REPENT---AND RECEIVE THE GLORY!

   "If MY people, which is called by MY Name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek MY face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin, and heal their land. Now MINE eyes shall be open, and MINE ears attent unto their prayer that is made in this place. For now have I choosen and sanctified this house, that MY Name may be there forever: and MINE eyes and MINE heart shall be there perpetually"(2 Chron 7:14-16).

I would like to make 2 or 3 points on repentance for as I have taught on Accountability I am accountable to GOD our SAVIOR and to you. As the Shepard of GOD's house I have of late been experiencing a grave reality in the Body of CHRIST, in the Church, our church! There have been many who have joined the church and then fallen away, come back to repent just to fall away soon after. There have been many who have promised to become a helper and have yet not come forth. There have been accusations amongst sheep to the end of not getting ones way seems to be the foundation of the consideration to leave your church home!

   Exodus 33:18-19 "And he said, I beseech Thee, show me Thy glory. And HE said, I will make all MY goodness pass before thee..."

   Dear brothers and sisters of New Birth Christian Ministry Center, good overwhelms evil--and GOD's goodness and glory are one and the same. That's why GOD made all HIS goodness pass in front of Moses. It was the Glory Moses was wanting to see.

   If you'll read the entire passage in Exodus 33, you'll also find that GOD told Moses HE would have to hide from that glory, because if he saw GOD's face, he would die.

   Why? Because as an un-born-again man, Moses had sin in him. His heart had never been born again. Sin is darkness. GOD doesn't have to lift HIS mighty right arm and bash it in the head. When GOD walks on the scene and HIS goodness is released in its full force, it is so powerful, it just blasts evil into nothingness. (Jh 3:16-21; Jh 1:1-5; 1Jh 1:5-9)

   That's the reason GOD and man had to separate after the Fall. HE had to protect man from the power of HIS glory.

   But dear beautiful brothers and sisters of NBCMC I just want you to know, GOD isn't separated from us any longer PTL! HE is dwelling inside our reborn, human spirit-and, in these last days, "hallelujah", HE will break forth and overflow from that dwelling place to touch once again the flesh of men.

   The HOLY GHOST on flesh! Think about that dear beloved isn't that awesome? The flesh is the domain the devil; that dust suckin' worm of old thought he had locked up for himself and for some of us that call ourselves Christians in our ignorance we still believe that that dust suckin' worm has dominion over it!. He's dominated that area for himself. He's dominated that area for thousands of years and because of it, we've learned to walk by faith and not by sight or by manifestations of the flesh. We've learned how to ignore the flesh and control it, walking by faith in ALMIGHTY GOD's Word. PTL! ( Mat 4:1-11; 2 Cor 5:7-8; 2 Cor 10:3-5; Eph 6:10-20)

    But the time at hand is one in which GOD will start affecting people's flesh. You'll still by all means have to walk by faith, but you still have to be prepared for physical manifestations as we learned about in Bible study, "getting prepared". Because when this fire of GOD's Glory starts affecting the flesh, some of us won't know whether to run or hide, or jump and shout.

   We'll quickly realize that you just can't play around with this GLORY. It is sure power. It is the kind of power that forces sickness and disease to disappear from human bodies. it's the kind of power that makes that old dust suckin' worm called the devil pack his bag and flee! PTL! (Jam 4:7-10; 1 Pet 5:6-11; Eph 4:27)

   It's the kind of awesome power that will bring in the end-time harvest, and GOD is ready to pour it out in fullness (Jam 1:5; Eph 1:3; Lk 6:38; 3 Jh 2). That's the reason HE is calling on us to get the sin out of our lives. That's why HE is saying, REPENT, so I can manifest the GLORY!

   Listen if HE pours out the fullness of HIS Glory and you're hanging on to sin, it will destroy your flesh. So get the sin out! Cleanse the temple! The fire of GOD dear beloved wants to come forth! (Mat 7:21-23; 1 Cor 3:16-17; 1 Cor 6:19-20; Jam 2:17-26)

  We must have a continuous desire to repent daily! In (Acts 13:22) this is said, "...I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after MINE own heart, which shall fulfill all MY will." GOD your FATHER wants you to be a man or woman after HIS own heart. JESUS does not want us to miss the move. "Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to ME with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: and rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your GOD: for HE is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness" (Joel 2:12-13).

   The word weeping baka Heb1058 in this passage represents the Old Covenant form of repentance. The New Covenant word for repentance metanoeo Grk3340 means,  " to turn around, to change the way you're going." "to repent with great regret accompanied by true change of heart toward GOD... indicating regret for the course pursued and resulting in a wiser view of the past and future...a change or alteration of mind (Heb 12:17)...repentance, change of mind from evil to good or worse to better (Mat 3:11; 9:13; Act 20:21). But the Old Covenant, to weep for your sin and to mourn for it was really all you could do. You couldn't get born again. But, praise GOD, in the New Testament times, not only could you have Godly sorrow for it "for the sorrow that is according to the will of GOD produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation; but the sorrow of the world produces death"(2 Cor 7:10 NASB), but you can also get rid of it by the BLOOD of the LAMB!

