SUPERFICIALITY AND RELATIONSHIPS

SUPERFICIALITY AND RELATIONSHIPS 

Josimar Salum

   The greatest mark of this existing present  generation is superficiality. Our generation is predominantly superficial. The relationships today are shallow. The marriages are failing and falling apart because man and woman don’t stick together anymore like they did in the old times. 

   Everything in our culture is disposable, not just things, but people.

   We discard today friendships as soon as we disagree with each other on simple things in life. We break friendships without any worries.

   The bounds that stick us together are made of paper. The words are meant just to keep people together while they are doing something good to each other. When something happens they give up relationships of many years as if they have never had any relationship. 

   Our understanding of the Gospel is shallow. Our commitment to Jesus, His Church and even to our family is shallow.

   Churches divide often as people tend to loose their patience on issues that are not essential.  

   I look today to churches that are divided because they are made of members of an organization and they not individually members of each other forming the Body of Christ. 

   As a member of the church you quit like you are suspending a membership on Planet Fitness if it does not provide you the services you were expecting. Or you quit because you begin to think that your church as an association of members does not care for you as you deserve. 

   Then brothers and sisters who grew together, after their churches split, they are no longer friends much less brothers and sisters.

   Where is the meaning of the words when they sang “that they would pay the price by being one only heart in the Lord?”

   Are we committed to each other truthfully? Are we deepen into our marriages as a man and a woman who pledged our honor when we got married for life? Are we friends that really care for each other far beyond our beliefs and ideologies?

   Are we really true followers of Jesus? Are we really committed to our Lord and King Jesus in an un-breakable covenant?

   #ASONE

Pagan Christmas or Simply Christmas? By Dr. Josimar Salum

Pagan Christmas or Simply Christmas? By Dr. Josimar Salum

   What if I decide not to celebrate Christmas? 

   Christmas’s day is a pagan tradition of Christianity. But in my case it is a time to talk about the birth of Jesus and the reason God became flesh while the world celebrate it as a motive to sell gifts and make merchandise. 

   Even though it is not December 25th that Jesus was born, it is time to bring the family together for fellowship and see many that had been far away during the year.

   It is an occasion that part of the world talk about Jesus birth without the message of the Gospel while I take advantage of it to share the true message. 

   What harm or sin is there in admiring at Christmas time the creativity of the streets decorated with white, red and blue lights; and in the midst of the heat of Brazilian Decembers, imagine the snow looking at the white cotton on the trees and in the ground or giving and receiving gifts without worshiping some god?

   In fact, parents, disciples of Jesus, who give gifts to their children have nothing to do with this Nordic practice, nor do they know what it means!

   For millions and millions of children that wake up in the morning on December 25th, there is not the slightest mention or even the slightest possibility of anyone asking what this special date is about the name Jesus.

   Because half of the world doesn't know the paganisms of Christmas, it's true, a lot of paganism; also it does not know the joy of gifts that are found on the way, which shared today have nothing to do with the practice of pagans hundreds of years ago. They also cannot hear the story of the Savior who came into the world, who was born in Bethlehem, whatever day it was. 

   They do not hear about the God who became flesh and dwelt among us, and we saw his Glory as the Glory of the Only Begotten of the Father.

   I decided, only in my religious imagination, that I would never celebrate Yeshua's Christmas with my family and millions and millions of Christians, yes, the birth of Jesus.

   Only in a slight imagination would I stop singing His beautiful hymns, of the Savior who came into the world.

   Only in the imagination and very fleeting, would I miss the opportunity to proclaim the Message of the Cross and the meaning of His Name, the Savior from the sins of his people, in the midst of all this avaricious commercialization and all the pagan symbols that were associated with the Birth of my Savior.

   Yes, I decided, just as a slight vapor in my head, to eliminate once and for all the only opportunity to proclaim and redeem the true message of the Gospel of the Kingdom that still remains in the midst of culture.

   Whoever was born in Bethlehem  was not simply a boy. Whoever was born in Bethlehem was the King of all the Earth.

   “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 

   An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 

   But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 

   Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 

   Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” 

   When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”” Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭8‬-‭11‬, ‭13‬-‭15‬ ‭

   #ASONE

THE CHALLENGES IN YOUR INNER CIRCLE Jones Singini - South Africa

THE CHALLENGES IN YOUR INNER CIRCLE Jones Singini - South Africa  

Every leader with an assignment from the Lord must be aware to identify the  levels of challenges that exist in every church. 

What I appreciate about these levels is that as a leader, you must clearly communicate the characteristics of each.  

