A CHRISTMAS SPECIAL - "GOD DOESN'T LIE TO US"

ONE TIME A YEAR the righteous and the wicked, the sinners and the born again saints, the repentful and the unrepentant …

One Time A Year…

The fornicator, the adulterer, the pedophile, the lesbian, the homosexual, the sexually perverted and immoral of all kinds…

One Time A Year…

The racist, the terrorist, the hater, the lover, the unforgiving and the forgiving…

One Time A Year…

The oppressed and the oppressors, the slave and the slave master, the tortured and the torturer…

One Time A Year…

Enemies of God, disobedient and rebellious workers of iniquity, brazen practitioners of vile transgressions, rapists, thieves, murders, drunkards and the shameless, the vulgar, the promiscuous, the greedy and the insatiably unholy…

One Time A Year…

Those who refuse to be baptized in the name of Christ, those who have rejected GOD’S TRUTH and those who were never gifted by GOD with the promised HOLY SPIRIT…

One Time A Year…

All worldly souls acknowledge, celebrate and worship the Christmas Spirit and pretend that they are followers of FATHER YHVH in CHRIST.

ONE TIME A YEAR The whole World, along with her churches and deceived priests, false prophets and gullible congregations have all bowed down in idolatry to worship the image of the beast and proclaim allegiance to demonic spirits.

ONE TIME A YEAR, folks who do not keep the Commandments of God nor remember His Holy Seventh Day Sabbath to keep it Holy; faithfully and passionately buy Christmas gifts, attend Christmas celebrations and Christmas worship services and spend billions of dollars in the name of Christmas.

ONE TIME A YEAR everyone pretends to be in Christ and loving toward everyone and obedient to God by wishing each other a MERRY CHRISTMAS.

Hypocrisy! Blasphemy! Liars!

Christmas is not a substitute for obedience to God’s Commandments and there isn’t any salvation in its pagan celebration.

Christmas is not a substitute for REPENTANCE, BAPTISM IN WATER INTO THE NAME OF CHRIST AND BEING GIFTED BY GOD WITH HIS HOLY SPIRIT.

Christmas is not a substitute for HOLINESS and celebrating it sure is not an indication that you belong to GOD.

DON’T BE DECEIVED ANY LONGER!

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven, only those who do what my Father in heaven wants.  On that Day, many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord! Didn’t we prophesy in your name? Didn’t we expel demons in your name? Didn’t we perform many miracles in your name?’  Then I will tell them to their faces, ‘I never knew you! Get away from me, you workers of lawlessness! (Matthew 7:21-23)

REPENT BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE!

Matthew 15:8-10
‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far away from me. Their worship of me is useless,because they teach man-made rules as if they were doctrines.’”

You are not receiving this warning by accident but by divine providence. God wants you to be saved from the wrath to come and from the judgment of HIS eternal damnation.

And the great Dragon was cast down, that Chief Serpent, which is called The Devil and Satan, which deceives all The Earth, and it was cast down unto The Earth and its Angels were cast down with it. (Revelation 12:9)

Satan has deceived the whole world as prophesied and Christmas is one of the worldwide deceptions of Satan and many believers are in the deception. (Colossians 2:8 and 1 Timothy 3:13)

Ezekiel 13:1-16
The word of Adonai came to me:  “Human being, prophesy against the prophets of Isra’el who prophesy. Tell those prophesying out of their own thoughts, ‘Listen to what Adonai says!  Adonai Elohim says: “Woe to the vile prophets who follow their own spirits and things which they have not seen!  Isra’el, your prophets have been like jackals among ruins.  You [prophets] have not gone up to the breaks in the barricade or repaired it for the house of Isra’el, so that they can stand fast in battle on the day of Adonai.  Their visions are futile and their divination is false; they say, ‘Adonai says,’ when Adonai has not sent them; yet they hope that the word will be confirmed.  Haven’t you had a futile vision and spoken a false divination when you say, ‘Adonai says,’ and I have not spoken? 8Therefore here is what Adonai Elohim does say: ‘Because you have spoken futilities and seen falsehoods, therefore I am against you,’ says Adonai Elohim.  “‘“My hand will be against the prophets who have futile visions and produce false divinations; they will not be allowed into the council of my people, or be written in the register of the house of Isra’el, or enter the land of Isra’el. Then you will know that I am Adonai Elohim.  They deserve this, because they have led my people astray by saying there is peace when there is no peace. If someone builds a wall without mortar, they ‘plaster’ it with whitewash [to make it appear strong].  Tell these ‘plasterers’ that a cloudburst is coming, with huge hailstones and gale-force winds;  and the wall will fall down. Then people will ask you, ‘Where is the whitewash you used to “plaster” it?’”  Therefore Adonai Elohim says: “In my rage I will cause gale-force winds to break out, and in my anger there will come a cloudburst, with huge hailstones to consume it in fury.  This is how I will break down the wall you covered with whitewash — I will smash it to the ground, so that its foundation will be revealed. The wall will fall down, and you will be consumed with it. Then you will know that I am Adonai.  In this way I will spend my fury on the wall and on those who covered it with whitewash; and I will say to you, ‘The wall is gone, and so are those who “plastered” it,’  that is, the prophets of Isra’el who prophesy about Yerushalayim and see visions of peace for her when there is no peace,” says Adonai Elohim.’