   Listen dear beautiful brothers and sisters, the climatic divine covenant is the covenant of which JESUS CHRIST is the mediator. HE is "the mediator of a new covenant" (Heb 9:15; 12:24). It is the covenant in HIS BLOOD: "the new covenant in MY blood" (Lk 22:20; 1 Cor 11:25). The new covenant is centered in JESUS CHRIST. There is the promise concerning forgiveness of sins. The fulfillment of this great promise is vividly declared in the New Covenant in JESUS' own words: "this  is the blood of the [new] covenant, which is pour out for many for the forgiveness of sins" (Mat 26:28). It is through the redemption wrought by JESUS CHRIST that sins are totally forgiven--"we have redemption through HIS blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses" (Eph 1:7) PTL!.

   Thus beloved, the great barrier of sin between GOD and man is overcome. Sins are fully forgiven--cleansed and removed-- through the sacrifice of JESUS CHRIST  PTL!. Listen, it all happens out of GOD's vast mercy and grace. This truly is the heart of the Gospel.

   But, Old Covenant or New, one thing remains the same---repentance is mandatory for anyone who wants to be on the move of GOD.

   there is just so much junk going on in my church, you may be thinking. We may never get it all repented. Sister So-and-So is mad at Brother Such-and-Such. This group is crossed at that group. people are getting tattoos and some are coming out of motels. And everybody is upset with the Pastor! I guess we'll just miss out on the end-time Glory.

   Don't be so sure faint of heart. If the bunch that was gathered in the upper room on the Day of Pentecost could repent and get in unity in just a few days, then your church can too, if you'll just keep praying and believing GOD for it.

    "Sr.Pastor Marvin and Pastor William, are you saying Peter and John, and Mary, the mother of JESUS, and all the rest of the disciples had to repent before the HOLY GHOST could fall on them?"

   I certainly am. There was trouble in JESUS ministry! The treasurer had been stealing and ended up committing suicide...the rest of the disciples argued about who would be the top guy, and this was just hours before JESUS would be crucified...there was so much strife, John and James' mother got involved...Peter denied the LORD...just to name a few of the troubles.

   But somehow in that upper room, they dropped their differences. JESUS' mother was there. James and his brothers was there. Peter and John was there. All those who had been cross with each other were there...and they were alright with one another. in fact, the Bible says they "were all with one accord"(Act 2:2).PTL!

   I'm telling you beloved NBCMC brothers and sisters, some repenting had gone on! PTL! And ALMIGHTY GOD came on the scene. The GLORY was poured out.

   "And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the HOLY GHOST, and began to speak with other tongues, as the SPIRIT gave them utterance"(Act 2:2-4).PTL!

   

  In short as used in the New Testament of Christian conversion repentance entails not only a genuine state of mind about rather we are sinners and need JESUS as our SAVIOR, but also the willingness to have our lives changed by CHRIST so as to bare fruit for HIM. This is evidence from (Acts 26:20): "they shall repent and turn to GOD and prove their repentance by their deeds." John the Baptist preached the same, exhorting unbelievers to "produce fruit in keeping with repentance" (Mat 3:8).

   It can be observed that true repentance involves intellect, emotion, and will. This should be no surprise, since repentance is what a person does, and personhood is defined by the makeup of one who has intellect, emotion, and will.

   Of the three words that are used in the Greek gospels to describe the process [of repentance], one emphases the emotional element of regret, sorrow over the past evil course of life, metamelomai Gr 3338 (Mat 21:29-32). [then,] a second expresses reversal of the entire mental attitude, metanoeo Grk 3340 (Mat 12:41; Lk 11:32; 15:7,19). [finally,] the third denote a change in the direction of life, one goal being substitute for another, epistrephomai Grk 1994 (Mat 13:15 [ in parallels]; Lk 17:4; 22:32). [thus,] repentance is not limited to any single faculty of the mind: it engages the entire man or woman's, intellect, will and affections.
   Dear brothers and sisters, I feel that right now is a Kairos Grk 2540 moment in GOD's appointed time for you that read this blogg to draw the SPIRIT out of GOD's WORD and see how important Repentance really is to GOD. I will now give a few precious Scriptures and expound on them to help you understand how deeply important it is to our GREAT GOD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST:

   1.   (2 Chron 7:14)            "If MY people, who are called by MY name, will humble themselves and pray and seek MY face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."Clearly dear beloved repentance here involves turning from wickedness, seeking GOD, and choosing humility. However, the reference to "MY people" that you as a believer is in view.
   2.   (Is 1:16-17)

            "wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of MY sight! Stop doing wrong, learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow." Listen, this is more than a change of mind--sincere desire to change one's life is entailed. But again it seems to be referring to us as believers.

   3.   (Is 55:6-7)

            "Seek the LORD while HE may be found; call on HIM while HE is near. Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the LORD, and HE will have mercy on him, and to our GOD, for HE will freely pardon." Dear brothers and sisters of NBCMC, forsaken sinful ways and seeking GOD are both part of true repentance. The reference to "the wicked" would seem to indicate that the unsaved are also in view, as well as the fact that they are out of covenant relation to GOD (v.3) and are offered the free gift of salvation (v.1).

   4.   (Ezk 33:18-19)

            "If a righteous man turns from his righteousness and does evil, he will die for it. And if a wicked man turns away from his wickedness and does what is just and right, he will live by doing so." True repentance involves an actual change in life, whether for an unbeliever or a believer.

