ARTICLES
And the People Cried “Give us Meat!”
“My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.” — 1 John 2:1 – 2
Be Careful Who You Compare Yourself With
Each one of us is patterned according to God’s design. Each one of us an individual. Each one of us unique.
Be Careful Who You Take Counsel With
God’s will is not that we would look with suspicion, assuming the worst of every person we meet, but that we would practice discernment and continually seek counsel from the Lord.
Prophetic Ministry in the Body of Christ
God has established each member or part of His Body according to His will, to function in the gifts He has given to each one of us. The Apostle Paul also instructs each one of us; to eagerly desire the greater gifts; and especially the gift of prophecy.
Keep Your Love Walk Real
Jesus said, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
John 13: 34 & 35
God’s Challenge for a Right Response – Part Two
Are you actively seeking out the will and purposes of God for your life? Are you following His instructions? Have you done what He has said?
Give Ear to the Words of the Lord
Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego were 3 notable men, placed in a privileged position ordained by God Himself.
There is Therefore Now no Condemnation
In his address to the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, the Apostle Paul, warning them said,
“Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the mutilation! For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.” — Philippians 3:2 & 3
God Will Restore
Our foundation in Christ, is by necessity, always, the starting point of our lives.
Why Pray?
We pray because it is a way of communicating our needs to God and to others. The Apostle Paul instructed the Philippian church, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to the Lord.” — Philippians 4:6
The Power of Resurrection Life!
Our flesh and fleshly desires always have the desire to rule. But God’s word, the Bible, clearly says, “for sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.” – Romans 6:14
A Gospel of Love is a Gospel of Power
When partaking of the Passover feast with His disciples on the night that He was betrayed, Jesus took the cup saying, “For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins”
— Matthew 26:28.
God’s Commands are for our Good
“Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” – Matthew 17:20
The Importance of Doing Good
There are times in Scripture when special emphasis is placed on certain aspects of Holy living. The Apostle Paul’s epistle to Titus is representative of one of these.
The Danger of Ignoring God
When God speaks to us, He is constantly addressing our hearts, our heart’s attitudes and our heart’s desires. He is constantly asking us “Will you lay down your life?” …
Walking in the Miraculous
Salvation is an every-day experience.
Forgiveness, is a miraculous, every-day experience, because we continue to sin.
Salvation and forgiveness are never to be taken for granted.
Who is this Christ?
When Christ came into the world, He said, “Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, but a body You prepared for Me; with burnt offerings and sin offerings You were not pleased. Then I said, ‘Here I am—it is written about Me in the scroll— I have come to do Your will, My God.”
Hebrews 10:5 – 7
The Subtlety of Pride
With our hearts we worship; with our mouths we praise. To God alone be all of our worship, to God alone be all of our praise.
His Name is Jesus
In the Apostle Paul’s Epistle to the Romans, he speaks a significant phrase: “Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. On what principle? On that of observing the law? No, but on that of faith.” – Romans 3:27.
The Gospel of Peace
Faith and power go together! You cannot separate the two! These are words of grace for all mankind. The power is in the Gospel, not in the person who speaks. Therefore, we do not have to be afraid when we stand up to speak, for the Gospel has a power of its own. Its power is endued from on high toward us who believe.
Are you truly submitted to Christ?
There is a powerful verse in the New Testament of the Bible that reads, “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil (translated ‘false accuser’ or ‘slanderer’) and he (the devil; Satan – translated ‘our adversary’ or ‘one who withstands’; and described by Christ as a ‘murderer’ and ‘the father of lies’) will flee from you.” – James 4:7.
The Life of Joseph
The true story of a young man named Joseph in the book of Genesis in the Bible, is a testament to the faithfulness of a loving and all-powerful God.
Bearing One Another’s Burdens
All ministers of the Gospel at some point in their ministry will find their integrity under fire, seemingly placing their work in the Lord in dispute. Sadly, this happens not just from the mouths of those who are ‘in the world’ who do not yet know Christ, but also from those who are ‘in the Lord’ and who do know Him. Yet, the writer of Hebrews comforts us; reminding us; that all things are known to God; naked and open to the eyes of the Lord to whom we must all, one day give account.
God’s Challenge for a Right Response – Part One
The offer of Salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ, is still freely offered to all today. It is Christ’s desire that all would come to know and believe in Him and receive His free gift of eternal life. Amen.
Living Free From Fear!
Despite the opposition we may face, we are called to let the very nature and peace of God rule in our hearts.
The Redeeming Power of Praise
In chapter twelve of the book of Hebrews in the Bible, the writer addresses our need to pursue peace with all people and to walk in holiness before the Lord.
A Lifestyle of Fasting and Prayer
In the Book of Daniel in the Bible are the inter-twined stories of a king named Nebuchadnezzar and a young Israelite man named Daniel.
