Building your house on the word from God

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 
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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 
( To return to book "Jesus Sets Up the New Testament Church From Heaven", tap the back symbol   <   at the bottom of your device. )

Running the race to win

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
I Corinthians 9   (Paul says:)
 
24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
 
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Keep your flesh under the control of the Holy Spirit.  Let the Spirit of God rule over the flesh.
 
Galatians 5
 
16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
 
19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,23 Meekness, temperance:
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So the flesh will cause us to desire to do one of the works of the flesh.
 
But we know this is of the flesh and we call on God for help and we follow that which is a work of the Spirit of God which is brought to our mind.
 
Thus we choose to do that which is of the Spirit of God.
 
Romans 8:1  There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
 
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* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog 

Holding onto God in spite of all the circumstances

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
One of the most godly women I have ever seen got cancer when she was 66-years-old.
 
How can this happen to such a woman?
 
I have no real answer.
 
I just know we hold onto God and the Bible regardless of the circumstances.
 
James 1:17  Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
 
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Jesus says:
 
Matthew 24:12-13  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.
 
Job 13:15  (Job said)   Though HE slay me, yet will I trust in HIM.
 
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Hebrews 3
 
6 But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.7 Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice, 8 Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness: 9 When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years. 10 Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways.
11 So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.)12 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
(exhort: urge earnestly by advice and warning)14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;
(I exhort daily because this scripture says to exhort daily.)
 
Hebrews 10:25  Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
 
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* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog

Taking thoughts captive:

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
Is that thought from God?  or is it from devils?
 
Here is a simple guideline:  Does the thought bring love, joy peace?  or does the thought bring fear, doubt, torment?
 
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Examples:
 
💥  The thought came:  "You're 83 now.  What will you do if you get to where you can't walk?  You'll have to live somewhere else?  What will you do?  Where will you go?"
 
I cried out to God:  "God ... help me!"  
 
Immediately I heard:  "God will supply all your need."  (Phil. 4:19)
 
"Right!"  I agreed! And I rejoiced immediately in that word I heard from God.
 
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💥  As I considered putting new upholstery on the front seats of my 25 year old car, the thought came:  "Or you could just buy a new car."
 
I stopped in my tracks.  It struck me like a lightening bolt!  Never had I thought of buying a new car.
 
But I could buy a new car.  
 
I had just sold the house in Texas and the money was in the bank.  I could pay for a new car and have money left over. (If I would have to go into debt, I would not have done that.)  
 
And by this information from God telling me that I could buy a new car, I saw that I would not need that money in future, for I knew it was the voice of the Holy Spirit speaking that Word from God to me.  This gave me faith to take that action.
 
God even confirmed that information by giving me a dream that same night:  In the dream, I bought a new car.
 
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💥  A 70-year-old man walked into his back yard and noticed his storage building which was overflowing with stuff, and thought, "I need to build another storage building to hold some of my stuff."
 
The thought came:  "Why don't you just get rid of the stuff?"  (a better way to go)
 
Wisdom from God.
 
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💥  In 2018, I fell at my house in Texas.  The phone was about 6 feet away in the bedroom.  I lived alone and no one was scheduled to come to my house for at least a week.  I turned onto my side.  (terrible pain)  and I began to try to inch my way to the phone but the pain was overwhelming.  
 
As I was lying there motionless, the thought came: "You can do this."  
 
I knew that was the Spirit of God speaking to me.  
 
I began moving toward the phone.  It took 4 1/2 hours to reach that area but I had heard from God and knew I could do that because God told me I could do that.
 
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💥  A high school girl was in a country grocery store and a young man came into the store.  The thought came:  "He's going to be your husband."
 
Is this thought from God?  Are both unmarried?  or will it take divorce for them to marry?
 
She was Baptist.  Does he believe in God?
 
Facts are needed.
 