   5.   (Jonah 3:10)

             "When GOD saw what [the Ninevites] did and how they turned from their evil ways, HE had compassion and did not bring upon them the destruction HE had threatened." Look beloved, the kind of repentance that brouht salvation to the pagans of Nineveh was clearly more that an alteration of their minds; it resulted in a radical change in their lives.

   6.   (Mrk 1:15)

              "The time has come,"  [JESUS] said. "The kingdom of GOD is near. Repent and believe the good news!" Both repentance and faith are inherent (inborn) in accepting the gospel. And unbelieving Jews were clearly included in the call to repent.

   7.   (Lk 3:3)

              "[JESUS] went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins." Salvific repentance is linked to salvific forgiveness. And to limit this only to temporal and national matters is to trivialize JESUS' mission. Repentance is for you individually and for us as a church collectively.

   8.    (Lk 5:32)

               Christ said, "I have not come to call the righteoius, but sinners to repentance." This is usually taken as a contrast between the saved and the lost, meaning that repentance is necessary for sinners to become save.

   9.   (Lk 13:3)

              "JESUS warned, unless you repent, you to will all perish." Here to it is unlikely that unbelievers are exempt, since the text refers to "Sinners" (v.2) and "all" who dwell in Jerusalem (v.4).

   10.   (Lk 24:47) 

               "Repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in [CHRIST'] name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalm." This is an important passage because it connects both repentance and faith with the great commission to the entire world. It stretches logic to claim that these words refer only to the discipleship of believers.

   11.   (Act 2:38)

                "Peter replied, repent and be baptized, everyone of you, in the name of JESUS CHRIST for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the HOLY SPIRIT." Difficult to interpret as this text maybe on the relationship between baptism and salvation, it is clear that repentance is necessary to receive the gift of the HOLY SPIRIT.

   12.   (2 Cor 7:10)

     “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads tl salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.” In context, this seems to be a call upon believers who have fallen into sin to repent of it, since Paul is writing to “the church of GOD” at Corinth ( 2 Cor 1:1).

   13.   (2Tim 2:25)

     “Those who oppose [the LORD’s servant] he must gently instruct, in the hope that GOD will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth.” This could be taking as referring either to believers who have fallen into error or to unbelievers who have not yet accepted the truth of the gospel.

    14.   (Rev 2:5)

       “Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand—unless you repent.”  This too could be a call either for believers to repent of sins in their lives or for professing (though not processing) Christians to repent. Other exhortations fall into the same category (2:21; 3:3).

    Brothers and sisters of NBCMC it truly is important to GOD our FATHER that we get in one accord with HIM who created us from dust and then blew HIS life into our nostrils. There is much controversy in Christendom about once saved always saved, let those controversies be for the elite, the intellect, why fuss over such matters? Read the WORD of GOD so to know the will of GOD and such matters will be obsolete because you will be on one accord with GOD! PLT!

   

  

COMMITMENT & SELF~DENIAL PTL!

SR.PASTOR MARVIN W. WILLS AND THE BABIES OF THE CHURCH

  



Our LORD and MASTER said, "if any man desires to come after ME let him deny himself , take up his cross and follow ME" (Mat 16:24). These are some very profound words coming from JESUS, for it is HIS standard, it is HIS bottom line for us who claim to love HIM; on how we are to follow him!

We live in a world where self-indulgence is an acceptable attitude. While many people admire those who live to serve others they rarely follow the same example preferring rather to be apart of the "me generation."

   It is sad to say that this low-down, egocentric attitude has crept into the churches. We see it on the television, we hear it on the radio and we read it in some of the news letters we receive; "buy this blue prayer cloth for 19.99$ and you'll get all your prayers answered, however if you buy the red prayer cloth that makes you a V.I.P.  and personal member of our ministry, which we will anoint personally with our hands for 49.99$ you'll receive beyond and above what you asked for." We at NBCMC staunchly believe that the ministry that we're steward over is the one that we were appointed over to further JESUS ministry PTL! Beloved a lot of ministries and churches are stylizing GOD as a doting FATHER waiting to pour wealth and health on HIS self-centered followers. This is not the Christianity of the Bible. JESUS plainly called HIS disciples to a life of self-denial and service to others. HE knew that a man's heart is bent on selfishness, that is why HE pointed those who followed HIM to a cross. "Now behold, one came and said to HIM, Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?...JESUS said to him, if you want to be perfect, go sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow ME...And he who does not take his cross and follow after ME is not worthy of ME." (Mat 19:16,21; 10:38).

   What is the cross? It is an upright wooden stake or post which people were executed. It was common in the biblical period for decapitated bodies of executed persons to be publicly displayed by impaling them on stakes to discourage civil disobedience and to mock defeated military foes (Gen 40:19; 1Sam31:8-13). It eventually came to be fitted with crossbeams as an instruments of humiliation, torture, and execution for enemies of the state and for civil criminals. Those sentenced to death on the cross  in the Roman period (the period of JESUS) were usually beaten with leather lashes-a procedure that often resulted in sever loss of blood. Victims were then generally forced to carry the upper crossbeam to the execution site, where the central stake was already set up. The over all method of death was the suffocation of the victim.

