Entries by Ricardo Newbold

It’s Just A Temporary Inconvenience

April 9, 2020 /0 Comments/in /by

Ricardo Newbold



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It’s Just A Temporary Inconvenience

The definition of convenience is the state of being able to do something easily with little effort and no hindrances. So, a temporary inconvenience might be a situation where conditions are not ideal and enabling.

When hard times hit or in an inconvenient situation, you have to drag through opposition, setback, and challenges to achieve your objectives.

Consider Joseph’s pathway to the palace (pit-prison-palace). Think about the Israelite’s exodus before the Red Sea and their many battles to possess the promised land. Reflect on Jesus’ mission to save the world.

Moses

These instances all demonstrated grave inconvenience and fierce opposition regarding their objectives.

Consider also Elijah the Hebrew prophet, Nehemiah the wall builder, Paul the missionary, Peter the church leader, Martin Luther King Jr. the civil rights activist, Nelson Mandela the nationalist.

These individuals all found themselves frequently in inconvenient situations. It leads therefore to two conclusions.

The Purpose of Temporary Inconveniences

Firstly, temporary inconvenience owing to various causes will always be present. Secondly, most notable achievements occurred notwithstanding huge inconveniences. Hence, the inconvenience may be considered a prerequisite or stepping stone to significant accomplishments.

In fact, the more opposition to a goal achieved, the more glorious the achievement.

One other truth to realize is that each inconvenience is temporary. Once you sustain a level of consistent pursuit, you will have passed by the inconveniences before you know it.

Paul gives us a very important guide to navigating our way through inconvenient situations in the Second Epistle to the Corinthians (2 Corinthians 4:15-18). He begins thus:

15 For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. 16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; 18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. 

He says he does not relent in his efforts because of our knowledge that glory awaits us at the end.

“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; (v.17) Praise God!

“While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” (v.18)

The attitude of the achiever will be to fix his gaze on the prize, and not on the opposition or inconvenient situations. You must push through to the prize of achieving your goals despite the inconveniences. Unless of course, you count your goals as being unimportant.

Think of what drove Jesus Christ to the cross.

The Crucifixion

He had his eyes on the crown: you! You were the crown He envisioned, for He was always the eternal King. “…who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrew 12.2)

He is set down for your sake.

Let the desire and passion you possess for the Advancing of God’s Kingdom, push you through your temporary inconvenience.

Whatever challenges, setbacks or opposition may come your way…

always remember, ‘this too shall pass!’

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Celebrating God's Servant

Ricardo Newbold


Celebrating God’s Servant

Why should you be celebrating God’s servant? They’ve deposited value into your life at some point. They’ve watered you, therefore, you must replicate this.


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Ricardo Newbold

March 19, 2019

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The Biblical Responsibilities of An Elder

March 31, 2020 /0 Comments/in /by

Ricardo Newbold



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The Biblical Responsibilities of An Elder

The rich experiences of old wise men played critical roles in societies and religious communities in the early days, providing guidance. The idea of elders, thus, predates the Church.

An elder is one who is full of wisdom, and wields great influence (positive) within the body of Christ (or a local church). The elders bring their rich wisdom in resolving issues, guiding church decisions, and providing checks and balances.

THE ROLE OF AN ELDER

Though their roles, through history, have changed or evolved, elders still play pivotal roles in the church of Christ today.

What is the role of an elder?

Elders’ roles are diverse. Their responsibilities and services develop continuously as challenges emerge. Here are some of the roles listed:

  1. Provide Leadership (Nums.11:16)
  2. Acts as Judge and Jury (Deut. 22:15-18)
  3. Perform Representative roles (Lev.4:15)
  4. Acts as King makers (Judges 11:11 2Sam.5:3)
  5. Acts as Decision makers and counselors (Jud. 21:16, Ruth 4:11, 1Pet. 5:5)
  6. Provide Oversight (1 Tim 5:17, Titus 1:7, Exo.3:16, 4:6)
  7. Teach and Preach the Word (1 Tim 3:2, 2 Tim 4:2, Titus 1:9)
  8. Exhort and Admonish saints in sound doctrine (1 Tim 4:13, 2 Tim 3:13-17)
  9. Protect the Church from false doctrines (Acts 20:17)
  10. Encourage and Intercede for the sick and weak (James 5:14)

Where does the name Elder Originate from?

It originates from the word “zaqen” in Hebrew which means old or aged or ancient and greater. Another word from elder is senior (Strong’s Concordance).

What does it mean to be an elder?

It means to be well advanced in aged so as to provide experiential counsel and leadership to the younger ones in a bid to curtail their mistakes in the journey of faith and life.

Leadership

There is no particular age mentioned in scriptures to be an elder. Yet, the first instance mentioned in scripture was in Exodus 3:16 when they were referred to as the ‘elders of Israel’, i.e. elderly ones.

What is the Difference between a pastor and elder?

The major difference is the functions. While the pastor ministers to a congregation, he is also accountable to the elders, while the elders perform oversight functions and counsel.

These roles, as described above, are results of changes we’ve witnessed in church advancement over the years. However, the scripture does not exactly differentiate pastors from elders.

This is because, as John Piper puts it, “elders are encouraged in the “pastoral” duties of overseeing and shepherding. In 1 Peter 5:1-2, elders are exhorted to “shepherd” the flock of God that is in their charge, which is the role of a pastor.”

Also, while the pastor could be young or old, the elders must be old.

Who are the Elders In the Old Testament?

These were the mature teachers and tribal leaders (Exodus 3:16).

  1. The 70 elders (Exodus 24:1)
  2. Elders of Israel (Leviticus 9:11).
  3. Elders of Midian (Numbers 22:4).
  4. Elders of Moab (Numbers 22:7).
  5. Elders of the city (Deuteronomy 22:18).

