Comprehend Life Manual
CCS International Louis Jooste – 082 65 98 231 louisjooste@mweb.co.za www.abundantlifemanual.co.za
COMPREHEND LIFE MANUAL We daily meet people whom enquire about the Abundant Life which they sadly don’t seem to experience here on earth. For any person to enter and enjoy the Abundant Life here on earth, he or she must first comprehend and understand what life really COMPRISES of. To be able to understand and COMPREHEND the fullness of life here on earth, a person must FIRST agree to ACCEPT and APPLY the following TRUTH in his life:
CONTENTS - INDEX 1. You need to be a Born-again Believer of Christ Jesus per Romans 10 and John 3 2. Your personal life must be anchored and built on the Rock foundation, which consists of the first principles of the doctrines of Christ per Hebrews 6:1-3 3. You need to know and embrace the contents of the divine gift you received at your salvation, which is the Faith of Christ per Ephesians 2:8 and Galatians 2:20 4. The true contents of Life here on earth 5. You need to be an added members inside the Body of Christ as per the Pauline revelation 6. The Body of Christ Expose 7. Our Peace and Power is founded in Christ 8. The Governance of God & the Grace of God 9. Looking UP and not down 10. Our divine Purpose on earth is to obey the Will of Abba Father inside the Body of Christ here on earth
11. Divine Vision generate Light and Life in abundance 12. A vision of Christ and His divine Provision in action in our lives 13. Godly Leadership inside the Body of Christ 14. Ministry ethics in the Church 15. Accept and voluntary apply the thirty Keys contained inside the Manual for Lifebooklet - www.abundantlifemanual.co.za 16. Voluntary apply the various Truths contained in the Faith Power Point Presentation on the website - www.abundantlifemanual.co.za We avail ourselves to assist and guide you how to comprehend life and joyfully enter the Abundant Life of Christ here on earth - Hallelujah! Your soul Partners in Transformation Louis Jooste
CCS International Louis Jooste – 082 65 98 231 louisjooste@mweb.co.za www.abundantlifemanual.co.za
2. THE GOOD FOUNDATION The Bible tells us of our need to please God. To do this we need faith. Faith is simply submitting to the Word spoken to us by Jesus Christ. By doing this we also become wise people with lives established upon the “rock foundation” Jesus refers to in Matt 7: 24 – 27 discussed in previous chapter. Our focus now turns to see what the Lord has to teach us about the foundation upon which our lives will be established, and to ensure we have been established upon the rock foundation of Jesus’ sayings. These commands, doctrines and ways of life “guarantee” a stable and eternal life. They form what is illustrated as a rock foundation. THE APOSTOLIC FOUNDATION The Apostle Paul recognised the need for a firm foundation to be established in a Christian’s life and so he laid this foundation wherever he preached. 1 Cor 3: 10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise master builder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. 1 Cor 3: 11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2: 19 – 20 19. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners but fellow citizens with the saints and of the household of God. 20. And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone. Notice from these above verses how Paul identifies himself with the wise builder that Jesus spoke about in Matt 7: 24. Then he warns us to take care to build wisely once having obtained that foundation. He clearly tells that Jesus Christ is this foundation and there is no other foundation for the Christian faith, to enable those who desire it. Other instruments were used to propagate the sayings and principles of Christ. They were the Apostles and Prophets. It is, therefore, important to become familiar with the teachings of these prophets and apostles. Paul is quick, in this verse, to again draw our attention to the fact that while their ministry forms part of the foundation laying, Jesus is the “Chief corner stone”, or the key to its location and dimensions. We conclude from these verses that our Christian life, while totally dependant on Jesus, requires a careful interest in and acceptance of these teachings of the Apostles and Prophets of the Bible. JESUS SENDS THE APOSTLES If the apostles were included in the formation of the foundation of the Christian faith, then when we look at the official commissioning (sending) of the apostles we will not only be made aware of their authority but will also get a more detailed account of the principles they were given to form our foundation. Let us first record some of the Bible references to their calling: Matt 28: 18 - 20 18. And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth. 19. Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptising them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. 20. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you, and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Mark 16: 15 And He said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature. Luke 24: 47 - 49 47. And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations,
beginning at Jerusalem. 48. And ye are witnesses of these things. 49. And behold, I send the promise of My Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. Acts 1: 2, 3, 4, 8 2. Until the day in which He was taken up, after that He through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen. 3. To whom also He shewed Himself alive after His passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God. 4. And being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith He, ye have heard of Me. 8. But ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. By reading the context of these verses you will note that Jesus was giving His disciples instructions about the work He was sending them to do. This He was doing just before He ascended back into Heaven. He knew that these were His last moments of being with them physically, so He was teaching them the important aspects of their commission, i.e. His final important instructions. Important features of the discussion that Jesus held with His disciples are: A. Teach and preach to all nations. 1. The Gospel 2. To observe all things whatsoever He had commanded them 3. Repentance and remission of sins B. Baptise in the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. C. Tarry for power from on high. 1. To be witnesses 2. For signs following The disciples had a specific task to perform on behalf of Jesus as they took their place in the foundation of the Christian faith. As seen above the three avenues were Preaching and Teaching, Baptising, and Receiving the Power of God for service. With such a vital responsibility the disciples would have been obedient to this call. So further light can be derived if we look at their lives to see what they did as they fulfilled their responsibility. In the verses above specific reference is made to their calling rather than the details of the doctrines. Our interests do not lie in what they were called to do but rather in principles they were given to give to the church to form our Rock Foundation. THE DISCIPLES RESPOND TO JESUS’ COMMANDS As we examine the scriptures, in search of the valuable details of our rock foundation, we find that the disciples obeyed the Lord Jesus in every way. GATHERED TOGETHER FOR POWER Acts 1: 13 - 15 13. And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alpheus and Simon Zealotes, and Judas the brother of James. 14. These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brethren. 15. And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples ... Acts 2: 1, 4 1. And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 4. And they were filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Preach the Gospel Acts 2: 21, 36, 38 21. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. 36. Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. 38. Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Preach to all Nations Acts 2: 5 And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Baptise Converts Acts 2: 41 Then they that gladly received His word and were baptised. Observed all Things Acts 2: 42 And they continued steadfastly in the Apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread and prayers. In Acts 2:1 onwards we read of the disciples gathering together at Jerusalem as they were commanded. The Holy Ghost was poured out as Jesus promised. They preached the Gospel and you will notice that as Jesus commanded they preached “repentance and baptism”. They were to share with all nations and Acts 2:5 tells us that men of all nations were present to hear their preaching. There were wonderful results to the obedience of the disciples. Three thousand souls were added to the church and were baptised. It is important to note here how the disciples would lay the foundation in the lives of these new believers. Look at what happened immediately after the 3000 souls were converted in Acts 2:41,42. After they were baptised they “continued steadfastly” in: A. THE APOSTLES’ DOCTRINE B. FELLOWSHIP C. BREAKING OF BREAD D. PRAYERS The teaching given by the Apostles to those new converts was a passing on of the sayings or principles committed to them by Jesus and thus the “rock foundation” teachings. These teachings caused these new converts to become faithful in four different Christian practices, which no doubt, any Christian wishing to become established on the firm foundation of Jesus, would want to participate in. What then are these four Christian practices that are necessary for our lives? A. PRAYERS The need to be in communication with the God in whom we have now put our confidence is essential. He is the source of life in every way. By means of prayer we are able to make our requests known before Him and so know the answer. Pray together with other fellow Christians. B. BREAKING OF BREAD The Communion service is when we partake of the emblems, bread and wine, in remembrance of covenant rights now made ours through the shed Blood of Jesus. Jesus commanded that we as His disciples partake of the emblems. It is an Ordinance and not a sacrament – the Sacrifice was Paid at Calvary! C. FELLOWSHIP This is an avenue practiced by Christians whereby they are able to share their common blessings and convictions, and encourage one another in their holy faith. D. APOSTLES’ DOCTRINE This is the teaching of Apostles, imparting the principles Jesus gave them, and which must become part of the believer’s life. He should continue in these doctrines, as they are his foundation. To continue in the apostles’ doctrine we must know specifically what they are.
THE APOSTLES’ DOCTRINE As we have followed the scripture thus far we have concluded that The Sayings of Jesus The Rock Foundation The Apostles’ Doctrine are all the same foundation teaching. It is important to know these titles because by them God tells us what they should mean to us. Our question now is - WHAT IS THE APOSTLES’ DOCTRINE? Whatever these teachings were that were given to the new converts, they produced “faithful” Christians living as those who gladly received the word of the Apostles. It also proved a “fruitful” way if we look at the results of the Apostles’ work. To find out what was taught it would be important to note who was doing the preaching in Acts 2. Verses 14, 37 and 38 tell us that Peter was the spokesman. If we follow the teachings of Peter in his Epistle, we will find out more of the doctrine he presented to the new converts. Peter, writing a letter to the Christians, refers to what he was given by Jesus that formed the important foundation teachings. 1 Peter 1:22, 23, 25 22. Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: 23. Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of God, which liveth and abideth forever. 25. But the Word of the Lord endureth forever, and this is the Word which by the Gospel is preached unto you. 1 Peter 2:1, 2, 3 1. Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings. 2. As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the Word that ye may grow thereby. 3. If so be that ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. Here Peter refers to the Gospel that he was commanded to preach and says, “This Word endures forever”. Again the Spirit of the Lord is saying that the word of Jesus, given to the Apostles to teach, forms a solid foundation because it ‘endures forever”. In verse 2 he calls the believers to “grow” in their faith, and then refers to the newly converted Christians as being “babes”. For these new spiritual babes to grow, he says they need to desire the “sincere milk of the Word’. Whatever the milk of the Word might be, it is the same teaching that caused the growth in the new converts of Acts 2. As new converts who now desire to grow in our spiritual life, our interest will be to discover the meaning of “the milk of the Word”. THE MILK OF THE WORD Peter says by this Word of truth we have “purified our souls” (verse 22), “we have been born again” and also by this Word, in milk form, “we grow”. To a baby milk is the elementary food that holds all the required nourishment, and is simple to digest. This must apply to the meaning of the word which Jesus instructed Peter to give to the new converts. Paul takes up this line of thought, referring to young Christians who have yet to mature in their spiritual strength to resist the power of sin, and be strong disciples free to serve the Lord. 1 Corinthians 3:1-3 1. And I brethren, could not speak to you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. 2. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat; for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. 3. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?
Paul shows the difference between a spiritual and a carnal disciple. The carnal Christian, or babe, cannot take the deeper spiritual truths of the teachings of Jesus, which he calls the “meat”. They need the milk, which will strengthen them to overcome the carnal behaviour of fightings, strivings and grudges, or envying. The Christians Paul was speaking to here were divided, and so he saw it needful for elementary truths to be given to them to encourage them to again be settled on the firm foundation of Jesus, as a building that cannot be moved. Later Paul again dealing with carnal Christians, or babes, gives us further insight into the “milk teaching”. Hebrews 5:11-14 11. Of whom (Jesus) we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing. 12. For when for the time ye ought to be teachers ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk and not strong meat. 13. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. 14. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. THE FIRST PRINCIPLES OF THE ORACLES OF GOD Once again Paul shows that Christians that bicker and strive are carnal and so cannot understand the meat of God’s Word, but need the milk that will enable them to grow and mature. In verse 12 above, Paul calls the milk doctrine “the first principles of the oracles of God”, which means he looks upon the Apostles’ doctrine as being “the primary fundamental truths of the Divine revelation of God”. So, as we put the teachings of Peter and Paul together from these verses, we get a picture of a Babe or Carnal Christian who needs milk. From this summary we can judge to see if we need to know more about the milk of the Word so that we might grow: Peter’s signs of being a babe are: Envy, strife, division, malice, guile, hypocrisies, evil speakings, walk as men (void of influence of God) dull of hearing, untaught in the Word, unskilful in the Word of righteousness, senses that have not been exercised to discern between good and evil. Any Christian who is guilty of any of the above items definitely needs to know more about the Apostles’ doctrine so that he might grow. God graciously gives us a checklist like this not to condemn us as unworthy and hopeless, but that HE might provoke the understanding of our need that we might DESIRE THE SINCERE MILK OF THE WORD. In Hebrews 6 Paul gets down to a more direct title to the milk of the Word by relating these doctrines to Christ. Hebrews 6:1-3 1. Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith towards God, 2. Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgement. 3. And this we will do if God permit. John in his epistle follows the Apostle in the acceptance and importance of the doctrines of Christ stating that, not to accept and apply them, jeopardises the Christian’s salvation and thus his relationship with God. He even denounces any fellowship with those who deny these doctrines.
