubs, beer halls and far away from God's presence..?
What they prayed for in Church they are now enjoying in the streets with the children of this world. The greatest sign of maturity is not allowing your blessing to move you from your Father's presence. Some of you are supposed to already have been answered by now but your character is not ready. God will not give you a blessing that is more than your ability to maintain it. He doesn't want you to move away from Him. Our prayer each day should be: ''Lord if it's going to move me away from you then don't give it to me because your presence to me is more valuable than anything; your presence is heaven to me''. Indeed nothing in this world can ever satisfy, Jesus is the only cup that won't run dry. Our quest for His presence should be greater than our quest for His blessings.
This is the season of planting ourselves in Him and declare that I will not be moved and I will not allow my blessing to move me from Jesus Christ. The Bible says blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly but his delight is in the law of the Lord, he will be like a Tree planted by the River side which bears its fruit in its season; his leaves shall not wither whatever he does will prosper. As you keep yourself planted in the Father's presence, the Lord will change your heart and ground you in Him. This is a season to seek His face and fall at His feet. Don't seek the blessings but the character that can maintain the blessings. God bless you!
Prophet Yamkela
Joseph
devotions
Free To Worship! by Dr André and Jenny Roebert Exodus 9:1 (NLT):""Go back to Pharaoh," the LORD commanded Moses. "ell him, "This is what the LORD, the God of the Hebrews, says: Let my people go, so they can worship Me."" God saw the oppression of His people and knew it was time to act. He called Moses to lead His people out of Egypt and into the Promised Land. His plan was to take them out of an oppressive system and reaffirm His covenant with them. If they would trust and obey Him, they would experience a journey of supernatural provision and protection. If they would turn their hearts towards Him, they would know a journey of unprecedented blessing in spite of the dangers and opposition they were sure to encounter along the way. Unfortunately, history reveals that instead of hearts full of worship and devotion, the Israelites complained and were ungrateful at every turn. For the first time in 400 years, they were finally able to worship the Lord in freedom, yet their cry was to rather go back to the chains and whips of Egypt. We should remember that we too were once slaves to sin. Let's never take for granted the freedom we have found in Christ Jesus! Today, come before Him with a heart overflowing with love and gratitude for the privilege of intimately knowing His goodness, love and tender care. Worship Him like never before, knowing you truly are free!
HOW TO TAKE UP YOUR CROSS AND
SOURCE:
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Me
Let’s begin with what Jesus didn’t mean.
To a person in the first-century, the cross
Many people interpret “cross” as some
meant one thing and one thing only: death by
burden they must carry in their lives: a
the most painful and humiliating means
strained relationship, a thankless job, a
human beings could develop.
physical illness. With self-pitying pride, they say, “That’s my cross I have to
Two thousand years later, Christians view the
carry.” Such an interpretation is not
cross as a cherished symbol of atonement,
what Jesus meant when He said, “Take
forgiveness, grace, and love. But in Jesus’ day,
up your cross and follow Me.”
the cross represented nothing but torturous death. Because the Romans forced convicted
When Jesus carried His cross up Golgotha
criminals to carry their own crosses to the
to be crucified, no one was thinking of the
place of crucifixion, bearing a cross meant
cross as symbolic of a burden to carry.
carrying their own execution device while facing ridicule along the way to death.
Therefore, “Take up your cross and follow
When Jesus questioned them further, their
Me” means being willing to die in order to
commitment was half-hearted at best. They failed
follow Jesus. This is called “dying to self.” It’s
to count the cost of following Him. None was
a call to absolute surrender. After each
willing to take up his cross and crucify upon it his
time Jesus commanded cross bearing, He
own interests.
said, “For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will
Therefore, Jesus appeared to dissuade them. How
save it. What good is it for a man to gain
different from the typical Gospel presentation!
the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his
How many people would respond to an altar call
very self?” (Luke 9:24-25). Although the call
that went, “Come follow Jesus, and you may face
is tough, the reward is matchless.
the loss of friends, family, reputation, career, and possibly even your life”? The number of false
Wherever Jesus went, He drew crowds.
converts would likely decrease! Such a call is what
Although these multitudes often followed
Jesus meant when He said, “Take up your cross
Him as Messiah, their view of who the
and follow Me.”
Messiah really was—and what He would do —was distorted. They thought the Christ
If you wonder if you are ready to take up your
would usher in the restored kingdom. They
cross, consider these questions:
believed He would free them from the
• Are you willing to follow Jesus if it means losing
oppressive rule of their Roman occupiers.
some of your closest friends?
Even Christ’s own inner circle of disciples
• Are you willing to follow Jesus if it means
thought the kingdom was coming soon
alienation from your family?
(Luke 19:11). When Jesus began teaching
• Are you willing to follow Jesus if it means the
that He was going to die at the hands of the
loss of your reputation?
Jewish leaders and their Gentile overlords
• Are you willing to follow Jesus if it means losing
(Luke 9:22), His popularity sank. Many of
your job?
the shocked followers rejected Him. Truly,
• Are you willing to follow Jesus if it means losing
they were not able to put to death their
your life?
own ideas, plans, and desires, and exchange them for His.
In some places of the world, these consequences are reality. But notice the questions are phrased,
Following Jesus is easy when life runs
“Are you willing?” Following Jesus doesn’t
smoothly; our true commitment to Him is
necessarily mean all these things will happen to
revealed during trials. Jesus assured us that
you, but are you willing to take up your cross? If
trials will come to His followers (John
there comes a point in your life where you are
16:33). Discipleship demands sacrifice, and
faced with a choice—Jesus or the comforts of this
Jesus never hid that cost.
life—which will you choose?
In Luke 9:57-62, three people seemed
Commitment to Christ means taking up your
willing to follow Jesus.
cross daily, giving up your hopes, dreams, possessions, even your very life if need be for the cause of Christ.
CONTRIBUTOR
look
WITHIN To look within and pluck the beam out of my own eye makes me say, “Ouch that stings!” but it’s healthy, it’s necessary, and it keeps me from being held back by demonic patterns and cycles. I may not want to hear it, but the truth will set me free. So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32 ESV). The truth is, we need to be mindful of what we store up in our hearts because if it’s ungodly it will hinder us from moving forward and walking in our purpose. Oftentimes, we are not aware of what we have allowed in our hearts. It was either learned behaviour or it was developed after we experienced hurt and trauma. Jesus understands this so He reveals what we need to pray about and the things we need to fast and be delivered from. He shows the old things that has to pass away before we can stand in the new. When He shows us US He does it in love and He’s always ready to lead us to the right path.
@monicatheophilus founder @amomentwithmonica, minister, prayer warrior , author, writer and contributor at beauty&thegospel magazine .
@beautyandthegospel
CONTRIBUTOR He did this with Peter. Peter was not aware that by speaking against Jesus’ death, he was in agreement with the enemy. He thought he was doing Jesus a favor when he rebuked Him. “Never, Lord! he said. This shall never happen to you! (Matthew 16:22 NIV). However, he was trying to hinder Jesus’ purpose on the cross which made him dangerous.