This turned out to be a "word of knowledge" from God.  (I Cor. 12:8)
 
Wynette and Jerry were married for the next 60 years until Jerry died.
 
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The Holy Spirit will not lead us into evil ... but the devil will.
 
John 10:10  The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
 
If the thought would cause you to sin against God, it is not from God but is from devils and will destroy you if you go that way.
 
I Peter 5:8-9  Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith,
 
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💥  A young married woman was attracted to a man at the place where she worked.  She did not walk away.  She began a "friendship" with this man, though she was married at the time.  She ended up divorcing her husband.  The devil is looking for people he can destroy.
 
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💥  A church woman began "entertaining" various fear-filled thoughts, after which she made the following statement:  "I no longer care about anyone or anything.  I no longer read the Bible or blog.  I no longer care about anything."
 
Had she agreed to listen to me, I could have proved that she had taken thoughts sent by devils into her heart and these things were not true for there is no truth in devils.  (I Jn. 8:44)
 
She had a little dog, and she greatly cared for that little dog.
 
But she fled me and would not hear anything from me.
 
Later she apologized.
 
Things such as this are the works of devils who want to destroy us.  It is easy to see the fruits that came from receiving these thoughts brought evil. 
 
We must do what Paul said and take every thought captive.
 
2 Corinthians 10:5  Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ (The Word);
 
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The devil will destroy us if we allow him to do so and he does this by bringing his untrue thoughts to our mind.
 
James 4:7  Submit yourselves therefore to God (in prayer) . Resist the devil (with the Word of God), and he will flee from you.
 
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* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog 

Do not put yourself in the path of temptation. Avoid such.

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
I Thessalonians 5
 
14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.15 See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.16 Rejoice evermore.17 Pray without ceasing.18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.19 Quench not the Spirit.20 Despise not prophesyings.21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.
 
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It is very foolish to think of putting yourself in the path of temptation as a godly person.
 
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* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog 

Try the spirits, whether they are from God (I John 4:1)

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
I John 4
 
1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: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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Often I can tell which spirit is of God by the "tone of voice" used.
 
God usually brings me information, options:  "Or you could do such and such."
 
Devils almost always bring fear and torment.  "What will happen to you if this happens? What will you do then?"
 
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According to what it says in I John, 1-3, you can address the spirit directly if you choose to do so:  "Do you confess that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh?"
 
One time I heard, "You can't talk to a spirit."
 
And the Holy Spirit said:  "God is a spirit and you talk to HIM."
 
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If we don't try the spirits that bring thoughts to our mind, we could end up like a leaf that blows in the wind.
 
Psalm 1
 
1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in HIS law doth he meditate day and night.3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.4 The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.6 For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.
 
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Can you tell the difference between the voice of God and the voice of devils?
 
Devils almost always bring fear, doubt, torment.
 
God brings love, joy, peace.
 
John 10:10  (Jesus says:)  The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
 
2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
 
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* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog 

Thoughts that bring love, joy, peace ... thoughts that bring, fear, doubt, torment

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
Especially during the end times, we need to be able to automatically recognize thoughts that are from God vs. thoughts that are from devils.
 
Thoughts that bring "love, joy, peace" are thoughts from the Spirit of God.
 
Thoughts that bring "fear, doubt, torment" are thoughts from devils.
 
Thoughts that bring "dread" show you that you likely need to change the plan.  Pray.  
 
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We need to meditate upon the following scriptures until they become a way of life in following God.
 
2 Timothy 1:7  For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
 
James 1:17  Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
 
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* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog 

The salvation of the apostle Paul

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
Paul explains to king Agrippa:
 
Acts 26 
 
9 I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.10 Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them.11 And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities.12 Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests,13 At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me.14 And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou ME? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.15 And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And HE said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.16 But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;17 Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee,18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in ME.19 Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:
 
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Paul was called "Saul" before his conversion and then his name was changed to Paul.
 
Here is the story as cited in 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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God sends a man named Ananias to restore Paul's sight.
 
