KINGDOM PRIVILEGE CHRISTIANS SHOULD NEVER READ HOROSCOPES
Magazine
BISHOP DUANE JOHNSON: SPEAK TO MY HEART MINISTRIES
DO YOU KNOW YOUR GOD? FOUR BIBLE STUDY TIPS FOR 2023
BISHOP JEROME STOKES 38 Years of Excellent Kingdom Service $14 US $18 CAN
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, e f i l r u o y r e n i d n e u is h r t s d n m r a o s t , e s y l h t h s n g a l e u l f o o i g h v T n i e n g e t a r h g s i l r e h t g a ! u s w o s h h a t g P u l l o a h h t S , s o l o T rol s i Th
TABLE 03
EDITOR'S LETTER
04 EATING HEALTHY IN 2023
18 CHRISTIANS SHOULD NEVER READ HOROSCOPES
27 BISHOP DUANE JOHNSON "SPEAK TO MY HEART MINISTRIES"
38 BISHOP JEROME STOKES "THE CHURCH OF THE REDEEMED OF THE LORD"
26 FOUR BIBLE STUDY TIPS FOR 2023
50 THE BLACK FATHER IN 2023
52 DO YOU KNOW YOUR GOD?
CONTENTS
"THE EFFECTUAL FERVENT PRAYER OF A RIGHTEOUS MAN AVAILETH MUCH." (JAMES 5:16) "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." (II Chronicles 7:14.) "After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen." (Matthew 6:9-13) "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7)
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF "Because I will publish the name of the LORD: ascribe ye greatness unto our God." (Deuteronomy 32:3)
In the day and age that we’re living in—an age when (my mother and grandmother used to say) men are calling right wrong and wrong right, it is imperative that we make sure the Gospel message (the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ), the salvation plan (Acts 2:38) and the Word of God is preached, taught, written and distributed to the world in every capacity. So many Christians today are compromising the principles of the Word of God for money, filthy lucre, notoriety, and more; and the truth is either watered down or not mentioned at all. KINGDOM PRIVILEGE MAGAZINE was created to join those bold sons and daughters in the Kingdom who fight for the standard of holiness
Pastor Gnamou Henry
and will not back down or be silent! Sons and daughters who live the words of Jude 1:3 “earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” Our goal as a Christian publication is to inform, educate, raise awareness, inspire, motivate, encourage and challenge everyone who reads our content to maintain the Christian standard. Because if we can change just one life, then (as the old gospel song goes) our living shall not be in
"Because I will publish the name of the LORD: ascribe ye greatness unto our God." Deuteronomy 32:3
vain! Kingdom Privilege | 3 | August 2023
G N I T EA One of the greatest contributions to healthy living is a healthy diet.
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One of the greatest contributions to healthy living is a healthy diet. Eating healthy is beneficial to the overall health of the mind and body. Healthy eating provides protein, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, minerals and nutrition essential for energy and proper body function. Kingdom Privilege | 4 | August 2023
A healthy diet should include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, little to no processed food and unsweetened beverages. A good tip to managing a good diet and avoid overeating is to regulate proper serving portions. Experts say that a 9-inch plate is the appropriate size for an adult. The plate should be divided directly down the middle. One
Eating healthy is beneficial to the overall health of the mind and body.
half of the plate should be filled with either starchy vegetables such as peas, corn or plantains— or non-starchy vegetables such as carrots, zucchini or salad. One quarter of the plate should have whole grains or starches, such as brown rice, beans or whole wheat pasta. And the final quarter should have lean protein like tofu, grilled fish or chicken. Add a beverage like unsweetened coffee or tea, or a glass of water with a dash of lemon or lime to complete the meal. Keeping in line with these guidelines will be beneficial in the long run. Also remember to limit your intake of fats, preferring unsaturated fats to saturated fats.
KINGDOM PRIVILEGE MAGAZINE THREE ISSUES
Created by Pastor Gnamou Henry Three amazing issues with much more to come. To purchase a printed or digital copy go to: kingdomprivilegema gazine.com
"Because I will publish the name of the LORD: ascribe ye greatness unto our God." (Deuteronomy 32:3)
Kingdom Privilege | 6 | August 2023
Literary Works Of
CATHERINE
RICHARDSON-HENRY Catherine Richardson-Henry has written and published three amazing books; LIQUID SOUL: Sounds of Freedom, an inspirational book of poetry that has been sold online and in stores, as well as distributed to local schools and libraries. Her other literary works are two interactive children's books: Opposite Oliver and ONE BIG FARM. These two educational projects teach children opposites, rhyming, numbers and animals. They also teach children to respect and listen to their teachers. Catherine's creative nature is drawn from the gift that God has instilled within her, personal experiences, and the people around her. In addition to her three published projects, Catherine has several other children’s books in the works, another book of poetry and an inspirational Christian book, all due to be released in 2024.
Kingdom Privilege | 7 | August 2023
TIME IS AL WHERE WILL YOU "GREATER LOVE HATH NO MAN THAN THIS, THAT A MAN LAY DOWN HIS LIFE FOR HIS FRIENDS." (JOHN 15:13)
Kingdom Privilege | 8 | August 2023
MOST UP SPEND ETERNITY? "FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD, THAT HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, THAT WHOSOEVER BELIEVETH IN HIM SHOULD NOT PERISH, BUT HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE." (JOHN 3:16)
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ME AND MY HOUSE “...but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." (Joshua 24:15)
Revelation 5:5 "And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof."
John 1:29, 36 "The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." "And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!"
DON'T DISCOURA
II Corinthians 4:8-9 "We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;"
WE WIN!