Providing such clarity, this also gives the framework you will need to go to the next level.

In my studies, I have come across levels of challengers in every church. There are a few to share with you this morning. 

 The Levels Of Challenges: 

These levels represent a mindset that we all have complete control over. 

External factors like playing ability and injuries have no bearing on which level we stand.  

You’ve got COMMANDERS.  

You’ve got RIVALS

You’ve got CONTENDERS,

You’ve got SURVIVORS.

To be honest with you, I promise you, every one reading this on this platform falls into one of these categories.

SURVIVORS

At the bottom are your survivors.

A survivor is someone who does just enough to get by.  

He/her coasts through his/her day and does not maximize his/her mental capabilities. 

This group in church loves taking the easy way out. They love it, and they are so miserable that they will do everything they can to bring you along with them.  The sad part is that every church has at least one, and I promise you, you can’t hide.

CONTENDERS

The next level of contestants is a group of contenders.  

A Contender is someone who is motivated by external factors like playing time, money, fame, or the person he/she is going against.  

He/she will only reach his/her potential if the external motivators are threatened.

RIVALS

The third level, the one we seek, is a group of rivals  

A rival is someone who is internally motivated to be his best regardless, regardless of the situation.  

His/her place on the depth chart does not matter.  

Money does not matter.  

Fame does not matter.  

He/she is always trying to absolutely be his best best.  

He/she can’t be swayed because he/she is already maxing out his/her potential.  

This dude is trying to PR every day of life.  

He’s/she's got a championship mindset.  

When you have a championship mindset, you embarrass the (poor-performing) ones, and you make the great ones look normal.

Let me conclude with the highest level and 

the final one is the 

COMMANDER.

He/she basically has all the traits of a challenger, with one exception.  He/she brings people with him/her 

Conclusion

Leaders!!!! ask your team in the inner circle that is surrounding you this question, “Which one are you? You can’t hide who you are.” 

Are you a survivor, contender, rival, or commander?  You can’t hide who you are.

#JSalum

#ASONE

WHY MANY CHRISTIANS DANCE IN THEIR CHURCHES? IS IT ALLOWED TO DANCE IN THE CHURCH? Josimar Salum

WHY MANY CHRISTIANS DANCE IN THEIR CHURCHES? IS IT ALLOWED TO DANCE IN THE CHURCH? Josimar Salum

The Bible says “Hear, Lord, and be merciful to me; Lord, be my help.” You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever.” Psalms‬ ‭30‬:‭10‬-‭12‬ ‭‬‬

They dance because Jesus has turned their sadness into dancing. 

““Hear the word of the Lord, you nations; proclaim it in distant coastlands: ‘He who scattered Israel will gather them and will watch over his flock like a shepherd.’ For the Lord will deliver Jacob and redeem them from the hand of those stronger than they. Then young women will dance and be glad, young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow.” Jeremiah‬ ‭31‬:‭10‬-‭11‬, ‭13‬ ‭‬‬

““To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others: “ ‘We played the pipe for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’ 

For John came neither eating nor drinking (wine), and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ 

The Son of Man came eating and drinking (wine), and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is proved right by her deeds.”” Matthew‬ ‭11‬:‭16‬-‭19‬ ‭‬‬

“Let Israel rejoice in their Maker; let the people of Zion be glad in their King. 

Let them praise his name with dancing and make music to him with timbrel and harp. 

For the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with victory.” Psalms‬ ‭149‬:‭2‬-‭4‬ ‭‬‬

“Then Miriam the prophet, Aaron’s sister, took a timbrel in her hand, and all the women followed her, with timbrels and dancing. Miriam sang to them: “Sing to the Lord, for he is highly exalted. Both horse and driver he has hurled into the sea.”” Exodus‬ ‭15‬:‭20‬-‭21‬ 

#ASONE

CAN A WOMAN TEACH IN THE CHURCH? Josimar Salum

CAN A WOMAN TEACH IN THE CHURCH?

Josimar Salum

God does not work with contingencies or according to necessity. Something that is working or prospering does not determine God's will in a positive or negative manner! That is, we do not use so called facts to determine whether something is according to the Will of God or not, but we analyze any and every fact and experience in the Light of the God’s Word. Just because a person is doing something and succeeding does not mean that he or she has God's approval. If such were so, cults would not be as successful, considering they are disapproved of by God. 

In the New Testament we have many examples of women who have been partners with God. The women who received miracles from Jesus, those who served Him as they walked together in the lands of Israel (Mary Magdalene more specifically), the daughters of Philip, Priscilla, Aquila's wife, Lydia, and many other women who anonymously served Jesus throughout history and even today are wonderfully used by God. Yet it is an absolute truth that there is no man or woman in the New Testament who is called a pastor. You find apostles, prophets, evangelists and teachers, but none who are called pastors; there is no mention of a pastor or pastors. 

The “pastor” as he is known today is a strange figure in the New Testament. The brazillian Greek linguistics professor, Wilson Régis, my beloved mentor, once wrote an article: "It is a sin to be a pastor." I responded: “Professor, it is sin to be a pastor too”. This singular pastor who commands a single congregation is not biblical. There is no such entity in the New Testament. There is no single figure with a higher authority over the flock, except for the Catholic church that condones the high pontiff, the pope. To this extent every single pastor as the sole leader of a church is a pope.”

To say that Timothy was a pastor is not biblical, but I can clearly state that he was an apostle. “Paul, Silas[a] and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace and peace to you. We were not looking for praise from people, not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles of Christ we could have asserted our authority. Instead, we were like young children among you.”; (1 Thessalonians 1: 1, 2: 6-7) 

As for teaching in the church, what is taught in the New Testament and the whole Bible is that the woman should not exercise authority over her husband. This is basic and easy to understand and there are many texts that teach this truth. Now, could a woman theoretically lead a ministry?

 It is already clear that a woman should not be a "pastors" in the Church of God, but by the interpretation of Scripture as we know today, neither should a man. Leaving the churches of men and their confusions aside, one should not confuse “Ministry” with governing the Church of God. The Church is shepherded by a group of irreproachable and mature men whom the Bible indicates to be the Presbytery; the church was never in the New Testament shepherded by a single man. There is no individual shepherding in the New Testament. There is no such figure as "my pastor, my apostle. We must remember that Jesus said: "There is only one Shepherd!"

There is no pastor of a church in the New Testament. He who usurps this position of a single shepherd of one church occupies the place of Christ and so, even without knowing it, becomes an "anti-Christ." But to do justice to the text in the New Testament, NOTHING in the Church is individual. The coming to Jesus is individual. "If anyone wants to come..." You come to Jesus by yourself, there is not collectively salvation. And after you have come to Christ you become part of a Body, a Community; everything in the Church is about collectively. There are no solos in the Church of God. 

“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” (Ephesians 4: 11-13)

In the above context, men and women are apostles, prophets, pastors, evangelists, and teachers. Because the Church is composed not only of men, but of men and women. 

Notice this text: ““The elders (presbyters) who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock;” I Peter‬ ‭5:1-3‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

The word “presbyteros” in Greek literally means “an older man." This person was considered, in the world of the New Testament a man over forty years of age. 

It is also an indisputable fact that there is no mention in the New Testament of the word "presbyteros" in the feminine form and no mention of a woman serving as a "presbyter" in any of the churches mentioned in the New Testament. 

However, one also can not confuse ministry with presbytery. There is no restriction in the New Testament forbidding women from exercising their ministerial gifts as long as the episcopate is clearly and exclusively destined for men. "Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer (bishop) desires a noble task. Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach..." (I Timothy 3: 1-2). 

Finally, it is worth remembering that in the world of the New Testament  there were so many presbyters in the market, as in the squares, in the houses, in the government posts, etc. as there were also presbyters in the churches. The word presbyter has to do with age, so a young man (from the Greek “neóteros”) could not shepherd the church of God because he was simply not "presbyteros" (older). And not every older man (presbyter) of the church was made a "bishop" (overseer) to shepherd the flock of God. Only those who filled the biblical qualifications and were chosen by the Spirit of God, were ordinarily established by the apostles; they were never chosen by the saints. It is worth mentioning that the process of election is unknown in the New Testament, where believers vote to choose their leaders. So when the Word of God uses the word "gave gifts to men" it does not concern only men. A woman can exercise the pastoral ministry, as well as an evangelist, a teacher, a prophet and a apostle, but never in the New Testament was she made a "bishop" to shepherd the flock of God.

When Jesus commanded us to go and make disciples He commanded us both, men and woman. When the Holy Spirit fell on Pentecost Day He filled both men and women. In Jesus “there is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” Galatians‬ ‭3:28-29‬ ‭

#ASONE

WHY DO WE “GO CHURCH (GATHER TOGETHER)? By Paul Taylor

WHY DO WE “GO CHURCH (GATHER TOGETHER)?  By Paul Taylor

I am so tired of going to church to hear about the poor Christian going through so much that they can’t function.  Everything is about the poor person, the needy person, etc.  It goes on week after week, the same thing.  So sad.  Time to arise!

That is why I want to answer this question: why to we go to church? Why to we gather together as the Church of the Almighty Jesus?

This is a very important question to answer.  I placed the parenthesis around “gather together”, because I want to remind you that WE are the Church.  The true Church is not a building.  The church is not the sanctuary.  You are the sanctuary of the Lord and TOGETHER we make up HIS CHURCH! 

So, why do we gather together?  Other than, “The Bible tells us too.”  

There are many good reasons why we should gather together.

       To eat and truly have “Koinonia”

To grow together.

To “worship” - sing songs.

To be obedient to the Word.

To encourage others.

To minister to one another.

To support the church, the Body of Christ .

To be a part of a faith community.

On and on I could go, but I want to share three reasons that will not only empower you, but will give you tremendous purpose and engagement when you gather with other believers.  

I am so saddened when I see believers sit in church like a bump on a log.  No engagement, no excitement, no passion, and no purpose!  If this is you, you are missing it! 

Some of the most powerful church encounters  I have ever been in were when these three things took place.

#1.  “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”  Romans 10:17. 

The first reason you need to gather with other believers is the hearing of the Word of God that produces faith.  

“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”  Hebrews 11:6. 

It is not about hearing another sermon, but about hearing a Word from God.  

But Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”  Matthew 4:4.  

We do not live by sermons!  We live by messages from God!  It may be one word spoken that speaks to you and ignites faith in you.  

Read Genesis 3:8, “And they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden.”  

The word “sound” in the Hebrew is “voice.”    

Adam and Eve were eternal beings because they heard the sound, the word, the voice of God.  

When you come to Christ, you also live by the Word of God that proceeds from the mouth of God.  

You can hear that Word by yourself, but you also gather with others, the Church, to hear the Word and be filled with faith to be able to please God and obey His calling on your life!  

May the Lord give you ears to hear a living word TODAY!

#2.  “Again, I tell you truly that if two of you on the earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by My Father in heaven.  For where two or three gather together in My name, there am I with them.”  Matthew 18:19,20. 

Faith multiplies with numbers.  God does not work with simple math.  God works in synergy.  

Synergy is when the combined elements or in our case, the faith of people who come together, produce a total effect that is greater than the sum of the individual elements or people. 

 “How could one chase a thousand, And two put ten thousand to flight, Unless their Rock had sold them, And the LORD had surrendered them?”  Deut. 32:30.  

When God’s people come together with faith, ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE!  

I have seen amazing miracles during times when our people gathered.  Miracles instantly happened!  No one placed a hand on anyone, just miracles, signs and wonders.  Women who could not conceive were touched and later conceived.  Cancer healed, illnesses healed!  

We had a child that had serious life threatening conditions that were documented by doctors, who was not supposed to live beyond two years of age, healed!  It is documented by the doctors and that child is still living today!  

When you gather, the power of the faith of the group of people is enough to move mountains!  We have had angelic encounters where children saw angels during the meeting.  People had visitations, some visited heaven, others experienced God in profound ways.  

We have done many prophetic acts during those visitations and seen the miraculous take place.  

We had an Apostle from Nigeria with us who needed a piece of property for a Bible School.  We had him walk down the middle of our congregation on the map of Nigeria believing he would receive the land needed.  When he returned to Nigeria the land was his!  

I have preached at the graduation service for this Bible school!  I know it to be true.  

PLEASE UNDERSTAND THE POWER YOU HAVE WHEN YOU GATHER TOGETHER!  PARTICIPATE WITH GOD FOR HIS PLAN THAT DAY!

#3.  “After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven. And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me, saying, “Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this.” Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne…And from the throne proceeded lightnings, thunderings, and voices. Seven lamps of fire were burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.” Rev. 4:1,2,5  

“Now when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.  And they sang a new song, saying:“You are worthy to take the scroll,And to open its seals;For You were slain,
And have redeemed us to God by Your blood Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation,
And have made us kings and priests to our God;And we shall reign on the earth.”  Rev. 5:8-10

My friend, when you come together in faith there is an invitation to enter the ingdom realm of God.  You are invited to enter the throne room.  

Your prayers and songs fill the golden bowls of incense and when they are poured out, lightnings, thunderings and voices of the Almighty God go forth!

I have been in meetings where as we worshipped God, lightning struck outside.  At the time the lightning struck we were praying for a lady in the hospital.  At that moment the woman was healed in the hospital! 