Acts 9
 
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.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.
 
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Paul was of those called to the ministry by Jesus from heaven after the crucifixion and resurrection.
 
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.
 
The ministers of the New Testament church today are called, and taught by, and placed in the church today by Jesus as HE calls them from heaven.
 
The apostle Paul was one of the first of these New Testament apostles.
 
Paul never saw Jesus in the flesh.  Paul was persecuting the Christians and consenting to their death when the Jews killed them.
 
When Jesus spoke to Paul, then he was completely changed immediately, born again by the Word which was spoken to him.  It was instant. And that is the way it is with us.  God speaks to us and instantly we are changed into a new creature.
 
2 Corinthians 5:17  Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
 
Then after we are born again, we have a desire to study the Bible and to be with the children of God.
 
God gives us a new heart and a new Spirit at the time we are born again.
 
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 

God judges this world

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
Isaiah 66
 
15 For, behold, the LORD will come with fire, and with HIS chariots like a whirlwind, to render HIS anger with fury, and HIS rebuke with flames of fire.16 For by fire and by HIS sword will the LORD plead with all flesh: and the slain of the LORD shall be many.
 
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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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Isaiah 65:17  For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.
 
God shows the apostle John that new heaven and new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness:
 
Revelation 21
 
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 

Ideas that come from God bring love, joy, peace ... but devils bring thoughts to steal that word that is from God

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
Spirits bring thoughts to our mind.  
 
The Holy Spirit is "The Helper" and HE speaks to us to give us ideas from God and to show us the way to go in the issues pertaining to this present world.  HE speaks by bringing gentle thoughts to our mind.
 
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.
(all things:  secular and spiritual)
 
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.
 
Devils also bring thoughts to our mind to take us in a way opposite to that given us by the Spirit of God.  
 
Here is an example of the way devil works to cause us to go another way from the way of the Spirit. 
 
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Pam Padgett recently finished a kitchen project.
 
Here is her story of something that happened when the tile back splash was being laid.
 
Pam says:  While looking for backsplash tile and considering how to have it installed, I had prayed many times. Although the backsplash would primarily go between the countertop and the upper cabinets, my kitchen sink sits in a corner of the room with windows on each side of the corner with no upper cabinets.  
 
I had planned to have the tile go to the ceiling in that area and two other small areas similar to this, so there would be a nice smooth look on the walls, not looking chopped up.  But when the tile started being installed, it looked much more "busy" than I had anticipated.  A thought came that it would be "too much" to have the tile go all the way to the ceiling.  So I told the tile installer to put the tile in the window area the same height as under the cabinets (about 18 inches).  
It never occurred to me that this was a devil bringing the thought about it being "too much" to put the tile to the ceiling, to turn me from the way I had seen to go when first considering the tile and praying about it.  (I didn't try the spirit bringing this fearful thought.)  
 
But I did pray to God, asking HIM to please turn this around if it would be better for me to have the tile go to the ceiling in those areas. 
 
After praying, I had Joan brought to my mind, but a thought came that I shouldn't trouble Joan with this matter.  And, again, I didn't think to try the spirit bringing this thought.  
 
A little later, Joan came to see the tile that had been installed.  After a few minutes she asked what was going to go above the tile in the area where there were no cabinets.  When I told her that nothing would go there, she said it looked unfinished to her and that she thought it would look "choppy".  
 
As soon as Joan said the word "choppy", I recognized that this was something that had been brought to my attention when making decisions about the backsplash.  Then I told the tile installer that I wanted the tile to go to the ceiling.  At that point, it was easy for him to make this change.  
 
Now its clear that devils were working, bringing fearful thoughts to turn me from the way God was leading me.   But instead of recognizing these fearful thoughts, I reacted out of panic.  
 
The tile has been put on the walls where there was no upper cabinets, and I really like the way it looks.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
And I am so thankful to God for turning me from my decision to not put tile to the ceiling and in time for the tile installer to be able to do this easily.
 
