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I have been struggling with this for quite a number of months, actually about two years. I was really happy to meet someone who I have been with for the past 15 years, who loves going to church and discussing the Bible. However, about 2 years ago someone new popped up at our church, and since then I have observed unsettling behavior from her, and from my boyfriend. I often catch then glancing at each other. And I know, what exactly does that mean? right? I kept trying to tell myself it's just me, I'm making it into more than what it is.. but.. it's a constant thing.. and I've also observed her purposefully trying to gain his attention... It's been unsettling because it's been going on for a while now, she knows that my boyfriend and I have been together(still are together), my boyfriend keeps talking about our future together but doesn't stop the behavior, and I feel like I've done all I can to search and question myself going so far as seeking counseling, thinking it's me.. I've even gone so far as to outright ask my beau if there is something going on (and as any man would do I suspect, he said no) but I'm feeling like is it going to take me confronting her?? This is Church!!! not a school yard or a club... CHURCH.. I really wish someone else would say to me or slip me a note at least, that they see it too.. but the older women love her because she drives them to church, the other congregants love her cause she cooks for the church.. I feel like I am bested at all sides and am really hurt by this. I am feeling like I am slipping down a rabbit hole that honestly I don't want to go down.. I just want Jesus, I just want to be in a relationship with Jesus as the core and honesty at the helm. I have thought of approaching our pastor friend, but he's friends with her too and like usual, I don't want to come off looking like a paranoid, jealous obsessed person, I just want truth and closure to this.. what do I do??

Psalm 59:9 - "O my Strength, I will watch and give heed to You and sing praises; for God is my Defense." The soul that is not recollected in one appetite alone (the desire for God) loses heat and strength in the practice of virtue. Affirmation: I WILL CONCENTRATE THE STRENGTH OF MY APPETITES ON GOD ALONE. "I will go before you and make the rough places smooth; I will shatter the doors of bronze and cut through their iron bars." - Isaiah 45:2 As we are yielded to the Lord, He makes the path straight before us. Once we understandour CALLING in Christ He equips us for the journey. At times we have limited vision of the path ahead and what we are going through, but the Lord has the big picture and He calls us to trust in Him. He takes even our failures and disappointments and reconfigures them to work together for good. God invites us to hold onto the promises He has given us in scripture of our inheritance in Christ, our right standing with God, and to believe He is able to do the impossible for us.Hold onto faith as small as a mustard seed, because that alone is enough faith to see mountains move and giants fall. We need to deal with any area of unbelief in our lives. Faith and unbelief both come by what we are hearing or giving attention to. We choose to have faith come into our heart by "hearing and hearing" the Word of God. The power of God is unleashed in the lives of those with true faith. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6 "Truly I say to you, if you have faith the size of as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move and nothing will be impossible to you." - Matthew 17:20 NASB James 3:8 - "But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison." Affirmations: I BOLDLY DECLARE THAT MY TONGUE IS UNDER THE CONTROL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. MY WORDS ARE SEASONED WITH GRACE, AND MY LIPS ARE CONSTANTLY GIVING THANKS TO GOD! THIS IS WHAT MY TONGUE SPEAKS BECAUSE IT IS SUBMITTED TO THE LORDSHIP OF JESUS CHRIST. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY

Well, it is just about the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. For those not familiar with that, it is a time in church history, where people were waking up to how far the church had degraded since it's inception. A reformation was needed, because church leadership, to a great degree, had become corrupted. Church positions were basically for sale to the highest bidder. The church was allowing people to buy indulgences, basically a license to sin, and shorten one's time in Purgatory. These could be used for yourself, or to shorten the time of a deceased loved one. Purgatory was basically seen as a place where a person paid for their sins by suffering until their sins were paid for and they could attain to heaven. In other words, the substitutionary death of Christ on the cross was deemed inadequate - definitely not the gospel, nor in the Bible. Church leadership (and by that I mean the Pope, Bishops, Cardinals, all the way down to priests) was falling prey to pride, sexual sin, hunger for power, greed and the like. The Bible was not yet in the hands of common people, nor was it necessarily in a language that ordinary people could understand, Christians were totally dependent, on what their leaders told them the Bible said, and what the Bible meant. That was a very quick summary of the conditions that had developed in the first 1500 years of the church. It is not my purpose to lecture anyone on church history, nor am I qualified to do so. I just wanted to give a quick background of what lead to the Reformation. Generally it is held, that the Reformation began when a German monk (Martin Luther) nailed his 95 theses on the door of Wittenberg Castle. That can be debated, but it was certainly a pivotal event. Now, the main thing I came to do, was to open a discussion about the five "solas" of the reformation. These are 5 ideas, that sort of embody the spirit of the Reformation, the main things that were seen as needing to be addressed and focused upon in the church as it existed at the time. Luther's hope, was not to attack the church, or start a new denomination, nor anything of the sort. His hope was to start a bit of a dialogue or debate, an opportunity for the church to do a little self examination. Sola, comes from a Latin word meaning alone or sole. The solas are these: SOLA SCRIPTURA SOLA FIDE SOLA GRATIA SOLO CHRISTO SOLI DEO GLORIA Sola scriptura, is the idea, that only the scripture, is ultimately a trustworthy source of information about spiritual matters. The traditions of the church, lack any real authority. Likewise, the leadership of the church, was also not authoritative, and must be subservient to the word of God. Sola fide, is the idea that salvation comes by faith alone, not by works, God grants salvation, and believers do not earn it by doing good deeds. Sola gratia, is closely related to sola fide. It is the idea, that mankind does not earn, cannot earn, and can never deserve salvation. Salvation is a free gift that God bestows to believers, totally apart from any merit of their own. Solo Christo, addresses the subject of and object of the faith of believers who will inherit salvation. Our faith is in Christ alone. There is nothing or no one in which we place our faith apart from Christ. No faith in works, nor the church, nor Mary the mother of Jesus, not the saints, not our prayers or rituals - our faith is in Jesus alone, regarding salvation. Sola deo gloria, informs us that all glory, is due to God alone, no one else gets credit or glory for what God has done for us. Of course, this implies the Godhead, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, as the one true God. They could be stated, that the scriptures alone, authoritatively teach us that we are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, to the glory of God alone. That is what I have to say, to start this topic. If anyone chooses to, they may add to the discussion, elaborate, offer scripture, etc. I just thought it fitting, at this time of the impending 500 years anniversary of the Reformation, to offer some thought and reflection on what it was/is about.

