BELIEFS

Statement of Faith

As you read through my Statement of Faith, it may challenge you. Which is why I will encourage you to search Scripture for yourself. Be willing to seek God & His guidance – be willing to say, ‘Lord, show me Truth. Do not let me wander from Your commandments either through ignorance or willful disobedience. I want to know Truth – even if it is something I have never been taught’.

I always challenge believers with this question, “Why do you believe what you believe?” Is it because your parents told you, your pastor, your denomination OR did you do (as Scripture says) in 1 Thessalonians 5:21 “But test all things carefully [so you can recognize what is good]. Hold firmly to that which is good."

Many of today's believers will identify with one of two words: evangelical or charismatic and each are generally associated with a particular "denomination" - but, I challenge the status quo - it's NOT one or the other - it is both.
Spirit and Truth. Word and Wonder. Don't take my word for it. Study the Bible. But I challenge you - if you are going to use commentaries be diverse - in other words - don't look for the one that supports the errors you may hold. But study several and then LISTEN to the leading of the Holy Spirit for He IS the Spirit of Truth and either you believe that or you don't. One thing I am VERY confident of is this: God [Father, Son & Holy Spirit] wants every single one of us who call ourselves "followers" to genuinely walk in TRUTH and unless you want the REAL Truth -the enemy will continue to deceive. Let me ask you a final question:
Have you personally and experientially walked in relationship [not religion] with Father? Son? Holy Spirit? Do you know His voice?

evangelical | ē″văn-jĕl′ĭ-kəl, ĕv″ən-

Of, relating to, or in accordance with the Christian gospel, especially one of the four gospel books of the New Testament.
Of, relating to, or being a Christian church believing in the Bible as the sole source of religious authority, in salvation only through conversion and spiritual regeneration, and in the necessity of public witness to faith.

"The term “evangelical” comes from the Greek word euangelion, meaning “the good news” or the “gospel.” Thus, the evangelical faith focuses on the “good news” of salvation brought to sinners by Jesus Christ."

charismatic | char·is·mat·ic | \ ˌker-əz-ˈma-tik 1: a member of a religious group or movement that stresses the seeking of direct divine inspiration and charisms (such as glossolalia or healing)
"also known as Spirit-filled Christianity by its supporters) is a form of Christianity that emphasizes the work of the Holy Spirit, spiritual gifts, and modern-day miracles as an everyday part of a believer's life."

The Bible says...

SIN

Sin entered the world through Eve & Adam. [Genesis 3:6]
All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. [Romans 3:23]
Sin have very real consequences. [Romans 6:23]
The Bible teaches of sins against man and sins against God.
The Hebrew word for sin is: 2403. chatta’ah.
The Greek word for sin is: 266. Hamartia. It is defined as sinning, whether by omission, commission, in thought, feeling, speech and action.

Words used for sin include but are not limited to:
Sexual Immorality, impurity, debauchery/sensuality, idolatry, witchcraft/sorcery, hatred/enmity/hostility, discord/strife, jealousy, fits of rage/outburst of anger, selfish ambition/contentions, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, orgies/carousing, false worship, cussing/curses, violating the Sabbath, dishonoring parents, murder, adultery, stealing, lying/libel, coveting, transgression, uncleanliness, guilt, evil, faults, disobedience, iniquity, wrongdoing, depravity, wickedness, lawlessness, unrighteousness, rebellion.

Scriptural Support: Exodus 20, Matthew 5-7, Galatians 5:19-21,1 Corinthians 6:9-10

SALVATION

Salvation is the word sótéria and it is defined as rescue which delivers believers out of destruction and into His safety. To “be saved” is sózó and it is God rescuing believers from the penalty and power of sin – and into His provisions (safety).
Salvation requires true repentance. [2 Corinthians 7:10]
Salvation requires being born again of water and of Spirit [John 3:5]
Jesus is the source of salvation to those who obey Him. [Hebrews 5:9]
Salvation comes to those who endure to the end. [Matthew 24:13]
We must be on guard to that we are not deceived, and we must grow into the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. [2 Peter 3:17-18]
We must continue to work OUT our salvation with fear and trembling. [Philippians 3:12]
Salvation is not a one and done decision but rather continual ongoing process. We have been saved. [Romans 8:24] We are being saved. [1 Corinthians 15:2] We will be saved. [Romans 10:9]

LORDSHIP
LORD, 2962. Kurios, properly, a person exercising absolute ownership rights; lord (Lord). It denotes an owner (master) exercising full rights.]

The Lordship of Jesus Christ over me life means that He bought me for a price.
It is no longer I that lives but Christ lives in me.
I am now His bond-servant.
I am also now the temple of the Holy Spirit and I am to glorify God in my body.
There will be a day in which I will cry out, ‘Lord, Lord’ and it means that-- having done the will of the Father (obedience)- that Jesus will know me.
The key to the Lordship of Jesus in our life is to know, understand and live out His commandments. Which also means, that we must know what Christ commanded to be obedient.

Scriptural Support:
Galatians 2:20, 2 Corinthians 4:5, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Matthew 7:21-23, Colossians 3:1-25

OBEDIENCE
Obedience, 5218. Hupakoé, obedience, submissiveness, compliance. Literally, "submission to what is heard", i.e. obedience as the response to someone speaking. This refers both to an earthly voice and the Lord's voice

The Lordship of Jesus Christ over our lives is proven in our obedience to His commands and our obedience is what proves our love of Jesus.
My obedience [demonstrating love] means that I will also be loved by the Father.
I cannot call Jesus’ “Lord” if I do not do what He says.
Obedience is presenting my body as a living and holy sacrifice.
Obedience is living as obedient children and not conforming to this world or who we used to be and putting off our old self.
It is in the transformation and the renewal of the mind-a continual renewal in the spirit.
Obedience is destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God and taking every thought captive.
Obedience leads to transformation.
Transformation is proven with evidence and the evidence of our faith is proven in our works.

Scriptural Support:
John 14:21, Luke 6:46, Romans 12:1-2, 2 Corinthians 10:5, 1 Peter 1:13-15, Ephesians 4:22-24, James 2, Colossians 3:1-25

REPENTANCE

G3341 Metanoia [ma tah noi yah ].
It is recognizing that you have sinned against a holy and righteous God. It is a change of your inner self, your old way of thinking, it is regretting past sins and living your life in a way that proves repentance – it is seeking God’s purpose for your life.
It is NOT saying a sinner’s prayer and asking Jesus into your heart.
Repentance is being saved from our sins, not “in” our sins and it is not about being saved from hell (sin of course leads to hell).
We cannot walk in sin and in fellowship with God at the same time.
No one who abides in Him practices sin.
You cannot deliberately, knowingly, and habitually practice sin and be known by God.
If we do not habitually keep His commandments, we are a liar, and the truth is not in us.
If you have God’s seed, you will naturally long to please Him.
Jesus continually preached “Repent!”
The apostles preached repentance and it is throughout the New Testament.
Repentance and turning to God go hand in hand.
God commands all people everywhere to repent
Repentance IS necessary for entrance into the Kingdom of God.
Repentance is receiving a new heart.
We MUST preach repentance.

2 Corinthians 7:10
9 yet I am glad now, not because you were hurt and made sorry, but because your sorrow led to repentance [and you turned back to God]; for you felt a grief such as God meant you to feel, so that you might not suffer loss in anything on our account. 10 For [godly] sorrow that is in accord with the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation; but worldly sorrow [the hopeless sorrow of those who do not believe] produces death.

Scripture Documentation: John 17:3, 1 John 1:6, 1 John 2:4, 1 John 3:6, 1 John 3:9, Matthew 4:17, Mark 1:15, Revelation 2:5, 2:16 3:3, Mark 6, Matthew 10, Luke 9, Acts 2:37, Acts 3:19, Acts 26:20, Acts 17:30, 2 Timothy 2:24-26

BAPTISM

Jesus modeled full immersion water baptism.
Jesus commanded baptism. He said, “He who has believed in Me AND has been baptized will be saved.” It is confirmed by Peter.
Baptism is significant not symbolic. It is continually stated that “all of us who have been baptized”
We are baptized into Christ.
Baptism is where we are physically buried with Christ into death, it is also where we are raised with Christ in new birth as a new creation.
Baptism was not a “requirement” or “command” until after His ascension. That is why the thief on the cross would be with Christ in paradise.
It is God’s grace that salvation is available, accepting His offer requires faith – there is nothing we can do to earn it but – Baptism was not a works of the flesh but rather a command to be obeyed.
It is those who act wickedly, disregarding Jesus’s commands, that will cry “Lord, Lord” and He will respond with “I never knew you”.
Throughout the historical documentation in the book of Acts, water baptism is clearly documented numerous times & in nearly all cases was immediate upon repentance and belief.
Being baptized brings new life which is also referred to as being “born again”- it is spiritual transformation; it’s being renewed and set apart.