(As tile installer left, he said, " I'm really glad you put that tile all the way to the ceiling.)  
 
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This is an example of a devil bringing  "fear filled thoughts" to try to turn Pam from the better way for her on the project.
 
Jesus says:
 
John 10:10  The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
 
Even in secular ways, God leads us and the devil tries to turn us to another way.
 
The "WORD" comes and the devil tries to turn us from that "WORD" ... even in secular matters.
 
Mark 4:14-15  The sower soweth the word. 15 And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.
 
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Fear and doubt are primary tools used by devils.
 
2 Timothy 1:7  For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
 
When there is a "fear", look for some thought from a devil in the matter.
 
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Concerning doubt:
 
James 1:17  Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
 
Holy Spirit brings:  love, joy, peace 
 
Devils bring:  fear, doubt, torment (to try to get us to change from the direction of God)
 
Paul says:
 
2 Corinthians 10:5  Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
 
When an idea comes to our mind and then an idea opposite to the first idea comes, we turn to God in prayer allowing God to show us which idea is from HIM.
 
For devils work always in opposite direction to that WORD given us by the Holy Spirit of God.
 
Devils come to steal the Word or idea that is from God.
 
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* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog 

Acts 1:8

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
Jesus says ...
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.
The Holy Spirit lives in each person who belongs to God.
 
I Corinthians 3:16  Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
 
The Holy Spirit "comes upon us" each time He brings to our mind a scripture or concept to show us the will of God.
 
(Examples on this Podcast)
 
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* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog

God created woman as the ”help meet” for the man

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
Genesis 2
 
7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.18 And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.19 And out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof.20 And Adam gave names to all cattle, and to the fowl of the air, and to every beast of the field; but for Adam there was not found an help meet for him.21 And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and HE (God) took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof;22 And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made HE a woman, and brought her unto the man.23 And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.
 
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I Corinthians 11  (The apostle Paul says:)
 
1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.2 Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.3 But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.4 Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered (with long hair), dishonoureth his head.5 But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered (with short hair) dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven.6 For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered.7 For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man.8 For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man.9 Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man.10 For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head (long hair) because of the angels.11 Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord.12 For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of God.13 Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered (with short hair) ?14 Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?15 But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.16 But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.
 
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I Corinthians 7
 
24 Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God.
25 Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful.26 I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress, I say, that it is good for a man so to be.27 Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife.28 But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh: but I spare you.29 But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none;30 And they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as though they possessed not;31 And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away.32 But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord:33 But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife.34 There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband.35 And this I speak for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is comely, and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction.36 But if any man think that he behaveth himself uncomely toward his virgin, if she pass the flower of her age, and need so require, let him do what he will, he sinneth not: let them marry.37 Nevertheless he that standeth stedfast in his heart, having no necessity, but hath power over his own will, and hath so decreed in his heart that he will keep his virgin, doeth well.38 So then he that giveth in marriage doeth well; but he that giveth not in marriage doeth better.
(In verse 38, the translators of the KJV added the word "her" which changes the meaning of the exhortation.  Paul is saying those who choose not to marry do better than those who marry.)
 
The apostle Peter married and had children.
 
The apostle Paul did not marry.
 
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* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog 

Homosexuals and lesbians: What the Bible says

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
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;
 
Sometimes homosexuals and lesbians will say they were born that way.  This is not what the Bible says.
 
Bible says:
 
Mark 10:6   But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female.
 
(They were turned over by God to vile affections.  Romans 1:26)
 
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In the Old Testament God calls homosexuals, "Sodomites".
 
In the city of Sodom, homosexuals lived "in every quarter" of the city of Sodom. Their sins reached into heaven and God sent 2 angels to Sodom to remove the righteous nephew of Abraham, named Lot, before HE had the angels destroy Sodom.
 