2 John: 9,10 9. Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. 10. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house neither bid him God speed. THE PRINCIPLES OF THE DOCTRINE OF CHRIST (The fundamental truths of the teachings of Christ) The different titles we can now apply to the important sayings of Jesus that are needed by the newly converted, and those the disciples of Acts 2 continued in, are: The Foundation Teaching The Rock Foundation The Apostles’ Doctrine The Milk of the Word The First Principles of the Oracles of God The Principles of the Doctrine of Christ Though different names are used, they all refer to the same basic teachings of Jesus. Now if we look carefully at Hebrews 6:1 and 2, we will notice Paul not only gives further dimension to the titles of these doctrines but God gives him the headings of the doctrines incorporated in the Apostles’ doctrine. They are: 1.Repentance from Dead Works Deals with man’s start to make right with God. 2.Faith toward God How to appropriate the promises of God 3.Doctrine of Baptisms In this teaching there are four different baptisms: A) Into the Body of Christ - Our Salvation B) Into Water - The attitude of our walk C) Of the Holy Ghost - The power in our walk D) Of sufferings - Resistance to opposition and endurance 4.Laying on of Hands Sharing with others the indwelling Christ 5.Resurrection of the Dead Inner Motivation to focus on eternal values 6.Eternal Judgement Settling of Accounts and eternal consequences 7.Going on unto Perfection The incentive to know and apply Doctrines 1 – 6 Each of these will now be carefully studied, that, in receiving the milk, the believer may be established upon the foundation of God that stands sure. AS PEOPLE WE MUST KNOW – BELIEVE – OBEY – PRACTISE THE FIRST PRINCIPLES OF THE DOCTRINE OF CHRIST – IT is VITAL to our SALVATION AND ABUNDANT LIFE ON EARTH HALLELUJAH!
3. WHAT WE BELIEVE THINGS COMMONLY BELIEVED AMONGST US “…. Ye should earnestly contend for the FAITH which was once delivered unto the saints.” Jude 3 THE BIBLE We believe that the whole Bible is the infallible Word of God, written by different writers at different times, but all under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. THE GODHEAD We believe in God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit, eternally existent as one God, referred to in the Scriptures as the Godhead. THE FATHER We believe that the Father is in Heaven upon His throne and yet omnipresent (present everywhere). He is also omniscient (all knowing) and omnipotent (all powerful). He has a very deep and detailed interest in each individual and has sent His Son and also the Holy Spirit to administer His salvation to us. He requires us to do His will on earth. JESUS CHRIST We believe that Jesus Christ existed in eternity past as the Word and is the only begotten Son of God the Father, conceived of the Holy Spirit, and born of the virgin Mary in the fullness of time. (Approx 2000 years ago). He was crucified upon a cross, buried in a tomb and rose again on the third day; He ascended to Heaven, where He sits at the right hand of God the Father in resurrection glory; making intercession for us as our Great High Priest and Advocate. He has been given a name above every other name and all power in Heaven and earth and under the earth. THE HOLY GHOST (SPIRIT) We believe that the Holy Spirit was sent by God the Father to convince the world of sin, righteousness and judgement to come. He also leads believers into all truth by revealing Jesus Christ to them and He is our comforter. Although the world cannot see Him, nor do they know Him, He is in the world today. ANGELS We believe that Angels are part of God’s creation and while they are mostly invisible to us, they carry out God’s instructions as ministering spirits or flames of fire. They also encamp around about those that fear God and have been sent to minister for the heirs of salvation. THE DEVIL We believe that the Devil or Satan is the fallen angel Lucifer, who corrupted his wisdom because of his beauty, while still in the presence of God in Heaven. When God cast him out of Heaven, he took one third of the angels with him and has set up the Kingdom of Darkness to resist God and to tempt and destroy all who believe in God. MANKIND We believe that the first man, Adam, was created in the image of God and that God made the first woman, Eve, out of a rib that He took from Adam’s side. At the moment of creation, became a living soul, possessed of a human spirit living in a human body made from the dust of the ground, with the powers of procreation. Adam & Eve sinned against God and their progeny were conceived in their fallen state. All men and women have sinned and come short of the glory of God. There is not one righteous in God’s sight.
SIN We believe that sin: Originated in the heart of Lucifer (the Devil). Was introduced to the human race by Adam. Is any transgression of God’s will, whether in ignorance or deliberate, by action, thought, motive, disposition or state. It is punishable by God’s righteous standards and ordinances. The sentence is eternal death in the Lake of Fire (Hell), where the smoke of the sinners’ torment will rise forever and ever. SALVATION We believe that there is only one means of salvation from sin and Judgement and Hell; and that is to call upon the Lord Jesus Christ, believing in your heart that He died upon the cross on your behalf as a sacrifice for your sin; that He was buried and that on the third day, God raised Him to life again. This will result in your being forgiven, born again and becoming a member of the Body of Christ (The Church). You will also receive the Spirit of Christ, and God will call you His son and you may call God your Father. REDEEMED MANKIND We believe that Christian men should live and walk worthy of their calling by demonstrating their total submission and obedience to their Head, Jesus Christ. Christian women should likewise demonstrate their reverence, obedience and submission to Jesus Christ by submitting to their Head; the Godly man, who is the earthly representative of the authority of Christ. WATER BAPTISM We believe that Water Baptism is a commandment of the Lord Jesus to every born again believer as an outward sign of their identification with the Death, Burial and Resurrection of Christ. It constitutes a single total immersion in water in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. BAPTISM OF THE HOLY GHOST (SPIRIT) We believe that the Baptism of the Holy Ghost is an essential experience for each believer, subsequent to their conversion to Christ, to empower them for service. It is the Seal of God upon their lives and the „earnest or down payment of their inheritance. The sign of speaking with other tongues as the Holy Spirit gives utterance, is confirmation that the believer has been filled with the Holy Spirit. THE GIFTS OF THE HOLY GHOST We believe that the nine gifts of the Holy Spirit are imparted by the Holy Spirit to believers at His discretion for our benefit. We are encouraged to desire Spiritual Gifts and to seek to excel in the edifying of the church. THE CHURCH We believe that the Church constitutes born again believers under the Headship of Christ. It is the Body of Christ, the Bride of Christ, the pillar and ground of the Truth and a great mystery. MISSION OF THE CHURCH To preach the gospel to every creature, baptising them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, teaching them to observe all things that the Lord commanded His Disciples. THE GOAL OF THE CHURCH To see believers being added to the church and growing in grace and in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ, discovering the perfect will of God for their lives and obeying Him, until they come to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ (spiritual maturity) and attain to the resurrection of the dead.
CHURCH ADMINISTRATION The Church is led, controlled and directed by the ministry gifts of the ascended Christ i.e. apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. These ministries have been given to men for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry and for the edifying of the Body of Christ. The ‘Local Church’ is governed, cared for and fed by ordained Elders who form the local oversight and who will have to watch for the souls under their care and give an account before God for each one. PARTICIPATION OF THE MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH We believe in the effective working of each member of the Body of Christ, through prayer, Spiritual Gifts, testimony and ministry as each member exercises themselves in accordance with the measure or ability that God has given to each one and the leading of the Holy Spirit, to edify and build one another up in love. THE DUTY OF EACH MEMBER To keep my body and mind pure from sin and separated from worldly pleasures of indulgence, fornication (sexual sins) and other vices, (e.g. drugs, alcohol and smoking) so that I may be a temple for the Holy Spirit and a vessel, fit for the Master’s use. To submit myself to the perfect will of God for my life and submit myself to the Oversight and Ministries of the Church. To be a witness to the unsaved of the world, pointing them to Christ, through the Gospel. To give myself fully to the edifying of my fellow believers as the Lord enables me. To faithfully attend all the meetings of the Church (Assembly), serving God with all my heart. To give of my substance, by faithfully tithing to the Local Assembly, where God has added me. THE FOUNDATION OF EACH BELIEVER We believe that the foundation of Jesus Christ needs to be laid in the heart of each believer. The foundation being: ‘the first principles of the doctrine of Christ’ or the ‘milk of the Word’. The first principles are summarized as follows: 1. Repentance from dead works – Our acceptance before God is totally dependant upon the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus; and not on any work or merit of our own. 2. Faith towards God – The faith of Christ, imparted to us by hearing God’s Word (‘The Faith’ once delivered to the saints) equips us to put our implicit trust and confidence in God the Father and His plan of salvation for us through His Son, Jesus Christ. 3. The doctrine of Baptisms – The word ‘baptism’ means complete emersion. The principle therefore deals with complete emersion into: i) The Body of Christ (The Church) ii) Water iii) The Holy Spirit iv) Suffering These experiences collectively, speak of our total involvement with God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. 4. Laying on of hands – Speaks of each believer symbolically being the hands of Jesus reaching out to bless and touch the lives of others. This will be achieved by each one using the ability and sharing the blessing that God has given him or her. 5. Resurrection of the dead – Speaks of the wonderful hope that lies ahead of us. We shall receive a resurrected and glorified, similar to the one that Jesus now has and we shall live forever in that glorified state. 6. Eternal Judgement – Christ has been given the authority to judge all mankind. He will reward the Christians for their labour of love, after the Resurrection; He will prepare the nations for judgement by means of the Great Tribulation and then will judge the nations on earth for one thousand
years and will punish the ungodly by casting them into the Lake of Fire at the Great White Throne Judgment. 7. Going on unto perfection – deals with the growth and development of each believer to perfection or maturity where they become as effective as they possibly can be in the centre of God’s perfect will. MARRIAGE We believe in God’s holy ordinance of marriage and that, marriage is honourable and the bed undefiled. We believe that the Husband is the head of the home and that he should love his wife as Christ loved the church and gave His life for it; That Wives should submit themselves to their own husbands as the husband’s honour their Head, who is Christ. PARENTHOOD We believe that parents carry a responsibility before God to bring their children up in the knowledge of the Lord; to love them; care and provide for them; and to train and discipline them in the light of the Scriptures. We believe that a daughter is under the care and oversight of her God fearing Father until he gives her hand in marriage. We also believe that a son is answerable to his Father and Mother until he leaves his Father’s house to marry and establish his own home. THE LAST DAYS We believe that we are living in the last days, where the final prophecies of the Bible are being fulfilled. While we do not know the day or the hour of the return of Jesus Christ, we are told to watch and be ready, for the Trumpet will sound and the dead in Christ will be raised and we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord will be caught up to meet Him in the air. This is known as the ‘Resurrection’ or ‘Rapture’. We believe in the physical return of Jesus to this earth and that every eye shall see Him. Prior to His coming there will be a ‘Great Tribulation’ culminating in the Armageddon Battle, which will be cut short by the ‘Second Coming of Jesus Christ’ to earth with His saints and Holy Angels, to make war with the Anti-Christ and the nations and establish His earthly Kingdom for one thousand years. During this thousand-year period, Satan will be bound. At the end of the thousand years Satan will be loosed to deceive the nations for the last time. He will then be cast into the Lake of Fire; at which time the ‘Great White Throne’ will be revealed. All the dead, both small and great will then be judged by Jesus Christ and those whose names are not found in the ‘Book of Life’ will be cast into the Lake of Fire. This known to be the ‘Second Death’. OUR FINAL DESTINATION We believe that we have a place in the Holy City the Heavenly Jerusalem, the City of the living God, which will come down out of Heaven to be situated upon the new Earth, surrounded by new Heavens and that we will live there forever in the presence of the Godhead.
