Beauty & The Gospel NO 9

Beauty & The Gospel MADE PERFECT THROUGH JESUS CHRIST

EXCLUSIVE !

with Denga THE KINGDOM MUSIC MAKER AND SHAKER

Nothing is worth going to HELL for

YOU CAN LIVE FOR GOD AND STILL BE DOPE

Repentance- How to come back to God!

ISSUE NO 9 OCTOBER 2018

FREE PLUS!

monthly devotion + Christian blogging 101 & CREATIVE IN CHRIST

TABLE OF CONTENTS EDITORS NOTE monthly devotion creative in Christ with NADINE LOMBAARD

EXCLUSIVE WITH kingdmusic 5 R'S OFREPENTANCE BY : ENDTIMES

MATURE, MARRIED AND BORN AGAIN it was the hand of God

NOTHING IS WORTH GOING TO HELL FOR you can live for God and still be dope!

RAPTURE WARNING

EDITOR'S NOTE Your majesty So, recently the Holy Spirit has introduced the importance of meditation on the Word of God which is singing in psalms, hymns, sacred songs and making melodies in the heart.

To be honest, I had always seen the scriptures quoting this and didn’t really focus or realize how important it was. In my Christian journey I’ve always sang melodies in my heart, but I wasn’t aware how important and significant it was. I’ve recently found out that when we meditate we are actually communicating with King Jesus, we are making way for the Holy Spirit to communicate with us. THAT BLEW ME AWAY. With that being said, it is very important what type of music we listen to, because yes, you can be a Christian and listen to circular music and now that is dangerous because that’s what your heart is mediating on without your awareness. As Christians we need to be careful of the music, television shows, books or anything our eyes and ears come in contact with because these things will affect our spiritual life. At first it might not be evident but later it shall be and when something is fully grown it takes time to be broken down.

As the Bible says: we are in this world but not of this world and it’s these very things that apply to that. I love what one great Prophet said: We should never stop mediating, because you are going to another spiritual realm. The devil will bring many challenges to stop you from meditating SO DO NOT STOP. And once more, meditating is more like prayer, which is more powerful than prayer from the mouth because we set a time for that, unlike prayer from the heart it’s done anytime and every time.

Beloved, if you have been doing this BIG UP’S TO YOU and if not IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO START. God is Great, and His mercies endures forever. Let us never stop learning and stand firm in our faith in our Lord and Saviour King Jesus..

If you happen to be a new reader, WELCOME ABOARD BELOVED. That’s it for now till next time, you’re loved by HIM and me.

EMPRESS_TEEKAY EMPRESS TEEKAY

EXCLUSIVE WE GOT THE OPPORTUNITY TO CHAT WITH SOUTH AFRICA'S KINGDOM MUSIC MAKER AND SHAKER. WOULD YOU EVER QUIT YOUR JOB TO FOLLOW GOD'S DESIRE FOR YOUR LIFE? I HOPE THE ANSWER IS YES! FIND OUT HOW HE MANAGED TO DO THAT!

KINGDMUSIC

Who is Kingdmusic personally and professionally and where are you from?

I am a second born of four siblings, a singer, worship leader, songwriter, radio presenter and actor. I come from a village called Mukula in Venda.

Who is King Jesus to Kingdmusic?

He is my Hero.

When I say the name Jesus what comes to mind?

The cross and a beautiful sacrifice He made for you and I. What challenges do you face as a male, young, born again, musician and actor?

There are a lot of temptations out there, but I always have to make a decision to honour and protect what God has placed in my life and stay on the path He has destined for me.

. You have a single out “Holy Spirit”. Take us through the process from the beginning to the end, what inspired you to write the song?

One night my producers and I had a song writing session and we were trying out a new song . In the process, God dropped another song melody in my spirit and in that very moment I asked the guys to play the melody. I gave it to them note by note and from there God gave me the chorus. The room was immediately filled with God’s presence. It was so evident, I found myself in tears thinking about all the tough seasons I’ve been through that led to this moment. I’ve always wanted to share my seasons through my music but it is so difficult to write a song that really articulates some of the pain and prayers I’ve prayed for the past three years.

So the song “Holy Spirit” comes from a season of pain and when all seemed to be going wrong. It was a prayer. A prayer for God to break down walls in my life and my family that seemed to hold us back from what He intended for us.