What are the requirements to be an elder?

  1. Must be advanced in age
  2. Possess unquestionable integrity
  3. Irreproachable or no cause for shame
  4. Husband of one wife
  5. Well behaved and godly children
  6. Not open to accusation of being loose on morals or conduct or unruly and disorderly. (Tit. 1:6)

Wrapping Up

No church exists successfully without a formidable team of old wise people, who are filled with the Holy Spirit and are knowledgeable in God’s word. We must give attention to this office, and give a prominent place in church leadership and organization.

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Celebrating God's Servant

Ricardo Newbold


Celebrating God’s Servant

Why should you be celebrating God’s servant? They’ve deposited value into your life at some point. They’ve watered you, therefore, you must replicate this.


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Ricardo Newbold

March 19, 2019

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Job Description – Church Minister

March 29, 2020 /0 Comments/in /by

Ricardo Newbold



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Job Description – Church Minister

The scripture contains many uses of the word minister in different capacities. Exodus 24:13 and Joshua 1:1 explains a minister as attendance to a person of high rank. A minister also means one of the attaches of a royal court (1Kings 10:5; 2 Chronicles 22:8).

Within the context of this topic, the term, diakonos (from which the word deacon comes), perfectly explains who a minister is. It is the term used in relation to the ministry of the gospel. Christ, being the perfect minister of the gospel, is our model minister.

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A look at Christ’s life, gives us what it is to be a minister of the gospel. To be a minister of the gospel is a call to serve. At the root of ministry is service. Jesus declared His ministry in Luke 4, and it is characterized by services. As a minister, you have no other role.

The Minister’s Role

The minister is the glue of the congregation ensuring that everyone feels welcome and engaged in the practice of their faith. Christian ministers lead services for people in church, who gather for regular worship service, or to celebrate special occasions like baptism, confirmation and weddings.

Ministers are strategic in God’s progressive work on earth. Thus, their roles are many and critical to God’s redemption work.

  1. Please God and do His will (John 4:34, 6:29).
  2. Serve God’s people (John 13:1-20)
  3. Preaching of God’s word (Acts 6:2, Luke 4:16-19).
  4. Intercession for everyone (Timothy 2:1-3).
  5. Serves and attend to needs (Acts 6:7, Exo.29)

The difference between a minister and a pastor

According to Strong’s Concordance, the pastor is a minister but a minister may not always be a pastor. However, a minister could be an evangelist or prophet etc. (Eph. 4:11).  Pastor is derived from the Greek word Poimen which means to Shepherd.

Qualities/Skills Applicable to Church Ministers

  1. Proclaiming and Teaching God’s Word
  2. Leading and equipping leaders
  3. Role modeling the church’s mission
  4. Assuring Care (Supports Leadership directing care for our church body)
  5. Proclaiming and Teaching God’s Word
  6. Devoted to prayer

What is ministry in the church?

As stated earlier, a minister is literally a servant or one who serves. This refers to the act of attending to the needs of believers or the saints, for example:

  1. Their Spiritual needs of God’s word and prayers
  2. Their Physical needs of welfare packages and materials
  3. Their emotional needs of care, love and family-hood. (Acts 6:1-7)

What is the mission of the Church?

The mission of the church is to make disciples of the world, (Matt.28:19-20), mostly known as the Great Commission. At the heart of the Great Commission is not just preaching. It is disciple making

“Mission is service to unbelievers and ministry is service to believers.” – Rick Warren (Purpose Driven Life)

How Do You Know Your Ministry?

There are two types of ministry i.e. the general and the specific (Purpose Driven Life). The general ministry is the ministry of reconciliation (that by word and deed we might bring others into harmony with Him) 2 Cor. 5:18.

But your specific ministry finds its expression in the general. So, your ministry is your contribution to the overall ministry, which is embedded in the fivefold Ministry, which are Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors, Teachers (Eph.4:11-12).

Church Minister

Rick Warren also noted,

“Discover your spiritual gift and then you’ll know what you’re supposed to have.” It actually works the exact opposite way. Just start serving, experimenting with different ministries, and then you’ll discover your gifts. Until you’re actually involved in serving, you’re not going to know what you’re good at.”

How do Church Members get involved?

Simply by service or serving (Mark.10:43, Rom. 12:5). The church, as the body, functions effectively when everyone of its members plays their role. Members are quite strategic in what God is doing through the church. As Rick Warren shared, “We serve God by serving others.”

What are the 7 ministries of the Holy Spirit?

Though several opinions are held on this issue, I believe Isaiah 11:2 clearly reveals these ministries to us. According to this passage, the following are the seven ministries of the Holy Spirit.

  1. The spirit of the Lord
  2. The spirit of wisdom
  3. The spirit of understanding
  4. The spirit of counsel
  5. The spirit of might
  6. The spirit of knowledge
  7. The fear of the Lord

Conclusion

In summary, a minister is an ordained spiritual leader, who holds prayer services, preaches to people in church, leads worship services on Sundays and on holy days, teaches religion classes, and meets with those seeking personal or spiritual direction.

Now, may I ask you a question? Do you know what your responsibilities are as a church member? Hopefully, you’ll appreciate that in whatever capacity a person has been called to serve, selfless and God-glorifying service is at the heart of it.

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Keys of the Kingdom

Juanita McKenzie


The Keys of The Kingdom

And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loose


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Juanita McKenzie

March 11, 2019

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The Work of An Evangelist

March 29, 2020 /0 Comments/in /by
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Ricardo Newbold



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The Work of An Evangelist

When you hear or read the word “evangelist” or “evangelism” what comes to mind? Perhaps, you may conjure thoughts of Evangelist Billy Graham, also known as ‘America’s pastor,’ who shaped modern evangelicalism.  Surely, he restored a sense of goodness about the Good News.

