Building your house on the word from God

One says, ”I’m Baptist.” Another says, ”I’m Methodist.” Yet another says, ”I’m Catholic.” Each dividing the body of Christ

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
I Corinthians 1:10-17  Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
(We learn our doctrine from the New Testament Bible.)11 For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.12 Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?14 I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius;15 Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name.16 And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.
 
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Most church people immediately tell which church they attend.  The second they do that they bring division to the body of Christ.
 
We should just say, "I'm a Christian.  Born again by God by HIS Holy Spirit."
 
Acts 11:26   And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
 
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* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog

Be perfectly joined together in Christ, The Word

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
I Corinthians 1:9-10  God is faithful, by WHOM ye were called unto the fellowship of HIS Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
 
The New Testament Church has one doctrine and that is the New Testament Bible.
 
The church is perfectly joined together by the Holy Spirit of God which God gives to each believer who is born again by the Spirit of God.
 
The church has "one Spirit", therefore perfection and unity is expected in the church.
 
But the spirit of antichrist is in many who attend various churches.
 
By this spirit of antichrist we see the divisions in the denominations.  
 
The devil added his people to the churches.  They think themselves to be Christians for they went forward and joined the church and some were even baptized without having the Holy Spirit of God.
 
The apostle Paul says:
 
I Corinthians 2:14  But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
 
The people with the spirit of antichrist cannot understand the things of God and they bring the division for unless they have the Holy Spirit of God, they cannot follow the Holy Spirit of God.
 
(I find very few in any given church group who have the Holy Spirit of God.  In some church groups, I can find none who have the Holy Spirit of God.)
 
So they bring division to the church group.  Many pastors are without the Holy Spirit of God.  They went to Bible colleges to learn to be pastors without having the call of Jesus on their lives.  They preach many things opposite to the New Testament Bible.  They are ministers of Satan, antichrist in the churches.
 
2 Corinthians 11:12-15  (Paul says)  But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we.  For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.  And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
 
These ministers of Satan in the churches teach doctrines which are not in the New Testament Bible.  
 
They lie, adding their doctrines which are anti-christ, opposite to that which we read in the New Testament Bible.  
 
Many times when I have heard these men do this at church, I have gone to them and talked to them.  More than once, I've asked these "pastors" where it is in the Bible, that thing they spoke to the church.  
 
Amazingly two of these men said exactly the same thing to me when I asked them where that is in the Bible.  They said:  "I can't remember where it is in the Bible."  In both cases, I asked these "pastors" to please look in their Bibles and find it and have their secretaries call me and tell me where the teaching they taught is in the Bible.  Both "pastors" paused when I asked them to do this and then they they both screamed out the same words to me:  "All right ... it's not in the Bible."  
 
They both lied to me, pretending to not remember, while they both knew that which they taught to their churches was not in the Bible.
 
These are ministers of Satan, antichrist in the churches, pastors of the end time apostasy.
 
The apostle John told his church group that there were many antichrist in the churches of his day.
 
John said:  1 John 2:18   Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.
 
And we know by reading scripture such as this that there is not just one man who is antichrist.  But antichrist is a "spirit" in many men.
 
I John 4:3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
 
They come to us speaking perverted doctrines, while they speak of Jesus but they deny the Word which is Jesus.  
 
And they lie to their congregation, especially concerning doctrines of the Bible concerning divorce and remarriage, fornication, homosexuals and lesbians.  They approve sins in the congregations and lure many sinners to their churches by approving various sins such as:
 
Divorce & remarriage:
 
💥  Matthew 5:32  Jesus said:  But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.
 
The only scriptural reason for a man to divorce his wife is adultery.  If his wife was unfaithful to him, he may divorce that unfaithful wife.
 
If a man divorces a faithful wife and she remarries, he will be the cause of her adultery which she will commit if she remarries.
 
And the man who marries the divorced woman commits adultery.
 
💥  I Corinthians 7:10-11  And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband: But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.
 
39 The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.
 
💥  Mark 10  (Jesus says)
 
6 But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female.7 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife; 8 And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh.9 What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
10  And in the house HIS disciples asked HIM again of the same matter.
11 And HE saith unto them, Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her.12 And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery.
 
💥  Romans 7:2-3  For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband.3 So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man.
 
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Fornication:
 
💥  I Corinthians 6:15-18  Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid.16 What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith HE, shall be one flesh.17 But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.18 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.
 
💥  I Corinthians 7:2  Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.
 
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Homosexuals & lesbians:
 
💥  Romans 1
 
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.20 For the invisible things of HIM from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even HIS eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified HIM not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
 
💥  (Jesus says)  
 
Mark 10:6   But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female.
 
They are born male and female but they are turned over by God to be homosexual/lesbians.  If they repent and recognize the truth of the scripture and turn from homosexual and lesbian acts they can be saved.
 
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And these ministers of Satan in today's apostate church groups approve many other sins under their very twisted doctrine as they twist the scriptures.
 
I Peter 2:1-3  But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.  And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you:
 
The spirit of antichrist runs rampantly throughout today's apostate church groups.
 
When Jesus returns to gather HIS elect to take them into heaven, Jesus will also destroy the apostate church groups, both ministers and their followers.
 
2 Thessalonians 2:8-12  
 
8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of HIS mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of HIS coming:9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
 
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At the second coming of Jesus, HE will send HIS angels to gather the elect of God and take them into heaven.
 
Matthew 24:29-31  Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.31 And HE shall send HIS angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together HIS elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
 
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God will destroy this present heaven and earth with fire.
 
2 Peter 3:10  But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
 
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The church that belongs to God, who are born of HIS Spirit and who follow the New Testament doctrines, will be gathered and taken into heaven to the new heaven and new earth which is created by God for them.
 
Revelation 21:1-5  (the apostle John says)
 
1. And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and HE will dwell with them, and they shall be HIS people, and God HIMSELF shall be with them, and be their God.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.5 And HE that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new.
 
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* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog

Called by Jesus Christ from heaven to be ministers of Christ and called to be saints. Sanctified through Jesus Christ by the will of God.

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
(Doctrines of Christ: 1 Cor. 1.  The doctrines of Christ are presented throughout the New Testament Bible.)
 
I Corinthians 1:1-2
 
Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,2 Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:
 
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Jesus from heaven, called us and chose us as ministers and as the elect of God, called to be saints in Christ, The Word.  Set into the church by God, by HIS Own Will.
 
Ordained by God both as saints and ministers of Christ.
 
No man chose us.  We didn't choose Jesus but Jesus chose us.
 
1 Peter 2
 
1 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:3 If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.4 To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on HIM shall not be confounded.7 Unto you therefore which believe HE is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of HIM who hath called you out of darkness into HIS marvellous light:
 
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* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog

After Jesus from heaven calls Paul and puts him in the ministry, Paul refuses to speak by his own wisdom to the children of God

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
I Corinthians 2  (Paul says:)
 
1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and HIM crucified.3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.6 Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:
 
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As God by the Holy Spirit gives us understanding, we speak.
 
💥  Mt. 24:1-5
 
1 And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and HIS disciples came to HIM for to shew HIM the buildings of the temple.2 And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.3 And as HE sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto HIM privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of THY coming, and of the end of the world?4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.5 For many shall come in MY name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
 
One day, I was reading this scripture and God explained something to me and gave me understanding and I shared that with the church.
 
They will come saying Jesus is the Christ and they will deceive many because they say this.
 
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The word of God is that rock upon which the church is built.
 
💥  Mt. 16:13-18  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?14 And they said, Some say that THOU art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?16 And Simon Peter answered and said, THOU art the Christ, the Son of the living God.17 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.18 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.
Peter was blessed because God in heaven showed him the truth.  The church will be built upon that word revealed from God and the gates of hell will not prevail against "that word" which God speaks.
 
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The church falls away from scripture in the end time before Jesus returns:
 
💥  2 Thessalonians 2:3-4  Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day (of the Lord) shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
 
God said to me:  "The falling away are not people leaving the churches.  The falling away are the churches leaving the scriptures."
 
We don't try to be clever and entice men and entertain men.  We share with the church those things explained to us by God.
 
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💥 2 Peter 2   (False teachers in the last days)
 
1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord (The Word, The Holy Scriptures) that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;5 And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;6 And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly;7 And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked:8 (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:
 
💥  Jude  
 
v.2   Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. (The Holy Scriptures)
 
12 These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;13 Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.
 
16 These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage.17 But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;18 How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.
(mockers: copiers of others)19 These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.
 