In spite of this, Jesus corrected Him in love and used Peter to build His church. Peter was able to become the great Apostle we know today because he took accountability over his actions. He learned to respond differently to the things that once kept him bound. Jesus desires to use us mightily for His glory. He wants us to share the good news, set the captives free, heal the sick and cast out demons.
He wants us to flourish in our Kingdom assignments. Therefore, we need to end ties with our old mindsets, toxic patterns, behaviors, attitudes and prepare for the great things that God has in store for us. Challenge: Ask yourself what do you need to let go of that’s hindering you from your NEW *Reminder* Be honest and take a step forward.
Be Encouraged, Love Monica
@beautyandthegospel
featured
THE CENTRAL PROMISE OF PENTECOST by: Pual David Washer “When the day of Pentecost had come, they
When considering controversial texts and
were all together in one place. And suddenly
subjects such as the Day of Pentecost we
there came from heaven a noise like a
must take great care not to be
violent rushing wind, and it filled the whole
reactionary. First of all, we cannot
house where they were sitting. And there
develop our theology by reacting against
appeared to them tongues as of fire
the heresies of our day. If we do, we will
distributing themselves, and they rested on
have committed some of the same
each one of them. And they were all filled
exegetical fallacies as those against
with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with
whom we are reacting. Secondly, we must
other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them
not allow false teachers to steal our
utterance.”
inheritance—i.e. the life and power of the
– Acts 2:1-4
Spirit. Evangelicalism is full of false teaching regarding the Holy Spirit.
Beauty & The Gospel
JULY
2021
featured
In fact, atrocities have been said and done
Pentecost was a Unique Event
in His name. Nevertheless, we must not allow such false teaching and ludicrous
The first thing that we must recognize
behavior to drive us away from the Holy
about Pentecost is that it was a unique
Spirit, blind us to our need for His life and
event in the history of the church. First, it
power or cause us to close our eyes to the
was the inaugural moment in which the
great promises of the Scriptures. Instead,
Spirit of God was poured out upon the
we must take a closer look at the Day of
church, and it is possible to have only one
Pentecost and seek to glean its essential
inauguration! Secondly, it was
truths for us today. Thus, for the remainder
accompanied by unique spiritual
of this chapter, we will consider the
phenomenon. Regardless of what one
prophecy of Joel 2:28-32 which Peter
believes about the cessation or
quoted on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:16-
continuation of spiritual gifts, all must
18) and seek to understand how it applies
recognize that there were manifestations
to the contemporary church and the Great
that are unique to Pentecost: a mighty
Commission as it is advanced in our day.
rushing wind, tongues of fire, and the ability to speak in the languages of the nations. These miraculous signs are not
''The main emphasis of Joel’s prophecy is not that believers in the Messiah would experience the wonder of prophetic utterance, visions, and dreams. Instead, he uses this terminology common to the prophets in order to express something far greater—that the church would possess an extraordinary knowledge of God and His will.''
recorded as occurring together again even in the book of Acts; not even in Acts 4:31, where a similar outpouring of the Spirit is recorded. It is important to recognize the uniqueness of the Day of Pentecost so that we do not make it the standard or litmus tests for all other outpourings of the Spirit or revivals in church history or today. There is simply no biblical warrant to claim that all subsequent revivals or outpourings must be evidenced by similar supernatural manifestations. We must remember that the emphasis in the Old Testament prophesies and the promises
“But this is what was spoken of through the
of Christ regarding the future outpouring
prophet Joel: ‘And it shall be in the last
of the Spirit, was not supernatural
days,’ God says, ‘that I will pour forth of My
phenomenon, but the power to live unto
Spirit on all mankind; and your sons and
God and to be His witnesses upon the
you’re your daughters shall prophesy, and
earth. Anyone who is more enthralled
your young men shall see visions, and your
with the exercise of signs and wonders
old men shall dream dreams; even on My
than with Christ-likeness and the power
bondslaves, both men and women, I will in
to proclaim the gospel demonstrates a
those days pour forth of My Spirit and they
great immaturity in the faith!
shall prophesy.” Beauty & The Gospel
JULY 2021
featured
Pentecost has Real Application to the
It is indisputable that Joel’s prophecy is for
Entire Church Age
every Christian of every generation, and in
In the above text, quoted by Peter on the
Spirit is promised throughout the entire
Day of Pentecost, the prophet Joel begins with the words, “In the last days.” The phrase is key to understanding both the meaning and application of the entire prophecy, and therefore it is absolutely essential that it is correctly interpreted. Two current and popular interpretations are that the “last days” refers to the time right before the second coming, or to the recent charismatic movement in the twentieth century. However, when we look closely at the text itself the exact time period to which Joel is referring becomes clear. When the unbelieving Jews began to mock the disciples, Peter countered their accusation by declaring that the events they were beholding were a direct fulfillment of Joel’s “last days” prophecy! This proves that the “last days” began with the first coming of the Messiah, His atoning death, exaltation, and pouring forth of the Spirit. The last days began nearly two thousand years ago and will continue until
some way, this bountiful supply of the Church age. Does this mean that dreams, visions, and speaking in other languages should be the norm in our Christian experience? Absolutely Not! One of the great errors that is often committed when sincere believers seek to interpret Joel’s prophecy is that they fix their attention on a minor element in the prophecy and miss the greater promise. Is Joel delighting in the fact that the people of God will one day ‘dream dreams’, ‘see visions’, or ‘speak in tongues’? Was the great hope and joy of the prophets merely that the day would come when the people of God would experience supernatural phenomenon? Absolutely not! As we will see, Joel’s prophesy and others like it are declaring that the days of the Messiah would be extraordinary because God’s people would possess an unprecedented knowledge of Him and be clothed in His life and power. And thus, they would live a life that would be pleasing to Him and serve as His
the second coming of Christ in glory.
witnesses to the nations.
Having said this, it is important to
Joel’s Prophesy in its Proper Context
understand that the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost marked the
One of the greatest reasons for the
beginning of the new age, and not the
confusion that surrounds Joel’s prophecy is
beginning and the end in one singular
that it is often interpreted independently of
event. It is wrong to think that Joel’s
the other New Covenant promises.
prophecy applies only to the Day of
However, when we compare Joel’s prophesy
Pentecost or limit its application only to the
to these other promises, we see great
early church. To do so would be to redefine
similarities between them, which in turn
the last days! It is also wrong to think that
helps us to understand the truths that Joel
the promise is only for the apostolic era.
seeks to communicate. In fact, we learn
The amazing thing about Joel’s prophecy is
that all the prophets who spoke of the “last
not that the Spirit would be poured out on
days” of the Messiah, spoke in a singular
the leaders (i.e. Apostles), but that He
and united voice regarding the blessings
would be poured out upon all the people of
that would abound in the New Testament
God — sons, daughters, young and old,
church!
slaves, men and women!
featured
Among these blessings, the most
So I prophesied as He commanded me, and the
prominent and frequently mentioned are
breath came into them, and they came to life and
the new nature, an extraordinary
stood on their feet, and exceedingly great army.” –
knowledge of God and His will, and the
Ezekiel 37:10
indwelling Spirit resulting in an abundance of life and power:
“I will pour out of My Spirit on all mankind.” – Joel 2:28
The New Nature: “And I will give them one heart and one way.”
