Building your house on the word from God

Barnabas was one of those apostles appointed from heaven by Jesus, as was Paul also

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
From heaven, after the crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus appoints ministers to work in the New Testament churches.
 
Ephesians 4
 
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;
 
💥💥💥
 
When Jesus walked on this earth in the form of a man, HE called 12 men whom HE appointed as "apostles".
 
After Jesus was crucified and taken into heaven, they had to appoint one man to take the place of Judas who was the traitor and killed himself.
 
Peter says:
 
Acts 1
 
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.
 
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.
Matthias became the 12th apostle, replacing Judas.
 
💥💥💥
 
Many churches today are taught that Paul is the 12th apostle.  But Matthias was the 12th apostle.
 
So where does that leave Paul as an apostle?
 
From heaven after the crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus called Paul and put Paul into the ministry of apostle and teacher.
 
In the following scripture, we see Barnabas was also one of those apostles named with Paul.
 
Acts 14:14  Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out,
 
From the scriptures, we know Timothy was an evangelist.  (2 Tim. 4:5)
 
Philip also was evangelist and his 4 daughters did prophesy to the church.  (Acts 21)
 
In the book of Acts, we have several prophets named:  Agabus, Silas, Judas (not Iscariot)
 
The New Testament church was established by Jesus after HE was taken into heaven and HE gave to the church ministries of apostle, prophet, evangelists, pastor and teacher.  (Eph. 4:11)
 
Today's ministers are also called by God by Jesus from heaven and put in the church as ministers.
 
Now we know Barnabas as one of the apostles of Jesus.
 
💥💥💥💥💥
 
* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog 

When we speak

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
Ephesians 4
 
29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
 
💥💥💥
 
It is so important to consider what we are speaking.  Will it minister grace to the hearer?  Will it edify God?  Will it turn them to godliness?
 
Or do we just tickle the flesh?
 
As Christians, we are "peculiar people", created by God.
 
1 Peter 2
 
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:
 
💥💥💥
 
We must learn to bridle our tongue and speak words that build up one another in faith in God and show the way of God for us on this present world.
 
James 1:26  If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.
 
💥💥💥
 
In the day of judgment, Jesus says to us the following:
 
Matthew 12
 
35 A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.
 
So we learn to think before we speak, examining that which we want to share by this:
 
Will these words that I want to speak edify the other person in things of God and in the ways of God?
 
Or am I just wanting to share the words that I've heard on the latest evening newscast?
 
💥💥💥
 
Often when tempted, I pray:  "God ... please don't let me speak that."
 
💥💥💥💥💥
 
* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog

Psalm 111:10

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
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.
 
💥💥💥
 
To me, "The fear of the Lord" is a very deep understanding that God knows what is best so when HE tells me something I should be afraid not to do what HE says.
 
And we are shown that God gives a good understanding when we do HIS commandments.
 
Also to seek the praise of men is foolish.  Please God and seek HIS praise in all things.  Then evil doers will likely depart from us or be saved and changed by God.  
 
And God's praise is not temporary but endures forever and does not change as man's praise changes.
 
💥💥💥💥💥
 
* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog

Luke 9

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
Jesus says:
 
23  And HE said to them all, If any man will come after ME , let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow ME.24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for MY sake, the same shall save it.25 For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?26 For whosoever shall be ashamed of ME and of MY words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when HE shall come in HIS own glory, and in HIS Father's, and of the holy angels.
 
💥💥💥
 
If we hold back and fail to share a scripture or what God has done in our lives, when the Holy Spirit reminds us, then we are likely trying to protect ourselves, keeping the admiration of that person to whom we speak.
 
For we know we risk our own reputation in the sight of other humans when we share things of God with that person.  (Lk. 9:23-24)
 
💥💥💥💥💥
 
* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog

Example 2: Spiritual gift of faith (I Cor. 12:9)

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
When I was a new Christian in 1975, I owned a small business in Dallas, Texas in American Indian Arts.
 
At that time the Dallas Morning News asked me to write an article concerning the purchase of Indian Arts and how the customer could be certain the item they were purchasing was genuine.
 
I did write the article.
 
A few weeks later, a man filed a law suit against me and several other dealers charging us with conspiring to keep him from doing business in Dallas.
 