The mouth of the LORD has spoken. Hear what THE SPIRIT is saying unto the EKKLESIA of CHRIST. (Psalm 69:28)

REPENT!

Copyright © Othealor W. Prince 2015
All Rights Reserved

TO GOD BE THE GLORY!!!

“A DAY LATE AND A DOLLAR SHORT" with Bishop O.W. Prince

Sometimes the best and most precious things are wrapped in plain brown paper.

Take notice whenever you’ve been overlooked for something shiny and bright and then refuse to be anybody’s second choice.

Rest assured that you were always the better choice.

(Bishop O.W. Prince)

All Rights Reserved 

DON’T GET IT TWISTED!

THE WAY YOU LIVE YOUR LIFE WILL ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS FOR YOU:

What is your main focus? 

Is it yourself?

Is it family?

Is it sex?

Is it pleasing others?

Is it your spouse?

Is it your body?

Is it your children?

Is it pleasing yourself?

What is your main goal and purpose?

Is it finding a suitable mate?

Is it finding someone to take care of you?

Is it getting a home and car?

Is it getting an education?

Is it serving others?

Is it to be served by others?

Is it to be rich and powerful?

Is it achieving your own ambitions?

Does the accumulation of things make you happy?

Do you need the approval and acceptance of friends and family to be happy?

Jesus said, “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.” – Luke 14:26

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” – Matthew 6:33

“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. “I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. “If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned…” – John 15:4-6

DON’T GET IT TWISTED! 

“Without God you have nothing even though you may have everything!”  (O.W. Prince)

Walking in the Spirit

 

Bishop O.W. Prince Bible Commentary: Walking In the Spirit.

Question:
“For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out…So I find it to be a la...w that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand…waging war…and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?” (Rm. 7:18-25)

Scriptural Answer:
God through Jesus Christ our Lord!

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. (For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. –Gal 3:27) For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do – Sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in [for] us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit (Holy Spirit).

…For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.

If in deed we’ve been BORN AGAIN, put on the mind of Christ…

Since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries. Live according to God in the spirit. Glorify God in Your flesh.

Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you...therefore, glorify God in your body. Amen!

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Can you identify the scriptures used in this post? See how many that you can identify and list them in your comment.  The person with the most accurate list will be awarded a digital certificate of Award.

 

God's Sovereignty

by John W. Ritenbaugh
Edited for Re-post by Bishop O.W. Prince

Romans 13:1-7

(1) Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. (2) Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. (3) For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. (4) For he is God's minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God's minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. (5) Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience' sake. (6) For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God's ministers attending continually to this very thing. (7) Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.

Once we understand God's sovereignty over the nations, it is not difficult to understand where Paul bases his instructions in these verses. Thus we can understand why Moses so quickly and surely considers the actions of Korah and his group as rebellion against God rather than merely against himself (Numbers 16). When Israel rejects Samuel as judge over them because they want a king, God reveals to the prophet that the people are really rejecting the rule of God Himself (I Samuel 8:7). It does not matter whether a Christian considers his nation's government to be unlawful. What matters is whether God permits it. If He permits it, this One, who is aware of even sparrows falling, has allowed it or has directly brought it to pass because of the purpose He is working out. That is all that matters. God is ruling His creation, and this is what we are here to learn and trust.

Jesus lived His entire life under an unlawful civil government. The Roman government ruled over Judea as a result of military conquest. Moreover, at times even the ecclesiastical government was not in the proper hands because corrupt Roman officials discovered that just-as-corrupt Jews were willing to pay bribes to "buy" the high priesthood. But the Scriptures repeatedly show Jesus subject to them, though He called both, especially the ecclesiastical one, into account. Matthew 17:24-27 is a clear example:

When they had come to Capernaum, those who received the temple tax came to Peter and said, "Does your Teacher not pay the temple tax?" He said, "Yes." And when he had come into the house, Jesus anticipated him, saying, "What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth take customs or taxes, from their sons or from strangers?" Peter said to Him, "From strangers." Jesus said to him, "Then the sons are free. Nevertheless, lest we offend them, go to the sea, cast in a hook, and take the fish that comes up first. And when you have opened its mouth, you will find a piece of money; take that and give it to them for Me and you."

