Tag: God

Unity Part 3

By Pastor Mike Batinich

Today I want talk today about togetherness and unity. About standing united as believers of the Truth.

Scripture tells us of the unity of GODLY people working together.

Exodus 17:8-13

8 Then came Amalek, and fought with Israel in Rephidim. 9 And Moses said unto Joshua, Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek: to morrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in mine hand. 10 So Joshua did as Moses had said to him, and fought with Amalek: and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. 11 And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. 12 But Moses’ hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. 13 And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.

As long as Moses held his arms up, Joshua & his men were winning the battle. When his arms came down, the Amalekites would start winning. As Moses became more tired, Aaron & Hur brought a stone for Moses to sit on and with one man on either side of him, they held up his arms so that Joshua could win the battle. We need to be there for one another to lift up one another in prayer and in encouragement.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

9 Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. 10 For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.

This scripture talks about being together in unity to be there for one another – to stand strong together in battle against anything that comes against us as blood bought believers. Together we can do great things through JESUS. 

We will need each other to make it work. We need each other. I need you. We have to continue to pray for one another. Prayer will help us keep our focus on JESUS and to help us love one another.

Acts 4:31-32

31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. 32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.

Togetherness and unity is important.

Psalm 133:1

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!

We need to help our brothers and sisters. We need to pray for each other. If someone is discouraged, let’s encourage them.

Remember after the folks were filled with the Holy Ghost on the day of Pentecost – people gathered outside and they were making fun of them.

Acts 2:12-15

12 And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this? 13 Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.

14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: 15 For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.

Peter stood up and the eleven stood up with him to stand together in unity because they understood what happened.

1 Corinthians 12:12-13

12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.

13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.                            

We are one body of believers.

Romans 12:4-8

4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:

5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.

6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;

7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;

8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

How’s this for final act of UNITY:

Philippians 2:9-11

9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

We’re living in a day and time where people want to be politically correct and some folks have no problem saying the word GOD but they have a huge problem saying the name JESUS.

People don’t want to offend the Muslims

People don’t want to offend the Jews

People don’t want to offend the Arabs

But I want you to know that there will come a time –

When every Muslim – Buddhist – Jew – Atheist – will have to get down on their knees and every tongue will have to confess that JESUS is LORD.

We believe in repenting of our sins, getting Baptized in JESUS Name, and receiving the gift of the HOLY GHOST. It’s for us today because today is the day of salvation.

There is No Neutral

By Pastor Jeff Hanson

A storm in the spiritual realm has been going on for decades now with different strengths. Like Hurricanes when it is out in the ocean gathering strength it can’t be seen by the eye but some other means, the church doesn’t notice the storm with the naked eye. When the storm comes ashore, we are able to see the damage from the wind and rain but then it starts to lose strength as it moves further more inward. The church similarly should see the damage of this spiritual storm as it hits and should start to battle against it pushing it back, but unfortunately in our world today it remains neutral to it.

The problem is that these storms are not only getting stronger and the gaps between events are getting shorter and shorter but they are not fighting anymore. They have taken up a neutral ground!

1Kings 18:21, “And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.”

Paul put it his way, Romans 8:6-9, “For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.” 

 Jesus said in Matthew 12:25-30, “And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand: And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand? And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them out? therefore they shall be your judges. But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you. Or else how can one enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house. He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.”

C. S Lewis wrote, “There is no neutral ground in the universe. Every square inch, every minute of every hour is claimed by God and counter-claimed by Satan.”

There has been an argument in the churches for as long as I can remember about if the church should or should not be involved in politics. Some take the position that all we should do is preach Jesus to the point that we don’t follow trends, don’t vote, or take any position on who is running our country both local and nationally. Some take that neutral position that we should vote but it is not to be discussed in the pulpit. Some others think it should be something to be discussed in light of what the scripture says and still others are very bold in speaking about politics.

Gods’ intention for the nation Israel was that He would reign of them, but seeing other nations led by a king, they cried to Samuel, in 1Samuel 8:5, “And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.” Vs 7, “And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them.” 

The Lord even told them the consequences of having a king, how they would lose freedoms, possessions, be taxed, etc., but it didn’t matter. Israel had some good kings and very evil kings and eventually became captives under other nation rulers.