Genesis 13:12-13  Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain, and pitched his tent toward Sodom.13 But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly.
 
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Genesis 19
 
1 And there came two angels to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot seeing them rose up to meet them; and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground;
(Angels do not have wings as humans today often think.  Angels look like natural humans.)2 And he said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant's house, and tarry all night, and wash your feet, and ye shall rise up early, and go on your ways. And they said, Nay; but we will abide in the street all night.3 And he (Lot) pressed upon them greatly; and they turned in unto him, and entered into his house; and he made them a feast, and did bake unleavened bread, and they did eat.4 But before they lay down, the men of the city, even the men of Sodom, compassed the house round, both old and young, all the people from every quarter:
(Notice there were homosexual "from every quarter" of Sodom, and they came to have sex with the 2 men who were at Lot's house.)5 And they called unto Lot, and said unto him, Where are the men which came in to thee this night? bring them out unto us, that we may know them.  (Have sex with them.)6 And Lot went out at the door unto them, and shut the door after him,7 And said, I pray you, brethren, do not so wickedly.8 Behold now, I have two daughters which have not known man; let me, I pray you, bring them out unto you, and do ye to them as is good in your eyes: only unto these men do nothing; for therefore came they under the shadow of my roof.9 And they said, Stand back. And they said again, This one fellow came in to sojourn, and he will needs be a judge: now will we deal worse with thee, than with them.  And they pressed sore upon the man, even Lot, and came near to break the door.10 But the men put forth their hand, and pulled Lot into the house to them, and shut to the door.11 And they (the angels) smote the men that were at the door of the house with blindness, both small and great: so that they wearied themselves to find the door.12 And the men (the angels) said unto Lot, Hast thou here any besides? son in law, and thy sons, and thy daughters, and whatsoever thou hast in the city, bring them out of this place:13 For we will destroy this place, because the cry of them is waxen great before the face of the LORD; and the LORD hath sent us to destroy it.14 And Lot went out, and spake unto his sons in law, which married his daughters, and said, Up, get you out of this place; for the LORD will destroy this city. But he seemed as one that mocked unto his sons in law.15 And when the morning arose, then the angels hastened Lot, saying, Arise, take thy wife, and thy two daughters, which are here; lest thou be consumed in the iniquity of the city.16 And while he lingered, the men laid hold upon his hand, and upon the hand of his wife, and upon the hand of his two daughters; the LORD being merciful unto him: and they brought him forth, and set him without the city.17 And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he (the angel) said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.
(If we stay with those who are sinning, we might be consumed by them.)18 And Lot said unto them, Oh, not so, my Lord:19 Behold now, thy servant hath found grace in thy sight, and thou hast magnified thy mercy, which thou hast shewed unto me in saving my life; and I cannot escape to the mountain, lest some evil take me, and I die:20 Behold now, this city is near to flee unto, and it is a little one: Oh, let me escape thither, (is it not a little one?) and my soul shall live.21 And he (the angel) said unto him, See, I have accepted thee concerning this thing also, that I will not overthrow this city, for the which thou hast spoken.22 Haste thee, escape thither; for I cannot do any thing till thou be come thither. Therefore the name of the city was called Zoar.23 The sun was risen upon the earth when Lot entered into Zoar.24 Then the LORD rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the LORD out of heaven;25 And he (God) overthrew those cities, and all the plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and that which grew upon the ground.26 But his wife (Lot's wife)  looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.27 And Abraham gat up early in the morning to the place where he stood before the LORD:28 And he looked toward Sodom and Gomorrah, and toward all the land of the plain, and beheld, and, lo, the smoke of the country went up as the smoke of a furnace.29 And it came to pass, when God destroyed the cities of the plain, that God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow, when he overthrew the cities in the which Lot dwelt.
 
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Deuteronomy 23:17  There shall be no whore of the daughters of Israel, nor a sodomite of the sons of Israel.
 
