Dying In Your Sins

Confess Your Sins

“Therefore I told you that you will die in your sins. For if you do not believe that I am he you will die in your sins” (John 8:24).

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Brethren, the Lord Jesus says that Christians should not look to political leaders for solutions but we should look to Him for answers. The Lord said He commanded us instead to pray for our leaders (2 Timothy 2:2) and our Land (2 Chronicles 7:14) and NOT to look to leaders as if they are irreplaceable and that He (Lord Jesus) is the answer! 

It is unfortunate that there are many Christians who think that once saved always saved applies to the Lord. That is really not true at all! Even after we are saved and born-again, we still need to acknowledge our mistakes daily and confess them in order to ask the Lord for forgiveness (1 John 1:9). The apostle John did not write this epistle to the unsaved, he wrote it to Christians and this is in line with the Old Testament teaching. I’ll briefly explain below.

The Bible says sin is not imputed where there is no law (Romans 4:15) that is why the apostle Paul said when the law came into operation he died, meaning his sin was acknowledged and he was to be judged accordingly (Romans 7:9). Similarly, in the Old Testament especially before the giving of the Law there were no sacrifices to atone for sin and people perished without the law (Romans 2:12).

However, after the Law was given on Mount Sinai (Exodus 20:1-17), the Lord knowing that people are naturally sinners and that people will be guilty of sin before Him (Romans 3:10), He provided the Levitical priesthood system and put in place animal sacrifices to atone for sins so that God can forgive the sins of the people (Leviticus 4:3-35). When God established the Levitical priesthood to serve the Israelites by making atonement for their sins, He knew the people would repeat their sins and they would have to offer sacrifices and confess their sins in order to receive forgiveness (Leviticus 5:5).

Do Not Be Deceived By Once Saved Doctrine

Therefore, what makes the once-saved doctrine so dangerous is the fact that there is a general assumption that Christians are incapable of sinning after they are saved and we all know that is simply not true (Galatians 6:1). In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ whom I fear and who’s voice my family and I have heard warns that every brother or sister who is born-again if you sin purposely or unintentionally when you become aware of your offenses, please confess your sins to the Lord and ask for His forgiveness that is the Lord’s provision to help us in our weaknesses to get right with God (1 John 2:1-2). If we fail to make right and sin, and it happens that we die without making right we will die in our sins and go HELL (John 8:24; Revelations 21:8).

In conclusion, the vision we shared above serves as a warning to us and reminds us of the Lord’s holiness and uncompromising Word that states, “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness, no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14 NIV).

Again, we extend an invitation to those who are not saved yet to make right with God and receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior, please start by praying this Prayer of Sincere Repentance. For any questions or comments on this article or our ministry, please contact us.

Blessed Peace

Brother Glenn

How Grace Saved Us From God's Wrath

“He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of His own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel” (2 Timothy 1:9-10).

Important Note: Due to persistent power outages in our area which have left us without electricity for the whole day, we are unable to provide a refreshing article. We are pleading with you dear brethren to join us in praying for our Country, South Africa. 

Now, the Lord is warning those who do good that they should not think that such goodness can substitute for salvation, we know that no amount of human goodness can equal our eternal salvation through the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 17:10). However, goodness being a characteristic of God is a Christian virtue and when we do good as saved Christians we honor the Lord and serve as servants (Matthew 23:11) who will themselves be honored and served in God's kingdom.

According to Charis, when the Lord gave her this message for this article He sounded very pleased, and rightfully so; His coming was a great joy to the world and peace to mankind (Luke 2:10-14). This week’s message is at the heart of the gospel and our salvation. As it is, without grace we would all be under God’s Righteous Judgment. In the Bible we read, “For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift— not from works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9 HCSB). Nowadays, many people have falsely presented this message to show that since we are saved by grace, we don’t have to do anything. The general consensus today is that we should just be content with going to church and participating in the Lord’s Supper and other routine rituals in order to complete our salvation. This notion is dangerously false, as the Bible declares: “For we are His creation, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10 HCSB).

In other words, we were NOT saved on the merit of good works, but we are saved to do good works and to demonstrate our faith and obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ (James 2:26). A living faith bears testimony to the transforming work of Christ in us. In like manner, a father expects his son to obey him and the son’s obedience is interpreted as respect and submission to his father’s authority.

God’s Grace in Our Lives

Furthermore, although salvation is a gift of God’s grace and not a reward for our good works, that is not a reason for us to ignore good works. We are not free to live and sin as we'd like. God’s grace is not only the “unmerited favor” we receive, but it also WORKS IN OUR LIVES, giving us the inner strength and power to discipline ourselves and overcome the enemy’s schemes. That is to do good, to endure suffering, and to triumph over temptations (Romans 6:14-15; 2 Corinthians 12:9; 2 Timothy 2:1). God exercised His grace towards us before we were born; that same grace continues to be active in our lives, and the age to come (Galatians 1:15; Romans 5:2, 21; Ephesians 2:7; 1 Timothy 1:12-16).

Grace Brought Forgiveness

Any wrongdoing spoils a relationship, and forgiveness is absolutely necessary if a relationship is to be restored. While this is not an article on forgiveness, God granted us His forgiveness to show us His grace and to recognize our wrongdoing. Forgiveness was not a pretense that nothing happened. It meant God recognizing our wrongdoing for what it is, and then in love forgiving us, forgetting it, and restoring our relationship with Him (Hebrews 10:17-18; Psalm 103:12).

Man, being a sinner, has spoiled his relationship with God; we have fallen under God’s judgment. Therefore, man is in need of God’s forgiveness if we are to escape that judgment (Exodus 32:32; Romans 3:23-24). Only God alone can grant this forgiveness (Mark 2:7, 10; Acts 5:31), and sinful man is in no position to demand it of Him! This statement might sound strange, but no person who is a sinner has a right to forgiveness without repentance and faith (Nehemiah 9:17; Micah 7:18; Psalm 32:5; 51:17; Luke 7:36-50; 1 John 1:9). I must stress this: there is no mechanical way of gaining forgiveness, such as offering a sacrifice or reciting a formula. We are dependent entirely upon God’s mercy (Psalm 51:1-4; Colossians 2:13). In the provision of gifts in the Old Testament, God provided a way whereby a person could demonstrate his repentance, faith and obedience. Without such attitudes, a person benefited nothing from his sacrifices (Psalm 50:9; 13:14; 51:16-17; Isaiah 1:11, 16-20).

Therefore, the death of the animal in the place of the sinner also showed the sinner clearly that forgiveness of sin was possible only when the penalty of sin had justly been carried out. Forgiveness was costly, and without the shedding of blood, there was no forgiveness of sin (Hebrews 9:22; Leviticus 4:2-7). Christ’s death is the basis on which God forgives all sins, past – present and future (Matthew 26:28; Acts 13:38, Romans 3:24-26; Ephesians 1:7). Through the cross, God has forgiven our sins and removed it forever (Psalm 103:12; Isaiah 43:25; Colossians 2:13-14; Hebrews 8:12).

Reconciliation

Through our sins, we became God’s enemies. We were separated from God, came under the wrath of God, and were unable to enjoy fellowship with God (Romans 1:18; 8:7-8; Ephesians 2:3; Colossians 1:21). Therefore, man needs to be reconciled to God; that is, he needs to be brought back to God from a state of hostility to a state of peace. As we know, the only way that reconciliation can occur is through the removal of the cause of hostility.

Christ Jesus our Lord brought this reconciliation when He died on the CROSS; He bore man’s sins. God’s holy wrath against sin was satisfied, but only at a significant cost to Himself. God was in Christ, reconciling sinners to Himself. In His love, He accepts repentant sinners back to Himself (Romans 5:6-9; 2 Corinthians 5:18-19, 21). Reconciliation is God’s work, not man's. The fault is on man’s side, but the removal of hostility is the work of God (2 Corinthians 5:18-19).