Evangelism is the preaching of the message of the gospel of Christ. The renowned preacher of the 19th Century, Charles H. Spurgeon defined evangelism this way:

“It is one beggar telling another beggar where to get bread.”

Heaven

An English Archbishop, William Temple gave a unique and elaborate definition on evangelism. He said,

“Evangelism is to so present Jesus Christ in the power of Holy Spirit, that men shall come to put their trust in God through Him, to accept Him as their Savior and serve Him as their King in the fellowship of the church.”

Regarding the above, God is strategic in raising individuals with the capacity for this important role of an evangelist. This is the duty of the evangelist. God has given the message and the evangelist is to be faithful to every word.

The Role of An Evangelist

The primary responsibility is to preach God’s Word, telling people simply and clearly what God says concerning His Son Jesus Christ and what He has done for all.

An evangelist may go out into the community himself/herself, perhaps in a door-to-door ministry, sharing the gospel of Christ with all they meet and inviting them to church.  

Heaven and Hell

This soul winner may conduct regular evangelistic crusades or meetings in other areas for the goal of spreading the gospel and calling others to Christ.

  1. Publisher of glad tidings.
  2. Missionary preacher of the Gospel. Eph 4:11 (Easton’s Bible Dictionary)

What is the Biblical Definition of An Evangelist?

Evangelists is derived from the Greek Word “euaggelistes” which means a preacher of the Gospel (Strong’s Concordance). Evangelists proclaim Christ as the center of God’s redemption plan for all of humankind. Through salvation messages, evangelists project Christ and reconcile lost souls to God (Acts 8:4-14; 21:8).

What Does an Evangelist Do?

The Easton Bible Dictionary says of evangelists as itinerant preachers having it as their special function to publicly carry the Gospel to places where it was previously unknown.

Does an Evangelist Have to Be Ordained?

From Scriptures the Only two people who were referred to as Evangelists had hands laid on them which confirmed their ordination, these were Philip first ordained as a Deacon (Acts 6:5-6) but later referred to as Evangelists (Acts 21:8) and Timothy (1 Tim 4:14, 2 Tim 4:5).

So, the Bible approves ordination of evangelists. However, this does not disprove the fact that the Holy Spirit is the most potent anointing we all have received to function in our various offices.

What Are the Qualities of An Evangelist?

  1. Have great oratory skills
  2. They are Bold as they are missionary preachers (Eph. 4: 11)
  3. Unrivaled passion for lost souls

What is the Difference Between a Preacher and An Evangelist?

A lot of Christian leaders such as pastors, teachers, elders or even apostles preach the gospel of Christ. They are often called preachers. Evangelists, however, are empowered and designed to share the gospel. They have been anointed to preach. It is the primary ministry of an evangelist to preach.

How Can I be a Good Evangelist?

The saying you can’t give what you don’t have comes to mind. Beyond the commissioning as evangelists, the evangelist must make fool proof of his/her ministry (2 Timothy 4:5).

For you to publicly declare the word to others you must have sufficient Word of God in you. Being a good evangelist begins first with a deep study of the Word.

Evangelism

Next, the evangelist must have a heart for lost souls. An evangelist who will please the Lord must feel Christ’s love for the lost world. It is also necessary for an evangelist to train himself/herself in the art of speaking.

Wrapping Up

The church is not complete without the roles of evangelists. Having been called, you must assume this role with such reverent fear of God and dependence on the power of the Holy Spirit. No evangelist excels in this call without a continuous dependence on God.

So, dear friend, are you ready to do the work of an evangelist?

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Obedience

Ricardo Newbold


A Call For Obedience

During His earthly ministry, Jesus stressed the importance of being called to obedience. Whatever He says and when we follow it, then we shall have success.


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Ricardo Newbold

March 26, 2019

Celebrating God's Servant

Ricardo Newbold


Celebrating God’s Servant

Why should you be celebrating God’s servant? They’ve deposited value into your life at some point. They’ve watered you, therefore, you must replicate this.


Read More »


Ricardo Newbold

March 19, 2019

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A Call For Obedience

March 26, 2019 /0 Comments/in /by

Ricardo Newbold



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A Call For Obedience

During His earthly ministry, Jesus stressed the importance of being called to obedience. He wanted to make disciples: people who would follow Him. Accordingly, this life of obedience comes along with a divine assignment.

Ten Commandments

“Obedience,” wrote C.S. Lewis, “is the key to all doors.” What type of obedience does God require? Complete obedience. However, following the assignment or vision is not always easy.

But in the course of working out the assignment, we are bringing it to reality. Joseph had a dream about what God wanted him to become.  It was a vision. For this reason, he went through many challenges but didn’t give up because of the greater and brighter future he was seeing.

What Is Obedience to God?

And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death — even death on a cross! Therefore, God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name.” Philippians 2:8-9

Obedience has to do with love, it comes with love. John 14:15 “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” The truth is that you will find it easy to obey who you love dearly. Anything they call you to do, you will gladly do it for them. 

In the same manner, when God called you, he called you to obey, which means he called you to love him.

Paul used to be a person that killed.  He thought he was doing the right thing according to the law, but it was direct disobedience to God. On his way to kill more Christians, Jesus called him and it was not just an ordinary call. Everything Christ told him, he obeyed.

Are you completing your divine assignment? Don’t forget that whatever He says, we must do. God will not tell us to do what we can’t handle or what will cause our downfall. 

Exodus 33:15 ~ “Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.” When we hear whatever He [God] says, the next thing that should come to our mind is, “Do it.”

Rewards of Obedience to God        

Whatever God says and when we follow it, leads to success. The word of the Lord for us all of the time is for our own good. God told Joshua what to do to have success.  

