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Monday, December 25, 2023

What is the difference between the Gospel of Jesus and Paul's Gospel?

Image by Ray Shrewsberry • from Pixabay 

The Great Commission, as stated in Matthew 28:19-20, calls for believers to "go out and preach the gospel to all nations." This command from Jesus emphasizes spreading His teachings and message of salvation throughout the Jewish world. The Jesus Gospel focuses on love, forgiveness, repentance, and the coming Kingdom of God.

On the other hand, Paul's gospel builds upon these foundational teachings but also includes his unique perspective and understanding. Paul was a prominent figure in early Christianity and played a crucial role in spreading the message beyond Jewish communities to Gentiles. His gospel emphasized faith in Jesus Christ as the means of salvation rather than strict adherence to Jewish law.

While both Jesus and Paul preached about salvation through faith in Christ, their emphasis may differ due to their respective audiences and contexts. It is important to study both perspectives to gain a comprehensive understanding of biblical teachings.

By exploring these different aspects of Jesus' Gospel and Paul's Gospel, we can deepen our understanding of Christian theology while appreciating how various perspectives contribute to a rich tapestry of faith.

Paul received the Gospel he preached from Jesus. Why, "you might ask!" Jesus' ministry was specifically to the Jews. Paul's ministry was specifically to the Gentiles. Paul only preached those things Jesus taught him to preach to the non-Jewish, which became the Church of Jesus Christ.  Many Jews also believed in Paul's gospel preaching and were saved by grace through faith, and not of works.

Saturday, December 23, 2023

Why Do Denominational Churches Prohibit Pastors and Teachers From Preaching and Teaching Specific Verses Found in the Bible?

Image by Ronald Sandino from Pixabay

Why Do Denominational Churches Prohibit Pastors and Teachers From Preaching and Teaching Specific Verses Found in the Bible?

For countless years, this topic has weighed heavily on my mind. The reason being that when I first found salvation, I became part of a Methodist Church where sprinkling was performed instead of baptism. Although I remained a faithful member for approximately a decade, certain practices within the church reminded me too much of the Roman Catholic traditions, causing me great discomfort.

After the unfortunate split in the Methodist Church, my family and I made the decision to explore a different place of worship. We found ourselves visiting an Assemblies of God (Pentecostal) church in our town, and what a delightful surprise it was. From the moment we stepped foot inside, we were greeted with warm smiles and open arms, as if we were old friends reuniting after years apart. The genuine happiness and friendliness displayed by the church members was unlike anything we had ever experienced before. However, life had other plans for us as my work required me to relocate to another town in a different part of the state.

It's unfortunate that you can faced such a distressing situation in your new town. Moving to a new place can be challenging, especially when it comes to finding suitable rental accommodations. It seems like you were able to secure a house on a dairy farm, which was an interesting experience. It was a disheartening to hear about the encounter my wife had with the local Baptist pastor. He said that because we were Pentecostals we were going to hell. It's important for individuals from different religious backgrounds to promote tolerance and understanding rather than resorting to anger and judgment. No one should be subjected to such harsh treatment based on their religious beliefs. Remember, despite encountering occasional obstacles, it is crucial not to let negative experiences overshadow the potential for positive interactions and meaningful connections in your new community.  Unfortunately, we made the decision to not visit that church again.

Upon moving to a new town, we sought solace in another Assemblies of God church. Unfortunately, our experience fell short of our expectations. We had assumed that all AG churches would exude the same warmth and friendliness as our beloved previous church. Instead, we encountered a disheartening display of arrogance and pride among the pastors.

After my job came to an end in that town, my family and I decided to relocate to a different town in the central part of our state. However, life took an unexpected turn as my wife and I sadly ended up getting divorced. Shortly thereafter, she found love again and got remarried. It took me three years, but eventually, I also found love and remarried.

During our time in the new town, my wife and I decided to visit a nearby Baptist church. Being passionate about teaching, I eagerly volunteered to contribute by leading a Sunday School class. To my surprise and disappointment, I was informed that due to being Pentecostal, teaching a class would not be possible in their church. Instead, they suggested that I could serve as a greeter. While this setback was disheartening at first, it reminded me of the importance of acceptance and understanding within religious communities. Despite the limitations placed upon me based on my denomination differences, it served as motivation for me to seek out other avenues where my skills could be valued and embraced with open arms. Remembering that true faith knows no boundaries or denominational walls allowed me to find solace elsewhere while continuing on my spiritual journey with an open heart. I enthusiastically volunteered to be a greeter and found the experience quite enjoyable. However, I must admit that I was deeply disappointed to discover that some individuals within the Baptist community held such strong negative sentiments towards those who had previously identified as Pentecostal.