BE GED
The Universe Created Nothing, GOD Created The Universe
Kingdom Privilege | 14 | August 2023
"THE UNIVERSE IS NOT EQUAL WITH GOD"
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hat makes a person credit the universe for events that occur in their life? Why do some people proclaim that the universe is responsible for mysteries, realities, and uncontrolled events related to time, space and human affairs? Thehuman answer in most cases is a belief system called pantheism. Pantheism is the philosophical religious belief that reality, the universe and the cosmos are the same as divinity or a supreme being. The word Pantheism is derived from the Greek word πᾶν pan (meaning "all, of everything") and θεός theos (meaning "god, divine"). Pantheist believe that there is no distinct god, from an anthropomorphic perspective, but rather a broad range of ideas characterizing distinct relationships between reality and divinity. The term pantheism was created by a mathematician named Joseph Raphson in 1697 and became popular during the 16th century by the teachings of philosopher and cosmologist Giordano Bruno. It became popular in western culture as a theology and philosophy largely because of the work of 17th-century philosopher Baruch Spinoza and his book Ethics.
kings 23:5) People who worshiped any of the heavenly bodies were sentenced to death by stoning (see Deuteronomy 17:1-5). Number 2: The universe is not equal to God. "To whom then will ye liken me, or shall I be equal? saith the Holy One." (Isaiah 40:25) "Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God." (Isaiah 44:6) Number 3: The universe created nothing, God created the universe: "By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth." (Psalms 33:6)
"AS MAGNIFICENT AS THE UNIVERSE IS (THE SUN, MOON, STARS, AND PLANETS), IT IS NEVER TO BE WORSHIPED."
Let’s see what the Scriptures say about this kind of belief system. Number 1: As magnificent as the universe is (the sun, moon, stars, and planets), it is never to be worshiped: “And he put down the idolatrous priests, whom the kings of Judah had ordained to burn incense in the high places in the cities of Judah, and in the places round about Jerusalem; them also that burned incense unto Baal, to the sun, and to the moon, and to the planets, and to all the host of heaven.” (II
"He stretcheth out the north over the empty place, and hangeth the earth upon nothing." (Job 26:7)
"It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in: " (Isaiah 40:22) Number 4: Not only did God create the universe but He calls the elements by name: "He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names." (Psalms 147:4 ) "Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number: he calleth them all by names by the greatness of his might, for that he is strong in power; not one faileth." (Isaiah 40:26) The Scriptures clearly puts everything in perspective. Quite frankly there's nothing else that needs to be said.
Kingdom Privilege | 15 | August 2023
HOW ARE EVE AND MARY CONNECTED?
BIBLE BRAIN TEASER
In Genesis 3:15 after the fall of Adam and Eve, God prophesied to the serpent regarding the seed of a woman. "And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel." Biologically, a woman cannot produce a seed, the man produces the seed. But since Adam (the progenitor of the human race) fell, any seed produced from his loins would have been corrupt and thus not suitable to produce the Son of God. "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:" (Rom. 5:12) So God in His infinite wisdom, produced a seed from the womb of a woman without the aid of a man. The prophecy in Genesis 3:15 is directly connected to Mary because Mary is the only woman in the history of the human race to produce a child without the assistance of a man. Therefore, Jesus becomes the seed of the woman. Kingdom Privilege | 16 | August 2023
PRAY GOD'S PROTECTION OVER OUR CHILDREN
"Children Are Our Future"
Psalms 103:17
We are living in the last, of the last days. And the Scriptures declare that, "in the last days, perilous times shall come." (II Timothy 3:1) There is no one more susceptible to peril than our children. We must guard and protect them in school and in society. They are the heritage of the Lord and the fruit of the womb (Psalms 127:3).
"But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children;"
Matthew 18:6 "But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea."
Matthew 18:10 "Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven."
Kingdom Privilege | 17 | August 2023
Christians Should Never Read Horoscopes
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he Oxford English Dictionary defines astronomy as the scientific study of the sun, moon, stars, and planets. The Cambridge Dictionary defines astronomy as the scientific study of the universe and of objects that exist naturally in space, such as the moon, the sun, the planets, and the stars. The Oxford English Dictionary defines astrology as the study of the positions of the stars and the movements of the planets in the belief that they influence human affairs. The Cambridge Dictionary defines astrology as the study of the movements and positions of the sun, moon, planets, and stars in the belief that they affect the character and lives of people. I used these two trusted sources of information to convey the distinct difference between studying the heavenly bodies and essentially worshiping the heavenly bodies. There’s nothing wrong with studying the universe (astronomers). In fact, the Bible says, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.” (Psalms 19:1) There is, however, plenty wrong with Christians who find interest and entertainment in astrology. In addition to the definitions given by Oxford and Cambridge astrology is also a system of deep deception designed by Satan to draw attention away from God and onto himself. When Christians buy into a false narrative that perpetuates the idea of receiving guidance, direction, or information (reading horoscopes, identifying with
zodiac signs) from any source other than God, they ultimately make that source their god and thus their object of worship. It is essentially an alternative to the path that God has designed for us. “And lest thou lift up thine eyes unto heaven, and when thou seest the sun, and the moon, and the stars, even all the host of heaven, shouldest be driven to worship them, and serve them, which the LORD thy God hath divided unto all nations under the whole heaven.” (Deuteronomy 419) Satan uses deception as one of his greatest tools to separate God from His creation. He will present a choice outside of what God has established and then
Kingdom Privilege | 18 | August 2023
psychology, philosophy, and astronomy. The Scriptures reveal that all three of these nations were deeply steeped in idolatry. Babylonians: “And the men of Babylon made Succothbenoth, and the men of Cuth made Nergal, and the men of Hamath made Ashima, and the Avites made Nibhaz and Tartak, and the Sepharvites burnt their children in fire to Adrammelech and Anammelech, the gods of Sepharvaim.” (II Kings 17:30, 31) Egyptians:: “Then said I unto them, Cast ye away every man the abominations of his eyes, and defile not yourselves with the idols of Egypt: I am the LORD your God.” (Ezekiel 20:7) Greeks: “Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry.” (Acts 17:16)
"Why would a born-again believer seek wisdom, knowledge, and understanding outside the God of the Bible..." play on the very thing he knows God will never interfere with: free will. He did it with the angels in heaven (Revelation 12:4), he did it with Eve in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:1-7), and he tried to do it with Jesus in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11, Mark