The song was also inspired by Joshua 6:1-27 when the Lord collapsed the walls of Jericho, giving victory to Joshua and his men. The Bible actually states in verse 1 that the gates of Jericho were securely barred, and no one went out and no one went in. Joshua must have thought that it’s impossible to have victory over the city, given the gates and walls built around it. I could relate too, with walls in my life that represented pain, feelings of hopelessness, sickness and a wall between me and God, as I felt like my prayers weren’t being answered.

You are not only a musician but you also a radio personality and actor, share with us how you got into Generations, one of the most watched soapies in South Africa?

I can only credit God’s grace for getting a role with Generations The Legacy! After I left my job early this year, I contacted an agency I knew to represent me with my acting career and they told me that they were only representing background actors at the moment and I was like cool, I don't mind starting from the bottom.

One day while I was waiting in the "Extras waiting room", I got called by the directors.

They asked me to take off my hat and my glasses and they W O Rsaid D S YES, B Y that's S A R A the H look we want! They explained the role to me and the rest is history. So, God handpicked me from all the other background actors. How kind is our God? Define purpose and how can one determine their purpose?

I see purpose as a calling. I think once you find what God has called you to do and what you love doing the most, then you find your purpose.

Talking about purpose, you recently quit your job to start living the life you had always dreamt, which was doing music and ministry full time. How long did it take you to finally decide to do that and how has life been so far?

It took me two years of praying and trusting God for a right moment of GOING-FOR-IT! Life has been amazing but with lots of challenges too. I have big dreams, so I have to make a lot of sacrifices to ensure that I'm staying the path.

Like, I can't just spend money like there's no tomorrow.

How important is it to be around people with a purpose that is aligned to yours?

Very important! My pastors from church and my friends keep me grounded and they always remind me to focus on the bigger picture. So, it is really important to surround yourself with people who understand where God is taking you because they are able to intervene. And we help each other.

It’s clear that you are a creative being, what’s that one thing or two you are itching to dive into?

One thing I itch to dive into is painting

To someone going through the worst right now, what’s your message?

In Matthew 14:22-24 it says: “Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it."

Does it strike you that Jesus “made” the disciples get into the boat? The word made in the Greek means doing so with urgency as a pressing need necessitates. Here in this text we see an all-knowing Jesus, strongly urging his beloved disciples into a boat knowing there was a storm approaching.

Why would He do that? Did he not love the disciples or care about their safety? Was He being careless with their lives? On the contrary, I believe the answer is found in the book of James.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” - James 1:2-4 (NIV) When we weather the storms in our lives it produces perseverance. Just like the disciples, God intentionally uses life’s storms to mature our faith.

Beauty and the Gospel is about “living for God and still being dope (Christianity wise)” . You fit that so perfectly, so how do you then as young as you are, and a male manage to do that especially in these times we are living in?

I understand that I am set apart and Jesus was never boring so why should I be boring? I think it's easy for anyone to be dope in Christ as long as they are themselves and are surrounded by people who encourages them to be what God created them to be.

 If you were granted one lifetime opportunity, what would it be?

That would be having the right finances to take the Gospel to the ends of the world. Not by music only but by so many creative ways.

When people hear the name Denga Takalani.

What do you want them to know?

A guy who's not ashamed of who he is in Christ.

A guy who goes after his dreams. An imperfect guy who loves everyone, whether poor or rich. A young man who is not afraid of leading others to Christ even in the market place. A songwriter who hears from Heaven.

How can people access your music and schedule?

They can get my music on iTunes, Apple music, Google play, Spotify and they can check my schedules on my website, www.kingdmusic.co.za/shows

Last words and plans for the rest of 2018?

If it's a God-dream. Go for it! God will open the right doors.

I'm launching my very first EP album which will be available in November and I'm planning to do an album launch and a worship night in Gauteng. Please follow me on Instagram or Twitter @kingdmusic and like my Facebook page "Kingdmusic" so you can be the first to know when I post details of the worship night.

@kingdmusic

" That would be having the right

finances to take the Gospel to the ends

of the world. Not by music only but by

so many creative ways." kingdmusic

On the weekend you will find me ….?

Hanging out with family, friends and my church friends.

Daily mantra?

Let Jesus know first

Can’t live without?

Having fun, haha

Purpose is…….?

God calling in your life.

I dream of …..?

Hosting worship nights at stadiums.

Favourite Artist?

I have more than one, but Hillsong Y&F.

2018 is My year of going after every dream I have.

I will retire the day ……?

God calls me back HOME

What people don’t know is that I …….?

Love kids.

Best advice ever received?

Don't let money get in the way of your calling. Love God, love people, respect your elders, serve others and God will bless you with all your heart desires at His time

If it weren’t for Jesus I would …….?