Intimacy with God
God’s desire is that we choose to enter into a new life with Him and that we experience this new life to the full!
The Importance of Hearing from God
The voice of the Lord in Scripture is likened to the sound of a trumpet. Just as there were many purposes for the sounding of the trumpet in Old Testament times, so it is with the voice of the Lord through prophecy today.
He is Risen
There is a situational position in Christ that God wants all to understand. We serve a risen Saviour; a resurrected Christ; not a dead man in a tomb.
Are You Called to Ministry?
When the mother of James and John, two of Jesus’ disciples, asked Jesus if both her sons could be given a place in heaven at His side, Jesus said to her, “You don’t know what you are asking.” – Matthew 20:22
Let Times of Refreshing Come from the Lord
One of the shortest books in the New Testament of the Bible representing the message of the Gospel of Christ, is the Book of Philemon. It contains a letter in the most personal of terms from the Apostle Paul, to a brother in Christ named Philemon…
Entering Into Freedom – Part Two
God does not want us as believers in Christ to rely on proof or evidence of His character or power to perform that which He has spoken. He wants us to have faith in Him and to believe in His word
Entering Into Freedom – Part One
God wants every believer in Christ to walk in the fullness of His promises that are contained in His word.
The Authority of Christ in Us
That very same power of God that threw Satan down from heaven, is made manifest through every believer in Jesus Christ today – every time we declare His name.
A Call to Perseverance
When speaking of the reign of Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the whole world, the prophet Isaiah said, “Behold, a king will reign in righteousness, and princes will rule with justice. A man shall be as a hiding place from the wind, and a cover from the tempest (or violent storm), as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land. The eyes of those who see will not be dim, and the ears of those who hear will listen.” – Isaiah 32:1-3.
Entering God’s Rest
A day like any other day for Abram became a day unlike any other day and changed the course of history – because he heard the voice of the Lord, he trusted Him and he obeyed!
God’s Vision is for All
In God’s Kingdom there is a place for every one! No one misses out! No one is overlooked!
Redeeming the Time – Part Two
God has set the times and seasons by His own authority, but we do not know when these times and seasons are until God chooses to reveal them
Redeeming the Time – Part One
God created time for His purposes. The word ‘time’ can refer to a measurement of time; a year; a day or an hour. It also refers to the passage of time; the past; the present or the future. But for followers of Jesus Christ, it also represents God’s set time for a particular purpose, or, a season or opportunity for His purposes to be fulfilled!
Restoration Through Forgiveness – Part Two
Unforgiveness is a scheme of the enemy to cause discord among people and to trap them in a place where they cannot find peace to move on.
Restoration Through Forgiveness – Part One
The challenge of forgiveness is perhaps one of the hardest things for believers in Christ and non-believers alike to come to terms with. It doesn’t seem to matter whether the offence has been great or small, real or perceived; all of us, throughout many occasions in our lives will come face-to-face with the choice as to whether or not we will forgive. The challenge with all forgiveness is in making the right start. The key to forgiveness is in choosing the right way over the wrong way. Once we have begun on that journey, it makes it a lot easier to follow through. Forgiveness must come from our hearts.
The Spirit of the Lord Through Prophecy
“Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of prophecy.” – Revelation 19:10
The Word of the Lord Shall Come to Pass
The nation of Israel was being oppressed by Jabin, the king of Canaan. The Lord spoke the word of the Lord through the prophetess Deborah, so that the people of Israel would receive their deliverance.
Keep Looking to Jesus!
In the times of storm, when our faith is tested, God always tells us to look unto Him.
A Fresh Revelation of Christ
When the Old Testament prophets foretold of the coming Messiah, many of the Jews had a pre-conceived idea of how He would appear — so that when Christ finally came, though He fulfilled every word that the Old Testament prophets had said, they still did not recognize it was Him. But to those who did receive Him, He gave the right to become children of God.
A Good King
With the coming of a new King comes a new reign and the advent of a new Kingdom. Jesus Christ has rulership over the whole earth whether we like it or not. When we submit to His rule (instead of kicking against the goads – see Acts chapter 9) everything changes!
A Warning From the Life of Lot
The word of God tells us, that though men may not perceive it is the voice of God speaking to them, through a dream God opens the ears of men to seal their instruction.
Keep Yourself From Mixture
When the Apostle Paul wrote or preached, by the Spirit of grace, he allowed no room for mixture. This meant he was not just mindful of the words he spoke or tone of voice that he used, but that the heart and intent behind his message was of the Lord. Actions and attitudes go together as one.
The Power of Repentance — Part Two
Our greatest need, is for each one of us to know that we are fully loved and fully accepted in Christ Jesus.
