Friday 28 September 2007

Communion



What is Communion? Should we partake in it? If so, how often should we do so?

Let look at what the word of God has to say concerning communion.

The main emphasis of communion is “fellowship”. The act associated with communion in the bible is the “breaking of bread; the body of Christ” and “drinking of wine; blood of Christ”. The bread is symbolic of the body of Christ which was given for us on the cross, the wine being symbolic of his blood which was shed for the remission of the sins of mankind, including you and I.
Luke 22:19 And he (Jesus) took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them (disciples), saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me." 20 In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.
What we can see of utmost importance from the above verse is “do this in remembrance of me.”
This is the real purpose of communion. I can see the importance of this today, since never before have I seen a lack of Christ in the church, and believers forgetting HIM and what HE did for us.
How often while listening to a sermon do you hear about the good news of Jesus Christ? You’ll most probably hear something to tickle you ears. Like something about “your destiny, dream. Purpose, blessing” etc…
Partaking of communion keeps our minds and hearts focused on Christ and his redemption and grace. This helps us remain humble and not sidetracked by every new teaching which takes our focus away from Christ.
I grew up in the Catholic Church until I received salvation through Christ and became a Christian in 1996, so I am quite familiar with communion. Often many of us like myself, see weekly partaking of communion as a religious act and not something we should bother with. This is far from the truth. Communion is not a religious ceremony, but an act of love for Christ and away of keeping him central to our lives and thoughts. We should regularly commune together as believers, not relying solely on the church to call us together on a Sunday morning. Regular fellowship should always be encouraged. Taking communion should always be encouraged on a regular basis (1 Corin 11:16). I don’t believe that we can take communion too often, as the focus should be to remember and identify with what Christ did for us on the cross.

Acts 2:45And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.
46And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
47Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

Paul also reminds the believers in:
1 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. 25 After 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.

Lets not forget to remember the Lord and proclaim his death (salvation plan) by partaking of communion.

Tuesday 25 September 2007

Sowing and reaping?



I’m pretty confident that you have at least once heard the term sowing and reaping, or "seeding" in the Christian circle. Whether it be by your Pastor in your local church, a televangelist on a Christian TV channel, or in a book by a Christian author. The term has been widely used in the body of Christ for a long time now and has even become a doctrine in some respects.
But what does the bible really have to say about sowing and reaping? Let’s have look at some scriptures on the topic.

One of the favourite scriptures concerning seedtime and harvest is Genesis 8:22 ….
Many people take this scripture and apply it to anything, but it is most commonly applied to financial sowing to ministries and “men and women of God”. But what was God referring to in vs 22. Well If we read from Chapter 6, we see God instructing Noah to build an Ark because he was about to destroy the earth by water (flood) because of the grave evil on the earth. In chapter 8 vs 21 God promises “I will not again curse the ground any more for man’s sake; for the imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more everything living, as I have done.

Here we see that God had cursed the ground due to the wickedness of the people and promises never to do it again. In verse 22 he continues … “as long as the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.

So was God referring to literal seeding in the earth, i.e. planting of crops or was he speaking of everything that man calls seeding i.e. sowing money into ministries expecting to get a return on our investment? I cannot conclude this to be what God meant. Can you?

2 Corinthians 9:6-But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.

This is another scripture which is often used encourage giving financially to a ministry or minister. One the surface this scripture does seem to mean, that if we give small we receive small and if we give much we will receive much in return. However, If we look at the surround text we will get a better understanding of what Paul was saying to the church at Corinth. If we back up a bit further to the preceding chapter it will help us get a better understanding of the context. From the text it appears that the Corinthian church where experiencing a time of financial prosperity (cht 8 vs 14 but by equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality). What was the want of the church at Corinth and what was the want of the church at Macedonia? Paul seems to be encouraging an exchange between the churches to encourage equality. The church at Macedonia where in want financially (chp 9 vs 12) while they prospering in many other areas, eg. grace, righteousness, devotion to God.

Paul is encouraging the Corinthians to follow in the footsteps of the Macedonians and pursue righteousness. Titus had been sent to Paul by God to help and comfort him and the other apostles at a time when they where in need and cast down (chp 7 vs 5,6). Paul was desiring that Titus would also visit the Corinthian church in there now time of need. Paul boosts of the grace of God on the Macedonian church while boasting to the Macedonians of the generosity of the Corinthians and there pledge to financially assist the Macedonians. If we return to or first text in Chapter 9 vs 6, we understand that Paul in encouraging them to sow financially to the Macedonian church in need (vs 9, as it is written, He has dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever). Then we continue in verses 7 and 8, every man according ….

Paul puts in focus a reaping of grace, righteousness, good works and thanksgivings to God (vs 8,9,10.11,12) not a reaping of financial blessing which they already had. God in more concern about us being bountiful in righteousness, grace, etc then being bountiful in finances.