In conclusion, having been saved by grace means sin no longer has power over us and we must show this to be true by the way we live (Romans 8:2; Galatians 3:13-14; Titus 2:14). We should not mistake the grace of God as an encouragement to sin willfully, or assume that once we've been saved we remain forever saved so we can keep on sinning; for sin results in death (Romans 6:1-2; Romans 6:23). We were bought at a price and we are now God’s servants in obedience and righteous living (Romans 6:16-18; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

WARNING

In a vision we received recently from the Lord involving a very prominent woman of God, this sister's work for the Lord was recognized, but she was also held accountable for the false things she proclaimed in the name of the LORD. The LORD is Holy and no amount of lies no matter how well intended should be used to speak in Jesus's name (see Lying in Jesus' Name article). When Charis asked if the person involved was in HELL, the Angel lifted up her shoulders and replied: "You may not know." This implied that the Angel was not allowed to speak on the person's fate.  

In our experience with the Lord, when we have sinned, He shows His displeasure with our sins by giving serious messages, meaning if He was to come or we died at that moment of sinning, it would result in us facing His wrath. This was revealed by the Lord Himself in the recent Rapture Vision - Saved by One Minute. Don't despise your salvation and take the work of the CROSS as cheap; it is our life and the gift of GOD to all who embrace His redemptive plan.

If you are not yet reconciled to God through being born again, here is a Prayer of Sincere Repentance to get you started. For any questions or comments on this article or our ministry, please contact us.

Grace, mercy, and love to you all,

Brother Glenn.

Don't Follow The Crowd In Wrong-Doing

 Siding With The Truth Only

“You must not follow the crowd in doing wrong. When you are called to testify in a dispute, do not be swayed by the crowd to twist justice"(Exodus 23:2).

It is often so easy to fall into the wrong by simply believing what someone may have said or following some practice without having verified the truthfulness thereof (Acts 19:32). some time ago, a very good friend of mine related to me how he innocently followed a group of his friends in committing a serious crime. 

During the commission of the crime, he did not consider it a crime or serious enough that it could lead to imprisonment. Being 18 years at the time, the reality and severity of the crime only dawned on him when he was arrested. The brother recalled that when he stepped into prison, he felt that he lost his innocence and that every dream of being a good person and a responsible person has been taken away from him. What hurts him the most he said, although the crime was committed and initiated by his friends, he was the only one left in prison to face the consequences. Now for the few months, he spends in jail he realized that his 'innocent' decision to follow and participate in a crime unquestionably, almost led him to receive a criminal record which would have contributed to him leading a destructive life.

Furthermore, having been a non-believer when he was incarcerated, the brother was enticed to faith in God when he looked at the drawing of two white doves and the image of praying hands while in there. He could still vividly remember a dream from God about two strong bulls and two raindrops that fell beside him which he shared with one of his inmates who rightly gave him a correct interpretation that he was going to be released and discharged from prison and it happened that way. God used his faith to save his friends from prison as well (Genesis 40:13-23). 

The Dangers Of Crowd Influences

Brethren, the story above is true in every respect. We need to realize that God is always judging us as individuals for our actions (Genesis 3:14-19), while we might be hiding behind the crowds to engage in evil behavior our participation will be judged by our intentions. It is easy to simply just agree to please others, remember when we know right from wrong we will be held accountable so think before you say something or decide to join in some activity or discussion, the Lord see the contribution of your intention(s) (1 Corinthians 4:5; Romans 2:16). As it was, Korah, Dathan, and Abiram took many 'innocent' souls with them when they rebelled against Moses and Aaron (Numbers 16:4-35). 

Similarly, when the Spies returned from spying out Canaan, only Joshua and Caleb gave a good report while 10 men sowed fear, discord, and rebellion which resulted in countless people losing out on entering the promised land while facing God's judgment in the desert (Numbers 13:26-33;14:1-45). It is therefore in the nature of evil men and women to sow divisions in a community or country to advance their own interests, but discerning and praying men and women of God should always be led by the common good of all which discourages any form of evil intent. 

In conclusion, let us guard against crowd influences and pray for discernment before we join in a discussion on social media or in some action. If our contribution is to impress or show off and so fanning the flames of hatred God will 'sift' our contribution out and accordingly retribute (Colossians 3:25). As Christians, we are called to pray and to provide Godly counsel to our leaders and fellow men in society (Jeremiah 38:14-23; Acts 27:21-26). Let us act with sober judgment in our decisions, salvation is precious!

Blessed Grace

Brother Glenn

Endurance Brings About Eternal Salvation

 Weak Human Will

"but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved" (Matthew 24:13 NIV). "Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him" (James 1:12 NIV).

A few years ago, my family and I decided to invite a young man over to live with us so that we may keep him away and occupied with tasks to make him forget about his drug addiction and bad company. As a matter of fact, it was the third we offered to help him escape from his corrupt company. Being a praying and God-fearing family, we encouraged him to accept Christ as Lord without forcing him to do so. Furthermore, as a Christian duty, we are obligated to witness and make disciples (1 Corinthians 9:16). 

After a few weeks of witnessing and prayer, the young man committed his life to the Lord, and his conversion was genuine as he was delivered from his drug addiction and cigarettes. Over a few weeks, he learned new skills and gradually improved his relationship with God. 

Briefly, where the young man came from most of his peers and cousins were on some addiction(s). When he went home (where he came from) for a few days, he was greatly complimented by everyone who knew his former way of life and he became the envy of many. I can still fondly remember the words one afternoon when he announced to us that he got a job, it was a bitter-sweet surprise to us. Sweet because the Lord has answered his prayers for a job, bitter because he will be working with one of his former drug buddies.  I did not feel good about it, I, however, encouraged him to remain faithful to the Lord and that he should resist temptation. 

It was then that he said, to me, "I don't want to lose my salvation and be lost for all eternity". Those words were very reassuring and we released him by praying for his well-being. The moment he left us for work, he was offered on-the-job accommodation and it was as if he was waiting for his 'freedom' and he went back immediately to his old life with a passionate indulgence (1 Samuel 14:32). As a result, the strong man of drugs and alcohol devastated his life so much that the Lord gave me a word to warn him that his days were numbered, even that did not deter him or spur him on to repentance. He simply replied, 'if I have to die so, be it'.

Consequently, about 10 months later he died suddenly in a terrible car accident without Christ, because the Lord did reveal to us that he was not among the living (Luke 24:5). 

Finally, are you struggling with some addiction or stronghold? If so, separate yourself from others and seek the face of the Lord in intense prayer and fasting for any number of days, He will hear you and answer your request and deliver you. I am a former addict of alcohol and cigarettes and the Lord Jesus Christ cleansed me from it all more than 12 years ago!

Blessed Grace

Brother Glenn

Violent Christians

Being Violent is An Act Of Self-Will

“Don't be envious of evil men; neither desire to be with them for their hearts plot violence, and their lips talk about mischief” (Proverbs 24:1-2 WEB).

Short Vision On South Africa's next Leader, you may find it here.

We will be brief in this article and it is intended to serve as a reminder that violent Christians displeases the Lord. Also, we formally wrote an article as commanded by the Lord Jesus Christ about ‘fighting’, and this was not widely welcomed by some Christians. Some wrote to us asking how they are supposed to defend themselves and their families if they are not allowed to fight in self-defence. Brethren, we can only report to what the Lord commands, and from our own experiences with the Lord and we can recall that He warned some of us not to behave violently in any manner (Malachi 2:16).