“Even on the male and female servants I will pour
– Jeremiah 32:39
out My Spirit in those days.” – Joel 2:29
“And I will give them one heart, and put a new
The main emphasis of Joel’s prophecy is not that
spirit within them. And I will take the heart of stone out of their flesh and give them a heart
believers in the Messiah would experience the wonder of prophetic utterance, visions, and
of flesh.” – Ezekiel 11:19
dreams. Instead, he uses this terminology
“I will give you a new heart and put a new
something far greater—that the church would
spirit within you; and I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” –
common to the prophets in order to express possess an extraordinary knowledge of God and His will. Joel’s great hope, as well as that of the
Ezekiel 36:26
other prophets was that through the redemptive
An Extraordinary Knowledge of God:
radically transformed into a new creation, that
“I will put My law within them and on their heart I will write it.” – Jeremiah 31:33 “They will not teach again, each man his neighbor and each man his brother, saying, ‘Know the LORD,’ for they will all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of
work of the Messiah, God’s people would be they would possess an extraordinary knowledge of God’s person and will, and that they would be indwelt and empowered in an extraordinary fashion by the Holy Spirit so that they might live to the glory of God and as a witness to the world! This is the central truth of Joel and Pentecost that
them,” declares the LORD.” – Jeremiah 31:34
we must focus on and long for. We should not
“And your sons and daughters will prophesy,
styled prophets, but we must seek for truth as
your old men will dream dreams, you young
seek for dreams or visions or words from selfthe Spirit reveals it through the inspired and
men will see visions.” – Joel 2:28
inerrant Scriptures.5 We must seek for greater
“For the earth will be filled with the
Spirit to enable us to proclaim the Word with
knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.” – Habakkuk 2:14; Isaiah 11:9
The Indwelling and Empowering Spirit: “I will put my Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances.” – Ezekiel 36:27
and greater aid or empowering from the Holy power and live out the Word we proclaim. This is what we must seek for constantly and this is what has been promised to us, not only by the Old Testament prophets but also by Jesus Himself: “He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.” – John 7:38
Prince of F o o l s
BY: JOHN HAGEE
THE FOOL DENIES GOD
King David paints the portrait of the prince of
Henry Ward Beecher entered Plymouth
the fools in one sentence: “The fool has said
Church one Sunday morning and found
in his heart, ‘There is no God’” (Psalm 14:1). The
several letters awaiting him. He opened one
heart is the seat of reason and decision making,
and found it contained the single word fool.
“for as he thinks in his heart, so is he” (Prov.
Quietly and seriously, he announced to the
23:7).
congregation, “I have known many an instance of a man writing a letter forgetting
The word fool comes from the word nabal,
to sign his name, but this is the only instance
which means “moral perversity.” The original
I have ever known of a man signing his name and forgetting to write the letter.”
| BEAUTY & THE GOSPEL
text does not say that “man is stupid.” We have gone to the moon, transplanted hearts,
July 2021
and harnessed atomic power – we are not
The atheist must believe that God is not, that
stupid. David knew that, too, and picked the
prayer is a waste of time, that heaven is a
perfect word to talk about those who are
myth, death is eternal unconscious existence,
“morally perverse.”
and that hope for a better tomorrow is weakness. The agnostic has been duped by
HE IS GOD ALMIGHTY
Satan to believe wrong things.
The word “God” in this text is not the normal word Jehovah but, which refers to the God of
The fool defies the creation. The Bible begins
the covenant, the God who does something
with the declaration “In the beginning God”
for us. El refers to the almighty God, the God
(Gen. 1:1). Without God there is no creation,
of authority, the ruler, the judge, the
no redemption, no deliverance, no healing,
lawgiver. David’s choice of words shows that
no hope. Paul says we can know God by the
humans do not want to know a God who
things He has created (Rom. 1:20). Look at
demands anything; they want to be free to
our massive universe with its organization
participate unimpeded in their sinful
and structure that work together. The fool
behavior.
believes that this magnificent earth is the byproduct of an ecological accident. Only a fool
Our concept of God will determine how we
would believe that billions of years ago the
live. If we see God as a cosmic bellhop in the
sun shone on a pond and that life began
heavens responding to our paltry tips, we will
wiggling in the water, and that this life form
live a loose, lukewarm, and loveless Christian
developed lungs and legs and walked out on
life. But God is not a bellhop, and He is not a
land. Finally it climbed a tree and hung by its
doting grandfather, smiling benignly in the
tail. Only a fool would believe that.
heavens at godless conduct. He is a God of
''There is a
patience and power, a God of compassion and correction. Hollywood labels God as someone up there who loves us. That’s true.
God who sits on His throne,
However, He does demand that we present
who puts kings up and
our bodies as living sacrifices, “holy, acceptable to God” (Rom. 12:1). We are not
takes kings down.''
our own. We have been bought with a price. Those who preach the love of God without the discipline of God are preaching a humanistic heresy. Paul taught that if you do not endure chastening, you are illegitimate – not a child of God (Heb. 12:5-8). FAITHLESSNESS IS FOOLISH The fool has deviated faith. The infidel shouts, “I have no belief!” Liar! A man who claims to believe in nothing still believes in something. It requires faith to be an infidel.
HISTORY ATTESTS GOD The fool denies history. Daniel asked God to show him that parade of nations that would come upon the face of the earth. God gave him a vision of the nations in the exact order in which they would appear, the personality of their leaders, and the military methods of conquest (Dan 2; 7). How was that known hundreds of years before it happened? An accident? Hardly. There is a God who sits on His throne, who puts kings up and takes kings down.
| BEAUTY & THE GOSPEL
July 2021
THE RISEN CHRIST IS COMING
Receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and
The fool detests the Resurrection. Jesus
confess Him with your mouth for “whoever
Christ’s tomb is empty. Why? Because He is
believes in Him should not perish but have
seated at the right hand of God the Father.
everlasting life. For God did not send His Son
He is alive. He is real. He is coming again in
into the world to condemn the world, but
power and great glory (Matt. 24:30).
that the world through Him might be saved” (John 3:16, 17).
How do I know God is real? I know He’s real because I can feel Him in the depths of my
There is a God. He is all-powerful, all-
soul. In the Garden of Gethsemane, in the
knowing, ever-present, holy, everlasting,
valley of the shadow of death, when the
sovereign, unchanging. He is your Father. He
storms of life are raging, when burdens of
created heaven and earth. He is King of kings
life are unbearable, I know He is there.
and Lord of lords. He is coming again with
Are you a fool or are you ready to meet power and great glory.
Him?
| BEAUTY & THE GOSPEL
July 2021
CONTRIBUTOR
PUT GOD FIRST IN
YOUR LIFE
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
Putting God first means serving in His kingdom. 2 Cor 5:20 says: "Now then we are ambassadors for Christ..." An ambassador is supposed to serve His king. Unfortunately, God has many ambassadors who poorly represent Him to this lost and dying world.
If the lost is to hear the Gospel and be saved, we must be actively serving our King and seeing that Gospel preached at home and around the world.
