Unto You it Has Been Given!

Hi, Pastor John,

I read in Exodus this morning about God telling the Israelites how to handle certain situations: one’s ox goring someone, damaging another’s property, or injuring one another.  I spent the morning thinking about the order that brought to the Israelites, but more so, that it taught them how to treat each other and how their hearts should feel towards each other.

How wonderful it is, that when Jesus creates a new heart in us, we know how to treat each other; it is in our hearts!  If we are where we should be, we treat each other perfectly!

One day, we will all stand before Jesus, and he will know how we treated the hearts he gave to us, the gifts he placed in our lives.  I want Jesus to say,  “You were good to the pastor I gave to you.”  Or, “You were a good wife and help to the husband I sent you.”  Or “You were a good sister.  You took good care of what I gave you.”

I heard brother Gary sing “Unto you, it’s been given” on my ride home; it touched me.

When Jesus gave us the Spirit, he made sure we have everything we need for each other!

Beth D.

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Numbers 20: Believing and Sanctifying God

Good morning, 

I am really enjoying Moses.  I stopped at Uzziel in The Jerusalem Council because I just want to go back to the beginning with Moses and when God was giving him the law, then join Paul! 

Two thoughts so far are that they accused Moses of the same thing they accused Paul of (Numbers 16:3).  And then I thought of the things some have accused you of.  It’s the same thing, all the way back to Moses! 

When I see that it makes me say, “Rejoice” on the inside! 

And Numbers 20:11, 2 when God was upset with Moses for striking the rock after He told him to speak to the rock.  I was thinking about what speaking to the rock vs hitting it would have given to the Israelites, if anything.  I think I remember that God was upset with Moses for disobeying Him and acting in anger, but God said that Moses and Aaron did not believe in Him to sanctify Him in the eyes of the Israelites.  Did they not believe God would send water just by speaking to the rock?  Or punish disobedience?  What am I not seeing?  This kept Moses and Aaron out of the promised land. 

I know I have heard about this but I cannot remember. 

Beth Durham

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Hi Beth.

In saying that Moses did not believe and sanctify Him before the people, God meant that Moses had not been a good example for the Israelites of obedience to God’s command.  Apparently, Moses was not the only one who knew he was supposed to speak to the rock, and so, when he hit it instead, he was not being a good example.  Moses had let the people’s rebellious attitude provoke him too much, and in anger against them, he disobeyed God and struck the rock.  Moses really wanted to strike the people; that is how frustrated he was.

In our time, the spirits of anger, hatred, and strife are hard at work in the world, and people who are caught up in all that are trying to pass it on to others, including God’s children, and provoke them to act under those ungodly spirits.  If we pay much attention to those foolish people, they may persuade us to act under the influence of their evil spirits, and if we do that, we will certainly provoke God’s wrath, as it was provoked against Moses, for our unbelief and our failure to sanctify (honor) Him before people.

Let’s believe God and honor Him before all men by confessing that He is still in command of this universe and by refusing to be provoked by the foolish to pick sides in this world’s conflicts.

Pastor John

 

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Balaam in Numbers 22-24

I’m digging in Numbers to learn about the sin of Balaam.  Revelation 2:14 talked about him casting a stumbling block before Israel.  Where can I find more about him doing that? 

Beth D.

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Hi Beth!

It is so good to see someone digging into the scriptures in search of the knowledge of God.  Dig for it in prayer, as for hidden treasure because Jesus promised, “Seek and you shall find.”

In Numbers 31 (see verse 16), we find Balaam still in the area of Moab, and Moses killed him along with other enemies of Israel.  So, Balaam did not return to his homeland at the end of Numbers 24, the way it sounds.  He only went back to his tent, which was in that area, and he decided not to go home but to remain in that area so that he could get the large sum of money that Moab’s King Balak promised him if he would help him overcome Israel.  It was Balaam’s crafty advice that Israel was following when they blended with Moab and their gods in Numbers 25, and the influence of that horrible advice continued in Israel for a long time (see Josh. 22:17).

The equivalent of Balaam’s doctrine in the New Testament is when a minister is hired to teach a doctrine that says to someone with the holy Ghost that it is OK with God for them to be joined together in marriage with a person who does not have the holy Ghost, or when a person with the holy Ghost is talked into joining one of the churches of Christianity – none of which are the body of Christ.

“Be not unequally yoked together with unbelievers” covers a lot of territory, and that simple statement is God’s cure for Balaam’s cunning, “love everybody” doctrine.  Let’s stay away from that lie.

