Pastor's notes---04/06/2015

                           
                                                                         
                                              A look at the blood of Christ. 

 

Image courtesy of pixtawan at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

                                             

                                     What is your reaction to the word Blood? Sometimes, we feel uncomfortable. We associate it with some type of tragic event but in this past season of Easter, the blood of Jesus is a beautiful thing. It washes us from all our sins. In the law, the blood of bulls and lambs, only, served as a covering. It was so because there had to be a demand for a man to fulfill the law and be sin for us at the same time. That is why Christ was called the second and last Adam. (I Cor 15:45-47)     
                        His blood was not polluted by sin and it came from above. That is why the Virgin birth is, so, much under attack. If man can prove that there was no virgin birth, then Christ died in vain. In life, the blood is a way to prove a paternity test, so it is the same with Christ. His blood contains the heavenly DNA from our heavenly Father to free us from sin, sickness and poverty. When Jesus spilled his blood, it was fulfilling the penalty of sin in our lives. 
                        Many in the body debate the pleading of the blood. 
The pleading of the blood is scriptural. It is a powerful tool because it is speaking. It is saying something to the devil and to all of heaven.  When Cain killed Abel, something terrible happened. Abel's blood was speaking to the heavenly Father and calling for vengeance. (Gen 4:10) That is why abortion is a deadly sin and needs to be confronted because the blood of millions of babies are crying out for vengeance. 
                        Man in his foolish reasoning would say it is just a fetus. A woman has a right to her body and other nonsense but follow the money. As you do, you will see that abortion is BIG BUSINESS. This, truly, fulfills the scripture of the love of money being the root of all evil. Recently, some are waking up to this fact and are exposing the dark side of abortion clinics. (1) This, in turn, have brought on more lawsuits and forced them to closed their doors for good. While this is good news, more needs to be done in this area. 
                 Friends, this in itself, is not a flesh and blood battle but a spiritual one. The good news is that the blood of Christ cries for mercy and it is available to all who receives it. When a nation repents of its sins, the sacrifice of Christ can wipe the slate clean and save it. God has a vision for this nation and it has been prophesied that a third awakening is around the corner. Pray for the church and our leaders. Friends, your prayers are not in vain. God is moving behind the scenes and revival will hit the land with signs and wonders following. 
                  So, let's prepare ourselves, taking advantage of what belongs to us in Christ. The blood of Christ can be used to renew your mind, bring better health and protect your family. The blood elements in communion is a powerful way to be covenant-minded and receive his promises. To end on a positive note---the blood can be used to break generational curses and bring health to your body. 
             Medical science has found that sickness travels through the bloodline but when you take his blood, it can drive out any germs and infirmities. When you get God inside-minded, there is no such thing as race or ethnicity, but one nation under God. (Acts 17:26, I Peter 2:9) So, when you take the elements of communion,  put God in remembrance and plead together ( Isa 43:26) When you plead the blood, Its voice is pleading together with you to bring you victory in whatever area you are battling in. (Rev 12:11) So, make use of the blood and see what God will do. It's power to save and deliver is always available for you and this nation 24/7. God bless.

Helpful links...

(1) http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2014/07/29/abortion-clinics-continue-to-close/

(2) http://wordandgrace.blogspot.com/2015/03/more-thoughts-about-communion.html

                     

Pastor's post---03/19/2015

                                             More thoughts about communion.

          In our past studies, we dug into the concept of communion. There is a lot that we can gleam from this subject. We, mostly, studied on the bread elements of it. In this study, we will look at its symbolic meaning. Some churches do not celebrate communion because it is symbolic. While they are half-right, Jesus himself said to do this in remembrance of me. ( Luke 22:19) This speaks of action, not just symbolic. 
             Proverbs shows us how communion can be in a symbolic sense. When you read the whole chapter of Proverbs 9, you will see two comparisons. A communion of wisdom and a communion of the foolish woman. A foolish woman is compared to a seducing spirit. While some compare this to adultery, this goes deeper than that. It talks about having communion with the devil.
               Anytime you sin, you are having communion with the devil. You are bowing your knee to the enemy and placing yourself in enemy territory whether you realize it or not. Seducing spirits are compared, also, with idolatry and behind it is a demon.(Lev.17:7) 
 When you commune with the enemy, the bread turns into wickedness and the water turns to wine. The wine is compared with violence. (Prov 4:17) What kind of violence does this speaks of? You fill in the blanks and, as you do, you will get an idea of what Satan has planned for you and your family. It is wise to see what the word says in not giving place to the enemy. 
              The good news is that God has his own communion for you. When you confess your sins, you are eating his bread in a symbolic sense and getting cleansed with his blood, making you the righteousness of God in Christ. (I John 1:9) So, friend, make it a point to fellowship with God. When you sin, don't run from God. Run to God and get it right. He is waiting to break bread with you and drink the wine of redemption. In fact, the root Greek word for communion is fellowship. Choose in this day to eat the bread of life and drink the wine of his redemption today.