It is common knowledge that a Christian who responds violently to any given situation acts out of anger and malice (Ephesians 4:31) and as a result no good is being achieved when the force of anger is being used to settle matters, instead it creates ill feelings, disunity and an ungodly appetite for revenge. The motive does not issue not from love (Matthew 5:44) as we are being commanded, but from anger and self-will and when we responds from self-will we are not being submissive to Christ (James 4:7). Scripturally, we are being warned not to sin purposely (1 John 3:9) while bearing the Christian name, this is shameful to what the Lord Himself stood for and His followers are to imitate Him (1 John 2:6).

How The Lord Rebuked And Punished A Violent Tempered Brother

In an experience a brother had with someone else some time ago, the brother reported that he was verbally attacked by someone very close to him and without thinking he reacted violently and with evil intentions attacking his verbal abuser. We can tell you, this behaviour did not please the Lord at all, the brother was sternly rebuked and the Lord Himself issued the brother with a shameful punishment. Let me tell you, the Lord said as much as he (the brother) wanted to humiliate the other instead of obeying and forgiving like He did (1 Peter 4:14, Romans 15:3), He was going to give the brother a humbling punishment and He did as we have seen from the things the brother went through.

Like we reported elsewhere on this website and above, some Christians think that the Lord will leave them without punishment for deliberate sinning (Hebrews 10:26; 12:6) and the punishment is not always easy to bear (Genesis 4:13), but we have a sinful defect to learn from and not repeat. The application of violent force onto another person is out right humiliating and the person doing it expresses disrespectfulness and a form of dominance over the other and for this God will not leave you unpunished.

Furthermore, we know that the Lord Himself was often threatened with violence yet He never threatened back (John 8:59; 10:31). In a gesture of evil, His opponents finally brutalised His body in a show of force (John 19:1; Matthew 27:32-56) to quench their evil hate for the Lord and yet they were forgiven (Luke 23:34).

In conclusion, brethren acting violently when we are being insulted or provoked only displays the weaknesses within us, and those weaknesses exposes the deep rooted evil of Unforgiveness, grudges and hate within us (1 Peter 2:1; Ephesians 4:31). It is a fact, there are some Christians who are out right violent. And while they hide behind the legal principle of self-defence which is often legally permissible, but not Godly acceptable (1 Corinthians 10:23), our Lord commands us to refrain from all forms of violence which is often rooted in evil retribution (Colossians 3:8; Ephesians 4:30-31). I have heard many times how some Christian brethren confessed saying that if they were not Christian they would have attacked someone, what an appetite for violence and how ungodly instead of just saying, ‘I forgive you’ and act forgivingly. This actually reminds me of a situation in which a certain brethren in the Lord confessed that she forgave a certain brother for something he did, but she used that same offence the brother committed to voice her hurt, and clearly there was no forgiveness if there was, love would have been present instead of avoiding the brother who offended you. The lord said that Christians who are in such bondage will not see His Kingdom for no sin will ever be justified despite the offence, love must take over (1 Peter 4:8).

Now Brethren if you have a violent heart, stop watching violent movies that promotes a spirit of grudges and evil feelings of hatred, we encourage you to REPENT! As Christians, let us love, (John 13:34) let us forgive, let us share with our offenders (Christian or non-Christian) and this will be an expression of our true Godly love (Proverbs 25:22) and this will free us from God’s coming wrath against such offenders (John 8:32; Philippians 2:15). The price of our salvation is very high, purity and a blameless mind (Ephesians 5:27).

For those who are not saved yet, If you are willing to turn your life over to God, please start by praying this Prayer of Sincere Repentance.
For questions or comments on this article or our ministry, please contact us.

Blessed Grace in Peace

Brother Glenn

Being A Good Samaritan

 Doing Good Works

“How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him” (Acts 10:38 NIV).

On Friday 9 October 2020, I received a message from the Lord Jesus through a dream that He made me understand that He has anointed and called all Christians to do good, but many ignore the direction of the Holy Spirit when the Lord opens an opportunity for them to do good. Furthermore, the Lord added that no selfless effort a Christian employs in doing good to others will go unnoticed (Mark 10:30).

Kindly allow us to share some of our experiences here. Since my wife’s mother and my father live about 300KM away from us, as a family, we often set out to visit them and on about six or seven occasions we experienced problems with our car with some mechanical issues even after we had it fully serviced before we would embark on our journey. However, driving an older used car and acquiring the services of backyard mechanics (we are not being ungrateful here) there would always be some additional mechanical issues that would remain unresolved.

Like the Apostle Paul and Luke (Acts 21:5), we never go on our journey without praying and the Lord has preserved our lives on all our journeys Praise be to Him!  Now, of all those unfortunate situations only one ‘Good Samaritan’ (without us asking for help) came our way on a very cold, windy, and rainy day may the Lord bless that man and his precious family for opening their hearts and their home for me and my wife and children. On that cold day, that man was in a hurry to go fetch his wife at work after that he suspended all his activities and got his wife involved and they invited us to their place while he arranged for someone to get our Van fixed (Matthew 25:31-40).

Do Not Grow Tired of Serving Others

Again, in August this year (2020) we had another incident with our Van and the same family ungrudgingly opened their hearts again and helped us with accommodation, however this time the Lord wanted them to hear the Precious and Priceless Gospel from me and that was God remembering the good they did to me and others (Acts 10:4-5). Therefore, if we help others or give grudgingly we forfeit our blessings and we hinder the Lord to save others (Matthew 16:23) and we deny God the glory  (Colossians 3:23).

In addition, we should remember that the bible says that if we ignore the cry of the poor for help when it is our turn to ask for help from God Almighty, He will ignore our cries too (Proverbs 21:13). In 2009 when I attended a Bible School pastoral course, I was unemployed and as a result, I was unable to pay my tuition fees so a brother in the Lord paid on my behalf about two installments without letting me know and when I approached the dean to explain my situation to him he told me that someone paid for me. Now that was God!

In conclusion, we can recall how happy the Lord was with a dear sister in our ministry who showed kindness to a needy person and for her effort, the Lord promised to bless the sister for her selfless efforts and that her good works of ministry will serve as a testimony on the day of the Lord and we know that day is very near (Revelation 14:13). Let us be eager and remember our poor brethren amongst us our giving serves as thanks offering to the Lord (1 Chronicles 29:14).

Brethren as a final encouragement, we all still have an opportunity to change the lives of others around us. The Lord has not just called those in ministry but everyone to work for the good of others and you too will be rewarded even if you start today please consider this scripture (Matthew 20:6-14).

 Blessed Grace

Brother Glenn

The Deceitfulness Of Date Setting

  The Deceitfulness Of Date Setting On God's Events

He replied, “The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know"(Acts 1:9).

NOTICE: PLEASE NOTE THAT WE WILL HAVE AN ARTICLE READY 

TOMORROW 15/11/2022. WE SINCERELY APOLOGISE FOR THE 

INCONVENIENCE.

Brethren, kindly allow me an opportunity to reflect on a few things the Lord taught us. 

The Lord Jesus Christ is warning Christians who fall into the trap of date setting for His coming or His judgments. This goes against the spirit of hope that we are encouraged to have and who hopes for something he knows about? (Romans 8:24-25). Love will continue to draw people to Christ, not judgment which is for the disobedient! There is a YouTube channel where dates for events are set. Remember what we said elsewhere on this blog, the Lord will NOT give a date for certain things to happen, because people will expect, He will unveil His Presence and calamity for the world 'as a thief in the night' (Revelation 16:15; Matthew 24:43; I Thessalonians 5:2).

The Day Of His Visitation

A few years ago, the Lord gave me a promise through a message to us that He was going to bless me with a spiritual gift. What exciting news that was to me! I immediately inquired from the Lord what type of spiritual gift it would be and when I'll be receiving it, but the Lord's gentle answer on about three occasions was the same, "Your father must just continue to pray, he will receive His spiritual gift". 