So what is our responsibility to the government, 1Timothy 2:1-3, “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;” 

Number one is that we pray not just for our fellow man but our leadership, so the question is, do you”

Romans 13:1-7, “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.”

Who likes that? Who wants be subject to the higher powers, who likes to pay taxes?

But we must notice something that the government is to do…to do good, to reward good, to punish evil! We are to submit to God and government until we can’t because they require to violate the word of God, then we submit to God!

Those given authority (state) are responsible to act in the interest of God who has all authority, Government should be a ministry of righteousness.

1Kings 3:6-9, “And Solomon said, Thou hast shewed unto thy servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee; and thou hast kept for him this great kindness, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day. And now, O LORD my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in. And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude. Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?” 

The Apostles give us several examples of what happens with the government abandons God’s purpose for it and goes against His word…

Acts 5:29, “Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.”

“How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him”

Handling Grief

By Pastor Jeff Hanson

Romans 8:18, “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”

In spite of we as Christians have been told we just like every other person in this fallen world go through times of grief. One author put it this way, “Grief never ends, it’s a passage, not a place to stay. Grief is not a sign of weakness nor a lack of faith, It is the price we pay for love.”

Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” When I was dealing with the loss of my daughter to cancer, I will be honest and say that I didn’t like this scripture very much. How could something so horrible ever work together for any good…ever, and even today it’s a tragedy in my life that I still don’t care to think about but I have learned several things as result of handling grief.

Grief can either destroy you or can motivate you and for me it has allowed me to become more compassionate to others especially those that have experienced loss similar to what our family has. Matthew 5:4, “Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.” We receive comfort from not only Gid but from others.

It definitely gave me a different perspective on precious, how fragile life, and how short life is, James 4:14, “Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.”

Grief has allowed me to not be fearful of showing emotions for I once took great pride in keeping my emotions in check. We are often told and have told our children to not cry or to suck it up and take it like a man. With the loss of my friend Russ, then my son Jeff, and then my daughter Sarah I found that I could no longer control those emotions and you know what? Its Okay! Isaiah 53:3, “He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.” Jesus knew grief and likewise understands the grief we suffer as well.

So, with that, I would like to talk about the bit “D”, yes “Depression”. Something that we as Christians ignore and claim that we are immune to it since we are filled with the Spirit of God. After the culmination of the three deaths in a relatively short time even though at the time I would have denied it, I was indeed in period of depression. I was never angry with God, but I was disappointed, because I know our Lord is a healer, but my friend and daughter where not healed.

I thought to myself that how could I ever enjoy life again, what is the point of going on if everything I love is being taken from me. Now I wasn’t suicidal (I don’t think) but I was emotional numb.

So, this gets me to the picture of our cat Bullet that I selected for this blog. I always been okay with cats but I could live without them. So, one day my wife decides to bring this kitten home and I was like why? But watching this little ball of fur run around, get into mischief, lay on my feet, purr as it would nibble on my nose, I began to laugh and smile once again, (we ended up with another cat “Duke” as Bullet was supposed to be a boy and turned out to be a girl and I’m okay with that).

Our cats didn’t save my life for only Jesus Christ can do that but they did change me to start enjoying life which is one thing we need to remember when going through grief is that it will be okay to smile, laugh, and have a good time one day and you shouldn’t feel guilty about it!

Psalms 34:18, “The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.”

The last thing I want to share about grief is that it has made me even more aware of how much I need Jesus in my life, He never left me nor forsook me during my grief or my entire life and one day I will be in His marvelous presence, Revelations 21:4, “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”