                 Some final thoughts to consider. When Christians in the New Testament had communion, they would celebrate it in a two fold sense----
                 1- Having the elements of bread and wine and remembering his promises. 
                 2- In a symbolic sense, with fellowship celebrating it with a meal.
                 That is why the Apostle Paul had to set some things in order because they were bringing in alcoholic wine (getting drunk) and engaging in overeating.(I Cor 11:20-34)When fellow shipping with others, let's honor God and one another. This, in turn, will please God and bless us in the long run. God bless. 

For more on communion, check out this link...

http://wordandgrace.blogspot.com/2015/03/pastors-post-03112015.html

Pastor's Post---03/11/2015

                           

                      

                         

            http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:FD_1.jpg

                             A look at Communion--Part V

               "Give us this day, our daily bread"(Matt 6:11)

               When we think of bread, the first thing that comes to our minds is food, but when Jesus used the word "bread", he compared it to a host of things. There are a couple of things to remember when reviewing past thoughts of communion---

• It was compared to his body, creating a stir among the Jews.
• It was compared to healing. One scripture that stands out is when Jesus compares healing to the children's bread. To all who doubt or say that it's pending his will, I, respectfully, disagree. What father would not feed his child with bread(Food)? (Matt 15:25-32) There is a lot that we need to know about healing. One book that I recommend reading is Christ the healer(1). That book is a real eye-opener.
• It is compared to wisdom.
• Discernment against mixture or false doctrines.

           For further reading on past studies of communion, I have posted my links (2) below for your information. As the picture above shows that as there are different types of bread in the natural, so are there different types of bread available when celebrating communion in a spiritual sensc. As I conclude my studies on the bread elements of communion, I want to leave you with a series of final thoughts.

             Ecc 11:1 says to cast your bread upon the waters. That talks of giving. Giving is, not, a popular theme within the churches but the Bible speaks a lot about giving. It is, actually, a way to worship the Lord. When you give of your tithes and offering, you honor God and open a wave a blessings in your life. Think about this, who would, not, want to live under an open heaven? (Mal 3:10) 

          When you have an open window from heaven, you get God's best. People would equate it with money and that's part of it. An open window will create favor with others, open doors of opportunities and even bring about answered prayers. Many would say that I am implying that you have to buy God's blessing. Truth of the matter is that God has given us all things that pertain to life.(II Peter 1:3) Jesus brought it for us through his blood. 

                  Giving is a kingdom principle. It waters the fruit on your garden. It allows the blessing to bring forth his promises for your life. It is the principle of sowing and reaping. So, friend, when celebrating communion, it might be a good idea to speak God's covenant promises concerning your finances. Put your checkbook and bills on the table. As you do this with a heart of faith, you will see God move on your life regarding finances. In my next post, we will explore the elements of the blood. God bless. 

(1)http://www.amazon.com/Christ-Healer-F-Bosworth/dp/0800794575

(2) http://wordandgrace.blogspot.com/2015/03/king-solomon-discussing-plans-for-temple.html

                    

A special Guest....