My subject is because I would like to know how to refute Adventist doctrine since I have been attacked for a long time by people close to that religion.

Shalom (Peace) to all. Marilyn had said (to wingnut-) in "ERRORS of the POST TRIB. view" under Prophecy/Eschatology: Her short outline provides the information that she divides the children of Israel into two groups: Those who receive the promises given to Israel and those who are NOT included in Israel's inheritance. I believe this division to be rather forced and extremely insulting. Here's why: Notice the ones who are NOT included in Israel's inheritance consist of "Rebellious Israeli people who disobey God" and "Israeli people who come into the Body of Christ." This almost makes the two subcategories on a comparative level. Ironically, many JEWS feel they are synonymous, but should WE feel that way, too? I don't think so. Second, since this is an outline of JUST the children of Israel, she is implicitly making a distinction between the children of Israel and those who are NOT children of Israel, frequently referred to as "Gentiles," suggesting that they have different prospects. She continued in a separate post: (bold-facing mine) Taking her advice, I've started this topic. This topic gets into prophecy and eschatology, but it's deeper than that. So, I decided to open this thread in Doctrinal Questions. If the Moderator feels it would be better placed somewhere else, please feel free to move it. I don't disagree with her basic conclusion that the "elect" refers to Israel (as the "chosen seed") especially in Matthew 24, but I must disagree with the highlighted portion. She concludes that Israel will have the rulership on earth over the nations, and that those who are born again shall have the rulership over the universe. ("Over the UNIVERSE?" That's a HUGE dominion and is probably MUCH greater than we, all those born again, could handle! And, we would be spread very thinly over a VERY GREAT area!) While there is a difference between Gentiles and Israel outside of the Messiah Yeshua` (outside of Christ Jesus), there is NO difference between the two groups WITHIN the Messiah. Essentially, that makes THREE groups of people: 1. The Gentiles outside the Messiah, 2. the children of Israel outside the Messiah, and 3. believers (children of Israel and Gentiles) within the Messiah. Paul describes the last group in Ephesians: Ephesians 2:11-22 11 Wherefore remember, that ye (the Gentile Ephesians to whom Paul was writing) being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; 12 That at that time ye were without Christ (outside of the Messiah), being aliens from the commonwealth (citizenship) of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God (outside of God) in the world: 13 But now in Christ Jesus (in the Messiah Yeshua`) ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh (close) by the blood of Christ (the blood of the Messiah). 14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; 15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain (two) one new man, so making peace; 16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: 17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off (the Gentile Ephesians), and to them that were nigh (the children of Israel). 18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. 19 Now therefore ye (the Gentile Ephesians to whom Paul was writing) are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints (the holy ones; that is, the ones consecrated for God), and of the household of God; 20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself (Yeshua` the Messiah Himself) being the chief corner stone (capstone); 21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: 22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. KJV The point I'm trying to make is this: When we are made "one new man," we are not putting the Jews (or more generally, the children of Israel) "into the Church," but rather God is accepting the Gentiles into the household of God, Yeshua`s Israel - Yeshua`s Kingdom to come, making them fellowcitizens WITH the saints, the children of Israel, who were consecrated by God for Himself. The "Church," or rather the "churches," are simply groups of people that gather together for the same purpose. The Greek word, ekkleesia, was also used for the town council of Ephesus (interesting coincidence?) in Acts 19, particularly verses 32, 39, and 41. In the KJV, the word chosen to translate this simply called it an "assembly" instead of a "church." However, ekkleesia is also found in Stephen's sermon in Acts 7: Acts 7:2-41 2 And he said, Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken; The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia (between rivers), before he dwelt in Charran, 3 And said unto him, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and come into the land which I shall shew thee. 4 Then came he out of the land of the Chaldaeans, and dwelt in Charran: and from thence, when his father was dead, he removed him into this land, wherein ye now dwell. 5 And he gave him none inheritance in it, no, not so much as to set his foot on: yet he (God) promised that he would give it to him for a possession, and to his seed after him, when as yet he had no child. 6 And God spake on this wise, That his seed should sojourn in a strange land; and that they should bring them into bondage, and entreat them evil four hundred years. 7 And the nation to whom they shall be in bondage will I judge, said God: and after that shall they come forth, and serve me in this place. 8 And he gave him the covenant of circumcision: and so Abraham begat Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat the twelve patriarchs. 9 And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him, 10 And delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house. 11 Now there came a dearth (famine) over all the land of Egypt and Chanaan, and great affliction: and our fathers found no sustenance. 12 But when Jacob heard that there was corn in Egypt, he sent out our fathers first. 13 And at the second time Joseph was made known to his brethren; and Joseph's kindred was made known unto Pharaoh. 14 Then sent Joseph, and called his father Jacob to him, and all his kindred, threescore and fifteen souls. 15 So Jacob went down into Egypt, and died, he, and our fathers, 16 And were carried over into Sychem, and laid in the sepulchre that Abraham bought for a sum of money of the sons of Emmor the father of Sychem. 17 But when the time of the promise drew nigh, which God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt, 18 Till another king arose, which knew not Joseph. 19 The same dealt subtilly with our kindred, and evil entreated our fathers, so that they cast out their young children, to the end they might not live. 20 In which time Moses was born, and was exceeding fair, and nourished up in his father's house three months: 21 And when he was cast out, Pharaoh's daughter took him up, and nourished him for her own son. 22 And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds. 23 And when he was full forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren the children of Israel. 24 And seeing one of them suffer wrong, he defended him, and avenged him that was oppressed, and smote the Egyptian: 25 For he supposed his brethren would have understood how that God by his hand would deliver them: but they understood not. 26 And the next day he shewed himself unto them as they strove, and would have set them at one again, saying, Sirs, ye are brethren; why do ye wrong one to another? 27 But he that did his neighbour wrong thrust him away, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge over us? 28 Wilt thou kill me, as thou diddest the Egyptian yesterday? 29 Then fled Moses at this saying, and was a stranger in the land of Madian, where he begat two sons. 30 And when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sina an angel of the Lord in a flame of fire in a bush. 31 When Moses saw it, he wondered at the sight: and as he drew near to behold it, the voice of the Lord came unto him, 32 Saying, I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Then Moses trembled, and durst not behold. 33 Then said the Lord to him, Put off thy shoes from thy feet: for the place where thou standest is holy ground. 34 I have seen, I have seen the affliction of my people which is in Egypt, and I have heard their groaning, and am come down to deliver them. And now come, I will send thee into Egypt. 35 This Moses whom they refused, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge? the same did God send to be a ruler and a deliverer by the hand of the angel which appeared to him in the bush. 36 He brought them out, after that he had shewed wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, and in the Red sea, and in the wilderness forty years. 37 This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear. 38 This is he, that was in the church (Greek: ekkleesia) in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us: 39 To whom our fathers would not obey, but thrust him from them, and in their hearts turned back again into Egypt, 40 Saying unto Aaron, Make us gods to go before us: for as for this Moses, which brought us out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him. 41 And they made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice unto the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands. KJV Thus, the FIRST "church" was the congregation of the children of Israel that surrounded Mount Sinai when Moses received the "lively oracles" or the "living words" of God to pass on to us. Thus, going back to Ephesians 2 above, the Gentiles who are grafted into the Olive Tree (Romans 11) are "no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints (the holy ones; that is, the ones consecrated for God), and of the household of God." Thus, we who are Gentiles are no longer "aliens from the commonwealth (citizenship) of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God (outside of God) in the world!" There was a song I used to sing as a kid, "Every Promise in the Book is Mine." Its words are... Every promise in the Book is mine, every chapter, every verse, every line, all the blessings of His love divine; every promise in the Book is mine. Later, I used to believe that this was not true, that there were some promises made to Israel that didn't belong to me as a Gentile. Now, I've changed my mind again! As a Gentile who is accepted into the household of God and is now a citizen of Israel, a recipient of the covenants of promise, the promises ARE mine! Through the blood of the Messiah Yeshua`, I am also a member of the tribe of Y'hudah as Yeshua` is! (You are, too.) The bottom line is this: Even believers in the Messiah have a part in the Millennial Kingdom of God here on this earth. We are PART of those who live and reign with Him, and that's not off in "heaven" somewhere; it's right here on this earth before the Millennium ends with the Great White Throne Judgment. When Yeshua` gave His parable (Luke 19:11-28), even we who are the Gentiles who are grafted into His Olive Tree (Romans 11:16-25), are recipients of these evaluations and rewards. Luke 19:11-28 11 And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear. 12 He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. 13 And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come. 14 But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us. 15 And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading. 16 Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds. 17 And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities. 18 And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds. 19 And he said likewise to him, Be thou also over five cities. 20 And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin: 21 For I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that thou layedst not down, and reapest that thou didst not sow. 22 And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow: 23 Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury? 24 And he said unto them that stood by, Take from him the pound, and give it to him that hath ten pounds. 25 (And they said unto him, Lord, he hath ten pounds.) 26 For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him. 27 But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me. (Yeshua` HIMSELF said this! Does this sound out of character for Him? It's NOT! These are HIS words!) 28 And when he had thus spoken, he went before, ascending up to Jerusalem. KJV So, I find NO difference between the two. To the contrary, I believe that we ALL will participate in the Messiah's Kingdom right here on this earth during the Millennium.

The Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate is the only canonical church in Ukraine recognized by the Ecumenical Patriarchate. 39 percent, that is, the majority of Ukrainian Orthodox is parishioners of the Moscow Patriarchate. There is another denomination - the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Kyiv Patriarchate (UOC-KP), which did not get the status of canonical. The UOC-KP is considered an alternative Orthodox (in religious terminology this is called "the schism", split of the church). How do the churches of the Moscow and Kiev Patriarchate differ in practice and why the first one is recognized as canonical? A person who goes to Ukrainian churches once or twice a year to put a candle on, will not find differences, but they are significant. The Moscow Patriarchate, for example, does not accept a free interpretation of prayer, inventing new icons or frescoes. For the clergy and parishioners of the UOC-MP it is inadmissible to pray for the peace of the conditional enemy-more precisely, they do not define enemies in principle, which can not be said about the UOC-KP. Also, the Moscow Patriarchate holds divine services in the Church Slavonic language, and the Kyiv Patriarchate in Ukrainian, translating the Holy Scripture in its own way. But the key difference is that the founder of the UOC-MP is Jesus Christ. The Church is in unity with the Universal Orthodoxy, with common ordinances, whereas the Kyiv Patriarchate recognizes only those ordinances that are pleasing to him. It was in order to undermine the unwanted faith, Ukrainian politicians developed a bill that oppresses the UOC-MP. Moscow Patriarchate decided to oblige to obtain from the state consent to the appointment of priests and abbots right up to the regional level. In such a situation, the threat of destroying the parishes of the country's main confession is an excuse for distraction. Political technology is clear: national radicals, hiding behind icons, will demand the closure of "pro-Moscow" temples throughout the country. Ukrainian citizens will stand up for their parishes, priests, spiritual guides. Examples, when the temples of the UOC-MP captured the banned in Russia nationalist groups, is already enough. In different regions of Ukraine radicals attack cult buildings, beat parishioners and forcibly transfer temples to the Kyiv Patriarchate.