PUTTING GOD FIRST MEANS PUTTING HIS CHURCH FIRST The local church is the only organization Christ left down here to do His work! If we are to serve Christ it needs to be through the local church! We owe the church our presence. "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.". Hebrews 10:25 We owe the church our prayers. Paul asked the church to pray for him on many occasions. James 5:16 tells us to "pray for one another". Who knows what mighty things this church could do if everyone was praying together and for one another? We owe the church our power, by this I mean that, we ought to totally give of ourselves to the ministry of the church.
PROPHET GEZANI Overseer @ Ebenezer Fellowship Center, Soweto , South Africa, husband, father and entrepreneur.
@beautyandthegospel
CONTRIBUTOR
GOD'S REWARD TO THOSE WHO SEEK FIRST THE KINGDOM All these things shall be added unto you" He is talking here about material needs. Is God a liar or did YESHUA mean what He said ? Putting God first means that we will have our needs met. It is hard for me to understand how someone can say they trust God's promises for eternal life , but they simply cannot trust Him to take care of their needs ! Note : Psalm 37: 25 Here is an observation of King David. "I have been young, and now am old ; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken , nor His seed begging for bread " I have seen a number of people come to church looking for prayers, and deliverance. By the grace , after God has blessed them, they leave the church and go elsewhere.
God is faithful He keeps His promises ! Put Him first and then just watch Him bless you ! Before one can seek first the kingdom, they must be a part of it . The only way to become a part of God's kingdom is to be born again . To put your faith and trust in the shed blood of Jesus Christ and accept Him as your personal Lord and Saviour! Once you have done this, then you can begin to put God first in Your life and reap the benefits of His promises .
Prophet Geoffrey Gezani
@beautyandthegospel
HEALTH & FITNESS change is possible
TODAY
WRITTEN BY: TSHEGO MOLEKOA
“THE ARMOR OF GOD TO GOOD HEALTH” Soldiers are easily identified because of the uniform they have on. The uniform makes it easy to exercise their given authority but also to fight the battles they would be assigned to (depending on the kind of soldier they would be of course). It would be so futile for a soldier to go into the battlefield without having on the armor they would need to come out victorious.
The apostle Paul writes to the church in Ephesus and says to them, “ Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Ephesians 6:13-17). I would like us to consider that in all areas of our lives many of us are bound to go through some level of warfare, which would mean we should be fully dressed -
and geared up to accomplish what the Lord would have assigned to us. It’s beautiful to note that the armor is the armor of God – which He gives to us. It’s a depiction of a soldier being commissioned. A good commissioner, gives what is needed to those being commissioned, in order to accomplish the goal. Many times when people don’t have complete health, there is some level of warfare concerning that area. Whether the issue is obesity, an eating disorder, or any other sickness or diseases (mind or body), we should stand girded and ready to respond to these issues – as Soldiers fully dressed and ready to accomplish what the commander instructs.
Belt of Truth
A belt puts the entire outfit/uniform in place. Often when we read the word of God we come across many instances that speak about girding your loins, or putting on a belt. Truth is, the very thing that holds up the entire armor into place. The word of God is truth! We must be so filled up with the word, that if any other fact is thrown our away, we are not shaken. Many things are facts, but not truth. When the enemy attacks with words a true child of God responds with the truth – the word of God. Know who the word of God says you are. Remain in that knowledge of the truth!
THE HEALTH & FITNESS
Breastplate of Righteousness
The breastplate provides protection for the chest. One important part of the body every human needs to live is the heart. The Bible speaks about the heart as being deceitful above all things and desperately wicked (Jeremiah 17:9). The enemy is always aiming at the hearts of believers, because he knows once he hits an arrow to the heart, there is no lifeline in a believer. We need to guard what we allow in our hearts and what we constantly take to heart.
Gospel of Peace
When our Lord Jesus ascended, He said to the disciples ‘“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27). We have not been left on this earth in dismay, but in peace. The gospel of peace which is a fulfilled promise through Holy Spirit.
Shield of Faith
It’s interesting that Faith is compared to a shield, which is the only piece of armor that can be used to directly block the arrows of the enemy. This next statement makes even more sense, “Without faith it is impossible to please God.” We need to walk by faith and have the faith of God in everything we do as believers. Even when it comes to achieving good health. Faith will activate us to exercising or eating healthy if we trying to lose weight. Faith is an activator and a sustainer, because it fuels us up to our desired goal or destination.
Helmet of Salvation
The helmet protects the head, which carries the brain/mind of a human being. The mind basically controls everything the human body acts on.
@beautyandthegospel
No wonder we get so much instruction on the importance of renewing of the mind. “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (Roman 12:2).
Sword of the Spirit
The word of God is alive and active! That is a fact, the Apostle Paul refers to the word as compared to a sword. The sword is the only armor used to directly fight. Without a sword, a soldier is weak. The same is applicable that without the word a believer is completely vulnerable and weak. “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12) When the enemy attacks with all sorts of lies and false accusations concerning who you are remember to do a full armor check. Let your mind be covered by the helmet of salvation. Let it be renewed and filled with Godly thoughts. Shield your heart with the righteousness we have been given through Christ our Lord. Hold on to Faith as a shield to protect yourself from the fiery darts of the enemy. Don’t forget to be fueled with the word of God as a Sword to directly war against the enemy. Keep the peace of God knowing that you have been fully equipped by Holy Spirit to achieve any goal especially towards leading a healthy lifestyle. Last but not least, stand in the TRUTH as a belt that keeps everything in position!
THE HEALTH & FITNESS
@beautyandthegospel
HEALTH TIP #10
''When the enemy attacks with all sorts of lies and false accusations concerning who you are remember to do a full armor check''
AN ACCOUNT BY A SECRET BELIEVER
TORTURED FOR SEEKING JESUS
source: www.opendoorsuk.org
You can’t know the name of the person who wrote this article – or the country he’s from. It is too dangerous to share. But that anonymity might help you understand him as representing so many secret believers from the Middle East. When I was young, I wanted to become a superhero, so I could fight for my friends who were taken and used by the extremists. Many of them never came back. I wanted to be Superman for the many women who were all by themselves and had no protection from the government, from the system, from evil men. When I played on the street, I pretended to be strong and powerful. I didn’t realise it, but most of my family members were secret Christians. I wasn’t.
Meeting Jesus in a dream I trained hard to become physically strong, and was selected for special forces training. It was really hard, but I passed. One day I had to go to an interview with a government leader who was looking for a chief bodyguard. Everyone thought he’d pick me, but he rejected me. “When I look in his eyes, I see questions,” he said. Looking back, God saved me here. Had I been recruited as a bodyguard, I would have gone through a severe brainwashing programme to stay faithful to the leaders of the country. But that one leader sensed something was off with me.
He was right. I had many questions. You see, just before I joined special forces training, I had a dream. Many of my dreams were bad, where I would relive the violence I had witnessed as a young child. This dream was very different: I saw a man in white clothes and He invited me to follow Him. I realised this was Jesus. He was so nice and peaceful and His eyes were like fire. He didn’t order me to follow Him – He simply invited me. I wasn’t used to that at all. In my country, people tell you what to do. If you don’t listen, they beat you. Jesus was already showing me He was radically different. Jesus kept appearing in my dreams, and I couldn’t wait to meet Him each night. I didn’t know much about Jesus, only what the Quran teaches about him. I had been brainwashed and thought the Bible was a falsified book and Christians were misplaced in their thinking.