Winning

He said he should do whatever is in His word and obediently follow it. Joshua 1:8 ~ “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”

Whatever God tells us, we shouldn’t try to change it or try to make an adjustment to suit our own desire. All we need to do is to simply obey. It has already been perfected by God for us to follow. 

He knows our capability. Jeremiah 1:5 “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, before you were born, I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”

Jesus was at a wedding when the wine finished and His mother told Him about this.  Then she told the servant to do whatever Jesus asked them to do. John 2:5 “His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” They didn’t grumble, they merely obeyed what Jesus told them to do.

Yet, it is interesting to consider the instructions they obeyed – He told them to get six jars filled with water. What they needed was wine but Jesus telling them to get water is a bit surprising.

Obeying God Brings Protection

One of the commandments God gave us is, “you shall have no other gods before me.” The three Hebrew boys in Babylon obeyed God’s commandments and refused to bow down to the image set up by King Nebuchadnezzar.

They didn’t change what God said in order to favor the situation they were in at that time. They acted in faith and didn’t care about their fate. As such, they survived a fiery furnace.  This is an excellent reminder that God surely has a way out of every uncomfortable situation.

“Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it” (Luke 11:28). The three Hebrew boys tested their obedience when they were told to bow down and worship the image the king set up. 

Fiery Furnace

They refused and responded to the king in Daniel 3:17-18 ~ “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and He will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if He does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”

Walk in Obedience

In the New Testament, we learn through the example of Jesus Christ that believers are called to a life of obedience.  Now, what is the work that you have been called to? 

Why do you still hesitate to commence the assignment? Don’t say you don’t have all you need to start.  That’s an excuse – get to work.

“Obedience is the burial of the will and the resurrection of humility.”
~ John Climacus

It doesn’t matter how you start but what matters is how you finish. Even the Bible admits that having faith without working is useless. James 2:26 ~ “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.”

Take Action

Take time to prayerfully meditate on Philippians 2:8-9 and Jeremiah 29:11. Allow the Holy Spirit to flood your heart with light and grace. Then, go ahead and take that step to obey what God has called you to. 

Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.” ~ John 14:23

Just remember to obey and you shall have good success!

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Appointed, Anointed & Commissioned

March 22, 2019 /0 Comments/in /by

Ricardo Newbold



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Appointed, Anointed & Commissioned

David was a diligent and hardworking shepherd boy who loved God and walked in righteousness. It was this heart of reverence and love for God that caused him to be chosen (appointed – Acts 10:32) and anointed by Samuel as king of Israel in the place of Saul (1 Samuel 16:13). 

However, after he was appointed and anointed, it took several years before he was commissioned to rule the children of Israel. This goes to give us an understanding that there is a difference between being appointed, anointed and commissioned.  Let’s now define the terms:

Being Appointed

To be appointed means to be put in an office in order to function fully and accomplish a task. This word is used for the expression of a large variety of ideas including “stipulate” (Genesis 30:28), “put into office” (Genesis 41:34; Numbers 1:50; Esther 2:3); “select” (Jeremiah 51:27). 

It also means to be “put in charge” (Jeremiah 49:19; 50:44); “assign” (Numbers 4:27; Jeremiah 15:3); “designate,” “select” (Exodus 21:13; Numbers 4:19; 2 Samuel 7:10; Isaiah 61:3); “single out” (1 Samuel 8:11,12; Hosea 1:11); “designate,” “select” (Numbers 35:6; Joshua 20:2; Ezekiel 45:6); “set aside” (Exodus 30:16) and many others.

The spiritual importance focuses on the appointing and consecrating of persons for special service to the Lord and his people.

Being Anointed

To be anointed according to the scripture means to be equipped with the necessary tools to carry out a certain task.  In most cases, this is by the Holy Spirit because God’s work is spiritual and it takes the Spirit of God to fulfill this assignment (1 Samuel 16:13). 

When people were anointed, God empowered them to accomplish his tasks (1 Samuel 10:6)

Being Commissioned

To be commissioned means to be sent out to fulfill a particular purpose. It rests on a mandate, an instruction in order to fulfill a purpose. An example of this in the Great Commission (John 20:21-23).

As we can see from this, to be appointed comes first, this means being separated and selected unto a certain task.  Being anointed comes next which involves being equipped with the necessary tools to fulfill the mission. 

Lastly, after these two comes the commissioning, which involves being sent and captures in clear detail the goal of the assignment being given to such individual. The commission is the bench mark by which success will be measured.

Example of the Disciples

The disciples are a good example of this process. We see how they went through these three phases at three different times: They were first appointed as disciples by Jesus (Matthew 10:1–4, Mark 3:13–19 and Luke 6:12–16). 

Then they were commissioned when Jesus gave them the great commission in these scriptures (Matt 28:16-20; Mark 16:15-18; Luke 24:46-49; John 20:21-23; Acts 1:8).

But despite this, Jesus clearly instructed them to tarry in Jerusalem till they received the power from on high.   He realized that they could not succeed in their appointment and commission without being anointed by the Spirit of God. 

Jesus said to his disciples “you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.” (Acts 1:8, 2:1-15).

Even our Lord Jesus, though He was the Son of God, had to wait for the anointing and empowering of the Holy Spirit to rest upon Him so that He could enter upon and fulfil His earthly ministry (Luke 3:22).

Our Local Shepherd

At Rhema Kingdom Ministries, we have a good testimony. Our shepherd, Pastor Kendal McKenzie has been tested and proven to be a man of great honor. He is appointed, anointed and commissioned to accomplish the purpose of the kingdom.

Just like Moses, he has been given a job to do. God had called him and He appointed to Moses a task. He has dedicated the rest of his life to the accomplishment of that task. 

He set himself to the purpose and plan of God. Moses had His burning bush but Pastor McKenzie has the fire of the Holy Spirit burning in his heart.