Jezebel

By Pastor Bob

  • What I want to talk about his morning is called Jezebel
    • Not the spirit
    • Rather, the character
    • Why should we care? She is dead?
    • Creation is in the bible
    • Healing is in the bible
    • There is profound wisdom in scripture
      • It’s in the bible – amen?
        • 2 Tim 3: 16 All Scripture is God-breathed [given by divine inspiration] and is profitable for instruction, for conviction [of sin], for correction [of error and restoration to obedience], for training in righteousness [learning to live in conformity to God’s will, both publicly and privately—behaving honorably with personal integrity and moral courage]; 17 so that the [a]man of God may be complete and proficient, outfitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work.
      • Bible teaches us the nature of God
      • Bible shows us how to live our lives
      • AMP Matthew 22:36-40 36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 37 And Jesus replied to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself [that is, unselfishly seek the best or higher good for others].’ 40 The whole Law and the [writings of the] Prophets depend on these two commandments.”
      • Bible also teaches us the nature of the enemy
      • Jesus cast out the demons –
      • KJV Matthew 8:28-34 And when he was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way.29 And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?30 And there was a good way off from them an herd of many swine feeding.31 So the devils besought him, saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine.32 And he said unto them, Go. And when they were come out, they went into the herd of swine: and, behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and perished in the waters.
      • There is good and evil
      • Why did Jesus not just kill them? This morning I will tell you why!
        • Yeah, I don’t know
        • I do know that after Jesus defeated Satan, demons were still being cast out
        • KJV Acts 16:16-18 1616 And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying:17 The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation.18 And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.
        • Good and evil is with us until He appoints the time
        • Bible is our guide
        • The bible is our hope
  • Let’s look at some scripture about Jezebel:
  • 1 Kings 16:31 And it came to pass, as if it had been a light thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, that he took to wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Zidonians, and went and served Baal, and worshipped him.32 And he reared up an altar for Baal in the house of Baal, which he had built in Samaria. 33 And Ahab made a grove; and Ahab did more to provoke the Lord God of Israel to anger than all the kings of Israel that were before him.
    • This is a political marriage
    • Definitely not based on love
    • The marriage makes her a Queen of Israel
    • Jezebel Worshipping Baal, not Yaweh
      • Creating Division
      • Turning away from God
    • This was not all Jezebels’ fault –
      • Ahab allowed it
      • Expound
  • 1 kings 18Obadiah Meets Elijah
  • 1 Kings:18 Now it happened after many days that the word of the Lord came to Elijah in the third year, saying, “Go, show yourself to Ahab, and I will send rain on the face of the earth.” 2 So Elijah went to show himself to Ahab. Now the famine was severe in Samaria. 3 Ahab called Obadiah who was the governor of his house. (Now Obadiah feared the Lord greatly; 4 for when Jezebel destroyed the prophets of the Lord, Obadiah took a hundred prophets and hid them by fifties in a cave, and provided them with bread and water.)
    • More of her character can be seen
    • She is killing the prophets
    • Killing those that would spread what God desires
    • The prophets are being hidden for protection
      • Jezebel wants to hinder the word of God
      • Jezebel wants the Word of God hidden
      • She wants to make the Word of God ineffective
        • Get people to stop talking about God
        • No word from God from the prophets
        • Stifle Worship with fear
        • ANYTHING where God is involved
    • She wants Baal to be the supreme God and will stop at literally nothing to achieve this
  • Elijah now says hey, Go tell the King I am here
    • He has GREAT confidence
  • In chapter 18 it continues that Elijah
    • 17 When Ahab saw Elijah, Ahab said to him, “Are you the one who is bringing disaster on Israel?” 18 Elijah said, “I have not brought disaster on Israel, but you and your father’s household have, by abandoning (rejecting) the commandments of the Lord and by following the Baals. 19 Now then, send word and gather to me all Israel at Mount Carmel, together with the 450 prophets of Baal and the 400 prophets of [the goddess] Asherah, who eat at [Queen] Jezebel’s table.”
      • To recap what happens – sacrifice of 2 bulls (no heat)
      • The odds are against Elijah in the physical – 850 to 1
      • The prophets that are standing against him cry out all day
      • The prophets of Baal even resort to cutting themselves
      • Elijah even calls their God out
      • 27 At noon Elijah mocked them, saying, “Cry out with a loud voice, for he is a god; either he is occupied, or he is out [at the moment], or he is on a journey. Perhaps he is asleep and must be awakened!”