These nations practiced extreme 1:12-13, Luke 4:1-13). polytheism. A monotheistic system Let’s take it a step further. The earliest recorded organized system of worship (which we Christians use—acknowledging God as the of astrology dates back to the second millennium BC, during the creator of all things) was never part of their culture. Therefore, age of the Babylonians. They are any association with their religious the originators of the 12 signs of or spiritual practices in even the the zodiac. The Egyptians came smallest ways automatically aligns along with their advances in with their system of worship. science, mathematics, and Why would a born-again literature and refined astrology to believer seek wisdom, knowledge, fit their cultural narrative. Finally, and understanding outside the the Greeks rose to power and God of the Bible when the integrated astrology with
Kingdom Privilege | 19 | August 2023
the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,” (Ephesians 1:18) “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” (Romans 15:13)
"Satan can manipulate the truth into deception and cause major destruction." Scriptures clearly reveal that He is omniscient? “Hast thou not known? Hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? There is no searching of his understanding.” (Isaiah 40:28) “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!” (Romans 11:33) Let’s look at two popular reasons why people read horoscopes: Hope: Many people believe that because certain factors in horoscopes reflect aspects of their life, they can find hope for the day, the week, etc. However, at the end of the day, this is an illusion, a false hope. Satan can manipulate the truth into deception and cause major destruction. The reality is that God is our hope; it is in Him we trust and depend on for a greater tomorrow. “The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and
Self-identity: The 12 signs of the zodiac are associated with their own symbols, cultural histories, personality traits, elements, and modalities. People buy into the compatibilities and similarities they see within their own personalities. For example, Aries is supposedly associated with the Warrior or Hero archetype—a naturally strong-willed figure. This idea makes people believe that they can discover their true identities in astrology, but, again, this is a false narrative. A person cannot discover who they are through a created system that, in essence, did not create them. What other source besides the one that created us can tell us who we are? “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.” (Jeremiah 1:5) “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.” (I Peter 2:9) We haven’t even scratched the surface of the depth of the conversation we can have about Christians and astrology, but the bottom line is, if it is not Godcentered, it is of the devil. Avoid it at all costs.
"A person cannot discover who they are through a created system that, in essence, did not create them."
Meditation is good as long as it's the Word of God. "This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success." (Joshua 1:8) Kingdom Privilege | 21 | August 2023
WHOSO FINDETH A WIFE FINDETH A GOOD THING, AND OBTAINETH FAVOUR OF THE LORD.
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OUR SENIORS ARE APPRECIATED “With the ancient is wisdom; and in length of days understanding.” (Job 12:12)
“Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations: ask thy father, and he will shew thee; thy elders, and they will tell thee.” (Deuteronomy 32:7) Kingdom Privilege | 24 | JAugust 2023
PROVERBS 17:9
"He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends."
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FOUR BIBLE STUDY TIPS FOR 2023 "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (II Timothy 2:15)
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here is nothing more powerful, more reliable, more tested and tried than the Word of God. Through many centuries of ridicule and scrutiny, the Bible has remained the most powerful source of information and revelation on earth. Psalms 138:2 says that God magnifies His Word above His name. The Holy Scriptures are not just words capsulated in time but words that are eternal and life-giving. Let's look at four study tips that will help us better understand the Word of God: 1) Prayer: II Timothy 3:15 says that all Scripture is inspired or God breathed. Therefore, before we study the Word we should seek Him for wisdom, knowledge and
understanding of His Word. 2) Create a Bible Study Plan: Committing to a daily Bible study plan is essential for not only learning but digesting the Word of God, even on occasions when you can only read small portions. Be consistent. The U version Bible app has several plans to choose from. 3) Take Notes: A good way to remember what you studied is to take detailed notes. A good study Bible will have several themes and outlines throughout various books and chapters. Highlight the significance and practicality of those themes and outlines. 4) Meditation: After reading, studying, and taking notes, meditate on the Word of God and let it permanently become part of your spirit-man.
speak to my heart ministries Bishop Duane and First Lady Cynthia Johnson Over Sixteen Years of Impactful, Life Changing Ministry!
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From the earliest years of Bishop Duane Johnson’s life, God’s hand of anointing and power has rested purposefully upon him. Given that he grew up in a holiness church under the dynamic leadership of his parents, Bishop Carroll and Pastor Muriel Johnson, it wasn’t long before he was actively serving in multiple capacities. “One of the biggest things about me is that I serve,” Bishop Johnson says. “I watched my dad start from scratch and I just served, helped, and worked with him along the way.” As a faithful member of Maximum Life Christian Church in Woodlawn, Maryland (his
Kingdom Privilege | 27 | August 2023
Running With the Vision in 2023 parents’ church), Bishop Johnson served as a choir member, a junior deacon, a Sunday school teacher, a member of the audio ministry, and more. After he married the love of his life, Cynthia Johnson (now an ordained evangelist and First Lady of Speak To My Heart Ministries), they followed the leading of the Lord and moved to Greater Bethlehem Temple (GBT) in Randallstown, Maryland. Under the leadership of the renowned Bishop James D. Nelson Sr., Bishop Johnson was elevated to Youth Pastor. After several years of serving in that role, Bishop Johnson answered God’s call to the pastorate, and on April 1, 2007, he, his wife, and his young son started Speak To My Heart Ministries.
“We started Speak To My Heart Ministries with no building, no members, no musicians, no praise and worship team, and no money in the bank, just ridiculous faith,” Bishop Johnson says. “And eventually the ministry started growing.” Before settling into their current location at 3903 W. Belvedere Avenue in Baltimore, Maryland, the Speak To My Heart Ministries family worshiped at the Sankofa Dance Theater in Baltimore City —a facility that was rented out for parties on the weekends. Bishop Johnson says that the parties ran throughout the night, ending about two hours before they came in on Sunday mornings. The members brought in Lysol cans to refresh and rid
the facility of the stench of alcohol and marijuana. They also had to pick up beer bottles and clean the facility before they could start their Sunday service. On top of contending with messy conditions, the ministry had only a limited time to worship before they had to pack up and leave. “Although we were dealing with a lot at Sankofa, I was teaching faith at the church,” Bishop Johnson says. “And one day after leaving service, my wife suggested that we drive around the city a little. As we drove, we came across 3903 W. Belvedere Avenue. The building had a ‘for sale’ sign on it and my wife asked me to call the number posted on the sign right there on the spot. A man answered the phone,
"A goal and standard that Bishop Johnson has set for members of Speak To My Heart Ministries is that they discover the vision that God has set for them and run with it."