Finding out more about Jesus I wanted to know more about this ‘Jesus’. Those questions were growing like a tree in my heart. I needed answers. What was the best place to learn? My Christian relatives, of course. But nobody would engage with me in a conversation. They all thought I had been brainwashed by the army and that I was sent back to spy on my family. One day, I was wandering around town and I came across a small church building.
Not many Christians went to this church and it was a coincidence the priest was even there that day. I walked in, greeted the priest and asked if I could ask him some questions. He immediately knew I was a Muslim and that he could get into big trouble if we were to have a conversation about faith. I could be a government spy, for all he knew. Even while we were talking, he constantly looked around to see if anybody was watching us. Then I asked him: “Can you pray for me?” “That I can do,” he replied. He knelt down and prayed. As I was leaving, I saw a Bible and I flipped through the pages. I knew I was likely to be interrogated as I left the church – some secret agent would come up to me and ask me what business I had going to that church. But if I carried a Bible, it would be much worse. Arrest, torture, long imprisonment. I couldn’t take this copy – but I did memorise the name of a town that was a on a handwritten note in the Bible. Maybe I could go there one day. After I came out of the church, I was indeed questioned. For a while, I was watched by the authorities. And then my fear came true: I was arrested and imprisoned.
Tortured for a Jesus I didn’t know yet I cannot share too many details about my time in prison. I was tortured because I was looking for Jesus, a Jesus I didn’t even know. The beating was painful, but it made my determination stronger. I made a definite choice: I was going to find this Jesus, no matter what happened. My whole life I had been forced to comply with the ‘system’. And they always found a reason to beat me, like if I listened to the wrong music or if my daughter’s headscarf accidentally fell off. In my dreams, Jesus never forced me. Instead, He extended His hand. Nobody in my life had ever extended their hand to me before. After my release, I was forced to stay and work nearby the prison. That was where I met a foreigner – he was from the town that I’d seen written on the note in the Bible. I asked him questions about this town and eventually our conversations deepened and we became friends. He was a Christian, and he was able to tell me more about the Jesus I was seeking. Finally, I chose to follow Jesus and became a Christian myself. Continuing my life of risk We decided to illegally cross the border and go to his hometown. God blessed our attempt and we reached the town safely. We found a building that was a house of worship, but looked like an ordinary house.
Thirty years earlier, when the circumstances in my country were different, the owners had visited my hometown and left the Bible in the church where I found it. I learned much about God and the Bible in this house. I couldn’t stay too long, however. I needed to return to my country and my family. I returned as a follower of Jesus. As a secret believer, my life is always at risk. I’m still being watched. I can’t go to a church for fellowship, not even a secret house church meeting. I meet other Christians in hideout places. I go through the Word with them, pray for them and hug them – or I did, before the pandemic. It’s harder now. Most of these people were like me: secret believers who had met Jesus in dreams and visions, but had no access to God’s Word.
Your organisation [Open Doors local partners] has visited me and my family and prayed with us. Thank you so deeply for the relief aid, and the ongoing discipleship. And it’s thanks to your financial provision that I am able to support underground Christians. Particularly those suffering in prison. God is doing powerful things in my country, but He has given us a ‘night vision’. That’s what we call it. The night will get darker before day comes. In other words: we expect more violence and destruction before things get better. Please pray for us. We need God’s strength.
As a secret believer, my life is always at risk. I’m still being watched.
FEATURED
GUIDE TO THE APOCALYPSE What is an apocalypse? Mention the word apocalypse and people start to envision dooms day scenarios. They see large mushroom clouds and scenes with rampant carnage and disaster unfolding on every street corner. But the word apocalypse has a broad definition. Oftentimes, when you start to teach on the apocalypse, people become overwhelmed as details of the end times are discussed. It’s easy to become confused as the layers of Revelation are unveiled one after the other. After just a few minutes, it’s easy to zone out completely. Sometimes we get so close to the music that we’re -
distracted by the notes on the page instead of enjoying the song. We have become so focused on the tiny details that we have forgotten to focus on the bigger picture... that God is in complete control. The topic of the apocalypse is not meant to be confusing but is actually something to fill the hearts of Believers with confidence and great hope. When the last word is uttered by the most important leaders on earth, God will still be on the throne. An apocalypse is not the end of the world. An apocalypse simply means “an unveiling, the pulling back of the curtain.”
BY: MATT HAGEE
As believers, we have assumed that the apocalypse is a horrific thing, when in actuality it is the hand of God pulling back the curtain and showing people what the future holds. You can see God pulling back the curtain of time and showing Daniel what is on the other side in Daniel, chapter two.
''You and I are walking in the last days of the last days".
Daniel 2:19-22 says, “Then the secret was revealed to Daniel in a night vision. So Daniel blessed the God of heaven. Daniel answered and said, “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and might are His. And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding. He reveals deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness, and light dwells with Him.” When God gave a revelation like this, showing His prophets and His people what was on the other side, He revealed to them what was going to happen at the end. So, when people began to talk about the revelations, the unveiling, they would immediately say the apocalypse has to do with the end of the world. This is how the world apocalypse and the end of the world became synonymous. But, truly, apocalypse is just an unveiling. And what a gift to mankind, that God would unveil what He has planned, allowing us to prepare ourselves and look forward to eternal salvation with Him. This is the promise of every Believer through Christ Jesus. So, let’s talk about the “last days.” When do they begin? Some teach that they begin after the rapture. That simply isn’t true. After the rapture two things take place...the tribulation and the great tribulation.
The first tribulation is the first three and a half years after the rapture. Times are not good during this period. The great tribulation is the next three and a half years, and that’s when things go from bad to worse. There is always enormous interest in the tribulation. People want to know just how crazy things are going to get, how big the insects are and how venomous the sting. But the better question is...why do you want to know about those things, if you have the chance to skip it all together? So, when did the last days begin? According to Scripture, they began 2,000 years ago on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2). The Day of Pentecost was when 120 Believers were in the Upper Room. They were commanded to go there by Jesus until the Holy Spirit came upon them. This is where they received great power to witness to the world. Acts 2:2-4 tells us, “And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” Two Biblical truths take place in this moment. First, this is the beginning of the New Testament Church.
This is when people received power to go witness to the world, telling others the lifesaving message that Jesus saves. The 120 that were in the Upper Room when the Holy Spirit descended, literally changed the world for the glory of God.
''As Bible-believing Christians, we need to keep that in mind. The way we change the world is not through huge, fancy cathedrals, budgets or programs. The way we change the world is by preaching the truth of God’s Word''. The second major Biblical fact that came to pass in the Upper Room, is...this was the beginning of the last days. Follow the story through Acts, chapter two. The 120 people (largely from Galilee) were disciples and followers of Christ. They began to spill out into the streets of Jerusalem and preach the Gospel. Because it was a High Feast, a Holy Day, there were people in Jerusalem from all over the world. Suddenly, a group of fishermen spill out onto the streets and begin sharing the Gospel to those who are coming into the temple to celebrate. In multiple languages, they start telling people about a man named Jesus, born of a virgin who died on the Cross for their sins.