Not be where I am today Can’t stop thinking about?

My future family with future wifey.

NOTHING IS WORTH GOING 2 HELL 4 (PART 3) WRITTEN BY: M.K In this issue I will emphasize how going to hell is not an option as there is no point of return.

We always have two voices talking to us every day. These voices are from two different Kingdoms. They are parallel to each other and will never ever agree on anything. The one voice is that of the Holy Spirit. It is that gentle, still and soft voice that reminds you about what God says in His word.

The voice of the Holy Spirit speaks only once. It doesn’t persuade or reason with you. It doesn’t force you to analyse and think about what God says. It just needs your obedience and choice about without asking you a million questions.

On the other hand there is this loud, reasoning, forceful and analytical voice that will counteract and oppose everything that the Word of God. This voice causes you to think deep on what God was saying and you try to come up with your own explanations and conclusions. This voice of the devil will take the Word of God and twists it.

It modifies God’s Word to confuse you.

It takes its time to convince you that God didn’t mean that, but He meant this. You eventually end messing yourself up. You know that the Holy Spirit in your heart is saying some soothing Words that will give you peace and contentment. On the other hand the devils voice gives you doubt and you have no peace. It messes your head and your mind works overtime trying to convince you that it is right thing to do. No, you know it is not, deep down you know that you are sinning but what is before you looks so attractive and worth having it.

"KEEP ON WORKING YOUR SALVATION WITH FEAR AND TREMBLING" PHILIPPIANS 2:12 Look at Adam and Eve. They knew what God told them about the fruits in the garden. They wanted the one that God forbid meanwhile they had the whole garden to enjoy.

The devil twisted God’s Word to convince them to sin against God (Genesis 3:1-3). The couple gave the snake their time and ears. Had they dismissed him from their presence, they wouldn’t have got into trouble and lost everything just for one fruit.

Stick to the Word of God and do it as it is. Don’t analyse and dissect it. Every time the Holy Spirit will guide and remind, but it is up to you to listen Him or not.

Lets looks at Cain and Abel. These were brothers who served God with their offerings. Abel was eager to please God that he chose the best offerings for Him. Cain on the other hand took what he found. He didn’t care what it looked (Genesis 4: 1-15). After God rejected his offering, he went into a fit of rage and killed his brother. He was even arrogant and disrespectful when answering God later on.

Most Christians do things they know are wrong before God. NOTHING IS WORTH GOING TO HELL FOR. Let’s stick to God’s Word. God is our Creator and a loving Father. He has our best interests at heart for us His children. The devil on the other hand knows what he lost because of pride, disobedience, and evil. Hence he is working over to take people to hell. He knows that whenever you go against Gods the Word, there are repercussions to be reaped. He knows his destiny in, and he wants to take away many many people to hell with him.

Disobedience is dangerous. Let’s us obey God’s Word and follow principles. It will be worth it in the end. Why listen to a liar a unemployed ex worship leader who lost everything and is left with nothing. Listen to your heart not your mind.

The mind is the devils playground. God loves us and wants us with Him. The devil doesn’t want this to come to pass that’s how bitter he is!

TO ACCEPT JESUS CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOUR SAY THIS FOLLOWING PRAYER

Monthly Devotion This devotion is taken from Kenneth E. Hagin FAITH FOOD daily devotions booklet written in 1979.

PARALYZED “Forasmuch then as children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.” –HEBREWS 2:14 KJV He put to naught the hosts of darkness! He paralyzed their death-dealing power! And when He met John the Revelator on the Isle of Patmos, He said, “I am HE that liveth, and was dead; and behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death” (Rev. 1; 18).

Keys represent authority. He had conquered satan and stripped him of his authority. Jesus was the master of all hell.

But He did not conquer satan for Himself. He conquered him for us. It was as though you and I personally had met satan and conquered him, stripped him of authority, and stood a master over him.

Confession: King Jesus my Head. He is Lord over all. He conquered satan for me. He stripped satan of his authority for me. In the eyes of heaven, hell and this universe, it was as though I personally had met satan and conquered him, stripped him of his authority, and stood a master over him. Therefore, in Christ Jesus, I am more than a conqueror; I am a holder of authority; I stand a master over satan and all his cohorts.

FEATURED

THE RAPTURE IS EMINENT written by: UNKOWN

Rapture will take place any time from now.

Everything hindering the rapture has been removed.

Gospel has been preached almost everywhere.

All the prophecies have been fulfilled. Angels physically seen and captured on camera @ Dansoman also gives a 'sign'.