WORSHIP SERVICE AT SPEAK TO MY HEART MINISTRIES
and after speaking with him for a few moments, he said, ‘If you want the building, you can have it. Let's meet.’ And we got that building with 50 members, including children.” The location at 3903 W. Belvedere Avenue is a nearly 9000 sq. ft, building with sufficient space for Sunday worship services, weekly Bible studies, and special programs and events. It also allows the Ministry to assist community members in need by offering services such as annual back-toschool food and supplies giveaways, Thanksgiving food basket giveaways, and Christmas food and toy giveaways. Bishop Johnson’s three-fold vision for every member of Speak To My Heart Ministries: “Aside from being baptized in Jesus’ name and filled with the
Bishop Duane Johnson Holy Ghost, there are three things I want for every member at Speak To My Heart Ministries. One is to own their own home, two is having a credit score of 750 or more, and three is going back to school to get a trade, certification, or something to better their lives.” Operating from the theme, “we nurse people back to life,” Bishop Johnson and Speak To My Heart Ministries have helped several families get on their feet and re-establish themselves—putting into action what he often says: “going from surviving to thriving.” “It's just amazing to see
where God has brought so many people from,” he says. “Prison, selling drugs, and so much more. Some of the best members in the church are those who God has saved from the streets.” Speak To My Heart Ministries joined under the covering of World Assemblies of Restoration (WAR), an organization that later consecrated Bishop Johnson into the office of Bishopric. Running With the Vision: A goal and standard that Bishop Johnson has set for members of Speak To My Heart Ministries is that they discover
Engaging the Youth: As with every pastor I've had the pleasure of interviewing, COVID-19 has taken a toll on
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Education and Career: Bishop Duane Johnson is passionate about education. He graduated from Morgan State University with a Bachelor's degree in Communication/Radio and TV and has spent nearly two decades as a popular radio personality. In addition, he is a prominent and influential educator in the Baltimore Public School System. He returned to school and received his Master’s degree in Education from LaSalle University and is currently working on a second Master’s degree in Educational Leadership at McDaniel College to become a principal.
so many churches and their young people. However, Speak To My Heart Ministries has implemented several appealing ministries and programs to engage its youth. These ministries include mime, dance, and, of course, Children’s Church. “We have quarterly fun events for the young people, where we rent a game truck with 40 games,” Bishop Johnson says. “Last year during Halloween, we had a petting zoo, and the kids rode horses up and down West Belvedere.” He laughs. “We also rent moon bounces, and just T EAR M
the vision that God has set for them and run with it. This declaration is where the theme “Running With The Vision” for 2023 is derived. “A lot of people don’t have a vision for their life,” Bishop Johnson says. “Last year, I asked the members at the church to write down 12 things that they wanted to accomplish and I asked them to bring them to church, and we prayed over them. I said, ‘This is your game plan. This is your vision and blueprint. When we go into 2023, let’s put on our running shoes and run with the vision and make faith moves.’ The whole thing is about continuing to grow. I am believing God for 500 new members. I’m believing God for expansion, where we have more territory and we can open up more locations, sort of like a chain store.”
The rapper Lil Kee performing live at the annual community empowerment festival.
Community food giveaway-SPEAK TO MY HEART MINISTRIES.
recently we rented out a bowling alley and the young people had unlimited food and drinks. They had a blast.” Surviving COVID: The effects of the pandemic caused several churches throughout the country to shut down for good. Many saints, even to this day, are still uncomfortable in crowded places (small and large) and would rather enjoy their worship experience through online streaming from the comfort of their own homes. Although the members of
16th annual pastoral anniversary and crab fest in banquet hall of SPEAK TO MY HEART MINISTRIES.
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16th annual pastoral anniversary and crab fest in banquet hall of SPEAK TO MY HEART MINISTRIES.
The flooded altar after Bishop Duane Johnson delivers a life changing Word.
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Speak To My Heart Ministries felt the impact of COVID, it did not stifle them. Instead, as Bishop Johnson says, “We survived and thrived.” “Since I already had a degree in communications, I was adamant about having a website and a web presence even before COVID,” Bishop Johnson says. “I wanted to make sure that we were doing everything we could do to be on the cutting edge of recording, streaming, and putting our services on the social platforms.” The church has truly evolved
The dynamic and impacting ministry of Biship Duane Johnson.
ISTRIE IN
"Favor and blessings continue to rest upon Bishop Johnson, his wife and their son and daughter. God is not through with them yet."
Annual Men's Week at SPEAK TO MY MINISTRIES.
with the times. Years ago, if the church temporarily closed for maintenance, renovations, etc. we listened to previously recorded services on the radio (if our church was fortunate enough to have that option), or with the larger churches, we watched a television broadcast. Today, everybody can stream their ministries and services. "I found that through the snow storms when churches had to closed, having a web presence allowed the church to still function,” Bishop says. “And although no one was prepared for COVID, the members at Speak To My Heart Ministries were already accustomed to
viewing and giving their tithes and offerings online, so we actually prospered going through COVID instead of falling apart. In fact, we gained a lot of new members through the process. Some pastors who had churches that closed gave their blessings for their members to come and worship with us. We’ve come a long way with our streaming presentation, and it took a lot of work but we really did our research and figured it out. Favor and blessings continue to rest upon Bishop Johnson, his wife and their son and daughter. God is not through with yet.
SPONTA PRA
"I WILL BLESS THE HIS PRAISE SHALL MY MOUTH." Kingdom Privilege | 32 | August 2023
NEOUS ISE
n e v E s e m i t e m e So w , k r o W e s i at a r P a d Nee . k a B re
LORD AT ALL TIMES: CONTINUALLY BE IN (PSALMS 34:1) Kingdom Privilege | 33 | August 2023
GOD LOVES John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life.” Romans 8:38-39 “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
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YOU MORE God loves you more than high is high, and more than low is low. He loves you more than an ocean’s wave, and more than winds can blow. God loves you more than a mother is a parent, and more than a child is a daughter or son. He loves you more than two is double, and more than single is one. God loves you more than eyes can see, and more than ears can hear. He loves you more than contests challenge, more than courage swiftly meets a dare. God loves you more than questions ask, and more than letters spell. He loves you more than refrain withholds, and more than narrators can tell. God loves you more than ice is cold, and more than fire is hot. He loves you more for who you are, and more for who you’re not. You may think it’s impossible, For God to love you more than that. But it’s possible for God; He loves you more and that’s a fact. God Loves You More! Catherine Richardson-Henry Copyright © 2005
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THE POSTURE OF WORSHIP
The Proper Posture of Worship is to Bow "And Moses made haste, and bowed his head toward the earth, and worshipped." (Exodus 34:8) "O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker." (Psalms 95:6)
"That ye shall say, It is the sacrifice of the LORD'S passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when he smote the Egyptians, and delivered our houses. And the people bowed the head and worshipped. (Exodus 12:27) Kingdom Privilege | 36 | August 2023
"And Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground: and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell before the LORD, worshipping the LORD." (II Chronicles 20:18)
THE PARALLELS BETWEEN JESUS AND NOAH'S ARK
THE ARK The Ark saved a remnant of humanity from the wrath of God: Gen. 6:13-18, 7:1-23, I Pet. 3:20 The Waters represent Baptism: I Pet. 3:20, 21 The Dove represents the Holy Spirit: Gen. 8:8-12
JESUS CHRIST Jesus Christ Saved a remnant of humanity from the wrath of God: Jer. 30:6, 7, Rev. 3:10, I Cor. 15:5158, I Thes. 4:14-18 Jesus was Baptized in the Jordan river —our Baptism represents His resurrection. Mat. 3:13-16, Mar. 19:9-11, Luk. 3:2122, Jhn. 1:29-34, 3:23, Rom. 6:3-6, Gal. 3:27 The Dove represents the Holy Spirit: Mat. 3:16, Mar. 1:10, Jhn. 1:32
Holding Up The Standard In 2023!
38 YEARS OF EXCELLENT KINGDOM SERVICE. Kingdom Privilege | 38 | August 2023
BISHOP JEROME STOKES The Church Of The Redeemed Of The Lord
Thirty eight years of quality kingdom service is not a small feat, but by the grace of God, Bishop Jerome and Elect Lady Marsha Stokes have achieved it with grace and dignity. He is the Senior Pastor and Chief Executive Officer of The Church Of The Redeemed Of The Lord (CRL), a ministry he and his wife founded in 1985. The two of them have worked selflessly and diligently in their God-given assignments to impact and transform lives around the world. Growing up in Baltimore Maryland under strict apostolic teaching, Bishop Stokes gleaned valuable lessons about God, the Church, and the Word Of God that he has applied as he engaged in pastoring and ministry building. Bishop Stokes indicated that initially, he was
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frowned upon by some in the Apostolic Church that felt he was too progressive in his approach, and that he was lowering the standard. He now realizes that through his consistency in his approach, others were eventually blessed also. During that time, many leaders were apprehensive about progressive change, but Bishop Stokes moved boldly and consistently, and success followed. “I am greatly concerned about maintaining the standard put forth in the Word of God. Methods may change, but the biblical message is a constant.” It is this stern approach to teaching, preaching, and applying the Word of God that has earned Bishop Stokes a place of respect among clergy, laity, and in the community.
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"CRL in High Praise!"
"Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people." (I Chronicles 16:8) GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT: The Church Of The Redeemed Of The Lord is a thriving ministry in 2023. Under the quality leadership of Bishop and Lady Stokes its membership, prior to the Pandemic, had reached seven thousand since it began in 1985. Bishop Stokes has garnered great respect from his parishioners, people in the community and leaders, locally and abroad, for his demonstration of a life of decency and integrity. He is a man of God who motivates and inspires others to achieve success and become all
the Lord has designed them to be as they walk in the fulfillment of their God-given purpose. “The Lord has brought us a long way over the years, and has blessed us to progress to a quality place in ministry. He continually blessed us as we moved from our initial location at 519 N. Chester Street, to 4617 York Road, and to our current location at 4321 Old York Road.” Bishop Stokes was involved in the building projects at each of these locations. He wore the hats of Pastoral Leadership, Contractor, and Construction Worker. For their current location, Bishop Stokes literally labored from the start to the completion, while continuing his pastoral responsibilities of Teaching, Preaching, Counseling, etc. He was blessed to achieve financing for their projects when financial institutions were
"PRAISE IS COMELY" (PSALMS 33:1) reluctant due to the fact that CRL was a young ministry. God’s hand of blessings and favor unequivocally rests upon The Church Of The Redeemed Of The Lord. The ministry operates with a full staff, including an Executive Board, Associate Pastors, Ministerial Staff, Board Of Directors, and a Day Staff. In addition to a wellestablished administrative team, CRL holds explosive and exuberant worship services replete with anointed music, singing, dancing, and high praise and worship. Most importantly, the atmosphere radiates the power and presence of God through the preaching and teaching of the undiluted, unadulterated Word Of God, delivered Sundays and Wednesdays by Bishop Stokes.
PROGRAMS THAT SERVE THE COMMUNITY: In a time in our country when many communities are experiencing great adversity, crime, and violence, CRL has been one of the leading ministries extending a hand of hope and help to those in need. Over the years, a number of programs and services have been provided for inner-city residents. CRL has offered GED programs, Computer Education, Financial Management Instruction, a Christian School, Parenting Programs, and more. The Food Pantry program has consistently functioned at a high level, and is still doing so. CRL also maintains partnership with the Community Organizations in their neighborhood. CRL also engages in community prayer walks during which time they witness to, and pray with
residents of the community. LEADERS WHO HAVE INFLUENCED BISHOP STOKEs: As a pastor who preaches and teaches the Word Of God and rightly divides the word of truth without lowering God’s standard, it is no surprise that over the years Bishop Stokes’ ministry has grown to a global level. He is a man chosen and ordained by God to minister to the souls of this generation. Besides giving God all credit for his journey thus far, Bishop Stokes acknowledges a few people who were instrumental in helping him develop his ministry into what it is today. When a youngster, Bishop Stokes’ family joined the Refuge Way Of The Cross Church under Elder Leroy H. Cannady, Sr, who later became the Honorable Apostle Leroy H.