It then happened that one Wednesday evening while I was preaching the gospel the Lord bestowed the spiritual gift upon me with power and those who listened to the message I preached confirmed that they felt God's awesome Presence and that I was not the same as before (1 Samuel 10:9). The following morning the Lord said, "Your father has received his spiritual gift", and this has remained with me ever since, I humbly worship God the Father in Jesus' name!

On another occasion, the Lord promised our ministry a prayer house and a vehicle to help us in our witnessing ministry, He did not reveal dates or times on when we would receive the promises after a period of more than two years, but every time we would inquire when the gifts would be coming, He again encouraged us to continue in prayer. As it was, for this gift, there was no announcement but just confirmations in dreams and visions, we knew the Lord blessed us with a prayer house only on the day we signed for the property. Hallelujah, What an AWESOME GOD WE SERVE!

On yet another occasion, I trusted the Lord for another blessing and He promise that I would receive it and that I should just continue believing and praying for the thing daily which I did, and surprisingly, the next morning the Lord announced that I will be receiving the thing I prayed for on that day and GLORY TO THE LORD ALMIGHTY, IT WAS SO!

Similarly, when God Almighty promised Abraham that He would bless him with a son and make him the father of many nations, Abraham had to wait for almost 25 years hoping against hope and the Lord proved His faithfulness at His own set times (Genesis 17:4-5; 18:10). 

In addition, when the Father was about to send our Lord Jesus Christ into the world, He send His messengers to announce the coming of the Messiah in the flesh (Isaiah 9:6; Micah 5:2; Luke 2:11; John 1:29).

 Essentially, today's message is a warning from the Lord to the brethren to guard against some people who are preaching 'date settings' in the Holy name of the Lord. Over the years, we have witnessed how countless people were being shamed for giving dates in the name of the Lord which has never come to pass. Brethren, we must escape the trap of date setting, the Lord, God Almighty alone determines the times and seasons and when He reveals it to His servants they will announce His plans, while He will execute His will on the day of His choosing (Isaiah 49:8).

Blessed Love

Brother Glenn

Be A Witness For Christ

 The Importance Of Christian Witnessing

NOTICE: Dear Brethren, we have no article for this week, however, please be blessed by reading again through our encouraging witnessing article. Remember, businesses are buying and selling daily to remain economically viable, likewise, Christians need to witness daily to save souls from HELL and God's pending Judgment. VERY IMPORTANT: JUST READ THE FOLLOWING PORTION OF SCRIPTURE BELOW!

"Yet when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, for I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! If I preach voluntarily, I have a reward; if not voluntarily, I am simply discharging the trust committed to me" (1 Corinthians 9:17 NIV).

This an introduction to Witnessing. We have further explored the subject and shared more in Witnessing Part I, Witnessing Part II and Exuding Good Fruit While Sharing The Gospel articles on this website.

Humility and Obedience: Marks of a Witness

Many Christians have already "packed up" to leave for Heaven, but work must continue for some of us and we encourage you to work, work. The end is not yet; it is still daytime, so we must work in the Lord's vineyard.

As a prelude to this article, it is said by world leaders, some religious groups and the one world religion advocacy groups that all faiths point essentially to the same God. Our Lord Jesus Christ categorically states: “I am the Way, and the Truth and the Life NO ONE (emphasis mine) comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6 NIV). One of the most significant endorsements of this eternal Truth is our Lord’s throne on the right-hand side of God the Father as our Advocate and Intercessor (Colossians 3:1; 1 John 2:1). Do any of the other faiths have a representation of God? I know of none.

We will briefly examine a few approaches to witnessing and possible hindrances. We base our teaching on a collective experience of more than 10 years involving more than 15 people and lately less than five people. During this time, the Lord acted as a “Coach” on a personal level to each one of us. Some of us needed more encouragement through rebukes, while some were commended by the Lord Jesus Christ as being faithful witnesses. If one is appraised as being a faithful witness by the Lord, since we know the Lord’s testimony is higher and valid, it therefore would mean the individuals concerned had consistently and obediently witnessed at every opportunity.

At the beginning of our witnessing assignment, many of us did not know how to witness, as this was a new experience for our prayer members whom the Lord called into witnessing. Fortunately, I had been involved in witnessing as a sole witness a few years earlier, so this served as an encouragement.

Honestly, we did not like and welcome the idea of witnessing especially at night, we reasoned through a deep conviction that if we do not go and witness in obedience to the Lord, we might as well forfeit our salvation. Yes! You heard correctly, forfeit our salvation because serving the Lord means being OBEDIENT even if it caused inconvenience. We could not bear the condemnation of our conscience, this was the Lord Jesus Christ speaking and commanding. There are numerous Biblical examples of people who went through the severe test and life-threatening situations to obey God (Genesis 22:1-18; Exodus 3:1-22; 2 Corinthians 11:22-33). We were confronted by a similar choice, that of obedience. The week before we went witnessing, I boldly announced to the team of my wife and I’s determination to go witnessing even if it meant just the two of us.

Consequently, from a team of 14 people that prayed with us only four volunteered to witness with my wife and I. As for the others, they offered all kinds of excuses and left. We relied on some of these brethren who left to transport us. Since the distance from our house to the area designated by the Lord was about 2 Kilometres away. This was very discouraging, but we were determined to obey the Lord and He graciously provided us with transport. The Lord does not take kindly to excuses, one sister was rebuked by the Lord for her love of excuses and this made us cautious. He expects His children to respond in obedience (Matthew 21:28-31).

Scripturally, we have evidence that the Lord rewards FAITHFULNESS and Him being the Faithful Witness and Shepherd of the Flock, He promised to be with us until the end of time (Matthew 25:21; Matthew 28:20; Revelation 1:5). The Lord, in His sinless nature, concerned Himself more on doing the work of our Heavenly Father (John 4:34-35). He did not seek to do His own will but He was faithfully obedient to the Father (Matthew 26:39; Philippians 2:6-11. With this in mind, we are admonished to have the same attitude as that of our Lord Jesus Christ — that of unquestionable obedience (Philippians 2:5).

While it is good and acceptable to learn from the experiences of others, especially if we are being edified, Biblical examples of obedience should be our benchmark (1 Corinthians 10:11). The Lord has purposely provided a written record of teachings and His dealing with people so that all future generations can learn and obey. As a follower and believers in Christ Jesus, we have an obligation to witness. The scriptures address you and me as an individual, and we will be judged individually (Romans 2:6; Matthew 24:14). So your response should be to obey!

Why Should I Witness and What is My Message?

We should witness because of the CROSS and to warn and save souls from going to HELL! (John 3:16-18; Romans 6:23). Man’s greatest need is to be forgiven of his sins. Believers or witnesses GO out presenting the gospel of salvation with the sole purpose of warning people that God the Creator, is also Judge, and He will hold us accountable if we do not Repent of our sins and accepts Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour (Acts 3:19; Romans 10:9-10). We also witness to tell people “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23 NIV). As humans, we have a sin problem and sin brought guilt, guilt points to an offence and an offence awaits judgement (Romans 3:11-12). While the points considered below are not exhaustive accounts, they list among the most basic and serious. We, therefore, witness to:

• Tell people, we all have sinned and need a saviour “We have redemption through His blood….” No BLOOD No FORGIVENESS of sins (Colossians 1:14; Romans 3:23; Hebrews 9:22).
• Warn people that God is going to Judge us and hold us accountable for things we have done and said and if guilty ultimately result in Hell and a lake of fire punishment (Romans 2:6-11; John 3:17-18; Revelation 20:12-15; Hebrews 9:27).
• Point people to a Saviour and so escape God’s Judgement (John 3:18; Romans 10:13; Acts 16:31).
• Teach and correct people to lead a life of obedience in Christ (Matthew 28:19; 1 Timothy 4: 11-16; 2 Timothy 3:16).
• Proclaim to people that we will receive the crown of eternal life and immeasurable Heavenly rewards for believing in and obeying Christ Jesus (John 3:16; Revelation 2:7, 10, 26).