THINGS DEAD CHURCHS WON’T TEACH YOU. (Revelation 3:1-22). Aim: To identify and to reject error. To rescue people from error. To appreciate sound doctrines in a fundamental church. To leave churches that teach error, or not teaching these truths. Question: What will dead, modernist, lukewarm churches rarely teach? 1) Salvation. That you can be saved today by calling on Christ to save you. (Romans 10:13). 2) Soul winning. How to win people to Christ. How to train soul winners. (Proverbs 11:30). 3) Separation from error and false doctrines. (Romans 16:17). 4) Need to rebuke error and not to tolerate it. (Ephesians 5:11; II Timothy 4:1-3). 5) New Evangelical and Ecumenical errors will destroy your life’s work for Christ. (II John 8-11). 6) Calvinist errors. (II Peter 3:9 ‘God is not willing that any should perish.’). 7) Evolution’s errors. God created a young earth in 6 days 6000 years ago. (Exodus 20:11). 8) Charismatic errors summarized by T.R.A.S.H.. (I Corinthians 14:21-25). 9) Modern Bible Version errors and the inerrancy of Scripture. (Psalm 12:6,7). 10) Infant Sprinkling and Confirmation errors. (Acts 8:37). 11) Roman Catholic errors. (Revelation 17). 12) Muslim errors. (I John 2:22). 13) Rock Music errors. (Ephesians 5:19; Ecclesiastes 7:5). 14) Soul Sleep error. 15) Rewards and crowns are available to believers in heaven. (Revelation 22:12). 16) Judgment Seat of Christ. (II Corinthians 5:10; I Corinthians 3:10-15). 17) 70 Week Prophecy and 7 Year Tribulation (Daniel 9:24-27; Matthew 24:21,22). 18) Rapture (I Thessalonians 4:16,17); Millennium (Revelation 20). 19) Book of Revelation simply and clearly explained. 20) Seven Dispensations that world history consists of. 21) Future conversion of Israel. (Romans 11:1,2,25-27). 22) The Lake of Fire and literal hell fire for Christ rejecters. (Rev. 20:14,15; Mark 9:44,46,48). 23) Personal devil who opposes and seeks to destroy us. (I Peter 5:8). 24) Security of the believer. (John 10:28; I Peter 1:4,5). 25) Importance of printing and distributing Gospel tracts and books. 26) Preaching against sin, rebuking error. (II Timothy 4:2-4). 27) Fornication and sodomy are sins. (I Thessalonians 4:3-8). 28) Spiritual warfare over people’s souls. (Ephesians 6:10-18). 29) Importance of sound doctrine and rightly dividing the word of truth. (II Timothy 2:15). 30) Cessation of miraculous, personal gifts of prophecy, tongues, knowledge, miracles, apostle, prophet and healing gifts in the first Century. (I Corinthians 13:8-15). 31) Reality of all the Bible’s miracles. 32) Dinosaurs lived from Creation to the Flood, and were destroyed in the Flood. (Job 40,41). 33) Training preachers and church planters. (Acts 13:5). 34) Door-to-door soul-winning. (Acts 5:42). 35) What is the Gospel? (I Corinthians 15:1-4). 36) Abstaining from alcohol (Proverbs 20:1), pornography, touching women (I Cor. 7:1,2), etc.. 37) Young ladies dress modestly. (I Timothy 2:9). 38) No female pastors, preachers or deacons. (I Timothy 3:2). 39) Long hair on men is wrong. (II Corinthians 11:14). 40) Church run by pastoral authority. (Hebrews 13:7,17,24). See “apostles and elders” in Acts. 41) Home Schooling using ACE curriculum. Evil influence of State schools. (Proverbs 19:27). 42) Child raising principles and child discipline. (Proverbs 22:6). 43) Separate from bad peer groups. (Psalm 1:1-3). reprinted with permission from Pastor Keith Piper. https://www.libertybaptistchurch.org.au/

Job 1:10 - "Have You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land." As God built a hedge around Job, which limited Satan, so today He will do the same for any child of God who applies the blood to a given situation. The blood is the hedge that stops the Destroyer. Revelation 12:11 - "And they overcame him by the BLOOD of the Lamb and by the WORD OF THEIR TESTIMONY, and they did not love their lives to the death." Exodus 12:7,13 - "And they shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side-posts and on the upper door post of the houses....And the blood shall be to you and for a token upon the houses where you are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you when I smite the land of Egypt." Confessions: I OVERCOME ALL FEAR, DEPRESSION, UNBELIEF, WAVERING AND HALFHEARTEDNESS, DISCOURAGEMENT, TEMPTATION, AND SICKNESS BY THE PRECIOUS BLOOD OF JESUS AND THE WORD OF MY TESTIMONY. MY SOUL IS FILLED WITH LOVE AS I GAZE ON JESUS' PRECIOUS BLOOD. BECAUSE I BELIEVE IN THE POWER OF THE BLOOD IN MY HEART, I APPLY THE BLOOD WITH MY MOUTH OVER THE DOORPOSTS OF MY LIFE. Luke 5:4 - "When Jesus had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, 'Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch."' Luke 5 is a great example of the Church in our day. We have been fishing all night and have not caught much. Many of us have not ventured out of the shallow water, out of the zones of safety and comfortableness, to find the fish where they are. The fish are in the deep water; they are outside the Church, and outside our opinions and prejudices. As we are obedient to God's call and venture into the deep water and into relationships with people "on the streets," we will be overwhelmed by the response and will need to network with other churches to accommodate the great numbers of people who will come to Jesus. Matthew 4:19 - And Jesus said unto them, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." "Then, knowing what lies ahead for you, you won't become bored with being a Christian, nor become spiritually dull and indifferent, but you will be anxious to follow the example of those who receive all that God has promised them because of their strong faith and patience." - Hebrews 6:12 (Living Bible) Now is the time to press into the Lord for Fresh Empowerment and Activation for harvest in the coming season. We need to see a tremendous outpouring of the Power of the Holy Spirit for our current Time. As we go into this season we pray to see a notable increase in the Power of the Lord from the Fire of His Presence that will cause many to turn to Him. We need to pray for these seven blessings: 1. Greater Power 2. Greater Anointing 3. Greater Favor 4. Greater Flow of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit 5. Greater Evidence of the Fruit of the Spirit 6. Greater Doors and Influence through the favor of the Lord. 7. Greater Harvest Albert Finch Ministry

Well should Christians Celebrate Both the Sabbath and Sunday Church Worship,as practiced today in Christian Faith Traditions? or should we Celebrate each day as a Sabbath Rest Spiritual Worship Celebration in Our Lord Jesus Christ?

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to His great mercy, He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." - 1 Peter 1:3 The Lord is redefining His Church and calling them out of a place of stagnancy and redundancy into a place of passion. Have you ever felt as if you were running around in circles, going through churchy motions but getting nowhere? When we lose sight of His Kingdom, our lives can be easily reduced to "playing church" which is no fun after awhile. Jesus only spoke of His Church – or Ekklesia roughly 3 times and mainly in the book of Matthew (Matthew 16:18, 18:17). The Lord's original idea for His called-out assembly (Church) -- a supernatural army of sons and daughters pulsing with a passionate expression of His Kingdom on the earth. In order to see the fruit of Jesus on the earth, we must remember to live from the Kingdom of Heaven. The Church is not meant to be a box in which we contain and theorize Heaven. WE ARE GOD'S AMBASSADORS HERE ON EARTH Every believer has the potential to wake up and smell the glory -- that is, recognize who they are in Christ as sons and daughters. The Church of Jesus Christ should be a place of equipping the saints in: who they are in Christ, their right standing with God, and walking in the Spirit. Now they are ready to understand their CALLING in Christ and be propelled into their Kingdom destinies. The Church is not meant to be a place where we get trained to go through the motions, it's mean to be a gathering and equipping of the representatives of the Kingdom of Heaven. As we ascend into passionate, Kingdom-living which results in an effective, powerful Church as well as personal life, we practice the operation of the gifts that in us such as faith, miracles, exhortation, etc. CAMP AROUND THE CLOUD "So it was continuously; the cloud would cover it by day, and the appearance of fire by night. Whenever the cloud was lifted from over the tent, afterward the sons of Israel would then set out; and in the place where the cloud settled down, there the sons of Israel would camp. At the command of the LORD the sons of Israel would set out, and at the command of the LORD they would camp; as long as the cloud settled over the tabernacle, they remained camped out." - Numbers 9:16-17 Kingdom people are led by the Spirit. We can experience an incredible stagnancy and/or burn out if we do not camp around the cloud of His glory. If you find yourself feeling stagnant or unproductive, challenge yourself to step out in faith by praying for someone or discipling a new believer in their spiritual growth. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY

James 4:6 - "God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble." If we are divided in our hearts from other churches, if we instinctively look down on other christians or if we are at all self-promoting in attitude, we are walking in pride. As such, the Spirit that stands to resist our endeavors is not demonic -- it's God. Affirmations: I WALK IN LOVE AND HUMILITY, I'M NOT TOUCHY, FRETFUL OR RESENTFUL!! WHEN I WALK, GOD WALKS. HIS HANDS ARE IN MY HANDS. I HAVE THE MIND OF CHRIST. GOD IS NOT A MILLION MILES AWAY. HE'S INSIDE ME RIGHT NOW. HE'S MY FATHER AND I'M HIS VERY OWN SON. I'M A JOINT HEIR WITH JESUS AND MY BODY IS THE TEMPLE OF THE HOLY GHOST. I AM WALKING IN THE LIGHT OF HEAVEN ITSELF. John 14:2 - "In My Father's house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, I would have told you; for I am going away to prepare a place for you." Love is the inclination,strength, and power for the soul in making its way to God -- for love unites it with God. The more degrees of love it has, the more deeply it enters into God and centers itself in Him. A stronger love is a more unitive love, and we can understand in this manner the many dwelling places Jesus declared were in His Father's house. Song of Solomon 1:5 - "I am black, but lovely, daughters of Jerusalem, as the tents of Kedar, as the curtains of Solomon." THE CURTAINS OF SOLOMON REPRESENT YOUR HUMANITY WHICH CONCEALS THE WORD OF GOD MADE FLESH WITHIN YOU. HE HAS CAUSED YOU TO PARTAKE OF HIS BEAUTY; HE HAS CONCEALED HIS DIVINITY IN YOUR HUMANITY - YOU ARE AS BEAUTIFUL AS THE CURTAINS OF SOLOMON BECAUSE THE CROSS MAKES YOU LIKE YOUR BELOVED (JESUS). ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY

He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. - John 8:44 We have to remember that Satan is the father of lies. He is a murderer from the beginning and dwells in falsehood. He never wants the glory to go to Jesus Christ but rather twists the truth and deceives those in the Lord’s work to take glory to themselves. Satan is also the master counterfeiter who has been deceiving God’s people since the beginning. He spoke to Eve and deceived her by twisting the truth of God saying, “Has God indeed said?” Such twisting of the truth is his normal activity. Since the earliest days of the apostles, even with our Lord himself, there were deceivers and false brethren present: those who secretly come into God’s flock for personal gain and to infiltrate the liberty of the believers, betrayers, deceivers, false brethren, false prophets, and those desiring preeminence among the saints (3 John 1:9). Diotrephes and one's like him did not seek honour in the church as much as sought his own truth, his own way and seperated himself from the doctrines of the Apostles and all the other Churches. He was stubborn to think he was right and all others were wrong. A false teacher is always who is in admidst but then seeks to draw people "out of" towards themselves. Just like satan, these false teachers do not have, "the truth in them." One key to understand the working of God versus Satan in a meeting of believers is the emphasis put on the Son of God. Those that worship, honor, and glorify the Holy Spirit more than Jesus Christ are not led by the Holy Spirit to do that. The Holy Spirit will always honor Jesus Christ; thus the true working of the Spirit can be distinguished in measure. The Scripture states: “He shall not speak of himself” (John 16:13). All early Church creed statements always elevate the work of the cross and the incarnation of the Son of God. In the end times, there will be an influx of those in the Church teaching doctrines of demons to deceive even the elect of God. There will be many false teachers who claim to be of the truth but are not. The most dangerous weapon against the Church is not persecution, but deception. One key feature of these deceptions is that there is something new offered, when rather we should be seeking to believe the truth that is old and that which the Church has held to from the beginning.

I have observed quite a number of developing trends in our churches that beg the frightening question of who we are worshiping. Common among those trends are the tendency of persons to spend more time on their cell phones than they do in worship and the tendency to 'make an entrance' when entering the sanctuary. I can't help but ask myself - What kind of message are we sending to the world as Christians? I'll begin this discussion with an understanding of the word 'worship'. Worship is derived from the Old English word 'Woerthship' which means to give worth to something. So when we worship God, we give worth to Him. Sadly, it appears that the saints are giving worth to other things in the house of the Lord. Here I will identify two obvious reasons that are rather disturbing to fathom but as it is a reality within the churches I will make mention of them today. The 'cellphone syndrome' We all need to communicate with others over the phone for different reasons. But I find it very disrespectful for the saints to perpetually excuse themselves from the sermon to be on the outside messaging and talking for an extensive period. Not that it is anybody's business to know the nature of these conversations, but when it happens more often than not I'm afraid that we are sending the wrong message to our unsaved visitors. Do we not show reverence to the Lord anymore? I especially observe this trend among our young people of which group I am a part. I fail to believe that our young people use their discretion for they excuse themselves in large numbers at once. It appears that the cellphones get the 'worth' that should have been given to God and therefore it automatically becomes the god that is worshiped. Our God has feelings too. I am more concerned about His feelings than I am with the reputation of the church. For many saints, the time spent in the house of the Lord is the longest and sometimes only time spent with God. If the latter is the case then all the more reason why He deserves our undivided attention. Let's face it, three hours of prayer and worship is the least we can give to God considering all that He does for us on a daily basis. The church needs to be careful not to provoke the Holy Spirit and not to send the wrong message to those who are lost and in need of our guidance. The problem with 'making an entrance' By now many of us would have realized that persons go to church for different reasons; to spectate, to see friends, to wear a nice suit and a few to seek God. There are many other reasons but these are the few I could think of today. Having said that, there are many within the church who perpetually make an entrance under the influence of a 'disruptive spirit' I suppose. This trend may not be very evident in the larger churches, but as my church is small the trend is becoming more noticeable. Saints are not only expected to be present for sermons but are expected to be there on time. It is very distasteful when visitors arrive in the sanctuary before the members do and to make matters worse, our visitors are distracted each time someone walks through the aisle to take a seat. What about respecting the time of the Holy Spirit? I understand that anyone can be late but when the same persons have heads spinning each week, their actions shift from just being late to 'making an entrance'. Leaders are often times included and I don't just mean Pastors, Bishops, Deacons etc. I mean any person within the church body who demonstrates his leadership abilities in even the smallest possible way. Why are persons making an entrance? It is certainly not because of a desire to be noticed by God but rather 'god', who is seated somewhere in the sanctuary. This is one of the reasons why it is increasingly harder to convince an unsaved or even a backslider to return to God. These groups of persons are understandably confused by the double standards that exist within the church. No wonder there is a growing number of non-denominational Christians in our societies today. The church has a voice and we want to be heard, but let us consider addressing some of the ongoing issues among ourselves before we advocate for modesty and decency anywhere else. These are two growing trends that I have observed in church. Have you observed any other?