We later moved to another state and joined a mega Pentecostal Church.  I was invited by a specific ministry of the church to become a budget counselor for church members.  I also taught a money management class at this church.  The church split so we left there and started going to another Baptist church, but they had changed the name of the church to a generic name that kind of disassociated themselves from the stigma of the Baptist name.

In my new church, I made the decision to keep my previous membership with a Pentecostal church private. However, I was given the opportunity to teach a class on money management without any reservations. Throughout the sessions, I focused solely on what the scriptures have to say and refrained from incorporating any denominational doctrines into my teachings.

After experiencing another church split, my family and I decided to transfer our membership to a thriving mega Baptist church. Initially, they welcomed me as a volunteer budget counselor. However, things took an unexpected turn when they discovered my Pentecostal background. Unfortunately, they made the decision to exclude me from my role as a budget coach and denied me the opportunity to teach a Sunday School class or lead in any capacity. Nonetheless, they did offer me the chance to assist one of their Administrative Pastors who led what they referred to as a Small Group instead of a traditional Sunday School class. While it was not the exact role I had initially envisioned, I was excited about this new opportunity for growth and contributing my skills in helping others within this new context.

During the Pastor's sabbatical, my friend, who is also a Pastor, took on the responsibility of teaching the class. He chose an intriguing subject: "The post-crucifixion journey of Jesus." While he shared several biblical passages to support his teachings, I inquired why he hadn't mentioned 1 Peter 3:19-21.  “by whom also He went and preached to the spirits in prison, who formerly were disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water. There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,”

The Amplified Bible version is a bit easier to understand: "in which He also went and preached to the spirits now in prison, who once were disobedient, when the great patience of God was waiting in the days of Noah, during the building of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons [Noah’s family], were brought safely through the water.  Corresponding to that [rescue through the flood], baptism [which is an expression of a believer’s new life in Christ] now saves you, not by removing dirt from the body, but by an appeal to God for a good (clear) conscience, [demonstrating what you believe to be yours] through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,"

During a conversation with the Pastor he made it clear that discussing this particular verse was not permitted. Naturally, I inquired about the reasoning behind this restriction. He explained that according to the teachings of the Church Fathers, there are certain scriptures that should not be openly discussed. The term "Church Fathers" was unfamiliar to me at the time, although I assumed he was referring to the esteemed Elders within the Church community.

Upon reflecting on the Pastor's words, I couldn't help but wonder about the implications. If there are certain scriptures that he cannot discuss openly, it raises concerns about which other passages might also be off-limits and what reasons could possibly justify such restrictions.  I immediately thought of 2 Timothy 3:15-17 - "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."

I can understand why you may find this situation upsetting as it does me. It is indeed disappointing when a church forbids certain scripture passages despite claiming that all scripture is inspired by God. It sounds like their decision is driven by their denominational theology and doctrines, which are prioritized over the full range of scriptural teachings. My experience with this specific denomination led me to leave, only to discover that many other denominations also adhere to similar theological practices. This can be disheartening, as it indicates a wider trend among pastors who have been taught these theological perspectives in seminaries. While it may be challenging to find a denomination that aligns perfectly with your personal beliefs and values, it's important not to lose hope. Keep exploring different denominations and churches, and seek out those that prioritize an open interpretation of scripture while still honoring the core principles of faith. Remember, there are diverse perspectives within Christianity, and you may find a community that resonates with your own spiritual journey. I don’t live in Ohio, but I did find a church there that teaches the Bible as God intended. If you live in Ohio check out “Grace Bible AmbassadorsOhioGraceBible.com - 12385 Misty Ave SW.  Uniontown, OH 44685 

Friday, December 22, 2023

The Cheerful Giver: A Journey Through 2 Corinthians 9:5-15

#cheerfulgiver #joyofgiving

Join us on a transformative journey through the inspiring passage of 2 Corinthians 9:5-15. In this thought-provoking video, we delve into the concept of the cheerful giver and explore the profound wisdom and teachings found within this biblical scripture.

Discover how embracing a spirit of generosity can not only impact your own life but also bless those around you. Through engaging storytelling and insightful analysis, we explore the power of giving and how it aligns with our faith.

Whether you are seeking to deepen your understanding of biblical teachings or simply looking for inspiration to cultivate a more generous heart, this video is for you. Prepare to be uplifted as we uncover the hidden treasures within 2 Corinthians 9:5-15 and embark on a journey that will leave you inspired to give with joy and gratitude.

Don't miss this opportunity to explore the transformative power of giving. Watch now and discover how you can become a cheerful giver in every aspect of your life.

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Tuesday, December 19, 2023

What Does The Bible (WORD) Say About Money?




The word teaches us that "the righteous live by faith, that is, trusting God to meet our daily needs. 


The word teaches us to not be moved or shaken from the faith because of how bad things

look.