This is a basic presentation of the gospel truth and whatever is built here upon is faith, obedience and a new witness.

The Individual Believer as a Witness

Furthermore, our witnessing was not just confined to our official calling to witness in areas designated by the Lord; He also admonished us to witness to our own families, colleagues and people in our immediate vicinity. In short, we live a witnessing lifestyle. Right now, my wife and I just arrived from visiting a widow who lost her husband recently. We took some gospel tracts and went witnessing on our way to her. We derive pleasure and joy from witnessing. This is our happiness, not the world or its material wealthy. Souls for the Kingdom of God are our business. We encourage you to do likewise. Beloved brothers and sisters, YOU DO NOT NEED THE CHURCH OR THE PASTOR’S PERMISSION TO WITNESS IT IS YOUR INDIVIDUAL CALLING AND RESPONSIBILITY TO BE A WITNESS.

I am stressing this because many, many believers are discouraged by their pastors not to witness. The command to witness has to come from them, this is wicked and unscriptural. God is calling you and the Scriptures are addressing you as an individual and not just the church leadership. They do not have a different Bible. We all get our instructions from the same Bible. I do encourage the unity of purpose and as a body, we collectively participate in all Church activities, but we are equally called as individual members who have a responsibility to witness, pray and bear fruit (Matthew 20:1-16). I am not encouraging rebellion here. You must witness. When the earlier church was persecuted, they did not wait for the apostles to give them a command to witness wherever they were scattered, but they witnessed for they had the word of truth with them and signs followed (Acts 8: 4-8). I was once labelled as having an independent spirit when I went out witnessing with a few friends on a Saturday afternoon. One pastor, instead of sharing my joy told me he would have rebuked me if he knew I took some of his members with me to witness. We went out not as against the Church, but as witnesses (Mark 9:40). In his thesis to the Catholic Church, Martin Luther – the reformer, loosened the grip of bondage the Church had over the conscience of the individual believers and preached a gospel of saving grace through personal faith.

Kindly allow me to add this. Today, certain scriptures are being used to bind believers into submission to church rules. Those scriptures apply to the unity of service as a body of believers (Hebrews 13:17; 1Thessalonians 5:12-13), and not as much as a general rule. This is for collective unity and “until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining…” (Ephesians 4:13). Likewise our Lord Jesus also said: “A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher” (Luke 6:40). Hold on! I am not done yet, we are to submit in obedience while we are being taught until we ‘reach unity in faith' and ‘be like our teacher’. This then is not a life-long submission unless you have chosen to remain an infant in the faith and ‘bury your talent’ (Matthew 25:17-18). I HAVE WARNED YOU! Before I conclude kindly allow me to stress this point; I know of many ineffective brethren who are still waiting for a ‘Word’ from the Lord before they witness. Let me tell you, you do not need a calling from the Lord to testify about your faith. This is your natural answer to those ‘who ask you to give the reason for the hope that you have…’ (1 Peter 3:15). This is your testimony, and you must GO and “tell how much God has done for you” (Luke 8:39). Heaven is populated through the testimony of individual believers who respond in obedience and go out witnessing (Acts 8:4).

Who Should We Witness To?

“Therefore GO and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20). This gospel is for all people everywhere and all believers are called to witness. We show no fear or favour when presenting the message of faith. The apostle Paul in his zeal to take the good news to people, targeted every kind of group, and religious belief (Acts 17; Acts 18:4). Some believers get discouraged to witness to some denominational groups within the Christian sect. While I recognise that it is somewhat very difficult to witness ‘religious’ people, we must not be discouraged to present the gospel to them. The Holy Spirit convicts all people (John 16:8). There are dozens of testimonies about people who either followed a cult or some other religion who got saved through witnessing and testimonies.

Our first witnessing assignment from the Lord was to go into our own community and immediate neighbourhood. Like the disciples, we witnessed door-to-door with gospel tracts. If we found no one home we would leave a tract in their mailboxes or by the fence. I strongly encouraged our witnessing team not to allow anyone to pass without us being a witness to them. Some church folk labelled us ‘mad’, but if it is to save souls, Praise the Lord! I have no problem being called names. This was our ‘Jerusalem’ (Acts 1:8) and soon after we finished our community, we thought our work was completed, but the Lord now sends us to our neighbouring towns and suburbs.

Being based in South Africa as a multiracial society, the Lord sends us to all racial and religious groups. The language was not a problem as most South Africans speak and read English. We also have witnesses who are fluent in more than one language and this serves as a great advantage to our message. If you go out as a sole witness, target your language group. God is sending you to those who understand you.

Testimony

the Lord once gave Charis a vision about a friend I knew personally; in fact, I drank with him when I followed the pattern of the world. This friend’s family adhered to the old apostolic teachings. He had no idea about the doctrinal differences churches have, he just believed in the God of the Bible. I witnessed him on many occasions. If you wish to read more about this way of belief please go to Google and search “Old Apostolic Church - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.”

Anyway, I went up to this friend and told him what the Lord has shown Charis, he was convicted and believed the warning (to stop smoking marijuana, drink alcohol and accept Christ as Lord and Saviour). He gave his heart to the Lord. I subsequently blessed him with a Bible and encouraged him to attend church, and to read and pray daily. Because he was chronically sick, he stopped indulging in addictive habits. The Lord promised to heal him and He gave me a message through Charis to preach about “healing in Christ.” His sister, who is a strong follower of this sect, vehemently opposed him so he decided not to attend our meeting. I was deeply discouraged and we asked the Lord what we should do to get him to our meetings, the Lord responded by saying that we must not be discouraged and we should just continue to pray for him. I also continued to encourage this brother to seek the Lord in obedience. The Lord in His Faithfulness touched this brother and we witnessed his health improving drastically as he started putting on weight. Unfortunately, He got involved with his old friends and went back to his former habits, some three (3) months later he suddenly died fulfilling the prophetic vision the Lord showed Charis.

In conclusion, why wait? So pray and take your Bible and a few gospel tracts or CDs and GO! Starting first in your neighbourhood or witnessing to colleagues, friends and immediate family members can be a great start, they will reject your message ridicule and discourage you, but confidence and faith grow through these tests (Acts 7:1-60).

Witnessing Resources

• Witnessing - Part I article
• Witnessing - Part II article
• Exuding Good Fruit While Sharing The Gospel 
• Fellowship Tract League: They provide free tracts and they send them faster if you donate a small donation to cover the shipping/postage costs.

Conforming To Worldly Lifestyle

 Worldly Christians

"Don’t become like the people of this world. Instead, change the way you think. Then you will always be able to determine what God really wants—what is good, pleasing, and perfect" (Romans 12:2 GWT).

Vision by Brother Glenn (20/10/2022)

I received a vision from the Lord just before I woke up for prayer on the above date. I got up with a vision, I was alerted to an object that an artist was busy painting. Upon a closer look, I noticed that the paint canister could spray out words. The first words were, like a hymn of praise as if to encourage Heaven to speed up our redemption (Revelation 6:10). 'Heaven, Heaven come down' and as I moved closer to get a better view, someone appeared while looking smilingly at me and said, 'Heavenly Father, we must love our Heavenly Father'. End. Brief interpretation, The Lord is NEAR!

Reminder: Brethren, we encourage you to pray very hard for Europe, the Lord says a great storm is brewing and it is going to start there which is going to have a devastating effect around the world. This world needs our diligent, consistent, and daily prayers. 