The Temple tax was one-half shekel per year for every Jew over 20. Since Jesus Christ was Lord and Owner of the Temple, He and His "children" should have been free of taxation. Jesus orders Peter to pay it anyway for both of them to avoid a bitter and offensive debate on the merits of His claim. By doing this, Jesus sets the right example looking by faith beyond a legal technicality to the True Ruler, the Father. God likely brought this episode to pass for our instruction.

Perhaps a brief statement of Solomonic wisdom will summarize Christian understanding of God's sovereignty over the governments of men: "There is no wisdom or understanding or counsel against the LORD. The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but deliverance is of the LORD " (Proverbs 21:30-31). His meaning becomes clearer in other translations. The Living Bible renders it, "No one, regardless of how shrewd or well-advised he is, can stand against the Lord. Go ahead and prepare for the conflict, but victory comes from God." The Revised English Bible translates it as, "Face to face with the Lord, wisdom, understanding, counsel avail nothing. A horse may be made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the Lord."

It may seem a remote possibility, even strange, that we would fight against the Lord, yet because human nature remains in us, we do. The apostle Paul complains in Romans 7:14-23 that what he did not want to do he did anyway because a law of enmity against God worked within him. Proverbs 21:30-31 tells us that human wisdom, insight, and counsel must be in conformity with God's will to be successful. God's children must understand His sovereignty over everything and conduct their lives knowing that nothing avails against God and nothing without Him.

The Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes. (Daniel 4:25)

To rebel against leadership and power is to rebellion against the sovereignty of God. For it is The Most High God who assigns position and power to whomever He desires to accomplish His will. ~ owp

How Committed Are You?

Would you give up pursuing your own happiness (sexual, financial, material and career ambitions) for the sake of the Gospel of Jesus Christ?

Don’t lie! Many of you would like to think that you could give up your own ambitions for the sake of God but the truth of the matter is that your spirit may be willing but the flesh is weak.

You may think that this question is unfair but it is intended to make us examine our commitment to God and His Word.

Many, upon self-examination, are disqualified to respond to the question. We are disqualified whenever we insist upon practicing our religion rather than keeping God’s commandments. We are disqualified whenever we practice the pursuit of sexual fulfillment outside of the boundaries of holy matrimony. We are disqualified whenever we practice the pursuit of our own financial wellbeing at the expense of others. We are disqualified whenever we practice ignoring the needs of others when it is in our power to give assistance. We are disqualified whenever we have too much wealth while someone else has too little and we refuse to share.

The Bible Challenges and Instruct us to imitate Christ’s unselfish humility.

In the book of Philippians 2:1-8 we find Paul giving apostolic instructions to the church a Philippi to “have the mind of Christ. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. But rather, in humility, value others above yourselves. Imitate Christ by looking to the interests of others.” This is the challenge of every Christian.

Regardless of the countless millions who profess Jesus Christ as Lord and savior, not many are committed to imitating Jesus Christ’s selfless humility.

How committed are you?

REPENT!

THERE IS ONLY...

(Edited from Al Shannon’s Post in “Biblical Proof”)

Christians only have ONE authority, and that is Jesus Christ. He has the right to order and command. He said: All authority was given to him both in heaven and in earth. (Matt. 28:18).

God has the right to tell us what to do by virtue of the fact that he created us and not we ourselves. (Ps 100:3) When man tries to become his own authority, then he is acting according to the same evil desires with which Satan tempted Eve. Eve rejected God’s authority when she entertained a second opinion. When we seek ways to circumvent God’s laws we are committing the same sin Eve committed.

Authority Needed In Life

Authority is necessary in all aspects of life. Without it, there can only be anarchy and chaos. Without authority in the home, children will never learn the discipline needed to function in civilized society. Without authority in school, no one will receive a proper education. Businesses can’t exist without someone in charge because eventually no one will be productive. Without moral authority in governments, people will turn to wickedness like abortion, homosexuality, and adultery. Authority is needed everywhere. This is something that most people freely recognize. Someone has to be able to call the shots, and say the buck stops here.

Authority Needed in Religion

The need for authority is especially seen in the religious world. The existence of hundreds of denominations reveal this. The many divisions that exist, even among God’s people, testify of the need for authority. Divisions and denominations exist because people, at sometime, did not listen, and submit to the authority of God. Instead, they became their own authority, and acted in lawlessness.