Scripture Documentation: Matthew 3, Mark 1, Luke 3, John 1, Matthew 28:19, Mark 16:16, 1 Peter 3:21, Romans 6:3-4, Galatians 3:27, Colossians 2:11-12, Titus 3:5, Matthew 7:21-23, Acts 2:37-38, Acts 2:41, Acts 8:12, Acts 8:36-38, Acts 9:18, Acts 10:47-48, Acts 19:5, John 1:12-13, John 3:3, Philippians 3:3, 1 Peter 1:3, 1 Peter 1:23.

HOLY SPIRIT

The Holy Spirit is part of the Godhead and is in Tri-Unity and equally divine to the Father and to the Son and has always existed.
The Holy Spirit is not an “it” or a “mist” but a He.
He has a mind, a will, emotions, He comforts and speaks quite clearly. He teaches, feels sorrow, can be insulted, can be resisted, and can be lied to.
He has over 30 names throughout the entire Bible from Genesis to Revelation.
The Holy Spirit was sent by Jesus after His ascension into heaven.
It is documented in all four Gospels that when the Messiah came, He would baptize those who truly repent with the Holy Spirit.
It is also documented in all four gospels that Jesus was not only full immersion water baptized, but that He was immediately filled with the Holy Spirit.
It was not until after this receiving of the Holy Spirit and being fully empowered that Jesus began His ministry-all four gospels have countless documentations of Jesus ‘s life demonstrating to us what it looks like to walk in the Holy Spirit.
There are two documentations in Luke and Mark that Jesus has been documented with making a very strong statement regarding the Holy Spirit, he said, “the one who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him.”

Note: I highly caution anyone reading past this point to understand what it means to blaspheme and just know that to disregard what the Word of God says about Him is paramount to blaspheme.

Jesus promised that we who believed would do even greater things than what He had done.
Jesus also said that He would ask the Father to give us a Helper, the Spirit of Truth, the Holy Spirit but those that are of the world would not receive Him because they didn’t see Him and didn’t know Him. But those that know Him, Jesus said that the Holy Spirit would remain with us and would be in us.
There are three unique ways in which the Holy Spirit operates within a person’s life.
The first two Jesus spoke of in John 14:17 He said He would be “with” and” in “.
The Greek word for “with” is para which means that He will remain with you, alongside you, near you.
The Greek word for “in” is en which means that He will dwell in you.
Before conversion, the Holy Spirit convicts us of our sin, helps us recognition it, and leads us to repentance against the Father, He reveals Jesus Christ as the one and only way to have our sins forgiven, He is the one that shows us our need for a Lord and Savior.
Dwelling in me, He empowers me to be like Jesus which is inner transformation.
Scripture says that our body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is within us.

Then,

In Acts 1:4–5 Jesus told the believers to “wait for what the Father had promised “(which is a direct confirmation of Joel 2:28-29). and then in verse 5 Jesus confirmed what John the Baptist had said then said “you will be baptized and empowered and united with the Holy Spirit not long from now.“. These are the same believers that in John 20:22 that he breathed on and they receive the Holy Spirit, “en” (emphusaó-root words en and physaō).
He then followed with these words in Acts 1:8, “but you will receive power and ability when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you will be my witnesses…”
Upon is the epi relationship with the Holy Spirit (also known as the Baptism of the Holy Spirit). It is Scripturally separate and different from repentance, believing in Jesus and water baptism.
The Greek word for “upon” is epi and it means over, upon, etc. it’s an overflow or filling.
The baptism of the Holy Spirit is an outward showing of the Spirit -it is His Dunamis power or power through God ‘s ability specifically for witnessing.
In Acts 2:4 those who waited (120 men & women) were filled with the Holy Spirit.
The 3000, in Acts 2:37-43 were obedient.
Five years later, Acts 8:4-24, those in Samaria were obedient.
In Acts 9:1-19, Saul/Paul after recovering his sight but before water baptism was filled.
10 years after the first documentation, Cornelius and his family (the first non-Jewish believers) received Him.
25 years later, the 12 Paul encountered in Ephesus, were obedient.
Ephesians 5:18 Paul urged believers to be filled with the Holy Spirit and constantly guided by Him.
The when and how that the baptism of the Holy Spirit occurred throughout the book of Acts depended on the circumstances - in other words what God wanted to do He did.
The evidence of the baptism of the Holy Spirit was most commonly tongues and prophesying but also included a visible authority and power.
There are four kinds of tongues, two are for public use and two are for personal use-each one having a specific purpose and intent in the kingdom of God.
The gifts of the Holy Spirit are directly related to the empowering or the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
In Acts 2:39, The Word says that the promise of the Holy Spirit was for as many as the Lord our God calls to Himself and He has not stopped calling people to Himself!
Prophecy, tongues and knowledge will not pass away until Jesus the perfect returns and at that time there will no longer be a need for any of those.
The Bible says, “do not forbid speaking in unknown tongues”.
To teach that the Holy Spirit is not active in a believer’s life or that the gifts are no longer necessary is in direct violation to what Jesus said not to do against the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is how God intended for His people to be strengthened, edified, and built up in the body.

Scripture Documentation: Matthew 3:11, Mark 1:8-13, Mark 3:28-29, Luke 3:16-22, Luke 4:1, Luke 12:4-5, Luke 8-12, John 1:29-34, John 14, John 20, Acts 1:4-8, Acts 2, Acts 5:3, Acts 7:51, Acts 8, Acts 9, Acts 10, Acts 19:1-7, Romans 8:26-27, Romans 15:30, 1 Corinthians 2, 1 Corinthians 6, 1 Corinthians 12, 1 Corinthians 13, 1 Corinthians 14, Ephesians 4:30, Ephesians 5:18, Ephesians 6:18, 1 Timothy 4:1, Hebrews 3:7, Hebrews 4:15, Hebrews 10:29, Jude 20, Joel 2:28-29

GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT

A gift of the Spirit is different from a natural talent and ability. Both natural and spiritual gifts come from God. Natural through our natural birth and spiritual after our spiritual birth.
A gift of Spirit does not need to be cultivated or developed; it automatically operates in the believer; however, how a believer operates in it/them does need to be cultivated.
There are distinctive varieties of spiritual gifts that are given by the grace and extraordinary power of the Holy Spirit to operate in believers.
Every manifestation of said gifts, ministries and services are given by the Holy Spirit for the common good.
Gifts include: a message of wisdom, words of knowledge & understanding, faith, gift(s) of healing, working in miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, various kinds of tongues, interpretation of tongues, service, encouragement, giving, leadership, mercy, contributing to the needs, hospitality.
Gifts in and of themselves do not have the character to carry people and without character (fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control) a gift can destroy a person. There is a clear reason why Paul wrote what we call the “love” chapter sandwiched between explaining the use of gifts and instruction to the church.
We are told to pursue love and yet earnestly desire and cultivate the spiritual gifts.
We are told not to quench (subdue, be unresponsive to the working and guidance of) the Holy Spirit.
We are told that we are not to scorn or reject (ignore with contempt of disdain) gifts of prophecy or prophecies.
We are told to TEST all things carefully and hold firmly to what is good.
We are told that in the last days people will hold to a form of outward godliness (religion) but that they have denied its power. And we know from Jesus that power comes to a believer ONLY by the Holy Spirit coming UPON/epi (see explanation in previous SOF regarding the Holy Spirit) a believer. We are also told to avoid such people and keep away from them.
We know that the Antichrist will come with great power: counterfeit miracles and deceptive signs and false wonders – if you do not KNOW God’s true gifts, ministries and services, a believer will not be able to discern what is from the enemy.

We are told that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. We are also told that whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit attributing miracles done by Jesus (& later His followers) to Satan will not be forgiven either in this age or the age to come.

DO NOT PUT GOD’S POWER, MIRACLES, SIGNS AND WONDERS IN THE SAME CATEGORY AS THE ENEMIES.

Scripture Documentation:1 Corinthians 12:4-7, 1 Corinthians 12:8-10, Romans 12:6-13, Galatians 5:22-25, 1 Corinthians 13, 1 Corinthians 14:1, 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21, 2 Timothy 3:1-5, 2 Thessalonians 2:9, Matthew 12:22-32, Mark 3:22-30, Luke 12:8-12

MINISTRIES & SERVICES FROM THE SPIRIT

There are distinctive varieties of ministries and services given by God through the Holy Spirit for the Church.
God has appointed and placed in the church for His own use apostles, prophets, teachers, those who work miracles, those with gifts of healings, helpers, administrators and speakers of various kinds of tongues, evangelists, pastors/shepherds.
The purpose of the ministries and services is to fully equip and perfect believers for works of service and to build up the body of Christ.

Scripture Documentation: 1 Corinthians 12:5, 1 Corinthians 12:28, Ephesians 4:11-12

WAYS OF THE SPIRIT

There are distinctive ways upon which these gifts, ministries, and services work with the purpose of inspiring, energizing and empowering the how it operates in a believer’s life.
All are for the purpose of: being devoted to one another, giving preference to one another, serving the Lord, constantly rejoicing in hope, being steadfast and patient in distress and devoted to prayer.
As good stewards of God’s grace we are to faithfully use the diverse and varied gifts and abilities that we are granted by employing our gift(s) in serving one another.

