02/01/2017 The Wave Offering

Posted on Mar 4, 2017 in General |

The Wave Offering

The wave offering is first mentioned in Exodus 29:24. This offering specifies thankfulness for material blessings. Other Scriptures are: Leviticus 7:30; Leviticus 8:27 and Numbers 5:25. There are 17 more verses in Leviticus dealing with this offering and five more in Numbers.

Many would say it’s all Old Testament Law and we don’t need to do it. Absolutely nowhere in Scripture—Old Testament or New Testament—do any of the offerings change, except for the change from animals to money, and because of Christ, we can now give it ourselves and do not need the priest or pastor to do it for us.

Read Matthew 5:17-18. Remember Malachi 3:8-12. The devourer is Satan. In 1 Peter 5:8 he seeks whom he may devour. Devourer means (biblically) seed eater. Your offerings are seed. You plant expecting a great harvest. If we do not give, or plant it, we will not receive it (Luke 6:38).
 

01/15/2017 Titles for Christ…

Posted on Mar 4, 2017 in General |

Titles for Christ

 

Praise the Lord Saints! As we continue on, here are a couple more titles for Jesus found in the Bible.

Matthew 1:23: “Behold the virgin shall be with child and shall bear a son, and they shall call His name Immanuel” which translates “God with Us.” Note that Immanuel was not used as a proper name of Jesus but describes His person as the Son of God.

John 8:58: Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am.” Note Abraham was not in the beginning with God but Jesus was and He declared it in John 8:58.

These are a couple of the powerful titles for Jesus. The Bible says that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow and tongue confess that he is Lord. Declare it now my friends, because having to do it later might be the biggest mistake you would ever have made.

                                     Spirit Lead

                                     Pastor Terry A. Gordon Jr.,


01/01/2017: The Tithe

Posted on Dec 30, 2016 in General |

The Tithe

 
First, the word tithe means 10 % or a specific amount.
 
 
Second, the tithe is to be the first fruits of all increase. God does not come 2nd, 3rd or 4th.
 
 
The debate on whether tithing is New Testament or not is absolutely ridiculous. Anyone who understands the Bible or truly prays knows that tithes are and always will be an everlasting part of our relationship with God. The first recorded act of tithing is in Genesis 4:3-7. Notice verse 3 says, “Cain brought an offering”; verse 4 says, “Abel brought first fruits.” God respected Abel’s offering and rejected Cain’s. Why? Abel gave to God a specific offering and Cain did not. Verse 7 basically says Abel did well but Cain sinned. This took place about 1300 years before the Law. In Genesis 14, Abram gives to Melchizedek the tithe. This was 1100 years before the Law, and in Hebrews 7 (New Testament) Paul writes that Melchizedek was in place to represent Christ. Hebrews 7:5 says the priests are commanded of the Law to receive the tithe, but verse 6 says Abraham did the better by giving tithe not under the Law. In Genesis 29, Jacob said he would give a tenth unto God, 800 years before the Law.
 
 
So how did tithing come to be a law? Because, after so long, God’s people had to be taught right from wrong; their hearts grew cold and rebellious. And just because it was a law doesn’t mean it didn’t come from the heart. Look up II Samuel 24:24. Now remember, Christ did not come to change the Law, but to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17). Malachi, the last book in the Old Testament, Chapter 3 and verses 1-12 clearly foretell of the coming of Christ and Him bringing God’s people back to righteousness and our giving once again pleasant to God, because it comes from our heart, out of our spirit.
 
 
Now for the New Testament—in Luke 11:42 Jesus scolds the Pharisees for only paying tithe and says to not forget God’s judgment and love, then it says, yes you should tithe, but don’t forget the other (notice Jesus said). In Acts Chapter 5, Ananias and Sapphira sold some property and kept back part of the price, meaning a specific amount. Anyone with sense knows what that is—the tithe. A lot of people need to read verses 3 thru 5. Satan continues to fill peoples’ hearts with lies and they listen. People want to see the word tithe in the New Testament, but how silly is that? Remember the Bible is just one story, not many. I understand that what we were in the beginning—Abel, Abraham and Jacob—is what God wanted us to be. I understand we failed., but I also understand that, through Christ, God brought us back to a heart condition once again.
 
 
Remember, the love of money is the root of all evil (1 Timothy 6:10); it causes people to leave the faith. Don’t listen to lies; give God what is His—ALL OF IT!
 
 
May God bless you,
 
 
 
Pastor Keith Conard

 

P.S. Matthew 22:21 says, “Give God what is His,” that’s a specific amount— the tithe
.

 


12/18/2016: Women in Ministry

Posted on Dec 30, 2016 in General |

Women in Ministry

 
 
Women in leadership is a very delicate subject, but the truth is they have had authority over men and led since Eve in some way or another
 
 
In those days, the men sat on one side and the women sat on the other. If a woman needed to ask her husband a question, she was to wait until she got home and not be a distraction. If it were true that women could not speak in church, then they could not also sing or say anything and we know that’s not God.
 