Thanks again for writing!

Pastor John

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Notes from 4/18/21 Sermon

Good morning, John,

Yesterday’s message was beyond this world! I tried to take notes, but while I was trying to write one thing, you would say some other wonderful thing that was spoken straight from heaven! Then there were many times that I had to stop writing and raise my hands to praise God for what I was hearing! I came straight home and listened again. Sometimes, I would rewind and have to listen again because it was so good. Amy B mentioned in the comments yesterday that there were so many pearls and she was right. I came home with a pocket full of pearls!

I felt like Jesus was holding up that Holy Ghost mirror (as I’ve heard Barbara say), and I don’t want to forget what I saw in that mirror! There were many sobering things said about guarding our heart and keeping it pure because we have no choice but to go with the condition of our heart! That was another reason for me writing these things down and asking Jesus to write them on my heart!

At one point yesterday, you asked where God’s children could go to be fed and grow in the knowledge of God, and be made so full that it’s joy unspeakable. That’s where I was yesterday. So full that it was joy unspeakable! Oh Jesus! Don’t let us take what you’ve given us for granted! Let us appreciate all of this wonderful food you give us so freely!!

Thank you! Thank you!

Lee Ann

Here are my notes:

Jesus put you here! You are something God did!

A pure heart will feel what is right. We are judged by what we feel.

Everybody is judged based on what they feel and their attitude towards those who were saying these things.

Your attitude towards God’s servants is a result of the condition of your heart that has been cultivated for a long time.

You will have no choice but to go with the condition of your heart. It’s beyond understanding. You can make up your mind that you’re gonna go a certain way, but if your heart’s leaning the other way, that’s where you’re going to end up.

To an unclean heart, wrong can seem right, and right can seem wrong.

A lie can make sense to an unclean heart, but it doesn’t quite get through to a clean heart.

Truth to an unclean heart often seems like a personal attack on your integrity.

A clean heart feels its way out of hard places.

If God doesn’t let you see it and change, you’ve been judged by your heart.

Jesus sent the disciples out with two things: 1) A message (the kingdom of heaven is at hand) and 2) power. (Heal the sick; cleanse the lepers; cast out demons.

Everyone’s reaction to the men God sends out is going to determine where they are today.

Jesus came to bring everybody to a crossroads.

Be prepared for your next crossroads! You’re sent to the crossroads to expose what’s in your heart. You don’t get to choose your response! The crossroads exposes hearts!

If we are like Jesus we are going to suffer, but if we suffer with Christ, we will reign with Him!

You can turn the other cheek because God will determine everything that is going to happen to you.

Don’t compromise the truth. Shout it from the rooftop!

It’s God’s choice who believes.

We commit our souls to God by the way we respond to suffering. The way we respond to people not doing what we want them to do. Our attitude when we’ve been hurt.

There will be a hot place in hell for anyone who goes there from here.

When you got the Holy Ghost, you got anointed to hear directly from Jesus! He’s got a secret channel into your heart. Keep it open! Keep your well unclogged!!

The power of God is a threat to men who are ordained by men and they feel it, so they come up with slander that ordinary people wouldn’t come up with. They accused Jesus of being demon possessed.

The only way you or I or anyone can escape slander is to feel something. That keeps you from going with the experts.

It’s always been a matter of the heart and God knows how to put you in that place. Something beyond your understanding, just so you can find out what your heart’s made out of.

It doesn’t matter how much you know, God knows how to put you in a spot where you don’t know what to do.

Don’t get puffed up because you know so much! God knows more and He is going to try your heart!

You hear things from God’s servants that puts you at a crossroads. You are going to respond based on the condition of your heart.

You’re gonna choose whether God is out to get you or whether God has your heart.

David told Solomon, “Above all else, guard your heart”. You will have no choice but to go with the condition of your heart. It’s beyond understanding.

Where can God’s people go to grow in the knowledge of God? To be fed and made so full that it’s Joy Unspeakable?!

Don’t be afraid to speak to the world what God speaks to you.

Love God more than you love anyone close to you. That’s how you love people. You can overcome the world, if you can overcome the ones who know your shoe size!

The more you know God, the more you will hurt, but a just person would rather hurt and know the truth and not pretend it’s some other way.

Don’t be afraid of the ones who don’t like you. Say the words I’ve given you to say. Be faithful.