Scripture Documentation: 1 Corinthians 12:6, Romans 12:10-11, 1 Peter 4:10,

MANIFESTATIONS OF THE SPIRIT

The Biblical definition of manifestation is the spiritual illumination and the enabling of the Holy Spirit – it is the outward and perceptible indication or materialization of it.
There are countless documentations throughout the New Testament of Spirit filled believers that pray it, speak it, write it, live it and do it.
The purpose of the manifestation within a believer is to: grow, transform, mature, and empower the believer to go out and witness.
The purpose of the manifestation for a non-believer is to ultimately point them to the Kingdom of God, His Glory and the Truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ leading to repentance, and it does so by changing them mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually.

Scripture Documentation: The Book of Acts covers approximately 33-62AD, the first letters were written to educate, encourage and correct the church as it grew. In 56 AD, 23 years after the initial outpouring of the Holy Spirit, Paul wrote 1 Corinthians and covered the gifts of the Spirit. A year later (in 57AD) Paul wrote more about the gifts of the Spirit in Romans 12. Three years later (60-61AD), Paul wrote more about the gifts of the Spirit in Ephesians 4. Two years after that (63-64AD), Peter wrote his 1 Peter 4 addressing more.

SPIRITUAL HUNGER AND GOD’S WORD

Spiritual Hunger, although not word’s specifically in the Bible, there are countless words that identify what it means to “be” spiritually hungry.
It is to deeply long for, thirst, sigh and seek God in His Tri-unity.
Spiritual hunger is a choice to never be satisfied with where you are in spiritual maturity but to always seek and choose to grow.
Spiritual hunger will be challenged – sometimes by God (to see your commitment) and sometimes by Satan (to stop you) & each person is responsible to decide what they will push through to find God.
It involves meditating and focusing on God.
It is seeking with all your heart and desiring to never wander from Him or His commandments.
It is requiring Him as a vital necessity.
It is continually having a teachable heart.
Spiritual hunger comes from the Holy Spirit, which means that we don’t quench Him and His leading and direction.
It comes from remaining [in] Him.
It is understanding that He is our strength and that our weapons are divinely powered.
Spiritual hunger comes with the renewing of our mind.
Spiritual hunger leads to knowing God and knowing His Word which in turn leads to a life of obedience.
Spiritual hunger leads to interceding in prayer for others.

I have come to understand that having spiritual hunger is the key to living the life that we’ve been called to live.
Scripture Documentation: Psalm 63:1-8, Psalm 119:10, Jeremiah 29:12-13, Luke 8:18, 1 Thessalonians 5:19, John 15, Ephesians 6:10-18, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, Romans 12:2, Ephesians 3:15-19, 1 John 1:3

DISCIPLE(SHIP)
Disciple, 3100. Mathéteuó, to be a disciple, to make a disciple. It is helping someone to progressively learn the Word of God, to become spiritually mature, a growing disciple is a continual learner, a true Christ-follower; it is to train (develop) in the truths of Scripture and the obedient lifestyle in a conviction of belief and practice.

To be a disciple is to accept Christ Jesus as Master and Teacher and walking the same path that He walked.
It is believing and trusting in Him and following and conforming His example.
To be a true disciple of Christ is to love and place Him above anything and everything-more than family and friends, even our own life.
It is carrying our own cross and a willingness to endure whatever may come and being willing to pay the cost: exhaustion, persecution, being hunted, being hated, division of belief and unbelief – setting people against each other, being hurt.
Discipleship was a command from Jesus Discipleship to teach others everything that Jesus commanded – it is not an anointing.
Discipleship is more than listening, more than reading, more than studying – it is also doing it is allowing for mistakes & coming alongside someone if they are truly seeking.
Discipleship is moving a new believer/follower from infancy to maturity and moving them from milk to solid food.
Discipleship is being trained to distinguish between what is morally good and what is evil.
Discipleship is each person choosing to continually learn and grow.

Scripture Documentation: Mark 1:17-18, Luke 14:26-27, Colossians 1:28-29, Matthew 28:19-20, Mark 16: 15-18, 1 Corinthians 15:58, John 15:20, 2 Timothy 3:12, Matthew 10:22, Matthew 10:34-35, John 15:20-21, Acts 6:7, Hebrews 5:12-13, Hebrews 6:1-2 See also: Matthew 10:7, Mark 6:7-13, Luke 9:1-2, Luke 10:1-19

The Message of Discipleship is proclaiming a true biblical Jesus, it is calling people to repentance, obedience, being under the Lordship of Jesus, water baptism and receiving the Holy Spirit.
The Method of Discipleship is warning and instructing in all wisdom with a comprehensive insight into the Word and the purposes of God.
The Why of Discipleship is: to present every person complete in Christ, mature, fully trained and perfect in Him.
The How of Discipleship is: with His power and energy working within us -the epi of power and ability.
The Results of Discipleship is that the message of God will grow and spread, and the number of true disciples will continue to increase.

Discipleship is not a race for quantity but rather a mission for quality

Lord, I am asking that each of those who are pursing you with all their heart to be filled with the knowledge of Your will in all spiritual wisdom with insight into Your purposes, and in the understanding of spiritual things, so that each of them will walk in a manner worthy of You Lord – displaying admirable character, moral courage and personal integrity, to fully please You in all things, bearing fruit in every good work and steadily growing in the knowledge of You God in Your Tri-Unity with deeper faith, clearer insight and a fervent love for Your precepts; I pray that they are strengthened and invigorated with all power, according to Your glorious might, to attain every kind of endurance and patience with joy. In Jesus’ name I pray all of this. Amen. Amen Amen. [Colossians 1:9-11]

LEADER(SHIP)
Leader, 2519. Kathégétés, a leader, teacher, guide, master. A leader is someone bringing others "down the road of learning" by giving needed instruction; a master-teacher.

A leader is one who moves from being discipled into discipleship.
A leader leads by example – and becomes the servant.
A leader is one who has the character and walk that is worth following.

Scripture Documentation: Luke 22:26, Hebrews 13:7, Hebrews 13:17

THE CHURCH

The Church was not designed or created to be a business, a religious club or a “denomination”. The Church is not a building but body.
Jesus spoke about two specific aspects of His Church: the global and the local. [Matthew 16:18 and Matthew 18:17]
The Greek word for Church is: 1577. ekklésia, it is first, the people called out from the world and to God, the outcome being the (Global) Church i.e. the universal (total) body of believers whom God calls out from the world and into His eternal kingdom. But it is also local with two aspects: first, it is a gathering of citizens called out from their homes into some public place; an assembly, and second, it is also the church in one's house, it was the phrase of the Christians accustomed to meet for worship in the house of someone
The foundation of the Church is built on 3 C’s: Two Great Commandments: loving God and loving our neighbor. [Matthew 22:36-40] and The Great Commission: go and make disciples, baptizing them and teaching them. [Matthew 28:19-20, Mark 16:15-18].
The model of the Church is documented in the Book of Acts as well as every single book documented after.
What we know about the Church is that they: were saved by Christ’s blood [Acts 20:28]. They usually met in homes [Romans 16:5, Colossians 4:15, Philemon 2], they held worship services [Acts 20:7-11, 1 Corinthians 14:26-28, Hebrews 10:25] and they shared in baptism and breaking bread [Acts 2:42, Acts 20:7, 1 Cor 11:23-33]. We also know that the experienced unity into one body [Romans 12:5, Ephesians 4:13], and unity as one flock with one shepherd [John 10:16], they enjoyed fellowship [Acts 2:42, 1 John 1:3-7], and they helped each other [Acts 2:42, 2 Cor 8:1-15. They evangelized others [Romans 1:8, 1 Thessalonians 1:8-10] and because of their obedience to what Christ commanded, they grew in numbers [Acts 4:4, Acts 5:14, Acts 16:5], they were organized [Acts 14:23, Philippians 1:1, 1 Timothy 3:1-13, Titus 1:5-9] but they also had problems [1 Cor 1:11-12, 1 Cor 11:17-22, Galatians 3:1-5] – they weren’t perfect. The also dealt with tough things: they had to exercise discipline (i.e. correction not judgement [Matthew 18:15-17, 1 Cor 5:1-5, 2 Thessalonians 3:11-15, Titus 3:10-11] and as Jesus promised they experienced persecution [Acts 8:1-3, Acts 17:5-9, 1 Thessalonians 2:14-15].

To “BE” the Church we must Biblically understand what fellowship is and what true growth is and also want it.