From my good friend and Pastor Jim Blanchard. If you like his teachings, check out his website...http://www.riversvb.org/

Pastor's post-03/10/2015

                             
                                               

                                                                
                           A look at communion---Part IV

                There is a lot to be said about the communion elements. 
We have seen that it covers, not only, forgiveness of sins but healing. Healing can be defined as both emotional and physical. In fact, if you are heartbroken or are hurt in your emotions, it can be a source of great remedy. It, also, can include Wisdom. From our previous studies, we took a look at Wisdom in Prov 9:1-5 and how it invites us to its communion table. 
                 I want to share some insights on leaven. What is leaven? It is what is used to raise the bread and give it some flavor along with some ingredients. There were some strict uses in Jewish law regarding leaven or unleavened bread. I want to share some thoughts on what Jesus told his disciples. He told them to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees. (Matt 16:6) 
                 At first, the disciples were thinking about food and their Jewish laws. They, were, also thinking of lack and shortage. Jesus rebuked them for their unbelief and their lack of understanding. (Matt 16: 5-12) As we celebrate communion, let us be mindful of doctrine. We are living in an age where many are saying that doctrine is not important, but Jesus warned the disciples of mixture--The doctrine of the Pharisees and the Saducees.
                Of course, there are always going to be disagreements. There were disagreements even with the disciples but when we depart from the major teachings of Christ and his finished work on the cross, we will run into trouble. A popular religious figure said that the story of Adam and Eve was a fable. There are, also, many who are saying that there are other paths to heaven. Friends,there is only one way and that is Jesus. (John 14:6).
              As you celebrate communion, ask the Lord for discernment and direction. The spirit of deception is going to be running rampant in these last days. Let us not be deceived by "unity" and that doctrine is not important. Let us not be deceived into thinking that there are other ways to salvation. Pray the Ephesians prayers for yourself and others, especially when celebrating the communion elements. Doing so will keep us from biblical error which can result in destruction and judgement. God bless. 


Other helpful links. 

1-http://wordandgrace.blogspot.com/2015/03/king-solomon-discussing-plans-for-temple.html

2- Ephesian prayers---http://bit.ly/1Bqholl

           

La sabiduria para la comunion.

         

               Hola, mis amigos. Como pueden ver, he publicado una imagen del rey Salomón. El rey Solomon era comparado con la sabiduria. Era el hombre mas sabio en su tiempo. En la vida, nos enfrenatamos a retos y pruebas que nos pueden robar nuestra fe. La sabiduria es esencial para tener la victoria, tener un testimonio y glorificar al Senor compartiendolo con otros.Nos preguntamos--- ¿Como podemos adquirir esa sabiduria? Hay varios puntos a considerar---

• El primer punto a recordar es a Cristo. Si eres salvo(a), el vive dentro de nosotros. El se ha hecho sabiduria para nosotros. (I Cor 1:30) Dentro de ti, vive un sabelotodo. El tiene todas las soluciones de tu problema.
• Segundo, pide la sabiduria. La palabra dice que cuando necesitemos la sabiduria, se lo pidamos a Dios. (Santiago 1:5)
• Tercero y el punto mas importante es la comunion. Si te lees Proverbios 9:1-5,veras que te invita a una mesa. La mesa del comunion. 

                                 

                                                           La Santa Cena 

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Communion_Baptist.jpg#mediaviewer/File:Communion_Baptist.jpg

                                                 La Mesa de comunion

                  La palabra dice que has preparado una mesa en medio de mis enemigos. (PS 23:5) Cuando tu celebras la communion, tu estas haciendo una declaracion. Una declaracion de victoria por lo hizo Cristo en la cruz. Cuando tu comas el pan y bebes el vino (jugo), tu estas comiendo para que la mente de Cristo sea formado en ti. No tienes que esperar hasta que venga el dia de comunion en la Iglesia. Puedes sacar el pan y jugo y celebralo en tu casa. Declara las promesas de Dios para la sabiduria. Veras como Dios te responderas y tendras victoria en tus problemas. Dios les bendiga. 

     

Time to laugh...

Time to laugh---

One morning, a nurse was tasked to check on some their patients' progress and  send recommendations for release based on their improvement. She visited the recreation room where there were 4 patients.
Patient One was reading the bible. Complimented the patient and puts a check on the name.
Patient Two was working on a crossword puzzle, almost done. Check.
Patient Three was playing chess, keeping tabs of his moves, challenging himself. Check.
She comes to Patient Four, who was standing on the table, repeatedly shouting "I AM THE SUN! I AM THE LIGHT!". The nurse asks the patient to step down from the table or else she'll have the guards take him away back to his room. As soon as Patient Four steps down, the other three patients suddenly stopped what they were doing, went on their way and bid everyone in the room "Goodnight!"