 
As far as authority, let’s look at Deborah in Judges 4. She truly was a great leader. Then in Acts 21:8-9 we have Philip’s four daughters who did prophesy. Tabitha (Dorcas), in Acts 9:36 was full of good works which means she was a lady of fine reputation and love for God. This could only be obtained through some type of authority. In Acts 16 we are told of Lydia who was a business woman, a person of authority and many believe her house was the first church on European soil. Also in the same chapter, Paul in verse 13 had a prayer meeting with all women, which was really a church service because they had no building to hold service in until Lydia gave her house. I’m positive Paul and those few with him did not do all the talking.
 
 
In Acts 18:26, we find both Aquilla and Priscilla, his wife teaching Apollos. Then in Romans 16 we find Phebe, who was a servant, in Greek diakomos meaning deacon or deaconess. Then in verse 3 we find again Priscilla and Aquilla, her being named first which in the Bible tells us Paul is recognizing her authority as her husband’s or even more so. In verse 5 we find (they) Pastor one of the first house churches in Rome. I really could go on, but I hope that’s enough to convince you that God calls both male and female to great works within the church.
 
 
 
Bishop Keith Conard

 


12/11/2016: “Perfect”

Posted on Dec 30, 2016 in General |

“Perfect”

 
 
What is it about that word that people fear to say? Jesus said in Matthew 5:48…” to be perfect,” a command not a request. Would Jesus order us to do what we could not? Of course, He wouldn’t, so if that is true we must be able to obtain it. James 1:4 tells us to “be perfect lacking in nothing and be complete.” In Matthew 19:22, Jesus said, “if you want to be perfect go and sell what you have, give it to the poor and follow Me.” Therefore, by instruction of Jesus there must be away to be perfect. Colossians 4:12 tells us we can stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. Hebrews 10:14 tells us that Christ perfected those who are sanctified. That’s you, saved, cleansed by the blood of the Lamb. Psalm 101:2 says, “to behave in a perfect way, walk with a perfect heart.”
 
 
Now, Let us consider a few individuals. In Genesis 6:9 it says, “Noah was perfect in his generations.” In Genesis, 17:1 God commanded Abram to be perfect. Deuteronomy, 18:13 God told Israel to be perfect. 1 Kings 15:14 says, “Asa’s heart was perfect with the Lord his whole life.” Job 1:1, says “Job was perfect and upright. We could go on and on with this word that most fear to utter. Some would argue that these scriptures are original “King James.” No, not all of them, some are “New King James.” Others will argue the meaning of perfection. Now that’s where I want to go…
 
 
1 Samuel 16:7 God made it clear He does not look at the appearance of man, but at his heart. Not at the flesh, but at the spirit. So while most believe perfection is to be mistake or sin free because their looking at the flesh. God looking at the heart through Christ knows the spirit of a man can be perfect despite the failures of his flesh.
 
 
What is “God’s perfect?” Based on many of the same scriptures we have already discussed, the words complete and upright were used. The word complete means: entire, no part lacking, to fulfill, to accomplish and yes according to the Webster Dictionary, perfect. Upright means: honest, just plain honest. God’s view of perfect would be to walk or live life honest. Also, accomplishing, fulfilling, and complete the work or call He has placed on our lives. Despite our failures, mistakes, and shortcomings we must always press forward and never give up.
 
 
When satan reminds you of your pass defeats, your failures, and your sin, remember your heart, let your heart speak. Do NOT allow your thoughts to rule the voice in your heart. Do NOT allow your mind to direct your path. Allow your spirit, your God given anointed, completed, honest, perfect heart to be your guide.
 
 
This is just a small part of a huge subject; I pray it helps in some way.
 
Love,
Bishop Keith Conard

12/04/2016: Titles for Christ

Posted on Dec 30, 2016 in General |

Titles for Christ

 
 
Praise the Lord Saints! We will be taking a look at some of the different “Titles for Christ” and their significance.
 
 
The first one – ALPHA AND OMEGA – This title is taken from Revelation 21:6 and it means the beginning and end of all things.
 
 
Alpha and Omega are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. An alphabet is an ingenious way to store knowledge and to communicate it as well. Christ is the pinnacle, sovereign alphabet. There isn’t anything that He doesn’t know, so nothing can stop his second coming.
 
 
Here is something to ponder; since He is the beginning and the end of all things, everything in the middle is mastered by him as well. All we have to do is repent and believe on that name (Jesus) and our beginning and middle and end will be one that is leading to eternal life with Him.
 
 
Spirit Lead
Pastor Terry A. Gordon Jr.

11/20/2016: God’s Forgiveness of Sin

Posted on Dec 30, 2016 in General |

God’s Forgiveness of Sin

Praise the Almighty God saints!
 
Today we will be reminded of God’s forgiveness of our sins, showing that He is an ever-merciful God!
 
 
In Psalms 103:12, God removes our sins “as far as the East is from the West.” If you stand on the east coast, you cannot see the west coast unless aided by a powerful telescope.
 
 
God completely cleanses us from the stain of our sin, Isaiah 1:18, this would be a continual process.
 
 
In Isaiah 38:17, “God throws our sins behind His bac,” signifying never to go back there. In Jeremiah 31:34
 
, “God remembers our sins no more,” giving us the perfect example of forgiveness toward our brothers and sisters.
 