True fellowship in the Greek is, 2842. Koinónia [FELLOWSHIP] spiritual fellowship, a fellowship in the spirit contact, fellowship, intimacy: used of the intimate bond of fellowship which unites Christians: absolutely of the fellowship of Christians with God and Christ, consists in the fact that Christians are partakers in common of the same mind as God and Christ, and of the blessings arising therefrom

FELLOWSHIP IS..

with the Father & with His Son [1 John 1:3].
about remaining IN Christ [John 15:3-4]
what we have been called to with Jesus Christ as Lord [1 Corinthians 1:9]
what Jesus said we would have with Holy Spirit [John 16:7]
and that the fellowship of the Holy Spirit will be with all of us [2 Corinthians 13:14]
and that if we walk in the Light, we will have it with one another [1 John 1:7]
where there are two or three gathered– He is among them [Matthew 18:20]
it is about continually and faithfully devoting ourselves to instruction [Acts 2:42a]

TRUE FELLOWSHIP IS EXPRESSED IN OUR ACTIONS: LIVING WHAT WE HAVE BEEN COMMANDED TO DO THROUGHOUT SCRIPTURE: It is…

Being devoted to one another [Romans 12:10]
Live in harmony with one another [Romans 12:16]
Accept one another [Romans 15:7]
Instruct one another [Romans 15:14]
Using our gifts for one another [1 Corinthians 12:7, 1 Peter 4:10]
Share with one another [2 Corinthians 8:7, 13-15]
Greeting one another [2 Corinthians 13:12]
Serving one another in love [Galatians 5:13]
Carrying one another’s burdens [Galatians 6:2]
Being kind to one another [Ephesians 4:32, 1 Thessalonians 5:15]
Forgiving one another [Ephesians 4:32]
Looking to the interest of others [Philippians 2:3-4]
Bearing with one another [Colossians 3:13]
Loving one another [Colossians 3:14, 1 John 4:11-12]
Admonishing one another [Colossians 3:16]
Encourage one another [1 Thessalonians 5:11, Hebrews 10:25]
Building up one another [1 Thessalonians 5:11]
Living in peace with one another [1 Thessalonians 5:13]
Spurring one another to good works [Hebrews 10:24]
Confess our sins to each other [James 5:16]
Praying for one another [James 5:16]
Being hospitable to one another [1 Peter 4:9].

IF THIS IS ABOUT BEING THE CHURCH [and it is] HOW DO YOU DEVELOP SUCH A FELLOWSHIP?

By desiring it [Psalm 63:1]
By truly believing in Jesus as Christ [1 John 1:2-3]
By meditating on God’s Word, [Psalm 1:2, Psalm 119:10-15, 2 Peter 1:3-4]
By praying to God [Mark 1:35]
By thinking right thoughts, (Philippians 4:8-9]
By living a holy life [Psalm 15:1-5, 2 Corinthians 6:14-18]
By participating in the Lord’s Supper [1 Corinthians 10:16, 11:23-26]

OUR JOB AS THE CHURCH IS TO GROW OTHER UP & YOU CAN’T GROW UP IF….

You don’t have a full understanding & knowledge of God’s Truth [Acts 18:24-28]
You are not doctrinally sound [Ephesians 4:14]
There is jealousy and quarreling [1 Corinthians 3:1-3]
You are living an evil lifestyle [1 Corinthians 14:20]
There is an inability to understand deeper truths [Hebrews 5:12-14]

SO, HOW DO YOU GROW?

By Studying God’s Word [1 Peter 2:1-3]
By increasing your knowledge of God [Colossians 1:10]
By deepening your faith [Ephesians 4:13]
By showing love [Ephesians 4:15-16]
By developing Christlike character [2 Peter 1:5-8]
By growing and bearing fruit [John 15:2, 15:4-5, 15:16]

HOW’S THE CHURCH DESCRIBED IN SCRIPTURE? We are…

God’s field and God’s building [1 Corinthians 3:9]
The Temple of the Holy Spirit [1 Corinthians 6:19]
A pure virgin [2 Corinthians 11:2]
The Jerusalem that is above [Galatians 4:26]
The Israel of God [Galatians 6:16]
The Body of Christ [Ephesians 1:22-23]
A holy temple [Ephesians 2:20-21]
A bride of Christ [Revelation 9:17]
To be presented without spot or wrinkle [Ephesians 5:27, Revelation 22:17]
A chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God [1 Peter 2:9]
The flock of God [1 Peter 5:2]
The wife of the Lamb [Revelation 21:9-10]

JESUS IS COMING BACK FOR HIS CHURCH & HE HAS GIVEN US A VERY CLEAR PICTURE OF WHAT HE EXPECTS WHEN HE RETURNS.
Jesus spoke a parable that when studied should cause each of us to pause, evaluate and if necessary – repent. [Matthew 25:1-13]

THERE IS NO PLAN B. WE ARE GOD’S INSTRUMENT FOR ADVANCING HIS KINGDOM. ARE YOU SITTING ON THE SIDELINES RIGHT NOW? OR ARE YOU PREPARING YOURSELF TO BE READY FOR WHEN HE RETURNS?

SPIRITUAL FAMILY| BEING IN GOD’S FAMILY

God is the creator of all but only the Father of those who are born of God.
We were pre-destined (not pre-determined) and planned to be adopted to God the Father through Jesus Christ His son. Ephesians 1:5-6
But only those who did receive and welcome Christ, did the Father give the right, the authority, or the privilege to become children of God. Being born of God is not a matter of natural conception, the will of the flesh, or the will of man but of God and being born is to be spiritually transformed, renewed, and sanctified. John 1:12-13
To be a child of God used to be a fellow heir with Christ. Romans 8:17
Being a son of light and day means that we are not in spiritual darkness and will not be unaware or taken by surprise the day of judgment. 1Thessalonians 5:4-5
Obedient children of God are called to holiness and being set apart from the world in godly character and moral courage. 1 Peter 1:14-16
To prove ourselves to be blameless and guileless, innocent and uncontaminated children of God is to do everything without murmuring or questioning the providence of God. Philippians 2:14-15
Jesus said that whoever does the will of My Father is My brother and sister and mother. Matthew 12:47-50
Jesus- who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are all from one Father and for that reason He is not ashamed to call us brothers and sisters. Hebrews 2:11-12

SPIRITUAL FAMILY | COLLECTIVELY A FAMILY, THE BODY OF CHRIST, HIS CHURCH, IN VARIOUS SPIRITUAL AGES

Just as we are in God’s family as individuals, we are also collectively together family. By faith we become family and here on earth family becomes fellowship and fellowship is spiritual. The Greek word is Koinónia.
In Scripture there is a direct correlation to God’s idea of church within the concept of family.
Within the church i.e. the spiritual family, there is a mission and purpose to grow. That is done through studying God‘s Word, increasing our knowledge of God, deepening our faith, showing love, developing Christian character, growing and bearing fruit. 1 Peter 2:1-3, Colossians 1:10, Ephesians 4:13, 2Peter 1:5-8, John 15:2, 4-5, 16
Every believer starts out as a spiritual infant and must be moved from infancy to a young child likewise a young child should be moved to a young adult and young adult moved to becoming a parent.
In 1 John 2:12-14, John wrote, “I am writing to you, little children, because your sins have been forgiven you on account of His name. I am writing to you, fathers, because you know Him who has been from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I have written to you, children, because you know the Father. I have written to you, fathers, because you know Him who has been from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God remains in you, and you have overcome the evil one.”-which verifies this concept of family
Discipleship is equivalent to parenting. Growth is about transitioning and transformation.
We are to not forsake meeting together. Hebrews 10:25

The questions every believer should be asking are these: How do we become a family? How do we look like the first church that is documented in the book of Acts?

Everyone must be born again into Christ.
Everyone must have the same Spirit.
Everyone must have the same biblical foundation.
The Word of God says that those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth. John 4:24
All who believed in Jesus as Lord and Savior were together and had all things in common. They sold their property and possessions and shared with everyone. They met day after day continuing with one mind and breaking bread in various private homes, eating meals together praising God and the Lord added to their numbers daily those who are being saved. Acts 2:44-47
We know that like a newborn baby a new believer should long for the pure milk of the Word so that they are nurtured and grow in respect to salvation. 1 Peter 2:2
We know that no one who is born of God would deliberately, knowingly, or habitually practices sin because the one who is truly born of God longs to please Him. 1John 3:9
A child of God is clearly identified by practicing righteousness, seeking God‘s will in thought, action, and purpose and will and unselfishly loving his believing brother. 1 John 3:10
You cannot teach an infant in faith with solid food because they will not be able to receive it. 1 Corinthians 3:1–2
There is an expectation of spiritual maturity and being trained by practice to distinguish between what is morally good and what is evil. And anyone who is living on milk will be doctrinally inexperience and unskilled in the word of righteousness and will remain a spiritual infant. Hebrews 5:11-14

SPIRITUAL FAMILY | MATURITY THROUGH EQUIPPING AND TRAINING

Just as there are distinctive varieties of spiritual gifts which are special abilities given by the grace and extraordinary power of the Holy Spirit operating in believers there are also distinctive varieties of ministries and services. 1 Corinthians 12:4–5
In 1 Corinthians 12:28 we learned that God has appointed and placed in the church (for His use) apostles, prophets, teachers, working of miracles, gifts of healing, helpers, administrators, and various kinds of tongues- please note that these are a function of a believer not a title.
We also learned in Ephesians 4:11, that He confirmed those listed in 1 Corinthians and also added evangelist, and pastors.

