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Matthew 24:12 - "And because lawlessness is increased, most people's love will grow cold." Love is a passion for oneness. There is no such thing as love without commitment. People withdraw from being committed, never realizing that their love is growing cold! They still go to church, read the bible, tithe, sing and look like Christians -- but inside they have become distant and aloof from other people. They have withdrawn from the love of God. Matthew 21:18,19,21 - On his way back to the city, early next morning, Jesus was hungry. He saw a fig tree by the side of the road and went to it, but found nothing on it except leaves. So he said to the tree, "You will never again bear fruit!" At once the fig tree dried up. "Remember this!" Jesus answered. "If you believe, and do not doubt, you will be able to do what I have done to this fig tree." He is taking you into a new faith realm where miracles happen and mountains move and dreams and words are fulfilled in this time. This realm is His Kingdom in you; this is dominion, your CALLING in Christ, your place in His Kingdom. So step in, step out of the boat and walk on the water in this New Faith Realm—ONLY BELIEVE and you will receive. Observation: THERE MAY BE SOME THINGS IN MY LIFE THAT I NEED TO CURSE, BECAUSE THOSE THINGS ARE HINDERING ME FROM BEARING FRUIT FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD. Rom 1:17 - "For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, 'The just shall live by faith.'" Affirmations: I SPEAK GODS PROMISES INTO MY HEART EVERY DAY. I PLANT FAITH AS A SEED BY RELEASING IT IN WORDS. I SPEAK ONLY THOSE THINGS THAT I WANT TO GROW IN MY LIFE. Song of Solomon 4:3 - "Your lips are like a scarlet thread, and your speech is sweet. your cheeks are like a piece of pomegranate, besides that which is hidden within." "YOUR SPEECH," HE ADDS, "IS SWEET." THE HEART HAS A LANGUAGE THAT NO ONE BUT GOD CAN UNDERSTAND. SOMETHING WITHIN YOU SPEAKS ONLY TO HIM. THERE ARE SECRETS SHARED ONLY BETWEEN THE BRIDEGROOM (JESUS) AND HIS BRIDE. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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Not all gospel messages are created equal. A god-shaped hole, a wonderful plan, and many others get pitched by well meaning Christians. What have you heard (or believed) that drifts from the gospel outlined in Romans, and by Paul in 1 Cor. 15??? Here's a podcast I did on this subject. Feedback welcome! http://apologeticsevangelism.podbean.com/e/episode-009-what-version-of-the-gospel-are-you-sharing/?token=9aa4ba458984739921bc97f1a4d4f2e2 -
James 4:3 - "Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts." OBSERVATION: If I am not receiving from God, I need to change what I have been giving my attention to. Affirmations: I AM THE VICTORY THROUGH OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. (1 Corinthians 15:57) I AM BLESSED WITH EVERY SPIRITUAL BLESSING IN THE HEAVENLY PLACES IN CHRIST. (Ephesians 1:3) I AM SEATED WITH CHRIST IN HEAVENLY PLACES. (Ephesians 2:6) Matthew 12:34-37 - "For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account therof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned". OBSERVATION: My future -- good or bad -- is in me, right now. It's in my mouth and it's determined by the words I speak. I am the prophet of my own life. AFFIRMATIONS: The Spirit of God is creating a desire for the NEW - I thank the Holy Spirit for helping me to press through into this new place. Revelation is opening my eyes and giving me this new vision. I arise now. My provision is waiting at the next level. The course of the river is beginning to change. I jump in and go up! A new height, a new momentum, and a new strength enters my soul. I refuse to sit any long in a low place. Revelation 22:1 - "And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb." OBSERVATION: God leads me to the river of His Spirit -- the current of clear goodness that flows without ceasing. As I step into that unfailing new life I will want nothing else. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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John 4:24 - "God is a Spirit and those who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth." Observation: My true heart's desire is what attracts Him, like a fragrance rising on the air. He whispers delicately all the while to my inmost being -- and until now I have tried to follow Him on my own, and failed. Now He will show me how to follow Him in Spirit. Matthew 17:17 - "Then Jesus answered and said, 'O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him here to Me.'" Jesus made it clear to the disciples that the gift of God would remain dormant in them if they could not believe. OBSERVATION: When we walk in fear, doubt, and rembrance of failures we are robbed of our boldness, and we become unable to step out in God's ablilty. Jeremiah 32:17 - "Alas, Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! There is nothing too hard or too wonderful for You." Affirmation: I AM NEVER AS FAR FROM A MIRACLE AS IT FIRST APPEARS. OBSERVATION: The spirit of the resurrected Christ is in you -- find it. That discovery releases extraordinary faith. It's the discovery of the person in you -- that partnership positions you to redefine the nature of the world around you. Matthew 7:7 - "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you." ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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Galatians 1:10 - "If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ." Observation: IF I AM TO WALK WITH CHRIST I NEED TO BE DELIVERED FROM THE FEAR OF MAN, THE COMPULSION TO BE ACCEPTED BY MEN, AND THE MOTIVE OF WANTING TO RECEIVE ANYTHING FROM THEM. Acts 6:4 - "But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word." TO PRAY IS TO CHANGE. Observation: PRAYER IS THE CENTRAL AVENUE GOD USES TO TRANSFORM ME. IF I AM UNWILLING TO CHANGE I WILL ABANDON PRAYER AS A NOTICEABLE CHARACTERISTIC OF MY LIFE. Psalm 63:1 - "O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul longeth for Thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is." John 15:7 - "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you shall ask what you will, and it shall be done unto you." Some are willing to spend hours in prayer asking for a miracle instead of planting the Word of God in their hearts, which in time would produce the miracle. Prayer is what water and fertilizer are to a seed. They help the Word release its life. But if you haven't planted the seed, it doesn't matter how much water and fertilizer you apply, the soil still won't produce fruit. It's the seed that has life! AFFIRMATION: The creative language of God is demonstrated when I speak forth the creative word of God in boldness and confidence because it is abiding in my spirit. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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John 2:3-5 - When the wine was gone, Jesus' mother said to him, "They have no more wine." "Why do you involve me?" Jesus replied, "My time has not yet come." His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you." Jesus attended a wedding where they ran out of wine, as yet He hadn't performed any of the wonders for which He would later become known. Mary knew who her Son was and what was possible....her faith so touched the heart of the Father that He apparently changed the chosen time to unveil Jesus as the miracle worker. Her faith just made room for the extravagance of God! Faith moves heaven, so that heaven will move earth. QUESTIONS TO ASK MYSELF: 1. Name an instance today where my faith is making room for the extravagance of God. 2. What specifically am I believing God for today that I can't do myself? ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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Romans 4:17 -- ....."God who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did." Sometimes we feel feel pain from sickness. How can we go around saying the Christ has redeemed us from this sickness? How can we say that by His stripes we are healed? God's way is to call those things that are not as though they are. And because we are made in God's image, we can also call those things that are not as though they are! CHANGING THE WAY WE TALK When God wanted to make Abraham a father of many nations, what did He do? He changed the way Abraham talked. At that time, Abraham did not even have a single child from his wife, Sarah, because she was barren. So how could he become a father of many nations? God changed the way he talked, How? By changing his name from Abram to Abraham, which means "father of many nations." Every time he said his name he called forth what God saw him already blessed with. When Jesus saw the man with a withered hand, He didn't say, "My goodness! It is so withered!" He said, "Stretch out your hand!" (Matthew 12:13). He CALLED FORTH what he wanted. He looked at the paralytic and said, "Rise, take up your bed and go home!" (Matthew 9:6). He didn't see it the way it was in the natural. He saw the way God meant it to be and He CALLED IT FORTH. AFFIRMATION: I change the way I talk -- I see the way God meant it to be, and start calling forth my miracle. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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Letting His Spirit Rule And Reign - Meditations
Albert Finch posted a blog entry in Albert Finch Ministry
In His Presence Are the Answers That You Seek. Wear the crown of glory that He would have you wear uprightly. Lay down any identity that man would come with. Man would come and try to push His crown off your head, and put upon it a counterfeit identity. Lay down all these things that rush into your mind – to where you cannot even come into His presence, because your mind, your spirit, is somewhere else. Call everything that would command you to give up dreams and visions and hope – command it to be cast behind you, for it is of the enemy. Let His Spirit rule and reign. Let Him begin to flow out of you – with discernment, with knowledge, with worship. Practice this when you're alone. "My soul, wait in silence for God only, for my hope is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation, the rock of my strength, my refuge is in God. Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us." - Pslams 62:5-8 ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY -
How much time per day should we spend confessing our sins and shortcomings?