I have seen our entire congregation go into travail for nations, for governments, for the lost, and for healing.  Miracles take place when people of faith come together and pray.  I urge you to fill the bowls of incense in heaven with prayers of faith!  God will answer.  He can do anything!

If you understand the power you possess and join together with others, NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE.  

THIS IS WHY WE GATHER TOGETHER!  THERE IS A DIVINE PURPOSE.  

LET FAITH ARISE, BELIEVE FOR THE IMPOSSIBLE, AND PRAY, WORSHIP AND WATCH TO SEE THE LORD ARISE AND HIS ENEMIES BE SCATTERED!  YOU WILL NEVER HAVE ANOTHER BORING CHURCH SERVICE!

If we ever needed the Church to arise, it is today!  I pray that faith will arise from this Word and God will do the impossible in your midst.  

BELIEVE FOR THE IMPOSSIBLE!

#JSALUM

#ASONE

The Church - As The House of God Bro. Leonard Robinson

The Church - As The House of God

Bro. Leonard Robinson

Keep your foot when you go to the House of God. Do not be rash with your mouth. Do not utter oaths you are not going to keep. God’s eyes are open and His ears attentive to what is going on in His house. Based on Ecclesiastes 5:1

Note: The House of God in this article from this point doesn’t refer to any building. So, please, when you read the term House od God it doesn’t mean temple or any other facility than referring to the people of God.

The Bible is clear about God’s desire for us to reflect His holiness (1 Peter 1:15), and it is clear about the need for church discipline to deal with sin in the church. 

Since one of the jobs of the church is to demonstrate the goodness and holiness of God, a church with a member who persists in sin must take steps to address the state of that person’s soul as well as protect the church body from being corrupted by unchallenged sin in its membership.

The Church is not supposed to be the Clubhouse for sinners to hang out and feel accepted. The Church is not the Kiwanis club or the Masons or supposed to be the enclave of political groups with their ideologies and philosophies.

The Church is the House of God. It’s the Father’s house and you don’t just sit up in your Father’s house doing whatever you want to do. The reason why the Father chastens His children is to bring the correction necessary to mold and make them in His image and likeness that they would live life in such a way that the Father is glorified in His children and the children’s glory is in their Father.

The Church is the family of God. The Church are the called out ones, called out of the world, brought into the family of God, out of darkness into the Kingdom of the Son of God’s love, made to be the saints of God in light.

We are the Church of The Firstborn, the congregation of the righteous and the assembly of the upright. The Church is not the denominations that men have built like the Tower of Babel where they sought to make a name for themselves and God came down from heaven, scattered them and confounded their language.

The Church, the House of God is holy, because the saints are sanctified and walking as children of the light because God as Father is light and in Him is no darkness at all. The Church is the place where the saints are being perfected by the instructions and ministry gifts of the apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers.

And the Church is United in the truth as it does the work of the ministry, built up into Christ who is the Head. All principalities, power, might and dominion is subject to the Church as the Body of Christ because all things are under Christ feet. We the Church are complete, neatly fit together, compacted, where every joint of the Body supplies the other joints of the Body.

The Church as the people, have all things in common, where nobody lacks anything, because nobody owns anything. Everything belongs to God and through the Church, His offspring, He makes His supply available to one another as the saints have need.

Be the Church, the House of God, not based on man”s ideas, but based on the whole counsel of God as to who the Father has birthed you to be as His children.

Selah

Write for the Free Book, Miracle Of Divine Destiny. Write pastorlenrobison@gmail.com

You will receive the book via email. Read it and discover the Miracle of Divine Destiny that God has called you to be. There is nobody else on the planet just like you.

#JSalum 

#ASONE

WHAT ARE WE CALLED TO PREACH IN THE CHURCH IS THE KINGDOM OR SALVATION? By Josimar Salum

WHAT ARE WE CALLED TO PREACH IN THE CHURCH IS THE KINGDOM OR SALVATION? By Josimar Salum 

We are not “called” to preach salvation anywhere, we are commanded by Jesus to preach the Gospel of the Kingdom. 

“And this Gospel of the Kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭24:14‬ ‭NIV‬‬

People receive Jesus as Lord and King not to be saved, to receive eternal life, but to become son of God, born into His Kingdom to live for Him, to die for him. Wait ! They are not saved to be blessed, not to be healed, not to be delivered. They are saved, healed, delivered, blessed as a consequence of being brought into the Kingdom, but it is not the goal. 

“For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.” Romans‬ ‭8:29‬ ‭NIV‬‬

You were predestined, called, justified also glorified to become like Jesus is. To become a son of God, because He is a son. To be called, justified, glorified, become righteous, holy, priest, king as Jesus is. 

‭‭

“And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified. ‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:30‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Heaven is not their final destiny and salvation is just the door, just the first step. Salvation is the beginning, but to be a disciple is for life. 

“Then He said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self? Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. “Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God.””Luke‬ ‭9:23-27‬ ‭NIV‬‬

We are not commanded to preach to the people to accept Jesus as Savior so they can go to heaven. This is not the message of Jesus. This is a religious message that is not taught in the Bible. Salvation is just a small part of the message, a small part of the Gospel.

“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, *who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!””Isaiah‬ ‭52:7‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying, “Repent, *for the kingdom of heaven * has come near.”” Matthew‬ ‭3:1-2‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”” Matthew‬ ‭4:17‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.” Matthew‬ ‭4:23‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.” Matthew‬ ‭10:5, 7-8‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing 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. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”” Matthew‬ ‭28:18-20‬ ‭NIV‬‬

The message of the Kingdom is not primarily to save people, mas to make them disciples of Jesus. You are saved to become Jesus disciple. You are disciple of Jesus, therefore, you are saved. 

“Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” Acts‬ ‭2:38-44, 47‬ ‭NIV‬‬

They were saved to become disciples. 

Since the beginning John the Baptist preached the Kingdom. 

Jesus came preaching the Kingdom. 

The disciples went on, preaching the Kingdom. 

The apostles of Jesus preached the Kingdom. 

It is about the Kingdom not about salvation. The salvation message is a reduction of God’s message. If you preach only salvation you are not preaching the Gospel.

 

““Therefore I want you to know that God’s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!” For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance!” Acts‬ ‭28:28, 30-31‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians‬ ‭1:13-14‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit,” Romans‬ ‭14:17‬ ‭NIV‬‬

The Kingdom of God brings salvation because it is righteousness. Only righteous people live in the Kingdom.

 “Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” 1 Corinthians‬ ‭6:9-11‬ ‭NIV‬‬

When Paul is talking that “if only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.” (1 Corinthians‬ ‭15:19‬ ‭NIV‬‬) he is not taking about heaven. He is talking about the Kingdom. 

“For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭15:22-25‬ ‭NIV‬‬

““When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” Matthew‬ ‭25:31-40‬ ‭NIV‬‬

I encourage you to look into all verses of the New Testament that the Kingdom word occurs and meditate upon them all, asking the Holy Spirit to reveal to you the mysteries of the Kingdom, because these mysteries are not for all men and women. 

“Jesus said, “The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that, “ ‘though seeing, they may not see; though hearing, they may not understand.’ Luke‬ ‭8:10‬ ‭NIV‬‬

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KOINONIA, IT IS ABOUT A TABLE NOT A CHURCH Josimar Salum

KOINONIA, IT IS ABOUT A TABLE NOT A CHURCH

Josimar Salum

Communion means mainly communication. We have to come together frequently at a table to have fellowship. When there is fellowship there is communication, participation and contribution . 

Koinonia which is translated communion means eating bread together. When Jesus desired to be with His disciples He did not bring them into an altar, but to a house, to a table and they ate together.

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WE ARE THE FATHER'S HOUSE Dr. Josimar Salum

WE ARE THE FATHER'S HOUSE

Dr. Josimar Salum

There is no text in the Bible that says that the heavens are the "House of God", there is no text simply because the House of the Father that Jesus could be referring to and that they knew, was the temple. He said, "My House will be called the House of Prayer" - the Father's House. However we read in the Bible that God does not dwell in temples made by human hands.

In the text of John 14 we find the answer when He says: "He who hears my words and obeys Me ... ”- I am putting together two verses -“ I and the Father will come and make our home in him." We are the Father's house ... You will find this in several texts in the Bible!

First, Jesus was going to the cross, He was not going to heaven.

The second revelation is that He was going to the Father. He said it clearly, "I am going to My Father." He says in chapter 14 that He would send another Comforter. The Greek word is "another one like Him." And if you keep reading these chapters, you will not find a reference to heaven even in chapters 15, 16, 17, 18, until the end of the Gospel, you will not find any reference to heaven.

So, when did Jesus come and go? “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again”… if I go to meet the Father. Where did Jesus meet the Father?

At the cross of Calvary.

Because God was in Christ on the cross reconciling the world to Himself. Jesus went to the cross and the tomb and came back! And then He said, "I will take you to myself so that wherever I am, you too may be."