Please note that these functions were not created for unbelievers but for the church.

The purpose of the ministries and services that God appointed and placed in the church was specifically to: fully equipped and perfect the Saints for works of service and to build up the body of Christ until we all reach oneness in the faith and in the knowledge of the son of God and become a mature believer reaching to the measure of the fullness of Christ. Ephesians 4:12-13

Are we fully equipped and perfected? Has the need to be built up ever left? Have we reached a oneness in the faith? Have we reached a oneness in the knowledge of the Son of God? Have we all become mature believers to the fullness of Christ? The answer is No. Which means that these ministries and services are still as necessary today as they were in the beginning. With that being said, it does not mean that they are being represented correctly in the world today.

In addition, we learn in verse 14 that it was SO THAT we are no longer children i.e. spiritually immature, tossed back-and-forth and carried about by every wind and shifting doctrine, by the cunning and trickery of unscrupulous men, by the deceitful scheming of people ready to do anything for personal profit.

For what purpose?

Speaking the truth in love, in all things – both speech and in our lives expressing His Truth, we are to grow up in all things into Him by following His example wherein the whole body (i.e. the church i.e. the spiritual family) is joined and knitted firmly together by what every joint supplies and when every part (i.e. person/believer) is working properly, will cause the body of Christ to grow and mature and build itself up in agape love. Ephesians 4:15-16

SPIRITUAL FAMILY | CORRECTION & DISCIPLINE ARE BIBLICAL

A family (i.e. church) without correction and discipline is chaotic and dysfunctional and can even be damaging to believers, as well as to the cause of Christ.
There are two distinct methods of discipline in the Bible: the discipline of fellow believers and discipline that comes from God.

Please note: There is a vast difference between judgment and correction. In regard to a non-believer we cannot judge but in regards to a fellow believer we are absolutely called to judge their actions and behavior.

According to Paul in 2 Timothy 4:2, we are told to correct those who err in doctrine or behavior and to warn those who sin.
And Hebrews 12:11 we learned that no discipline brings joy, but seems sad and painful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness — a right standing with God and a lifestyle and attitude that seeks conformity to God‘s will and purpose.
Philippians 2:12, Paul exhorts us to continue to work out our salvation, to cultivate it and bring it to full affect and to actively pursue spiritual maturity with awe-inspired fear and trembling by using serious caution and critical self-evaluation to avoid anything that might offend God or discredit the name of Christ.
We know that the Word of God says that the Lord disciplines and corrects those whom He loves and that He punishes every son whom He receives and welcomes. Hebrews 12:6
And then it continues in verse 10 by telling us that He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share His holiness.

There are several scenarios of discipline in the Bible.

Self-discipline Romans 8:13
Discipline in the home, Proverbs 13:24
Discipline between friends, Proverbs 27:5-6
Discipline among believers, Luke 17:3
Discipline through the Word of God, 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Discipline within the church
– rebuking publicly, 1 Timothy 5:20
– having nothing to do with the person, Romans 16:17, 2 Thessalonians 3:6
– removing willfully disobedient sinners, Titus 3:10, 1 Corinthians 5:13

PRAYER

To Pray, 4336. Proseuchomai, it is to literally, interact with God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It’s calling on, calling to, seeking His face, crying out, lifting up the soul, lifting up our hands and approaching God’s throne of grace.
There are over 362 documentations in the NASB 1995 translation for the word “pray”, 146 of them are in the New Testament in 22 of the 27 Books.
Prayer is about praise, thanksgiving, confession, intercession and petition.
We pray in the favor of the Lord, in faith, and humility, in repentance, with all of our heart, a heart free from sin, with a life free from selfishness, a heart free of doubt, with a forgiving spirit, with confidence, with persistence, with strength and simplicity, with a life of obedience.
We can stand, sit, kneel, bow, lie on the ground or lift up our hands.
We can pray alone silently, or out loud or with two or three others or even a group.
We can pray in the morning, the evening, at a specific time and always.
We may pray in secret, in bed, within our family, out in the open, on the battlefield, by the riverside, in a church gathering, anywhere and everywhere.
We are told to draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, knowing that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in times of need because, Jesus, the Son of God is our high priest who understands our weaknesses. Hebrews 4:14-16
Though the disciples were witnesses to the many miracles Jesus did, they saw how He demonstrated a life of prayer and how it preceded and followed all that He did. So, it is significant that they asked Jesus to teach them to pray and He taught the “Lord’s Prayer” Luke 11:2-4
Jesus taught more on prayer through parables: teaching us to pray with persistence and boldness and then He said, ask and it will be given; seek, and you will find; knock and it will be opened to you-He didn’t say ask and you will be changed or seek and the journey will make you different, knock and your heart will be transformed. He further explains how our heavenly Father will give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him. Luke 11:5-8, 9-10, 11-13.
Persistence just means that you keep asking despite opposition, obstacles, & discouragement- it’s tenacity at its best.
Boldness is daring & courageous, you don’t hesitate, you’re not fearful of danger or rebuff sometimes even to the point of breaking rules of propriety, being unconventional – imaginative.
Jesus also told a parable how at times we need to pray and not lose heart and that God will bring justice to those who cry to Him day and night. Luke 18:1-7
In relation to praying and not losing heart, Jesus asked this question: “When the Son of Man comes, will He find [this kind of persistent] faith on the earth?” Luke 18:8
Many people say, “Prayer doesn’t change the situation- It changes your heart.” It sounds super spiritual – even humble. YET, it is wrong. Yes, it changes you but, these Scripture teach that prayer REALLY does change the situation.
As I have studied Scripture, I have come to realize that God moves in His Spirit through the prayers of His children. He seeks our intercession; He waits on our hearts to yield to His Spirit. Though hard to comprehend, God works in this world and in His Church through our prayers. I love this quote by Andrew Murray, “That God should have made the extension of His Kingdom to such a large extent dependent on the faithfulness of His people in prayer is a stupendous mystery and yet an absolute certainty.”
A natural and instinctive prayer life is built on belief in the Holy and victorious Tri-unity of God, on trust that He is who He says He is and that He will do what He says He will do, on faith even the size of a mustard seed, and on humility of heart – knowing that we cannot do this life without Him
It is also in our belief on the importance of prayer and our understanding of exactly who God is that is so closely intertwined with living a life of worship.

Further Scripture: Acts 12, Jonah 3:5-10, Isaiah 46:9b-10, Philippians 2:13, Isaiah 55:8-9, Isaiah 49:1-16

WORSHIP

Worship is, 2999. Latreia, service rendered to God
Jesus said that, “God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” John 4:24
We are to worship God alone and to not do anything in accordance with other “gods” and their practices. We are to serve the Lord our God. Exodus 20:4-5, 23:24-25
We are called to fear and worship the Lord our God, to love God with all our heart and all our soul through our choices, our thoughts, our whole being. Deuteronomy 10:12-13
We are to worship in the Spirit of God and glory and take pride and exult in Christ Jesus and place no confidence in what we have or who we are in the flesh. Philippians 3:3
In Romans 12:1-2 it is summed up this way: “Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”

As I have studied and grown in my relationship with God [Father, Son & Holy Spirit], I have had a deep revelation that it is WHO we are, it is WHAT we do, it is literally EVERYTHING about our life -every thought, every word, every action, or inaction.

FAITH

Faith, 4102. Pistis, faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness
Faith is always a gift from God, and it is not something that can be contrived or produces and for the believer, it is "God's divine persuasion" – and distinctly separate from human belief (confidence), yet it involves it. As we yield to faith, then God continues to grow our faith.