4. TO COMPREHEND LIFE – PEOPLE DO NOT UNDERSTAND LIFE It is sad to witness that most people live without purpose, no vision and without any achievable goals in their lives. Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keeps (obey) the words of God, blessed is he in his life. Proverbs 29:18 Many people do NOT comprehend life and merely live in a Survival Cycle Syndrome! Only the Word of God can OPEN the understanding (mind) of a living soul and give comprehension to understand the PURPOSE of LIFE! The effect of the Word on the mind of a human being is very unique: “Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them. The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple. I opened my mouth, and panted: for I longed for thy commandments” Psalm 119:129-131 “Light” and “Understanding” is produced by the TRUTH of the Word. This is much more than education - It is a revelation of God and His eternal purposes! Jesus said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. Then opened Jesus their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures (The TRUTH), And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. Luke 24:44-49 Spirit filled Christians are empowered to be ambassadors of the Love, Wisdom and Power of Christ Jesus per 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 and Luke 4:18-19. We are to be Consecrated Comprehending Christian Conveyors, Conduits, Channels and Compellers of Christ’s Charity, Compassion and Care to many Crushed souls – C12 Christian for Christ Jesus – Amen Christians are ordained of God to • Earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints - Jude 1:3 • GO and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever Christ have commanded us in His Word. Matthew 28:19-20 • Preach, warn and teach every man in all wisdom; that we may PRESENT every man perfect in Christ Jesus. Colossians 1:28 • Guide seeking souls to COMPREHEND the Purpose of Life
Life – Lived on earth is: • Very short – only 70 years or maybe 30 years • A very precious gift from God Almighty to be enjoyed to the fullest • For us to be thankful in all things and to worship the Lord as my personal Saviour • For us to obey the will of our heavenly Father inside the Body of Christ • To love my spouse, children and neighbour as myself • NOT to judge other people for their errors and shortfalls • To fulfil our God given purpose and mission as designed by the Lord Almighty • For us to apply our natural God given abilities and talents in the Marketplace to provide for the daily needs of our families • To work with a grateful heart unto the Lord our God and not just to please the boss. • To be fruitful in our God given ministry and become a consecrated conduit of the love of Christ Jesus 24/7 ~ 365. • The oxygen, water, sunshine and good health that we NEED to live is all FREE gifts from God Almighty! • Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep (obey) His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil. Ecclesiastes 12:13 Life - Spiritual matters • We are to be Born-again and saved from our inherent sinful nature • To love the Lord with all my heart and my neighbour as myself • We are to worship the Lord Almighty 24/7 ~ 365 in our lives • Receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit and enjoy an empowered life in Christ Jesus • To become active and faithful voice activated members inside the Body of Christ on earth, all unto His Glory! • We are to live a humble life and develop to become servants to all souls on the globe • To daily DIE to the carnal desires of my flesh and victoriously live in the spirit-man • We are to be ready for the imminent rapture of the Bride of Christ! • This very short life on earth is merely a time of preparation for our eternal lives to be enjoyed in heaven, IF we are SAVED! • The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I AM come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. John 10:10 Life – Inside the Body of Christ • We are to do (obey) the will of our heavenly Father inside the Body of Christ • Weekly gather as Believers to pray, fellowship, breaking bread around His table and to receive revelation of His Word per Acts 2:42 • Enjoy the five audible Gift ministries of the Ascended Christ Jesus per Ephesians 4:11 • Participate in the nine Gifts of the Holy Spirit per 1 Corinthians 12 • Where we are to fulfil our God given ministries and become ambassadors of the TRUTH to all souls 24/7 ~ 365 • As Christians we need to grow to become Mature Ministering Members and Messengers on Mission for the Master in the Marketplace and in the Messiah’s Body! M8 - Christians for Jesus our Lord and Saviour! • The Life of Christ will Manifest in our Members as His Measure in us is Matured into Ministry of the Messiah and Multiplied into living Manna for Multitudes of Men and women in the Marketplace and in the Messiah’s Body – His Church! The M12 Lifestyle for Christ Jesus!
Life – Our Health • Our health is a gift from God which must be cherished for the short life on earth • Good health should be maintained as our bodies are to be a temple of the living Christ • Correct eating habits are most important • Healthy living patterns should be maintained for the short time we spend on earth. • The oxygen, water, sunshine and good health that we NEED to live is all FREE gifts from God Almighty! Life – Our many Blessings • Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as He hath chosen us in Christ Jesus before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, To the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein God hath made us accepted in the Beloved. In whom we have redemption through Christ’s blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace; Wherein Christ hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; Having made known unto us the Mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He hath purposed in Himself: That in the dispensation of the fullness of times God might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of Christ who worketh ALL things after the counsel of His own will: That we should be to the praise of His glory, who first trusted in Christ! Ephesians 1:3-12 • To whom God would make known what is the RICHES of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ IN you, the HOPE of glory! Colossians 1:27 • The oxygen, water, sunshine and good health that we NEED to live is all FREE gifts from God Almighty! Life – Tests, trials and temptations • My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. James 1:1-17 • A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted: But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away. For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways. • Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. Do not err, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. James 1:1-17
Life - Relationships • Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Matthew 22:37-39 • But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also. 1 John 3:17-21. • Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Philippians 2:3 • Do NOT judge people that has disappointed you, rejected you or abused you. • Extend the love of Christ Jesus to the person (father, husband, brother or co-worker) • Pray unto the Lord Jesus to touch, bless and guide the person that has done you wrong into the Light and Love of Christ! Life - Marriage • Marriage is a wonderful gift from God and must be cherished as holy and consecrated • Marriage is designed by the Lord Almighty and is to glorify Him • Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and He is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. Ephesians 5:20-33 • Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That Christ might present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. • For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband. Ephesians 5:20-33 Life - Children • Children is an awesome Gift from God our Creator • Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Ephesians 6:1 • Fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4 • Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding. Proverbs 4:1 • A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just. Proverbs 13:22 • In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge. Proverbs 14:26 • Children’s children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers. Proverbs 17:6 • The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him. Proverbs 20:7
Life – Working and careers • For us to apply our natural God given abilities and talents in the Marketplace to provide for the daily needs of our families • But if any provide not for his own and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. 1 Timothy 5:8 • For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. 2 Thessalonians 3:10 • To work with a grateful heart unto the Lord our Creator and not just to please the boss • Our work is NOT to become an idol nor our personal road to “glory” on earth • Their land also is full of idols; they worship the work of their own hands, that which their own fingers have made. Isaiah 2:8 • We are to shine, share and manifest the LOVE of Christ in the Marketplace • The oxygen, water, sunshine and good health that we NEED to live is all FREE gifts from God Almighty! Life - Financial matters • For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. Luke 14:28 • If you fail to plan you are planning to FAIL! • We are to budget our monthly income and spend our monies wisely • We work unto the Lord and therefore our entire income is from the Lord God • We are to honour the Lord with our entire lives including our finances. • But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33 Life – Living in General It is VERY CLEAR from the Scriptures that the Lord Jesus has purposed for us to KNOW His perfect Will and to OBEY His Will - Amen JESUS our Saviour died to DELIVER us (free us) from our own carnal will and now the Lord Jesus daily leads us to DIE to self (me, myself and I) and live in daily OBEDIENCE to the divine Will of our heavenly Father! Matthew 7:21; Galatians 2:20 and John12:24 We have been redeemed from the law but as Christians we are INSTRUCTED to Obey the Will of God - Amen I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the Word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one. Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us. But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things. I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know the TRUTH, and that no lie is of the truth. 1 John 2:14-21
The Perfect Plan and Purpose for your life is concealed within the Will of God – 1. To receive Salvation of your soul in Christ Jesus – Romans 10:8-13 2. To be Baptized in water to fulfil all righteousness – Matthew 3:15 3. To Worship the Lord Jesus as your Lord and Saviour – Psalm 119 4. To be Baptized in the power of the Holy Spirit – Acts 1:8 and 1 Corinthians 12 5. To Love the Lord Jesus with all your heart, soul, mind and strength – Matthew22:38-40 6. To be Added to the Body of Christ and become an active member – Acts 2:47 7. To Love your neighbour as yourself – Matthew 22:38-40 8. To Obey His Will inside the Body of Christ – Romans 12 9. To Mature in your measure of Faith and become voice activated in your God given Ministry as recorded in Ephesians 4:11-16 10. To Weekly Participate in the four spiritual disciplines as recorded in His Word - Acts 2:42-47 11. To Grow in Holiness – 1 Thessalonians 4:3 12. To Serve one another in His Love – 1 Corinthians 13 13. To be Thankful in all things – 1 Thessalonians 5:18 14. To Grow in the Image of Immanuel and manifest His fruit – 2 Corinthians 4:10-11 15. To Become His ambassador as a born again teacher, truck driver, labourer, doctor or domestic worker - 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 16. To Declare His Word to the world – Matthew 28:18-20 17. To be Prepared for eternal life in heaven – Ephesians 1 – 6 18. To be Ready for the imminent rapture of the Bride of Christ - 1 Thessalonians4:16-18 19. To Meet Christ Jesus at the great wedding feast in heaven – 2 Peter 3:10 20. To Rule and Reign with Christ Jesus on earth for a thousand years – Revelations 3 21. To Spend Eternity with the Lord Jesus in Heaven! Revelations 21
Jesus saith unto him, I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me. If ye had known Me, ye should have known My Father also: and from henceforth ye know Him, and have seen Him. John 14:6 We know that ALL things work together for GOOD to them that Love GOD, to them who are CALLED according to His Purpose and His divine Will. Amen Romans 8:28 We only truly LOVE Christ Jesus when we OBEY His Will! Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His Will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein He hath made us accepted in the Beloved. Ephesians 1:5-6 In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Wherein He hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to His good pleasure which He hath purposed in Himself. Ephesians 1:7-9 That in the dispensation of the fullness of times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in Him: In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the Purpose of Christ who worketh ALL things after the counsel of His own Will (The Will of God). Ephes 1:10-11 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the Will of the Lord is. Ephesians 5:15-17 It is VERY CLEAR from the Scriptures that the Lord Jesus has purposed for us to KNOW His perfect Will and to OBEY His Will - Amen
5. THE FAITH - CHART: 1-8 The Faith Series SERIES - Chart number One to Eight
6. THE BODY OF CHRIST JESUS “WHAT, WHERE and WHOM is the Body of Christ” We have lovingly come to DISCOVER and LIVE within the Body of Christ during the past thirteen years; a mighty MIRACLE in our saved lives since March 2003 - Hallelujah! The true Body of Christ Jesus CONSISTS of those Born-Again Believers whom OBEY and LIVE according to the TEACHINGS of the Apostles; as REVEALED unto them by the RISEN Christ Jesus {and recorded in the Scriptures}: 1. The Body of Christ is the Church which is UNITED in the Oneness of the ONE TRUTH as recorded in Ephesians 4:4-6 and Romans 1-16 2. The Body of Christ is the Church which CONTEND for the FAITH once delivered unto the saints per Jude 1:3 3. It is the Christians inside His Body whom live in the UNITED Oneness of the ONE FAITH per 1 Corinthians 1:10 and Galatians 2:20 4. The Body of Christ is the Church where the First Principles of the Doctrines of Christ is preached and daily OUTLIVED in the lives of the Born-again Believers as per Hebrews 6:1-4 {The Faith foundation} 5. It is the Church where the members are full of the Holy Spirit per Acts 1v8 and the various members are operating with the nine gifts of the Holy Spirit, all according to 1 Corinthians 12 6. It is an assembly of Believers whom weekly hear Christ audibly SPEAK to them via the FIVE Gift ministries of the Ascended Christ Jesus per Ephesians 4:10-16 and 1 Corinthians 12 7. An assembly of spirit filled Believers whom weekly gather together to ENJOY {and obey} the four spiritual disciplines of Acts 2:42 {Christ’s divine Spiritual food for our saved souls} 8. The Body of Christ is a gathering of spirit filled Believers whom WEEKLY Break bread in childlike OBEDIENCE to Christ’s instructions as recorded in 1 Corinthians 11:23-32 9. An assembly of Believers where Christ Jesus is upheld as the NEW and LIVING way per Hebrews 10-12 10. A gathering of Christians where no one man (or “special persons”) is elevated above other Believers, as Christ Jesus HATES the structure of clergy and laity per Revelation 2:6-15 11. An assembly of Believers whom are joyfully preaching and waiting for the imminent Rapture of the ONE Church of God per 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 12. The Body of Christ is a place where we do NOT look at men (and their shortcomings) but our eyes are FIXED upon the Master and loving Redeemer of our saved souls 13. The Body of Christ consist of Born-again Believers whom are DEAD to self {thus they cannot be offended} and whom daily manifest the risen LIFE of Christ Jesus in their mortal bodies per 2 Corinthians 4:10-11