He has also been duly anointed, empowered by God to function in this appointment. Through signs and wonders, the preaching of the word with power, and making disciples of men, God works through him to change lives through His word. 

God has empowered us to be His witnesses in the world around us. It is through His power that the strongholds that fill the lives of those in this community will be torn down.

Proverbs 29:18 says “Where there is no vision, the people perish” This is why he has also been commissioned with a vision, a purpose by which God has called him. God has appointed him for such a time as this, and He has anointed him to do this work: “To be an example of Righteousness, Holiness, and Integrity; endeavoring to achieve the purpose and plan of God for Kingdom growth by developing and nurturing disciples.”

Pastor McKenzie, we celebrate your obedience, anointing and passion. Happy Anniversary!

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Celebrating God’s Servant

March 19, 2019 /0 Comments/in /by

Ricardo Newbold



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Celebrating God’s Servant

Why should you be celebrating God’s servant? From the time of the Old Testament, God has been speaking to man through His servants. They are the prophets; their work is to listen to God and pass the information to His people. 

That was in the Old Testament but in the New Testament, Jesus came to reunite us with God. He made us understand how much God loves us.

And while Jesus was ascending to the heavens, He promised a Holy Spirit that would teach us everything we needed to know. The fact that Jesus brought us closer to God made it possible for us to hear and speak directly to God through Christ (Hebrews 1:1-3).

Appointed By God

Some of the full-time positions in the church currently may be Senior Pastor, Executive Pastor, Adult Ministry Pastor, Church Administrator, Associate Pastor, Worship Pastor, Children’s Pastor, Evangelist, and Elder. These are the overseers, especially the Senior Pastor, whom we sometimes regard as “spiritual father” since they are all truly appointed by God. 

Ephesians 4:11-12 reads: “And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.”

God Himself chooses these people so that the great and marvelous work He is doing among us can be made manifest. Paul the Apostle shared how he was appointed and about the work he was assigned to complete. 2 Timothy 1:11 ~ “to which I was appointed a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.”

These Christian ministry leaders water us with every word that comes from God through them. They constantly bless us, and they advise and tell us what to do in most cases. As such, these laborers in The Word need to be celebrated. Proverbs 11:25 ~ “The generous soul will be made rich, And he who waters will also be watered himself.”

They have deposited value into our lives at some point in time. This means they have been generous to us, they have watered us; therefore, we must replicate this. The work is never easy. Sure, they may be the head but they are also human and possibly may need us more. 

Paul was narrating the ordeal of the elected in this ministry in Romans 8:36, “As it is written: “For Your sake, we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.”

Fulfilling A Divine Assignment

It’s one thing to be a servant of God but surely a discipline to be a faithful servant. There are qualities that must be found in a servant. Additionally, there’s a divine assignment for every servant of God.

They are called to preach the gospel to the lost soul. Jesus Himself ordered us to go into the world and preach the gospel because people need to hear it.

The servants of God are called to build up people in Christ. Their purpose is to encourage and nurture people to grow in Christ. But surely you can appreciate that it’s not easy to keep up to the Christian work as tiredness may come in.

How to Celebrate God’s Servant

Do you observe the servant of God and desire to do something to demonstrate your appreciation for their dedication to the work of God but don’t know how? Celebrating them could also mean appreciating them and this may be done openly or privately. There are several methods you can employ to start celebrating God’s servant.

Shield God’s Servant by Praying for Them

Do you understand the purpose and power of your prayer and what it can do for them? Prayer goes a long way in covering your spiritual shepherd. They face many trials and temptations every day aimed at weighing them down.  

However, our prayers for them will keep giving them the strength to carry on. They have continually watered us, so we must also water them.

Praying for them shows that we care about them.  It’s a way of showing appreciation for their dedication to the work of God. This might be how you are privately celebrating God’s servant as no one else might know about this.  

It will be between you and God. Matthew 6:6 ~ “But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.”

Bless God’s Servant by Giving Gifts

There is a wonderful gift you can send them to celebrate them, you know them and you are close to them. Examine them very well and get what kind of gift will be the best for them. Let them know that there is someone that really appreciates them. Get their birth dates, anniversary dates, and then surprise them with the gift.

Encourage God’s Servant by Giving Support

If there is anything they want to do either inside or outside the church, perhaps you may choose to volunteer to help. In this manner, you can help financially to boost the work of the Kingdom.

Publicize God’s Servant by Word of Mouth

This is free and costs you nothing. It’s good to tell your friends and family about these servants of God.  Tell them of the good they’ve done and how they’ve impacted the lives of many. Let your family and circle of friends know that they are making a difference.  Surely, this will provide God’s servants with more strength and encouragement to continue the work of the Lord.

Honor God’s Servant by Spending Time with Them

It would be so encouraging if you took your family down to your pastor’s office just to pay a visit. Perhaps you all can have dinner together or schedule a party to celebrate their works in the house of the Lord. Let them know they are appreciated and that they are important. Don’t keep yourself far away from them; you need to get closer to them.

Celebrating God’s Servant at Rhema Kingdom

A faithful servant, Pastor Kendal McKenzie has dedicated his life to serving God.  He was born in Nassau, Bahamas and has been married to his sweetheart Juanita for 40 years! Their union has been blessed with a beautiful daughter, Octavia (Peachie), who is married to Officer Ken Ferguson of the Royal Bahamas Police Force.

Pastors Kendal and Juanita McKenzie are the Visionaries/Founders of Rhema Kingdom Ministries, a non-denominational, progressive and dynamic ministry located on Queen’s Highway, Bahamas Sound #18, Exuma. Pastors Kendal & Juanita serve the congregation of Rhema Kingdom Ministries with distinction, seeking first to honor God in everything they do as they lead this church in its mission. 

Our pastors are extremely passionate about the Word of God and its ability to change lives. They believe in spiritual honesty, integrity, and accountability, and this is conveyed in their messages.

The past sixteen years, we have been blessed to have this dynamic duo impacting lives throughout The Exumas and other islands of The Bahamas.

Their love for the Lord and their sweet, caring spirit have also given them success as recognized destination wedding consultants, particularly throughout The Exumas and The Exuma Cays.

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Celebrating A Greater Purpose

March 17, 2019 /0 Comments/in /by

Ricardo Newbold



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Celebrating A Greater Purpose

“The greatest tragedy in life is not death,” wrote the late Dr. Myles Munroe, “but a life without a purpose.” In today’s world, many people are following routines influenced by society or practices our parents have set for us without stopping to ask, “Why am I on earth?”

For those who stop to ask, they either wonder what the answer is or settle for an assumption that isn’t true. People wrongly believe we just came into the world accidentally and we will also leave without completing our kingdom assignment.

Well I am sorry to disappoint and happy to inform you that your coming to this world is not a mistake, and that you have a great assignment for which you were born. 

Even if you are termed a bastard, know that there are no illegitimate children before God, only illegitimate parents. Therefore, there is something great that this world will not experience except you discover and walk in that purpose.

What is Purpose?

Throughout the pages of his bestselling book – Pursuit of Purpose – Dr. Myles Munroe defines purpose as “…the master of motivation and the mother of commitment. It is the source of enthusiasm and the womb of perseverance. It gives birth to hope and instills the passion to act.”

Purpose is simply the reason for which something is done, why something exists, a person’s sense of resolve or determination. Without understanding God’s Big Idea man is lost.

Our world is rich with products such as televisions, smartphones, laptops, automobiles, and pens just to name a few. They all have their own unique functions. Wouldn’t you will look foolish if you tried to write with your television, or tried to ride your laptop to work?

In order to avoid abuse due to the lack of knowledge about a gadget’s true function, the manufacturer includes a leaflet or book called the “instructional manual”. This manual also allows us to maximize the potential of each product by telling us how to use it properly. 

If a mere product, made by man for our comfort goes through such finesse to ensure it fulfills its purpose, don’t you think we as humans also have a purpose on this earth we have to fulfill?

Life by Design

God is our manufacturer, and He did not create anyone of us on this earth without a reason. He also gave us an instructional manual (The Bible) to clearly reveal to us our objectives and how to fulfill them. But being good at something doesn’t mean it’s your plan for life.

Sitting on a speaker might work as a chair because it will bear the weight of your body. But it was not designed to be a chair. It is not being used for its highest and best use. Many times, we are pushed into functioning in an area that is not our highest and best use because someone needed us to be something we were not created to be.

The Apostle Paul helps us to realize there is a greater purpose in life than just living, making money, having a business, children, a career and so on. Paul understood that the believer’s role was part of the divine plan from the very beginning of time (Romans 8:28-29). 

God’s purpose is specifically characterized by his pre-selection of man for such a purpose based on the man’s qualities that he might not even be aware of (Jeremiah 1:5).

Realizing Your Purpose

Some of the disciples were great fishermen, but until they encountered Jesus, they did not realize and function in their true purpose. Because we are created by God, we are made to fulfill His purpose. 

Jesus could have been a great carpenter, or the leader of a great religion alongside the Pharisees, or even a king by overthrowing the Roman Empire.  

However, God had a greater purpose for Him, one which involved dying so that the whole world could be saved. This purpose was so great that it gave Jesus more power and glory (Philippians 2:3-10) than he could have ever received if he followed any of the previously mentioned paths. 

Yet he touched humanity by saving all men and He still pleased God by restoring men to Him.

Your purpose isn’t just about you but incorporates helping humanity in a significant way while pleasing God. It is beyond giving money to charity or just creating a miracle drug. 

A greater purpose is much more than pleasing yourself with all the pleasures of life and it is clearly defined in Matthew 6:33.

Wrapping Up

Do you possess the obedience and passion to follow this great mission? Do you have a love for souls being transformed by the Word, the advancement of God’s kingdom and the dedication to see this greater purpose fulfilled?

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Transformed for the Future

March 15, 2019 /0 Comments/in /by


CHRISTIAN LIFE

Transformed for The Future

March 15, 2019

Ricardo Newbold

Written by Ricardo A. Newbold

When you study the caterpillar to butterfly metamorphosis, you may wonder if you are truly prepared to be transformed for the future. Actually, why do caterpillars turn into butterflies?  Well, they have no way of reproducing as caterpillars, which is why they must morph into another species to continue their cycle of life.  Suddenly one day, the caterpillar stops eating, hangs upside down from a twig or leaf and spins itself a silky cocoon or molts into a shiny chrysalis. Within its protective casing, the caterpillar radically transforms its body, eventually emerging as a butterfly or moth.

Life’s Journey

Likewise, to every man born into this world, life is a journey. We start our journey the day we were given birth to.  The social status of your parents doesn’t matter, where and how you were born doesn’t matter – you still have your journey, a race set before you to run.

Life’s Journey

Every journey must be well-defined, it must have a clear purpose. However, the plain truth about the journey is that it has never been easy.  Life is not smooth, and it’s rough with dangers along the way.

Yet, we all have one way or the other got stuck in some unpleasant situation.  The situations broke us down and we felt like there wasn’t any hope. These situations seem to change us; they change our mindset. Nevertheless, what determines whether your future will be different from the present is when you decide to be transformed for the future.

The Bible tells the story of Job, a rich man who possibly never had the thought of becoming poor again in his life, but soon faced a great calamity. Job lost his riches and his wife told him to curse God and die. 