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Ministers of Satan:
 
💥  2 Cor. 11  (Paul says)
 
12 But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we.13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
 
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* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog

Confirmed by God

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
(Doctrines of Christ: 1 Cor. 1)
 
I Corinthians 1:4-8
 
I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ;5 That in every thing ye are enriched by HIM, in all utterance, and in all knowledge;6 Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you:7 So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:8 Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
(Confirm: establish or validate truth.)
 
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Proverbs 18:16  A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.
 
After we are called by God and chosen by God, HE gives us spiritual gifts and when we share what God has given us with the church group, those who also have the Spirit of God, recognize that God is in us and HIS hand is upon us.
 
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Spiritual gifts:
 
I Corinthians 12
 
4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as HE will.
 
27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.28 And God hath set some in the church (to care for the church), first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
 
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Romans 12
 
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.
 
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I Peter 4
 
10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever.
 
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* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog

Create in me a clean heart, O God: and renew a right spirit within me. Psalm 51:10

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
If God does the work in us, we glory in God.
 
If we try to do the work according to our own ideas, we glory in ourselves.
 
God's way is perfect.  So we are perfected in God when God does the work in us.
 
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So we pray:
 
Psalm 51:10  Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
 
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* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog

As many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. (Romans 8:14)

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
The spirit of God leads us through dreams, visions, words, the Holy Spirit.
 
Sometimes, as HE wills, HE also sends an angel to deliver a message to us in the New Testament Church.
 
God sent the apostle Paul the following message by an angel.  There was danger Paul and the men aboard a ship might perish in a storm. 
 
Paul said to them:
 
Acts 27
 
And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship. 23 For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,24 Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.25 Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.
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On January 10, 1980, in the night while I was sleeping, a very loud "trumpet-like voice" spoke 3 words to me:  "Hartford, Seattle, KWJS"
 
(I believe this was a voice of an angel of God for it had great strength.)
 
I know angels are used in the New Testament Church for I see angels working in the New Testament Bible.
 
By this voice, God put me on radio to exhort the church for the coming years.
 
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We will likely need all these helps in the end time for Jesus said it would be so bad that unless the time was shortened there would be no flesh saved but for the elect's sake the time would be shortened.  
 
Matthew 24
 
12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
 
21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.
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Romans 8:14  For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
 
These are the works of the early church just after Jesus was raised by God and placed back in heaven at the right hand of God.
 
The enemy of the church in those days were the Jews who crucified Jesus.
 
Today our main problem is the falling away from scripture in the churches.
 
2 Thessalonians 2:3-4  Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day of the Lord shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
 
The falling away of churches from scripture brings the spirit of antichrist into today's churches before the return of Jesus.4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
 
(In 1982, God said to me:  "The falling away are not people leaving the churches.  The falling away are the churches leaving the scriptures.")
 
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So the problem of the early church were the Jews.
 
The problem of today's church is antichrist in the church groups and the setting up of doctrines of antichrist in the church itself.
 
This had to happen before Jesus returns.
 
The apostasy in the churches.
 
2 Thessalonians 2:3-4  (NASB)  The apostasy.
 
3 No one is to deceive you in any way! For it (the return of Jesus and the day of the Lord) will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, 4 who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God.
 
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Jesus will destroy the apostate churches of antichrist when HE returns to gather the elect of God.
 
2 Thessalonians 2:8-12  
 
8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of HIS mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of HIS coming:9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
 
Today they love their church more than they love the WORD of God.
 
That is the end time apostasy.
 
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In 1975, when I was born again, I went to a small church called Believer's Chapel where the pastors were professors at Dallas Theological Seminary.
 
The head pastor was teaching at seminar at that time:  "Tongues are of the devil"
 
One day I read the following scripture in the Bible:   "forbid not to speak with tongues."  (I Cor. 14:39) Paul is saying, "Do not forbid tongues in the church."
 
I chose the Bible over that church and I never went back again to that church group.
 
If the church group teaches something opposite to a scripture, it is antichrist.
 
Leave that church that is teaching opposite to scripture in the New Testament Bible.
 
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* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog

Teacher: New Testament Church

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
The teacher sets up the Bible class for the purpose of edification, exhortation, comfort.
 
It is also very important to make provision for the Holy Spirit to come forth by saying such as, "Does anyone have a word from the Lord?"
 
This frees the gifts of the Holy Spirit to come forth in the session.
 
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We know the apostle Paul identified himself as a "preacher, apostle, and teacher."
 
2 Timothy 1:11  Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.
 
There is no instruction that I know of in the Bible to show us how to teach.  Except we must follow the Holy Spirit, sharing those scriptures and concepts brought to our mind by the Holy Spirit.
 
The apostle Paul says:
 
1 Corinthians 2
 
1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
 
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The apostle Paul spent 3 years separated to God and God taught him what he needed to know about the Bible and what he needed to work in the ministry offices of apostle and teacher.
 
Galatians 1:1  Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised HIM from the dead;)
 
The Holy Spirit in us is the teacher.
 
John 14:26  But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in MY name, HE shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
 
John 16:13  Howbeit when HE, the Spirit of truth, is come, HE will guide you into all truth: for HE shall not speak of HIMSELF; but whatsoever HE shall hear, that shall HE speak: and HE will shew you things to come.
 
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Unless you turn to God and pray and ask God to teach you, you will just end up being another fleshly copier of other men.
 
Galatians 1
 
11 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. 
12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.13 For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:14 And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by HIS grace,16 To reveal HIS Son in me, that I might preach HIM among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:
(I did a similar thing.  I stayed at home in my apartment and read the entire Bible and God taught me as I did this.  God gave me understanding of the scriptures which I needed to understand.  God took me from scripture to scripture comparing spiritual with spiritual.  God did this with me for 5 years preparing me for the ministry offices of apostle/prophet before HE put me on radio to exhort the church.)17 Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus.18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days.19 But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother.20 Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not.21 Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia;22 And was unknown by face unto the churches of Judaea which were in Christ:23 But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed.24 And they glorified God in me.
 
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1 Corinthians 2  (Paul said)
 
1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and HIM crucified.3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
 
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Paul followed the Holy Spirit as he spoke and wrote to the churches.  As the Holy Spirit brought the subject to his mind, that is what he spoke.  Therefore the power of God was in Paul's teaching and writings. 
 (This is what God taught me to do also.)
 
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False teachers:
 
2 Peter 2
 
1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
(While they say "Jesus is Lord", they will not do what the scripture in the Holy Bible tells them.)2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;5 And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;6 And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly;7 And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked:8 (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:10 But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.11 Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord.12 But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;13 And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you;14 Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:15 Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;16 But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbad the madness of the prophet.17 These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.
(They seem to be saying something great but you go away and their words of greatness vanish and you can't even recall what it was that seemed to wonderful to you.)18 For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.
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Jude:
3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.5 I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not.
 
12 These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;13 Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.
 
16 These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage.17 But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;18 How that they told you there should be mockers (they imitate other people) in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.19 These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.  
(They are not called by Jesus to the ministry but put themselves into the ministry by their own will by such thing as going to Bible colleges or seminars while having not the Spirit of God leading them.)
 
I Corinthians 2:14  But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
 
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* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog

Pastor: New Testament Church

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
A pastor provides a setting for edification, exhortation, and comfort for the church, a place where the Holy Spirit is free to function.  He is not shepherd of the church.  That is Jesus by the Holy Spirit for each individual.  However pastor is careful to see that the church gatherings edify the body of Christ in every way.  (Building the church in faith in God founded on truth of the Holy Bible.)
 
Exhortations are also important for they warn the church.  (exhort: advice and warning)
 
And certainly comfort by the scripture through the power of the Holy Spirit is appropriate.
 
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The apostle Paul presents an instruction for the gathering of the church as follows:
 
I Corinthians 14
 
26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.27 If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.29 Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.30 If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.31 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.34 Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.35 And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.36 What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?37 If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.38 But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.40 Let all things be done decently and in order.
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James 1:27  Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
 
* visit means: judge the condition of the fatherless and widows in their affliction to see if there is any "need".
 
* keep himself unspotted from the world:  live godly lives unaffected from sins of the world such as those in I Corinthians 6:9-10  Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate (homosexual), nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
 
First, the pastor must live a godly personal life in Christ Jesus.  Then pastor, after setting example for the other men in the church, keeps order in the church by not allowing sin into the church.
 