14. The Church of God is an assembly of spirit filled Believers whom are NOT seeking good Christian music, comfortable conditions and “accommodating Christianity” in a mega church {operated by elevated men with fat salaries} 15. The Body of Christ is a Church where Christians are called to be humble SERVANTS of Christ as per the teachings of Jesus 16. As Born-again Believers inside the Body of Christ, we are ORDAINED to be faithful SERVANTS of God Almighty - Hallelujah! FIRSTLY: Jesus is our perfect example of obedience and humble servant-hood Let this same ATTITUDE and PURPOSE and humble MIND be in you which was in Christ Jesus: [Let Him be your EXAMPLE in HUMILITY:] Who, although being essentially one with God and in the form of God [possessing the fullness of the attributes which make God God], did not think this equality with God was a thing to be eagerly grasped or retained, But STRIPPED Himself [of all privileges and rightful dignity], so as to assume the guise of a SERVANT (slave), in that He became like men and was born a human being. And after He had appeared in human form, He ABASED and HUMBLED Himself [still further] and carried His OBEDIENCE to the extreme of death, even the death of the cross! Therefore [because He stooped so low] God has highly EXALTED Him and has freely bestowed on Him the name that is above every name. Philippians 2:5-9 SECONDLY: We are to serve our Lord and neighbour with unfeigned love Jesus replied, You shall LOVE the Lord your God with ALL your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind (intellect). This is the great (most important, principal) and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall LOVE your neighbor as yourself. Matthew 22:37-39 THIRDLY: We are to worship our Master in Spirit and in Truth A time will come, however, indeed it is already here, when the true (genuine) worshipers will WORSHIP the Father in SPIRIT and in TRUTH; for the Father is seeking just such people as these as His worshipers. God is a Spirit (a spiritual Being) and those who worship Him must worship Him in SPIRIT and in TRUTH. John 4:23-24 FOURTHLY: We are called to be feet washers [servants] just as Jesus washed the feet of all his disciples including Judas the Iscariot Jesus, knowing (fully aware) that the Father had put everything into His hands, and that He had come from God and was returning to God, Got up from supper, took off His garments, and taking a [SERVANT’S] towel, He fastened it around His waist. Then He poured water into the washbasin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the [SERVANT’S] towel with which He was girded. Jesus said to him, Anyone who has bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is clean all over. And you [My disciples] are clean, but not all of you. For He knew who was going to betray Him; that was the reason He said, Not all of you are clean. So when He had finished WASHING their feet and had put on His garments and had sat down again, He said to them, Do you understand what I have done to you? You call Me the Teacher (Master) and the Lord, and you are right in doing so, for that is what I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher (Master), have washed your feet, you ought [it is your DUTY, you are under obligation, you owe it] to WASH one another’s feet. For I have given you this as an EXAMPLE, so that you should DO [in your turn] what I have done to you. I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, A SERVANT is NOT greater than his master, and no one who is SENT is superior to
the one who sent Him. IF you know these things, BLESSED and happy and to be envied are you IF you PRACTICE [OBEY] them [if you ACT accordingly and really DO them]. John 13:3-5, 10-17 FIFTHLY: We are to serve and continue with the ministry of Christ Jesus unto seeking souls The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me [the Anointed One, the Messiah to PREACH the good news (the Gospel) to the poor; He has sent Me to announce RELEASE to the captives and RECOVERY of sight to the blind, to send forth as DELIVERED those who are oppressed [who are downtrodden, BRUISED, crushed, and BROKEN down by calamity], To PROCLAIM the accepted and acceptable year of the Lord [the day when SALVATION and the free favors of God profusely abound]. Luke 4:18-19 SIXTHLY: We must daily OBEY and DO the Will of our heavenly Father Therefore, you will fully KNOW them by their fruits. NOT everyone who says to Me, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who DOES [OBEY] the WILL of My Father Who is in heaven. Many will say to Me on that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name and driven out demons in Your name and done many mighty works in Your name? And then I will say to them openly (publicly), I NEVER knew you; DEPART from Me, you who act wickedly [disregarding My commands]. So everyone who hears these words of Mine and ACTS upon them [OBEYING them] will be like a sensible (prudent, practical, WISE) man who BUILT his house upon the ROCK. And the rain fell and the floods came and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had been FOUNDED on the ROCK. Matthew 7:20-25 SEVENTHLY: We are to serve with a humble and contrite heart O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall show forth Your praise. For You delight not in sacrifice, or else would I give it; You find no pleasure in burnt offering. My sacrifice [the sacrifice acceptable] to God is a broken spirit; a broken and a CONTRITE heart [broken down with sorrow for sin and humbly and thoroughly penitent], such, O God, You will NOT despise. Psalm 51:15-17 EIGHTHLY: We are to forgive as Christ Jesus forgave us Then Peter came up to Him and said, Lord, how many times may my brother sin against me and I forgive him and let it go? As many as up to seven times? Jesus answered him, I tell you, not up to seven times, but SEVENTY times SEVEN! Matthew 18:21-22 NINTHLY: We are to serve and shine as Christ Jesus That you may show yourselves to be BLAMELESS and guileless, innocent and uncontaminated, CHILDREN of God WITHOUT blemish (faultless, unrebukable) in the MIDST of a crooked and wicked generation [spiritually perverted and perverse], among whom you are seen [to SHINE] as bright LIGHTS (stars or beacons shining out clearly) in the dark world, HOLDING out and OFFERING to all men the Word of LIFE, so that in the day of Christ I may have something of which exultantly to rejoice and glory in that I did not RUN my race in vain or spend my labor to no PURPOSE. Philippians 2:15-16 TENTHLY: We are called to be faithful to the Faith May mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you. BELOVED, my whole concern was to write to you in regard to our common salvation. I found it necessary and was impelled to write you and urgently appeal to and exhort [you] to CONTEND for the FAITH which was once for all HANDED down to the SAINTS [the FAITH which is that sum of Christian belief which was DELIVERED verbally to the holy people of God]. Jude 1:2-3
ELEVENTHLY: We are accountable to the Father and the members inside the Body of Christ REMEMBER your leaders and superiors in authority [for it was they] who brought to you the Word of God. Observe attentively and consider their manner of living (the outcome of their well-spent lives) and imitate their faith (their conviction that God exists and is the Creator and Ruler of all things, the Provider and Bestower of eternal salvation through Christ, and their leaning of the entire human personality on God in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness). Obey your spiritual leaders and submit to them [continually recognizing their authority over you], for they are constantly keeping watch over your souls and guarding your spiritual welfare, as men who will have to render an ACCOUNT [of their trust]. [Do your part to] let them DO this [accountability to God] with gladness and NOT with sighing and groaning, for that would not be profitable to you. Hebrews 13:7, 17 TWELTHLY: Be submissive and surrendered to the Living Word I bear them witness that they have a zeal and enthusiasm for God, but it is not enlightened and according to [correct and vital] knowledge. For being IGNORANT of the righteousness that God ascribes [which makes one acceptable to Him in WORD, thought, and DEED] and seeking to establish a righteousness (a means of salvation) of their own, they did not OBEY or SUBMIT themselves to God’s righteousness. For with the heart a person believes (adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Christ) and so is JUSTIFIED (declared righteous, acceptable to God), and with the mouth he confesses (declares openly and speaks out freely his faith) and confirms his salvation. Romans 10:2-3, 10 THIRTEENTHLY: We are to be teachable at all times Likewise, you who are younger and of lesser rank, be subject to the elders (the ministers and spiritual guides of the church)–[giving them due respect and yielding to their counsel]. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with HUMILITY [as the garb of a SERVANT, so that its covering cannot possibly be stripped from you, with freedom from pride and arrogance] toward one another. For God sets Himself AGAINST the proud (the insolent, the overbearing, the disdainful, the presumptuous, the boastful)– [and He opposes, frustrates, and defeats them], but gives GRACE (favor, blessing) to the humble. Therefore HUMBLE yourselves [demote, lower yourselves in your own estimation] under the mighty hand of God, that in due time HE may exalt you, CASTING the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He CARES for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully. Be well balanced (TEMPERATE, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour. Withstand him; be firm in FAITH [against his onset– rooted, established, strong, immovable, and determined], knowing that the same sufferings are appointed to your brotherhood (the whole BODY of Christians) throughout the world. 1 Peter 5:5-9 FOURTEENTHLY: Gladly sacrifice self to obey His Will and become a living sacrifice unto the Lord Jesus I APPEAL to you therefore, brethren, and BEG of you in view of [all] the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [PRESENTING all your members and faculties] as a living SACRIFICE, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your REASONABLE (rational, intelligent) SERVICE and spiritual WORSHIP. Do NOT be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be TRANSFORMED (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your MIND [by its new attitude], so that you may PROVE [for yourselves] what is the GOOD and ACCEPTABLE and PERFECT will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you]. For by the GRACE (unmerited favor of God) given to me
I warn everyone among you not to estimate and THINK of himself more highly than he ought [not to have an exaggerated opinion of his own importance], but to rate his ability with SOBER judgment, each according to the degree of FAITH apportioned by God to him. Romans 12:1-3 FIFTHTEENTHLY: We are ordained to suffer as our Master and divinely manifest His Charity and compassion to seeking souls For what we preach is NOT ourselves but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves [merely] as your SERVANTS (slaves) for Jesus’ sake. For God Who said, Let light SHINE out of darkness, has shone in our hearts so as [to beam forth] the LIGHT for the illumination of the knowledge of the majesty and glory of God [as it is MANIFEST in the Person and is revealed] in the face of Jesus Christ (the Messiah). However, we POSSESS this precious TREASURE [the divine Light of the Gospel] in [frail, human] vessels of earth, that the grandeur and exceeding greatness of the POWER may be shown to be from God and NOT from ourselves. We are hedged in (pressed) on every side [troubled and oppressed in every way], but NOT cramped or crushed; we SUFFER embarrassments and are perplexed and unable to find a way out, but NOT driven to despair; We are pursued (PERSECUTED and hard driven), but NOT deserted [to stand alone]; we are struck down to the ground, but NEVER struck out and destroyed; Always carrying about in the body the liability and exposure to the same putting to DEATH that the Lord Jesus SUFFERED, so that the Resurrection LIFE of Jesus also may be shown forth by and in our bodies. For we who live are constantly [experiencing] being handed over to death for Jesus’ sake, that the [resurrection] LIFE of Jesus also may be evidenced [MANIFEST] through our flesh which is liable to death. Thus DEATH is actively at work in us, but [it is in order that our] life [may be actively at work] in you. Yet we have the same spirit of FAITH as he had who wrote, I have BELIEVED, and therefore have I spoken. We too BELIEVE, and therefore we SPEAK! 2 Corinthians 4:5-13 SIXTHTEENLY: To manifest our God given ministry inside the Body of Christ on earth His GIFTS were [varied; He Himself appointed and GAVE men to us] some to be apostles (special messengers), some prophets (inspired preachers and expounders), some evangelists (preachers of the Gospel, traveling missionaries), some pastors (shepherds of His flock) and teachers. His intention was the PERFECTING and the full EQUIPPING of the saints (His consecrated people), [that they should DO] the WORK of ministering toward building up Christ’s body (the church), That it might DEVELOP until we all attain ONENESS in the FAITH and in the COMPREHENSION of the [full and accurate] knowledge of the Son of God, that we might ARRIVE at really mature manhood (the COMPLETENESS of personality which is nothing less than the standard height of Christ’s own PERFECTION), the measure of the STATURE of the FULNESS of the Christ and the completeness found in Him. So then, we may NO longer be children, tossed [like ships] to and fro between chance gusts of teaching and wavering with every changing wind of doctrine, [the prey of ] the CUNNING and cleverness of unscrupulous men, [gamblers engaged] in every shifting form of trickery in inventing errors to mislead. Rather, let our lives lovingly EXPRESS TRUTH [in all things, speaking truly, dealing truly, living truly]. Enfolded in LOVE, let us GROW up in every way and in all things into Him Who is the Head, [even] Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One). For because of Him the whole BODY (the church, in all its various parts), closely JOINED and firmly knit together by the joints and ligaments with which it is supplied, when EACH part [with power adapted to its need] is WORKING properly [in all its functions], grows to full MATURITY, building itself up in LOVE. Ephesians 4:11-16
7. OUR PEACE, PURPOSE, POWER, Our Peace, Purpose, Power, Protection Provision in Christ Jesus Our Peace, Purpose, Power, Protection andand Provision is inisChrist Jesus PROTECTION AND PROVISION IS IN Our Peace and Purpose is Christ Jesus (Salvation) CHRIST JESUS 1.1.Our Peace and Purpose is Christ Jesus (Salvation)
JOSHUA & CALEB = VICTORY JOSHUA & CALEB = VICTORY JESUS = VICTORY 4 JESUS! JESUS & BOC&=BOC VICTORY 4 JESUS!