“In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes.” Judges 21:25

The nature of man requires authority. Man can’t even direct his own steps. (Jer. 10:23). Some deny that we need authority for all that we say, and do. When people act or teach something without God’s authority, then they must look to one of two things: (1) Themselves or (2) Others. Yet, the Bible condemns looking to men as the source of authority (Jer. 10:23; Col. 2:20-22; Matt. 15:7-9; Rom. 12:3; 1 Cor. 4:6). Without God’s authority, we only have man’s worthless opinion, which changes like the wind, shifting to and fro.

“That we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting,
but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head — Christ — from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.” Eph 4:14-16

Humanism teaches us that we do not need God to tell us what to do. However, if one person can appeal to himself or another man for authority, then why can’t another person do the same? Who is to say who is right or wrong? When men contradict each other, how will the issues and questions be settled? Where else can we appeal? Without God, confusion and every evil thing will exist in society. Only division and evil will result. There is no way for us to be united based on the authority of man. Only God’s Word can unite us, and keep us united with the same mind and judgment. 1 Cor 1:10

Sadly, some are insisting that the pleas for authority are legalistic, and unnecessary. “The church must change with the times,” they say. Actually, all who believe and espouse such nonsense are not rejecting us, but rejecting Christ’s authority, and His Word. (Matt. 28:18; Jn. 12:48).

“And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them.” 1 Sam 8:7

A standard of right and wrong is essential to mankind. Our Standard must be the inspired Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17, Romans 10:14-16). Without the inspired Word of God, we can’t know God’s will. This is why it is vital for us to seek for a genuine Holy Spirit filled, God sent man-of-God who is appointed by God to teach and preach out of the revelation of Holy Spirit and not out of religion’s pre-translated text. “If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God” (1 Pet. 4:11).

Mock it if you want, reject it if you will, but only God’s Word comes with the Spirit and power of God.

“And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.” (1 Cor 2:4-5)

Nadab and Abihu Rejected God’s Authority

Many examples given to us in the Old Testament testify to the need for acting with authority (Rom. 15:4). Nadab and Abihu were condemned to death because they acted in the silence of God. (Lev. 10:1-3). They used a strange fire which the Lord “had not commanded them”. Perhaps they thought that they did not need authority. Many strange fires burn on the Alter of Christianity today that God did not authorize. Unless they repent, they too shall perish.

Jesus’ Authority

The Pharisees questioned Jesus authority, and asked Jesus about his teaching and works: “By what authority are you doing these things? And who gave you this authority?” Jesus didn’t say, “I don’t need any authority. You’re just being a legalistic!” Jesus ultimately refused to answer them because they refused to admit that John the Baptist preached with God’s Authority. This also reveals that authority only has two sources: God or man. (Matt. 21:23-27)

Jesus came with the power to heal the sick, raise the dead, and forgive sins. Even they knew that no one could do such without God’s authority and power to do so. Yet, they said, this man has a devil which gives him such authority. (Mt 12:23-28)

Jesus eventually told them that he received his authority, and power from His heavenly Father. But rejected this and crucified our Lord between two thieves. When we reject God’s Word and it’s authority, we are rejecting Christ. (Jn 12:48)

Apostles Authority

All Christians are to follow the Apostles’ doctrine which is One with the doctrine of Christ. (Acts 2:42; 1 Cor 11:1) The apostles likewise taught the need for acting with authority from God. We are to the endeavor for unity (Eph. 4:16; 1 Cor. 1:10). The only way for unity to be maintained is through respect for God’s authority. We must all follow the same standard and abide by it (Phil. 3:16). True disciples of Jesus Christ abide in his word (Jn. 8:31,32). We must remain within the confines of the revealed Word of God (1 Cor. 4:6). To go beyond the teachings of Christ and His Apostles is a total disrespect for The Lord and will bring destruction on whomever seeks to change God’s law. (2 John 9, Rev. 22:18-19).

Conclusion: The Church is to be subject to Christ who is the head in everything (Eph.5:23,24). Without question, the Scriptures teach us the need for acting with authority in all that we do and teach. Let us never complain at God’s commands. Let us not mock God’s preached and revealed Word. Instead, let us bring honor, and glory to God by our full submission to his will. Let us remember we are the created and not the creator. (Ps 100:3) Let us always remember: Christ is the “author and finisher of our Faith and the author of eternal salvation to all who obey him” (Heb. 5:9; Heb 12:2). Let us never forget, God always has the Last Word.  His Word is everlasting and waiting to Judge us all. (John 12:48)

^“4 There is one body and one Spirit. In the same way you were called to share one hope. ⁵ There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, ⁶ one God and Father of all, who is over everything, through everything, and in everything.” (Ephesians 4:4-6)

ONE AUTHORITY!

"I am Your Pastor"

I would like to be your friend and make you happy all of the time. But I can’t. I am your Pastor.

I would like to fellowship with you—engage in worldly pleasures and naughty deeds. But I can’t. I am your Pastor.