Isaiah 4:1 - "In that day seven women will take hold of one man and say, 'We will eat our own food and provide our own clothes; only let us be called by your name. Take away our disgrace.'" We have taken hold of the world and we have taken hold of clever ideas, but the seven women (seven churches -- see Revelation 2 and 3) are about to lay hold of their Beloved. The longing of the Church is for Him. We will want to be called by His great Name. The splendor of His beauty draws us as a partner to co-labor with Him. OUR MAGNIFICENT OBSESSION There is coming a Magnificent Obsession which will grip our hearts. Our obsession will be to lay hold of Christ and not ever let Him go! Like the Shulamite woman in the Song of Songs who, when she found her Beloved, held Him tight and wouldn't let Him go! THE REVELATION OF CHRIST IN US The unveiling of Christ within us is the most explosive truth ever to hit the Church, bigger than any movement, conference or teaching! It fuels the flames of our pasion to allow Christ to live through us and be all He longs for us to become. The glorious truth of His coming will capture us and compel us to lay hold of the On Man, Jesus Christ. It is not only the timing of His return that must consume us, but how He finds us (operating in His CALLING on our life) when He returns. It is not if it is near or far, but rather if we are filed with faith, hope, and love. LAY HOLD OF JESUS CHRIST As we trim our lamps and go outside the realm of familiarity and meet Him we encounter the Bridegroom -- our Magnificent Obsession. Hie is eternal life! First Timothy 6:12 says, "Lay hold on eternal life." This means to take hold of, to grasp, to seize, to cling to! His FULL glory pours into us. To lay hold of Jesus is to becme a mature vessel of honor that He can use in the CALLING He has destined for each of us. "...I live by the FAITH OF the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me." (Galatians 2:20) KJV By His faith we fully experience oneness with Jesus and the explosive power of his resurrection working in us. We will be one with Him in His sufferings and we will be one with Him in His death (our death to self). Only then will we be able to experience complete oneness with Him in His resurrection so that we may reach the DESTINY which Jesus has called us to fulfill! (see Philippians 3:10-12) ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY

John 1:16 - "And of His fullness have all we received, and grace for grace." THE LIFE OF GRACE FAR SURPASSES MERE MENTAL BELIEF IN THE TRUTHS OF GOD- IT FREES THE SPIRIT TO FLY POWERFULLY ABOVE ALL THINGS, WITH A KIND OF INNER LIFE THAT IS BEYOND DESCRIPTION. Matthew 7:7 - "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you." There is a paralyzing passivity so prevalent in the Church today.We must stir ourselves out of this stupor, as Scripture instructs us to do. We must rouse to reality and awake (Romans 13:11-14 AMP). A non-confrontational attitude is not the role and the responsibility of God's end-time warriors! We must awaken. Now is the time to find God's PURPOSE for your life and the CALLING you were destined to fulfill. Affirmation: I SHUT THE DOOR ON ALL THE DISTRACTIONS OF THIS LIFE, THE CARES OF THIS WORLD, THE BUSYNESS OF MY DAILY AFFAIRS AND ANYTHING ELSE THAT WOULD KEEP ME FROM PRESSING INTO GOD'S PURPOSE FOR MY LIFE. Philippians 3:14 - "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Matthew 13:45,46 - "The Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it." Observation: TO PURCHASE THIS EXPENSIVE PEARL, WHICH REPRESENTS THE KINGDOM, I HAVE TO SELL EVERYTHING TO HAVE ENOUGH TO BUY IT - IN OTHER WORDS I HAVE TO GIVE UP MY ENTIRE LIFE TO SERVE HIM AND HIS CAUSE WITHOUT HOLDING ANYTHING BACK FOR MYSELF, LIVING COMPLETELY FOR HIM. 2 Corinthians 5:15 - "He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again." ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY

Matthew 17:2,3 - "And was transfigured before them: and His face did shine as the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus." The word for transfigured in Matthew 17:2 and Mark 9:2 is the same Greek word word for renewal in Romans 12:2. (Strongs 3339) In this transfigured moment- Jesus is the prototype of the glorious church in this moment. Moses was known for AUTHORITY and Elijah for POWER -- these are the two realms that Jesus released over his disciples. This is the proptotype of what will happen with every believer who are to come to power and authority to effect and bring about change. Affirmation: I STEP OUT OF THE BOX CALLED "TIME" AND LIVE IN THE SPIRIT. I LEARN HOW TO HEAR GOD'S VOICE AND LIVE IN HIS PRESENCE. I RISE ABOVE THE PRESSURES OF TIME AND WALK IN THE ETERNAL LIFE OF GOD. Philippians 3:14 - "I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." Observation: AFTER LEAVING EGYPT, ALL THE EXPERIENCES THAT ISRAEL WENT THROUGH WERE TO PREPARE THEM FOR THE HIGH CALLING OF REPRESENTING THE LORD ON EARTH. I TOO, HAVE BEEN GIVEN THIS HIGHEST OF CALLINGS, AND EVERYTHING I GO THROUGH IS INTENDED TO PREPARE ME FOR IT. Deuteronomy 31:6 - "Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, He it is that doth go with thee; He will not fail thee, nor forsake thee." WHAT I KEEP SAYING I EVENTUALLY BELIEVE. Philippians 4:13 - "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." ALBERT FINCH MINSITRY