1. Our Peace and Purpose is Christ Jesus (Salvation) Luke 4:17-19. And there delivered the book ofprophet the prophet Esaias. 1. 1.Luke 4:17-19. And there waswas delivered untounto himhim the book of the Esaias. • JOSHUA & And CALEB = VICTORY And when opened book, he found the place where it was written, when he he hadhad opened thethe book, he found the place where it was written, The The • JESUS & BOC = VICTORY 4Lord JESUS! Spirit is upon because he hath anointed mepreach to preach the gospel Spirit of of thethe Lord is upon me,me, because he hath anointed me to the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the broken-hearted, to preach to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering ofthe sight to blind, theEsaias. blind, to at he had 1. Luke 4:17-19. And there delivered unto him the book of And when deliverance to was the captives, and recovering of sight toprophet the to set atset liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. libertyhethem that are bruised, Toitpreach the acceptable year the is Lord. opened the book, found the place where was written, The Spirit of theofLord upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenChrist came to save us, redeem us, restore us, reconcile us, us,usfill us Christ came to save us,the redeem us, restore us, reconcile us, heal us, blind, fill with hearted,2.to2.preach deliverance to captives, and recovering of sight to heal the to setwith at Joy, peace and mature us and send usthe as in a in a His Joy, peace and purpose, mature us and send usHis as ambassadors His ambassadors liberty themHis that are bruised, Topurpose, preach the acceptable year of Lord. broken world. Philippians 2:15-16 broken world. Philippians 2:15-16 2. Christ came to save us, redeem us, restore us, reconcile us, heal us, fill us with His Joy, peace HP HP and purpose, mature us and send us as His ambassadors in a broken world. Philippians 2:15-16 BHD BHD BROKEN BROKEN HEARTS HEARTS
BRD BRD
SINSIN DEATH DEATH
HELL HELL
HS
HS
BOC BOC
WALK/LIVE BY FAITH – WALK/LIVE BY FAITH – GAL 2:20, 5:22-28 GAL 2:20, 5:22-28
2.2.Christ’s SPIRIT, Power and Peace LIVE inside of us members Christ’s SPIRIT, Power and Peace LIVE inside of[the us [the members ofof Christ] Christ]
2. Christ’s SPIRIT, Power and Peace LIVE inside of us [the members of Christ] 1. Romans 7:4, 1 Corinthians 6:15-17; Colossians 1:27-29; 1. Romans 7:4, 16:15-17; Corinthians 6:15-17; Colossians 1:27-29; 1. Romans 1 Corinthians Colossians 1:27-29; 2. 7:4, Galatians 4:4-6; Ephesians 3:16-17; Philippians 1:19; 2.4:4-6; Galatians 4:4-6; Ephesians 3:16-17; Philippians 1:19; 2. Galatians Ephesians 3:16-17; Philippians 1:19; 3. 1 John 4:13-15; Romans 8:1-16 3. 1 John 4:13-15; Romans 8:1-16 3. 1 John 4:13-15; Romans 8:1-16 THE BORN AGAIN THE BORN AGAIN BELIEVER BELIEVER BODY – SOUL – SPIRIT –- SOUL –- 3SPIRIT - BODY 1 2 -1 -2 -3
CARNAL CARNAL BODY BODY FLESH DIEFLESH DIE DUST DUST
SOUL SOUL WILL WILL
SPIRIT SPIRIT MARRIED MARRIED CHRIST CHRIST
SAVED SOUL SAVED SOUL TO DO FATHER’S WILL TO DO FATHER’S WILL MIND OF CHRIST ROM OF CHRIST ROM 12, 1 MIND COR 2:16 12, 1 COR 2:16 EMOTIONS OF CHRIST 5:22 EMOTIONS GAL – FRUITOF CHRIST GALHIS 5:22 – FRUIT PREACH PREACH HIS WORD/WILL SPIRITWORD/WILL & TRUTH & LOVE SPIRIT & TRUTH & LOVE
3. Born-again Believers enjoy His Peace, Providence and
Born-again Believers enjoy INSIDE His Peace, and (Haven) while we briefly Protection theProvidence Body of Christ Protection INSIDE the Body of Christ (Haven) while we briefly live in this confused and broken world live in this confused and broken world 1. We are living in the Promised Land - The Body of Christ our save haven 1. We are living in the Promised Land - The Body of Christ our save haven 2. Christ Jesus is the Head, the Foundation and the Cornerstone of His Church 2. Christ Jesus is the Head, the Foundation and the Cornerstone of His Church 3. He is the of Commander ofof theGod. Armies of God. Joshua 5:13-16 3. He is the Commander the Armies Joshua 5:13-16 4. He is the Great Shepherd, Apostle, Prophet,and Teachers and Evangelist 4. He is the Great Shepherd, Apostle, Prophet, Teachers Evangelist Ephesians 4:8-16. Jesus apostles; GAVE some, and some,and prophets; 5. Ephesians5.4:8-16. Jesus GAVE some, andapostles; some, prophets; some,and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 1. For the 1. For the perfecting ofperfecting the saints,of the saints, 2. of Forthe theministry, work of the ministry, 2. For the work 3. Forof the edifying of Christ: the body of Christ: 3. For the edifying the body of 4. Tillinwe allunity comeof inthe the faith, unity and of theoffaith, and of the knowledge of the Son 4. Till we all come the the knowledge of the Son of God, man, unto aunto perfect unto the measure of of thethe stature of the fullness of God, unto a perfect theman, measure of the stature fullness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, andand fro, and carried about with every wind doctrine, sleight carried about with every wind of doctrine, byofthe sleightbyofthe men, andof men, and cunning craftiness, lie in wait to deceive; cunning craftiness, whereby they whereby lie in waitthey to deceive; 5. But the truth love, up may grow upininto in all things, 5. But speaking the speaking truth in love, mayingrow into him all him things, which is the head, even Christ which is the head, even Christ 6. the From whom the whole body together fitly joinedand together and compacted 6. From whom whole body fitly joined compacted by that by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual in the which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in working the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. itself in love.
BOC
OUR SAFE HAVEN INSIDE - HIS LOVE - HIS BODY - HIS SPIRIT
THE WORLD / GLOBE IN SIN (VISIBLE PLACE)
OUR SAFE HAVEN BODY OF CHRIST CHRIST IN CONTROL SAVED SOULS MARRIED TO CHRIST ONE SPIRIT
SAFE HAVEN IN CHRIST INSIDE HIS BODY ON EARTH
8. THE GOVERNANCE OF GOD AND THE GRACE OF GOD God is not the author of confusion. His Governance and His Doctrine was put into the church as the work expanded in the way that He has always done it (as He did through Moses through whom He gave the first five books, as He did through Samuel who may very well have been the author all the way from Joshua up until the end of II Samuel, and many other saved Brethren whom God used to add to the scriptures so that we might have the complete Bible today). Definition of Governance: Governance is the way the rules, norms and actions are structured, sustained, regulated and held accountable. The degree of formality depends on the internal rules of a Government/ Kingdom and the Body of Christ. As such, governance may take many forms, guided by many different reasons and with many different results/ outcomes. Isaiah 9:6-7. For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the GOVERNMENT shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. Isaiah 22:20-22. And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will call my servant Eliakim the son of Hilkiah: 21. And I will clothe him with thy robe, and strengthen him with thy girdle, and I will commit thy GOVERNMENT into his hand: and he shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to the house of Judah. 22 And the KEY of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder; so he shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open. (Revelations 3:7-8) God’s GOVERNANCE [Is sure and never changes] 1.
Genesis 2:18-24. Adam was GIVEN a Wife by God as a help meet
2. And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him. 21. And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; 22 And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. 23 And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. 24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. 3.
The Marriage of one man with one wife is God’s governance
4.
A man (not wife) will be the head of his family per Ephesians 5:23
5.
The Ten Commandments per Exodus 20 is still applicable today (But not to save us!)
6.
The first principles of the doctrines of Christ is His FOUNDATION per Hebrews 6:1-3
7.
The Will of God must be OBEYED to enter heaven per Matthew 7:21-25
8.
The Lord Jesus is the Head and Foundation of his church {Not the pope} Ephesians 5:23
9.
Christ WAS SENT by His Father to earth to minister and work redemption for mankind
10. Christ SENT his disciples to minister and SERVE as apostles per Luke 24:44-50 11. Paul was SENT by Apostolic ministry per Galatians 2:9 {Gods Governance} 12. A ministering Brother involved with missionary and ministry work must be SENT by Apostolic and Elders ministry- a brother can NEVER send himself in the ministry! I. A Brother cannot be “sent” into ministry by his wife nor controlled by her finances in the ministry II. A ministering Brother that is “sent” by his wife into ministry will surely be subservient to his wife and this is ungodly governance! III. Such a brother will NOT be in submission to the Godly governance of the Body of Christ! 13. The ordinances of God - Water baptism and the weekly Breaking of bread around the table of communion per 1 Corinthians 11:23-33 14. Christ ordained to audibly SPEAK to His members inside His Body through the five Gift Ministries of the Ascended Christ per Ephesians 4:11-17 15. Saved brethren (NOT saved sisters) will be Elders and deacons per 1 Timothy 3 16. The Lord ordained our loving obedience to the four spiritual disciplines [our weekly spiritual food] of Acts 2:42 17. We are the flock of God {Sheep must eat grass, drink water, receive nutrients and be dipped regularly = Then they produce good wool for the Owner} 18.Gods Governance in Families 19. Ephesians 5:25-32. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. 28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. 29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: 30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. 31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. 32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. 20. A man (husbands) must work and not slumber nor be lazy per 1 Timothy 5:8. But if any provide not for his own, and especially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. • All Brethren must love, guide and provide for their families with Godly wisdom, prudence and insight • Husbands must nurture, nourish and cherish their wife and family with the love of Christ Jesus as per Ephesians 5: 20-32.