The devil is working very hard to occupy Christians with the things of this world so that the day will catch them unawares.

Please be prepared. There is no more time, Use the advantage of this free sms to send this message to at least 10 people.

Do not ignore. This is also a source of evangelism.

Souls are dying.

GOD bless you!

Let’s Pray Hard: 6 6 6 The Mark of The Beast Prophesy Finally Fulfilled… as Written By: Jonathan Annobil.

The US Senate has passed the Obama Health Bill into law.

The implementation would commence soon.

This bill would require all Americans to be implanted with a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip in order to access medical care.

The device will be implanted on the forehead or on the arm.

This is to fulfill the prophesy in the Book of Revelation 13: 15-18 concerning the MARK OF THE BEAST. Are you still doubting the END TIME? Do U know that the special car which was made for Obama is known as the BEAST? Get READY. The rapture is near! Revelations 13 is being played out right before us.

Many are still unaware.

Why is the chip being implanted exactly where the Bible says it would be? Why on the hand and forehead. Why not anywhere else?

Why is it being connected to your bank account?

Remember the Bible says you won't be able to buy or sell without the mark 6 6 6.

And guess what! The chip is connected to your financial details.

What breaks my heart the most is that many people in the Church will not make it if JESUS comes now?

Many are unaware that the end is near.

Don’t tell me that it's advancement in technology or development.

If any area of your life is not in sync with GOD’s word, repent and be converted.

If you miss heaven you can never miss hell….. think about it.

Hell is not a pretty place.

The worst part is that it is for eternity…

He who has ears, let him hear what the Spirit says to the church.

IT WAS THE HAND OF GOD You know so many times as Christians, wait let me say as human beings we face encounters that can only be solved by Jesus. These types of situations once solved, make you sit and be in awe of how a human could have never survived that. In everyday life we get to see the hand of God by merely being alive , we get to experience what an awesome God we serve . In every issue we feature a story that will change your life in every way. If you have no idea what God can do , this is one true example . This story is by NOSIZWE .You can also share yours with us at: beautyandthegospel@gmail.com.

By speaking up, I was taking the termination pill to

God spoke therefore, I spoke to my situation too and

kill him and abort him out of my belly once and for

it is DONE!

all because he wanted to rule over me.

I removed the ragged cloth the devil covered me with and put on what is of God. My gown is Royal

I went further and broke every generational curse

dignity and straightened my Crown and walked not

that I knew was affecting me and could possibly

with pride but with authority, Kingship and

affect my children and named it by its names: Lust,

Priesthood! And what it has done for us is that it has

unsuccessfulness, poverty, jail bird, sexual abuse,

freed me, of all the fake people in my life, friends,

divorce, no marriage, incest, alcohol, runaways, and

pursuers, witches and wizards all packed their bags

many many more. Let me make it very clear, I have

and left and the best is that no one can gossip about

both male and female in my children so the purpose

me because I did it myself.

is to make sure that my children will not be abusers and abused. I hope this is clear, not with the children

I’m untouchable like air because I’m saved. You shall

that God has borrowed me while I’m on this earth

speak the truth and it shall set you free! John 8: 32

and guess what,it worked and it is still working just

My name is Nosizwe, Mother of a Nation, a servant of

like the blood of the Lamb is still dripping on the

God for your service. Yes! G-o-d-r-e-s-s. Godress

cross for our sins, sickness and everything else

luck, flaming fume, a living testimony because I am a

negatively affecting us. It’s for this very reason Jesus

daughter of a living Father.

Died for us all . What you have to do is claim it through speech because I’m made in His image and

Jesus is the King of Kings, a Redeemer, Comforter,

He had given me dominion over all things on earth

Mother to the motherless, Father to the fatherless,

including the devil!

Royalty, Ancient of days, Lion of Judah, Alpha and

trick and twist us to kill ourselves- self destruct!

Omega, Cornerstone, shall I go on? ��

covered

GAL

WE GOT TO CHAT WITH SOUTH AFRICA'S FASHIONISTA AND CHRISTIAN BLOGGER :

nadine lombaard Who is Nadine Lombaard personally,

I was born and raised in a small town called,

professionally and where are you from?

Klerksdorp and studied in Potchefstroom. After my

I am a “what-you-see-is-what-you-get”

studies in 2008, I made the move to the big city

gal, I identify fully as a daughter of

(Johannesburg) to pursue a career in fashion.

Christ and I am so humbled by it.

When and how did you become Born Again?