Cannady, Sr. Bishop Stokes said, “Apostle Cannady was an humble man who genuinely loved the Lord. Under his leadership, I came to know the Lord in a way that has been deeply implanted within me. He was a great example of loving the Lord and His people. He was a man of great character and integrity, and he taught it through the very life he lived. He labored not only in the
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pastorate, but also in all aspects of ministry. He was a great Pastor, Father, and Example in so many ways. He granted me the ability to hold positions on various levels that prepared me for the pastoral work of ministry. His example as a Pastor has blessed me tremendously. He was truly a shepherd with a shepherd’s heart. The influence of the life of Apostle Leroy H. Cannady, Sr. upon my life will always be both felt and experienced. “I also received wisdom and guidance from Apostle James Nelson, Sr. At a time when it seemed that all others were absent from my life for various reasons, Apostle Nelson was there for me. When we founded CRL, he was the one that initially mentored me and aided us after we had launched the ministry.” “Bishop Monroe Saunders, Sr. was another great influence in my life. He had such an impact upon my life that, even as a
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young man, I would find rides to attend his church so I could hear him speak. In his latter years, he would attend our Sunday worship services from time to time. He always shared words of wisdom with me on those occasions as well as other times. When I hit a critical and pivotal place in my life, God used him to counsel me and set me on the course that I am currently traveling.” Bishop Stokes also gave honorable mention to Bishop Henry Chauncey Brooks, the founder of the Way Of The Cross Churches Of Christ. ELECT LADY MARSHA STOKES: Bishop Jerome Stokes is happily married to Marsha Charity Stokes, who is an ordained elder in her own right. She has stood and served faithfully with him since the inception of CRL. Through her innovative vision she
institutionalized the Lamp Of Victory media production ministry of CRL. She also planned and established the CRL Resource Center, which sells books and other Christian resources that are helpful in spiritual growth and development. As the Executive Producer of the International Lamp Of Victory radio and television programs, she has enabled the ministry of CRL to reach millions across the United States and beyond. These programs are broadcast in Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Antiqua, and Grenada. For six years, CRL aired its worship services on The Word Network. Currently, it still broadcasts on Livestream, Youtube, Facebook, and on Saturday evenings at 8 pm on the Heaven 600 radio station. In addition to her secular education, Lady Marsha earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Religious Education from the International Institute and Seminary in Orlando Florida. As a Christian Educator, Lady Stokes again put her innovative vision to work, designing several bible courses that have become essential to CRL’s ministry. These courses include How To Study The Bible, Christian Love, Highest LifeSpiritual Growth and Development, and The Virtuous Womanhood Program. She is a woman of influence and inspiration, walking, operating,
“I preached and taught the Bible, not hype, not motivational principals, but the Word Of God all the way through the pandemic." and living in her God given assignment. BISHOP STOKES SHARES AN EXPERIENCE WHILE TRAVELING ABROAD: Over nearly four decades of pastoring, Bishop Stokes has ministered out of the country many times, traveling to several places around the world. For ten consecutive years, he visited Trinidad preaching revivals and assisting in other areas of need. Bishop Stokes reflected upon a time when he spoke for three days in Nigeria. “It was at that particular conference that God used me in a way that was beyond all of the other miraculous times. As I was about to head back to the hotel, I heard a voice calling my name. Security personnel tried to rush me to the car and back to the hotel, but I refused to adhere to their desires. It was a twelve year old young lady calling out to me to pray for her. I told Security I was going back to pray for her. She had an affliction in her arm that was present since birth, and it was a restricting affliction. I prayed for her and the Lord moved powerfully. The next day as we were in the car with the Nigerian pastor, he received a phone call from the child’s mother. They were greatly excited because that evening after I prayed, her daughter was totally healed. For some reason, that situation reached me much more deeply than other miracles that took place. The Lord honored the young lady’s request and completely healed her. SURVIVING COVID-19: The Pandemic affected the global church and unfortunately, many did not survive. Although the Church Of The Redeemed Of The Lord experienced losses like everyone else, the keen spiritual discernment of Bishop Stokes and his obedience to
God's direction kept the ministry intact. “I preached and taught the Bible, not hype, not motivational principals, but the Word Of God all the way through the pandemic. I knew that a continual diet in the Word would provide the necessary wisdom, guidance, and strength necessary for surviving such times. To assure the continuity of “word delivery,” a studio was set up in my home to achieve it.” The arrival of COVID shook the world and incited widespread panic. Mass confusion and fear sat upon millions. People felt abandoned and unloved, but CRL strived to be a safe place, a haven of hope during those desperate times. Bishop Stokes indicated that he tried to show love and concern for people during the pandemic. Some of his greatest “pastoral pain” came when he was brought to the realization that he had been so busy and preoccupied that he had neglected some, and they were hurt by his neglect. He realized that pastors cannot reach everyone or do everything, but it still pained him. “I strived to manage things in a manner that would reveal my love and concern for them. Some pastors continued to have service in the building, but the Lord did not lead me to do that, and I think the people really understood the love, care, and consideration I had for them.” Bishop Stokes indicated that with the convenience of online streaming and social media platforms, statistics project that only 80 to 85 percent of people will return to in-person worship. He stated that, much to his surprise, CRL has been experiencing significant numbers of believers returning to in-house worship, as well as new converts.