21. 1 Corinthians 12:18-28. But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. 19 And if they were all one member, where were the body? 20 But now are they many members, yet but one body. 21 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. 22 Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: 23 And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. 24 For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked: 25 That there should be no schism {divisions and discord} in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. 26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. 27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. 28 And God hath SET {placed and appointed His GOVERNANCE} some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, GOVERNMENTS {Elders and bishops}, diversities of tongues. 22.The doctrines, instructions and ordinances of God’s governance NEVER changes - Amen Definition of Grace - Gods Righteousness at Christ’s Expense The gospel message is the GOOD NEWS of God’s grace, so it is important to know what grace is and to constantly seek to get a better view of what grace does in our lives. Grace is an essential part of God’s character. Grace is closely related to God’s benevolence, love, and mercy. Grace can be variously defined as “God’s divine favour and love toward the unworthy”. In His grace, God is willing to forgive us and bless us abundantly, in spite of the fact that we don’t deserve to be treated so well or dealt with so generously. To fully understand grace, we need to consider who we were without Christ and who we become with Christ. We were born in sin (Psalm 51:5), and we were guilty of breaking God’s holy laws (Romans 3:9–20, 23; 1 John 1:8–10). We were enemies of God (Romans 5:6, 10; 8:7; Colossians 1:21), deserving of death (Romans 6:23a). We were unrighteous (Romans 3:10) and without means of justifying ourselves (Romans 3:20). Spiritually, we were destitute, blind, unclean, and dead. Our souls were in peril of everlasting punishment. But then came His grace. God extended His favour to us. Grace is the essence of the gospel (Acts 20:24). Paul repeatedly identified grace as the basis of his calling as an apostle (Romans 15:15; 1 Corinthians 3:10; Ephesians 3:2, 7). God’s GRACE [does NOT change His Governance and doctrines!] 1. By grace are you SAVED through faith and that of yourself, it is a gift of God- Ephesians 2:8 2. Through grace Jesus came to bless us into eternal life per John 3:16-21 3. By grace do we daily receive his mercy and charity per Hebrews 10 4. By his grace we are able to live by His FAITH per Hebrews 11 5. Grace gives us victory over sin James 4:6 6. Grace gives us “eternal encouragement and good hope” 2 Thessalonians 2:16
7. By grace do we enter the Abundant Life of Christ here on earth per John 10:10 8. By grace we received His daily Provision, Power, Peace, Presence, Protection, Purpose and His many Promises in our saved lives per Romans 8-10 9. By grace do we grow into the stature and image of Christ Jesus per Ephesians 4:12-16 10. By His grace do we minister his Living Word and serve souls inside the Body of Christ per 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 11. By grace do we reach out to seeking souls in our communities per Luke 4:18-19 12. By His Grace we will be raptured into heaven at the appointed time. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 13. His GRACE does NOT change His Governance and doctrines! Hear this WORD that the Lord hath spoken AGAINST you, O children of Israel, against the whole family which I brought up from the land of Egypt, saying, You only have I known of all the families of the earth: therefore I will PUNISH you for all your iniquities. Can two WALK together, EXCEPT they be agreed {On the Governance and the Faith of Christ}? Amos 3:1-3 Born-again Believers can ONLY walk and serve TOGETHER in the Body of Christ IF they AGREE on the Governance of God and the one Faith [MIND] of Christ per 1 Corinthians 1:10 God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Now I beseech [BEG] you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing [the ONE Faith of Christ Jesus], and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together [in His divine Charity] in the same mind [The ONE mind of Christ] and in the same judgment [same application of the Faith]. 1 Corinthians 1:9-10 Endeavouring to keep the UNITY of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is ONE body, and ONE Spirit, even as ye are called in ONE hope of your calling; ONE Lord, ONE faith, ONE baptism, ONE God and Father of all, who is ABOVE all, and through all, and in you all. Ephesians 4:4-6 Till we all come in the UNITY of the [one] FAITH, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the FULNESS of Christ - Ephesians 4:13 We pray Abba Father unite His sanctified people in His Charity under the Headship of Christ Jesus - Amen
9. LOOK UP AND NOT DOWN! The Living Word record that we must LOOK UP unto Jesus and NOT look at the storm, trial, temptation or tribulations in my life - Amen If our eyes are focused on the problem or person, then we will NOT be able to SEE and recognize the many BLESSINGS we have received in Christ at our salvation and the daily provisions received from Abba Father - Hallelujah! IF ye then be RISEN with Christ, • SEEK (search, desire, aspire) those THINGS which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. • SET (Place and confirm) your AFFECTION on things ABOVE, • NOT on things on the earth. • For ye are DEAD, and your LIFE is HID with Christ in God. [no longer hiding in the old caves of lust, culture, customs, comforts and religion] • When Christ, who is our LIFE, shall appear, then shall ye ALSO appear with JESUS in GLORY! Colossians 3:1-4 All people on the globe experience various storms, challenges and trials in this life however we need to comprehend the following truths: • You cannot change the past • You cannot relive the past • Don’t let past hurts, insults, strongholds, complexes hold you in chains of bitterness and unforgiveness • You cannot ignore your old sins but you must GIVE them to Jesus as your Saviour (repent, confess and receive Jesus as your Lord and personal Saviour) • We must learn from our past mistakes • We must learn from the positive things in our past Give your sinful past, problems and pain to Jesus Christ - He came to set us FREE indeed! Luke 4:18-19 and John 8:32-36 • The Truth sets you free • The Truth provide healing to your soul • The Truth comforts you • The Truth gives Joy and Wisdom • The Truth provide us with His peace and divine power • Don’t judge people from your past • Don’t hold grudges and bitterness, but GIVE it to Jesus - Hallelujah! • Be reconciled with people from the past in Jesus Name - Amen TODAY you have to make a voluntary DECISION to change your FOCUS and LOOK UP (and not at your past, pains or your problems!) We don’t have a guarantee that we will be alive tomorrow - BUT we have a sure HOPE of the LOVE and FAITH of Christ Jesus towards our seeking souls - Amen
If you are experiencing challenges and strained relationships in your marriage, family or relatives THEN - please apply the follow TRUTH: • Take your eyes AWAY from (OFF) the shortcomings of the person, wife, child or brother. • Fully FOCUS your heart and spiritual eyes on the Lord Jesus! • Daily use the THREE Keys with the assistance of the Holy Spirit. The Living Word PROMISES us that you will experience divine miracles and healings when you APPLY and OBEY these three Godly Principles - Hallelujah! Abba Father is FAITHFUL to His Living Word! Amen Please apply these three Spiritual Keys from His Word - Faith is a “Doing Word” The WHITE key – Heart key • Be grateful for all the many blessings in your life (Your health, income, relatives and LIFE) • Carry no bitterness or un-forgiveness towards the person (husband or relative) • Do NOT judge the person that has done you wrong The RED key - Love key • Apply practical love in your relationship • Apply a servant’s heart as unto Jesus and manifest compassion and care • Love with the love of Christ (He DIED to Save us) • Only speak positively (no “lose talking” and bad mouthing) The BLUE key - Prayer key • Lord please TOUCH my husband/ this person • Lord please BLESSES my husband/ this person • Lord please LEAD my husband/ this person into Your PERFECT Plan for his/her life. Amen Dear Believer - The Lord ALWAYS honours these THREE Keys when you apply them by Faith Amen Every person that has used these three Keys in their lives; has experienced Mighty Miracles in their lives and healed hearts - Hallelujah! Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: BUT, Until SEVENTY times seven. Matthew 18:21-22 TRUST in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be FED. DELIGHT thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the DESIRES of thine heart. COMMIT thy way unto the Lord; trust also in JESUS; and he shall bring it to pass. And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the LIGHT, and thy judgment as the noonday. REST in the Lord, and WAIT patiently for him: fret NOT thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. CEASE from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil. For evildoers shall be cut off: but THOSE that WAIT upon the Lord, they shall INHERIT the earth. Psalms 37:3-9
WHATSOEVER ye do in word or deed, do ALL in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving THANKS to God and the Father by him. Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. Husbands, LOVE your wives, and be NOT bitter against them. And whatsoever ye do, do it HEARTILY, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall RECEIVE the REWARD of the INHERITANCE: for ye serve the Lord Christ. But he that doeth WRONG shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons. Colossians 3:17-19, 23-25 If ye then be RISEN with Christ (Born-again Believer), SEEK those things which are ABOVE, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. SET your affection (desire, passion and focus) on things ABOVE, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is HID with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in GLORY. But now ye also put OFF all these; ANGER, wrath, MALICE, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. LIE not one to another, seeing that ye have put OFF the old man with his deeds; And have put ON the new man, which is RENEWED in knowledge after the IMAGE of CHRIST that created him: PUT on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, KINDNESS, humbleness of mind, MEEKNESS, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ FORGAVE you, so ALSO do ye. And above all these things put ON CHARITY, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God RULE in your HEARTS, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye THANKFUL. Let the WORD of Christ DWELL in you RICHLY in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with GRACE in your hearts to the Lord. And WHATSOEVER ye do in word or deed, do ALL in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. Husbands, LOVE your wives, and be NOT bitter against them. Colossians 3:1-4, 8-10, 12-19 REJOICE in the Lord ALWAYS: and again I say, REJOICE. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in EVERYTHING 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 4:4-7 You are most welcome to send your various questions to us via email louisjooste@mweb.co.za We pray the Lord Jesus abundantly bless you in His perfect Will for your life - Amen
10. THE WILL OF OUR FATHER – A PRACTICAL APPLICATION IN LIFE It is VERY clear from the Scriptures that the Lord Jesus has purposed for us to KNOW His Perfect Will and to OBEY His Will - Amen JESUS our Saviour died to DELIVER us (free us) from our own carnal will and now the Lord Jesus daily leads us to DIE to self (me, myself and I) and live in daily OBEDIENCE to the divine Will of our heavenly Father! Galatians 2:20; John 12:24 and Matthew 7:21 We have been redeemed from the law but as Christians we are INSTRUCTED to OBEY the Will of God inside the Body of Christ - Amen The Perfect Plan and Purpose for your life is concealed within the Will of God: 1. To receive Salvation of your soul • To be saved from your sins and iniquities by the Blood Christ Jesus – Romans 10:8-13 • To be Baptized in water to fulfil all righteousness – Matthew 3:15 • To Love the Lord Jesus with all your heart, soul, mind and strength – Matthew 22:38-40 2. To be Baptized in the power of the Holy Spirit • Receive the Baptism for anointed service unto seeking souls – 1 Corinthians 12 and Acts 1-28 • To Worship the Lord Jesus as your Lord and Saviour – Psalm 119 • To Love your neighbour as yourself – Matthew 22:38-40 3. To be Added to the Body of Christ while here on earth • To become an active ministering member – Acts 2:38-47 • To Obey the Will of the Father inside the Body of Christ – Romans 12 • To Weekly Participate in the four spiritual disciplines as recorded in His Word - Acts 2:42-47 • To Grow in Holiness – 1 Thessalonians 4:3 • To Serve one another in His Love – 1 Corinthians 13 • To be Thankful in all things – 1 Thessalonians 5:18 • To Meet Christ Jesus at the great wedding feast in heaven – 2 Peter 3:10 • To Rule and Reign with Christ Jesus on earth for a thousand years – Revelations 1-21 • To Spend Eternity with the Lord Jesus in Heaven! Revelations 22 4. To Mature in your measure of Faith • To become voice activated in your God given Ministry as recorded in Ephesians 4:11-16 and 1 Corinthians 12 • To Grow in the Image of Immanuel and manifest His fruit – Philippians 2 and 2 Corinthians 4:1-11 • To be prepared for eternal life in heaven – Ephesians 1 – 6 • To be Ready for the imminent rapture of the Bride of Christ into heaven – 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 and 1 Corinthians 15 5. To Become His ambassador in a wicked and perverse world • As a Born Again teacher, truck driver, labourer, doctor or domestic worker – 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 • To shine as a bright LIGHT in the midst of a wicked world and joyfully hold forth the Word of Life – Philippians 2:5-16 • The Lord Jesus ORDAINED you to GO and bear fruit that must remain and to LOVE one another – John 15:1-17 • To Declare His Word to the world – Matthew 28:18-20
Jesus saith unto him, I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me. If ye had known Me, ye should have known My Father also: and from henceforth ye know Him, and have seen Him. John 14:6 I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the Word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one. Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us. But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things. I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know the TRUTH, and that no lie is of the truth. 1 John 2:14-21 We know that ALL things work together for GOOD to them that Love GOD, to them who are CALLED according to His Purpose and His divine Will. Amen Romans 8:28 We only truly LOVE Christ Jesus when we OBEY His Will! In Christ Jesus we come into the NEW THINGS that our heavenly Father has prepared for us in the Body of His Son: 1. The Salvation of our soul – Romans 10:8-17 2. We are filled with the divine Spirit of Christ Jesus at our salvation – Romans 7:4 and Colossians 1:27 3. The wonderful gift of the Holy Spirit – Acts 1 and 2 4. We become the sons and saints of God Almighty – 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 5. The Lord ADD us into His precious Body on earth – Acts2:47 and Romans 12 6. The Lord Jesus divinely FEED His flock on green pastures beside still waters inside His Body on earth - Acts2v42 7. The Lord make us sit down weekly at His table of Salvation and continued consecration amongst our co-believers – 1 Corinthians 11:23-33 8. We HEAR Christ SPEAK AUDIBLY to us weekly INSIDE His Body on earth through the FIVE Gift ministries of the Ascended Christ Jesus – Hebrews 1:1-3 and Ephesians 4:10-13 9. We receive the nine (9) Gifts of the Holy Spirit for His service unto co-believers and also to seeking souls – 1 Corinthians 12 10. The Lord God REVEAL His divine Will unto us INSIDE His Body and Christ Jesus empowers us to DO (Obey) His Will – Matthew 7:21-25 and 1 John 1-2 11. We are led by the Holy Spirit to SUBMIT and SURRENDER to The Word - Amen