Fashion has always been a passion of mine and I am so blessed that I have been able to make a career out of it.

Currently, I am the Buying Manager for a leading online fashion company as well as heading up the CoveredGal community.

I gave my heart to Christ when I was a young girl, I still remember my gran leading us in prayer and my young heart saying “Yes!” to Jesus. In 2004 my brother passed away suddenly and in the turmoil of grief & trauma, I drifted far from God. I’ve always considered myself a Christian but I can honestly say that there was no relationship with God, no understanding of the Father’s heart and no steadfast faith.

I was born and raised in a small town

I knew I had to share this revelation of the Father’s

called, Klerksdorp and studied in

heart for His Daughters and so that one word

Potchefstroom. After my studies in 2008, I

became a stirring in my soul that I use to express

made the move to the big city

His love in blog posts and our social media

(Johannesburg) to pursue a career in fashion.

When and how did you become Born Again?

I gave my heart to Christ when I was a young girl, I still remember my gran leading us in prayer and my young heart saying “Yes!” to Jesus. In 2004 my brother passed away suddenly and in the turmoil of grief & trauma, I drifted far from God. I’ve always considered myself a Christian but I can honestly say that there was no relationship with God, no understanding of the Father’s

community.

To someone reading your blog, what do you want them to know?

That they are God’s Daughter, First! Before anything else, any other label, title or name the world has placed on you, you are God’s Daughter First. There is SO much power in understanding and believing that single fact!

Any plans of hosting a meet and greet for CoveredGalz in South Africa?

Definitely! The heart of CoveredGal is to create an unstoppable community of God’s Daughters. It makes me excited to see how the Gals are able to

heart and no steadfast faith. 2 Years ago

learn, grow and sow into each other’s lives online,

this all changed, I found myself at a place

can you imagine if we all had to get together in

where I just could not carry on, I was at a

real life! I love the phrase “Be a fountain, not a

place where the world had no solution for

drain” and that is what I see for the CoveredGal

the God shaped hole in my heart and I knew

community, to be a fountain of blessing flowing

that I only had One last option.

and watering women along the way.

My husband and myself, both recommitted

What challenges have you faced or are still facing

our lives to Christ and earlier this year on Mother’s Day I was baptised.

When I say the name Jesus what comes to mind?

Good Good Father!

If Jesus were to visit you for one day, what would you say to Him and how would you spend the rest of the day with Him? I immediately thought of the movie “The Shack”! I think just being with Him would be amazing. I speak to God daily but actually physically hearing His voice, seeing

as a Born Again Christian female?

The biggest challenge for me has been being a female Christian leader in business. People assume that you are soft and easy to walk over because you are an outspoken Christian.

If you could change some things within the modern church (us Christians), what would it be?

I would love to hear us preach more on the Holy Spirit. I love that we are living in a time of one of the biggest revivals in history and that people are grasping the love of God and what Jesus has done for us but so many people are missing out on knowledge of the Holy Spirit!

His facial expressions and feeling his

What’s that one thing you haven’t done and is the

embrace would be the best feeling in the

1st thing on your bucket list?

world.

I would love to visit Miami! Both my husband and I

You have a blog titled “coveredGal”, please

are huge fans of Vous church in Miami, lead by

take us into the process from the beginning,

Rich & Dawn-Chere’ Wilkerson and we would love

what inspired you to start the blog and why

to attend Vous Conference 2019!

the title “coveredGal?

Plans for the rest of the year?

CoveredGal started as a God Dream about 2 years ago.

After coming through a very hard season and finding myself at the point of having no choice but to surrender it all to God, I felt God put the word “Covered” in my heart. It was so relevant because as I started to understand the heart of God I truly knew what it meant to be covered by His Blood, His Love, His Grace, His Blessing and His Presence.

We still have a few exciting giveaways planned and then just wrapping up our 2019 planning. We truly believe that 2019 is going to be the year that CoveredGal spreads her wings!

Last words or rather advice for Christians?

God loves you so much, don’t give up on Him! He’s right there, waiting for you to come closer.

"THAT THEY ARE GOD’S DAUGHTER, FIRST! BEFORE ANYTHING ELSE, ANY OTHER LABEL, TITLE OR NAME THE WORLD HAS PLACED ON YOU, YOU ARE GOD’S DAUGHTER FIRST. THERE IS SO MUCH POWER IN UNDERSTANDING AND BELIEVING THAT SINGLE FACT!."

• Current read : Unexpected by Christine Caine • You are happiest when I have my family & kids with me!

• Your fashion statement would be?

A pop of colour & denim!