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Four Kinds of Power – Dunamis Miracle Anointing (Read Acts 1 & 2) 1 Corinthians 1:18; 4:20 18For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 20For the kingdom of God does not consist in words but in power. 2 Corinthians 4:7 7But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; (The anointing we call “Dunamis” comes from the New Testament Greek word that describes a special kind of explosive power from God. Dunamis means dynamic, miraculous power, might, magnitude, violence, mighty work, great power, abundance, great strength, great virtue and to do the impossible.) Revelation 4:5 5Out from the throne come flashes of lightning and sounds and peals of thunder. And there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God; (Dunamis is exuberant! It’s bold, experience oriented. It is the manifestation of God’s lightening.) Luke 24:49 - "And behold, I am sending forth the promise of My Father upon you; but you are to stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.” Acts 1:8 8but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.” (It is about pressing in for miracles, signs and wonders. Jesus told the disciples to wait in Jerusalem until the Holy Spirit came upon them and gave them Dunamis power. After the disciples waited ten days the Holy Spirit came. They had a “Dunamis” encounter, and the New testament church was birthed.) Luke 4:14; 4:36; 5:17 14And Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about Him spread through all the surrounding district. 36And amazement came upon them all, and they began talking with one another saying, “What is this message? For with authority and power He commands the unclean spirits and they come out.” 17One day He was teaching; and there were some Pharisees and teachers of the law sitting there, who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem; and the power of the Lord was present for Him to perform healing. (This supernatural endowment involves preaching and teaching the gospel and “healing every sickness and every disease among the people.”) Acts 4:31,33 31And when they had prayed, the place where they had gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness. 33And with great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all. (“And they spoke the word of God with boldness”. It was right after this encounter with the Holy Spirit that “with great power (Dunamis) the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus." Summary: The miracle anointing is “Dunamis power”: When we have the anointing for miracles, at any time we can say who wants to be healed? Let’s release our Dunamis power. It’s not about us, it’s about Jesus’ miracle anointing (The Hebrew word “MASHACH” for anointing means rubbing or smearing with oil to consecrate someone. It’s also the word “SHEMEN”, which is the “burden removing yoke destroying” power of God.) In Ephesians 5:18 the apostle Paul told believers “do not be drunk with wine in which is dissipation but be filled with the Spirit.” So what does it mean to be filled? We’re talking about a constant encounter of Dunamis power. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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Hosea 4:6 - "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge." Proverbs 29:18 says similarly, "Where there is no revelation the people cast off restraint." A more correct and complete translation is: "Without a prophetic revelation, the people go unrestrained, walking in circles, having no certain DESTINY." The word vision refers to the spirit of revelation coming upon you, giving you a vision of things that are unseen. Revelation is so essential in our lives that without it we perish. This is what we live by. Without unfolding prophetic revelation that expands your capacity to see life from God's perspective, you will perish. Without seeing your present circumstances through God's eyes, you will spiritually die. Revelation is critical to the normal Christian life. Ephesians 1:17 - "For I always pray to the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, that He may grant you a spirit of wisdom and revelation (of insight into mysteries and secrets) in the deep and intimate knowledge of Him." Affirmations: I HUNGER FOR AND VIGOROULSLY PURSUE REVELATION. I CRY OUT DAY AND NIGHT FOR THE FULLNESS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. I ASK THE HOLY SPIRIT TO REVEAL TO ME THE MYSTERIES THAT ARE LOCKED IN SCRIPTURE. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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Hebrews 4:16 - "Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need. " How do we draw near with confidence to the throne of grace?