 
Do you get it saints? God has made away for us to fellowship with Him in this sinful flesh by destroying sin once and for all through the sacrifice of His son, the Lion of the tribe of Judah!
 

Spirit Lead

Pastor Terry A. Gordon Jr.


11/06/2016: Restoration of the Heart

Posted on Nov 10, 2016 in General |

When I look at the world around me and the path before me the heaviest burden on my heart today is what seems to be the absence of humanity or heart.
There is no easy solution; no quick fix other than the real true living God. It begins with people like you and I dedicated to a cause! But we get so distracted so easily redirected by our lives, our perceptions, our conclusions
 
Psalm 51:10 “Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.”
 
 
Clean – Full Definition
  • 1 a:free from dirt or pollution <changed to clean clothes> <clean solarenergy>
    b : free from contamination or disease <a clean wound>
  • 2 a:unadulterated, pure <the clean thrill of one’s first flight>
    b of a precious stone : having no interior flaws visible
    c : free from growth that hinders tillage <clean farmland>
  • 3 a:free from moral corruption
 
 
How do we live a clean life of service to our God? How do we restore humanity? * the love of one person at a time.
 
 
II Timothy 2:21-23
21 “Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.
22 Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. But
23 avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife.”
 
 
In order to overcome the world we must look deep within our self and be honest about our vision, or focus on what drives us. Why do we do what we do? What causes us to sway or stumble? Are we followers or leaders?
 
 
James 4:7 “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
 
Jesus blessed is the pure of heart; showing us that true happiness – true humanity comes from serving God with your whole heart. Desiring your whole life to be a servant of him; pleasing him.
If pure life cannot exist without a pure heart. I believe that we must pray for restoration of our heart, restoration of our love for people, a restoration for our lives to be a living sacrifice for him.
 
He never said it would be easy but it will be worth it!
 
By Apostle Jana Holt

10/16/2016: Self- Control (Discipline)

Posted on Oct 22, 2016 in General |

Self- Control (Discipline)

 Last week we talked about lack of self-control, and that it could lead to strongholds in your life.  Today we are going to talk about how we can gain self-control or self-discipline.

 

Question: What are some of the ways we can gain self-control?  As the Hebrews were promised the land, but had to take it by force, one town at a time.  Therefore, we are promised the gift of self-control, yet we also must take it by force.

 

The concept of “self-control” implies a battle between a divided self.  It implies that our “self” produces desires we should not satisfy, but instead “control.”  In Luke 9:23 Jesus says, “We should deny ourselves, and take up our cross daily and follow him.”  (Jesus)

 

So daily our “self” produces desires that should be “denied” or “controlled.”  In Luke 13:24 Jesus says “the door to heaven is narrow, strive to enter through the narrow door.”  The Greek word for strive is (agonizesthe).  English agonize- meaning: Several, but a few is torture one’s self, to put forth great effort of any kind, wrestle with one’s self, exercise one self’s.  (What does that tell us?)

It’s not going to be easy!  Matthew 5:29 says, “If your eye even if it’s good caused you to stumble, take it out and throw it from you.”  This is the fierceness of self-control.  Matthew 11:12 Jesus says, “The kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and violent people attack it.”

 

Since John, the Baptist been preaching and baptizing.  No with this scripture, I think it means as we grow in God, to enter the kingdom it takes courage, unwavering faith, determination, and endurance, because of the things that come against us for following Jesus.

 

Paul says in 1st
Corinthians 9: 25-27 “25: All athletes practice strict self-control.  They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize.  26: So I run straight to the goal with purpose in every step.  I am not like a boxer who misses his punches.  27: I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should.  Otherwise I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.”

So running a race requires discipline.  Paul is saying Christian life take hard work, self-denial, and preparation.  As Christians, we are running towards our heavenly reward.  We are warriors in Christ.  We must be disciplined internally and externally because without discipline we cannot stay alive long enough to even be a warrior.  We must also develop the attitude of persistence.  No matter the pain or struggle, it must be settled in the mind.  Self-control is saying, No to sinful desires even when it hurts.


10/02/2016: Twelve Symbols # 12

Posted on Oct 22, 2016 in General |

Twelve Symbols # 12 

         

Praise the Lord Saints!  We have made it to the last symbol of the Bible that is in our study.  Before I mention it, I would like to thank Thomas Nelson Inc. for all its study helps.

 

Symbol 12 is “Fire,” in reality it stands for “painful judgment.”  Let’s visit the prophet Jeremiah.  In Jeremiah 5:14  ASV it reads…  “Therefore, thus says the Lord, the God of host, because you have spoken this word, Behold, I am making my words in your mouth fire, and this people wood, and it will consume them.”

 

Here Judah is willfully ignorant and rebellious.  The coming judgment is terrible but Judah’s sins are more terrible.  I leave you to ponder this thought. If God judged His chosen people that, He loved with fire, how much more is He likely to judge this fallen nation? 

 

I pray you will choose life and not death, and be forgiven of every sin and make heaven your final destination.

 

                                       Spirit Lead

                                                   Pastor Terry A. Gordon Jr.


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