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I do not hate homosexuals or lesbians ... but I would not go to a barbecue with them.
 
I have met homosexuals and lesbians who say they are Christians and attend a church.
 
In each case, I have given them the following scripture to consider:
 
Romans 1
 
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;
 
Paul says:
 
2 Timothy 3:5  Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
 
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* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog 

God brings thoughts that cause love, joy, peace ... devils bring fear, doubt, trouble

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
James 3
 
13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation (manner of life) his works with meekness of wisdom.14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
 
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Fear and doubt are primary tools used by devils.
 
2 Timothy 1:7  For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
 
When there is a "fear", look for some thought from a devil in the matter.
 
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James 1:17  Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
 
Devil will try to get us to turn from the idea that is from God.
 
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* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog 

All who are born again are ”the saints”

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
The Saints are those persons who are born again having the Spirit of God dwelling in them.
 
The apostle Paul says:
 
I Corinthians 3:16   Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
 
Every person who is born again of the Spirit of God is a "saint".
 
The born again church are the saints.
 
Ephesians 4:3-5  Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
 
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Here are some of the scriptures in the Bible concerning the saints:
 
Romans 16:15 Salute Philologus, and Julia, Nereus, and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints which are with them.2 Corinthians 8:4 Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.Psalms 97:10 Ye that love the LORD, hate evil: HE preserveth the souls of HIS saints; HE delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked.2 Corinthians 9:1 For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you:
Romans 1:7 To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.Psalms 89:5 And the heavens shall praise THY wonders, O LORD: THY faithfulness also in the congregation of the saints.Romans 8:27 And HE that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because HE maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.Romans 15:31 That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints;Hebrews 6:10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward HIS name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.
Revelation 14:12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.
Colossians 1:2 To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.Psalms 149:1 Praise ye the LORD. Sing unto the LORD a new song, and HIS praise in the congregation of saints.
1 Corinthians 1:2 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:
Ephesians 4:11-13   And HE gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;  For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 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:
Ephesians 1:18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of HIS calling, and what the riches of the glory of HIS inheritance in the saints,
 
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The saints are the church.
 
Acts 13:48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.
 Acts 2:47  And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
 
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* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog 

Proverbs 21

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
Proverbs 21:30  There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD (The Word).
 
31 The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD.
 
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John 1 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
 
2 The same was in the beginning with God.
 
3 All things were made by HIM; and without HIM was not any thing made that was made.
 
4 In HIM was life; and the life was the light of men.
 
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Psalm 111:10  The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do HIS commandments: HIS praise endureth for ever.
 
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* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog 

The Word of God

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
Hebrews 4
 
12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in HIS sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of HIM with whom we have to do.
 
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* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog 

Philippians 4:19

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
But my God shall supply all your need according to HIS riches in glory by Christ Jesus (The Word).
 
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When we have a need, and we pray for help, God brings the solution to that need to us by HIS Word.
 
When we do that Word, by faith, our need is met by God.
 
(Examples on this podcast.)
 
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* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog 

When God speaks to us by HIS Spirit

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
The Word of God is all we need to do the situation at hand.
 
When we are sure God spoke to us telling us to do something, that is all we need.
 
Joshua 1:9  (God says:)  Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
 
Ask yourself this:  "Did God tell me to do this?"
 
This is the anchor for our soul.
 
Can you recognize the Spirit of God when HE speaks to you?
 
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* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog 

Jesus says:

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
John 10:27   MY sheep hear MY voice, and I know them, and they follow ME:
 
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John 10:5  And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.
 
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Romans 8:14  For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
 
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John 10:28-30
 
28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any pluck them out of MY hand.
(No man, no spirit, no event shall pluck them out of MY hand.)
 
29 MY Father, which gave them ME, is greater than all; and no (none) is able to pluck them out of MY Father's hand.30 I and my Father are one.
 
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* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog