Give up Something for Jesus!
GWEA Monthly Message - March 2022
REVEREND GORDON WILLIAMS
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We have entered into what is known as the Lenten Period starting with Ash Wednesday, March 2nd, and continuing until Easter, April 17th. It is a period observed by Christians as preparation for Easter that involves fasting and prayer. It is a reminder of the 40 days in which Jesus fasted and was tempted by the devil to sin (Matt. 4:1–1; Mk. 1:12–13; Lk. 4:1–13), and yet did not sin (Heb. 4:15). During this time, Christians are encouraged to “give up something” and abandon some pleasurable habit as an act of devotion. However, our God (Yahweh) has given us a different definition of the kind of fasting that He approves. He said: “Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh? Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring forth speedily; your righteousness shall go before you, the glory of the LORD (Yahweh) shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer; you shall cry, and he will say, 'Here I am!" (Is. 58:5–9) Lent is a time to give up bad religion and take up Jesus’ plan for ministry and be empowered by the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:4) with the “signs, wonders and miracles” following. Using the Gifts of the Holy Spirit as outlined in Romans 12: 6–8; and 1 Corinthians 12:8–10. Is this not the measure of the kind of fasting that Jesus will use on the Day of Judgement? First he will separate the sheep from the goats, and to his faithful, he will say: “Come, O blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me. I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me..." Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.” (Matt. 25:31-36) And for those who do not minister to Jesus through the needs of the people, he will send them into eternal punishment. Those who do minister to the needs of the people, he will send them into eternal life. Many thanks to those of you who pray for our ministry and support us with your tithes and offerings. Because of your faithfulness, we have never had to turn anyone away who needed help. And so again I invite all of you to take on the approved fast that Jesus wants us to take on. If you would like to receive Salvation, the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, healing, deliverance, Gifts of the Holy Spirit, please come to one of our zoom meetings or contact me. Join us in “Jesus’ fasting”, His ministry and His works! If you, and/or a family member, friend, co-worker, acquaintance, etc. want to receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, I invite you to come to one of our weekly "Holy Spirit" Zoom Meetings or contact me. With the Holy Spirit guiding us, we can be successful and succeed in doing everything that Jesus has planned for us. During 2022, help us to show others the way to Heaven! Happy New Year and help us to revive 2022! to receive like the first disciples did on the Day of Pentecost!
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