   Well we know that a cross is the instrument of death but for you it is to be the means of crucifying self so that JESUS may reign supreme in your heart, once HE is enthroned there HE will work through you in marvelous ways (Phil 2:13).

   (A) HE will use you as a sort of a guide to point the way of life to those who are headed on the road straight to to eternal damnation (HELL) (Mrk 16:15-18).

   (B) You will become a channel of compassion to a hurting world and...(Mat 5:16).

   (C) You will come to know the joy only known to those of us who have already laid their life down for the purpose of the cross which GOD created us for (Eph 2:8-10).

   Yet, for you to know this beloved, you must be willing to daily take up your cross; which means commitment while you're here on earth as a pilgrim heading towards your heavenly kingdom, and in your church home. Is it gonna be easy? By no means dear heart! Death to self is never a painless process. I call it the pruning process, but be assured that having done so you will never regret it. JESUS said in (Jh 15:1-2), "I AM the true vine and MY FATHER  is the vine-dresser, every branch in ME that does not bare fruit HE takes away , but every branch in ME that bares fruit HE prunes so that it can bare more fruit." 

   Now pruning isn't at all that nice because it involves You and a sniping away, a cutting off a limb. You see, what the vine dresser prunes is what is called a sucker branch, in other words it's a branch that looks oh so nice and pretty but doesn't  produce fruit and so sucks away nutrients from other branches in order to stay looking good. For us these sucker branches come in the from of our fleshy desires such as smoking, spending, drinking, lying, fright, overeating, ect. Now this word for pruning in its original Greek language is quite clear in its meaning- kathairo which means: to cleanse, to purify, and to make without stain. The pruning that GOD does is to make us worthy of HIS calling so that HE may glorify HIMSELF through us HIS new creation in CHRIST JESUS.

    Look beloved, I just laid down this foundation specifically to say this; dedication is the foundation of commitment and we as believers are unable to offer GOD anything else. Paul explains this dedication process in (Rom 12:1-2AMP) he says, "I appeal to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of GOD, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to GOD, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this  world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [ for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of GOD, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in HIS sight for you]." 

   Paul emphasizes three things here: 

   (1) It is our body that is to be dedicated as a living sacrifice (Jh 10:17-18) (Mat 27:20-44).

   (2) We are to avoid being transformed by the renewing of our mind; which can only be done through the cleansing agent known as the WORD of GOD. As GOD tells us in (Tit 3:5), "not by works of righteousness that we have done, but according to HIS mercy HE saved us through the washing of water and the renewing of the HOLY SPIRIT." And (Eph 5:26), "that HE may sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the WORD." And;

   (3) You will come to know GOD's perfect will, HIS perfect purpose for your life. You were born by GOD's purpose and for GOD's purpose (Job10:12) (Col 3:9-10).

   Alright beloved, after we have dedicated our bodies what are we to commit?

•               We are to commit our salvation to HIM. As Paul told young Timothy in his last days (2 Tim 1:12), "for this reason I also suffer these things. Nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I believed, and am persuaded that HE is able to keep all that I committed to HIM until the Day." 

•               We should commit our work to the LORD. As the wisest man who ever lived (1Kg 2:6-13) said in (Pro 16:3), "commit your works to the LORD, and your thoughts will be established." If you commit your work to JESUS dear beloved then whose work does it become? The LORD's! So the precious HOLY SPIRIT that you have received -the moment you asked JESUS into your heart- will establish your thoughts to do HIS work, "for it is GOD who works in you both to will and do for HIS good pleasure" (Phil 2:13). You see my beautiful brothers and sisters, its a totally win-win situation.

•               We should commit our goals to GOD as Job said in (Job 5:8-9), "as for me I will seek GOD and to HIM I will commit my cause, who does great things, and wonderful, marvelous things without number." King David, which incidentally was a man after GOD's own heart, so eloquently wrote (Ps 37:4-5), "delight yourself in the LORD and HE will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in HIM and HE will make it come to pass." Again, we have a win-win situation here. We serve an awesome GOD that cares for us more than we can ever imagine or understand in the natural; why? Because HE is supernatural and what HE does is supernatural. HIS desire for each of us is for good and not for evil, "for I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the LORD, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome" (Jer 29:11).

•               Now beloved brothers and sisters this next one is something of a doozy because it means that we must get up off that funky pride we usually hold on to; our strength. As an experienced minister of men and women I have come to see a pattern and that is we like to go into ourselves, or look and lean more toward man rather than to GOD in the time that we should only be looking to HIM. We as Christians are to cast all our discontent, discouragement, despair, and suffering on the LORD, and trust HIM for knowing what HE's doing with our lives Peter tells us this in (1 Pet 5:7) "casting all your care upon HIM, for HE cares for you." This is very vital that when we are suffering that we commit to JESUS our suffering experiences (1 Pet 4:4-19) says, "therefore let him who suffers according to the will of GOD commit his soul to HIM as to a faithful CREATOR." JESUS did this very thing while HE was here on earth (1 Pet 1:23), "whom when HE was reviled against did not revile in return, when HE suffered did not threaten but committed HIMSELF to HIM who judges righteously."