I Corinthians 5  (Paul says:)
 
1 It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife.2 And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you.3 For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed,4 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,5 To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.6 Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:8 Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
 
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9 I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators:10 Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world.11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.12 For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?
(We are not supposed to judge the world. God will do that.  But we, the church, are supposed to judge the church.)13 But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.
 
Paul is telling us not to keep company with anyone who is a "brother" who is committing sins of fornication, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.
 
Put such a person out of the church.  A "brother" who is doing such already knows that is a sin.  Therefore you cannot counsel him and set him straight for to try to do that will "crucify Jesus afresh".
 
Hebrews 6
 
4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put HIM to an open shame.7 For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God:8 But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.
 
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Hebrews 10
 
26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.28 He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?30 For we know HIM that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto ME, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge HIS people.31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
 
We must understand from the scriptures that we cannot restore a brother who had been enlightened.  If we do as Paul says and turn that brother over to Satan for the destruction of his flesh by putting him out of the church and by refusing to keep company with him, we give chance for his spirit to be saved in the day of the Lord.
 
TV preacher, Jimmy Swaggart, was caught with a prostitute.  He came on his TV show with tears running down his face saying, "I have sinned,"  
 
The leadership of the "Assembly of God" church decided to counsel "brother" Swaggart and pray for him and let him continue to be a minister.  They did not follow the rules set for the church by the apostle Paul in I Corinthians 5.
 
Then a second time Swaggart was caught with another prostitute.  This time Jimmy Swaggart said that the Lord said it was "flat out" nobody's business what he did. 
 
Then the leadership of the "Assembly of God" church defrocked Jimmy Swaggart.  
 
(That didn't affect Swaggart.  He just kept preaching on his TV program.)
 
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Sinners in the church! A terrible thing.
 
The church are those who are "saved", born again, having the Holy Spirit of God.
 
I Corinthians 14:40   Let all things be done decently and in order.
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There are several scriptures in the Old Testament speaking of pastors:
 
Jeremiah 23:1  Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of MY pasture! saith the LORD.Jeremiah 3:15  And I will give you pastors according to MINE heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.Jeremiah 12:10  Many pastors have destroyed MY vineyard, they have trodden MY portion under foot, they have made MY pleasant portion a desolate wilderness.
Jeremiah 10:21 For the pastors are become brutish, and have not sought the LORD: therefore they shall not prosper, and all their flocks shall be scattered.Jeremiah 22:22  The wind shall eat up all thy pastors, and thy lovers shall go into captivity: surely then shalt thou be ashamed and confounded for all thy wickedness.Jeremiah 2:8 The priests said not, Where is the LORD? and they that handle the law knew ME not: the pastors also transgressed against ME, and the prophets prophesied by Baal, and walked after things that do not profit.   
Jeremiah 23:2  Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel against the pastors that feed MY people; Ye have scattered MY flock, and driven them away, and have not visited (judged) them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the LORD.
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Paul warns us about the evil in the church in the last days and especially evil done by the pastors in the church in the end time which we live in today.
2 Timothy 3 (Paul says)
1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
 
(They have a form of godliness such as attending church but they will not live by the instructions of Christ by the Word of God.  From such turn away.)
 
6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, 7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
 
8 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.
 
9 But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was.
 
10 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, 11 Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.
 
12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
 
13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
 
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2 Peter 2
3  And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: 
 
17 These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.18 For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.
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Ministers of Satan:  (Paul says)
2 Corinthians 1112 But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we.13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
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Jesus speaks of false ministers and false Christians who do not have the Spirit of God, but put themselves into the church in the end times.
Matthew 241 And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and HIS disciples came to HIM for to shew HIM the buildings of the temple.2 And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.3 And as HE sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto HIM privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of THY coming, and of the end of the world?4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.5 For many shall come in MY name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
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2 Timothy 3
14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of WHOM thou hast learned them;
 
(We learned spiritual truths from God by HIS Spirit.)
 
15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
 
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
 
17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
 
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Jesus tells us the last days before the end of this world, the times will be so evil that if the days were not shortened even the elect would not be saved.
 
Matthew 24 
 
12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. 
 
21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.
 
(I think we are close to being in that time now because there is so much evil in the churches and in the world, how much longer could it continue.)
 
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Pastors must lead by being godly ... and the church must be filled with the godly.
 
Instead I am finding the apostasy in the churches that I visit today where doctrines of Christ are perverted and antichrist reigns in the heart of disobedient people who love their church more than they love the Holy Scriptures.
 
The church is often a show instead of holy.
 
Faith is a sham when professed.
 
When tested you will see.
 
It will get worse and worse until Jesus comes and then Jesus will destroy the apostate churches and take the elect of God to heaven to live in the new heaven and new earth created by God for HIS children.
 
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Destruction of the apostate churches.
 
2 Thessalonians 2
 
8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of HIS mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of HIS coming:
 
9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,
 
10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
 
11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
 
12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
 
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Matthew 24
 
29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:
 
30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
 
(Why will they "mourn" when they see Jesus coming?  Why not rejoice?  Because they do not belong to Jesus and it will be the end for them.)
 
31 And HE shall send HIS angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together HIS elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
 
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The gathering of the church should be structured to:  edification, exhortation, comfort
 
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* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog

Evangelists: New Testament Church

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
In the Bible, Philip is named as an evangelist and so is Timothy to whom the apostle Paul wrote epistles.
 
We see the following examples of the work of an "evangelist" concerning Philip.
 
Acts 8
 
25 And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.26 And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.27 And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship,28 Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet.29 Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.30 And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?31 And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.32 The place of the scripture which he read was this, HE was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened HE not HIS mouth:33 In HIS humiliation HIS judgment was taken away: and who shall declare HIS generation? for HIS life is taken from the earth.34 And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.36 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.39 And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.40 But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea.
 
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Robert Tilton announced himself to be an evangelist and he traveled from place to place with his wife, Marte.
 
Later he decided he was a pastor so he started Word of Faith church in Farmer's Branch, Texas, and his wife was said to be in the ministry office of a prophet.
 
I attended Tilton's church group from approximately 1977 to 1982, when God brought me out.
 
It concerned me that Bob started as evangelist and then switched to a pastor.
 
Later he and his wife divorced and she set up her own church as a pastor while she had said she was a prophet.
 
Then Bob remarried and he and wife # 2 divorced and he remarried a third wife.  (adultery)
 
Matthew 5:32  Jesus says:  But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife (divorce his wife), saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery (if she remarries): and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.
 
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Certainly you can have more than one ministry office for Paul was a preacher, apostle, and teacher.
 
2 Timothy 1  (Paul says)
 
9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to HIS own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:11 Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.12 For the which cause I also suffer these things:
But Paul knew the ministry offices to which he was called by Jesus and there is no evidence he changed ministries from one office to another.  Paul was both apostle & teacher doing both works together.  
 
I am apostle/prophet and God showed me exactly what these offices do in the church but I never stop doing one office and do the other office.  Both offices function together.  
 
I've even heard one man say he was currently a pastor, but hoped to arrive at being an apostle.  I'm certain this is wrong.  You do not earn the ministry office because of your achievement.  Jesus appoints from heaven the ministries of:  apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, teacher  (Eph. 4:11)  And when we are appointed by Jesus we are taught by Jesus how to function in the ministry office according to the will of God.
 
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Some churches deny that apostles or prophets exist today.  
 
They say Paul was the last apostle when Matthias was the 12th apostle replacing Judas.  (Acts 1)  
 
Paul was the one of the first of those New Testament ministers who was appointed by Jesus from heaven as in Ephesians 4:11  And HE gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
 
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Often men from around the   world have contacted me calling themselves "pastors."  I could tell by talking to them they really didn't know what the work of pastor was or how to do that work.  They were just copying other men who said themselves to be pastors.
 
Jude vv. 17-19
 
17 But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;18 How that they told you there should be mockers (men copying other men) in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.19  These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.
 
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There was one man who said he was a pastor and when I really questioned him he said to me, "OK ... I'm an evangelist."
 
(As if it really didn't matter.  But it does matter for from heaven Jesus gave: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers.  And these callings do different kinds of ministry work.  If the minister doesn't know to which ministry he is called how can he do the real work and how can the church expect to know what to expect from him?)
 