And Peter tells the crowd in Acts 2:14-21, “But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them, ‘Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words. For these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: ‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions, your old men shall dream dreams. And on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; And they shall prophesy. I will show wonders in heaven above and signs in the earth beneath; blood and fire and vapor of smoke.
The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the coming of the great and awesome day of the LORD. And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.’” Joel was the prophet who last prophesied before Jesus arrived. This is why Peter is quoting him. Two thousand years ago, the “last days” began. You and I are walking in the last days of the last days. It is an exciting time to be alive, for sure. It is an exciting time to know that the God we serve is still on the throne, and everything is going to be alright. It’s also exciting because what Joel said has never been more true...” Whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.”
Church, we have the same power that the Holy Spirit gave to those men in the Upper Room. We can use this power for God’s glory to transform our world, to tell others about Christ, to bring heaven down to earth. You don’t have to look around for very long to know that His return cannot be far off. Our world is in a state of complete chaos, and yet we rest in the peace of His Word that says we are His, and we are going to spend eternity in heaven with Him. May all that we put our hands to bring glory to His holy name!
Matt Hagee
I Hear His Whisper . . Humility Jesus was the greatest man to ever walk the earth. Yet despite his magnificence, the King of kings became the world’s most admirable servant. Such humility. Serving, honoring, and bowing low to prove his love. To leave us an example of pure humility and untainted authority. He subjected himself to controversy, pain, and death. Laid everything down so that he could be with you forever. You don’t need to prove your worth. Jesus already did it for you. Now he asks that you live each day as he did. Overflowing with the same mercy he shows you. Continually humbling yourself. Embracing childlike faith. Loving well, even when you have every right to criticize. Knowing that you can stand as royalty in a fallen world and serve it, just like Jesus did. PRAYER Jesus, I want everything I do and say to reflect the beauty of the One who lives inside me. I want my smile to lift the burdens of others. I want my desire for greatness to be empowered by a humble heart. I want to be just like you.
Matthew 18:4 The Passion Translation Whoever continually humbles himself to become like this little child is the greatest one in heaven’s kingdom realm.
featured
Flies in the Ointment written by : Jentezen Franklin
“Dead flies putrefy the perfumer’s ointment, And cause it to give off a foul odor; So does a little folly to one respected for wisdom and honor.” — Ecclesiastes 10:1 The perfumer’s ointment, or oil, was an expensive, fragrant perfume. It was precious, hand crafted, and considered quite a luxury. We’re probably most familiar with this ointment in scripture from the story of the alabaster box, when a woman broke open her precious oil and poured all of it on the feet of Jesus.
It was the cost of a year’s wages, likely the most valuable possession she owned. Here Ecclesiastes says this precious ointment can be ruined by flies—and then likens the flies to sin. Just a little folly can ruin a reputation. What takes time to build, can be stripped in a moment. Perhaps this is why Satan is called the lord of the flies, Beelzebub. Like flies in our homes, if we are not careful to protect against sin entering our lives, it will multiply and leave a repulsive stench.
Not only is sin like flies, sin is like a particular member of the fly family, the mosquito. Love covers, but mosquitos spread... They spread sickness and disease, and they do it all through the blood. The mosquito kills 1,000,000 people a year. It kills more than lions, more than grizzly bears, more than poisonous snakes. It’s deadly. The mosquito comes in, almost always undetected, and lifts the blood from you. It leaves a blemish on the outside, but it’s what happens inside - unseen - that can be so deadly. Sin comes for the blood, too. The blood of Jesus. The blood that protects you, that cleanses you, that makes your life a fragrant aroma to the Lord. If we are not careful, sin will sneak in just like the flies, like the mosquitos, and begin to slowly lift the blood. The good news is, God gave us a gift that keeps sin away! Like mosquitoes are attracted to still water, stagnant Christians are a breeding ground for sin. But where the Spirit flows freely, just like fresh water, sin cannot grow! God gave us the Holy Spirit, a river of living water, and mosquitos are not attracted to moving water! If you are ready to get sin out of your life, if you are ready to receive healing and blessing from above, then trouble the waters! When the water is moving, those mosquitos won’t stay around. And when you allow the river of living water, the Holy Spirit, to move in your life, sin won’t win.
Even if you’ve made mistakes, if you’re in the middle of battle you feel you just can’t win, the truth about that verse, Ecclesiastes 10:1, is that the flies were dead. Yes, sin comes to destroy. It leaves a trail of disaster and, like the flies in the ointment, a stench. BUT, that precious oil—the anointing of God, the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life—will defeat sin.
"Flies can’t survive in oil, mosquitoes are not attracted to moving water, and sin cannot prevail in YOU if you are in Christ Jesus!"
nklin a r F n e z te Jen
CREATIVE IN CHRIST
LADS
AFTER
GOD
Q) Firstly, who is the
said about Him but ever since
Lord Jesus Christ to
I received Him, He reveals
A man who saw the hand of God in his life. Having lived a life bound by depression and lust then GRACE stepped in, leading to TOTAL transformation.
you?
Himself newly in my life every
A) Jesus to me is, firstly,
day through His word.
my Saviour. He is the
Q) How and when did you
reason for my being: the
get Born Again?
author and perfector of
A) I was born into a family of
Founder of the "lads after God'' ministry . A safe space where people can talk about their struggles with lust, depression, pornography and the struggles that come with it.
my faith and the best
believing parents. Both
part about my entire life.
my parents got saved in their
Before I got saved, I had
youth. I got saved after my
only heard what others-
15th birthday (around 2006).
@beautyandthegospel
LADS AFETR GOD
That’s when I started taking my
of me thinking that I was a
There is hope. 2 Kings
walk with God seriously and
failure. I dropped out of
6:16 says: “Do not be afraid, for
started actively pursuing Christ
Varsity twice and thought that I
many are those with us than
and even testifying about Him
could never make it through the
those who are with them.” This
to my friends. Before I got
embarrassment that I was in. I
should tell you that God’s
saved I was what many would
was very self-critical and felt like
providence far exceeds what
call a well mannered child but I
I was an embarrassment to my
our physical senses and mental
was deeply troubled in my heart
family. Had it not been for
intuition tells us. Often
and battled a lot of
God’s hand of protection, I
depression sinks us into a
psychological issues. Upon
would not have made it out of
hole of hopelessness and
receiving Christ, He calmed the
that season alive. I’m so grateful
sadness – however, I want you
storms in my life.
that I can look back at those
to know that there is eternal
Q) Christianity being a
years now and say: “Wow...
hope in Christ.
journey. What's that most
God really took me through
Q) There was a time you were
recent revelation that's got
THAT!”
bound by the spirit of lust.
you stunned by Yeshua,
Q) How did you then get your
What triggered that and what
the gospel and life?
deliverance?
lead to you seeking help?