•               This last point is far from the least. In our dying hour we could with great confidence commit our souls to HIM (Ps 31:5), "into YOUR hand I commit my spirit, YOU have redeemed me o LORD GOD of truth." JESUS, who is the head of the church and our example proved this when HE cried out, "FATHER, to THY hands I commit MY SPIRIT" (Lk 23:46).

   I will now say this:

   (A) commitment and self-denial is, to our great GOD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST, very important, for this is HIS way, which HE has given to you and I, to prove our love and obedience to GOD. (Lk 16:11) states, "if therefore you have not proved yourselves honest in dealing with wealth tainted with dishonesty, who will commit to you the true good?" 

   (B) HE has entrusted/committed to us something very special and that is the Word of reconciliation (2 Cor 5:19Amp) "it was GOD [personally present] in CHRIST, reconciling and restoring the world to favor with HIMSELF, not counting up and holding against [men] their trespasses [but cancelling them], and committing to us the message of reconciliation (of restoration to favor)."

   (C) Not only have we been bestowed with such a great charge, but we are to commit to others this Word (2 Tim 2:2), "and the things that you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses commit to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others."

   With that in mind, and now that we know just a little bit more about commitment & self-denial, let us take heed to the precious HOLY SCRIPTURE found in (Jh 5:22), "moreover, the FATHER judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the SON."

  Look dear heart, the apostle Paul assures us that all such commitments will be accepted and honored by JESUS. So I will take my leave by saying this,  " Stay Committed while You're Here as a pilgrim on earth! The narrow road is filled with lots of ups, downs and crazy turn a rounds, but it is the kingdom road that you're on and it's the road that pleases our MASTER."
   (1 Cor 15:57-58) "Thanks be to GOD! HE has given us the victory through our LORD JESUS CHRIST, therefore, brethren, be steadfast, unmovable always abounding in the work of the LORD, knowing that your work is not in vain in the LORD." Amen. PTL!

JUDGE, OR NOT TO JUDGE? PTL!

SR.PASTOR MARVIN W. WILLS DILIGENTLY SEARCHES THE HOLY SCRIPTURE

 Let us, by GOD's precious HOLY SPIRIT, partake in a spiritual love feast of: Bread, Water, Milk, Meat and Wine. Of course this bread, water, meat, and wine are metaphors (representations) i.e. a declaration that one thing is --or represents-- another, in this case the other would be the precious Word of GOD.

The Bread being the intake of the Holy substance--The WORD of GOD-- as it is GOD breathed. "And JESUS said to them, I am the bread of life. He who comes to ME shall never hunger, and he who believes in ME shall never thirst" (Jh 6:35) (2 Tim 3:16).

   The Water being the refreshing, exhilarating power of the HOLY SPIRIT, for the Word of GOD proves this when "JESUS stood and cried out, saying, if anyone thirst let him come to ME and drink, he who believes in ME, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water. But HE spoke concerning the SPIRIT, whom those believing in HIM would receive" (Jh 7:37-39).

   The Milk  being the doctrine of the first principles of the Gospel as our brother so said, "and I brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in CHRIST. I fed you with milk and not solid food...for I delivered to you all that I also received: that CHRIST died for our sins according to the Scriptures. and HE was buried, and that HE rose again the third day according to the Scriptures" ( 1 Cor 3:1-2; 15:3-4). Oh how I just love milk for it leaves a ring of Holy glow around the saint that drinks of its nutrition.

   The Meat, is the Holy substance which puts the sinew on the bones; meat is the Christian's muscle. It is through the meat that we are able to gain the proper muscle and power to spiritually exercise, yea, and big muscles. This kind of meat is what gives us the strength to yield that powerful double-edged sword that is able to penetrate even to the dividing  soul and spirit, joint and marrow properly. This meat makes the body:- which "is the temple of the HOLY SPIRIT who is in you" (1 Cor 6:19-20), strong enough to boldly wear the precious armor of GOD. "for everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, o he is a babe. But solid food belongs o those who are of full age, that is , those who by reason of use have their senses exercise to discern both good and evil" (Heb 5:13-14).

  Last but certainly not the least is the oh sweet drink of the spiritual Wine. Oh how sweet this elixir is, the tasting of the exhilarating fullness of that GODLY wine, which is the HOLY SPIRIT. "and do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the SPIRIT" (Eph 5:18).

   Though we have a table laden with a great GODLY substance it is at the moment in or course where we will be served the meat, and let us be glad for this meat. For the LAMB without spot nor blemish, which knew no sin became sin for us that we may become the perfect righteousness of GOD, has sacrifice HIS life to bring forth such a supper of divine victuals (2 Cor 5:21). Since it has come from GOD it is the meat of GOD. Therefore beloved let us be sure of the garment we adorn, for it is the HOLY SPIRIT garment of the elect which will enable us to enter into this supper with gladness and rejoicing in our heart. (Eph 1:4)

   Let us be so bold to call this portion of meat: "JUDGE, OR NOT TO JUDGE?"

   Now if you will take up your sword and turn it to the rubied page of Matthew chapter 7 and verses 1-5. I will, by GOD'S grace, share that which is sweeter than honey and the honey comb, and which is more desired than gold, yea, than much fine gold (Ps 19:10). 