Paul reminds Timothy to teach the same to those who are rich in finances. 1 Tim 6:17-Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; 18 that they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; 19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold of eternal life.

This is what Paul was encouraging the Corinthian church to do.
So what do we learn from this? We as Christians should support and help other Christians in need, whether they are in a third world country, your local church or you brother or sister.

Now what about you local church, pastor, etc. Should we not financially support our local church? If my Pastor is ministering fulltime how will he and his family be supported?

Firstly, if you fellowship at a local church, If you have the means it is only effecal that you support where you can to assist the church in functioning. However it must be said that this not limited to finance. Some people may not be in a position to assist financially, but may be involved in the helps ministry of the church on a voluntary basis lending a skill or gift to the body of believers.

The bible says 1Timothy 5:17-Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. 18 For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.

So according to the scriptures elders should be looked after by the church as they do the work of God. What is important though is that they are actually labouring in the word and doctrine and not sitting at home during the week watching tv or out playing golf. This is certainly the criteria.

As much as the ox must not be muzzled, no one who remove the muzzle if the ox was eating the entire harvest. An elder should be fed but not consume the entire harvest!

Also if possible elders should continue to work where possible and it should be a last resort to receive financial support from the congregation. Today many ministers are living far beyond there necessary means, flaunting lavish lifestyles of the rich and famous, with fleets of luxury vehicles, millionaire mansions, planes, and expensive jewellery. This is not what is meant by “do not muzzle the ox”. This is fleecing the flock which God is certainly against (Ezekiel 34).

Lets look at a key scripture concerning sowing and reaping. In Matthew 6 Jesus tells us not to worry about the things of the earth like food and clothing. These are the things that the world chases after. God is our father and will provide these things if we continue to put our trust in him. Lets look at vs 26, behold the fowls of the air: for the sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?

This is a valid question to be answered. Ask yourself. Am I more important to God than birds? The answer is yes you are! God is heavenly Father, so that means a lot. As we see, Jesus himself says that the birds do not sow, nor reap, yet god provides food for them. This means that God will provide food for us, if we seek first his kingdom and his righteousness (vs 33).

The problem is that many of us are pursing God out of greed and ulterior motives. Some are sowing “seeds” because we are not content with what we have already, so we are trying to use God as a high interest low risk building society.

In verse 28-30, Jesus continues with another example, this time using the lilies of the field and how God has beautifully clothed them. Again he explains that they are nothing to God compared to us his children. He ends vs 30 … shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?

O ye of little faith? Jesus says they have little faith. Today may teach that sowing seed, and believing God for a harvest it great faith. This could not be more carnal and far from the truth. What you will find is that it is the rich (financially) preachers who seem to be teaching faith yet they have no understanding of what faith really is.

James 2:5-Harken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? 6 but ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgement seats?

The bible says that it is the poor who are rich in faith. Why? Because they have learnt how to trust God to provide for them on a daily basis (Matt 6:11-give us this day our daily bread).

Sunday 23 September 2007

Juanita begs for $200,000

This is a recent clip of Juanita Bynum begging for $200,000. I thought she was a multimillionaire. So why is she begging for this money? And what for? She has just bought 30 acres of land, yet she is asking for this money to build a temple for her to pray in, which will hold the ark of the covenant and threshing floor? :S I dont know whether to laugh or cry. This is daylight robbery.



She is begging for this money while wearing her bling watch. Last time I saw her on television she was driving a Rolls Royce! And boasting about her 16 franchaises, worth multimillions of dollars.

Stop being duped people, you are apart of the problem of why these false teachers are decieving many and leading them to hell. You are their supporters. Remember that! Rev 2:20-25

Brothers and Sisters stay away from idols.

Saturday 22 September 2007

Another reason why you need to run for your life

This video clip is a prime example of twisting scripture to saltisfy the lust of the flesh but the one and only Bishop Weeks III.

COLOSSIANS 3:8
But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, FILTHY COMMUNICATION out of your mouth.



Rev 2:20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.
21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.
22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.
23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.
24 But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden.
25 But that which ye have already hold fast till I come.

Thursday 20 September 2007

Paul Washer on thre truth of the gospel

This is a Shockingly Powerful & Biblical message
preached to about 5,000 youth in a day when youth
are appealed to through shallow and worldly means.

At one point in this sermon the 5,000 Youth are
clapping and yelling BUT THEN the preacher makes
a comment that CHANGES THE WHOLE ATMOSPHERE TO
WHERE YOU COULD HAVE HEARD A PIN DROP... As you
can imagine, the preacher was never invited back.

False Prophets Part 3

Beware of ravenous wolves!

Friday 7 September 2007

Re: Do Woman Have The Right To Preach?

This is a short teaching response to the question; Do women have the right to preach?

Firstly, let me say that i believe this question in of itself is not the right question to be asked, nor is it the main area dealt with in this video. The question really should be; Is it Gods will for women to teach men and hold positions of authority over them?

Judge for yourself. God bless.

Part 1


Part 2