Indeed, Job struggled with suffering, to the extent that he started complaining to God. Job 10:1 KJV ~ “My soul is weary of my life; I will leave my complaint upon myself; I will speak in the bitterness of my soul.” Job was tired of the kind of life he was living, he wanted a new life and he wanted a renewed mind. This is certainly the time to ask God for a new clean heart.

How to Become Transformed for The Future

The forces of sin kept us doing what we ought not to do.  It kept us thinking the same old sinful thoughts in our mind but we really want to change. In Romans 7:15, Paul lamented and stated, “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.” It doesn’t matter the path you’re taking now.  Whatever you are facing, avoid the mistake of thinking it’s over with you. You still can have a renewed mind. Let’s discover how to be transformed for the future.

Decide In Your Heart That You Want To Be Transformed.

A decision is very important as everything we do starts with a decision in our heart. Decide that you want to stop being frustrated.  Decide that you want to be free. Finally, decide that you want to follow the right way out of your struggles. 

Make A Decision

The only way is Jesus, so decide that you want to follow Him now.  But you’ll need to renew the way you think. Ephesians 4:23 “Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.”

Act On Your Decision.

It’s often quoted, “Decision without action is a waste of thought.” It is good to decide but when you decide without taking action, it is simply a waste of time. Start to do the things that will encourage a new beginning in Christ. Let God see that you want a new life, confess your sins and tell Jesus to give you a new life. The word of God is life, meditate on the word and receive life.

Start A New Godly Relationship.

The people you move with often define who you are. They can determine how you will live and how far you can go in life.  You may have old friends that caused you much pain. You must be careful how you allow them to influence your life and evict where necessary.   

Rather, seek a new relationship. Follow the kind of people that can move your life forward; those that will affect your life positively. Above all these, the greatest friend you can ever have is Jesus Christ. Start a relationship with Christ. He is a friend to all and will make things work out for you.

Pray for Transformation.

Psalm 51:10 “Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.” If you really desire to have a renewed mind, then you must not joke with prayer, you must pray to God as the Psalmist did. Only God can give a new mind; only He can make your heart clean. You need to go to Him in prayer and ask him to renew your mind.

 

Fix Your Eyes On Jesus.

Hebrews 12:2 “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer, and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him, he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Focusing on Jesus should be our ultimate goal, in him alone we can find joy. Not that storms will not come, not that it will always be smooth but the interesting thing is that Jesus will always be there to give us victory and joy.

Obedience

Your Future Starts Today!

We began this post by highlighting the caterpillar changing into a butterfly. Butterflies are deep and powerful representations of life. Many cultures associate the butterfly with our souls. The Christian religion sees the butterfly as a miracle of transformation and symbol of resurrection. Around the world, people view the butterfly as representing endurance, change, hope, and life.

As such,  it doesn’t really matter where you are coming from; the past doesn’t matter anymore. You should be embracing yourself to have a good future. 2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”

Realize that the only moment you can conquer is the moment that exists now. We cannot do yesterday, today. We cannot do tomorrow, today. The future depends on what you do now. Each day you are creating your future life, so use your time in a wise manner.

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Celebrating The Past, Embracing The Future

March 13, 2019 /0 Comments/in /by


CHRISTIAN LIFE

Celebrating The Past, Embracing The Future

March 13, 2019

Ricardo Newbold

Written by Ricardo A. Newbold

Are you celebrating the past or embracing the future? Perhaps this is your personal mantra, which makes clear, an appreciation of your accomplishments with a strong resolve to enhancing your future possibilities. Yet again, you may ask: How do I stop my past from affecting my future? How can I be happy and let go of the past?

Does Your Past Define Your Future?

It is true that your current life is, to a large extent, the result of your past actions, choices, and experiences. The great news, however, is that your future is determined by how you act in the present moment. In other words, your past does not have to define you or your future. Rather, you should be celebrating a greater purpose!

Past vs Future

Yet, there is a certain truth about the new creation which, as Christians, we must be conscious of and live by. These are not promises but they are the truths in the word of God which are present hour realities.

When you received Christ into your life, you became new. 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”  This passage is talking of the “present”, not the “past.” It means you became a new creation immediately.

Another truth is that the word of God is an agent of cleansing, it purifies and makes all things new.  John 15:3 ~ “You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.” By His words, we are made clean from all that might have stained us, which includes our terrible past. We should then not even think of the old but of the present because Christ has made us new and that alone should give us joy.

Now that we are a new creation, we are also made joint-heirs with Christ. Therefore, this is an opportunity for us to get what is of Christ also. Today, think of yourself as a new creation and never let your past slow you down. Rather, let Christ move you forward quickly as you begin embracing the future.

Focus On The Future

If you’re one hundred percent focused on embracing the future, then it doesn’t matter what your past was all about. The good news for every man is that even though we fall, with the help of Christ we shall rise again. 

Yes, by the grace of God, it’s not until the day of resurrection that man will rise again. But with God’s blessing of wisdom, given to man to come to the understanding, that Jesus alone can help. Consequently, he rises again and is guided through troubles.

A mighty man will recover his strength and rise again. The fact about rising up again is that we become stronger than we were. Therefore, what caused our downfall at first will never have the power over us again. 

However, if you are finding it hard to rise again, the reason could be that you are using your physical power alone.  You are not seeking the help of God. Micah 7:8 “Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me.”

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” ~ Romans 8:28.   Whether the past is good or not, we must be able to learn from the events which occurred at the time. 

Costly Mistakes

Some mistakes we made were costly and may have caused serious consequences but God pulled us through. God does that for us so that we can appreciate Him and learn from our mistakes.

Folks often suggest that it is better to forget the past and focus on the future. This is true and it helps but this world revolves. What has happened before might occur again. So we must quickly use the experience we have to overcome it.