· Faith is a fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23

Faith is the reality of things hoped for, and the inner conviction and proof of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1
Faith is to possess what can only be made known through revelation with a pure moral and spiritual conscience. 1 Timothy 3:9
We are warned not to be deceived. The Holy Spirit has declared through Scripture that in later times some will turn away from the faith through deceitful and seductive spirits and doctrines of demons. 1 Timothy 4:1
Faith is knowing that all Scripture is God-breathed. 2 Timothy 3:16
We are not justified by works but through faith in Christ Jesus. Galatians 2:16
We are sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus – because all who were baptized into Christ have also clothed themselves with Christ. Galatians 3:25-26
It is through our faith in Christ Jesus that we have a boldness and confident access to freely, and openly approach, God the Father. Ephesians 3:11-12
It is by God’s great mercy that has caused us to be born again through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, to obtain an inheritance reserved in heaven and protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation to be revealed. 1 Peter 1:3-5
If I have been crucified with Christ (through baptism) then it is no longer I who lives, but Christ living in me and the life that I live is by faith in the Son of God, who loves me and gave Himself up for me. Galatians 2:20
We are told to be on guard and stand firm in our faith. 1 Corinthians 16:13
We are told to build ourselves up on our holy faith by praying in the Holy Spirit. Jude 1:20
We are told that without faith, it is impossible to please God-because the one who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarded of those who seek Him. Hebrews 11:6
We cannot claim to have faith and it is not evidenced by works. Faith without works is dead. We are justified by acts of obedience that reveal our true faith. James 2:14-26
If you are genuinely born of God then you overcome the world; and the victory that overcomes the world is our continuing and persistent faith in Jesus, the Son of God. 1 John 5:4-5
The righteous lives by faith. Habakkuk 2:4, Romans 1:17, Galatians 3:11, Hebrews 10:38

Fixing our eyes on Him, Accepting His grace, Inviting His presence, Training our lips and Hungering for His Word.

HOPE

Hope, 1680. Elpis, expectation of what is sure (certain)
Hope is certainty in the present and a firm expectation for the future.
Hope is linked to faith, trust and expectation. 1 Corinthians 13:13, Romans 15:13, Titus 1:2
Our hope is in Christ. Ephesians 1:12
Hope is in His word. Psalm 130:5
Hope is in His promises. Romans 15:13
We, through the Holy Spirit, and by faith wait for the hope of righteousness. Galatians 5:5
We, belong to the day – so we are called to be sober because we have put on the breastplate of faith and loved, and as a helmet, the hope and confident assurance of salvation. 1 Thessalonians 5:8
We are called to prepare our minds for actions, to keep sober in spirit and to fix our hope completely on the grace that will be brought to us at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:13
We are to sanctify Christ as Lord in our hearts, to always be ready to make a defense to anyone who might ask us to give an account for the hope that we have. 1 Peter 3:15

Holy Spirit Obedience, Power & Expectation

PROSPERITY
4052. perisseuó, it is to exceed or go beyond the expected measure, i.e. above and beyond
GENEROSITY
572. haplotés it is simplicity, sincerity, purity, graciousness, an openness of heart manifesting itself by benefactions, liberality
Having a Biblical understanding of prosperity and generosity begins and ends with our perspective.
• It is understanding that both rich and poor were created by God. Proverbs 22:2
• It is understanding that what we have is God’s provision for us.1 Corinthians 4:7
• It is understanding that God owns everything. 1 Corinthians 10:26
• A true Christ follower knows that we are called to not hoard what we have but to take care of others. James 5:3
• A true Christ follower is not financially unethical or greedy. Money is not evil. The love and longing for money on the other hand is. 1 Timothy 6:9-10, Colossians 3:5, Matthew 6:24-25
• A true Christ follower does not put their trust in riches. 1 Timothy 6:17, Psalm 62:10
• Our example of true prosperity and generosity is documented in Acts 4:34-37
• We are exhorted to be generous and share. 1 Timothy 6:18
• A true Christ follower knows that riches can be fleeting, corruptible, perishable, uncertain, unsatisfying, deceitful. Proverbs 27:24, Matthew 6:19, 1 Peter 1:18, 1 Timothy 6:17, Ecclesiastes 4:8, Matthew 13:22
• A true Christ follower knows that knowing Christ is a priceless privilege. Philippians 3:7-8
• We are told that the one who sows sparingly will reap sparingly and that the one who sows generously (in blessing others), will also reap generously. 2 Corinthians 9:6
• A true Christ follower knows that through God there is complete sufficiency because we are sufficient in Him. 2 Corinthians 9:8
• With Jesus’s death on the cross, those who follow Him have been set free to GIVE and not live under the Old Testament blessing and curses. Galatians 3:10
• A true Christ follower does not give out of obligation but rather through heart litigation. 2 Corinthians 9:7
• Faith lays everything we have and all that we are at Jesus feet and says: How do you want to use it? How do you want to use me? Acts 2:44-48, Acts 4:32, Hebrews 13:2
• There is a Biblical mandate for generosity: our time, our talent, our gifts, our very life itself no longer belongs to us.
A prosperity mentality is about gratitude and knowing that all that you are and all that you have truly comes from God and in our gratitude towards His extraordinary grace and mercy we seek to be generous to others whether financially, through time, prayer, the use of our talents, etc. It starts by simply asking the Holy Spirit – what should I give today? And once you know then it is about obedience.

EVANGELIZE=WORLD MISSION i.e. ALL THE NATIONS OF THE WORLD=THE END OF THE AGE OF MAN

In Matthew 28:19, Jesus said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations….”
The same commission but documented in Mark 16:15, Jesus said, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation….”
And when this mission is completed, Jesus said in Matthew 24:14, “This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.”

We Are To Go

Preach, 284 Kerusso, to preach the gospel as the authoritative (binding) Word of God, bringing eternal accountability to all who hear it-which is to evangelize
Evangelize, 2097. Euaggelizó, properly, proclaim "the good message" (good news). In the NT, 2097 (euaggelízō) refers to sharing the full Gospel of Christ – literally, "gospelizing" that announces the complete message of "the good news" (the Lord's glad tidings).
Mission | 1248. Diakonia For the believer, 1248 /diakonía ("ministry") specifically refers to Spirit-empowered service guided by faith (4102 /pístis, "the Lord's inbirthed persuasion").
Everyone Is A Disciple & a Disciple Maker
To make a disciple is to SHARE the Gospel FIRST
Romans 10:14, 17 But how will people call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how will they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher (messenger)? 17 So faith comes from hearing [what is told], and what is heard comes by the [preaching of the] message concerning Christ.
Christ demonstrated evangelism with His own life and walk and then He taught others to do the same. First, with the twelve disciples – giving them authority and power over unclean spirts to cast them out, and to heal every kind of disease and every kind of sickness – instructing them to preach, heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. Matthew 9 and 10, Mark 6, Luke 10. Then Jesus sent out 70 – always two by two. Luke 10
Jesus said that anyone who believes in Me will also do the things that I do and even greater. John 14
We are able because He sent the Holy Spirit-whom will be necessary UNTIL the Lord our God stops calling people to Himself. John 14:16, Acts 1:5-8, Acts 2:39
We must keep His commandments. John 15
We must remain in Him in order to bear much fruit. John 15
Jesus affirmed our mission and the results of those who believe in Mark 16:17-18
Jesus has not changed. His mission has not changed. His power has not changed, and the world is as evil as it was then.

THIS IS WAR | 2 COR 4 AMP
Therefore, since we have this ministry, just as we received mercy [from God, granting us salvation, opportunities, and blessings], we do not get discouraged nor lose our motivation. 2 But we have renounced the disgraceful things hidden because of shame; not walking in trickery or adulterating the word of God, but by stating the truth [openly and plainly], we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. 3 But even if our gospel is [in some sense] hidden [behind a veil], it is hidden [only] to those who are perishing; 4 among them the god of this world [Satan] has blinded the minds of the unbelieving to prevent them from seeing the illuminating light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves [merely] as your bond-servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” is the One who has shone in our hearts to give us the Light of the knowledge of the glory and majesty of God [clearly revealed] in the face of Christ. 7 But we have this precious treasure [the good news about salvation] in [unworthy] earthen vessels [of human frailty], so that the grandeur and surpassing greatness of the power will be [shown to be] from God [His sufficiency] and not from ourselves. 8 We are pressured in every way [hedged in], but not crushed; perplexed [unsure of finding a way out], but not driven to despair; 9 hunted down and persecuted, but not deserted [to stand alone]; struck down, but never destroyed; 10 always carrying around in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the [resurrection] life of Jesus also may be shown in our body. 11 For we who live are constantly [experiencing the threat of] being handed over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the [resurrection] life of Jesus also may be evidenced in our mortal body [which is subject to death]. 12 So physical death is [actively] at work in us, but [spiritual] life [is actively at work] in you. 13 Yet we have the same spirit of faith as he had, who wrote in Scripture, “I believed, therefore I spoke.” We also believe, therefore we also speak, 14 knowing that He who raised the Lord Jesus will also raise us with Jesus and will present us [along] with you in His presence. 15 For all [these] things are for your sake, so that as [God’s remarkable, undeserved] grace reaches to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of [our great] God. 16 Therefore we do not become discouraged [spiritless, disappointed, or afraid]. Though our outer self is [progressively] wasting away, yet our inner self is being [progressively] renewed day by day. 17 For our momentary, light distress [this passing trouble] is producing for us an eternal weight of glory [a fullness] beyond all measure [surpassing all comparisons, a transcendent splendor and an endless blessedness]! 18 So we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are unseen; for the things which are visible are temporal [just brief and fleeting], but the things which are invisible are everlasting and imperishable.

If I am wrong & I am praying & believing in God to heal – no harm, no foul BUT – if I am right, & it is a command, then what are the consequences for disbelief & disobedience?