The Power of Repentance – Part One
All four Gospels of the New Testament, in their first few chapters, testify of one whom the prophets had spoken of, saying, “Behold, I will send My messenger, and he shall prepare the way before Me” – Malachi 3:1, KJV. This messenger was known as John the Baptist. He was, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the LORD; Make straight in the desert a highway for our God.’” – Isaiah 40:3.
Josiah — A King Like No Other
Just like Josiah, every leader and every believer in Christ has a purpose for their lives given by God. Like Josiah, if we continue to seek and obey the Lord, He will ensure His good purposes are fulfilled in and through our lives.
Addressing the Issues of Our Hearts
A fire begins with a small spark; but when conditions are favourable it catches on and turns into an inferno!!
False Prophecy in the Church
The worship of Baal and Asherah in the Old Testament of the Bible was characterized by its false prophets. There were 450 prophets of Baal, and 400 prophets of Asherah who sat to eat at Queen Jezebel’s table. Asherah in the Bible was a sexual goddess known by various different names depending on the region. She was often worshipped alongside Baal by many different people groups – including later, by the people of Israel. Many, unknowingly, are still worshipping these false deities today. Both are characterized by their love of war.
Overcoming the Spirit of Baal
The spirit of Baal is only one of the many manifestations of witchcraft. While witchcraft is openly acknowledged in many third world countries, in the Western world it goes largely undiagnosed and therefore untreated, especially in the modern day Church.
The Anointing of God and Prophetic Vision
God has specifically designed and gifted each one of us for His purposes and for the plans He has for our individual lives and ministries.
The Challenge of Doing it Right
In life we have the opportunity to warn others. And sometimes love confronts.
Established To Lead
Every believer in Christ has been given an area, a role, or a calling in which God has both anointed and appointed them to lead.
The Passover Lamb has Come
The Lord says, “Greater love hath no man than this, than he lay down his life for his friends.” Herein is the entrance to praise! There is a way that seems right to a man, but the way of love you would not follow….
The Creative Power of Words
If the Holy Spirit quickens or ‘brings to life’ His rhema word, or the ‘now’ spoken word of God for a particular situation; what that rhema word of God reveals as God’s intention – those are the words we are to speak!
Strive to Work Together in Brotherly Love
In the New Testament of the Bible, the Apostle Paul speaks on the diligent use of spiritual gifts among the brethren. Right at this time, he makes the following statement: “Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honour giving preference to one another.”
Romans 12:9 & 10
The Apostleship of Christ in the Church
The Apostle Paul’s words ‘imitate me’ are a hard requirement for any man. Yet in it’s entirety it remains a key statement for the apostolic ministry within the local church — for it is Christ’s ministry that He continues to work in the lives of men, yet it is not a burden that man bears alone. The people to whom Paul made this address, are the very people who came to believe in Christ through Paul’s ministry. Yet Paul instructs them, imitate me!!
We are Being Given New Wine
The Apostle Paul describes us as Christian believers, as being like ‘earthen vessels’ or ‘jars of clay’ and yet able to contain the excellence of the power of God.
We are a Body
Every man, woman and child who is a believer in Christ Jesus, is both a part of and a partaker of the Body of Christ and therefore a part of God’s elect. We each become a part of the whole.
Keep Control of your Tongue. Part Five
Right near the very end of the New Testament in the Bible, the Apostle John gives us these vital and precious promises from the Lord…
Keep Control of Your Tongue — Part Four
During his exile on the Island of Patmos, the Apostle John saw a vision of Satan, the accuser of the brethren, being cast down out of heaven, into the earth below.
Keep Control of Your Tongue – Part Three
Jesus wants all men to enter into this truth – that Jesus died to sin once, for all mankind. “For the death that He (Christ) died, He died to sin once for all” – Romans 6:10.
Keep Control of Your Tongue — Part Two
In the same way that God has called us as believers in Christ to be salt and light to the earth despite what opposition may come, both the Apostle Peter and the writer of Hebrews spoke of the long-suffering nature of Christ being our Salvation.
Keep Control of Your Tongue — Part One
Jesus said to the Pharisees, “But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matthew 12:36 & 37
The Kingdom of God is Near — Part Two
In the book of Genesis in the Bible, at the time that God made His covenant with Abraham that He would give the Israelites the promised land, the promise was for Abraham and his seed. As a sign of that covenant, the Lord had instructed Abraham, for each male to be circumcised on the eighth day of his life. “This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised.
The Kingdom of God is Near — Part One
God the creator is three persons in one, indivisible (unable to be separated). Father, Son and Holy Spirit
Cleansing the Generational Things of the Past
Gideon was a man who sought the purposes of God. But before God could use him to save Israel from the hands of the Midianites, he first had to cut off the generational things of his past.
Where is the Evidence of Your Faith?
Jesus said, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.”
– Matthew 4:4