My understanding from the Spirit of God is this:  evangelists are called to go to the unsaved and preach Jesus.  Pastors care for the sheep in one church concerning following the doctrine of Christ
 
Prophets are different from either of these.  Prophets are sent to the church, not to the world and often bring messages, sometime corrections, to the church and to the born again individuals at various church groups.  
 
Apostles:  Have a special anointing from God to deal with doctrines of Christ in the churches.
 
In these end time days as the apostasy increases by the churches falling away from certain scriptures and setting up other doctrines, apostles and prophets would certainly try to help the individuals to return to the Bible scriptures and established doctrines by the New Testament Bible and prove those doctrines that are being taught today.
 
Basically it is a mess today throughout churches with people following all manner of doctrines in churches today.  This is the end time apostasy today in the church groups.
 
What each individual should do today is this:
 
2 Timothy 3:16-17
 
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
(Prove your doctrine by the NT Bible.)
 
At the judgment seat of Christ each individual will be responsible for the doctrine he chooses to believe.
 
2 Corinthians 5:9-11
 
9 Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of HIM.10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.11 Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men;
So if we speak and believe opposite from doctrines of the New Testament Bible, we will be held responsible by God and judged for that which we believe that is opposite to God in the NT Bible.
 
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Example of the work of Philip the evangelist.
 
💥   Philip the evangelist:
 
Acts 8
 
5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.6 And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.7 For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.8 And there was great joy in that city.
 
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* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog

Prophets: New Testament Church

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
Throughout the Old and New Testaments we have examples of prophets working in the churches and temples.
 
The prophets in the Old Testament examples were sent to the people of God.  They delivered information, warnings, specific instructions sent by God.  Some prophets performed great miracles.  Some such as John the Baptist performed no miracles.
 
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A prophet must be faithful to God to deliver all the counsel God gives that prophet.  God strongly instructed the prophet Ezekiel concerning this matter and showed Ezekiel the consequences that could come upon him if he failed to deliver the message from God.
 
Ezekiel  2
 
1 And HE (God) said unto me, Son of man, stand upon thy feet, and I will speak unto thee.2 And the spirit entered into me when HE spake unto me, and set me upon my feet, that I heard HIM that spake unto me.
3 And HE said unto me, Son of man, I send thee to the children of Israel, to a rebellious nation that hath rebelled against ME: they and their fathers have transgressed against ME, even unto this very day. 4 For they are impudent children and stiffhearted. I do send thee unto them; and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD.5 And they, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear, (for they are a rebellious house,) yet shall know that there hath been a prophet among them.6 And thou, son of man, be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns be with thee, and thou dost dwell among scorpions: be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house.7 And thou shalt speak MY words unto them, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear: for they are most rebellious.8 But thou, son of man, hear what I say unto thee; Be not thou rebellious like that rebellious house: open thy mouth, and eat that I give thee.
9 And when I looked, behold, an hand was sent unto me; and, lo, a roll of a book was therein;10 And HE spread it before me; and it was written within and without: and there was written therein lamentations, and mourning, and woe.
 
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Ezekiel 3
 
Moreover HE said unto me, Son of man, eat that thou findest; eat this roll, and go speak unto the house of Israel.2 So I opened my mouth, and HE caused me to eat that roll.3 And HE said unto me, Son of man, cause thy belly to eat, and fill thy bowels with this roll that I give thee. Then did I eat it; and it was in my mouth as honey for sweetness.4 And HE said unto me, Son of man, go, get thee unto the house of Israel, and speak with MY words unto them.5 For thou art not sent to a people of a strange speech and of an hard language, but to the house of Israel;6 Not to many people of a strange speech and of an hard language, whose words thou canst not understand. Surely, had I sent thee to them, they would have hearkened unto thee.7 But the house of Israel will not hearken unto thee; for they will not hearken unto ME: for all the house of Israel are impudent and hardhearted.8 Behold, I have made thy face strong against their faces, and thy forehead strong against their foreheads.9 As an adamant harder than flint have I made thy forehead: fear them not, neither be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house.10 Moreover HE said unto me, Son of man, all MY words that I shall speak unto thee receive in thine heart, and hear with thine ears. 11 And go, get thee to them of the captivity, unto the children of thy people, and speak unto them, and tell them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear.12 Then the spirit took me up, and I heard behind me a voice of a great rushing, saying, Blessed be the glory of the LORD from his place.13 I heard also the noise of the wings of the living creatures that touched one another, and the noise of the wheels over against them, and a noise of a great rushing.14 So the spirit lifted me up, and took me away, and I went in bitterness, in the heat of my spirit; but the hand of the LORD was strong upon me.
(Prophets often have hard messages to deliver and the church fights them so you see why a prophet might "go in bitterness" but the fire of the message drives them and God's hand is strong upon them.)15 Then I came to them of the captivity at Telabib, that dwelt by the river of Chebar, and I sat where they sat, and remained there astonished among them seven days.16 And it came to pass at the end of seven days, that the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,17 Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at MY mouth, and give them warning from ME.18 When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.19 Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.20 Again, When a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumblingblock before him, he shall die: because thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at thine hand.21 Nevertheless if thou warn the righteous man, that the righteous sin not, and he doth not sin, he shall surely live, because he is warned; also thou hast delivered thy soul.22 And the hand of the LORD was there upon me; and HE said unto me, Arise, go forth into the plain, and I will there talk with thee.23 Then I arose, and went forth into the plain: and, behold, the glory of the LORD stood there, as the glory which I saw by the river of Chebar: and I fell on my face.24 Then the spirit entered into me, and set me upon my feet, and spake with me, and said unto me, Go, shut thyself within thine house.25 But thou, O son of man, behold, they shall put bands upon thee, and shall bind thee with them, and thou shalt not go out among them:26 And I will make thy tongue cleave to the roof of thy mouth, that thou shalt be dumb, and shalt not be to them a reprover: for they are a rebellious house.27 But when I speak with thee, I will open thy mouth, and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; He that heareth, let him hear; and he that forbeareth, let him forbear: for they are a rebellious house.
 
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It is a very serious thing for a prophet to withhold a message and fail to warn the person to whom you are sent.  
 
God used these scriptures to train me to do the work of a prophet and to deliver "all" the messages from God.
 
I said to God:  "Is there anywhere in the New Testament where it says their blood is on my hands if I hold back the messages?"
 
God reminded me of this concerning the apostle Paul:
 
Acts 20  (Paul speaking to the elders of the church at Ephesus.)
 
25 And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.26 Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.27 For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which HE hath purchased with HIS own blood.29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
 
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God gives us messages to deliver.  We must deliver that message which God wants delivered.  If we alter the message and fail to deliver the message that God sends,  then that person may die in his sins.  The message gives the person opportunity to see his sins and repent and be saved.
 
We must not hold back the message to make the person feel better. We must deliver the message that we believe to be from God.
 
The apostle Paul said:
 
Galatians 1:10  For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.
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Jeremiah 1
 
4 Then the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
5 Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.6 Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child.7 But the LORD said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak.8  Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD.9  Then the LORD put forth HIS hand, and touched my mouth. And the LORD said unto me, Behold, I have put MY words in thy mouth.10 See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant.
 
God started training me with these old Testament prophets in the Old Testament Bible.
 
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God used the New Testament to confirm to me that there are prophets working in today's churches.
 
Prophets are trained by God through the OT scriptures showing the work of prophets.  Prophets are sent to the church not to the world.  Prophet must be diligent to deliver all the counsel which God gives to them.
 
Prophets often work in the spiritual gift of knowledge (I Cor. 12:8) where God shows them that which they had no natural way of knowing.
 
They often travel from church to church delivering messages from God to the church.
 
Ephesians 4:11-12  And HE (Jesus) gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
 
Prophets can be given by God multiple offices to help the church.  
 
(Paul was given the offices of apostle/teacher.  I was given work of apostle/prophet.  God spent several years working with me through every scripture in both Old and New Testaments teaching me the work of prophet. God showed me by examples in the Bible how the church people will fight the prophets and even kill the prophets but I must deliver the message.) 
 
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Jesus speaks of the Jews who kill the prophets whom God sent to them.
 