I would love to yield to your wants and desires—fulfilling your dreams. But I can’t. I am your Pastor.

I would love to tell you what you want to hear but I must tell you the Truth. I am your Pastor.

My life doesn’t belong to me and I can never truly belong to you. I am your Pastor.

You cannot give me my job description or set the parameters of my authority. I am your Pastor.

You didn’t call me or ordain me—from my mother’s womb I was chosen. I am your Pastor.

The Words I speak are not my own but belong to Him who sent me. It’s not personal. I am your Pastor.

Loved yet hated. Despised but needed. Killed yet lives. Emptied but filled. Poor yet rich. Naked but clothed. Loving yet unloved. I am your Pastor.

Think About It!

Bishop O.W. Prince

Author

[Reference: John 15:18, Romans 10:14-17, 2 Timothy 4:2-3, 1 Corinthians 6:20, Titus 2:1-15, Ephesians 5:11]

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons license.

“Do God’s Children Need A Revival?”

Where in the Holy Scriptures does Jesus or his apostles establish the practice of “revivals” or “religious revival services?” The answer is “nowhere.” Nowhere does Jesus or his apostles establish the practice of revivals in the original Christian church of the first century. As a matter of fact, the word “revival” doesn’t appear anywhere in the original language of the Bible. The nearest equivalents are “revive” (quicken) and “reviving,” but these may be applied to individual awakening and are not synonymous with, what is traditionally known as, “religious revival service.”

Religious revivals and the word “revival” descend from religious traditions absent of scriptural and apostolic authority and divine approval.

I realize that this is strong language and challenges most of our beliefs and religious practices. However, it is not my intention to be hurtful or confrontational but to edify the body of Christ as inspired and instructed by the Holy Spirit of God.

One may easily borrow from the earthly and scientific disciplines of etymology, philosophy, sociology and theology to explain the term “revival” and substantiate the practice of religious revival services. However, the fact would still remain that revivals, as we have come to know them, are not a part of the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ.



For a Christian to accept the notion of or participate in the religious practice of “revival services” is for them to believe that a Christian can be dead spiritually and be brought back to life. This is contrary to everything that Jesus taught us about the ever-living Spirit of God and the born-again believer (John 11:26,John 6:47, Romans 8)

The word “revive” is made up of two parts: “re” meaning “again” and “vive” meaning to “live.” Thus, “revive” means “to live again, to be brought back to life, health or vitality.” Although this concept sounds good it lacks the authority of Holy Scripture and it contradicts the teaching of Christ and His apostles.

Neither Jesus nor his apostles ever advocated for revivals or accepted the notion that once you were born of the water and of the Spirit that the Spirit would die and need reviving. No! It is the Spirit of God that makes us alive (Romans 8:11). If indeed we have the Spirit of Christ, we are constantly revived (2 Cor. 4:16). Only those who are a part of the counterfeit church of Satan or those who have been deceived by religious traditions would dare think that God’s Holy Spirit needs reviving.

As members of the Body of Christ, we are instructed to build one another up and keep each other encouraged (Hebrews 3:13, 1 Thessalonians 5:11, 1 Corinthians 12:20-27). We were not instructed to do this through some religious service but on a daily basis. It is The Way of LIFE.



However, in our contemporary Christian churches, especially in the predominately black southern churches (where my experience mostly lies), the word “revival” has become synonymous with fund-raising services.

In the name of “revival services,” most churches are just raising money. They choose the revivalist that can draw the largest crowd in the hope of raising the most money. There is little or no concern for the truthfulness of the revivalist’s message or the integrity of his salvation. The main concern is raising money.

In the name of “revival services,” many churches have membership drives whereby their goal is to see how many souls that they can get to join their religious institution. They just want to increase the number of potential paying members in the hope of increasing revenues. It is a calculated business strategy and promotional venture.

In the name of “revival services,” some Pastors exchange pulpits with each other and in essence exchange monies with each other so as to increase their own exposure, popularity and wealth.

In the name of “revival services,” many churches put on a religious production with various performers including preachers, comedians, singers, choirs, musicians and other talents that may or may not be true agents of God. Their goal is to create a festive atmosphere of joy and vibrancy whereby one may feel saved without actually being transformed. And in exchange for this false sense of salvation, the collection plate becomes the collection basket and the Alter becomes the place where people toss their monies in response to the performance much like a minstrel show.

I have yet to go to a revival service where money was not a significant part of the service. And I have never seen anyone revived at a revival service. I have seen them deceived. I have seen them lied to. I have seen them motivated to an emotional frenzy. I have seen them robbed of their money but I have never seen a spiritually dead person brought back to live simply by attending a revival service. Some may have gone through the motions of reanimation but I assure you that they did not experience genuine salvation.