12. We learn to sacrifice self and our own carnal desires and to WALK in his Way! 13. The Lord grants us new desires to live in Obedience to the Instructions of Christ 14. The Lord lead us into a consecrated, holy and blameless life – Philippians 2:15 15. We are empowered by Christ Jesus to become His shining lights amongst a wicked and perverse nation – Philippians 2:15-16 16. We are blessed with many revelations of His Word inside His Body – Ephesians 4 17. The Living Word teaches us to Believe and Obey the first principles of the doctrines of Christ Jesus – Hebrews 6 (Refer to the enclosed Rock foundation) 18. We mature in the Christian life and come to bearing MUCH fruit – John 15 19. We become LIKE Jesus, made of NO reputation, the humble servants of God 20. Our souls are made ALIVE in Christ as we eagerly await the imminent Rapture of the Bride of Christ – 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 21. We live in VICTORY over sin and temptations – Luke 4:1-19 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His Will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein He hath made us accepted in the Beloved. Ephesians 1:5-6 In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Wherein He hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to His good pleasure which He hath purposed in Himself. Ephesians 1:7-9 That in the dispensation of the fullness of times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in Him: In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the Purpose of Christ who worketh ALL things after the counsel of His own Will (The Will of God). Ephesians 1:10-11 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the Will of the Lord is. Ephesians 5:15-17 It is VERY CLEAR from the Scriptures that the Lord Jesus has purposed for us to KNOW His perfect Will and to OBEY His Will - Amen He that has My Instructions (ordinances) and OBEYS them, he it is that Loves Me and he that loves Me shall be loved of my Father and I will love him and will Manifest Myself to him and Manifest Myself through him to the world! John 14 The Law has been renewed by the Will of the Father whom art in heaven. Only the Christians who DO the Father’s Will, shall enter into heaven. Amen. Matthew 7:21-25
Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh IN you both to will and to DO (Obey) of His good pleasure. Philippians 2:12-13 If any man will do (Obey) His will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of Myself. John 7:17 Whether of them twain DID (Obey) the Will of His Father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you. Matthew 21:31 Jesus said; For whosoever shall DO (Obey) the Will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother. Mark 3:35 If any man will do (Obey) His will, he shall know of the doctrine (the First Principles of the doctrines of Christ), whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. John 7:17 And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know His Will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth. Acts 22:14 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because He (Jesus) maketh intercession for the saints according to the Will of God. Romans 8:27 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove (Manifest) what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, Will of God. Romans 12:2 Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing (OBEYING) the Will of God from the heart. Ephesians 6:6 For this is the Will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication. 1Thessalonians 4:3 In everything give thanks: for this is the Will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 1Thessalonians 5:18 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws (My Will) into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people! Hebrews 8:10 Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God. Hebrews 10:7 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done (Obeyed) the Will of God, ye might receive the promise. Hebrews 10:36
11. A VISION OF CHRIST JESUS GUARANTEES HIS ABUNDANT LIFE! Where there is NO VISION, the people perish [dies]: but he that keepeth the law [My Word and MY will], happy [content and fulfilled] is he. Proverbs 29:18 The LORD answered me, and said, Write the VISION, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the VISION is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. Habakkuk 2:2-3 Then the LORD said unto me, The prophets prophesy LIES in my name: I sent them NOT, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a FALSE VISION and divination, and a thing of nought, and the DECEIT of their heart. Jeremiah 14:14 Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you: they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and NOT out of the mouth of the LORD. Jeremiah 23:16 Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a VISION, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: Acts 18:9 When we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. [The Vision of the Resurrected Christ Jesus] But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was NOT disobedient unto the heavenly VISION. Acts 26:14-19 • As Born-again Believers we are called, chosen and consecrated into an eternal love relationship with our heavenly Father, His Son and the Holy Spirit - Hallelujah! • Abba Father has revealed [through a divine VISION] His Son to us at our salvation and ordained us into a living loving relationship with our Lord and Saviour - Amen • We are called to be committed to this divine love relationship [received by His VISION] and worship the Lord in Spirit and in Truth - Amen The Lord did NOT instruct us to pursue our plans and PURPOSE; but to OBEY the Will of Abba Father INSIDE the Body of His Son per Matthew 7:20-26 and Romans 12
12. THE VISION OF CHRIST AND HIS DIVINE PROVISION FOR THE MANIFESTATION OF THE MESSIAH IN OUR DAILY LIVES We thank and praise Abba Father for His amazing grace which afforded us the VISION of His redeeming love and compassion unto broken-hearted souls Hallelujah! It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities. For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me. And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 When we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly VISION: But shewed [manifested] first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance. For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me. Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come: That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles. Acts 26:14-23 Over all the ages our heavenly Father divinely PROVIDES for His VISION in ACTION - Amen The VISION afforded us by Abba Father: • The Love of Abba Father unto His crown creation per Luke 4:18 • The risen Christ Jesus per the Gospel of God • The Way, the Truth and the Life per John 14:6 • The Living Word per the New Testament • The Faith of Christ per Hebrews • The Will of Abba Father per the Living Word
• The Abundant and Victorious Life of Christ Jesus per John 10:10 • Eternal life in heaven per Revelations The PROVISION for the Vision • The Body of Christ per Ephesians and Corinthians • The five Gift Ministries of the risen Christ per Ephesians • The nine gifts of the Holy Spirit per Corinthians • The blessed table of communion with the Lord Jesus per the Gospels • The Four spiritual disciplines of heavenly manna per Acts 2:42 • The first principles of the doctrines of Christ per Hebrews • The Marriage of husband and wife per the Living Word The ACTIVE Manifestation of His Faith: • Daily application of the divine Love of Christ per Matthew 22:36-40 • The audible and practical manifestation of the five Gift ministries to daily lead and feed the sheep inside the Body of Christ per Ephesians 4:12-16 and John 21 • Teaching the flock of God the Christian life style as per the apostles doctrines and the four spiritual disciplines of Acts 2:42 • Examining my own heart and soul at His table of communion and divine fellowship with Jesus as per 1 Corinthians 11:23-32 • Daily manifestation of the nine gifts of the Holy Spirit in the lives of all Born-again Believers as per 1 Corinthians 12 and Acts • Teaching the flock of God to daily continue with the Ministry Mandate of Christ to His Church per Luke 4:18-19 • The bearing of much fruit in serving saved souls INSIDE His Body per John 15 and the Book of Acts The MISSION application of His Faith: • The Great Commission of Christ Jesus per Matthew 28:18-20 (Sending ambassadors outside His body into the local communities ) • The ministry of daily reconciliation given to each Christian per 2 Corinthians 5 • Being SENT as Mature Messengers to share and serve souls with the Truth and the Love of Christ Jesus per the New Testament - Amen • Mature Believers to GO and COMPEL the broken-hearted souls living in the highways and bi-ways with the LOVE of Christ Jesus as per Luke 14:42-43 • Christ save souls and Abba Father ADD souls to the Body of Christ per Acts 2:47 Brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to BUILD you UP, and to GIVE you an INHERITANCE among all them which are sanctified. I have coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel. Yea, ye yourselves know, that these HANDS have MINISTERED unto my necessities, AND to them that were WITH me. I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to SUPPORT the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is MORE blessed to GIVE than to receive! Acts 20:32-35 For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men. We are fools for Christ’s sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised. Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace; And labour, WORKING with our OWN hands: being reviled, we BLESS; being persecuted, we SUFFER it: Being defamed, we ENTREAT: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day. 1 Corinthians 4:9-13
13. LOVE - LEAD - FEED - FETCH A Word Expose on the responsibility of Elders towards the flock of God inside the Body of Christ Jesus: • • • •
Love Lead Feed and Fetch the lambs/ sheep
John 21:15-17. So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. Hebrews 13:7, 17. REMEMBER and acknowledge THEM which have the rule over you (the ordained elders in your assembly), who have SPOKEN unto you the WORD of God: whose FAITH follow, considering the end of their conversation [their faith, Charity, compassion and care to the saved souls inside the Body of Christ] OBEY them that have the rule over you, and SUBMIT yourselves: for they (the ordained Elders in the church) WATCH for your souls, as they that must give ACCOUNT, that they may do it with JOY, and not with grief: for that is UNPROFITABLE for you! • • • • • •
BFA Elders to meet fortnightly to Pray and Plan the Monthly Manna Ministry Elders to Pray and Know the Sheep by their Names, hearts and their hurts (and needs) Elders to daily walk by Faith and LEAD the sheep and lambs IN the WAY of Christ Jesus Elders to GUARD and GUIDE the flock against gainsayers and the wolves! Elders to TEACH the young brethren the First Principles of the Doctrine of Christ - Hebrews 6 Elders to EMBRACE the brethren and include them at the various Cottage meetings
Revelations from the Elders Meeting at Golden Harvest • GOD has CALLED us for a time as such! • Our UNITY is IN Christ Jesus – Not just in doctrines BUT in the LOVE of God for His WORD! • We must mortify the deeds of the flesh (me, myself and I). Lusts of the flesh and pride. • All Five Ministries work together in the UNITY of the Faith of Christ per Galatians 2:16-20 • Read Acts 20:17-38 – The Elders work and SERVICE to the Flock of God Almighty • God will BUILD His Church in the storms and tribulations of this life on earth • We are instructed to minister in SUBMISSION to one another INSIDE the Body of Christ • Esteem your brother higher than yourself and Fellowship IN the Light of Christ • All seven spheres of my life must be OPEN to my brothers; Marriage, Finances, Work, Sport, Ministry, Relationships, Children and Health. (We cannot have any “secrets” in His Body) • We are all ONE in Christ Jesus – Colossians 1:27-29 and Psalm 133 • I must be a servant to all in lowliness and in humbleness of heart • My heart and my life must be pure, holy and consecrated unto the Lord Jesus and His Body! • We must FULFILL the calling of God upon our lives INSIDE His Body on earth • Acts 20:17-38 Apostle Paul called the ELDERS to a meeting (A Brethren’s retreat) • God GAVE us the Ministry for His Purpose and Plan, to OBEY the Will of the Father
• Verse 28 – Take HEED all elders – the Lord made you and Overseer to the Flock and to FEED the Sheep • Check your OWN heart to be pure towards the sheep and the LAMBS (young saved Christians) • Don’t JUDGE the sheep or the lambs! Elders must LOVE the sheep and lambs • Elders must be ready and WILLING to LAY down your life for the Flock of GOD! • Don’t speak of the sheep as “giving problems” NO! They are an opportunity to administer the LOVE of Christ and FEED them the Word of God at ALL Times! Love the sheep as Christ love YOU! Amen • Elders must work (labour) in guiding the raising UP of the various ministries (Both male and female) • Verse 29-30. Be ALERT as the wolves will come from amongst the sheep • Elders Must DISCERN all matters and all men! Elders must be FULL of the Holy Spirit and operational in the Nine Gifts of 1Corinthians 12 (Elders cannot minister without the Holy Spirit Baptism) • All ministries MUST Obey the Will of the Father – Matthew 7:19-25. No dead works allowed! More Revelations received at the Drakensberg Mountain Elders need DIVINE Directions, Guidance and Divine Wisdom from Christ as the HEAD of His Church! But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. (10) But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? Even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. (12) Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. (13) Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. (14) But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. (15) But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ. 1Corinthians 2:9-16 • Elders must be in ONE Accord and in UNITY of the Faith per Psalm 133 and Acts 2 • Read 1Corinthians 3:1-6. One planted and one watered BUT God give Life and FRUIT (Increase) • Do NOT elevate any ministry above another – It is ALL about JESUS as the Head of the Church! • Do NOT seek a “position” or the “pulpit” but SERVE one another in Truth and in Spirit! • Do NOT look at the apostolic as an “elevated” ministry above the other four ministries! • Do NOT allow darkness, pride or lust to enter your heart! • The heart of all men is wicked! The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings. Jeremiah 17:9 • We must follow Jesus as the Head, the Foundation and the Cornerstone of His Church • We must be in submission one to another in His Body and examine my own heart at the Table. • We don’t have to “try” and make something “happen”. NO! Christ is BUILDING His Church – Amen • Read 2 Samuel 6:1-10. Uzzah touched the ARK of God and DIED • Do NOT “touch or change” the Plan and purposes of God in His Body and His ministries. • When we “change or alter” His revealed WILL, we will surely NOT enter heaven! • Read Numbers 20:1-12. Moses and the Rock • Verses 9-10. Moses was angry with God’s people – “you rebels!” • Verse 11-12. Moses struck the Rock twice in anger and he did NOT enter the Promised Land! • Elders must lead with LOVE and Wisdom. We must be FULL of the Holy Spirit and OBEY the Word,