Matthew 23
 
1 Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to HIS disciples,2 Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: 3 All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.4 For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.5 But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, 6 And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, 7 And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.8 But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.13 But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.14 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation.15 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.16 Woe unto you, ye blind guides, which say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor! 17 Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifieth the gold? 18 And, Whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever sweareth by the gift that is upon it, he is guilty. 19 Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifieth the gift?20 Whoso therefore shall swear by the altar, sweareth by it, and by all things thereon.  21 And whoso shall swear by the temple, sweareth by it, and by HIM that dwelleth therein.  22 And he that shall swear by heaven, sweareth by the throne of God, and by HIM that sitteth thereon.23 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.24 Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.25 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.  26 Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.27 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.28 Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.29 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous, 30 And say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.31 Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets.32 Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers.33 Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?34 Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city: 35 That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.36 Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation.37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!38 Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.39 For I say unto you, Ye shall not see ME henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.
 
Today the churches often try to "kill" the prophet by stopping the prophet from speaking messages from God.
 
In 1982, God said to me:  "The time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God."
 
A few days later, God showed me sins that were being committed by several big-time radio/television ministers.
 
When I couldn't get these messages to these ministers, God had me speak the messages on my own radio broadcast which was coast to coast at that time, giving the minister's name and the sin being committed.
 
One of the ministers owned 2 of the radio stations where I was broadcasting.  He put me off the air immediately.
 
The radio station manager in Seattle was standing outside my meeting room door in Seattle waiting for me to arrive.  When he saw me he said:  "Joan ... you have many wonderful messages.  Just speak those messages.  If you continue to speak these judgment messages, I don't know what might happen to you.  We might have to put you off the air."
 
Instantly the Holy Spirit brought to my mind words which I spoke to the radio station manager as follows: 
 
"George ... if I don't speak the message I believe to be from God, then I don't have a message and I may as well be off the air."
 
Prophets warn people and give "all" the counsel of God holding back nothing.  If we fail to speak what God shows us to speak in order to please people, the blood of those people will be on our hands.
 
And this is true for other ministers in different offices also.
 
Paul said to the church at Ephesus:
 
Acts 20
 
20 And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house,
 
26 Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.27 For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.
 
29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
 
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Scriptures about prophets in the New Testament churches.
 
Acts 11:27 And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch.
 
Acts 15:32  And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them.
 
Acts 15:40-41 And Paul chose Silas (a prophet), and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.  And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.
1 Corinthians 14:29-32  (Instruction for the gathering of the church)  Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.  If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.
 
Acts 13:1 Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
 
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There are several places in the book of Acts where we see New Testament prophets working in the churches after the resurrection of Jesus.
 
New Testament Church ministry offices today:  apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers
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* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog

Apostles: New Testament Church

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
Shortly after I was born again in 1975, in the night while sleeping God transported me into heaven.  I was with God, and with Christ, and with the Holy Spirit.  ( I saw no physical type images.  It was a spiritual experience.)  At that time I was "merged" into the body of Jesus, made one with the Word of God, God and the Holy Spirit witnessing.
 
A few nights after this, the exact same thing happened a second time.
 
At that time I thought this happened to everyone when they were born again.
 
Later I found that not to be the case, and I felt God had ordained me into two ministry offices:  apostle and prophet, to which I was called by God and set by Jesus in the New Testament church.
 
Ephesians 4:11-12  And HE (Jesus) gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
 
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This is what God taught me about the office of a New Testament apostle and the work apostles do in today's churches:
 
God took me to Acts 15 to show me the work of apostles of Jesus in the New Testament churches.
 
A primary role of an apostle has to do with establishing church doctrine.
 
In the early church, they did not have the New Testament to prove church doctrine.  Apostles, appointed by God, judged the doctrine and set the doctrine in the church and established the doctrine of the New Covenant in the churches.
 
An example:  (Apostles considered a controversy and made a ruling for the NT church.)
 
Acts 15
 
1 And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.2 When therefore Paul and Barnabas (apostles) had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.3 And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.4 And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them.5 But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, (Concerning the Gentiles) That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.
(But The New Covenant is not the same as the law of Moses.)6 And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.7 And when there had been much disputing, Peter  (apostle) rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.8 And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as HE  did unto us;9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.10 Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?11 But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.12 Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul (apostles) declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.13 And after they had held their peace, James (apostle) answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me: 14 Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for HIS name.
15 And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written, 16 After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up: 17 That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom MY name is called, saith the Lord, WHO doeth all these things.18 Known unto God are all HIS works from the beginning of the world.
(James, an apostle, presents the ruling for the church concerning the doctrine of Christ in the matter at hand.)19 Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God: 20 But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.21 For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.22 Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas (a prophet) surnamed Barsabas, and Silas (a prophet), chief men among the brethren:23 And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia:24 Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment:25 It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,26 Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.27 We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth.28 For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;29 That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.30  So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle:31 Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation.32  And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them.33 And after they had tarried there a space, they were let go in peace from the brethren unto the apostles.34 Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still.35 Paul also and Barnabas (an apostle) continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.36 And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do.
 
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Today we have the New Testament Bible which tells us the doctrines of Christ for the New Testament Churches.
 
Current apostles still have a special anointing by God concerning the doctrines of Christ for the church.  
 
We try to get individuals to judge their doctrines by scriptures returning to the New Testament Bible, for many churches today have fallen away from some scriptures in the New Testament Bible and have set up anti-christ doctrines, doctrines opposite to Christ the Word, thus the end time apostasy of the end time churches working in churches right now.
 
2 Thessalonians 2:3-4  (Paul says)
 
3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day (of the Lord) shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
(In 1982 while reading the above scriptures, God said to me:  "The falling away are not people leaving the churches.  The falling away are churches leaving the scriptures.")
 
An example:  One day I heard television news present an interview with Catholic pope.  The newscaster asked this man what he thought about homosexuals and lesbians.  This pope said:  "Well ... I don't see anything wrong with being homosexual or lesbian."
 
I screamed at the TV and said:  "What about the Bible?"
 
Romans 1
21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified HIM not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, WHO is blessed for ever. Amen.26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
(This is what the Bible says about homosexuals and lesbians in the New Testament Bible.)
 
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2 Timothy 3:16-17  
 
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
 
Prove your doctrine by the scriptures of the New Testament Bible.
 
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In the end times, before Jesus returns and before God destroys this present heaven and earth, the apostasy comes into many churches where they fall away from certain scriptures and preach and teach another doctrine.
 
Jesus said: 
 
Matthew 5:32  But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.
 
(I've never heard any church teach this doctrine.)
 
* If a man divorces a faithful wife and she remarries she commits adultery but her husband who divorced her caused her adultery.
 
* The man who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.
 
Romans 7:2-3  For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband.3 So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man.
 
I Corinthians 7:10-11  And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband:  But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.
(I've never heard a church teach this.  And it is often violated by women in churches who leave their husbands and marry another man.)
 
39 The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.
 
Mark 10  (Jesus says)
 
6 But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female.7 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife;8 And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh.9 What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
 
11 And HE (Jesus) saith unto them, Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her.12 And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery.
 
(These scriptures are often changed in today's NT churches.  This is the end time falling away where churches omit scriptures and set up doctrines which are not according to NT scripture.  Antichrist in the churches.  The end time apostasy before Jesus returns to gather the elect.)
 
NT apostles will try to convince church people to return to these scriptures and follow these instructions.)
 
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* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog

Ministers of Jesus and Ministers of Satan: What Bible says

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
Ephesians 4  (Paul says)
 
1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, 2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.8 Wherefore HE saith, When HE ascended up on high, HE led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.11 And HE gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:  13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into HIM in all things, which is the head, even Christ:16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
 
The 5 ministries of Jesus Christ:  apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, teacher
 
Jesus, from heaven, puts individuals into the ministries of apostle, prophet, evangelists, pastors and teachers for the New Testament church.  And when Jesus calls a minister to the church, Jesus also teaches that minister and prepares that minister to serve in the church in the ministry to which he is called.
 
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💥  False teachers and ministers of Satan in the churches today:
 
Unfortunate some are not called by Jesus but put themselves into the ministry and are even apostles of Satan.
 
2 Corinthians 11  (Paul says;)
 
12 But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we.13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.  
 
2 Peter 2
 
1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;5 And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;6 And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly;7 And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked:8 (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:10 But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.11 Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord.12 But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;13 And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you;14 Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:15 Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;16 But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbad the madness of the prophet.17 These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.18 For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit
again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.
 