Not so long ago, I stepped into a shopping mall and was assisted by a very friendly young man. After I was done shopping, we went outside and my attention was distracted by the many tattoos he had on his arms. The wording on his arms was attracting attention as he was expressing his love and appreciation for God.  As it was, not only did his arms glorify God Almighty, he gave a good confession too. However, based on the content of our conversation, I perceived that the young man did not have a relationship with God in the born-again type of experience which I immediately introduced to him. At the same time, I pointed him to the scriptural reference that forbids body tattooing (Leviticus 19:28) which is what he wasn't aware of. 

Does it mean God, would reject him? Not at all, the Lord revealed to us that the following scripture applies to all people who did things in ignorance and who made a decision to follow the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 7:20-24). In addition, we need to emphasize thought that the repetition of the thing we repented from constitutes willful sinning (Romans 6:2; 1 John 3:9; Hebrews 10:26-31). 

Furthermore, if you are in a Church that encourages or allows worldly living and you follow because your pastor or the band or worship leader dresses inappropriately or wears make-up, you are being deceived, the Bible is your guide to a good, clean Christian living and not the opinion of your pastor or leaders (1 Peter 3:3-4). Now, just as the law (in any given country) forbids certain behavior and punishes those who violate a certain provision, likewise the Lord will use scriptural evidence to remind us of our disobedience and not so much the opinion of our pastors or teachers. 

In conclusion, let us live in obedience leading our lives in submission to the Lord's will.

Blessed Grace

Brother Glenn

Christian's Should Not Be Vengeful

“Friends, do not avenge yourselves; instead, leave room for His wrath. For it is written: Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord” (Romans 12:19).

Being Vengeful Issues From A Hateful Spirit

Naturally, the spirit of revenge is well embedded in all of us. We are often driven by a desire to receive some remedy for some pain or loss we suffered. Biblically, it is not wrong to desire justice (Deuteronomy 16:18) since God established this principle. It is true, our response against someone who have acted wrongfully against us is often motivated by our own sense of how justice should be meted out, and often our own biasness will deny the offending person a fair opportunity to receive a just punishment. As it is, when we seek justice for ourselves against a cause or someone, our appreciation for justice is influenced by our feelings which may give rise to injustice against the other person. Now briefly, and for example, as part of the due process of law, most courts carefully examine all available evidence in a bid to establish the truth before drawing a conclusion and awarding a decision for or against an accused or an accuser. While our human courts are limited in establishing the truth fully in most matters of dispute, their decisions still play a crucial role in society in enforcing positive actions while discouraging self-motivating negative reactions. Therefore, the role the governing authorities play in discouraging arbitrary actions in society helps in maintaining some order and solving some disputes (Romans 13:1-5).

Biblically, God commands us not to pursue revenge against someone who has wronged us (Leviticus 19:18; Romans 12:17). Instead, He commands us to overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21). Meaning our response should not be to inflict harm which would render us guilty before God. Understandably, when we are wronged, we argue in our defense and often our motive is to mete out what we think or believe is due revenge. By commanding us not to seek revenge, the Lord knows that hateful feelings are what motivates us, which is evil. At best, revenge is an expression of intended hateful feelings to cause harm. If we act from revenge we leave no room for corrective action, mercy and forgiveness and these are some of the remedies God gave in human society (Matthew 18:32-35).

I need to point out that this is not a study in social justice, but as an observation and useful to help Christians use the authorities in society to seek remedy. As a fact, we are often told that Christians must not take people to court because the Bible says “If any of you has a dispute with another, do you dare to take it before the ungodly for judgment instead of before the Lord's people?” (1 Corinthians 6:1). Now brethren, we need to understand that the apostle Paul is referring to disputes in the church and among brethren and not matters relating to social issues in society (1 Corinthians 6:5-6). As a fact, when the Jewish religious authorities persecuted Paul he wisely used the governing authorities of the day to help him find justice and to defend his faith (see chapters in Acts 22 -26). Furthermore, kindly allow me to clarify a point: it is always good to forgive an offender unconditionally; however, we are not commanded by the Lord not to pursue justice through our courts and of course after first seeking peaceful solutions from our offenders and authorities in our communities. When we pursue a matter legally especially where we voluntarily and contractually went into an agreement, our motive should be to seek action or compliance to settle our dispute with the other person and not revenge. Legally, we allow an independent person with knowledge about certain laws governing our relations to play an arbitral role and decide a matter between us and an offender in the interest of peaceful co-habitation. There are various teachings in the Bible, which encourage social justice (Exodus 18:24-26; 1 Kings 3:16-28; 2 Samuel 15:2; Isaiah 1:17).

How Worldly Movies Encourage Revenge

In many action films and TV shows, the plot which some movie directors and producers use is revenge and often in brutal ways. They subtly provoke an evil anger in their audience by using revenge as a motive in their message. This has also contributed to desensitizing Christians on the seriousness of this sin. Now brethren, as God fearing Christians, the Lord expects us to judge our motives in the light of His Word, giving love and forgiveness to an offender and pointing them to correction (2 Timothy 3:16). For the Lord Himself taught and clarified that we should extend love and forgiveness even to our enemies (Matthew 5:38-48). While the death of saints (the righteous) is precious in the sight of the Lord as they are reunited with Him in everlasting peace (Psalm 116:15), He also takes no pleasure (or delights) in the death of the wicked; His desire is for them to repent and turn away from their wicked ways so that they may live (Ezekiel 18:23; 33:11). God loves all His children so much (John 3:16); He “causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous” (Matthew 5:45).

Allow God to Revenge and Fight Our Cause

Let me share a short testimony. A few years ago a very faithful member of our ministry was viciously assaulted and abused by evil men. This precious sister was left paralyzed with physical and emotional scars. The assault she endured left her permanently crippled in her left leg. From what we have witnessed, the abuse she suffered would provoke any person to hateful feelings and unforgiveness. However, this precious sister opted to obey the Lord and forgive her offenders without reservations. She shared with us that the night she was attacked and hospitalized, the Lord appeared to her on her bedside and commanded her to forgive the men who had abused and assaulted her and that He would punish them for what they did to her. As you may imagine she was still coming to terms with her ordeal with the wounds and pain still fresh in her mind, yet God asked her to forgive and she confessed that she was somewhat confused but not bitter and she forgave them.

It is a fact that some people find it very hard to forgive offenders immediately because some of us still need to work through it emotionally. I have personally counselled many people who found it very difficult to forgive others and some needed weeks, months and even years to work through their hateful feelings. Often, unforgiveness leads some people to curse and wish bad things on those who offended them. Some even revenge by withholding forgiveness. Their mind is focused on repaying evil and to their own loss. Beloved, like we shared in our Being Humble message, if the Lord would have come or we die while still struggling to forgive, we might be denied entry into Heaven! The Lord Jesus clearly warns us that if we do not forgive others their sins, our Father will not forgive our sins either (Matthew 6:15; Luke 11:26). Therefore, it is in our best interest to “bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you” (Colossians 3:13).

Similarly, about three years ago the Lord sent three of our daughters, between 10 and 12 years at the time to witness and share the gospel in a certain area. While they were busy handing out gospel tracts, an unknown man approached them and without warning took off his belt and started spanking them in public for no reason. Being humiliated they did not utter a word against the man; instead the Lord provided an elderly woman to rebuke their assailant. When the Lord visited Charis that evening, He said that they should forgive the man who attacked them and that He will repay the offender.

I also endured an attack and what made the situation uncomfortable is that I had to forgive and share my house with a young man who maliciously and violently attacked me. The attack left me disabled and fractured in my right hand with four (4) of my fingers badly bruised and nonfunctional. I repeatedly heard from the Lord in an audible voice, “But anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness. They do not know where they are going, because the darkness has blinded them” (1 John 2:11). Admittedly, I did harbor strong feelings of hatred and I wanted to take revenge against the young man. However, as strong as these were, I persisted in prayer daily asking the Lord to forgive me and to deliver me from those hateful feelings. How I received my deliverance was I would go pray against and resist those hateful feelings every time they came over me until the Lord set me free and replaced those bitter feelings with a compassion and love for the young man.