His Will and walk in His WAY! (Not our carnal minds and “goods ideas”) • There is NO short cut’s with the Purposes and Divine Plan of God and His Precious Body. • The Five Gift ministries of the Ascended Christ per Ephesians 4:11-16 belong to GOD • The Four Spiritual Disciplines of Acts 2:42 belong to GOD • The Nine Gifts of the Holy Spirit belong to GOD • The Table and the Word and the Church belong to GOD and to NO man or organisation • For though I (Apostle Paul) would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me. And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And JESUS said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:6-10 • RELAX – Christ IN you is doing His work for His Glory and His honour (NOT for you!) • Be FULL of the Holy Spirit and allow Christ to Manifest IN you and THROUGH you – 2 Corinthians 4:10 • Mark 9:38-39. We must NOT judge other ministries (or other churches!) • Don’t preach discernment but Preach the Truth and in Spirit – The True Gospel of Salvation! • The Five Gift Ministries is all INTER dependant of one another. They generate Healing, Wisdom, Deliverance, Salvation, Truth, Power, Fruits and will bear LAMBS! (New believers) Elders are CALLED to: • Maintain and preach – The Word and the Unity of the Faith of Christ and Him the Foundation • Oversee the raising up of ministries per Ephesians 4:4-16 • Preach the Gospel and the TRUTH as per the Apostle’s doctrines in the New Testament • Do NOT speak negative of other churches or TV shows (The Lord will deal with the deception) • Feed the sheep and tend to the lambs as per John 21:15-22 • Lead and guide the sheep in their obedience to Acts 2:42 and 1 Corinthians 12 and Romans 12 • Ensure the Flock of God is DOING the Will of the Heavenly Father – Hallelujah! • Our Fellowship is with the Father and the Son (Not with Baptist, Methodist or denomination) • The Elders must rule with Charity, Compassion and the Care of Christ Jesus – Hebrews 13:7-17 • 1 Corinthians 3. Laying the Foundation of FAITH by the Apostle’s teachings • There is NO “bosses” in the Church – Read 1 Corinthians 1:15-30 • God is our Father. Call NO man father on earth. Christ is the High Priest in Heaven. • We may have “spiritual fathers’ in the Body of Christ where they have “birthed” spiritual sons. • Our ‘spiritual sons” must be developed and matured to grow UP and become “spiritual fathers” Greater Revelations at Golden Harvest • Elders must deal with ALL issues in Charity, Compassion and in the Wisdom of God • Our LOVE is in the Obedience to the WORD and to the Faith delivered to the saints of old. • We MUST withdraw from those people whom OPPOSE the Truth inside the Body of Christ! • We are BROTHERS in the Spirit and IN the LIGHT. One in the Faith (not by natural blood) • The Body of Christ is MUCH bigger and MORE important than our natural family ties! NB! • We must nor get “confused” with our Spiritual bond IN Christ to our natural family connection! Our natural families WILL reject us for the TRUTH and the Unity in the Faith of Christ. Read 1 Corinthians 3:1-23 • Elders work with the apostolic brethren in Unity. Apostolic brethren is in submission to the elders
• NONE of us are “something”. Christ Jesus is everything. We Worship Christ and NO man! • Verse 5. The one will water and the other will plant BUT GOD give the INCREASE and the Fruits • Carnality looks at the person. Our confidence is in the Measure and the Ministry of the Lord Jesus INSIDE the bothers. • Paul and Peter where ministers, which mean they were SERVANTS of the Word – Hallelujah! • Make yourself of NO reputation - Be a washer of feet – Be a Servant to ALL – Amen • We are all co-workers with Christ Jesus INSIDE His Body. Where the Elders are caring for the sheep with the correct Ministry Manna, with LOVE and Compassion, there WILL be lambs forthcoming (New converts!) Hallelujah! Amen
ELDERS – Soul Keepers and Soul winners Dear Christians – Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever. Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein. (17) Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that thy may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly. Hebrews 13:7-17 A bishop/elder then must be blameless. Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. 1 Titus 3:2-7 Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, (1) Feed my lambs. He saith to him again second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto Him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, (2) Feed my sheep. He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love the. Jesus saith unto him, (3) Feed my sheep. John 21:15-17 1. ELDERS to be dedicated to the Believers, the Souls and the People – Some will be Babe Christians, Teenagers and other Mature Believers • The Elders must KNOW the flock and must KNOW the heartbeat of every sheep • They must apply much Wisdom, Insight and Charity in all aspects of Ministry • Elders to understand that Babes require MILK of the Word; the Teenagers need much direction in the Word and the mature sheep need MEAT of the Word • They must be men of Much PRAYER with Consecrated lives – Holy hearts & hands! 2. They must GUIDE the Believers to GROW into the Image of Immanuel • To Guide the Believers to ABIDE in Jesus per John 15:4-8 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered;
and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. • As Christians we need to Grow to become Mature Ministering Members and Messengers on Mission for the Master in the Marketplace and in the Messiah’s Body! M8 – Christians for Jesus our Lord and Saviour! • The Life of Christ will Manifest in our Members as His Measure in me is Matured into Ministry of the Messiah and Multiplied into living Manna for Multitudes of Men and women in the Marketplace and in the Messiah’s Body – His Church! The M12 Lifestyle for Christ Jesus! Amen • Dear Lord Jesus – We Pray that You make us to be Clean and Consecrated Christian Conveyors, Conduits, Channels and Compellers of Christ Crucified to many seeking souls – Amen Luke14:23 3. The Elders to extend Charity, Care and Compassion to sheep in times of Illness, bereavement, storms, trials, tribulations and also in their times of temptations and weakness • The Elders must KNOW the flock and must KNOW the heartbeat of every sheep • Not to Judge the sheep but to DISCERN their hurts and strongholds • To guide the sheep into the Word and into Wisdom per 2 Timothy 1:7 4. To uphold and to Preach and Teach sound Biblical Doctrines, the Spiritual Disciplines and the Pauline Revelation per the New Testament • For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe. These things command and teach. Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. 1 Timothy 4:10-16 5. They are Responsible and Accountable for Church order, keeping direction with the sheep into a deeper relationship with Jesus • They are to teach and preach the New Covenant and live in Obedience to ALL the Instructions of Christ • I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service, and be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly that he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. Romans 12:1-3 6. The Elders to discern and decide on the required Spiritual Manna and correct WORD menu for the flock as per Ephesians 4:11-16 • The Elders must KNOW the flock and must KNOW the heartbeat of every sheep • They must decide whom to Minister when and what spiritual Word diet is required to the flock and any given time • The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the broken hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of
sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord. Luke 4:18-19 • The BFA ministry roster to be regularly updated to suite the Spiritual diet of the Assembly – Flexibility is important and NOT to be rigid in rules. 7. Elders must be fully dedicated to the Lord Jesus and Steadfastly OBEY the four Spiritual Disciplines of the WORD as recorded in Acts 2:42-47 • And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued steadfastly in (1) the apostles’ doctrine and (2) fellowship, and in (3) breaking if bread, and (4) in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. Acts 2:40-43 8. To Teach the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, the nine Gifts – 1 Corinthians 12 & 14 and John 16 and Acts 1:8 and Acts 2 • JESUS said unto them, it is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you & ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem & in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Acts1:7-8 • The Believers were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Acts 2:4-5 • The Elders to encourage the Believers to be ACTIVE in the Nine Gifts of the Spirit. • Must discern all believers walk with Christ and Guide them into Maturity • Elders to discern the spirit of all visitors and NOT to allow any visitors to minister or bring revelations nor operational in the Gifts at the Assembly meetings – NB! 9. To Lead the flock with Charity, Compassion, Care and Wisdom • Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, be rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. Fir we know in part, and we prophesy in part. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. 1 Corinthian 13:4-13 10. All Believers should be dedicated to Prayers and meditation in His Word – Matthew 7:7-8, Ephesians 1:16-23, Ephesians 3:14-21 • Jesus said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves. And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple; and he healed them. Matthew 21:13-14 • Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place’ and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting. Matthew 17:20-21
11. Elders to be sensitive and discern new infant Ministries and to develop them • Brethren must be aware of all new and latent ministries and shepherd these young brothers into the fullness of Christ Jesus. Ephesians 4:11-17 • Elders to assist the mature sisters to teach and train the younger sisters in the things of God pertaining to their ministry at home and in the Body of Christ. • The babes and the teenagers must be encouraged to GROW in Christ to His Fullness. 12. Elders to watch and guard for the Children (the lambs) – Children Church, Sunday school, Bible club, Senior Youth and Young adults • To supervise their various gatherings and outings • Assist with any and all needs for this vitally important Ministry in the Church • To Check and approve ALL study materials, Videos, and any invited speakers • Must discern all souls whom are involved in ANY way with the children • Closely watch for the wolves and those that come to rob, kill and destroy! 13. Elders to co-ordinate the Visitations of BFA members, new visitors, and the broken souls in the community (as led by the Holy Spirit) • Arrange on-going visitations at the existing believers, to encourage and support • Visitations to the Babes in our midst – Thabiso, Cheslyn, Pumlani, Pumla, Sisipho • On-going visitations to all the visitors that complete a Visitation card • On-going ministry of the Three week Introduction Foundation course to all young Christians in our Assembly (Se the three week study material used at ELA) 14. Outreaches, Cottage meetings and visitations to the Bible club Parents • On-going Ministry at the DJ Sobey old age home on Wednesdays at 10h00 • Gospel Ministry at six businesses every week per Nicholas, Louis & Lubabalo • Home visitations could start from agreed date to the parents of the Children Church at NU1. This may open various New Doors for Cottage meetings and Outreaches! This must be matter of Prayer at our weekly prayer meetings. 15. Watch and Care for the Widows, the orphans, the needy INSIDE the Assembly • Elders to apply on-going discernment to those Believers in need and support • Great Wisdom and care to be applied when believers request any financial assistance • Elders to meet with the relevant believers and verify the combines Family Budget with Income and Expenditures – To be Very Careful unto the Lord Jesus. The Assembly does NOT grant any Church loans 16. Business meetings, Finances, Tithing accounts, Offering and applications • Weekly record to be kept of Tithing and Offerings at Breaking of Bread meeting • Weekly banking facilitated by Bro Brian Swartz and CAOG Guidelines Booklet • Using the BFA Standard Bank account for Tithing, Brian responsibility with Brother Peter • BFA Business meeting to be held every second month, Brian as current Treasurer to compile a BFA statement as per CAOG Compliance Booklet issued May 2015
17. General fellowship of Believers at their Homes and in Prompto Fellowship • All homes to be open for regular fellowship OUTSIDE of Acts 2:42 • All to remain meek, humble and hospitable to all Visitors and unsaved souls! 18. Structured meetings in the Coastal Assemblies • Mini Conventions to occur at Grens Primary School • Elders Meeting at Golden Harvest – Last weekend of February of every year • Annual CAOG Brethren meeting at Golden Harvest – Last weekend in May of every year. 19. Remain Focused on the imminent RAPTURE of the Bride of Christ! • For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words. 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18 The Elders are ordained to love, lead, feed and fetch the flock of God inside the Body of Christ Jesus - Amen When a precious soul becomes a Born-again Believer, then Abba Father will divinely ADD such a person to the Body of Christ and PROVIDE in three areas of my life: 1. SPIRITUAL nourishment inside the Body of Christ as per Acts 2:42, Romans & Ephesians 2. PHYSICAL assistance per the teachings of Christ through the ordained Elders inside the Body of Christ per Hebrews 3. PRACTICAL matters per the Living Word of God administered through the deacons inside the Body of Christ per Corinthians We pray that you will consider the CHARITY of Christ and accept His divine gift of the SALVATION of your very precious soul - Amen Your co-workers in Christ Jesus The Brethren
14. ETHICS IN MINISTRY Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father. Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world: But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons {matured Born-again Believers}, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. Galatians 4:1-7 Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with Christ Jesus, we shall also live with him: If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself. Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. 2 Timothy 2:10-16 Brethren that are active in the Ministry of the God’s Word must be full of the Holy Spirit and continually minister with the MIND of Christ, being attentive to the following ethics in the ministry: 1. Brethren must be committed and faithful to the weekly gathering of the saints as recorded in Acts 2v42 and Romans 12 2. Study the Word that you may be approved of God per 2 Timothy 2:15 3. Brethren must be well grounded in the first principles of the doctrine of Christ Jesus per Hebrews 6 4. Preach, warn and teach the Living Word per Colossians 1:27-28 5. Always be word based in all your preaching and teaching per Psalm 119 6. Be focussed and spirit led when preaching and teaching the Living Word to souls 7. Always be full of the Holy Spirit and ready to manifest the nine gifts for humble service to seeking souls per 1 Corinthians 12 8. Brothers must always be joyful, grateful and peaceful per Philippians 4:4-7 9. Always be prepared and prayed-up to be used in the gifts of the Holy Spirit 10. Brethren must be united in the one Faith of Christ per Ephesians 4:11-16 11. Brethren must grasp and fully support the teaching of Hebrews 13:7-17, understanding that the Elders will give an account for the flock of God in a local assembly per Romans 12 12. Be aware that no brother is “all knowing”, as we are ever learning and growing in the greater revelation of Christ Jesus.
13. Never refer to other preachers (false prophets or deceived preachers) when you are teaching the Word but always preach the Abundant Life of Christ Jesus 14. Brethren must be dead to self and not be offended by anybody as per John 12:24 and Galatians 2:20 15. Mature Believers don’t quarrel with other believers nor with sinners 16. Brethren must manifest the charity, care and compassion of the Messiah as per 2 Corinthians 4:10-11 17. Mature believers are humble servants unto Abba Father and all the souls that the Lord will send to them per 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 18. Brethren to be punctual and timeous at all meetings and gatherings 19. Don’t over extend your allotted time to minister or pray 20. Don’t waffle but preach the Word of God with anointing 21. Never get embroiled in any arguments or defending any wrong conduct of a co-believer 22. Don’t get side tracked with people’s questions from the subject or teaching at hand per 1 Corinthians 1:10 23. When you receive curveball questions, acknowledge the question but “park it” for another separate session to provide the relevant scriptures to expound on the curveball question – NB! 24. Never share personal believes or experiences or “electrified feelings” 25. Your personal opinions count up to a row of beans - ziltz or zero 26. Always be respectful to all people in attendance and don’t make personal remarks about peoples appearances. 27. Never belittle or offend people of “another faith” but rather love them in the TRUTH of the Living Word 28. Married brethren must love their wives as Christ loves His church and lay down their lives for their families per Ephesians 5 29. Brethren must always minister two by two when reaching out to women and sisters as per Mark 6:7 and Acts 30. Brethren must never provide ministry or council to ladies on their own, except to their own wives – Hallelujah! 31. Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman. Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband. Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband. 1 Corinthians 7:1-3