The word teaches us two of the Greatest Commandments: Can you recite them? Read Matthew 22:37-39? 

The world teaches us to love money and to want more of it if we are to show the world that we are successful. 

The word teaches us that the love of money is the root of all evil. Money is not evil but the love or obsession with it is. 

The world teaches us we deserve better than what God can provide in this life. 

The word teaches us to be content with such things as God has given us. 

The world teaches us to seek financial independence. Being wealthy is not a sin. 

Many of the saints of the Bible were very wealthy. But, the world teaches us to be independent of God. It teaches us to seek money, money, money so that we can be self-sufficient and to think we do not need God anymore.  The world teaches us, "We are a god!" 

The word teaches us that we own nothing of our own. Everything belongs to God. God gives us the necessities of life; food, shelter, and clothing as he promised in His word. He meets all of our needs. 

The other things available in life are wants. He promises to give us the desires of our hearts but he expects that our desires line up with His desires. If our desires are selfish, sensual, and worldly then our own desires hinder blessings from God. 

It's like what Zig Ziglar calls "Stinking Thinking". "We need a check-up from the neck up." 

What is our relationship to money from God's viewpoint? We are stewards on this earth. We are caretakers or managers of what God has given us to operate within this earth. Our jobs and the income that we bring home are not ours. 

It’s God's.   We are stewards of God's provision and He expects us to manage his possessions well and to return to Him a percentage of the increase based on our God-given ability.  Read the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14-30.

How do we give back to God? 

We give to God when we bless others through our charitable giving toward the needs of others. 

James 1:27 Amplified Version says, "Pure and unblemished religion, as it is expressed in outward acts in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit and look after the fatherless and the widows in their distress and to keep oneself uncontaminated by the secular, world.“ 

Worship God with the giving of the first fruits of your labors and live off of the rest. God provides the seed for the sower. We'll discuss the "Laws of Sowing and Reaping" later. 

Even our bodies are not our own. "What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which you have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which is God's. I Corinthians 6:19-20 

The world tells us that if we are going to be successful we must show everyone how successful we are by having just the right job, the right house, and the right car. 

The word tells us that you can tell those who are God's by the fruits that they bear. 

Does this mean the material things that they have acquired? No, it means that your very life reveals where your values are, it reveals whether you love God with all of your heart, might, and soul. 

It reveals whether you do love others as you love yourself. 

You will see the fruits when you see that person spending his or her life giving of themselves to helping others instead of spending every waking moment only thinking of themselves and what they want. 

The world says to get all the riches that you can get - buy all of the property that you can, put as many houses and hotels on the board of life as you can so that you can collect money from every poor, less fortunate nobody that comes your way. 

There is nothing wrong with owning property or charging rent but when you are obsessed with getting more at the expense of others then you are doomed to a life of misery.

The word says to "Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness and all of these other things shall be added unto you." 

The word also tells us to store our treasure in heaven, not on this earth. Is it wrong to have wealth? 

No, but we are not to put any importance on that wealth because it is not ours and it will be taken away from us. 

We are to build our true treasures in heaven, not on this earth. (Matthew 6:19-21, and 33). 

The humanistic philosophy says that we are our own god and that we shape our own destiny independent of God. 

The theory is that with money we can solve all the world's problems. 

Our own governmental leaders think that they can solve the world's problems by writing more laws and giving more money to our enemies. 

They do not even have a clue that the change must come from within each individual. 

More laws and more money are not the cure for what ails the world. The humanistic society wants to get rid of the church as we know it because the church gets in the way of its religion (Mannon). 

They just do not realize that the church is the only thing that is holding everything together. 

If the church were to be taken out of this world they don’t realize what a horrible place would be to live in. 

The word says for us to KEEP OUT OF DEBT. "...and owe no man anything, except to love one another." Romans 13:8 (Amplified Bible). 

"Just as the rich rule the poor, so the borrower is servant to the lender" Proverbs 22:7. 

"Evil men borrow and "cannot pay it back'! But the good man returns what he owes with some extra besides" Psalms 37:21. 

"Do not withhold repayment of your debts. Do not say some other time, ' if you can pay now" Proverbs 3:27, and 28. 

"The wise man saves for the future, but the foolish man spends whatever he gets" Proverbs 21:20. 

"Develop your business first before building your house" Proverbs 24:27. 

"Steady plodding brings prosperity; hasty speculation brings poverty" Proverbs 21:5. 

"It is more blessed to give than to receive" Acts 20:35. 

"Instruct them . . . to be generous and ready to share . . . so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed" 1 Timothy 6:18, and19. 

"He who loves money shall never have enough. The foolish of thinking that wealth brings happiness! 

The more you have, the more you spend, right up to the limits of your income." Ecclesiastes 5:10, and 11. 