As the Lord taught in the Parable of the Sower, many will depart when testing comes. Many depart from Church, and many are now even departing from pursuing their CALLING in Christ when the tests come. You can never pass a test by quitting. 1 Peter 1:7 AMP - "So that the genuinenes of your faith may be tested, your faith which is infinitely more precious than the perishable gold which is tested and purified by fire....." OUR CONNECTION TO GOD AND ONE ANOTHER The Cross is a vertical post that represents our connection to God and a horizontal one that represents our connection to one another. One thing that taking up our cross means is that we must have both of these in our lives. Of course, our connection to God eclipses the importance of our connection to one another and must always be kept first. But if we have this and keep it first, we will also have the other. As John also wrote, we cannot love God who we do not see if we do not love our brother who we can see (see I John 4:20-21). John 20:21 -- "Just as the Father has sent me forth so I am sending you." This is certainly a command of Jesus for the Body of Christ to meet the needs (both temporal and spiritual) of new believers so they may indeed advance in the faith. The humbling service of DISCIPLING a new believer into: WHO HE IS IN CHRIST, HIS RIGHT STANDING WITH GOD, AND WALKING IN THE SPIRIT is the most valuable Christian service someone can minister to someone who has just had the "born again" experience. OLD THOUGHT PROCESSES In order for the church to advance into her destiny there are old thought processes that need to be dismantled: 1. The idea that higher spiritual advancement and development is reserved for the clergy. 2. The idea that spiritual training and discipling is the sole responsibility of the pastor and/or elders. 3. The idea that it takes years in the faith to be able to DISCIPLE other believers. 4. The idea that the only thing the laity is to be involved in is Church programs and listening to sermons. Submitting to DISCIPLESHIP training develops a "personal ministry to others consciousness" in the believer as well as promotes unity and brotherly love in the fellowship of the Body of Christ. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY

I am a 21 year old University student and in a dilemma. My parents met in church. It's a fact I've always liked. My mom has always been very open with me about everything ever since I can remember. when I was 2.5 she went abroad to work in a different country so that we could earn more money becasue the eastern european country i was living in really did not have good living conditions. I stayed there with my relatives, grandparents and aunt. My dad is a storng believer and although he also lived there he never really took care of me so I don't know what it's like to have a real father daughter bond. My mom didn't completely vanish, she was doing it all for me and came back every 3 or 6 months to see me. However, family friends about my mom's age have told me that when I was about 4, I used to go up to them and say things like: "you're my mother" and I remember getting attached to them very easily, which is weird by itself. when I was about 6 my mom took me with her, she got a divorce form my dad who never worked and never helped around the house or anything, and I've been living with her ever since. until I went to University two years ago, but still spend quite a bit of time living with her and her now boyfriend over the holidays. My mom used to tell me about God ever since I can remember. And although I have always firmly believed in Him and known about him I somehow did not want my mom to be the one telling me things about God. I know it sounds awful, but even when I was very little i can remember her wanting to stop talking about it, I did pray and believe in God but it felt like something so private to me, and something blocked me from talking to my mom about God. When I went to highschool I had an incredible teacher, who i was really interested in for some reason, only to find out later that she too was a believer. We got on really well and she would talk to me about God and i loved it. My teacher's parents and 6 siblings are all strong believers and they are such a wonderful family, and i kin of wish i had a family like that too. I loved talking to my teacher about God and was so happy she was a Christian too. She was the one who started calling me BatZion too, and I can tell she really cares about me. She does not have any children of her own and sometimes she can get quite protective of me. After graduation she started taking me to different churches around town, also with her family and it was so nice. My mom, although a believer, somehow doesn't go to church, so i've never been in a very church going family. I went to university abroad, and really enjoyed my independence. I'm a girl who has always been very independent because i don't have any siblings and it's always been just my mom and me. I like dancing when i go out with friends but I don't get drunk at all. I get really good grades and speak 5 languages, so i'm very studious. When i went to university it was so easy to go to church, becuase i could do whatever I wanted, my mom was not there and did not know every little thing I did, and i kind of enjoyed it, even though i do like spending time with her when i'm around her. Whenever I'm home however, going to church is quite a struggle. I don't really have any church going friends my age at home. And there is my teacher who i sometimes go to church with, but whenever I know that my mom knows I am going to church, I feel so blocked, it's like I really can't deal with her even knowing i go to church. I just somehow want it to be a thing I do and talk about with other people. Today it was so bad, i was getting ready to go to church and really wanted to, but my mom was home and she asked where I was going and whether I was going to church, so i somehow ended up not going, because i just wanted to go without her knowing. I know this sounds so weird, and there surely must be something wrong in this? It's so nice to see whole families going to church together, why can't I be open about it with my mom and why do i find it so strange to go to church with her? have any of you had similar experiences or are any of you parents whose kids act similarly and how do you deal with it? Sorry for the really long post but would be great to hear from some of you! Thank you!

Matthew 16:16,18. - "And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. 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.'" Observation: THE ROCK THAT THE LORD IS BUILDING HIS CHURCH UPON IS THE REVELATION FROM THE FATHER OF WHO JESUS IS. I MUST HAVE A PERSONAL REVELATION FROM THE FATHER OF WHO JESUS IS. HE MUST BE MY OWN KING AND SAVIOR. Acts 4:33 - "And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all." THE POWER OF GOD THAT I EXPERIENCE IN LIFE IS MORE UP TO ME THAN IT IS UP TO THE LORD. IT'S MY ASSIGNMENT TO MAKE SURE THAT I HAVE THE WORD ABIDING IN ME. Psalm 145:2 - "Every day will I bless Thee; and I will praise Thy name forever and ever." WHAT I DO DAILY DETERMINES WHAT I BECOME PERMANENTLY. Proverbs 8:34 - "Blessed is the man that heareth Me, watching daily at My gates, waiting at the posts of My doors." ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY

1 Kings 19:9 - "Then he came there to a cave and lodged there; and behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and He said to him, 'What are you doing here, Elijah?'” So the word of the Lord came to him “what are you doing here Elijah”. This is one of the most important questions God will ever ask us. His questions probes the reality of our spiritual state. He is asking “how did your service to me become dry and desolate?” He wants us to know that when we fail to esteem Him as our first love, we will always find that a desert awaits us. God never intended for religion. He intended to have a people called by His name to steward, be productive, and carry His presence to those around us and to the nations. QUESTIONS TO ASK MYSELF: 1. Does sitting in a church service each week hearing a good message and worshipping together give me all of what I need? 2. Am I living my experience of being part of the Church through two hours on Sunday and maybe a home cell group on Wednesday evening ie. is this the only thing that defines my spiritual development in the Kingdom? 3. Am I active in my thoughts and communications with the Father in my everyday life? 4. Am I being transformed by His presence? 5. Am I "asking, knocking, and seeking" to discover my destiny in Christ? 6. Am I personally discipling others to equip them for discipling new Christians in the Church body? 7. Do I believe that I can change the world? Luke 16:16 - "The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it." This realm of God’s Spirit does not come without “pressing” – without contending. The first thing about pressing is seeking. Pressing into it means there is a passionate pursuit of God in prayer. The word “to seek” means to diligently look for and search out earnestly until the object of the search is located. It is as crying out and hungering for the presence of God. AFFIRMATIONS: God is bringing my life to a new beginning. I press into and lay hold of the kingdom of heaven in an aggressive way. I have a burning heart of fiery witness and passion when it comes to exhorting others in their walk with God. I repent from trying to do God's will without abiding in His presence. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY

Joshua 6:2 - "And the Lord said unto Joshua, See. I have given into thine hand Jericho, and the king therof, and the mighty men of valour." When the children of Israel entered the Promised Land ten cities stood as obstacles in their way. The first of these cities was Jericho. Israel was not yet an army -- they were simply a group of desert wanderers with a promise. They had no army. Their resources had worn thin from years in the desert. THEIR ONLY WEAPON OF WARFARE WAS THEIR OBEDIENCE TO GOD Joshua 6:20 - "So the people shouted, and priests blew the trumpets; and when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, the people shouted with a great shout and the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight ahead, and they took the city." The Church stands in a similar posture. We are facing a Jericho that is standing in the way. The world systems are unstable. Financial fear is trying to lure the people of God into its fear. There a lot of walls standing in the way of promise. God is positioning His Church to bring down those walls just as He did in Jericho. Those walls will not fall by human wisdom and reasoning. Another church program will not do it. Only the shout of grace will bring it down. The shout of grace in obedience to God was the weapon of supernatural warfare for Israel. When we shout "grace" we are making a statement that unless God shows up we won't be able to move ahead. STANDING BEFORE OUR JERICO WALLS Today as we stand before the walls of our Jericho, we shout out loud the word, "Grace." With that shout of grace will come the dismantling of the walls of those encampments that stand in the way of the promise of God: Gather your mounting bills and shout grace over them. Shout grace into your future. Shout grace over a wayward child. Shout grace over every obstacle that stands in the way of your vision and calling. Stand on the high places of your city and shout grace over the broken and lost. Once we shout the grace of God -- we walk straight ahead and see the glory of God. Under our feet will be the remains of fear and impossibility. Zechariah 4:7 - "What are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become a plain; and he will bring forth the top stone with shouts of 'Grace, grace to it!'" ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY

"And he said to them, 'Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation....And these signs will accompany those who believe; in my name they will cast out demons...they will lay their hands on the sick and they will recover.' And they went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by the signs that attended it.'" - Mark 16:15,17-19 Jesus delivered a spiritual force of faith that we can release, through revelation, in the Word of God – which will produce in our life the God-quality of living. FAITH HAS TO BE ACTIVATED - BE A CONTENDER This spiritual force of faith will not have the same measure of power for the passive as it will for the contender – the champion. Neither is it a faith, but it is THE FAITH; so the definition of how it works must be predominately examined in the life and ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ and the early Church. If He operated in a faith that worked expeditiously, accelerated and without limits, and then handed that over to men and women – then it is His intention for us to safeguard and keep that faith in our life. Why? Because we cannot live the way God wants us to live without implementing the power that God has given to us. That is why you have chosen not to be just an attender, but an earnest contender. THE ANSWER TO THE WORLD What kind of answer is He? Jesus is the answer for the world, for every problem in the world, for every handicap in the world, for every limitation in the world! Make up your mind to be a contender and not just an attender! We need to demonstrate that greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4). Who is going to make the right choices and choose to believe that He is the answer? Whether it's a broken back, whether it's someone in a coma, whether it's a generational experience of object poverty, whether it's a mental disorder, whether it's nations gone amok, whether it's economies that are unstable; it does not matter what the problems are – Jesus is the answer to the world! But in order for that answer to work, FAITH HAS TO BE ACTIVATED because faith is the access to the mercy of God. BLIND BARTIMAEUS There was a man that didn't even own a Bible, couldn't even read, but he had enough sense to know that although he was born blind what he heard about Jesus was the truth. So blind Bartimaeus "began to cry out and say, "'Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!' Then many warned him to be quiet; but he cried out all the more, 'Son of David, have mercy on me!'" - (Mark 10:47-48). In other words he began to say, "I will not be a pretender. I will not be an attender, but I will be a contender, Jesus Son of David have mercy on me." And he began to shout like a radical. God is not looking for a quiet people, He's not looking for a passive people, He's not looking for an inactive people; He's looking for a radical people who will contend for their miracle in God. Bartimaeus didn't know; he hadn't even been to one intensified training session. But he had one ounce of sense in him and he knew that, Jesus was the answer to his problem. BE THE CONTENDER - BE THE CHAMPION What's the world's problem? Many are either bound up, torn up or in a mess. But if somebody would lead them to their solution -- Jesus -- and to the anointing that is in the Word which will take the burden off of their shoulders and the yoke off their neck, like Bartimaeus, they can have enough sense to contend after the reward of what God has. There are men and women rising up to raise the dead, heal the sick, cast out devils and invade the world with the most powerful Name! The Name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow of the things in Heaven and earth and under the earth. Stop saying: "Well, let's get down to reality." No! Let's get up to revelation! AFFIRMATIONS: I am not going to sit on the sidelines and allow the enemy to limit me. I am not going to live in repetition. I am of the end-time generation of God. I contend -- I fight for the faith that was delivered for the saint's safekeeping. I am the champion God created me to be. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY

Why are thier Mid week Services in Protestant Faith Traditions been to a few some are Worship some Bible study some some Prayer Meeting why are they done different some have seprate Bible Study and Prayer Meeting Services.

I read this today and wanted to get your thoughts... What do you think of this? Does this sort of thing happen in your church? God bless, GE If a church doesn’t want our baby when she is quiet and cute, they don’t want us. Do you have any immediate red flags when you are looking for a new church for your kids? http://www.minivanministries.com/church/let-the-children-come-to-me-or-at-least-to-church/