“You Cannot Revive That Which Was Never Alive.”

Not all so-called revivals have clandestine agendas. Some churches are sincerely trying to reach lost souls with the message of Jesus Christ. Some churches and some evangelist are adamant about teaching and preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom of God. Some are devout followers of Christ and teach the importance of genuine repentance, water baptism in the name of Jesus Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. However, such churches should not call their services “revivals.” If they must have a distinction they should be but called “evangelical services.” They are evangelical at heart; attempting to fulfill the ministry of the kingdom of God and not their own surreptitious ambitions, denominational policies, theological beliefs or financial agendas (2 Timothy 4:1-5). They have given themselves fully to the ministry of eternal Life (John 14:6).

The Word of God says, “Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching… do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.”

Obey The Word!

REPENT!

What Kind Of Friend Are You?

Where Does Your Loyalty Lie?

This week’s Word & Prayer is presented by our guest —Mother Lucile W. Prince.

Mother Lucile W. Prince is a semiretired public school teacher with over 48 years of teaching experience. At the blessed age of 79 (she will be 80 in one month) she continues to serve her State and community by teaching part-time at the Sumter Lee Adult Education Center, Sumter, South Carolina. I can truthfully say that God has called her to be a teacher and I am honored and blessed to have her as my mother and prayer partner.

May God be glorified for the things that He has done.

This Week's Word
(For an audio podcast download please visit Where Does Your Loyalty Lie)

Jesus said in Matthew 10:37:

“The person who loves his father or mother more than me does not deserve to be my disciple. The person who loves a son or daughter more than me does not deserve to be my disciple.”

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Human families are born into sin and shaped in iniquity and each individual member of a family is taught from birth that family is everything—their loyalty should always be to the family.  But Jesus challenges us to rethink that sentiment and to redefine the idea of family loyalty in the light of eternal life.  Jesus tells us that we will have to decide between following him or our human families. He is not going to share control of our lives with our families. He has paid the cost to be the boss in our lives with own precious blood. He deserves our uncompromising loyalty. (1 Corinthians 6:20 and Matthew 10:34-36)

We can never truly belong to God as long as our loyalties remain bound to our human relationships. We can never really know God unless we are willing to sacrifice our human relationships for the sake of Christ. We must be willing to deny ourselves the pleasures and comforts of relational intimacy in favor of eternal life with Christ. (Matthew 10:38)  Christ challenges us to decide whom we will serve. No one can be loyal to two masters. He will hate the first master and love the second, or he will be devoted to the first and despise the second. This is what Jesus is pointing out to us in Matthew 10:37.

The Lord tells us that we must decide where our loyalties really lie; with family or with him?  He says it plainly that our priorities and ultimate loyalties must lie with him otherwise we disqualify ourselves from being his disciple.

Whenever we decide to relax God’s commandments for the sake of getting along with individual family members, we have disqualified ourselves as disciples of God.

Whenever we allow immoral family members to preach, teach or hold office in the church, we have chosen family over God.

Whenever we hear the Truth of God’s Commandment to Repent, to be baptized into water in the name the Lord Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sin, and we reject baptism because the family doesn’t believe in it, we have rejected God’s forgiveness in favor of the family’s approval.

Where Does Your Loyalty Lie?

Don’t let family send you to Hell.

REPENT!

This Week’s Prayer 

Father, I pray to You today in the name of *YeHoWsHua HaMashiach – Jesus the Christ. I love You Lord! From everlasting to everlasting You are God. Your Love and Your Faithfulness rescued me. There is no one who loves me like You do. There is not a family member or church member who cares for me like You. No one deserve my total loyalty and faithfulness but You. Please forgive me for the times when I put my family and friends above obeying Your Commandments. I repent to day and accept responsibility for my transgressions. Have Mercy On Me Oh LORD! Help me to a live a life in total submissive and subjective obedience to Your Word Your Way.  Empower me to crucify the needs and deeds of the flesh so that I may be counted as one of Your disciples.  This is my prayer today in the name of the LORD YeHoWsHua* (Jesus) the Christ, Amen.

This Week’s Word & Prayer / “Sometimes The Hardest Thing To Do Is Nothing”/ June 4-8

This Week’s Word
“Be still, and know that I am God…” Psalm 46:10

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From my earliest years, I can remember being taught to set goals and meet deadlines and while pondering my next ministerial project, Psalm 46:10 came to my mind. It says, “Be still, and know that I am God.” A voice seemed to speak to me out that text and say. “Let’s just spend time together. No agenda. No goal. No deadlines. I want to rekindle the intimacy we once knew. I just want to spend time with you.”