   (Mat 7:1-5) "v1. Judge not, that you be not judged. v2. for with what judgement you judge, you will be judged; with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. v3. and why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not concerned the plank in your own eye? v4. or how can you say to your brother, let me remove the speck in your eye; and look, a plank is in your own eye? v5. Hypocrite First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye."

   In (Mat 7:1) JESUS said, " judge not, that you  be not judge." In (Rom 2:1) Paul said "therefore you are inexcusable, o man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same thing." Look beloved, from these two verses we can see so clearly that we are not to judge others.

   JESUS went on to say in (Mat 7:2) "for with what judgement you judge, you shall be judged." Now as a minister of GOD I have come to know that this has made any Christian who is pure of heart literally scared to death to judge anyone. Even when a judgement is needed-he or she won't. He or she can't. We must not judge any one of anything. 

   Well, the question of JUDGING seems very clearly settled in these two verses. "JUDGE NOT." Its all find and dandy, no hassle about "judging"-until we turn over to (1Cor 2:15) and read , "but he that is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is judged of no man." 

   What is this? If you're spiritual you'll judge all things. Everything. What does that mean? Has GOD elected YOU only and set YOU up to be a judge over ALL things? Wait a minute. Remember (Mat 7:2) " for with what judgement you judge, you shall be judged." ? 

   What are you suppose to do? Judge or not Judge? Maybe its a trap? You want to be spiritual don't you? Then you must Judge all things.

   As you read on in (1Cor 6:5) you read, "I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? No, not one that should be able to judge between his brethren?" Again in (1 Cor 14:24) Paul tells the whole Church to judge. "But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all." So it looks dear beloved as if you want to be wise you must judge between your brethren as it says in (1 Cor 14:29) "let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge." Man, what is this? Whats happening? JESUS said not to judge. Paul even said not to judge. Now he is saying that we should judge. Is he contradicting himself?

   A good sharp atheist will tell you that this is one of those many contradictions which the Bible is full of. They, as I have heard many times since the day GOD put HIS ministry in my stead, will tell you, "see in one place it says not to judge and then just a few pages late it says to judge. Contradiction!?"

   Well, this problem of judging has bothered many, many Christians for a very long time. At least as  long as I've been in the ministry (Jh 6:44). Being afraid of judging people has caused a lot of mental distress. If you are afraid to judge false teachers beloved you will be vulnerable to any and all deceptions and condemnations people want to put on you. Listen, you will be open to any seducing spirits that come around! On the other hand, judging people has caused much gossip, lies and aching hearts. I know this to be true - especially in church (Jam 3:4-18). So whats the answer, should we judge or not?

   Ok, let us take a bite of this delicate and oh so sweet meat and savor the sauteed spiritual juices with a heart full of gladness.

   The word "JUDGE," as it appears in the King James Version, was translated from five different Greek words in the original writing, with the exception of two instances. These five different Greek words can be organized into three groups by definition. Listen beloved, even though there are five original words translated as JUDGE there are only three different meanings and definitions.

   1)   The first Greek word that we will examine is KRINO#2919.  Krino was translated as JUDGE 87 times. It was also translated as the following words in the KJV: determine; condemn; damn; decree; my sentence is; go to the law; sue at law; avenge; conclude.

   It is easy to see the original true meaning of KRINO from the list of words in our Bible to translate it. The Strong's Exhaustive Concordance states that KRINO means: mentally or judicially decide, to condemn, punish, avenge, damned.

   This is the word JESUS used in (Mat 7:7) to tell us what Not to do. Yes dear saint, it is the same word KRINO That Paul used in (Rom 2:1) to say we are inexcusable if we KRINO anyone. Look-it you who have ears to hear, this word KRINO, is strictly is a judicial judgement. Listen, it calls for an investigation, trial, conclusion and a passing sentence. This is exactly what a judicial judge at a murder trial does. KRINO.

   2)    The next Greek word ANAKRINO#350-303+2919. As you can see this word is KRINO with a prefix ANA. ANA#303 by itself literally means; in, by. in compound (as a prefix) it often means repetition, intensity, reversal. ANAKRINO is also translated: example; judge; search; ask questions, discern.

   Again, you can easily see what ANAKRINO actually meant in the original by the other words that it was translated to. However dear beloved, Strong's says it literally means: "to scrutinize, investigate, ask, question, interrogate, determine, discern, examine, search and judge." We can readily see the difference that the prefix ANA makes. ANAKRINO allows for absolutely no damning, condemning or passing sentence.

   There is a relationship of meaning but yet a vast different. One example would be to compare a detective to a judge in our legal system.A detective is suppose to ANAKRINO but he can not KRINO. A detectives comes to his own conclusions but he cannot pass sentence or condemn a murderer to death. However, a judge does both. 

   ANAKRINO simply means to discern, search and examine. It also includes coming to an conclusion. Listen and take heed my dear beloved, it leaves absolutely no room for indifference, ignorance or lack of decision. It does not mean to back away and remain indecisive. It simply means to make a decision after careful investigation and act on that decision WITHOUT damning or condemning.