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Deeds, Claims, and Promises of Jesus - 11 (of 11)
Albert Finch posted a blog entry in Albert Finch Ministry
Have the class (or individual) read aloud each of the ascribed scriptures. Then dictate the indicated summary. The student is to recite the summary of each of the scriptures 5 times per day until the next class. Heb 9:27; Rom 6:23; The only price we can offer for our sins is our own eternal death. Rom 5:8; John 3:16; God loves us and has made provision for us even though we don’t deserve it. John 17:3; Rev 3:20; Jesus is alive today, and knowing Him is the most important thing you can do, in this life and in the next. I Peter 5:5; Psalm 51:17; In genuine humility, present your heart to God. PRAYER OF SALVATION: God, I confess that I have lived mostly for myself, even the best parts of my life fall short of your glory. I have sinned more times and in more ways than I can count, there is nothing I can do to save myself from the eternal death that I deserve. Thank you so much for loving me enough to send Jesus, your only Son, to die on the cross for my sins. It should have been me hanging there, but He took my place so that I could be freely forgiven. Please forgive all my sins, Father. I do not want to live for myself anymore. For the rest of my days I want to live for the Lord Jesus Christ. And I want the presence of your Holy Spirit in my life. Amen HOMEWORK: MATTHEW - CHAPTER 14 - QUIZ 1. When Jesus supernaturally fed the 5000 men plus women and children with 5 loaves and 2 fishes there were left-overs abounting to_______________full. 2. When the disciples saw Jesus supernaturally__________ they were troubled and cried out in fear. 3. When Peter told Jesus to bid him to come to Him on the water, the word Jesus gave Peter was ______________. 4. When Peter began sinking it was because he had lost focus of ____________________. 5. The anointing of the Holy Spirit was so heavy on Jesus that it was transferred to_________________. MARK - CHAPTER 11 - QUIZ 1. Jesus cursing the fig tree is a symbol of what we should do the things in our life that are not producing___________ for the Kingdom of God. 2. In quoting Jeremian 7:11 in the temple Jesus was showing the fulfillment of _________________. 3. When we have a serious obstacle in our lives the first thing we need to do is ______________ to the problem. 4. Jesus said: what things you____________when you pray,_____________that you_____________them, and you shall have them. 5. If you do not_____________neither will your Father which is in heaven ________________your trespasses. MATTHEW - CHAPTER 14 - QUIZ ANSWERS 1. 12 baskets 2. Walking on the sea 3. Come 4. The word 5. His garment MARK - CHAPTER 11 - QUIZ ANSWERS 1. Fruit 2. Prophecy 3. Talk 4. Desire, believe, receive 5. Forgive, forgive ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY -
Genesis 4:3,4 - "And in the process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the Lord. And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the Lord had respect unto Abel and to his offering." Cain's offering was rejected because he offered the fruit of his own labors while Able offered a blood sacrificed that prophesied the coming of Christ. This led to a rage in Cain that caused him to slay his brother. The cross is the basis of our acceptance to God and remains the promary point of conflict between Christianity and every other religion, which are all based on man's acceptance through works. QUESTIONS TO ASK MYSELF: 1. Am I a "born again" person? 2. What am I doing for my fellow man today to help him receive the Lord Jesus Christ. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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2 Timothy 2:8 - "Don't ever forget the wonderful fact that Jesus Christ was a Man, born into King David's family; and that He was God, as shown by the fact that he rose again from the dead." AFFIRMATIONS: I remember that when jesus arose, I arose. When He came out of hell and defeated the enemy, I came out of hell and defeated the enemy. His victory is my victory because I am in Him. Colossians 2:15 - "And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it." Romans 4:21 - "And being fully persuaded, that what He had promised, He was able also to perform." Religious flesh is occupied with pretending to be (or look) good. The soul that is led by the spirit has its focus upon the greatness of God, believing that what God as promised, He is able also to perform. Song of Solomon 1:5 - " I am black, but lovely, daughters of Jerusalem, as the tents of Kedar, as the curtains of Solomon." The greatest experience of the grace of God would not come from Him if it did not give you a clear view of your miserable state apart from Him. As you come out of the chambers of your King (Jesus) you discover that you are black. What makes you black? Suddenly you see all your faults by the light of God. Now you see that you have not been cleansed from yourself. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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1. Why was Jesus manifested in the earth? Answer: To destroy the works of the devil. "For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, to testify to the truth. All who are not deaf to the truth listen to My voice." - John 18:37 "The one who practices sin is of the devil; for the devil has sinned from the beginning. The son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil." - 1 John 3:8 "He was given over to die because of our sins, and was raised to life to put us right with God." - Romans 4:25 ".....He has been manifested to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself." - Hebrews 9:26 2. Has the cross of Calvary delivered me from the guilt of sin? Answer: God made Jesus sin. Sin was not only reckoned to Him, but His spirit actually became sin. "God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God." - 2 Corinthians 5:19,21 "Because by one sacrifice He has made perfect forever those who are being made holy." - Hebrews 10:14 "If we walk in the light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin." - 1 John 1:7 3. How are Satan and his works put under our feet as the body of Christ? Answer: Answer in the scriptures. "And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even when faced with death." - Revelation 12:11 "When He had disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him." - Colossians 2:15 4. Am I allowing the Holy Spirit to build a righteousness consciousness through meditation and affirmation of the word concerning my right standing with God? "By this we know the we abide in Him and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit." - 1 John 4:13 "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. - John 15:4 5. How will a righteousness consciousness affect my prayer life? "Truly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be taken up and cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is going to happen, it will be granted him. Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you." - Mark: 11:23,24 "Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it." - John 14;13;14 INTO ACTION: Affirm and meditate on the indicated scriptures several times daily until the renewing of your mind is made real to your spirit. AFFIRMATIONS: I know my prayers are hears by God because I believe on Christ Jesus His Son who gives me eternal life. (1 John 5:13) I receive through faith because when I ask in prayer I believe that I have received what I have asked for. (Mark 11:24) I transform my mind through affirming, meditating, and visualizing God's word.(Romans 12:2 & John 8:31,32) ALBERT FINCH MINSITRY
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Psalm 91:1 -- "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the almighty." Jesus lived a life of of prayer, and when He needed dedicated prayer time He would send crowds and, most likely, potential resources away so that He could be with the Father. As a result He would not move, speak, or do anything that the Father did not ask Him to do. Our talking and listening to the Father should be a continuum or seamless activity. When we are in conversation with anyone we should ask the Lord, "Father, what do you want me to hear?" and "Father, how would you desire me to respond?" When we are consciously doing this the Lord will do amazing things and we are giving God glory in many more conversations and releasing His love more abundantly to others. Prayer is really for us to connect with Him, His nature, and for a conduit of His peace, love and joy to flow through us, but we must participate and engage relationally with Him in order for His presence to manifest through our lives in power. Psalm 62:1,5 -- "Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from Him cometh my salvation. My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from Him." Prayer is tuning everything else out so we can hear from Him. When prayer is foundational and we allow His will to supersede our will we begin to develop vision -- as vision expands we commence to see our earthlyDESTINY(the purpose of God for our life). PRAYER PRINCIPLES TO CONNECT WITH OUR DESTINY 1. To be successful in our vision, we must have a daily, dynamic prayer life with God. 2. We will never achieve our destiny without prayer because prayer is what keeps us connected to the Vision-Giver. 3. Prayer encourages us to get back in the fight of faith. 4. As prayer is the essential resource of vision, we remain connected to our Source for the renewal of our purpose, faith, strength, and PERSEVERANCE. 5. God is the One who planted our life's PURPOSE within us in the beginning. He has invested Himself in our dream and as we are obedient and stay committed He will bring our earthly DESTINY to pass. Matthew 7:7,8 -- "Keep on asking and it will be given to you; keep on seeking and you will find; keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who keeps on asking receives; and he who keeps on seeking finds; and to him who keeps on knocking, the door will be opened." (NAS) Hebrews 12:1 -- "(We must) run with patience the particular race that God has set before us." Philippians 3:14 -- "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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Getting in touch with God's PURPOSE for our life can have the single most powerful impact on our own life after coming to Jesus and being born again. All Christians are called to be witnesses, but we also have a CALLING in Christ that is more specific than that. The main factors that will lead to a revelation of our earthly DESTINY and being prepared for it are the following: A. Resolving to do the Lord's will as the chief pursuit of our lives. 1. All Christians are called to be "soldiers of the Cross". All soldiers know that they can be called upon to pay the ultimate price for their cause. For this reason, the soldiers of the Cross are called to take up their crosses and commit to die daily to their own interests in order to serve the interests of Christ: "If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his Cross daily, and follow Me." (Luke 9:23). "For whoever wishes to save his life shall lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he is the one who will save it." (Luke 9:23,24) "You therefore must suffer hardship as a good soldier of Christ Jesus." (2 Timothy 2:3) "No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier." (2 Timothy 2:4) "And he died for all, that they who live should no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf." (2 Corinthians 5:15) B. Beholding the glory of the Lord. C. Finding and becoming a committed part of the body of Believers we are called to be with. D. Receiving the ministry of the five equipping ministries listed in Ephesians chapter 4. E. Being discipled by someone other than the pastor. 1. Regular one-on-one meetings 2. Keeps us focused on the prize and off of the many opportunities in the Church and elsewhere that will take us away from what God has called us to do -- our DESTINY. 3. Receiving weekly assignments, will help us grow in knowledge and understanding that will eventually equip us to disciple others and move to higher spiritual attainments. F. Engaging in our calling in Christ. QUESTIONS TO ASK MYSELF: 1. Am I totally sold out to the Lord Jesus Christ? 2. Am I willing to agressively pursue the services of someone in the Body of Christ to disciple me in my Christian walk? 3. Name 3 reasons why I need someone to disciple me in addition to my participation in church services, sunday school, bible study clases, Christ encounters etc. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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What is it going to take to get us to apprehend God's purpose for our life?