A) The most recent revelation
A) Deliverance, for me, came as
A) The first time I got exposed
which has stunned me
a process. My first mental
to pornography was back when
is the absolute nature of God’s
breakdown – due to depression
I was around eleven or twelve
love and forgiveness upon my
and anxiety - was back in 2012. I
years old. This opened
life. Every time I think about
had another break down in
pandora’s box of addiction
how often I get things wrong
2014. I am blessed to have
which haunted me right into my
and err so many times – I can’t
parents who prayed for me and
early twenties. I even ended up
help but think of how so many
presented to me the
falling into the sin of fornication
would have even ‘cancelled me’.
psychological and spiritual
because of this sin which I -
God’s mercies upon my life are
counselling I so desperately
renewed every morning (as
needed to make it through that
mentioned in Lamentations
dark phase. My final deliverance
3:22-23). Also to know that God
or breakthrough from the
loved me as a sinner is still
chains of anxiety and
something that blows my mind
hopelessness came inwardly
with each passing day.
though: Through reading God’s
Q) Life for you wasn’t as it is
word, I realised that Christ has
now. Before you birthed your
already placed His
ministry you went through
righteousness and sanctification
struggles with mental health.
upon my life which has me
Share with us that season?
approved and worthy.
A) That is very true. My early
Q) For someone going
twenties were riddled
through depression what
with mental health problems
advice can advise can you
which came as result -
give them?
"Had it not been for God’s hand of protection, I would not have made it out of that season alive. "
@beautyandthegospel
Blessing
Mashiloane
LADS AFTER GOD
had kept secret for so many
So I needed to really be
I never imagined myself talking
years. What lead me to seeking
intentional about always
openly about my struggles but
help was when I realised that
seeking God’s empowering
God’s grace has made it
accountability is very essential
through the reading of His word
possible.
for spiritual growth. Without
and habitual prayer
Q) You write weekly
accountability, I went around in
Q) How important is it as a
devotions on your blog
circles in my spiritual walk.
child of God to be
www.theeblessing.wordpress.
However when I spoke out, first
consecrated to Yeshua and
com. What inspires you to
to my parents, about this
submitting your temple
write and hope it imparts to
weakness – I was better able to
to the Holy Spirit?
the reader?
finally find victory over the sin.
A) That is a very essential and
A) My greatest inspiration to
Q) Would you still say you’re
often overlooked part of being a
write stems from my love for
still going through a process
child of God. The book of
imparting my knowledge and
of deliverance?
Romans 12: 1 tells us to offer up
experiences to the reader. My
A) Sanctification, for any
our bodies as living sacrifices,
writing style is super simple and
believer is a process: the
pure and holy. If we look at how
easy to understand: I always try
spirit man and flesh are always
sacrifices were made in the old
to leave the reader with
in a battle that will go on until
testament – they were always
something they’ll find hard to
we are glorified (when we put
‘without defect’. This tells us
forget.
on the incorruptible bodies). I
that our aspiration as
Q) Talk about levels. You’ve
am now no longer a slave to my
believers should be to live holy
recently released an online
body’s lustful desires because
lives out of reverence and
ministry/podcast “lads after
I’ve learnt that no physical
worship to our Maker.
God”. What is it about, the
pleasure is close to to the joy
Q) By the grace of God in your
name and what is it to be a
that is found in the Lord
wilderness season you
lad after God?
(Philippians 4:4).
birthed your ministry. Did you
A) Before I tell you about Lads
Q) What was needed from you
ever think it would lead to
After God, let me tell you about
to get to a place of peace
this?
a conversation I had with my
inwardly and outwardly even
A) For a long time I’ve always
brother on my 21st birthday (4
within being around what
known that I love telling
December 2011). This was
could once again trigger these
others about God’s goodness. I
right before I had a mental
spirits?
think my time in the wilderness
break down (about a month
A) The biggest thing that was
was due to me being like Jonah
later). We were sitting in a
needed from me was total
(from the Bible) who chose to
restaurant and he asked me:
submission to God and
go to Tarshish instead of
“What is it that you’re
admitting that I need His
Ninevah. Disobedience is very
envisioning for your life – where
empowering (through the Holy
costly and time consuming, I
do you see yourself in the
Spirit) everyday. Triggers always
must remark. During my
future?” My answer was: “Buti,
succeed against us when we are
dark days of struggling with
ke tloba segapi sa banna.”
caught entertaining what is of
mental health issues,
flesh..
@beautyandthegospel
LADS AFTER GOD
Which means – ‘Brother, I’m going
The signs are clear and evident that
to be a herder of men’. I had no
we are living on borrowed time.
idea that ten years later
May our desire be to do as much
I’d have an online ministry called
work for the Kingdom as we can.
“Lads After God”. The name stems
Q) When people hear the name
from my desire to see the young
Blessing Mashiloane what do you
“lad” pursue his Maker. The rate
want them to know?
of apostasy among young men is
A) This question is identical to one I
a huge concern to me and I am
always ask myself: “How do I/you
very much concerned about the
want to be remembered?” I do not
spiritual growth of the boy child.
want to be known or remembered
This, however, does not mean
as a great man – I would, rather,
that the ministry doesn’t cater for
would love to be known or
“ladies after God” – actually, the
remembered as a man who
biggest supporters of the
serves/served a GREAT GOD! When
Lads after God ministry have
people hear my name, I want them
been ‘ladies after God’. The
to know that God is able to turn
quintessential lad after God is
hopeless situations into BLESSINGS.
someone who has devoted their
Q) Last words and plans for the
life towards pursuing God and His
remaining of 2021?
ways in this corrupt generation.
A) First of all, let me express my
Q) If King Jesus were to visit you
gratitude for being afforded the
for one day. What would you
opportunity to tell my story on this
say to Him and how would you
wonderful platform. Words cannot
spend the rest of the day with
even begin to describe how grateful
Him?
I am. My parting message to the
A) I probably would spend half the
reader is in the form of a famous
day just marvelling at His
quote from a man of God called
splendour! *laughs* On a
Pastor John Piper: “God is most
serious note, I think if I were to
glorified in us when we are most
spend a day with Jesus I would
satisfied in Him”. May we always be
just ask Him how I can better
content in the sufficiency of God’s
serve Him during my lifetime and
massive love for us. My plans for
how I can be more like Him in my
the remainder of 2021? Well, I
personal Christian walk.
definitely would like to continue
Q) Message to the church in
producing great content for the
these end times?
Lads After God podcast and social
A) My message to the church in
media pages. Also, I’m looking to
these end times is that: The King
finally take a massive big step in my
is coming!
career, God willingly.
@ladsaftergod
@beautyandthegospel
THE BLESSED LIFE TEACHINGS BY: PASTOR ROBERT MORRIS THE FIRST OF THE FIRST The first belongs to God. Not only the firstborn, but the firstfruits belong to Him as well. In Exodus 23, we read, “The first of the firstfruits of your land you shall bring into the house of the LORD your God” (v. 19).
This verse goes even further and says it’s the first of your firstfruits that God wants. That means the last of your firstfruits isn’t acceptable. It’s not the tenth portion of your firstfruits; it’s the first portion of your firstfruits. Read the verse again: “The first of the firstfruits of your land you shall bring into the house of the LORD your God.” Notice that the Scripture designates “the house of the LORD” as the proper place to give firstfruits.
It doesn’t say to give them to a television ministry, although I believe strongly in supporting missionary work is near and dear to God’s heart (and mine!). It doesn’t say to give the first of your firstfruits wherever you want. It says to bring them “into the house of the LORD your God.” We must always give to the Lord’s house first. This is an aspect of the principle of firstfruits that we need to understand. That’s why Proverbs 3 says, “Honor the LORD with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase; so your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine” (vv. 9-10). As this passage suggests, tithing to the Lord’s house involves honoring the Lord with our possessions and with the firstfruits of all of our increase. Now, in Old Testament times, most people were farmers.