    For example: if you hear someone teach a false doctrine you should investigate, reach a conclusion and act accordingly without condemning that person to hell. Look, it isn't necessary for you to sentence them to hell in order to warn others that the teaching is not correct. This is especially true when deciding for yourself what to believe and who to listen to or not. Listen you who have ears to hear, if you are going to be spiritual you MUST learn to discern all things. Ahh! that should give you a clue. Yes. It was this word ANAKRINO that Paul originally use to write (1 Cor 2:15) to say "that he who is spiritual judgeth all things."

   The answer should be getting clearer to you now in regards to this problem of judging. Paul uses two different words in writing (Rom 2:2) and (1 Cor 2:15) because he meant two different things. The last word of (1 Cor 2:14) is "discerned" yet in the original Greek this is the same exact word ANAKRINO, that was translated "judgeth" in verse 15. Our brother Paul uses the same word ANAKRINO in both verses (1 Cor 2:14-15) because he meant the same thing. Verse 15 is repeating and continuing verse 14. Yet most people do not tie the two verses together because the translator chose discern in verse 14 and judge in verse 15 to translate the Greek word ANAKRINO in both verses. Verse 14 proves to us what is meant in verse 15 concerning the original word ANAKRINO. We would better understand verse 15 if we would replace the word "judgeth" with the word "discern."

   In every single place where there seems to be a contradiction in the precious Holy Bible it can be traced to a simple misunderstanding on our part as to what was originally meant. Usually this misunderstanding can be easily cleared up by simply going back to the original and researching the true meaning. One of the main reasonings for misunderstanding what the Bible really says is that we must read a translation of the original writings. And even if we are able to do this, some times it is very difficult, even impossible at times. To translate the exact technical meaning from one language to another. However, beloved, this problem can be somewhat remedied by the use of a good analytical concordance.

   3)   Now the third word is categorized with the second and is very similar: DIAKRINO#1252 from#1223 DIA and #2919. As you can see this is a compound word of KRINO, the only difference is being a different prefix, DIA. Alone DIA means almost the same as ANA#303 in the original Greek: in, of (out of), and by. DIA is a primary preposition-which means its a principle prefix governing a noun or pronoun- denoting a channel of an act. In the KJV DIAKRINO was translated as: discern; distinguish; put a difference; make to differ; contend; be partial.

   Everything which we said of ANAKRINO can be safely said for DIAKRINO also. If we group these two words together we can see their original meanings- DIAKRINO is the original word Paul used to write (1 Cor 6:5) and (1 Cor 14:24,29) "I speak to your shame, is it so, that there is no wise men among you? no, not one that should be able to judge between his brethren." 

   What Paul is saying here is that Christians should not have to go to a none Christian judge to settle a difference between two brothers in CHRIST it is a shame for a church to be without at least one man who has discernment because it is a gift of the HOLY SPIRIT and a function in the church (1 Cor 12:4-11). Now, speaking of the HOLY SPIRIT, which enables us to become an individual stone of  a growing church and administrators thereof, we see in ( 1 Cor 12:10) it is given to us to judge, to discern. "to another a working of miracles: to another prophecy; to another a discerning of spirits..." 

   4 & 5)   The last two words we will study together as they virtually have the same meaning. DIASTES and KRITES. as you may have guessed KRITES is the root word from which our English word CRITIC comes and means just that- a critic. Both of these words were limited to the judicial type of judge in the original therefore, they would be very near their original meaning to KRINO and almost opposite to ANAKRINO and DIAKRINO in that a judicial verdict IS part of these two words. Strong's Exhustive Concordance says: 

   DIKASTE#1348;- a judger, judge.

   KRITES#2923;- a judge (general or specific).

    They were both translated as "judge", and that is exactly what they mean in the original Greek - strictly a judicial judge. A person who always overly critical would be guilty of this kind of judging. Listen my beloved brethren, if you want to be spiritual, you better learn to "judge all things" (1 Cor 2:15). This means to investigate, study and discern. JESUS said in (Mat 24:5) that "for many will come in MY Name, saying I am the CHRIST, and will deceive many." Listen, the ONLY way to keep from being "deceived" is to "judge all things." "Discern all things."

   Look-it, not everyone that profess, confesses to be a Christian really is one. JESUS told us to exam their fruit (Mat 7:20) "therefore by their fruit you will know them." That calls for a judgment. Not a judicial type judging with a sentence or condemning but a discernment;- ANAKRINO. Listen and take heed you who have ears to hear, INDECISION (NOT MAKING A DECISION) displeases GOD very much. Discernment as we just learned in (1 Cor 12:10) is the gift of the precious HOLY SPIRIT. HE gave us discernment to use so that we will know. Therefore, it is ignoring the HOLY SPIRIT to be indecisive. No dear saint, indecisiveness is cowardly and has no place in the Spirit-filled life. Again in (1 Cor 2;15) "but he who is spiritual judges all things." You, my beloved brethren, must learn to judge, (discern) with a (discernment) or you definitely will be prey [victim, quarry, game, a target, a dupe and a fall guy] to every evil spirit in hell and on earth. as GOD says in (Hose 4:6), "MY people are destroyed for lack of knowledge"

Pastor William T. Grajeda with a representation of the ears, eyes and mouth of the world

   I will now take my leave, yet, we serve a GOD of proper order in the utmost etiquette, whom will not let us depart from such a meal as this without a bit of a sweety, a bit of dessert, and what can be at the moment better than a bit o honey upon our lips as we depart? (Ps 199:130,103) "the entrance of YOUR WORD give light;  gives understanding to the simple...how sweet are YOUR WORDS to my taste, sweeter than the honey to my mouth."