Jude
 
3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.5 I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not.6 And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, HE hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.7 Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.
(Genesis 19 ... In every quarter of the cities there were homosexuals who came to have sex with the 2 men who were really angels who came to Lot's house.)8 Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.9 Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.10 But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.11 Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.12 These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;
(If you fear God you will be careful in the way you handle the scripture and you will not make up things to entertain the congregation when that is not in the Bible.)13 Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.14 And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of HIS saints, 15 To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against HIM.16 These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage.17  But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;18 How that they told you there should be mockers (copiers of other men) in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.19 These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.
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In the next 5 podcasts, I will share examples from the Bible of the specific work of the 5 ministry offices and will present that which God showed me concerning the operation of these offices in the New Testament church.
 
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* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog

The apostles and disciples are afraid of Paul

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
Acts 9
 
26 And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.27 But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.28 And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem.29 And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him.30 Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.31 Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.
 
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* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog

Saul (Paul) persecutes the church and makes havok of the church putting them in prison

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
Acts 8:1-4
 
1And Saul was consenting unto his (Stephen's) death. 
And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.2 And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.3 As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.4 Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.
 
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Very soon, Jesus is going to speak to Saul and he then becomes a follower of Jesus and begins preaching Jesus to the Jews and is the apostle Paul.
 
Acts 9
 
1 And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, 2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou ME?5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? 
And the Lord said, I am Jesus WHOM thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?
And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.7 And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.8 And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. 9 And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.
 
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10 And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.11 And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, 12 And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.13 Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: 14 And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on THY name.15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto ME, to bear MY name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: 16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for MY name's sake.
 
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17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.19 And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. 20 And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that HE is the Son of God.21 But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?22 But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.23 And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him:
 
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Prophesy concerning the New Covenant, the New Testament church, which is born again by God.
 
Ezekiel 36   (God says)
 
23 And I will sanctify MY great name, which was profaned among the heathen, which ye have profaned in the midst of them; and the heathen shall know that I am the LORD, saith the Lord GOD, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes.24 For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land.25 Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.27 And I will put MY spirit within you, and cause you to walk in MY statutes, and ye shall keep MY judgments, and do them.
 
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* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog

The story of Stephen

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
Stephen was a man full of faith in Jesus and of honest report.
 
When a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews rose because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration, they appointed 7 men who were full of faith and honest report to deal with this problem in the church.
 
This freed the apostles to deal with prayer and the ministry of the Word.
 
Acts 6
 
7 And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.
 
8 And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.
 
(This was a serious matter which had to be stopped so the leaders of the Jews took swift action against Stephen.)
 
9 Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen.10 And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.11 Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him (Stephen)  speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God.  
 12 And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the council,
 
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Stephen is put on trial before the Jewish leaders:
 
Acts 6
 
13 And set up false witnesses, which said, This man (Stephen) ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law:14 For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us.
(The New Covenant of God and faith in salvation through belief in Jesus was upon them.)
15 And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.
 
Acts 7
 
1 Then said the high priest, Are these things so?
 
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Stephen begins speaking by the Holy Spirit, giving a brilliant summary account of the history of the Jewish nation, and ending with an introduction to Jesus and the New Covenant which God is now establishing.
 
Acts 7  (Stephen says)
 
(Starting with Abraham)
 
2 And he (Stephen) said, Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken; The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran, 3 And said unto him, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and come into the land which I shall shew thee.4 Then came he (Abraham) out of the land of the Chaldaeans, and dwelt in Charran: and from thence, when his father was dead, HE (God) removed him into this land, wherein ye now dwell. 5 And HE gave him none inheritance in it, no, not so much as to set his foot on: yet HE promised that HE would give it to him for a possession, and to his seed after him, when as yet he had no child.6 And God spake on this wise, That his (Abraham's) seed should sojourn in a strange land; and that they should bring them into bondage, and entreat them evil four hundred years.7 And the nation to whom they shall be in bondage will I judge, said God: and after that shall they come forth, and serve ME in this place.8 And HE (God) gave him the covenant of circumcision: and so Abraham begat Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat the twelve patriarchs.💥 9 And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him,10 And delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house.11 Now there came a dearth over all the land of Egypt and Chanaan, and great affliction: and our fathers found no sustenance.12 But when Jacob heard that there was corn in Egypt, he sent out our fathers first.13 And at the second time Joseph was made known to his brethren; and Joseph's kindred was made known unto Pharaoh.14 Then sent Joseph, and called his father Jacob to him, and all his kindred, threescore and fifteen souls. 
(75 men who went down into Egypt grew to over 600,000 men at the time of Moses.)15 So Jacob went down into Egypt, and died, he, and our fathers,16 And were carried over into Sychem, and laid in the sepulchre that Abraham bought for a sum of money of the sons of Emmor the father of Sychem.17 But when the time of the promise drew nigh, which God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt,18 Till another king arose, which knew not Joseph.19 The same dealt subtilly with our kindred, and evil entreated our fathers, so that they cast out their young children, to the end they might not live.💥  In which time Moses was born, and was exceeding fair, and nourished up in his father's house three months:21 And when he was cast out, Pharaoh's daughter took him (Moses) up, and nourished him for her own son.22 And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds.23 And when he was full forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren the children of Israel.24 And seeing one of them suffer wrong, he defended him, and avenged him that was oppressed, and smote the Egyptian:25 For he supposed his brethren would have understood how that God by his hand would deliver them: but they understood not.26 And the next day he shewed himself unto them as they strove, and would have set them at one again, saying, Sirs, ye are brethren; why do ye wrong one to another?27 But he that did his neighbour wrong thrust him away, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge over us? 28 Wilt thou kill me, as thou diddest the Egyptian yesterday?29 Then fled Moses at this saying, and was a stranger in the land of Madian, where he begat two sons.30 And when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sina an angel of the Lord in a flame of fire in a bush.31 When Moses saw it, he wondered at the sight: and as he drew near to behold it, the voice of the Lord came unto him,32 Saying, I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. 
Then Moses trembled, and durst not behold.33 Then said the Lord to him, Put off thy shoes from thy feet: for the place where thou standest is holy ground.34 I have seen, I have seen the affliction of MY people which is in Egypt, and I have heard their groaning, and am come down to deliver them. And now come, I will send thee into Egypt.35 This Moses whom they refused, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge? the same did God send to be a ruler and a deliverer by the hand of the angel which appeared to him in the bush.36 HE (God) brought them out, after that HE had shewed wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, and in the Red sea, and in the wilderness forty years.
(Moses announces the coming of The Prophet Jesus)37 This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, A Prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear.38 This is HE (Jesus), that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us: 39 To WHOM our fathers would not obey, but thrust HIM (Jesus) from them, and in their hearts turned back again into Egypt,40 Saying unto Aaron, Make us gods to go before us: for as for this Moses, which brought us out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him.41 And they made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice unto the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands.42 Then God turned, and gave them up to worship the host of heaven; as it is written in the book of the prophets, O ye house of Israel, have ye offered to me slain beasts and sacrifices by the space of forty years in the wilderness?43 Yea, ye took up the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan, figures which ye made to worship them: and I will carry you away beyond Babylon.44 Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as HE (God) had appointed, speaking unto Moses, that he should make it according to the fashion that he had seen.45 Which also our fathers that came after brought in with Jesus into the possession of the Gentiles, whom God drave out before the face of our fathers, unto the days of David;46 Who found favour before God, and desired to find a tabernacle for the God of Jacob.47 But Solomon built HIM an house.48 Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet,49 Heaven is MY throne, and earth is MY footstool: what house will ye build ME? saith the Lord: or what is the place of MY rest?50 Hath not MY hand made all these things?
 
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(Stephen said:)
51 Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.52 Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One (Jesus); of WHOM ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:53 Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it.
 
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54 When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him (Stephen) with their teeth.55 But he (Stephen), being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.57 Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord,58 And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul. (Paul)59 And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.60 And he (Stephen)  kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep (died).
 
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Acts 8:1And Saul (Paul) was consenting unto his (Stephen's) death. 
And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.
 
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* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog 

The angel of the Lord leads the apostles and disciples of Jesus

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
Isaiah 45  (God says)
 
2  I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron:3 And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the LORD, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel.
 