They raised animals and grew crops for their living. “Increase” came as crops were harvested and livestock reproduced. Today, you might be a banker or a lawyer or a teacher or a construction worker. Your increase comes in that way. No matter how it comes, the Word makes it clear that we are to honor the Lord with the firstfruits of all of our increase. When we do, according to these verses, our “barns will be filled with plenty, and [our] vats will overflow” (v. 10). Do you remember the account of the fall of Jericho in the book of Joshua? You’ll recall that the Lord gave strict instructions that the Israelites were not to keep any of the spoils from Jericho. All of it belonged to Him, the Lord declared. Why did the Lord say that all of the silver and gold from Jericho had to be given to the Lord’s house? Because it was the first city conquered in the Promised Land. It was the firstfruits. God was saying, “Bring all the silver and the gold from Jericho into My house and then you can have all of the rest.” He didn’t say, “Conquer ten cities and give Me all the spoils from the tenth one.” He essentially said, “Give Me the first and you can have the rest.” That took faith, of course – and so does tithing. You’ll also remember that one person among the Israelites disregarded God’s clear instructions. The Israelites were told that the silver and gold were consecrated to the Lord (see Joshua 6:19), but a man named Achan took some for himself and became “accursed” (Joshua 6:18). Thank about that. When the spoils were given to God, they were “consecrated” or set apart for God’s house; but after a man took some for himself, it was actually cursing Israel’s efforts to take the Promised Land.
Consecrated or cursed – that’s exactly what the tithe is all through the Bible. The tithe is consecrated to the Lord and for the Lord’s house. But if we take it for ourselves, it becomes a curse because it’s stolen. In Malachi 3, God makes it clear that if we keep the tithe to ourselves, we are robbing God. What a sobering thing it is to consider that one can steal from God and, therefore, be under a curse: “Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, ‘In what way have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings. You are cursed with a curse, for you have robbed Me, even this whole nation” (Malachi 3:8-9). It is amazing to me how many people try to overlook this Scripture or explain it away. Some say, “well, that’s in the Old Testament.” But in the very same chapter of Malachi, God says, “For I am the LORD, I do not change” (v.6). We have already seen that the Lord clearly says that the firstborn belongs to Him (See Exodus 13:2) and the firstfruits are His (see Exodus 23:19). We also just heard Him say that the tithe belongs to Him (see Malachi 3:8-9). Here is my question to those who contend that the principle of the tithe is no longer active: If God declares, “I do not change” (Malachi 3:6), then when did those things supposedly change? When did God change? The tithe, the firstborn, and the firstfruits all belong to the Lord. This isn’t a law! It’s an unchanging principle established by an unchanging God. Many people say, “Well, tithing was under the Law, so I don’t have to do it. We’re under grace now.” They need to know that there are many things that were under the Law that continue to be principles with God. Would you believe anyone who asserted that because adultery was forbidden under the Law, it is now acceptable under grace?
Would you accept an argument that stated that because stealing was forbidden under the Old Testament law, it is now acceptable under New Covenant grace? Of course not. There are eternal principles throughout the Word of God, and tithing is clearly one of them. It is a principle that runs from Genesis to Revelation.
Now, I want you to think about these two statements and the two types of people they come from: All tithers give the testimony that they are blessed, and all nontithers give the testimony that they can’t afford to tithe. I think Forrest Gump could discern the pattern on this one. He would probably say, “I’m not a smart man, but I’m going to tithe. And that’s all I have to say about that.”
The tithe belongs to God. The firstborn belongs to God. And firstfruits belong to God.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Throughout my life as an evangelist and pastor, I have been amazed at the consistency of the testimonies I hear about tithing. In more than twenty-five years of ministry, every tither I have spoken with has given me a similar testimony; every nontither has also given me a similar testimony, but one that is different from those who tithe. (And keep in mind the biblical exhortation to let everything be established by the mouth of two or three witnesses [2 Corinthians 13:1].) Without exception, tithers say, “I’m blessed,” or “God has blessed me.” They all give the testimony that God is blessing them. In contrast, every non-tither I have ever spoken with gives this testimony: “I can’t afford to tithe.”
Proverbs 3:9 commands us to “honor the Lord with [our] possessions.” I teach that the primary way we use our possessions to hone God is through our gifts of tithes and offerings. In what other ways can we use our possessions to honor God?
''All tithers give the testimony that they are blessed, and all nontithers give the testimony that they can’t afford to tithe''.
Visual Imagery: Key To Revelation The parables of the mustard seed and sower are just a few of the 37 parables found in the gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke. Why would Yeshua so often speak in parables? One reason Yeshua used parables was for the powerful, personalized visual imagery that they created for His followers. They released impactful, memorable messages with deep meanings that could change His disciples thinking and behaviors. Even today, our LORD is speaking through visual imagery. If we are not open to seeing and receiving His imagery, we will miss His communication to us. At night He calls us to pay attention to the images in our dreams in order to discover truths and concepts we’ll need to understand for walking by His direction throughout the day. Dreams frequently reveal spiritual realities that we are unknowingly wrestling with. His imagery calls us to discern evil from good, and then take authority over the evil and declare Father’s words and truths over our selves and others.
Father daily beckons us to open our hearts and minds for experiencing His imagery. Perhaps it’s raining and He calls you to imagine the rain as His Spirit cleansing your heart and mind, and pouring fresh love and healing into your heart. I remember my dear elderly friend who would look out the window in the dead of winter and with the Holy Spirit she’d see the trees’ leafless branches reaching up toward heaven in the shape of “Y”s. She’d cry, “Look! They’re all worshipping Yahweh!” God is speaking in our midst, so don’t miss Him today … look, listen and commune!
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Don't Allow Distractions to Derail Your Destiny by Dr André and Jenny Roebert Matthew 14:28-29 (TPT): "Peter shouted out, "Lord, if it's really You, then have me join You on the water!" "Come and join Me," Jesus replied. So Peter stepped out onto the water and began to walk toward Jesus." In this beautiful illustration we read how Peter challenged his own faith by acting on Jesus' invitation to defy the forces of nature and join Him on the water. It must have been exhilarating realizing that in the presence of the Messiah, nothing is impossible. Then suddenly Peter became aware of his humanity and natural limitations. The surrounding forces of the wind and waves distracted him from looking at Jesus, and fear gripped his heart. He began to sink, and instantly the confidence he had moments before disappeared. In the same manner, Jesus is calling us to step out of the boat of comfort and ease, by daring to walk the journey of faith which He has planned for us. Fear can manifest through any voice that isn't grounded in faith. Words of concern from those who didn't encounter the Lord as you did when you heard His call...Or words of doubt in your mind concerning financial provision when you step out in faith. They all fight to distract you from the call of the Master. Every child of God who has embarked on the journey of faith has experienced this temptation: to be distracted by voices of doubt and unbelief. But if we resist the temptation and purpose to keep our eyes on Jesus and our hearts full of His Word, we will defy all natural limitations and step with Him into the destiny He's called us into.
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