THE WORD OF GOD Is my AUTHORITY – NOT man & not my past beliefs and not my failures. I AM…A Disciple of Christ and I HAVE BEEN CALLED to share His message of Salvation. I AM HIS REPRESENTATIVE, and He is with me always. I AM NOT ashamed of the Gospel, and I NEED the Holy Spirit to live out this mission. LORD, Make me BOLD. LORD, help me to be consistent in prayer. HELP ME to speak YOUR Truth & not compromise. I KNOW THAT I AM A warrior in the army of God, and I SUBMIT MYSELF to the authority of Jesus Christ. Lord, I WANT TO BE who YOU call me to be today and every day until YOU call me home. I WANT You Holy Spirit and I NEED You & AS YOUR WORD SAYS
With all of my heart I have sought You- inquiring of You and longing for You. DO NOT let me wander from your commandments neither through ignorance nor by willful disobedience. Psalm 119:10

14 | RESURRECTION & JUDGEMENT

TO BE RAISED | 1453. egeiró --to arouse from the sleep of death, to recall the dead to life
RESSURECTION IS | 1454. Egersis-- resurrection from death

JESUS’S MINISTRY OF RESURRECTION

During Jesus’s ministry, He raised three people from the dead: Lazarus, the daughter of Jarius and the son of the widow. Luke 7:11-17, Matthew 9:18-26, Mark 5:21-43, Luke 8:40-56, John 11:1-44

JESUS & HIS DEATH, BURIAL & RESURRECTION

Jesus died and three days later rose from the grave by the power of God [The Tri-unity of Father, Son & Holy Spirit] John 10:18, Romans 6:4, Acts 2:32, John 5:21-22, John 2:19-21

THE PROMISE OF RESURRECTION
OF BELIEVERS WHO DIE FOR THEIR FAITH | THE MARTYRED

The first Resurrection consist of those who are beheaded for the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, those who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands are resurrected and reign with Christ for a thousand years. Revelation 20:4-5
When Christ returns and at the sound of the trumpet of God, the dead in Christ will rise first. 1 Thessalonians 4:16
Those who are alive and remain on earth will be caught up with them [the resurrected one] to meet the Lord in the air. 1 Thessalonians 4:17
Upon a believer’s resurrection our earthly bodes will transform and be like His glorious, resurrected body. Philippians 3:21

OF BELIEVERS WHO DIE IN FAITH

The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years ended. Revelation 20:5
Many of those who are buried will resurrect to everlasting life. Daniel 1:22
Those in the tomb who did good things will come out resurrected to life. John 5:28-29
For those who recognize, confess & repent of their sins against the Father, He is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleans us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9
Jesus said, he who hears My word and believes Him who sent me, has eternal life and will pass out of death into life. John 5:24
It is believer that obeys that is justified, free of the guilt of sin and made acceptable to Him. Romans 2:13

OF THE WICKED

Some of those who are dead will resurrect to disgrace and everlasting contempt. Daniel 1:22
Those in the tomb who did evil things will come out resurrected to judgement. John 5:28-29
The wages of unrepentant sin is death. Romans 6:23
Despite an ability to prophesy in Jesus’s name, driving out demons and doing many miracles – if Jesus does not know your name, you will be considered wicked. Matthew 7:22-23

14 | JUDGEMENT & WRATH OF GOD
The Day of Judgement, 2 Peter:4-9
The Day of the Lord, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
The Day of God’s Wrath/God’s righteous judgement, Romans 2:5-6
Judgement of the Great Day, Jude 1:6
The Day, 1 Corinthians 3:13
Judged, 2919. Krinó [Greek], a determination of right or wrong (innocence or guilt)-brought to trial.
Judgment, 2920. Krisis [Greek], can apply either to a positive verdict for righteousness– or more commonly, a "negative" verdict which condemns the nature of sin that brings it on
Shall Judge, 8199. Shaphat [Hebrew]condemning wicked and justifying righteous
Righteous Judgement, 1341. Dikaiokrisia, judgment based on God's standard (His own justice), condemning what is wrong in light of His eternal morality
Wrath, 3709. Orgé, anger; punishment, vengeance
JUDGEMENT OF THE RIGHTEOUS

God will judge the righteous. Ecclesiastes 3:17
Christ Jesus will judge the living and the dead. 2 Timothy 4:1, Acts 10:42
Only those who have been sealed and marked by the Holy Spirit will find deliverance on the day of redemption. Ephesians 4:30

JUDGEMENT OF THE WICKED

God will judge the wicked. Ecclesiastes 3:17
At the battle of Armageddon, the Antichrist (the beast) and the False Prophet are both thrown alive into the lake of fire. Revelation 19:20
At the end of the thousand years Satan is released and will deceive many but will be thrown into the lake of fire. Revelation 20:7-10
At the end of the thousand years, when the old heaven & earth no longer exist, there is a throne of judgment and ayone’s name that is not found written in the Book of Life will be hurled into the lake of fire. Revelation 20:14-15
In God’s justness, He will repay those who distress followers of Christ. 2 Thessalonians 1:6
A callous, suborn and unrepentant heart will lead to the wrath of God’s righteous judgement. Romans 2:5
Those who do not know God and those who ignore or refuse to obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus will pay the penalty and endure the punishment of everlasting destruction. 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9

JUDGEMENT IN GENERAL

When Christ returns, He will sit on the throne and the nations will be gathered before Him for judgement. Matthew 25:31-32
All will appear before the judgement [Bema] seat of Christ to be repaid for what has been done in the body, whether good or bad. 2 Corinthians 5:10
Our work and what we have done will be tested in fire. Matthew 3:12-15
On the day of judgement, we will all have to account for every word and by our words we are either justified or acquitted of sin. Any word that rejects will lead to being condemned and sentenced. Matthew 12:36-37
Judgement will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy. James 2:13

TRINITY | TRI-UNITY OF GOD [FATHER, SON, HOLY SPIRIT]
The term Trinity does not appear in the word of God; however, it does speak of a three-in one God. In order for this to be true, we must find it in both the Old Testament and the New Testament. The foundation of our faith rest on this verse: Deuteronomy 6:4-5, 4 “Hear, Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord is one! 5 And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.”

God | Elohim is a plural word consistently used with a singular verb.
God [Elohim] “They” created. Genesis 1:1
God [Elohim] “They” revealed. Genesis 35:7
God [Elohim] “They” went to redeem. 2 Samuel 7:23
God [Elohim] “They” judge. Psalm 58:11
If our One God was not plural the word Eloha would have been used which is singular or dual.

Throughout the Old Testament, God Himself consistently used plural pronouns to describe Himself.

Let Us, Genesis 1:26
Like one of Us, Genesis 3:22
Let Us go down, Genesis 11:7
Who will go for Us, Isaiah 6:8

There are consistent plural descriptions.

Creator [literally Creators] Ecclesiastes 12:1
Maker [literally Makers] Psalm 149:2
Your husband [literally husbands] is your Maker [literally Makers], Isaiah 54:5

In addition, going back to our foundational verse of Deuteronomy 6:4, the word “one” is the Hebrew word “echad” which is a compound one and not an absolute one.

Night + Day= 1 day, Genesis 1:5 [Echad]
Man + Wife=1 flesh, Genesis 2:24 [Echad]
Whole Assemble (many people)= 1 people, Ezra 2:64 [Echad]
1 stick + 1 stick + 1 stick=1 stick, Ezekiel 37:17 [Echad]

The next thing to look at is whether this is a compound unity or an absolute unity.

Yachid “only one”, is the Hebrew word that does not mean absolute unity with an emphasis of ONLY. Therefore, by logic if God wanted to teach absolute oneness, this would have been a better choice of words over echad.
‘e･hād means many who are one in harmony, one in thought, one in mind whereas hā･’a･hat is singular, as in one single thing or person.

Elohim & Yhvh

6 Your throne, God [Elohim], is forever and ever; The scepter of Your kingdom is a scepter of justice. 7 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; Therefore God [Elohim], Your God [Elohim], has anointed You With the oil of joy above Your companions. PSALM 45:6-7
7 But I [Elohim] will take pity on the house of Judah and save them by the Lord [YHVH] their God [Elohim], and will not save them by bow, sword, battle, horses, or horsemen.” HOSEA 1:7
24 Then the Lord [yhvh] rained brimstone and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah from the Lord [yhvh] out of heaven, GENESIS 19:24
8 For the Lord [yhvh] of armies says this: “After glory He has sent me against the nations that plunder you, for the one who touches you, touches the apple of His eye. 9 For behold, I am going to wave My hand over them so that they will be plunder for their slaves. Then you will know that the Lord [yhvh] of armies has sent Me. ZECHARIAH 2:8-9

Angel of the LORD

The Angel of YHVH, Genesis 16:7
The Angel of the LORD [YHVH] called [YHVH] a God [El] who sees, Genesis 16:7-13
The Angel of the LORD [YHVH] and God [Elohim], Genesis 22:11-12
The Angel of the LORD [YHVH] has the power to pardon, Exodus 23:20-23
The Spirit of God is Holy Spirit, Genesis 1:2, Exodus 35:31, Numbers 24:2, Job 33:4, Ezekiel 11:24, Isaiah 48:12-16
Abraham saw three, the Lord, [YHVH] and said My Lord, Genesis 18:1-3

4 Who has ascended into heaven and descended? Who has gathered the wind in His fists? Who has wrapped the waters in His garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is His name or His Son’s name? Surely you know! PROVERBS 30:4

While the Old Testament hints at the Godhead it is firmly established in the New Testament. There is a clear distinction of Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Three distinct persons in the Godhead.
In the New Covenant under the blood of Jesus, we find that Satan is attacking the message of the Gospel distorting who Jesus is and what Jesus has done. The Gospel depends on both being FULLY Human and FULLY Divine.