THE CHURCH OF THE REDEEMED OF THE LORD "I SEEK TO DELIVER THE WORD IN AN ANOINTED, FIRM, BUT LOVING MANNER." “I believe this is taking place partly because I assure a steady diet in the Word Of God. I seek to deliver the Word in an anointed, firm, but loving manner. We also have a serious Intercessory Prayer group. As a ministry, we have been operating for close to 38 years, and since there has been a CRL, there has been prayer services. I am a praying person, and have been blessed to attend over 95 percent of the CRL prayer services since the ministry was founded 38 years ago, only missing a few for vacations, etc. CRL is a Church Committed To The Word And Ways Of God, and that is made possible by the fact that we are a ministry committed to prayer. KEEPING THE YOUTH ENGAGED: In this millennial age, many pastors throughout the country have found it challenging to keep their young people engaged. Whether it’s planning fun events or participating in exciting activities, it has been an ongoing struggle. CRL, however, has had considerable success engaging its youth. There are some struggles there, but the Lord is blessing them to maintain continuity. Many are surprised by the fact that Bishop Stokes is so well loved by the youth in the ministry. The Youth And Young Adult Ministry has
"CRL IS A CHURCH COMMITTED TO THE WORD AND WAYS OF GOD, AND THAT IS MADE POSSIBLE BY THE FACT THAT WE ARE A MINISTRY COMMITTED TO PRAYER.." several activities in which young people can participate. A few include the Praise and Worship Team, JMS Choir, Mime, and Dance. Like other ministries, CRL is in the process of strengthening this component. The Children’s Ministry of CRL has been completely renewed and functioning very well.
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“Prior to entering the pastorate, Bishop Stokes worked in corporate America, in both the Public and Private sectors." EDUCATION AND CAREER: Prior to entering the pastorate, Bishop Stokes worked in corporate America, in both the Public and Private sectors. He worked in Computer Systems Analysis and Design and in Policy and Procedure Writing. When he became full-time in ministry, he had already worked for 25 years in the public and private sectors. Bishop Stokes is a man of ambition and drive. He has made education one of his primary life goals. He is a graduate of
Morgan State University, and holds a BS Degree in Business Administration. He completed 50 percent of Morgan’s MBA program before he moved into Religious Studies by God’s directive. He attended the St. Mary’s Seminary and the International Bible Institute and Seminary and received a Master Of Biblical Theology from IBIS. Additionally, he received a Doctor Of Ministry and a Doctor Of Philosophy In Ministry from the International Bible Institute and Seminary.
THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS UPON ME, BECAUSE HE HATH ANOINTED ME TO PREACH THE GOSPEL... LUKE 4:18
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"THE FIRE OF SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP AT CRL"
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"(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)" (II Cor. 10:4) Bishop Stokes Testifies About How the Principality Over CRL’s Property Was Defeated: “We were having a major struggle at the church, and we were wondering why we weren't making progress. Then one night during prayer, the Lord came to me in a vision and said, ‘You want to know what the problem is? I'm going to show you.’ He brought me to the building in the spirit—we had a big hole dug out because we were expanding downstairs. I stood at the top and looked down into the gully, and saw a ferocious demon. And the Lord said, ‘Behold your enemy.’ It was the principality over the building. Then the Lord said, ‘It's time to defeat him.’ And he told me to stand still. The demon started growling and going through changes, and then he charged up the hill from the bottom of the gully toward me. And the Lord said, ‘Fear not.’ And when he got up in front of me, he started shaking and trembling without me saying a word. Then he rolled all the way back down the gully, and the Lord said, ‘Your enemy is defeated.’”
THE LITERARY WORKS OF BISHOP JEROME STOKES. Included in Bishop Stokes’ list of accomplishments are four literary works: God’s Vision, Your Decision, You Can Do It, I Refuse and I Know Who I AM: Understanding Who You Are In Christ. I Know Who I AM was re-released in January 2023 by Christian Faith Publishing Inc. and is available everywhere books are sold, in paperback and as an e-book. “I Know Who I AM is a book with 52 statements about who we are in Christ,” Bishop Stokes says. “And they’re all fully developed— because I think a lot of people have lost sight of who they are in Christ, but in order to truly know who you are in Christ, you have to first come to know Christ. And so I wrote this book.” I Know Who I AM is also available as a children’s book.
God’s Vision, Your Decision
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"Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." (Philippians 4:11) Kingdom Privilege | 47 | August 2023
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"The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it." (Proverbs 10:22) "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:" (Philippians 1:6) "Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us." (Romans 8:37)
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Debunking The Myths With all the challenges facing the black family structure today, particularly the black fathers, I want to commend all who remain committed to their paternal role—holding true to their fatherly responsibilities despite the opposition. I salute you! Center for Disease Control (CDC) Confirmed that 70 percent of black fathers are more likely to be active in their children’s lives.