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Now is the time to dig deeper depths! A country may possess a plethora of natural resources, but if they are not INTENTIONAL about tapping in and developing those resources they will remain in poverty. The same is true in the Kingdom of God: We have been given an abundance of grace for every good work (2 Corinthians 9:8). We have been blessed with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ (Ephesians 1:3). All things pertaining to life and godliness are ours (2 Peter 1:3). On the Cross, Jesus cried out, "It is finished!" (John 19:30). HIDDEN TREASURE There is an intriguing concept taught in the Bible regarding God. Isaiah the prophet received revelation into this mystery and cried out in awe, "Truly You are a God who hides Himself, O God and Savior of Israel" (Isaiah 45:15 The Bible instructs that spiritual treasures are hidden in Christ, "...in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Colossians 2:3). Hidden in the original Greek language literally means hidden to be discovered. We see this same truth taught by Jesus Himself: "For there is nothing hidden which will not be revealed, nor has anything been kept secret but that it should come to light" (Mark 4:22). We need to understand that God is not hiding His riches from us; He is hiding them for us! DIGGING DEEP If we are to experience all that Christ has made available to us, we must dig to deeper depths where the treasure is found, "and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God." (Proverbs 2:4-5). If you were made aware that a veritable fortune was buried on your land, how would you respond? Would you say, "One of these days, when I have time, I will search for the treasure?" No! Your response would be to immediately begin searching. In fact, all other events in your life would be placed on hold until the treasure was in your possession. In Christ, we have a treasure that is of greater worth than all the riches of this world. Many have neglected this treasure and left it buried in the ground of their lives because they have failed to discern the value of what they possess. How was it that for the cause of Christ, Moses so willingly walked away from the power and prestige (to pursue God's CALLING on his life) that was his as one of the most powerful leaders on the earth? It was because of the revelation he possessed of the worth of Christ. "By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward." - Hebrews 11:24-26 Without Holy Spirit's help it is so easy to underestimate the profound worth of the spiritual riches that are ours in Christ. For this reason Paul prays for the saints:"that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints." - Ephesians 1:17-18 WHAT ARE WE WILLING TO GIVE UP TO PURSUE GOD'S PURPOSE FOR OUR LIFE? When you truly come to value what you have been given in Christ (God's CALLING on your life) you will gladly forsake and discard everything else in order to safeguard your inheritance. "Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For His sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with Him..." - Philippians 3:8-9 NLT Our tendency is to invest in that which is truly of value to us. How we need a revelation of the riches of glory we possess in Christ Jesus! He is our Pearl of Great Price, our all sufficiency. "Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant on the lookout for choice pearls. When he discovered a pearl of great value, he sold everything he owned and bought it!" - Matthew 13:45-46 ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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Luke 10:38-40 - As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to Him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what He said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me! Many people have their own ideas about what they want to do for God, and this is why they keep drifting off in the wrong direction. It is easy to become preoccupied in doing things for God rather than doing what God has specifically told us to do. Nowhere in the story does it say that Jesus was hungry. It says just that Martha went about preparing food for Jesus. God doesn't want us to start anything, including doing good works for Him, until we consult Him. This is because He doesn't want us to work "for" Him, but "with" Him in partnership. We are God's fellow workers or workers together with Him. 2 Corinthians 6:1 - "Laboring together as God's fellow workers with Him then, we beg of you not to receive the grace of God in vain." Affirmations: WHEN GOD REVEALS TO ME THE ASSIGNMENT THAT I WAS BORN TO FULFILL, I PRIORITIZE MY LIFE IN KEEPING WITH THAT VISION. I DECIDE HOW MANY OF THE THINGS THAT I AM CURRENTLY INVOLVED IN ARE BENEFICIAL TO MY DREAM. THERE ARE SOME GOOD PEOPLE IN MY LIFE WHO ARE "BAD" FOR ME BECAUSE THEY'RE DISTRACTING ME FROM GOING WHERE I WANT TO GO. THERE ARE SOME GOOD BOOKS IN MY HOUSE THAT ARE WRONG FOR ME BECAUSE THEY TAKE MY FOCUS OFF MY GOAL. MY VISION PROTECTS ME FROM BEING MISGUIDED BY GOOD ALTERNATIVES - IT ALLOWS ME TO SAY NO TO LESSER OPPORTUNITIES, EVEN IF THERE ARE CERTAIN BENEFITS TO THEM. ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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We see that the engine of the Gospel message that drives it into the world--is His presence and glory. It is not a tantalizing self-induced experience that produces no fruit, but rather an illuminating light which leads the world to Jesus and becomes the pillar of fire that leads His Church into the world. Yet often in contemporary circles, we see the opposite in effect. We want to privatize His glory and keep it shrouded in personal experience, assuming the world will simply "catch on". WE ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD Look at the words of Jesus carefully, "No man after he has lit a candle puts it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick so that they that come in may see the light..." (Luke 11:33). "YOU are the LIGHT of the WORLD" (Matthew 5:14). We have become the transfiguring light of His presence and are the only hope of the world to see it. "To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory..." (Colossians 1:27). OUR MISSION: Our job description now is to reveal the Light of eternity in a dark world void of it. We are light to the world and are here to TRANSFIGURE and TRANSFORM it. In Luke 10:2, harvest is literally mentioned three times, "Then He said to them, 'The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.'" A "reaping or crop" is not "going" to be ready. It "was already" ripe, and the only hindrance to that reaping were the workers or laborers. That word "laborer" can be interpreted in the ancient text as "toiler or teacher." This world needs to be DISCIPLED into the Word of God. TEACHING AND PREACHING As far as we appear to be climbing this current mountain of revelation and gifts, we can never disqualify the necessity of teaching and preaching His Word. It's the very reason the glory was given and that divine power was granted -- to "be His witnesses." Look at Philip as he encounters the Ethiopian Eunuch in Acts 8:26-39. Philip became the prophet to Africa's royal court sent by God along the roadside. He became the teacher that illuminated the ancient text of Isaiah revealing Christ to him. Then he was a mighty evangelist who baptized the man in water along the way after the eunuch openly confessed, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God..." (verse 37). STEPPING INTO OUR DESTINY Rather than dissect God's power into cookie-cutter theologies, let's fully embrace the sheer power of His presence and step into the brilliant light of the "Lord of the Harvest" and become His prophets, kings, priests, teachers and evangelists to the world. Three effects of this: 1. In that exact moment, the world begins to press around us like moths to the flame as it did Him and all of them then. 2. We suddenly realize we have entered a harvest that is a result of prophecy and has become the answer to His ancient prayer, "...pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest" 3. You become that laborer and you become that harvester and the prophecy of Jesus of a great glorious white harvest continues to be fulfilled and unfolded. GREAT PROPHETIC ADVENTURE The harvest we face today is a prophetic one born on the winds of prophecy uttered from the mouth of Jesus two thousand years ago. Like Philip, we run to it! We may see kings bow, princes baptized and vagabonds saved. This great prophetic adventure awaits us, and His glory will carry us into the white light of His presence, because we "are a city set upon a hill that cannot be hid" and we are the "Leukos" or "light of the world." ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
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Some people that attend church are looking for "Christian Counseling" but what would be more beneficial in most circumstances would be "Discipleship Equipping." That would involve focusing on their spiritual condition rather than their personal problems. Areas that involve discipling are: 1. Understanding their inheritance in Christ and who they are in Christ. 2. Understand their "Right Standing With God." 3. Understanding of how to "Walk in the Spirit. Having been discipled in these areas they are now ready to go and disciple and equip others for discipleship. Matthew 28:19 - "Go then and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." Jesus said, "Your attitude must be like my own, for I the Messiah, did not come to be served, but to serve and to give my life." Romans 2:8 - "God will pour out His anger and wrath on those who live for themselves." ALBERT FINCH MINISTSRY
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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 heart and strength in the practice of virtue. Affirmation: I WILL CONCENTRATE THE STRENGTH OF MY APPETITES ON GOD ALONE. Mark 9:24 - "And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief." Affirmations: I AM NO LONGER TROUBLED BY THE DEMONS OF FEAR AND DOUBT. I REPENT OF MY UNBELIEF. I DRAW UPON THE FORGIVENESS OF CHRIST AND HIS PURITY OF HEART AND THEN I YIELD MYSELF TO CHRIST'S FAITH AND EMBRACE HIS LOVE WITHIN ME. 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