Matthew documents Jesus’s conception and birth. He documents His genealogy back to Abraham.
Mark starts when Jesus is 30 years old.
Luke is more concerned with Him being the Son of Man and takes His genealogy back to Adam.

The Book of John focuses on the Divinity of Jesus, the Logos

He documented 7 signs [miracles] – 5 of which are not documented in Matthew, Mark or Luke. John 2:1-12, John 4:46-54, John 5:1-9 and John 9:1-7 specifically point to His Divinity.
He documented 7 Witness as a testimony to His Divinity. John the Baptist, John 1; Nathaniel, John 1; Peter John, 6:66-71, Martha (first woman to do so), John 11:27; Thomas, John 20:28; John, the beloved apostle, the Book of John; and then Jesus Himself.
He documented seven times the words I AM [YHVH] I am the bread of life, John 6:35; I am the Light of the world, John 8:12; I am the door, John 10:9; I am the good shepherd, John 10:7 and John 10:11; I am the resurrection and the life, John 11:25, I am the way, and the truth, and the life, John 14:6; I am the true vine, John 15:1.
He documented His humanity He wept, John 11:35; He was thirsty, John 19:28, He was tired, John 4:6, the water and blood that poured out of His side was a ruptured pericardium, John 19:34- clearly dying; and then the discovery of the linen wrap lying where His body once was, John 20:5.

He documented with a clear purpose to those who read it might believe that Jesus is the Christ and the Son of God. John 20:31. His glory, John 1:14, He is the Word and the Word was God, John 1:1; The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, John 1:14.
There are four key things that John documents about the Logos: John 1:1 says this: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

First, In the beginning the Word was already there, He was not created but equal in status to God [Elohim] as Creator of the world.
Second, there was the distinction of His persons being different saying that the Word was WITH God [Elohim]
Third, John pointed to His Deity – the Word was God

Then, in John 1:14 he says, “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

John was pointing to His humanity – the Word became flesh.

In Mark 12:28-30, Jesus takes us right back to the Old Testament and the critical verse that is the foundation of a Godhead. [Deuteronomy 6:4-5]

“28 One of the scribes came up and heard them arguing, and recognizing that He had answered them well, asked Him, “What commandment is the foremost of all?” 29 Jesus answered, “The foremost is, ‘Hear, Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord is one; 30 and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’”

Jesus spent 3 years showing and teaching exactly WHO He was. Mark 4:35-41, Mark 5:1-7, Mark 1:34, Luke 4:31-35, Matthew 16:13-20, Matthew 16:13-21, Mark 16:21, John 11:21-27,

Then it is the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God and the third person of the Godhead.
Jesus is the One who baptizes us in the Holy Spirit. John 1:33.
Jesus tells us that unless one is born of water and the Spirit, they cannot enter the kingdom of God. John 3:5
Jesus said that He would ask the Father to send us another , v bgHelper [the Greek word for another means ‘just like’-Just like Jesus]. John 14:16
Jesus said that He would be with us (para) and in us (en)-the first 2 relationships that we have with Holy Spirit. John 14:16
The Helper is then identified specifically as being the Holy Spirit. John 14:25
Then, after Jesus breathed on them [John 20:22], and just before His accession He told them to wait for the baptism of the Holy Spirt (the epi) [Acts 1:5-8].
The Spirit of God [Holy Spirit] knows the thoughts of God. 1 Corinthians 2:10-11
Our bodies are the temple of God which is where the Spirit of God dwells. 1 Corinthians 3:16

We know that Paul clearly understood the Tri-unity of God by how he closed his letter to the church in Corinth. 1 Corinthians 13:14, “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.”
Father, Son and Holy Spirit are equally divine, equal in glory, equal in status and yet positionally different.

Jesus said that the Father was greater than I. John 14:28
Jesus said that the Son can do nothing of Himself but only what the Father does. John 5:19

There is a coherency from Old Testament to New Testament.

Your Father, My God | Deuteronomy 32:6, John 20:17
God | Genesis 1:1, John 1:1
Holy One, Your King | Isaiah 43:15, Luke 1:35, 1 John 2:20, Matthew 21:5
Holy Spirit | Psalm 51:11, John 14:26
The Hope of Israel | Jeremiah 17:13, Acts 28:20
I Am | Exodus 3:14, John 8:58
The King of Israel | Zephaniah 3:15, John 1:49
Lord of Lords & King of Kings | Deuteronomy 10:17, 1 Timothy 6:15, Revelation 17:14
The Potter | Isaiah 64:8, Romans 9:21
The Spirit of God | Genesis 1:2, Matthew 3:16
His Spirit | Numbers 11:29, Ephesians 3:16
My Spirit | Genesis 6:3, Matthew 12:18
The Spirit | Numbers 11:17, Acts 16:7
Stone of Stumbling, Rock of Offense | Isaiah 8:14, 1 Peter 2:8

Warning: I have found that may people are Trinitarian in theory but Binary in practice. It will always be Spirit and Truth, Word and Wonder – anything less is not Biblical.
When trying to explain of give a visual of the Tri-Unity of God there have been many examples.

It is not: Addition [1+1+1=3]. It’s not water because a water molecule cannot reside in all three states at the same time.
One could use: Multiplication [1x1x1=1] or the Clover [3 lobes=1 leaf] and a triangle at least has 3 sides.
My favorite example is a circle (3/14/21): a complete, perfect circle that has no beginning and no end. It represents wholeness and perfection. It is infinite. The Godhead of Father, Son and Holy Spirit are three equal parts just as they are equally divine and 3 parts that unite to make a whole. Just as the circle is not complete without all the pieces, neither are we complete without all three. One is not the other and yet together they compose the whole of who God is.

... that God [in Tri-unity] created man and that man sinned against God and created a separation from Him.
Genesis 1:26, Genesis 3:6

...that the Word of God is inspired by God and is absolute Truth. Hebrews 4:12-13, 2 Timothy 4:16-17

... that there is a narrow door, and few will enter. Matthew 7:13, Matthew 7:21-23

...that communion is not just holy but is an act of obedience. 1 Corinthians 11:23-34

... that there is an eternal heaven and an eternal hell. 2 Corinthians 5:21, 2 Peter 2:4

...that God is a loving God, but that He is also righteous and just and that mankind must develop & live in an awe filled reverent fear. Matthew 10:28, Luke 1:50, Acts 10:35

Statement of Faith

... that God [in Tri-unity] created man and that man sinned against God and created a separation from Him.
Genesis 1:26, Genesis 3:6

...that the Word of God is inspired by God and is absolute Truth. Hebrews 4:12-13, 2 Timothy 4:16-17

... that there is a narrow door, and few will enter. Matthew 7:13, Matthew 7:21-23

...that communion is not just holy but is an act of obedience. 1 Corinthians 11:23-34

... that there is an eternal heaven and an eternal hell. 2 Corinthians 5:21, 2 Peter 2:4

...that God is a loving God, but that He is also righteous and just and that mankind must develop & live in an awe filled reverent fear. Matthew 10:28, Luke 1:50, Acts 10:35

I would love to chat soon! ~Cheryl Muecke

Hours

Telephone

Email

Statement of Faith

... that God [in Tri-unity] created man and that man sinned against God and created a separation from Him. ​Genesis 1:26, Genesis 3:6

...that the Word of God is inspired by God and is absolute Truth. Hebrews 4:12-13, 2 Timothy 4:16-17

... that there is a narrow door, and few will enter. Matthew 7:13, Matthew 7:21-23

...that communion is not just holy but is an act of obedience. 1 Corinthians 11:23-34

... that there is an eternal heaven and an eternal hell. 2 Corinthians 5:21, 2 Peter 2:4

...that God is a loving God, but that He is also righteous and just and that mankind must develop & live in an awe filled reverent fear. Matthew 10:28, Luke 1:50, Acts 10:35

I would love to chat soon! ~Cheryl Muecke

Hours

Telephone

Email

... that God [in Tri-unity] created man and that man sinned against God and created a separation from Him.
Genesis 1:26, Genesis 3:6