• Most valuable possession? My engagement ring! The stone was my great grandmother’s, which was passed down to my grandmother and she gave it to my husband to reset for me as an engagement ring.

• Daily scent? Jimmy Choo Eau de Parfum

draabmol I D A N E N

MORE ABOUT NADINE

nadinelom

• Can’t stop thinking about? What’s next for CoveredGal! I am so excited for 2019!

• You look up to? My parents. They are such an example of what it means to follow the Father’s heart and I am so blessed to have them sow into our lives.

• Favourite destination? Italy!

• You haven’t lived if you haven’t?

Attended Hillsong Colour Conference! One of the most memorable experiences ever!

• One thing that people don’t know about me is? I’m a qualified scuba diver, however I haven’t dived in over 10 years.

THE 5 R'S OF REPENTANCE by: ENDTIME SIGNS This is a topic that confuses many Christians. And once again we give thanks to @endtimesigns who took it upon himself to elaborate.

LEARN AND SHARE!!!

RECOGNITION OF SIN- This is the first step to repentance. When you realize you are a sinner and you see your need for a Saviour, you’ll then come to the point of recognizing your sin. This is to confess your sin to God and ask for forgiveness.

While doing so, you are to also recognize the solution for it, which is the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. See, Psalms 51: 1-4 and Jeremiah 3:13 REMORSE OF SIN- In 2 Corinthians 7: 9-10. Paul says that Godly grief should occur in repentance.

To have Godly grief is to have remorse for sin, which is to show deep sorrow and regret over sinning against God. When this occurs, you will be ‘’grieved into repenting’’, as the verse states. And because it is a Godly grief, it not only acknowledges wrong doing but also admits offense against God, it produces repentance that leads to salvation. Which leads to a confession of sin and an acceptance of the Gospel.

RESOLVE TO CHANGE YOUR MIND- The remorse of sin creates a change of mind for the better. This step is a righteous reaction to the wickedness of sin and its negative effects. Where hatred of sin will then take place by loving God by following His will. See, Proverbs 28:13 and Romans 12:2.

REFORMATION, A CHANGE OF LIFESTYLE- Since a change of mind has occurred, what, must happen next is change of lifestyle. Sin will not remove itself from you; you must remove yourself from sin with the help from Jesus. The removal of sin is essential in repentance, for it demonstrates a true turning from sin. This does not mean that you are perfect, but that you are taking practical steps to remove the sin in your life. This is seen not only removing sin, but also replacing it with Godly living (Colossians 3:8-14). See, Ezekiel 18:21-22.

RESTITUTION WHERE POSSIBLE- This means to restore or to make amends if possible to those who have suffered through one’s wrongdoing /sin. In other words to make things right with the person that I have done wrong to. We cannot always repair the past, but we can show that we are sorry and do our best to comfort those we have wronged. God provides grace to forgive our sins we can provide kindness and restitution to help others forgive us as well. See, Matthew 3:7-9 and Luke 19:8.

Lastly, when these are put together to form repentance two more R’s come to mind. First, is Restoration, where the person is ready to ask for forgiveness and in doing so that person is restored to a right relationship with God. The 2nd R is Rejoining over forgiven sin. Just as we cannot enter into true repentance without sorrow of our guilt of sin, we cannot emerge from true repentance without joy for our release from shame, and it’s all thanks to God through Jesus Christ ( Romans 7:24-25).

SCRIPTURE OF THE MONTH

O Lord , I have heard of what you have done, and I am filled with awe. Now do again in our times the great deeds you used to do. Be merciful, even when you are angry.

HABAKKUK 3:2

MATURE, MARRIED &

BORN AGAIN

Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate .

-Ecclesiastes 4:12 A wedding is a ceremony where two people are united in marriage. Created by God for us.

This issue focuses on the Godly marriage of Dr. Johnie and Dr. Sandra Edwards

Who are you individually (personally &professionally)?

Dr. Johnie Edwards: personally I love people and always have, I love communicating with people and I love seeing them come to the Lord. My life speaks to that. Ocilla is where Dr. Edwards lived as a child, but at the age of seven he was told by his parents that he would be leaving Georgia and moving in Bridgeport, Connecticut to be raised by his paternal Aunt. I was told I by my mother she wanted me to go be a doctor. I think she wanted me to be medical Doctor but God had other plans for me. I returned to my home town fifty years, which is biblical interpretation is the year of Jubilee. My life has been like the biblical character Joseph who was sent away to return home to preserve his family. I believe God sent me away for that purpose which gave me a passion and love for people and family. God was preparing him through all of that. B. I am the Senior Pastor of True Life Restoration Christian Center, Inc. Ocilla, Georgia, President of Kingdom Life School of Theology.