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Wow, what a wonderful email.  I loved Lee Ann’s feelings, and I love it when someone  takes great notes!    It never gets old, and it’s good to be reminded of the wonderful things said.  

Yesterday’s message was pearl after pearl.  Praise the Lord!

Gary

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Lee Ann expresses herself very well.  I enjoy her writings a lot.

jdc

“The Lord reigns; let the earth rejoice!”

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Hi Pastor John

Pastor John, 

I’m very happy and thankful for what Jesus has done in my life. As I ponder about everything God is doing in my life, I feel so grateful. The time He baptized me with the Holy Ghost and lead me out of Christianity. I’ve felt life and this is where I belong to live in His Spirit. And this is who I am. I’m happy, Pastor John!

Thank you,

Leika

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Hi, dear Leika,

It has been a pleasure getting to know you, and we are looking forward to what Jesus has yet for you, and for us, and for all God’s children everywhere!

Thank you so much for writing.

Pastor John 

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Benefits of the Law

Pastor John:

I have never really stopped and thought about all the benefits given to the Israelites through God’s law, and what it did for them. I have always thought of it only as a shadow and preparation for His Son. It really makes you think about everything it added to them and why, even with the Spirit, some clung so tightly to it.

God was blessing them and preparing them for His Son, and look at the mess that happened when they became proud of their blessing!

That is wonderful and terrifying to think about.

Deuteronomy 4
5. Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, as Jehovah my God commanded me, to do in the land which you are entering in to possess.

6. And you shall keep them and do them, for that will be your wisdom and your understanding in the eyes of the nations which hear all these statutes. And they will say, “Surely, this great nation is a wise and understanding people!”

From your Jerusalem Council book:

Beth D.

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Hi Beth.

Amen! Your email reminded me of what Paul said about his beloved nation, Israel:

Romans 9
3. There have been times I prayed to be accursed from Christ for my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh,

4. who are the Israelites, whose are the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises,

5. whose are the fathers, and from whom, according to the flesh, came Christ, who is above all. God be blessed forever. Amen.

And this:

Romans 3

1. What, then, is the advantage of the Jew? Or what is the value of circumcision?

2. Much in every way, but principally because they were entrusted with the oracles of God.

Pastor John

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The Writings of John

Good morning, 

Recently Jimmy told of his wonderful experiences reading The Jerusalem Council book.  He provoked me to jealously!  Something he said struck my heart that day.  Jimmy said he gave God the purest part of him, first thing in the morning.  I love that.  I have always loved starting my day with Jesus, getting up early before work to do that.

At some point, I began to check the phone when waking up and when I heard Jimmy say that, I thought about the junk and strife you cannot unsee or feel after you have taken it in.

I have been reading The Jerusalem Council and starting my day with Jesus.  One thing I have loved is reading the scriptures.  I appreciate all the love and work that has been given to us, laid out before us.  Hard to dig when the gold is at the end of your shovel!

I do not know the bible/scriptures like I want to.  I have been praying as I go for Jesus to help me learn and to remember. I do have a question.

Can you explain what 1John, 2John, 3John are?  I mean that there is the gospel of John, and then there is 1John, 2John, 3John.

Beth Durham

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HI Beth.

The gospel of John is one of the four stories of Jesus’ life that God has given us: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.  The other three, 1John, 2John, 3John, are letters John wrote to saints in his time, just as Paul wrote letters to saints in various places.  John’s letters are very short because, as John himself said, he would rather talk face to face than to communicate with paper and ink (2Jn. 1:12; 3Jn. 1:13).

Hope that answers your question.

Pastor John

 

 

 

 

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About Tonight!

Pastor John,

What a sweet night this was 🙂 There were so many good things to think about and be thankful for and enjoy! I was so thankful to see and feel Junior have such relief. I felt it! While I was listening to the testimonies about Natalie, all I could feel was how real things are! God really is real! He really does things. He really talks to people and moves things around. He really does heal people and answer prayers. He really does hide things and reveal things in His time. He really is real! Some people don’t know how real He is. I felt it all inside with every story and with every face full of thankfulness. 

Then when you were talking about Julie getting the holy Ghost there, it was thankful some more. I remember her so adamant before we came that she was going to get it. It was matter of fact but humble at the same time. Tomorrow will be 20 years since I came the first time that April with them when she got it. I remember because it was the day after my 16th birthday 🙂 I hadn’t even been in a room with the power of God, had never seen anything like that, but fell in love with it when I saw people praying for Julie and she received the spirit! She provoked me to jealousy 🙂 It was overwhelming and I cried and didn’t know why! I felt like Rob did. I cried when I left. I knew you were family.  And here I am, exactly 20 years later, tomorrow!

And where else can you find the music that we have!? I was telling my dad and a few others a little testimony the other day about that. Sometimes I like to switch on the Christian radio station to hear some of the music, some of which I really have come to love because of the feelings of sincerity and prayer. But this time that I did, there was a song about the cross and coming to it and the cross, the cross. So I switched back to my CD and immediately Gary said, “You gotta have the holy Ghost!” I shouted and sang that at the top of my lungs, it felt so good! Then I went about my errands and later on the way home switched back (there’s a couple songs I like to listen for 🙂 ) and they were asking people how important it is to go to church. Of course the answers were that it’s very important and then some reasons. So, I switched it back to my CD and Gary sang, “We’re not Rome!…” Shewee. It was so good again! We have so much more than that! One thing I love about our music is that it is full of truth, along with good feelings! That is so important! Those songs tonight felt so victorious because we know the truth. We know how big God is because we’ve felt it and lived it. It’s something more than words. I just feel so thankful for them!

I love you! I love everyone I saw tonight! I could’ve been Gary walking over to hug you! I’m pretty sure he felt that I wanted to so he did it for both of us ❤  Thank you, Jesus, for abundant life!

Leah

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Who are “They”, Really?

https://www.healthline.com/about/medical-team

Pastor John,

I was doing some online research about some medical issues, and stumbled upon this link to all of these professionals who are contributing writers to the website, “Healthline”.  

As I scrolled down the page, I noticed a few women MDs and RNs who look like men. Their resumés indicate they have chosen to be gender neutral, as the trend dictates, and prefer to use the pronoun “they” instead of identifying as a “she” or a “her”—or even as a “Ms”. (I guess the feminist “Ms” has also gone the way of the archaic and has morphed into “Mx”.)  (!) 

Despite the fact that these people are unsettling to me for their bizarre rebelliousness towards nature and societal custom, I had a sudden feeling that the holy Spirit spoke to me….

The gentle voice of Jesus (I think) told me: “These people are correct.”  They are using the term “they” in denial of their biological sex, because…wait for it…”they are possessed by demons”… and like the man in the Gadarene tombs in Mark 5, a legion of demons, perhaps, has convinced them that they are not one sex/gender, but “fluid”, and their insistence on the pronoun “they” is apt for their spiritual condition.  For they are possessed by many devils that prefer to be addressed as “they”, not “she.”  

Is it too far fetched to consider that these individuals’ minds have been so thoroughly overcome by demon spirits that they are compelled to renounce their natural sexual identity and invent a new alternative one?  I don’t think that is too far-fetched.  And I know that I didn’t think that thought. I believe it came from the Spirit. It brought a new perspective on the issue for me, and from now on, I can agree with those people about their own condition. “They” are indeed a “they”.  This is spiritual warfare, plain and simple.  

This morning , during prayer….I asked God to help me to discern the wily, cunning ways of evil spirits–particularly those of the gender-confused population.  May God give me the strength to expose those demons, if/when necessary; and in exposing them—rebuke them (when led by the Spirit), and cast them out of people, for their sake.  That’s a tall order that I know requires the power of God to accomplish, and certainly only when the holy Spirit leads me to do such a thing.  There’s a boldness in those wicked spirits that keeps those individuals in bondage and arrogantly demands allegiance, tolerance, acceptance and respect from everyone else.  Many unsuspecting people are falling in line, agreeing to its demands, but in the love and power of Christ, I feel that some of us will have to dare to stand up against it (them).  I don’t view it as a victory over those demons as much as it would be a soul–saving deliverance of those souls from its grip, which would ultimately give glory to God.

I have disdain for those people who have been enslaved by those demons, but also enormous pity.  They are not in control of themselves as they imagine they are.  They NEED the love of God to rescue them.  My disdain and repulsion will not heal them. 

I will wait on Jesus to teach me more, and to temper my intentions with sensible discernment.

This is a precarious time in this culture, and it is definitely a dangerous spiritual warfare.  At this point, I don’t believe I am equipped to consider confronting those spirits.  I will wait on God. 

But it’s curious that He has put these things on my heart.  I love it when He opens my eyes to a new angle on a topic that I had not considered before. 

We need God. His power. His mercy. His guidance. Every day.

Brad

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