      • Elijah is very confident
      • Elijah is very connected to God
      • This is important – Elijah is very much within the WILL of God
      • Elijah seems to have a lot of faith
      • He tells them to put water on it, not once, not twice,  but 3 times
      • There is water everywhere – bible says even in even in the trenches
      • Elijah prays to the Lord:
      • 1 KINGS 18: 38 Then the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the burnt offering and the wood, and even the stones and the dust; it also licked up the water in the trench. 39 When all the people saw it, they fell face downward; and they said, “The Lord, He is God! The Lord, He is God!” 40 Then Elijah said to them, “Seize the prophets of Baal; do not let one of them escape.” They seized them; and Elijah brought them down to the brook Kishon, and [as God’s law required] killed them there.
      • Full of faith! Full of Victory! Full!
      • Even conveys the rain is coming and tells Ahab as much (solving the drought problem)
      • And then the 850 prophets of Baal and
      • But in the very next turn of the page:
      • In the very next moment
      • It is like that sometimes!
        • On fire for God
        • Feeling the presence of the Lord
        • Fulfilling God’s will
        • Feel I am in the “zone”
        • But then the page turns!
        •  
      • 1 Kings 19:19 And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and withal how he had slain all the prophets with the sword.2 Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by to morrow about this time.
      • Jezebel is furious
        • Made to look bad
        • God got the glory – people focusing on His greatness – not on what she wants
        • This was an epic move of God in the land, a true testament of not only his power, that He was real
        • The attention was not on her nor Baal, but on God
        • She and those that follow Baal were embarassed
        • People were focused on the greatness of the Lord
        • How did Elijah respond?
  • 3 And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beersheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there.4 But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.
  • What is Jezebel causing here?
    • Fear – He is ready to surrender
    • Doubt, Condemnation – for I am not better than my fathers.
    • Unworthiness – Have you ever had the page turn on you? In the will of God doing the next right thing, Serving, you’re praying, your doing your best, and then bam! I need to understand  where some of it may be coming from!
  • Sometimes what is going on is not coming from God – it is the enemy – just Like Jezebel did that to Elijah. One more example of Jezebel:
    • Ahab wants a vineyard, Naboth is the owner – he was a Jezreelite. Ahab wants the vineyard converted to a garden, Wants to trade it – nope , Wants to buy it – nope. Naboth said The Lord forbid me that I should give the inheritance of my fathers to you. Ahab is depressed. Ahab is disappointed and does not want to eat.
    • Jezebel says “What’s a matter baby?”(Not really) 1 Kings 21:5-7 5 Then Jezebel his wife came to him and asked him, “Why is your spirit so troubled that you have not eaten?” 6 And he said to her, “Because I spoke to Naboth the Jezreelite and said to him, ‘Give me your vineyard for money; or if you prefer, I will give you another vineyard for it.’ But he answered, ‘I will not give you my vineyard.’” 7 Jezebel his wife said to him, “Do you now reign over Israel? Get up, eat food, and let your heart rejoice; I will give you the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.”
    • Jezebel does not care what is honorable Jezebel does not care what God says So what does Jezebel do? Nothing good Paraphrasing: Jezebel writes letters in Naboth’s name Jezebel is stealing his identity Jezebel forges his signature with his seal. Puts 2 men beside him Worthless Unprincipled they lie, Cursed King and God Renounced King and God Naboth is stoned and killed Jezebel gets her way Ahab get his vineyard
  • There are people in this world that have the same characteristics as those in the bible and we need to pay attention
  • We need to be wary, or why would it not be in the bible
    • The characteristics of Jezebel are still working today:
      • They are in the church
      • They are in the family
      • They are in business
      • They are in schools
      • They are in our community
      • We need to be aware of them to protect our church, families, businesses, our schools and our community – and most importantly our relationship with our Savior
    • Takeaways from Jezebel
      • Control!! Subtle, or aggressive
      • False accusations – affect
      • Seduction – uses anything to get their way
      • Create Isolation – doubt, fear – look what it did to Elijah
      • Jezebel will try to corrupt the Godly
      • Jezebel will try to destroy the Godly
      • Draw the tolerant – Ahab
      • There are casualties – we know that Jezebel was a murderer, especially spiritually
      • Jezebel is Unrepentant
      • Hates to lose – look at the reaction to Elijah victory
      • Confusion – Naboth, brought out and had to endure accusations so real from others 0 he thought he was at a party but it was a snare – an ambush
      • Fear – again – Elijah in a cave
      • Greatest enemy for Jezebel minded people is people who are moving towards God