Dr. Sandra Edwards - Personally I am true to the biblical meaning of my name Sandra a “helper of mankind.” I am teacher. I believe in bringing people to a place of elevation. I enjoy teaching the word of God because I know how it changed my life. One of my favorite quotes is to bring “impartation of the word, that impartation brings revelation, revelation brings application, and application brings dedication.”

I believer that is my personal and spiritual role in my life. I am the Assistant Pastor of True Life Restoration Christian Center, Inc. and Academic Dean of Kingdom Life School of Theology.

How Long and when did you meet?

We met in the late 1960’s in Bridgeport, Connecticut. We met at a birthday which my wife actually was not supposed to be there, but her sister had gotten sick and her sister’s best friend needed someone to go with her.We dated about three years before we married in 1970.

How did you date before you got married?

Four years.

How did you individually know that He, She was the one?

He – I did not want to be with anyone but her. I dropped all other women. I remember a couple of times I found myself telling my old girlfriend about her, which dissolved all past relationships.

She – I did not know at first, it took years to recognize God put us together.

When did you get married?

March 21, 1970 How have you managed to be married for over 40 years, what is the secret?

Jesus!!!!!

Take us through the process of the wedding celebration how was that and if there is any changes you could have made?

The wedding celebration was small. We got married by his paternal Aunt’s Pastor. The only witnesses were my best girlfriend, his father, and my mother. The wedding reception was nice.

It actually only cost us $300.00. lol After we were married for 25 years we renewed our marital vows, because we began our marriage without Him, and we both were serious about being dedicated to our salvation; so we decided to renew our vows.

Has your relationship changed from dating to marriage?

Yes. When you are young and married, you are selfcentered, only being more concerned about who you are and what affects you. In a marriage it cannot be that way you have to sacrifice a lot, to make it work. The significant change will come with your fair perception of seeing both sides.

If you could change the perception that people have about marriage what would it be?

First, and foremost have God at the center is your best chances of having it work. Second, the wedding was spiritual, not just physical. There are so many marriages that begin with the concept that it is physical. That it is all about a wedding gown, a tux, and how great the music is and how many gifts you might we received. We have married nine couples including our son, and the first things we do besides counsel, is we make up a “Wedding Basket” in the Bride’s color themes of the wedding, and we put a scroll inside the basket with copies of the “Wedding Covenant” which explains the Biblical significance of a spiritual wedding with scriptural references.

For the single person out there, wondering when they are getting married, what advice would you give them?

Be friends first, get to know each other. We did not have that experience, friends share things with each other, they become intimate, but not in a sexual way, or they at least do not think of letting sex dominate the relationship. Time your time, and develop a relationship not based on sex, but mutual love and respect for each other.

How do you deal with problems that you encounter as a married couple?

Dr. Sandra and I sometimes have and will have sharpe disagreements, but we try not to let things get too far out of hand because we know that it is the enemy. The enemy hates covenant, and marriage is a covenant. Also, it depends on the two individuals involved. Most likely the greatest problems comes from the individuals upbringing, the environment they have been groomed in, and the relational view of each other based on what kind of relationship their parents had, or if they did not have two parents in the home.

This plays a significant role in how you deal with the problems. We always tell young married couples your biggest challenge will be that you both came out of two different households, brought up two different ways, and there are issues, because parents have issues, and many of the parents issues are passed on generationally, and emotionally to their siblings. We always say it is not what people do; it is “Why do they do it?” For example: I have always been friendly and outgoing, reaching out to people because I felt lonely being taken away from my family and being a sent away at the age of seven. When I left it was never fully explained to me why I was going. Yes my mother told me go be a Doctor, but she never fully explained why they were letting me go. Before I left I had done something that warranted a spanking, and in my mind I was being sent away because I was bad. Parents make that mistake, and so children without any coping skills are left to figure it out on their own.

As a result of that I was very lonely, always reaching out to people I guess trying to recreate a pseudo family. My Aunt and Uncle only had one other child who was grown up, so I was raised as an only child.

My wife on the other hand was raised in a large family, and she always felt unloved and rejected, isolated. So now she marries a guy who always wants to be with people, and she never wants to be with people. That created a big problem in our marriage.

Challenges you’re facing as a married or born again couple?