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Isaiah 42  (God says)
 
16 And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them.
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Acts 5:12  And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people;
The high priest and the rulers of the temple rose up against the disciples who preached and did signs in the name of Jesus and commanded them to preach no more "in this name".
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Acts 5
 
14 And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.15 Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.16 There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.17 Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation,  18 And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison.  
 
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The angel of the Lord works on behalf of the followers of Jesus and the obstacles from the high priests which were put before the disciples of Jesus to stop them by imprisonment, and the angel of the Lord instructs the disciples of Jesus.
 
Acts 5
 
19 But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said, 20 Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.21 And when they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught. 
But the high priest came, and they that were with him, and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought.22 But when the officers came, and found them not in the prison, they returned, and told, 23 Saying, The prison truly found we shut with all safety, and the keepers standing without before the doors: but when we had opened, we found no man within.24 Now when the high priest and the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these things, they doubted of them whereunto this would grow.25 Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people.26 Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned.27 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them, 28 Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. 31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.32 And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.33 When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them.  
 
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War begins!
 
Acts 5
 
34 Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space;35 And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men.
36 For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought.37 After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed.
38 And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: 39 But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.40 And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.41 And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.
 
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* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog

The apostles of Jesus went into the temple preaching salvation by Jesus and the priests tried to stop the message

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
Acts 4
 
1 And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them, 2 Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead.3 And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide.4 Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand.
 
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5 And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes, 6 And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem.7 And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this? 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,9 If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; 10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, WHOM ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by HIM doth this man stand here before you whole. 11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. 12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.14 And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.15 But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, 16 Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it. 17 But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name.18 And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.19 But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. 20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.21 So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done.22 For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was shewed.
 
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23 And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them.24 And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is: 25 Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? 26 The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against HIS Christ. 27 For of a truth against THY holy child Jesus, whom THOU hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, 28 For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.29 And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak THY word, 30 By stretching forth THINE hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of THY holy child Jesus.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.33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.
 
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* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog

Acts of the apostles in the early days of the New Testament Church

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
The people of God have lived by the Old Covenant for hundreds of years and have sacrificed animals for their sins year by year.
 
Jesus walked on this earth in the form of a man for a short time doing the work of God and then the rulers of the Jewish nations crucified Jesus and Jesus died on a cross, paying for our sins and setting up the way for the New Covenant which would take the place of the Old Covenant.
 
God tells us about that covenant which came through the blood shed by Jesus.
 
Hebrews 8
 
7 For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second.8 For finding fault with them, HE saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah:9 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in MY covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord.10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put MY laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to ME a people:11 And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know ME, from the least to the greatest.12 For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.13 In that HE saith, A new covenant, HE hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.
 
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From heaven Jesus sets up the New Testament church:
 
While Jesus walked on this earth, HE chose 12 apostles to walk with HIM.  
 
After the crucifixion and resurrection, from heaven Jesus sets up the church and the ministry offices and the doctrines of Christ which reign in the churches during the New Testament years.
 
Ephesians 4
 
8 Wherefore HE (Jesus) saith, When HE ascended up on high, HE led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
 
11 And HE (Jesus) gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
(Ministers for the New Testament Church:  apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers)13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into HIM in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
 
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With the New Covenant the New Testament Church is given to all who believe in Jesus and are given the Spirit of Jesus to live in them and guide them.
 
The New Testament Bible is given to show the doctrines of Christ for the New Covenant church.
 
2 Timothy 3:16-17  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 perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
 
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Now the church follows the New Testament scriptures by the Holy Spirit of God.
 
Small groups of believers in Jesus begin meeting in homes.  
 
Acts 2:47  And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
 
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Salvation though Jesus began to be preached throughout the land to both Jews and Gentiles.  (First to the Jews.)
 
Acts 3
 
1 Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour.2 And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; 3 Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms.4 And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us.5 And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them.6 Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.7 And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.8 And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God: 10 And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him.11 And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering.12 And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk? 13 The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified HIS Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied HIM in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let HIM go.14 But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you;15 And killed the Prince of life, WHOM God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.16 And HIS name through faith in HIS name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by HIM hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.17 And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers.18 But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all HIS prophets, that Christ should suffer, HE hath so fulfilled.19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;20 And HE shall send Jesus Christ (by the Holy Spirit), which before was preached unto you:21 WHOM the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all HIS holy prophets since the world began.
22 For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; HIM shall ye hear in all things whatsoever HE shall say unto you. 23 And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people.
 
24 Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days.25 Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed.
(All seed:  Jews & Gentiles)26 Unto you first God, having raised up HIS Son Jesus, sent HIM to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities. 
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* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog

Good and evil hearts in the early churches

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
It was the custom of the early church to sell all their property and commit the money to the apostles for equal distribution among the church that there would be no lack for anyone.
 
Acts 4
 
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.33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.34 Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,35 And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.36 And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,  37 Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet.
 
They did such acts with a willing heart.  It was not a law of God that they do this.  They were free to keep the land.
 
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Acts 5
 
1 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, 2 And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet.3 But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? 4 Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.5 And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things. 6 And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him.7 And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in.8 And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much.9 Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out.10 Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband.11 And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.
 
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The lies told to other men go into the ears of God. 
 
When Jesus sent forth HIS disciples to do the work of God, HE said to them:
 
Matthew 10:24  Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known.
 
While men will try to lie to us and deceive us, God will bring forth the truth to us one way or another.
 
And we, who are born again by God, live honestly before the unbelievers who sit in church groups and also before unbelievers of this present world.  
 
God has given us good hearts by HIS Holy Spirit.
 
Ezekiel 36  God says:
 
23 And I will sanctify MY great name, which was profaned among the heathen, which ye have profaned in the midst of them; and the heathen shall know that I am the LORD, saith the Lord GOD, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes.24 For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land.25 Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.27 And I will put MY spirit within you, and cause you to walk in MY statutes, and ye shall keep MY judgments, and do them.
 
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Jesus tells HIS disciples the sign of the end of this world:
 
Matthew 24
 
3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.5 For many shall come in MY name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
They would come saying, "Jesus is Lord," and because they said that the real church people, who were chosen by God and born again by God's Spirit, would think these deceivers were really Christians and by this saying of "Jesus is Lord" they would deceive many.
 
This is one of the first signs of the end times and the apostasy coming into the church groups.
 
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The apostle John shows us in the Bible that antichrist is a spirit and not just one man as many churches teach today.
 
I John 2:18  Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.
 
19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.
 
They came into John's church and stayed for awhile and then left when they found they could not set up their own doctrinal preferences.  These were "antichrist", holding doctrines opposite to the teaching of Christ though they said "Jesus is Lord".
 
John said this was a spirit of antichrist, showing us there are many antichrist and not just one antichrist.  (I John 4:3)  It is like there is a devil whose spirit operates in many men.
 
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Paul, speaking to the elders of the church at Ephesus, show us how some sitting there among the elders were just waiting for him to depart so they could bring perverse doctrines into the church group.
 
Acts 20  Paul says:
 
29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
 
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And Paul spoke in 2 Thessalonians 2 of the second coming of Jesus and how before Jesus could return to gather the elect there would be apostasy in the church groups.
 
2 Thessalonians 2:3-4  Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day (of the Lord) shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
 
In 1982, while I was reading the above scripture, God said to me:  "The falling away are not people leaving the church groups.  The falling away are the church groups leaving the scriptures."
 
This is the end time apostasy that comes into the churches in the last days before Jesus returns.
 
This is happening right now as churches fall away from various scriptures and change doctrines to approve people without repentance from specific sins.
 
An example:  They permit divorced women to remarry and they approve marriages where men in the church marry divorced women.  They cast away the instructions of Jesus given in the following scripture.
 
Matthew 5:32  Jesus says:  But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.
 
* The man who divorces a faithful wife will be the cause of her committing adultery when she remarries after divorce.
 
* The man who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.
 
Romans 7:2-3  For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband. 3 So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man.
 
Mark 10:11-12  And HE (Jesus) saith unto them, Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her. 12 And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery.
 
I Corinthians 7:10-11   (Paul says:) And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband: But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.
 
39  The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.
 
Concerning homosexuals & lesbians:  What the Bible says.
 
Romans 1
 
22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: 27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
 
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By these examples we see how many churches today are churches of the end time apostasy which must come before Jesus returns to gather HIS elect bringing the end of this present world which will be destroyed by fire by God.
 
2 Peter 3:10-14
 
10  But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?13 Nevertheless we, according to HIS promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of HIM in peace, without spot, and blameless.
 