National Center for Health Statistics. Age 5 and under—In The Home (ITH), Out The Home (OTH) Fed or ate meals with their children daily. Black White 78.2 (ITH), 12.6 (OTH) 73.9 (ITH) Bathed, diapered or dressed children daily. Black White 70.4 (ITH), 12.7 (OTH) 60.0 (ITH) 6.6 (OTH) Played with children daily. Black White 82.2 (ITH) 16.5 (OTH) 82.7 (ITH), 6.6 (OTH) Read to children daily. Black White 34.9 (ITH) 7.8 (OTH) 30.2 (ITH) 3.2 (OTH)
Latino 63.9 (ITH), 8.6 (OTH) Latino 45.0 (ITH) 7.3 (OTH) Latino 74.1 (ITH), 10.0 (OTH) Latino 20.9 (ITH)
Children 5-18 Ate meals with children daily. Black White Latino 61.7 (ITH) 2.1 (OTH) 64.2 (ITH) 4.2 (OTH) 71.1 (ITH) 1.9 (OTH) Took children to or from activities daily. Black White Latino 27.1 (ITH) 5.1 (OTH) 19.5 (ITH) 5.0 (OTH) 22.8 (ITH) 2.0 (OTH) Talked to children about their day daily. Black White Latino 67.4 (ITH) 17.8 (OTH) 67.0 (ITH) 16.1 (OTH) 63.4 (ITH) 11.8 (OTH) Helped children with their homework or checked if they finished it daily. Black White Latino 40.6 (ITH) 9.7 (OTH) 28.1 (ITH) 5.0 (OTH) 29.3 (ITH) 3.2 (OTH)
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"I am the LORD: that is my name:"
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he Official Name of God When I was a young man in the church, I often wondered if the true God of the Scriptures had an official name. Certainly, many recognized Him through personal experience and called Him things like savior, healer, deliverer, way maker, etc. But what does God actually call Himself? Isaiah 57:15 declares that His name is HOLY. However, holiness is not necessarily His name. Rather, it is a description of one of His attributes (Isaiah 6:3, Revelation 4:8). So what does God actually call Himself? Let’s look at
two Scriptures: “And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations.” (Exodus 3:15) “I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.” (Isaiah 42:8)
There are two names mentioned in these passages, “LORD and God.” The name LORD (in all caps) translated in Hebrew is “Yahweh.” This is the actual name for the God of the Bible. It is mentioned over 6500 times in Old Testament Scripture. The Jews had such great reverence for this name that they did not speak it audibly, even when writing it down and reading it aloud in the Hebrew text. Eventually, they stopped using the name Yahweh and started using the Hebrew word for Lord (lowercase), which is Adonai or Adonay. Taking further steps to ensure that this hallowed name was not even accidentally spoken, they created a reminder word for Yahweh, which was Yahowah. The word Yahowah is a combination of the consonants from the name Yahweh (YHWH) and the vowels from the word Adonay. Yahowah, was never spoken aloud either. It was just a visual reminder to those reading the Hebrew text to say the word Adonay. Later, the word Adonay was translated into English as Jehovah or Yehovah. The Hebrew translation for the name God in these passages is Elohim (Elohiym). It is a masculine noun that’s actually plural in its description. The word Eloah is the singular version of Elohim. Adding the letters “im” or “ims” to the end of any Hebrew word makes it plural, such as with cherub and cherubims. “And make one cherub on the one end, and the other cherub on the other end: even of the mercy seat shall ye make the cherubims on the two ends
"What is the true essence of God? What is the fundamental element of His nature that makes Him eternal?" thereof.” (Exodus 25:19) When God instructed Moses to write the book of Genesis, he introduced God in the plural form Elohim, not the singular form Eloah (Genesis 1:1). This speaks directly to the theory of multiple participants in creation. (Genesis 1:26, 3:22, 11:7) The Essence of God What is the true essence of God? What is the fundamental element of His nature that makes Him eternal? The Bible gives a definitive answer in John 4:24: “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” Spirit is the most simplistic explanation for God’s existence. It is the total of what He is. In Deuteronomy 33:27, Moses describes Him as eternal/everlasting. He is a God without age, without time, without beginning or ending. He is from everlasting to everlasting. (Psalms 90:2) The Nature of God The Scriptures use only one word to describe the nature of God: “love.” If Spirit is the essence of what God is, then love is the nature of who God is. “He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” (I John 4:8) We have often heard it said that God does not just have love, but is the very element of love. Without love, God would simply cease to be who He is. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only
begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16) It was love that made God send Jesus into the world as a ransom for sin. Jesus Christ became the manifested embodiment of God’s love for humanity. Because of perfect love, Jesus permanently changed His eternal state of being. Before Jesus came to earth, He existed in heaven like God, as a Spirit— without a body and without a name. It was not until He came into the earthly realm that He acquired these things. “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.” (Mathew 1:21) "Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:" (Hebrews 10:5) After the resurrection and ascension, Jesus returned to heaven, not in His original spiritual state, but as an alternate state—as a Spirit, with a body and a name, seated at the right hand of the Father. Does God Have a Soul? To some, the mere suggestion that God has a soul is preposterous. (At least that’s what I thought when I first heard it.) But a second look reveals that it might not be as preposterous as some think. Several verses of Scripture suggest that God has a soul. (Leviticus 26:11, Hebrews 10:38) First, how is the word soul described in Scripture? We find it mentioned for the first time in Genesis 2:7 as God breathed the “breath of life” into Adam’s nostrils and he became a living soul. The Hebrew translation for soul, according to Strong’s definition, is “self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion.” Many sources definitively regard the soul as “the seat of the emotions,” and it is clear through observation of Scripture that God is indeed very emotional (love, pleasure, delight, jealousy, wrath, hatred, sorrow, etc.). Some regard the position of God having a soul as simply an anthropomorphic term and therefore not intended to be taken literally. While that is a reasonable argument, it is not entirely plausible. Remember that the primary purpose of
"Jesus Christ became . God's love
anthropomorphism is to associate human or physical characteristics with a spiritual God. It is to help us relate to and identify with God through natural perspectives. However, because the soul is a spiritual element, the anthropomorphic point is rendered moot. Let’s look at two more Scriptures that might help further substantiate this claim: “Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.” (Isaiah 42:1)
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Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased:"
"NINE NAMES OF JEHOVAH"
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ne of the great things about God is that not only is He the Creator of all things but He also has the ability to connect with us on a personal level.
Jehovah-Rapha: The Lord who Heals. Jehovah-Nissi: The Lord our Banner. Jehovah-Jireh: The Lord who Provides. Jehovah-Raah: The Lord my Shepherd.
the embodiment of for humanity." “Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles.” (Matthew 12:18) Here, recorded in Isaiah, are the words of God as He prophesies concerning His Son, Jesus Christ, in whom His soul delights. It reiterates the same prophecy in Matthew 12:18 as Jesus stands on earth in a manifested state. Let me end with this. The Hebrew definition of soul given by Strong in Genesis 2:7 has the same meaning as the word soul in Isaiah 42:1.
Jehovah-Shammah: The Lord is There. Jehovah-Tsidkenu: The Lord our Righteousness. Jehovah-Mekoddishkem: The Lord who Sanctifies. Jehovah-Shalom: The Lord is Peace. Jehovah-Sabaoth: The Lord of Hosts.
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Y JO "But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee." ( Psalms 5:11) "Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore." (Psalms 16:11) "For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." (Psalms 30:5) "Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart." (Psalms 32:11)
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