This surprised me. I hadn’t even realized that the fire had died down. Wasn’t I working for the Lord? Wasn’t I doing God’s will? Wasn’t I busy about my Father’s business? Wasn’t I striving to please him? And then I began to see what He meant. In the middle of all my busyness for God, I had neglected my relationship with God.

Sitting still wasn’t in my nature. I never was a lazy person. I always had a desire to work. And the church always taught us that we should be active in the church in order to show our love for God. But I began to realize that my desire to work and serve was standing in the way of my worship. My natural tendency to be active for God was getting in the way of my communion with God. My daily routine of evangelical and pastoral activities was getting in the way of divine intimacy which God desires to have with each of His children.
I was totally unaware that I had allowed the agenda of traditional religion and my own ignorant desire to serve over shadow my intimacy with God (Proverbs 19:2 ). I made my relationship with Jesus work oriented and far more difficult than it had to be. I spent too much time striving to prove my heart to God. And all the while God has been whispering to me, “I already know your heart. Cease striving and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).

And that is what I feel that the Spirit is telling us today; be quiet and settle down“—be still and know.” We know that God is God. It is the “be still” part that stumps us every time. Most of us can be still for a few minutes, maybe even an hour if need be. But much longer than that and we are undone. Restless spirit syndrome begins to shake our souls and the urge to get up and get moving wrestles us away from focused, intimate communion with God.

So today I ask you to join me in a time of rejuvenating intimacy. Be still and know that He is God.

REPENT!

This Week’s Prayer
Father, I pray to You today in the name of *YeHoWsHua HaMashiach – Jesus the Christ. Help me to learn what it means to be still, and know that You are God. As I seek to serve You and to please You, help me never to allow personal goals, deadlines, agendas or objectives to hinder my worship of You or cloud my vision of who You are. I realize that I cannot live, move or have my being unless I am in You. Empower me Oh God to be still and reverent in my worship of You so that I may hear Your voice over the busyness of the world and the activities of religion. I want to spend my days with You. I want to feel the warmth of Your embrace and the comfort and security of Your forgiving love. I want to know You in a special way. This is my prayer today in the name of the LORD YeHoWsHua* (Jesus) the Christ, Amen.

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Footnote:
The Hebrew spelling of the name of Christ is used in this prayer for educational purposes. Yehowshua is often shorten to Yeshua but out of respect for my Lord I chose to use the spelling of His proper name to demonstrate that His name s above every name and that even the spelling of His name is relative to the spelling of The Father’s name – remembering that there were not any vowels in the Hebrew alphabets. Thus, YHWH (Yahweh) and YeHoWsHua (Yahweh is salvation) are grammatically and uniquely related.
For more information of the authentic name of God, please follow the link below:
http://www.therockofmontgomery.org/Yahweh.html

Please pray for this ministry.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons license.

Can I See God When I Look At You?

If you allow the world to set your moral compass,

If you allow the world to form your opinions,

If you allow the world to define what a Christian should be,

If you allow the world to dictate what is morally acceptable,

If you allow the world to determine what is holy,
If you allow the world to shape you into its own image,

Be it known that you are conforming to the image of the god of this world—Satan.

2 Corinthians 4:4 and 1 John 5:19 clearly tells us that the whole world is under the control of the devil.

James 4:4 calls those of us who have conformed to the image of the world (in worship, clothing, speech, thought or sexual immorality) adulterers and enemies of God.

It doesn’t matter what your political rank is. It doesn’t matter what your religious distinction may be. It doesn’t matter about your financial or social status. It doesn’t matter if you are a preacher, teacher, songwriter, gospel singer, comedian, televangelist, rapper, movie star or celebrity. If you have conformed to the image, sexual perversions, immoral views and anti-Christians thoughts of the world, you are in the image of Satan and are declared to be an enemy of God.

God instructs us in Romans 12:2 that we should “not conform to this world…”

It is getting harder and harder everyday to distinguish between the saints and the ain’ts.

Through one of the most powerful tools of Satan, the communication air ways—television, internet and music, many have been deceived and influenced to take on the image of the world (Ephesians 2:2-3). Christianity has been commercialized, preaching has been glamorized and the pastor and the church has been idolized. Churches are imitating the style, dance, music and language of the world. Some so-called Christians are conforming to the popular social trend of the day—homosexuality, same-sex marriage, secular music tones and lyrics, disrespectful and provocative clothing, etc. Many churches have abandoned God’s divine order of gender role assignment in the church in favor of a social agenda of sexual equality—effectively calling God’s way evil.

Beware!!! There is a way that appears to be right, feels right, sounds right and looks right but in the end it leads to eternal death and damnation. (Proverbs 14:12)

Only God’s way leads to Eternal Life.