   This bit-o-spiritual-honey will be in the from of a conclusion, and this is the conclusion: the precious Holy Bible teaches us to discern all things. distinguish between those who are filled with the HOLY SPIRIT and those who are not. JESUS said that we- you and I- will know people by their fruit- not their work. Look-it beloved, too many times people such as us get caught up in some funky bag called "ME" or "I" and we start judging works rather than waiting to see the fruit- which is what the "WORKS" will produce. Remember dear saint, "FRUIT" is the product of the "WORKS"- not the work itself.

   JESUS said you will know them by what their works produce. Listen, an evil tree may produce good works but it will absolutely not produce good fruit "these are spots in your love feast, while they feast with you without fear, serving only themselves, they are clouds without water, carried about by the winds. Late Autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, pulled up by the root" (Jude 12). A good tree will only produce good fruit. However, brethren, consider a rose bush. It produces thorns before it does the rose. But the thorns only serve to protect the roses. Can you my dear beloved question such wisdom? Oh the honey is so good. May GOD bless us all for JESUS sake. amen. PTL!

BROTHERS & SISTERS FULFILL YOUR DESTINY

"As thou [the FATHER] hast sent ME into the world, even so I have also sent them [those who believe on ME] into the world." (Jh 17:18).
  
   "What's GOD's plan for my life?" You know that we all asked that profound question in our lives. I believe Christians everywhere  are longing to answer GOD's call;  is that true for you? We're eager to fulfill the divine purpose for which we were created, "for we are HIS workmanship , created in CHRIST JESUS for good works, which GOD prepared before hand that we should walk in them" (Eph 2:10). But we need direction in finding out what that plan is...
   Beloved, (Titus 2:11-14) says, "for the grace of GOD that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great GOD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST, who gave HIMSELF for us, that HE might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for HIMSELF HIS own special people, zealous for good works." GOD never intend for us to be in the dark about HIS awesome plan for our lives. HE left us clear, written instructions concerning HIS will for us. Whats more dear beloved saint, HE gave us a pattern to follow so that we can carry out those instructions. As we like to say here at New Birth Christian Ministry Center, GOD put us on a boulevard called Mission with a mission.
   Like I said HE gave us a pattern and that pattern is JESUS. We've been sent forth into the world to continue HIS ministry. I know that sounds like a tall order, but its true. HE said to HIMSELF in (Jh 17:18), "as YOU sent ME into the world, I have also sent them into the world."
   Once we realize that JESUS  is the pattern we need to find out exactly what JESUS was sent to do: "for this purpose the SON of GOD was manifested, that HE might destroy the works of the devil" (1 Jh 3:8).
   Think about that dear brothers and sisters, You're called to finish what JESUS began: to destroy, undo and bring to naught, loosen and dissolve the works of that dust suckin' worm of old called the devil and Satan on earth. That beloved saint is the job GOD wants us to do. PTL!
   "That's a big job, Pastor! how on earth am I ever gonna do that?" by not fighting as this ole bunk world fights! JESUS said in (Jh 17:14-19), "I have given them YOUR WORD; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I AM not of the world. I do not pray that YOU should take them out of the world. But that YOU should keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I AM not of the world. Sanctify them by YOUR truth. YOUR WORD is truth. As YOU sent ME into the world, I also have sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify MYSELF, that they also may be sanctified by the truth." We fight the way we've been taught in (2 Cor 10:3-5) and (Eph 6:13,14,18), "for though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in GOD for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of GOD, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of CHRIST, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled...therefore take up the whole armor of GOD, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth...praying always with all prayer and supplication the SPIRIT." We fight, dear beloved, the same way JESUS  did. After all, HE promised, "I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, if anyone steadfastly believes in  ME, he will himself be able to do the things that I do; and he will do even greater things than these, because I go to the FATHER" (Jh 14:12).
   In short my brothers and sisters, the works, or ministry of JESUS was threefold; like it is to be for us:
   1) HE healed the sick (Mark 5:21-43). 
   2) HE cast out demons (Mark 5:1-20).
   3) HE preached the good news of the kingdom of GOD  (Mat 4:23).
   Now, I know its easy to do the preaching and not the other works. But the gospel was never designed to be preached without proof that JESUS was alive today "to whom HE also presented HIMSELF alive after HIS suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom" (Act 1:3). JESUS just didn't say , "the kingdom of GOD is here." HE demonstrated it. HE proved the truth HE was saying by operating in the supernatural power of GOD.
   And HE expects you and I to do the same dear brothers and sisters. THAT'S GOD'S plan for your life!
   GOD's program is still the same.  "JESUS CHRIST is the same yesterday, today, and forever" (Heb 13:8), It didn't change when JESUS went to sit at the right hand of the FATHER. HE is still expecting us to do things HE did and finish what HE started. HE is sitting at the right hand of GOD this very moment, waiting for us...waiting for YOU beloved brother, waiting for you beloved sister to rise up in the SPIRIT of GOD and make HIS enemies HIS footstool PTL! So what are you waiting for? Fulfill GOD's plan in the earth. Fulfill your destiny.