Finally Jesus spoke when he says goodbye to them on Earth: "And I will be with you until the end of the age." Jesus is with the disciples until the end of the age. He was with John, with Peter, but He was, I will use this term, in the person of the Holy Spirit...

Now, He and the Holy Spirit are One; the Father and He are One ... This has nothing to do with heaven. It is absurd for you to think that Jesus is still in heaven today with a broom in his hand preparing a "little mansion" for you to live in. We live in a simple house here on Earth and we keep dreaming that we are going to live in a mansion in heaven! This is pure capitalism, this is pure materialism, this is very ugly. This has no value in the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

We are the Father's House, we are the habitation of God… He already lives in us, not in eternity, but now, at this moment. We are the Dwelling of God, we are the Temple of God. This is what the Bible teaches. We are not saved to go to heaven, we are saved to enter in His Kingdom.

Jesus spoke in John 3, "It is necessary for you to be born again, if you are not born again you cannot see the Kingdom."

People, believers see the Devil in everything. The pandemic, it's the Devil; the problems of Burundi, the Devil; the UN is the Devil! (Well, in that case, it really is the Devil. With the UN meetings you’re probably right!)

Now, everything is the Devil, every little thing is the Devil's doing ... What devil, brothers abs sisters?

I know that the Devil works, I know that the Devil exists, but I don't see the Devil at all. I see God, I see the Lord! The Bible says that "blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." 

You see a good part of the preachers saying that the Devil does this, that the Devil does that, that the Devil will attempt, the antichrist, that the Devil is taking over the Earth... what Devil brothers! and sisters ? The person who speaks like this does not understand the Kingdom of God.

"I saw the Lord sitting on a high and sublime throne."

Look at the apostles Paul, Peter. I don't see in the Scriptures them attributing anything to the Devil. It is very rare a text in which they talk about the Devil, that the Devil did this, that the Devil did that. If you have been persecuted, it is the Devil; if you had a fight, it was the Devil; if we lose goods, it is the Devil; the car accident was the Devil… What Devil?

It is God who rules, He is the One who reigns!

Even if the Devil comes to attack me, (and indeed, he has attacked me) to kill all my children. He has destroyed all of my property. He has destroyed everything I have and now I have a deadly wound, I am full of disease.

Do you know who I'm going to say did this? I will say it was God. That's what Job did! Today's theologians say that Job did not yet understand things well, he did not understand. Yes, the friend of God "did not understand" God! He who knew God from hearing about Him, until his eyes saw Him; he "did not understand" anything! It must be! You gotta be kidding!

God governs. Even unfortunately with Joe Biden, that president of US whom God may have mercy on his life, it was God who put him there... and God has a purpose! 

God has a purpose for everything, even for the most terrible things that happen to us … 

Can you see the Kingdom of God advancing in everything around your? The bottom line is that If you are not born again, you cannot either see or enter the Kingdom of God!

And are born again not to inherit heaven, but to enter the Kingdom. It is not to be blessed, it is to enter the Kingdom and one only enters the Kingdom if he is the image and likeness of Jesus.

This is God's eternal purpose; let us be made in His image and likeness!

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THE CHURCH ACCORDING TO THE NEW TESTAMENT. Dr. Josimar Salum

THE CHURCH ACCORDING TO THE NEW TESTAMENT

Dr. Josimar Salum 

Unfortunately, what they call the church is not the Church. What the vast majority calls "churches" is nothing but houses of religion, poorly made drafts, models that have not left the design phase and structures created to please men and reflect the cultures and preferences of the people they serve.

It is within, in the context and within the limits of these plastered structures that the Word of God is preached and taught, lives are converted to the Lord, "shepherded” and live in communion as a Church.

It is not how the brothers lived in Jerusalem, Antioch and other cities, at the time when the apostles of Christ also lived, persevering in the apostles' doctrine, in communion, in the breaking of bread and in prayers.

When someone is born again in Western countries and even in many other countries, he is integrated or integrates himself in any of these structures and systems in such a way that he never experiences the dynamic life and communion of Jesus and His disciples. In these contexts, they never experience life in Jesus like the brothers in the first century and in the hundreds of non-denominational communities throughout history.

The Church is clearly revealed in the Scriptures. When it becomes an empirical structure it is no longer the Church revealed in the New Testament.

As soon as a group of brothers institutionalizes it, the Church ceases to be a Church. Institutions and structures did not exist in the first century, because the apostles knew very well that the Eternal Church of God cannot be institutionalized and structured.