Only by being renewed through the transformation that come through obedience to God’s ordained plan of salvation—Repenting, Washing at Baptism in the name of Jesus Christ and being born anew of His Holy Spirit—Can anyone hope to be saved and begin to resemble Christ.

Can I See God When I Look At You?

REPENT!

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For more information, please request the CD entitled “Stop getting drunk on Junk.”

SCHEDULED TO BE POSTED TOMORROW

ON THE O.W. PRINCE MINISTRIES

" Can Fashion be a Distraction?"

Question: (Sender’s Identity Is Always Protected)
I am a pastor of about 250 souls and I have noticed more and more half naked female church members coming to church in an ever increasing number. I was warned by the church board members that I should just leave this alone and it will go away. But I have a number of young teenage boys in the church who are easily distracted and affected by this phenomenon. What do you think I should do?
Thank You Bishop!

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Answer (Part 1):
First let me say that I am honored that a pastor would seek advice from me. It is my experience that pastors are the most difficult to advise and don’t often seek advice from non-acquaintances. Thank you for this opportunity to share.

In addition, I would like to say that your church board of advisor may have a point. However, not knowing their motives, I would encourage you to exercise pastoral authority and privilege and operate in the fullness of the office for which you were called and do whatever the Holy Spirit of God advices you to do—always operating in love and careful instruction. (2 Timothy 4:1-5)

Answer (Part 2):
As to the heavier part of your question, I too share your concern.
On last Sunday morning as I drove past a church, I could not help but notice a woman attempting to walk toward the church. Her stumbling and unsteady behavior initially drew my attention. Then I noticed why she was stumbling and weaving as she walked. She had about 4 inches of stiletto heels on her feet and a dress that was skin-tight and 6 inches above her knees. She kept pulling at it as if it were going to get any longer.

I began to think to myself that “maybe that is all she had to wear — may God bless her soul for trying to make it to a house of worship.” But then I noticed a few women of varying ages making their way toward the church who were dressed in similar attire—some with elaborate headdresses and hats. I then changed my assessment of the situation. I began to think that their appearance was planned and well thought out, coordinated and purposeful. They knew what they were doing and they knew what they were revealing. They were dressed to attract attention and invoke sensuality. They knew what message that they were sending through their appearance. But what message is the church sending by tolerating this behavior and offering them stares of compliments and admiration?

I know that sinners sin and other sinners will only approve of their sins but the House of the Lord should be a House of Prayer, Decency, Order, Propriety and Holiness.( 1 Corinthians 14:40) Church is not a night club or a pick-up bar and should not be treated as such. However, that is exactly what appears to be happening in many of our churches. It looks as if many are walking right out of the night life into the church without making any distinction between the two.

Parenthetically speaking, this is not speaking to the financially and spiritually impoverished or unchurched individuals who just don’t know any better or cannot do any better. But it is speaking to those who have been exposed to Christian teachings and who have been in the church for a long time, yet purposely buy and dress themselves in apparel that expresses irreverence toward God and His House of Prayer.

I don’t espouse that we come to worship looking our worse. Too little attention to dress apparel is just as bad as too much attention. Worship should not be about worldly fashion trends or who looks the best in what they have own – although I am aware that this is a concern of many parishioners. Our attention should be on God and His Word and not on fashion distractions.

Let’s be honest. The world determines fashion trends and Satan is the god of this world. It is inherent that anything worldly is against God. (James 4:4) Fashion has the potential to be destructive in the church. Folks will continue to wear whatever they want to wear but what a person has on in church can distract from the worship experience. Modesty is the key. (1 Timothy 2:9-10 & Titus 2:3-5) God purposely directed women to dress modestly. I may discuss this further in another lesson. At this time, suffice it to say that God knows what is best for us. “Understanding God is not a prerequisite to obeying God.”

I would like to suggest a non-confrontational and peaceful approach to addressing some of the fashion offences in the church today. Simply ignore them. Totally and completely ignore them. Refuse to acknowledge them in any way. Make no reference to them at all. Do not draw attention to them. Attention and approval is what they want so don’t give it to them. Many folks cannot stand to be ignored. And in contrast, praise the ones who dress appropriately. Show open admiration for the women who dress like ladies and are modest in decorum. Assign positions of honor and responsibility to those who represent Christ well and avoid any private interaction with those who are dressed provocatively. (1 Corinthians 15:33) And hold classes and/or private lessons on how a Christian should represent Christ in every area of his/her life, including dress. (Romans 13:14) This will also work on the men who are wearing sagging pants.

I hope this provides you some useful answers and methods to addresses your concerns. 

All Glory, Honor, Praise and Thanksgiving belongs to God through Christ Jesus.

Keep Looking Up!

Your Friend,
Bishop O.W. Prince

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