It was so ridiculous that I tossed the legal papers to a corner of a shelf in my office and went on with my normal business activities.
 
Then all of a sudden a few days later I realized that if I ignored this legal matter, that man could get judgment against me and take all of the merchandise from my shop.
 
I hired a lawyer.
 
A court date was scheduled.  But several weeks passed and I began receiving legal bills from my attorney.  It got to the point that I knew I would spend all the money I had to pay my own lawyer.
 
I'm sure I prayed asking God what I should do about this.
 
💥💥💥
 
I was led to a scripture in the Bible and an unusual faith came upon me.  
 
In this Podcast, I will share what I did.
 
It was a faith that allowed me to do things that I don't think I could have done on my own.
 
I believe I was given a spiritual gift of faith to deal with this matter.
 
I Corinthians 1:9  To another (is given) faith by the same Spirit;
 
💥💥💥💥💥
 
* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog

A spiritual gift of faith (I Cor. 12:9)

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
There is a spiritual gift of faith.
 
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 (God) will.
 
💥💥💥
 
At least twice, a spirit of faith has come upon me to enable me to do things I don't think I could have done otherwise.
 
I will share one of these with you on this Podcast.
 
💥💥💥💥💥
 
* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog

Hebrews 6:10

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward HIS name (The Word) in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.
 
💥💥💥
 
All who share HIS Word by the Spirit of God with others will be rewarded by God.
 
To share by the Spirit of God means to share that word brought to your mind by the Holy Spirit with the person you are with at that time.
 
This is sharing by the Holy Spirit of God.
 
The Holy Spirit brings to our mind a scripture:  Share that scripture.
 
The Holy Spirit reminds us of a story of what God has done:  Share that story.
 
Don't plan ahead what you will say.  Just share what the Holy Spirit brings to your mind while you are with the individual.  That is what God wants them to hear.
 
Jesus says:
 
Luke 21:14-15  Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer: For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.
 
💥💥💥💥💥
 
* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog

Jesus says: In the last days, they will come saying I am Christ and will deceive many

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
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.
 
💥💥💥
 
It is not that they will come saying they are Christ.  No one would listen to them if they said that.
 
But Jesus is saying they will come saying HE is Christ, "Jesus is Lord".  And when they say they are Christians and "Jesus is Lord", they will deceive many.
 
Jesus says to expect this in the last days.
 
Antichrist will come into the church saying they are Christians and saying Jesus is Lord, but they do not do the Word of God, having not the Spirit of God.
 
They will copy other people who seem spiritual.  But something is always a little off with them for they are counterfeits, not the real thing.  For they only copy others for they have not the Spirit of God.  They are led by their own minds, not by the Spirit.
 
We who have the Spirit will recognize those who do not have the Spirit.
 
Romans 8:14   For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
 
💥💥💥💥💥
 
* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog

”The Rock”, upon whom the church is built, is that Word that comes down to us from heaven

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
Matthew 16
 
13 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.
 
The Rock upon which the church is built is that Word which comes down to the individual from heaven.
 
💥💥💥💥💥
 
* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog

He who ”endures” to the end will be saved

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
Starting the race is good.  But ending the race is critical.
 
Matthew 24:12-13  Jesus says: And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.  But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
 
💥💥💥
 
Hebrews 3
 
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.14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;
 
💥💥💥💥💥
 
* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog

Jesus, THE WORD

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
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.
 
💥💥💥
 
When I read the Bible, and see "The Lord", I always think "The Word."  
 
Psalm 23
 
1 The LORD  (The Word) is my shepherd; I shall not want.2 HE (The Word) maketh me to lie down in green pastures: HE (The Word) leadeth me beside the still waters.3 HE (The Word) restoreth my soul: HE (The Word) leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for HIS name's sake.
 
💥💥💥
 
And when I see the name Jesus, I think "THE WORD".
 
John 14
 
6 Jesus saith unto him, I  (The Word) am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by ME (The Word).
 
💥💥💥
 
John 6
 
29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on HIM (The Word) whom HE hath sent.
33 For the bread of God is HE (The Word) which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.
35 And Jesus said unto them, I (The Word) am the bread of life: he that cometh to ME (The Word) shall never hunger; and he that believeth on ME (The Word) shall never thirst.
 