Likewise, another sister in the ministry was recently emotionally hurt and offended by a relative. She found herself arguing and debating daily in her mind with this relative while harboring ill feelings towards her. The way she received deliverance was by acknowledging this as a sin before God each morning and asking for God’s help not to argue in her mind with her relative during the course of day (Psalm 50:15). Each time she would start debating in her mind, she would choose to repent, ask for forgiveness, forgive the relative, and pray blessings over her (Luke 6:27-28; 31). She did this for a few weeks until the Lord delivered her from this bondage. She no longer debates with her relative but feels peace towards her and is praying for her salvation.

As an encouragement to you our dear brothers and sisters, please don’t allow the devil to deceive you! Some of the skillful devices of the devil is to make us feel sorry for ourselves and have us think that others (offenders) are taking advantage of us especially if we choose to love and forgive them. We might be looked at as fools, but we are preciously living out the values the Lord taught and stood for.

We therefore encourage you brethren to leave room for God’s wrath (Romans 12:19) and allow him to sanctify us in His truth and will. Let us remember not to allow revenge to steal our salvation! This is not worthwhile since our years of faithful service in the Lord are about to be rewarded soon!

Whatever we do, let’s work at it with all our hearts, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since we know that we will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Jesus Christ we are serving. Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism (Colossians 3:23-25).

I encourage you with these words from the Lord to us recently: “I am READY to come – SOON!”

In Conclusion, have you been harboring grudges against anyone, and seeking to revenge or pay back in your own terms? Have you been trapped in anger and unforgiveness against someone who wronged you? Remember, vengeance belongs to God (Deuteronomy 32:35;43; Psalm 94:1-2 NKJV). Some great men of God like Paul and King David knew this and although they were wronged, they left vengeance up to God (2 Timothy 4:14; 1 Samuel 26:10-11). Our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ endured much hostility from sinners against Himself, yet He did not retaliate but forgave even while on the cross (1 Peter 2:23; Hebrews 12:3-4; Luke 23:34). The Bible admonishes us neither to say "I’ll pay you back for this wrong!"(Proverbs 20:22) nor to say "I'll do to them as they have done to me; I'll pay them back for what they did" (Proverbs 24:29). Therefore, please repent and pray for deliverance.

If you would like to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, please pray this Prayer of Sincere Repentance to get you started. For any questions or comments on this article or our ministry, please contact us.

Blessed Peace,

Brother Glenn and Preparing for the Kingdom Ministry Team.

Praying Without Ceasing

Prayer Has No Ending 

“Pray without ceasing,” Paul said; “in everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit.” (1 Thes. 5:17–19 NIV.)

 Many professing Christians are struggling to trust the Lord for their healing, deliverance, and salvation and the Lord revealed to me that the spirit of doubt enters Christians because they look at the suffering of others and doubt Him. Let me qualify this statement with this testimony, a few years we prayed for months non-stop for the healing of a certain woman who was totally paralyzed and bedridden for many, many years. We asked the Lord if should we continue to pray for her a few months thereafter and the Lord said no! Why? Because many of her closest family members had lost faith in the Lord and they were not praying for her healing and salvation (James 5:15). 

In addition, from experience, I have learned that if we stop praying daily for the healing of a sick person to recover, and for his or her salvation we forfeit the reward the Lord had in store for us (2 Corinthians 5:10). The value of intercessory prayers for family, friends, the body of believers and our governments should be any truly god-fearing Christians daily commitment (1 Timothy 2:1). 

My brethren as a point of emphasis, the Lord has burdened all born-again Christians with the task of praying for those close to you like friends, family, and colleagues. I can remember some time ago, when members of my wives' prayer group started dropping out, the Lord encouraged her saying that even if she prays alone she could pray for about 1000 people (Joshua 23:10) and I can tell you, it's been more than 10 years on my wife is still faithfully committed to her prayers in obedience to our Lord. As a gentle reminder of the Lord's Words, you are never alone nor lonely but God is with you in every prayer battle (Luke 6:12; 22:43; 2 Kings 6:17). 

Thus, in conclusion, this message is to encourage you not to fall prey to discouragement, the Lord is with you, pray on that's the passion the Lord gave you.

Blessed Grace

Brother Glenn

The Destructive Spirit of Anger

“Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil” (Psalm 37:8 NIV).

“But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips” (Colossians 3:8).

NOTICE: Our next article will be available tomorrow (04/10/2022).

Have you been angry with someone or over something? Are you struggling to overcome anger and be set free to forgive?  This past week, the Lord reminded me almost on a daily bases to write an article on the spirit of anger. This is a very important subject that is often overlooked from the pulpit. At one time or another in our lives, we have all been victims of anger, be it from our parents, relatives, peers or people we came across (while driving, for example). The emotional scars left by anger often last a lifetime. While it is true that we are often troubled by such memories, the Scriptures urge us to “… not remember the past events, pay no attention to things of old” (Isaiah 43:18 HCSB).

Our article is not a complete study on anger; instead we seek to draw Biblical attention on how this emotion affects our relationship with God and prevents us from living the holy life that God expects of us (James 1:19-20 NIV). While on some occasions it might be acceptable to be angry, for example about social injustices or oppression directed at the weak and helpless, such as children (Mark 10:14), we must be very careful not to sin in whatever actions we choose to take and the words we use, since the Bible clearly warns us, "Be angry, and do not sin..." (Psalm 4:4 NKJV).

Sources of Anger

Anger is mainly caused either by activities outside our control, or as a result of our own actions, emotions and insecurities (Genesis 27:41; Genesis 31:36). Below we discuss only some of the main sources of anger. We need to stress that whatever level of anger there is, it unsettles relations. Just like laughter, anger is an emotion we all possess, and how we expresses it depends on the forces of restraint within us. These forces may be based on our level of respect or dislike towards the person whom we are directing our anger. We often show a strong and unrestrained anger if we harbor grudges or have hatred for someone (Genesis 34:25-27; 37:4; 2 Samuel 13:22, 29).

In emphasis, the Lord told us that the greatest source of anger is a loveless heart, and someone who does not have love has hatred; where hatred breeds, there is no peace (1 John 4:20). Therefore, the ‘happiness’ or satisfaction that an angry person receives is the hurt he or she inflicts onto his victim. A few months ago, I was directed by the Lord in a message to observe how impatience and complaining (Numbers 14:2-3) resulted in someone hurling insults and offensive remarks, climaxing into raging anger. The Lord further showed me that by the time a person resorts to insults, hatred has already made its appearance and possessed his or her heart. Consequently, love is subdued because we have allowed evil to overcome us (Romans 12:21; Luke 13:14).

In addition, another motivating factor for anger is greed. In the Bible, we see how Ahab was driven by selfishness and greed, and caused the death of Naboth, in order to lay his hands on Naboth’s well-groomed vineyard (1 Kings 21:1-16). It might be prudent to recall as well how King David’s lust resulted in the murder of Uriah (2 Samuel 11:1-15). King Asa's pride and lack of humility to repent from his sin of trusting in man instead of God led him to throw prophet Hanani in prison and also mistreat his own people (2 Chronicles 16:10).

Another source of anger is jealousy. We witness in the Bible how Cain made poor choices, disobeyed God and ended up murdering his brother, Abel, in a jealous rage (Genesis 4:8). We are warned not to allow the bad fruit of the sinful nature to rule our relationship with God and others (Galatians 5:19-20).