      • Want to contain those on fire for God
      •  
  • A warning from Jesus in Revelation
    • Revelation 2:20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.
      • Not the actual Jezebel of the OT
      • A warning for the modern church
        • Churches elevating man above God
          • Furtick coloring book page
          • Picture – Furtick Coloring Book
          • Whose vision? A church should be built on God’s vision and His Word
        • Conforming to the world doctrine
          • God’s people are not meant to conform to the will of society
          • Inclusive Church – family story Damien and why can’t they get married in your church
        • Perverting the Word
          • I am God almighty – Furtick video
          • Video- start 1:37
          • Kris Vallotton _ Bethel
          • The word of knowledge in the Song of Solomon, is the same Hebrew word – knowledge – is translated bed chamber. Why? Because this knowledge isn’t coming from classrooms; it’s coming from the bed chamber; it’s coming from Intercourse with God
    • God knew all this would happen
    • 1 Timothy 4:4 But the [Holy] Spirit explicitly and unmistakably declares that in later times some will turn away from the faith, paying attention instead to deceitful and seductive spirits and doctrines of demons,
      • Grave soaking or sucking –
      • Picture
      • Seances, psychics have all been minimized by society
      • We know that this is wrong, because it’s in the bible:
      • Deut 18:10-12  12 There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or daughter pass through the fire [as a sacrifice], one who uses divination and fortune-telling, one who practices witchcraft, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, 11 or one who casts a charm or spell, or a medium, or a spiritist, or a necromancer [who seeks the dead]. 12 For everyone who does these things is utterly repulsive to the Lord; and because of these detestable practices the Lord your God is driving them out before you
      • Maybe the grave soaking church should have read that in their bible
      • Picture – Passion Bible
      • The problem is that can’t read Deuteronomy because it is NOT there
        • They have Psalms, Proverbs, Isaiah and So
      • Acceptance of eastern medicine
        • Rather, yoga is an ancient Hindu religious practice intended to unite a person’s soul with the impersonal, universal force Hindus call “god”
  • Not trying to give glory to Jezebel – just warning myself what to watch for
  • For the record – Jezebel loses Elijah declares a Word
    • 2 Kings 9:10 The dogs shall eat Jezebel on the plot of ground at Jezreel, and there shall be none to bury her.’ ” And he opened the door and fled.
    • And then in
    • 2 Kings 9:35They went to bury her, but they found nothing left of her except the skull and the feet and the palms of her hands.
    • Because of what?
    • Because of word from the Lord
    • God is faithful
    • God is faithful to His Word
    • Because God always triumphs
    • Because Elijah remembered who he was
    • Because God is faithful
    • Because Elijah got out of the Cave
      • 1 Kings 19:9 There he came to a cave and spent the night in it; and behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and He said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?
        • He goes out
        • It’s not in the Wind
        • It’s not in the earthquake
        • It’s not in the fire
        • But he hears a Word from the Lord
        • It is in His Word He equips us
        • It is in His word
        • And in HIS WORD he could move forward
        • we can move forward
          • No matter what the enemy advances
    • Closing thoughts
    • We need to be vigilant
    • We need to protect our church
    • We need to protect our families
    • We need to stand and not be like Ahab – complacency
    • We need to use the Word to evaluate everything – it is our barometer
    • Here is something I really got from the Word – back when I was talking about John and the demon possessed woman
      • You know where he was?
        • Thyatira
        • And in Revelation 21 Jezebel was reference in Thyatira
        • One big takeaway from that passage in Chapter 16 that I think is of note is:
          •  It happened that as we were on our way to the place of prayer
          • The enemy was messing with one of the great Apostles
          • He was completely in the will of God
          • The enemy will attack the people of God no matter what
          •  
    • M A Y B E?????????
  • Philippians 3:17 Brothers and sisters, together follow my example and observe those who live by the pattern we gave you. 18 For there are many, of whom I have often told you, and now tell you even with tears, who live as enemies of the cross of Christ [rejecting and opposing His way of salvation], 19 whose fate is destruction, whose god is their belly [their worldly appetite, their sensuality, their vanity], and whose glory is in their shame—who focus their mind on earthly and temporal things. 20 But [we are different, because] our citizenship is in heaven. And from there we eagerly await [the coming of] the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; 21 who, by exerting that power which enables Him even to subject everything to Himself, will [not only] transform [but completely refashion] our earthly bodies so that they will be like His glorious, resurrected body.