I think one problem is the way I handle money. I believe Dr. Sandra is more concern about money than I am, but she handles the personal finances as well as the Church finances. We have had to learn to balance each other in our negatives. Sometimes when we have certain issues we do not agree on, we sleep on it before making a decision. As leaders in the ministry our challenges are mostly those we face in dealing with ministry issues. Ministry leadership roles can have a profound effect on marriage. It adds to the burden of any challenges you may have in marriage, because ministry requires your devotion, and commitment, and it many cases your marriage suffers as a result. Every church has problems; if you have people you are going to have problems.

Things you wish you were told about marriage?

A. How hard it would be. B. Do not allow family or friends to be the final judge in how you handle your marital issues. Try to deal with them on your own, because it brings division in the family. C. We have made it a common rule with our children; our daughter who has been married for 28 years, and our son who has been married for 20 years not to get in their marital issues. We encourage them to resolve them between themselves. Our son-in-love and our daughter-in-love have openly respected us greatly for taking that stand.

Who is Jesus Christ to you individually and as a couple?

She – Jesus healed, delivered and changed me, as a couple there is no way our marriage could have survived 48 years if we had not made the decision to accept Him, and allow the Holy Spirit to change us.

One word to describe your marriage?

Strong!!!!

What advice to those who are in the process of getting married would you give?

To talk about your backgrounds, and understand that you are two different individuals who have been a raised in two different households coupled with different world views, and different ideas about relationships. Because of Adam’s fall all of humanity fell, which means all households are dysfunctional, unless the allow Jesus and the Holy Spirit to lead and guide you. Coming into a marriage with the idea that it will work better if you change one another does not work. We tell young people all the time, “Do a Background Check on Each Other” because there can be generational curses, soul-ties, and emotional issues that have plagued your family history, and when you get married, you bring those issues into the marriage. Do not marry blindly, and take your time, be “Friends” first.

The best advice received?

Whatever the problems you face, work it out between yourselves, because ultimately the survival of your marriage will depend on how much you want to give up and sacrifice to come into Covenant Agreement!!

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WORDS

WISDOM

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- FEATURED ARTICLE -

YOU CAN LIVE FOR GOD AND STILL BE DOPE (part 2) Be dope, do not be conformed to the systems of this world but be transformed.

As children of God we like to live our lives so that we can be “accepted” by those people around us. Why don’t we live our lives in such a way that they long to be conformed to our way of living? We tend to live double lives and think we are pleasing God. IMPOSSIBLE!

God wants us to be totally co

They often look like prostitutes.

In continuation of the previous

Their cleavage are so exposed that

article I will mostly focus on our

only the nipples are hidden. These

dress code.

cleavages resemble babies’ bums and bums are meant to be covered

We really need to look at the way

no matter how cute we might

we clothe our bodies. Newspapers

think they are.

and magazines promote nudity. It

There are people who do not wear

is the “in thing” and considered to

underwear and are happy that

be beauty when one is dressed in

everyone is aware of that. They go

skimpy or barely there clothes.

around dancing exposing

Some people these so called

themselves and have these men

celebrities are anti-clothing.

drooling over them. As Christians are we also trying to achieve?

"#YOUCANLIVEFORJESUS&STILL BEDOPE!."

They will parade their nakedness

Churches are a place of worship and meeting with our

for all to see and they feel no

Lord. You don’t need to be naked to be beautiful. As a

shame at all. Most of them you can

Christian you need to dress nicely and appropriately. I’m

even see that they are not even

not saying cover yourself from head to toe. NOOOO!!! Be

wearing underwear.

presentable and make King Jesus proud let us not be

Some Christians are now adopting

conformed to the standards of this world. You can dress

this dress code. They go to

nicely and be dope. If you can be mistaken for the lady of

churches in these short skimpy

the night then you need some serious makeover. You

skirts and dresses. They also like to

don’t have to dress provocatively to be dope. Dress to

sit in the front with thighs laid

impress the King of Kings let’s make Him proud to be our

bare. They often look like

Father.

prostitutes. Their cleavage are so exposed that only the nipples are hidden.

ANNOUNCEMENT Hey there, its me Empress Teekay again. I hope this issue was all you needed and more.

Calling on all interior designers, cooks, fashionistas, makeup artists etc as article contributors .

The magazine is free so no salary is available .Also if you have a story about how God saved you from a near death experience or testimony of how you got born again please do email @beautyandthegospel@gmail.com

Advertisers you are also welcome. For reasonable price queries email: beautyandthegospel@gm ail.com Till next time ,THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS YOU ! look out for the next issue on the 1st of November 2k18