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Apostasy in the churches before Jesus returns:
 
2 Thessalonians 2:3-4  NASB
 
3 Let no one in any way deceive you, for it (the day of the Lord) will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, 4 who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God.
 
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* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog 

Antichrist enters into the New Testament church even in the time of the early church in the days of John and Paul

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
I John 2
 
18   Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.
 
Antichrist is not one man but is a spirit in many men who believe not the truth of the Word of God.
 
I John 4:3  And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
 
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People who had that spirit of antichrist were "religious" types but they did not have the Holy Spirit of God.
 
They had their own ideas about religion and they wanted to "go to church" but they had not the spirit.
 
It is important for us to see by the apostle John's words that they were already there in his day in the early church.
 
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The apostle Paul also knew men were there who were just waiting for a chance to bring strange doctrines into the church group at Ephesus.
 
Paul speaks this to the elders at Ephesus showing even some of those elders would rise up speaking "perverse things" to the church to draw people away to themselves.
 
Here we see the beginnings of the various denominations that persist all over this world today.
 
Acts 20
 
17 And from Miletus he (Paul) sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.18 And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, 19 Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:
20 And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, 21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.22 And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: 23 Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.25 And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.26 Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.27 For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which HE hath purchased with HIS own blood.29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
 
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Paul speaks of the apostasy that will occur in the churches at the end before the 2nd coming of Jesus.
 
2 Thessalonians 2:3  Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
 
In 1982, while I was reading this section of scripture, God spoke to me saying:  "The falling away are not people leaving the churches but the falling away are the churches leaving the scriptures."
 
This is rampant in churches all over the world today and "another gospel" is being taught whereby sin is not often spoken of and people are even approved in their sins in the church groups and the doctrine of Christ is perverted or even eliminated to approve sinners in the congregation.
 
Some churches approve homosexuals and lesbians today without presenting the Holy Scriptures of Romans 1 which tells us Christ's doctrine on the issue:
 
22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:27  And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
 
From the beginning of time, they were created male or female (Mark 10:6), but because of their sins God turned them over to do homosexual and lesbian acts dishonoring their own bodies.
 
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In most churches today divorced women are permitted to remarry, opposing the Holy Scriptures and the doctrines of Christ.
 
Matthew 5:32  (Jesus says)  But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.
 
Romans 7:2-3  For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband. 3 So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man.
 
I Corinthians 7:10-11  And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband:  But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.
 
39 The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.
 
Mark 10:11-12  (Jesus says)  Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her. And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery.
 
So the spirit of antichrist is rampant in today's churches as Paul said they would be before Jesus returns.
 
Jesus will destroy these apostate church groups when HE returns to gather the elect of God.
 
2 Thessalonians 2
 
8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of HIS mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of HIS coming:9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
 
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Those who continue in the truth of the Holy Scriptures will be saved and removed from this earth before the heaven and earth are destroyed by God by fire at the end of this world.
 
Matthew 24  (Jesus says)
 
29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.31 And HE shall send HIS angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together HIS elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
 
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* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog 

The Holy Spirit enables the children of God to do the work of God in the New Covenant Church

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
Before Jesus was taken into heaven, HE told the disciples about the Holy Spirit which would be given to all who believe in God in the New Testament Church.
 
This is what the Holy Spirit does for us.
 
John 14:26   (Jesus says)  But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in MY name, HE shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
 
John 16:13  Howbeit when HE, the Spirit of truth, is come, HE will guide you into all truth: for HE shall not speak of HIMSELF; but whatsoever HE shall hear, that shall HE speak: and HE will shew you things to come.
 
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The Holy Spirit lives in us and brings to our mind The Word that God would have us follow:
 
I Corinthians 3:16  Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?  
 
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I Corinthians 2
 
9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love HIM. 10 But God hath revealed them unto us by HIS Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
(Everything changed in the New Testament church with the giving of the Holy Spirit of God to live in each believer, because having the Holy Spirit enables each church member to hear directly from God and know the will of God in the issues of this life and follow God by God's own will.)11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
 
After we are born again by the Spirit of God and the truth HE brings to us, then THAT HOLY SPIRIT lives in us to guide us in ways of God as long as we continue with God while we live on this earth.
 
And we overcome continually by that WORD which is brought to us by the Holy Spirit of God.
 
Jesus says:
 
John 8:31-32  Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on HIM, If ye continue in MY word, then are ye MY disciples indeed;32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
 
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Revelation 3:5  (Jesus says)  He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before MY Father, and before HIS angels.
 
We overcome all things on this earth through prayer, asking God for wisdom and help, and by following the Word given us by God through HIS Spirit.
 
Acts 1:5  Jesus said:  For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
 
The power of God comes with the Holy Spirit and HE enables us to witness to HIM and to the doctrines of Christ.
 
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* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog 

Acts 2: The day of Pentecost: (The Holy Spirit comes from God to all the children of God and the New Testament church begins)

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
Before Jesus' resurrection into heaven, Jesus said to His disciples:
 
Acts 1:4-5  And, being assembled together with them, (Jesus) commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith HE, ye have heard of ME.5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
 
8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto ME both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
(By the Holy Spirit we have the power of God to give witness to Jesus and the works of God in the New Testament Church.)9 And when HE (Jesus) had spoken these things, while they beheld, HE was taken up; and a cloud received HIM out of their sight.
 
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After Jesus arose into heaven, the Holy Spirit would come to each believer and the New Testament Church came down from heaven through the Word of Jesus and the covenant of the New Testament of God began.
 
Hebrews 1:1-2  God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,  Hath in these last days spoken unto us by HIS Son, WHOM HE hath appointed heir of all things, by WHOM also HE made the worlds;
 
Hebrews 8  
 
7 For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second.8 For finding fault with them, HE saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah:9 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in MY covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord.10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put MY laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to ME a people:11 And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know ME, from the least to the greatest.12 For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.13 In that HE saith, A new covenant, HE hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.
(The New Covenant is to begin and the Old Covenant ends.)
 
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The New Testament Church:  
 
Ezekiel 36   (God says)
 
23  And I will sanctify MY great name, which was profaned among the heathen, which ye have profaned in the midst of them; and the heathen shall know that I am the LORD, saith the Lord GOD, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes.24 For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land.25 Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.27 And I will put MY spirit within you, and cause you to walk in MY statutes, and ye shall keep MY judgments, and do them.
 
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Acts 2 ... The New Testament church begins at Pentecost with the giving of the Holy Spirit of God to all believers.
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* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog 

The New Testament Church begins with the resurrection of Jesus

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
Before Jesus arose into heaven, the apostles were with Jesus and HE is about to ascend into heaven.
 
Acts 1:4-11
 
4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.
 
5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.  
 
6 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?
 
7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.
 
8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
 
9 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.
 
10 And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;
 
11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.
 
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Jesus is now in heaven and sets up the New Testament Church from heaven.
 
Ephesians 4
 
8 Wherefore HE (Jesus) saith, When HE ascended up on high, HE led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
 
11 And HE gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into HIM in all things, which is the head, even Christ:16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
 
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The apostles are in Jerusalem waiting for the giving of the promised HOLY SPIRIT whereby they will have the power to do the ministry of the New Testament Church.
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* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog 
( To return to book "Jesus Sets Up the New Testament Church From Heaven", tap the "X" on the tab at the top of this screen. )

Matthias: The 12th apostle, replacing Judas Iscariot

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
Acts 1
 
(Jesus said to HIS disciples:)
 
8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto ME both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.9 And when HE had spoken these things, while they beheld, HE was taken up; and a cloud received HIM out of their sight.10 And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as HE went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen HIM go into heaven.
 
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12 Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey.13 And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James.14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with HIS brethren.15 And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,)16 Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.17 For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.18 Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.19 And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood.20 For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.21 Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,22 Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that HE was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of HIS resurrection.23 And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.24 And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,25 That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.26 And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
 
So Matthias was the 12th apostle, taking the place of Judas who betrayed Jesus.
 
Most church people will likely say Paul is the 12th apostle.  But the 12th apostle was a man named Matthias.  
 
At the time Matthias was named apostle, Paul was persecuting the followers of Jesus.
 
Acts 9:1  And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.
3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: 4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou ME?5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? 
And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt THOU have me to do? 
And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.7 And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.8 And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.
 
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* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog 
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