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"Ministry Message" for July 2017
Today, the church leadership has entered into perilous times, and we are seeing a new method of being “conformed to the world,” called “mentoring” (Rom. 12:3). This is where "leadership" people, who are presumed to be “experienced," advise and help the less experienced; whether intentionally or not, they assume control over the spiritual well-being and growth of the believer (Rom. 12:2).
From official roles such as pastors, elders, deacons, teachers, counselors, etc., spiritual leaders have extended their outreach to mentoring, which is the role of the Holy Spirit. Their "mentoring" is limited by their own ministry experiences and biblical knowledge, compared to that of the Holy Spirit who "knows all things and sees all things."
"The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us" (1 Cor. 2:10-16).
Jesus Christ, the "Head of the Church" (Col. 1:18), promised He wouldn't "leave us as orphans," but would send the Holy Spirit, who would be our counselor and guide in all things. He is the only one equipped to mentor and/or convict us of our sins (Jn. 15:26 –16:15; Rev. 2:7, 3,11,17,30; 3:6,13, 22).
"Ministry Report" for July 2017
I recently had a call from a woman from Saskatchewan who previously had attended one of our meetings. She had never been involved in a church before until her best friend brought her to one of our worship services. We prayed for healing for her hoarse voice and her smoke damaged lungs. We prayed together, and she received Salvation and the Baptism of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of "speaking in tongues."
Afterwards she asked me if she could get a copy of that healing prayer that I prayed over her. I explained that I don't make copies of my prayers. All we need to do is simply ask Jesus for our needs and He will provide them (Matt. 7:7-8).
I explained to her that when we pray, we ought to speak to Jesus just like we talk to a "best friend," in our own words. We can express our feelings and thoughts to Him openly. He responds by helping and healing us (Jn. 10:27).
In Matthew verse 7, chapters 10 and 11, Jesus taught his disciples how to pray:
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock, and it will be opened for you. Or what man of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to them who ask him!"
Help Us Minister the "Abundant Life" to Others (Jn. 10:10)
The "abundant life" describes an exciting personal relationship with God our Father, through His Son, Jesus Christ, and with the daily guidance of the Holy Spirit.
No one knew this "abundant life" better than Apostle Paul. In sharing his experiences, He wrote many letters to the church, giving testimonies about what the Lord had done in his life. In Philip, chapter 14, verse 19, Paul wrote, “and my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Paul knew he could rely on Jesus for everything - even his own life!
Jesus exclaimed, “You search the Scriptures thinking that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness to me; yet you refuse to come to me that you might find life (Jn. 5:39).
We must trust and go to Jesus personally, first praying in English (or your native language), and then, in our Holy Spirit "tongues" language (Eph. 6:18). We need to "love Jesus with our mind, body and soul" (Matt. 22:37); bringing all of our needs and wants before Him in prayer (Phil. 4:6).
This is what we do in our ministry. With your faithfulness, prayer and financial support, we are able to offer and help people to receive Salvation, the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, healing and deliverance, finances, and much more!
Also, as a result of your faithful donations, we continue to see more ministry than ever before. Please continue to be a “cheerful giver” (2 Cor. 9:7) and prayerfully ask Jesus how you can contribute. Throughout 2017, help us to increase the harvest of all people into the Kingdom of God (Jn. 4:35) like never before! Amen.
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