40 And this is the will of HIM that sent ME, that every one which seeth the Son (The Word), and believeth on HIM (The Word), may have everlasting life: and I (The Word) will raise him up at the last day.
 
💥💥💥💥💥
 
* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog

God does not allow more to come upon us than we are able to bear

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
 
I Corinthians 10:13  There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
 
💥💥💥
 
Call on God for help in times of temptation ... and take the way of escape that God shows.
 
💥💥💥💥💥
 
* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog

The work of a prophet in the New Testament Church

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
Ephesians 4:8;11-14
 
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:
 
From heaven today, Jesus calls HIS appointed ministers to the ministry in the New Testament Churches ... apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers
 
Paul was called from heaven by Jesus after the crucifixion and resurrection and set in the church as an apostle and teacher.  (You can have more than one ministry office.)
 
By the Holy Spirit of God, Jesus taught Paul what to do in the work of the New Testament ministry.
 
The ministers of Jesus are taught by Jesus.
 
💥💥💥
 
In the Book of Acts, we see the work of the NT prophets... Agabus, Silas, Judas (not Iscariot),
 
Acts 11:26-29  And when he (Barnabas) had found him (Paul), 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.27 And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch.  (NT prophets)28 And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar.  29 Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea:
 
💥💥💥
 
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.
 
💥💥💥
 
Acts 15:32  And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them.
 
Paul often chose Silas (a prophet) to travel with him.
 
Acts 15:40  And Paul (apostle/teacher) chose Silas (a NT prophet), and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.
 
💥💥💥
 
John the Baptist, a prophet of God, who went before Jesus, prepared the way for the first coming of Jesus.  
 
Luke 3
 
7 Then said he (John the Baptist) to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?8 Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.9 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.10 And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then?11 He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise.12 Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do?13 And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you.14 And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages.15 And as the people were in expectation, and all men mused in their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, or not;16 John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: HE shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:17 Whose fan is in HIS hand, and HE will throughly purge HIS floor, and will gather the wheat into HIS garner; but the chaff HE will burn with fire unquenchable.18 And many other things in his exhortation preached he unto the people.
💥💥💥
The prophets today, prepare the way for the second coming of Jesus as they try to turn the churches to the doctrines of the NT Bible.
 
Here is the work of the prophet in the church today.  (As John did so will today's prophets do.)
 
Luke 1
 
16 And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God.17 And he shall go before HIM in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.
(To make a people prepared for the second coming of Jesus.)
 
76 And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God.79 To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.
 
💥💥💥💥💥
 
* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog

Comparing spiritual things with spiritual

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
As we study the Bible the Holy Spirit takes us from scripture to scripture, comparing spiritual things with spiritual, rightly dividing the Word of God.
 
I Corinthians 2:12-14
 
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.
 
💥💥💥
 
If we consider only one scripture on the subject, we might deceive ourselves.
 
For example:  concerning divorce and remarriage
 
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 only time in NT Bible a man is permitted to divorce his wife and marry another is if his wife is "unfaithful".
 
Some might look at this scripture in a superficial way and think the woman can divorce an unfaithful husband and marry another man.
 
But you must consider what Paul says is "a commandment of the Lord" in 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.
And in Matthew 5:32, note that if the man divorces the faithful wife and she remarries she will commit adultery and he will be the cause of her adultery.  And the man who marries the divorced woman commits adultery.
 
We must also consider Mark 10 concerning what Jesus said about divorce and remarriage.
 
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.
One flesh is a very serious matter.  Can a divorce paper from a court of man separate the two after they have been made by God to be one flesh?"
 
Other examples on this Podcast of comparing spiritual with spiritual by the Holy Spirit.
 
💥💥💥💥💥
 
* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog

At the end of this world, we will meet the Lord ”in the air”

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
We will meet the Lord "in the air".
 
This present heaven and earth will be destroyed by God.
 
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.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.
 
💥💥💥
 
We will be changed by God into our new spiritual bodies and rise to meet Jesus "in the air."
 