"No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one, and love the other, or else he will hold to one, and despise the other. You cannot serve God and riches" Luke 16:13.

"Judging a man by his wealth shows that you are guided by the wrong motives" James 2:4. 

Webster's definition of success - the degree or measure of attaining a desired end. 

And according to Scripture, the desired end for us is to become faithful stewards. 

"Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to get along happily whether I have much or little. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of contentment in every situation, whether it be a full stomach or hunger, plenty or want". Philippians 4:11-12. 

The foundation of our contentment is knowing the part that the living God plays in our finances. He has promised to provide for our needs. 

"All mankind scratches for its daily bread, but your Heavenly Father knows your needs. He will always give you all you need from day to day." Luke 12:30-31. 

Our basic needs are the necessities of life - food, shelter, clothing. A want is anything more than a need. A steak dinner, a new car, and the latest fashions - they are all wants. 

"and if we have food and covering, with these we shall be content" 1 Timothy 6:8. 

"The earth belongs to God! Everything in all the world is His! He is the one who pushed the oceans back to let dry land appear." Psalms 24:1. 

"Everything in the heavens and earth is yours, O Lord, and this is your kingdom." 1 Chronicles 29:11. 

To be content, you must recognize that God is the owner of all your possessions. If you believe you own even a single possession, then the circumstances that affect that possession will be reflected in your attitude. 

If something favorable happens to the possession, then you will be happy: but if something bad occurs, you will be discontent. 

The issue in scripture is how to handle faithfully all God has entrusted us. 

The faithful steward is responsible for what he has, whether he has much or little. 

He can be wasteful and negligent whether he is poor or wealthy. 

The word steward can be translated into three different words: manager, supervisor, and overseer. The Scripture position of a steward is one of great responsibility. 

He is the supreme authority under his master and has full responsibility for all his master's possessions and household affairs, even the raising of children. As we examine Scripture we see that God, as Master, has given us the authority to be stewards. 

"You God have put him, man, in charge of everything you made; everything is put under his authority" Psalms 8:6. 

Our only responsibility is to be faithful. "moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful" 1 Corinthians 4:2. 

As Christians we have been taught much about giving, but little about how to faithfully handle our money. However, God is not only concerned with the amount we give but also with what we do with our entire income. 

In fact, He is interested in all that we have and what we do with what we have. 

By giving a small percentage, many Christians feel that they can bypass all other responsibilities and do as much as they please with the remainder of their money. 

The worldly Society says: “You will find happiness and peace as you accumulate enough wealth to support your desired standard of living.” 

The Scripture teaches: that you can be content in every circumstance as you follow the scriptural principles of how to handle your money and possessions. 

"My Brethren, count it all for joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience." James 1:2, and 3. 

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NKJV 

AMEN.

Tuesday, December 5, 2023

Diversify For A Secure Future Wisdom I 2024 #financialfreedom #business...

Diversify For A Secure Future: Wisdom from Ecclesiastes 11:2

In the hustle and bustle of life, we often seek wisdom to navigate the complexities of the modern world. Ecclesiastes 11:2 advises us to diversify our investments. "Invest in seven ventures, yes, in eight; you do not know what disaster may come upon the land." It's sound advice. This isn't just about money, but securing futures. It emphasizes investing in varied avenues like stocks, real estate, or a side hustle. The goal is to minimize financial risk. So, heed Ecclesiastes' wise words. Invest wisely, diversify your income, and secure a brighter future.

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The Prosperity Code: 8 Income Streams #prosperity #incomestreams

In this eye-opening video, we delve into the world of wealth and prosperity, unveiling the secrets behind the success of the wealthy. Join us as we explore the seven powerful income streams that have enabled them to build and maintain their fortunes. From passive income to investments and more, we leave no stone unturned. Gain valuable insights and expert strategies that can potentially transform your financial future. Don't miss out on this golden opportunity to level up your knowledge and take control of your wealth. Hit that like button and share this video to empower others on their path to prosperity!

OUTLINE: 00:00:00 Introduction to Multiple Income Streams

00:00:17 Earned Income

00:00:32 Part-Time Gig or Side Hustle

00:00:47 Profit Income

00:01:04 Interest Income

00:01:19 Dividend Income

00:01:39 Rental Income

00:01:53 Capital Gains

00:02:07 Royalty Income

00:02:22 Summary and Conclusion

00:03:10 Like, Subscribe, Share, and Comment.

Here's the link I promised in the video https://www.fiverr.com/pe/0GNq5v

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1 Corthians 13 ~ The Love Chapter #love #lovechapter #1corinthians13

Discover the Profound Wisdom of Love in 1 Corinthians 13: A Life-changing Perspective Unveiling the Essence of Love According to 1 Cori...