In the light of all these divisive vices, I have personally witnessed how friends and family relationships were destroyed leading to an almost chain reaction of re-occurrence in the lives of the victims. Anger simply breeds more anger and may lead to revenge, and if we allow anger to dominate and control us, the reward is self-destruction, self-pity and alienation (Proverbs 22:24-25).

Christians Hating One Another

There is a perceived hatred of one another in Christendom, which can be attributed partly to divisions in the body and some other factors. Some of the main causes of this include insubordination to church leadership, refusal to heed correction, ignorance of the Scriptures, bias, and lack of love. Brethren, while it is true that the Lord is forgiving and full of love, He is deeply hurt when we sin purposely. This can be likened to a husband or wife who deliberately commits adultery to hurt the other person. The Lord requires us to be faithful, pure, and holy (1 Peter 1:16; Ephesians 5:25-27; Revelation 19:7-9). When you hurt our fellow brethren in Christ and call them names, you only heap judgment on yourself! I beseech you in Jesus name, please stop hating and hurting your brothers and sisters in Christ! The Lord's coming is very NEAR, and He has told us this several times. The signs of the times, as well as fulfillment of Biblical prophecy, testify to this fact. So, please repent from your hateful and unforgiving feelings before it's too late! "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts" (Psalm 95:7-8; Hebrews 3:7-8,15; 4:7).

In our personal experiences with the Lord, He warned many of us against the destructiveness of anger. Many of my fellow brethren and I were cautioned by the Lord for rebuking others angrily. The Lord said that such a rebuke meted out in anger is not based on true motives, but ill feelings of anger and revenge. Therefore, correction to our children or others is best meted out and appreciated when we respond in a spirit of love and peace. The Lord warns Christians to be careful with their words to their fellow brethren (Matthew 5:22; 1 Peter 3:15; Matthew 12:36-37). He says we are not called to scatter, but to build and gather with Him (Matthew 12:30). As we mentioned in the Harmful Words and Vision of Two Raptures article, being loud when talking or rebuking can come across as offensive and rude (Proverbs 10:19; Proverbs 15:1).

Some Christians have a refined but evil way of telling others off in arrogance and with a hateful spirit if they are being corrected. Their hateful feelings are clearly manifested when they try by all means to dissociate themselves from those who corrected them. Admittedly, we might have differences in the application of certain Scriptures; however, our response must be in love, prayer, and forgiveness. It is common practice among Christians today to ignore, dislike and avoid those who differ from them or who don’t attend their church. The truth is, we show no love to one another simply because we don’t attend or belong to the same church organization; that is hypocrisy, since we are members of the same BODY. Therefore, love should be shown and given indiscriminately to all including our enemies (Romans 12:4-5), for in Christ we are unified in love (Ephesians 4:5)!

As we mentioned above, every negative vice finds its climax in anger. Through our work in the ministry, we often found ourselves at the receiving end of bitter and vitriolic bursts of anger from people who are self-righteous and who despise correction. In some of these experiences, when I responded kindly and in a gentle spirit I would receive grace from the Lord with Him personally rebuking and punishing those who offended me, but if I retaliated trying to defend myself the Lord would not be pleased with me instead giving me a rebuke for my irreverence (Romans 12:19).

God’s Righteous Anger

The Lord's anger is righteous and it comes controlled devoid of malice (1 Kings 21:29). He measures punishment equal or equivalent to the offence, and it is always with a spirit of mercy (Hebrews 8:12; Micah 7:19). The Lord is angry when we sin against Him and don't trust in His deliverance (Psalm 78:17-31). He was angry and wanted to destroy Aaron and the children of Israel when they worshiped the golden calf, but when Moses interceded for them, He relented (Exodus 32:7-14; Deuteronomy 9:19-20). The Lord was angry with the Israelites when they complained in their tents against the Lord, not trusting Him to fight for them in their journey to the promised land, even though He had helped them and performed great signs and wonders in Egypt (Deuteronomy 1:26-36). They were not walking by faith, but by sight (Hebrews 11:6). We provoke God to anger when refuse to turn from our evil ways, fail to follow His commandments, choose to live worldly, or leave Him to serve idols (2 Kings 17:16-18; Deuteronomy 9:16; 1 Kings 11:9). We can all escape God’s wrath by believing in and following Jesus Christ, for the Word says “He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him” (John 3:36).

Just like King Asa, King Uzziah was angry because of pride, and he was unfaithful to the Lord. He forcefully entered the temple to burn incense to the Lord, even after he was warned by the priests. He became angry and he was subsequently punished by the Lord: “Then Uzziah became furious; and he had a censer in his hand to burn incense. And while he was angry with the priests, leprosy broke out on his forehead, before the priests in the house of the Lord, beside the incense altar” (2 Chronicles 26:19).

How to Control and Overcome Anger

Rightfully, there is simply no one way to control the spirit of anger in us. We must employ all available Biblical mechanisms. Provocation leads to anger, but if we answer gently and wisely we would avoid quarrels (Proverbs 15:1). There are factors within us and on the outside that might help us control anger.

On the inside we control and overcome the spirit of anger through love, forgiveness, kindness, gentleness, patience, self-control and humility to mention but a few (1 Corinthians 13:4-8). In contrast, we fuel anger through, lusts, greed, jealousy, pride, unforgiveness, hatred and a loveless heart (Galatians 5:19-21). Let me reiterate that an unforgiving person has no peace, and anger rules that person’s spirit. We have peace when we forgive (Ephesians 4:32). We mention "loveless heart" because the Lord mentioned this in a stunning rebuke to someone; the Lord said that person had no love in him; instead, he allowed an evil hatred to take root and to control him. Brethren, if there is anyone of you who struggles to love our Lord Jesus and others around you (Matthew 22:36-40), I strongly encourage you to STUDY your BIBLE, pray often daily, spending time in the Lord's Presence, and He will make a spirit of love grow within you, for He is love (1 John 4:8). However, you must have faith and a burning desire for this precious fruit (Romans 5:5; John 14:14).

On the outside we may control anger through silence (1 Peter 2:23). Being loud-mouthed invites trouble; we must control our mouths to experience peace as opposed to stirring anger (James 1:26). We invite trouble when we gossip and live disobediently to the Lord’s teachings. When we spend our time excessively away from the Lord (television, movies, gaming, etc.) and dwell elsewhere in worldliness and pleasures, we build up anger and become targets of Satan, who is ready to deposit evil and hatred (1 Peter 5:8). Diplomatically, anger is also diffused when warring parties respect the mediating role of a facilitator who proved trustworthy; Christ is that mediator. Some people may need to fast and pray for deliverance from the spirit of anger (Matthew 17:21).

Let us trust in God's grace to deliver us from His coming wrath. Salvation is priceless through the blood of Christ, so let anger not hinder us entering into God’s rest (Hebrews 4:3). As children of God, we are called to be peacemakers so that we may rest in the Lord daily (Matthew 5:9). “Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience” (Hebrews 4:11). Remember, anger leads to irresponsible action into a punishable offense. “In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry…” (Ephesians 4:26). To overcome anger, the Scriptural wisdom on overcoming anxiety and having peace equally applies: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7).

Finally, the Bible teaches us that "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control" (Galatians 5:22-23 ESV). And "Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things" (1 Corinthians 13:4-7). So, if you have been walking in complaints and anger, being a troubled soul engaging in contentions, you surely have no love but have a spirit of hatred. If you  have such hateful feelings as evident through fighting, jealousy, fits of anger, etc., please repent earnestly and without delay, forgive those who hurt you (Matthew 6:15; Matthew 18:21-22; Mark 11:26 NKJV), and choose to walk in Christ's perfect love which casts out all fear (1 John 4:18). If you would like to accept Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, please get started by praying this suggested Prayer of Sincere Repentance.

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Grace to You in Abundance,
Brother Glenn