I Corinthians 15
 
47 The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.48 As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.49 And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep (die), but we shall all be changed,52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
(Blink! That is how quickly we will be changed to our new spiritual bodies.)
 
💥💥💥
 
The dead in Christ shall rise first to meet the Lord "in the air".
 
I Thessalonians 4
 
13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep (dead), that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with HIM.15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent (go before) them which are asleep.16 For the Lord HIMSELF shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
(One day, the Holy Spirit said to me, "In the air."  I found this in verse 17.)
 
💥💥💥
 
After the dead in Christ are raised, those who belong to God and are still alive on this earth will be raised to meet Jesus "in the air."
 
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.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.
(To be taken by HIS angels to meet Jesus "in the air".)
 
💥💥💥
 
Jesus and HIS elect will then be taken to the new heaven and new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness.
 
God showed the apostle John this new heaven and new earth.
 
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.
 
💥💥💥
 
Jesus says:
 
Luke 21
 
33 Heaven and earth shall pass away: but MY words shall not pass away.34 And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.35 For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.
 
💥💥💥💥💥
 
* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog

Let your conversation be without covetousness. (Heb. 13:5)

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
Conversation means:  verbal communication but it also means "manner of life".
 
Dictionary.com:   Meaning of communication:  behavior or manner of living
 
💥💥💥
 
Hebrews 13:5-6
 
5 Let your conversation (manner of life) be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for HE hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
 
Covetousness often comes by comparing yourselves with other people.  Desiring that which other people have or desiring to outdo other people.
 
Therefore Paul explains:
 
2 Corinthians 10:12  For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
💥💥💥
 
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.
 
💥💥💥💥💥
 
* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog

The Lord’s Supper: Eating and drinking the Word of God in a proper way

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
Many churches eat crackers and drink grape juice thinking this to be the Lord's supper.
 
Paul tells us we must examine ourselves and eat and drink in a worthy way otherwise we will eat and drink damnation to ourselves.
 
How do we examine ourselves?  
 
Even as a young child I wondered how we are to do this.
 
I Corinthians 11
 
23 For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.25After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.27 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.31 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.
 
💥💥💥
 
We examine ourselves by the Bible, by the Word of God, making corrections as needed to our lives, properly handling the Word of God, for the Word of God is the Lord's Supper and the scriptures are to be taken worthily, doing them correctly.
 
1 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.
 
💥💥💥💥💥
 
* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog

Exercising yourself in the Word of God

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
We exercise ourselves unto godliness by taking portions of scripture and doing them throughout the day.
 
 I Timothy 4:7-8  But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.
 
Ephesians 4:29   Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
 
💥💥💥
 
I Corinthians 10:13  There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
 
💥💥💥💥💥
 
* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog

We are not unaware of the way the devil works, says Paul

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
2 Corinthians 2:11  Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.
 
The devil will try to get us to carry a grudge, to get even with those who offend us, to hate and despise, to live in unforgiveness, to avenge the wrong done against us ... and to do the works of the flesh.
 
Romans 12
 
17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
 
💥💥💥
 
The devil will try to get us to do the works of the flesh.
 
Galatians 5:19-21  Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 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.
 
💥💥💥
 
At no time does God approve adultery or fornication.
 
At the time of sexual intercourse, the 2 become one flesh:
 
I Corinthians 6
 
15 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.19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
 
💥💥💥
 
The devil will try to stir us up to protest and fight for our "rights".  The devil tries to make us think evil is good.  For the devil is a liar and twists the truth because there is no truth in devils, says Jesus.
 
John 8:44  Concerning the devil:  He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
 
But Jesus says:
 
Matthew 5  Jesus says:
 
39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.40 And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also.41 And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.42 Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.
 
💥💥💥
 
Some ministers are ministers of Satan:
 
I Corinthians 11
 
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.
 
💥💥💥
 
Romans 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.
 
The devil often appears as an angel of "light", bringing "good ideas", but really to go these ways will be a way of death.
 
Proverbs 14:12   There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
 
James 3
 
13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation 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.18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace. 
💥💥💥
 
Matthew 11:30  Jesus says:
 
MY yoke is easy, and MY burden is light.
 
So if your plan is hard to do, complex, overly expensive you are not yoked to God's plan.
 
Stop and pray.
 