What has been called a need for the "Church" to play its part is a deviation from the Truth, it is apostasy.

In the midst of this reality of fragmented churches - structures and systems - it is possible to hear preachers, teachers, pastors, some drastically different than others with ever-increasing contradictions because they need to differentiate themselves from one another.

It is in this context that the Truth is often proclaimed, being, however, surrounded within the limits of the structures and improperly applied, causing an erroneous understanding of the Gospel. The Unity of Faith is dissociated from the Unity of the Spirit when the Truth instead of being applied to Unity is applied to the denomination or the church itself (called the local church).

Each one teaches as he understands, following his confession of faith or the creed of his group, denomination, community or the network that have, equally uniformed, their own lifestyles, teachings and practices.

The individual ceases to be an individual to be integrated into the mass, in which everyone is or must be identical. He becomes a member of the institution, while the Bible teaches that individually we are members of each other.

Children of God are not members of the visible church, because the visible church is a denomination invented by men.

In these ecclesiastical structures no one can and does not have the right to be different. Every member has to commit all his loyalty to the organization and can never question the status quo. And in doing so, he is summarily excluded, because the freedom of the individual is just freedom to be what everyone else is. And any practices and any teachings of these religious segments that are contrary to the Word of God, although “based” on the Scriptures will be disseminated through its publications, manuals, books, magazines and “websites”, everywhere, even where churches, congregations, schools and seminars themselves are open.

However, more people receive Christ, are saved, due to the preaching of the Cross of Jesus, in fact, the only preaching they know, the preaching of salvation, and converts are also integrated into these structures, inserted in the same context, becoming parts of the same machine. 

And all the practices and doctrines of each of these segments become “biblical” (when they really are not), sacralized, becoming immutable and unquestionable.

When the Truth, the person of Jesus is announced by someone, it constitutes a threat. Immediately, it is rejected by the collective conscience and whoever teaches it is abhorred by their peers as an irretrievable heretic.

Since everyone is talking and teaching, the same heresy becomes true, and who can question what leaders say, or what most leaders believe? Who can or can question what popular and respected leaders advertise on television?

The Truth, much more when it becomes a threat that can destroy the foundations of these structures and ministries and, especially, if it combats its source of financial resources, is severely opposed by the leaders who have a power of control and convincing over all their followers proportional to the exact extent to which they admire and believe them.

Not infrequently, leaders of large uniform structures, who are generally endowed with great communicative power, end up announcing their inexact final word and the crowds accept and continue to follow them blindly without ever personally consulting the Scriptures to make sure the teaching is really true/false as they claim. The teaching of these leaders and propagated in these structures does not support a minimum comparison with Jesus Christ, His Life, Message, Example and Spirit.

The people's lack of knowledge not simply about the Scriptures, but about the Word, Jesus Christ, in the Scriptures and the result of the lack of relationship with God and of communion with the Holy Spirit, is the easy road where all heresy and the sorcerous control of religious leaders move.

The Church is not these churches. The Church is a born-again people, who can be found anywhere, even in temples, in the Name of Jesus. And those who feed the Flock of God are mature men, truly constituted by the Holy Spirit.

The Church, when it is "denominationalized", ceases to be the Church to become fragments of the human preferences and whims of leaders who may even be sincere in what they believe and do, but are gravely mistaken.

The Church definitely ceases to be what God says it is when it is subject to the most different types of leaders with their purely personal ministries. So, it is reduced in several tribes - one for each chieftain - and more and more weird news becomes part of their daily lives.

Every effort to fit these structures into New Testament teaching is extremely futile.

In the first century, houses and cenacles were the places - but not exclusively where the disciples met to have fellowship, for the meetings in which they were given the Word, where they sang together and broke bread. Understand well! They didn't get together to have fellowship, they got together and had fellowship. There weren't schedules and events, it was the lifestyle, as they lived. They met naturally. There weren't meetings held in function of leaders, because all the saints were ministers of God.

The Church is not subject to the time or cultures of each age. It does not adapt to the taste of men nor does it transform into a restaurant with menus from which each one can choose his dish.

The Eternal Message of the Cross does not change. The Gospel of the Kingdom proclaimed by Jesus is the same for all peoples. The Message is not contextualized, possibly the way of communicating it. And it is far beyond the salvation of the soul alone.

The Eternal Church is not based on experiences, but on the Eternal and Immutable Word of God.

Being based on the Word, the Church is also immutable, even because it is the Body of Christ and Christ does not change.

Translated by: Filipe S.S. Gouvea 

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