A Discerning Heart and Testing of Spirits

A Discerning Heart and Testing of Spirits

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world (1 John 4:1 NKJV). 1 Kings 13 tells us a rather sad story of an individual referred to as a “man of God” who was sent from Judah by the Lord to Bethel prophesy against King Jeroboam of Israel. The man of God was given a three-fold command by the Lord: not to accept any food, not to accept any drink, and not to return by the same way. When the king tempted the man...Read more
Spiritual Abuse in the Church – Part 2: Breaking Free

Spiritual Abuse in the Church – Part 2: Breaking Free

“Then Jesus said…, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”” (John 8:31-32 NIV). Last week in our message on  Spiritual Abuse in the Church – Part 1, we shared a few examples of spiritual abuse in the Church, along with several signs or symptoms that characterize spiritual abuse in the Church and Christian Ministries. In this week’s article, we will discuss the consequences of spiritual abuse, attempt to answer the question on whether God is to blame when you experience spiritual abuse, and...Read more
Spiritual Abuse in the Church – Part 1

Spiritual Abuse in the Church – Part 1

But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:25-29 NKJV) Have you ever read an article or listened to messages where...Read more
Confessing Our Sins

Confessing Our Sins

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9 NKJV). In the Bible, under the Old Covenant the priests were required to confess all the sins of the Israelites by laying their hands on the head of a live goat, a scapegoat, which carried those sins into the wilderness. In addition, the priests presented burnt offerings to make atonement for the people (Leviticus 16:10; 21-22). All this was done once a year, on the Day of Atonement, in order for the people to be cleansed...Read more
Our True Value and Identity in Christ – Part II

Our True Value and Identity in Christ – Part II

“And you are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s” (1 Corinthians 3:23). In Part 1 of Our True Value and Identity in Christ message, we explored how people perceive their own worth and the worth of others, and discussed how to evaluate one’s true worth and the value of others. This is the second and final part of the message, in which we further explore this topic of our true identity. The Importance of Knowing Your True Identity When parents speak life-giving and positive words from the heart over their children, it can transform and result in very blessed and prosperous children...Read more
Exuding Good Fruit When Sharing the Gospel

Exuding Good Fruit When Sharing the Gospel

“And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will” (2 Timothy 2:24-26 NIV). Have you ever shared the gospel with someone, only to be ignored, rejected, accused of being false, or receive a rude response? Even though you have good intentions to communicate...Read more
A Hardened Heart

A Hardened Heart

“Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion” (Hebrews 3:15 NKJV). What is a Hardened Heart? The “heart” is the center of our being (emotions, will, reason, intellect, conscience, mind, etc.). The Bible makes a clear distinction between a “hard” heart and a “soft” heart (Ezekiel 36:26). A soft heart implies willingness to obey God and follow His ways, while a hardened heart signifies disobedience and rebellion against God’s will. The Bible has several references to a hardened heart, and Pharaoh epitomizes this during the time of Exodus (Exodus 8:15, 32; 9:34). Despite receiving...Read more
Blessed Through Obedience to God’s Word

Blessed Through Obedience to God’s Word

“But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4:4 NKJV) “Observe and obey all these words which I command you, that it may go well with you and your children after you forever, when you do what is good and right in the sight of the Lord your God” (Deuteronomy 12:28 NKJV). In this week’s message, we would like to share some insights from the Bible on God’s blessings to His children when we read His Word and obey it. You may...Read more
Beware of False Prophets, False Prophecies, and False Visions!

Beware of False Prophets, False Prophecies, and False Visions!

Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves (Matthew 7:15). Have you been troubled or puzzled by the proliferation of “new prophecies” and “new revelations and teachings” on TV, Internet websites, or social media, many which are touted as “true” visions, dreams, prophecies, and messages from Jesus Christ? While in the past false prophets had to go to great lengths to publicize their messages, today’s advances in technology allow anyone to effortlessly craft their messages, whether true or false, and at the click of a button the message will be “shared”...Read more
Not Conforming to the Pattern of this World

Not Conforming to the Pattern of this World

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–His good, pleasing and perfect will (Romans 12:2). After much struggle, prayer, and fasting, have you ever made a bold, godly decision, only to face persecution, rejection or being despised by others? Or have you forsaken godly instruction, only to end up regretting and suffering for your choices? The Lord Jesus Christ promises many blessings for following His ways as found in the Bible. Therefore, it is wise to keep trying our...Read more
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