James 1:5  
 
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
 
💥💥💥💥💥 
 
* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog

The Sower soweth the word

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
Luke 8
 
5 A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it.
6 And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture.7 And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it.8 And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. 
And when HE (Jesus) had said these things, HE cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.9 And HIS disciples asked HIM, saying, What might this parable be?10 And HE said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.11 Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.12 Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.13 They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.14 And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.15 But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.
 
💥💥💥
 
When we hear the word of God, it is important for us to do that Word, so it becomes a part of us.
 
Also we "meditate" upon that word, thinking of it until it becomes strong enough that we later act upon the instructions given in that word.
 
Acts 17  
 
10 And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.12 Therefore many of them believed;
They received the Word with all readiness of mind ... but they went away and searched the scripture to see if that which was preached was true.
 
When I went to church in the 1980's, I made a habit of copying down each scripture spoken by the preacher and when I got home I re-read those scriptures allowing God to work these verses into my heart.
 
God said the following to Joshua and I knew these scriptures applied to us also in the NT church.
 
Joshua 1:8  This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.  
 
And when the scripture was strong enough in me, I did the instruction of the scripture after thinking on the scripture for days or even weeks.
 
James 1:22  But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
 
25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
 
💥💥💥
 
Here is a scripture each of us must be careful to do each day:
 
Philippians 4:6  Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
 
If we do this scripture, the following happens:
 
Philippians 4:7  And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
 
💥💥💥💥💥
 
* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog

Saved by fire: what that means

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
I Corinthians 3
 
10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ (The Word of God).12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
(Examples on this Podcast)
 
💥💥💥💥💥
 
* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog

To guide our feet in the way of peace (Luke 1:79)

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
At the end of this world, when God will judge the world and the apostate church, the message for us is to seek peace and pursue it.
 
It is not that we agree with the world or the evil doers to maintain peace.  Rather we maintain peace by speaking the word of God and allowing the world to depart from us.  
 
Scriptures concerning peace:
 
2 Peter 3:10-14  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.
 
💥💥💥
 
Romans 14:19   Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.
 
💥💥💥
 
2 Timothy 2:22    Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
 
💥💥💥
 
Romans 12:18-21   If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is MINE; I will repay, saith the Lord.20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
 
💥💥💥
 
There are some people we cannot be around and maintain our own peace.  They trouble us with their words and their acts.  To have peace, we have to avoid certain persons.  They are like thorns in our sides and pricks in our eyes.
 
II Corinthians 6
 
14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be MY people.17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean; and I will receive you,18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be MY sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
 
💥💥💥💥💥
 
* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog

I Corinthians 2

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
When I was a new Christian, God took me to 1 Corinthians 2 and used this to instruct me concerning the Holy Spirit who lives in the believer.
 
I Corinthians 2  (The apostle 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.
(The crucified Christ is an example of laying down your life to do the will of God.)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:8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.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.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.
 
This Podcast has examples of speaking by the Spirit of God.
 
💥💥💥💥💥
 
* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog

When devils accuse the believer

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
Revelation 12
 
9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of HIS Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.12 Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.
 
💥💥💥
 
The accuser of our brethren often brings to the believer accusations to our mind to try to trouble us over what we have done or to trouble us over other brothers in Christ.
 
Knowing that devils do this helps us to resist these troubling thoughts for such thought are of devils and not of God.
 
And we know the devil twists the truth for there is no truth in devils.  
 
John 8:42  Jesus says:  He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
 
💥💥💥
 
Devils bring lies and accuse us and torment us.
 
We turn to God and ask God for help and by the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth, God brings truth to our mind.
 
We accept the truth from God and rejoice in that which God has said to us and the devil then flees from us ... for a season.  When devil returns later, again we turn to God for help and rejoice in what God says and the devil flees again from us.
 
💥💥💥💥💥
 
* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog

Believing God

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 
Some church goers cannot enter into things of God for they cannot believe.
 
The Word come to us through God.  Believing that word is the first step to living in peace.
 
Luke 1:45  And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord. 
 
💥💥💥
 
Hebrews 3
 
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.14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;
 
💥💥💥💥💥
 
* For writings on additional subjects, click here:  Jesus Ministries Exhortations Blog