PRAYER – Acts 2:38

 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Upon This Rock

Upon-this-Rock

By Pastor Jeff,

Matthew 16:13-19, “When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

When you hear the word Rock, what do you think of?

Verse 18 from the amplified says this, “And I tell you, you are Peter [Greek, Petros–a large piece of rock], and on this rock [Greek, petra–a huge rock like Gibraltar] I will build My church, and the gates of Hades (the powers of the infernal region) shall not overpower it [or be strong to its detriment or hold out against it].”

What in your mind is the most firm, unmovable, undisputable doctrine in the word of God? 1Timothy 3:16, “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.”

The Revelation of who Jesus is, “God in Flesh!” This doctrine is what separates the nominal church from the church built upon the rock!

So how is this associated with the Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven?

Once we understand who Jesus is, we can bind evil Acts 16:18, “And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.” What Name?
Is it enough to use the name of Jesus? Acts 19:13-16, “Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth. And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so. And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye? And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.”

It was clear form the beginning of Jesus ministry that he offended the religious of the day and was accused of using the power of the devil to cast out devils…
Matthew 12:28-30, “But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you. Or else how can one enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house. He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.”

After we bind evil, we have power to let loose the power of God which leads to deliverance from sin, Roman 6:22-23, “But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

The keys we have been given are powerful, but without the knowledge of who Jesus is, they don’t have the eternal effect for it is not built upon the Rock!
John 14:8-14, “Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father? Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.”

We often say when we meet others of different religious beliefs that there is no denying who Jesus Christ is, right! Then why do they fall on men’s traditions in baptizing in the titles “Father, Son, and Holy Ghost?” The earliest reliable source of using the Father, Son, and Holy ghost is in the second century; so did they suddenly become smarter that the original Apostles?
Did they get a better understanding of scripture?

No they jumped off the “Rock”!

Picture care of: voiceoftruthblog.com

2015 and the Key to the Door

key-in-old-door29-450x221

We recently turned our calendars from the year 2014 to the year 2015 and we look to this year being even a more awesome year for us at Janesville Apostolic Ministries and the Kingdom of God than any year before it. We believe a great number of souls will be added and with it a greater power of God.

Recently we at JAM received a prophetic word that just confirms this; we have been told that we have a “key”. As we look in the word of God we see many instances in which Jesus or the angels have keys to open doors. But we find Jesus giving the keys to Peter in Matthew 16:19, “And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind in heaven.” Peter then in Acts 2:14-39 we find Peter using the keys to this Kingdom which have never been closed. Whenever anyone holds or has been given a “key” in the word of God, it is referring to the authority that this person or persons have been given.

And what are keys usually used for? ” Unlocking or locking doors! So the second part of the prophetic word is that there is a door, a very old-looking door, meaning it’s been closed for quite a long time. So the leaders of Janesville Apostolic Ministries have been given the authority to open this door. So what is behind it? Well that’s the very question that kept running through my mind, could it be “Great Faith”, the ability to perform greater miracles, and so on. But as I was pondering this one day, I heard the voice of our Lord Jesus Christ say “do not limit Me!” Many times Jesus can’t do the things He would like to do through us because in our finite minds we limit what He can and will do.

So we recently built a door, put a lock on it and placed it in front of our congregation to symbolize what the Lord was telling us. Let me tell you that the day we had set to do this, the presence of Jesus Christ was very heavy, it was like His Shekinah Glory was there to usher us into this new realm. We then unlocked, opened, walked through, and every person in the building followed us through in agreement to what God is about to do. Revelation 3:8, “I know thy works:behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.” We place no limits on what Jesus Christ wants to do in and through us and all the glory is HIS!

Pastor Jeff and Pastor Mike
Pastor Jeff Hanson and Pastor Mike Batinich