Related: The Challenges of Sharing the Gospel

 

Greater Than The Former

Our lives are a living testimony. So, we must share it with the world to help others to know God.  When you look into the past, appreciate God for what you have been through. However, you must now start embracing the future.  

Remember that God has already promised us that the future would always be better than the past.  Haggai 2:9 ~ “The glory of this latter temple shall be greater than the former,’ says the Lord of hosts. ‘And in this place, I will give peace,’ says the Lord of hosts.”

The temple here can be referred to as our body. The Bible stated that our body is the temple of God. 1 Corinthians 3:16 ~ “Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?”  So, when God said the glory of this latter temple shall be greater than the previous one, it meant that if we embrace the future, it surely will be better than yesterday.

5 Steps to Embracing the Future

Do you often find yourself thinking about the past, reliving situations that happened a long time ago?  Are you still wondering what you could have done differently and wished for things to be better?

Don’t worry. You’re not alone. So many people go back to the past daily. Unfortunately, this brings nothing but disappointment and regrets.

In today’s world, we need to prepare well for what is coming and not get stuck in the past. The past happened so that we could gain the experience, which is to be used as a reference point. 

As someone said, “the future is not tomorrow, the future is now.” We can’t keep staying down and thinking the future is somehow far from now. If we really want to correct our past mistakes or create a better day ahead, then it must start now.

The path to embracing the future goes through letting go of your past and experiencing the present moment intentionally, as if you have chosen it. By accepting your past and practicing mindfulness, you’re not only living in the present, but you’re also establishing the best possible future for yourself. 

Escape to Freedom

Follow these five steps to properly embrace your future:

  1. Understand that the past no longer matters.
  2. Learn from what happened.
  3. Simply accept it.
  4. Bounce back to the present moment.
  5. Look forward to the future with excitement.

These are the mental transformations one should go through in order to live a meaningful life. There’s no better time to do that than right now. It’s such an easy and pleasant way to live life. I challenge you to begin embracing the future. Let’s give it a try.

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Recognizing Your Divine Assignment

March 9, 2019 /0 Comments/in /by

Ricardo Newbold



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Recognizing Your Divine Assignment

God has a divine assignment for each Christian. Your assignment is any problem that you were created to solve.  These problems are also your doors to rewards.  This is where favor comes in. But how do you recognize your divine assignment?  

God has laid out a road map for you to be successful in His plans. He has also given you His Holy Spirit to guide you to your divine destination. However, if you rebel against your assignment, God may allow painful experiences to bring you to a place of surrender.

How to Discern Your Divine Assignment

Many people believe that whatever you like doing without going through stress might be what God wants you to do. This might be true in some cases. God gave us some gifts that we can use to execute those assignments given to us. Yet, the problem might not be on how to carry out these assignments but how to recognize them.

Many of us do one work or the other and we remain confused because we don’t know if that’s the will of God for us. Most of the time we find ourselves failing some simple task.  It may be because we are not in the right place, where God wants us to be. How then do we discover the exact assignment God gave us or wants us to do?

Let us now look to the scriptures to help ascertain our assignment.

Develop A Closer Relationship With God

The only way to be sure of understanding and completing your divine assignment is through constant fellowship with God (Secret Place). You can’t know the plans of the people you don’t know – even if a third party tells us about someone’s plan, it won’t be as true or convincing as hearing it from the person directly. In this same manner, we must build a strong relationship with God to be able to know His purpose.

Firstly, we must know His word. The word of God draws us to Him. We get to know him more and more – what he likes and what he doesn’t like. To be able to grow in Christ daily, we must eat the spiritual food which is known to be the word of God. When we read His word, we get to understand our purpose.

Another way we can build a strong relationship with God is through prayer. Prayer is essential as it links us with God.  He talks to us and makes his plans known to us through prayer. When we pray in the morning before going to work or anywhere, we receive guidance from Him that will direct us through the day.

Simply Listen

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.” ~ Psalm 19:14 (NKJV)

This may look strange but yet it is important that we learn to be at peace and listen to whatever God has to say to us. After meditating on the word or after praying, we must listen to what God has to say. Listen to know why He has called you – don’t be the only one talking every time. 

God speaks to our mind and uses our thoughts to speak to us about His plans. Yet, there are different things you must pay attention and listen to, which are;

The Holy Spirit

Seeking the Lord in prayer, meditation on the Word of God and by fellowshipping with the Holy Spirit, you will discover the assignment of God for your life. The Holy Spirit talks to us in a still small voice. Hence, we must listen to get what He is passing across to us. The Holy Spirit is the spirit of God in man’s heart.

Your Heart

Now that you are in Christ, your heart is renewed and your thoughts are not just ordinary. Your heart is a tool God can use to reveal your divine assignment. Sometimes, you will get to ask yourself some questions about your life. 

Questions like, “How will I make it in life?” “What is the next in my life?” “How should I handle my family?”  When you ask yourself such questions, God also uses your thoughts to give you an answer. You will then notice you are thinking of possible solutions to the questions you asked yourself.

The Prophets

Listen to the ministers of God. Don’t raise a conflicting spirit against whatever they are saying – they have been anointed to speak the mind of God.

Study the Map (The Bible)

To fulfill your divine assignment, you must know God’s word. The Bible is a book of guidance to the Christian.  2 Timothy 3:16 stated that the Bible was written by the inspiration of God and it is useful for correction.  Does the result of the prayer you are seeing or the voice in your head align with the word of God? 

God exalts His word more and His word can never change. He can never say anything against what He has already spoken. His word doesn’t contradict. Matthew 24:15 “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.”

Follow Clear Instructions

God’s will won’t cause you to be confused. Particularly, the kind of confusion that causes difficulty in doing the will of God, thereby causing frequent stumbling. 

1 Corinthians 14:33 “For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.” The word of the Lord is clear and direct, He will instruct you on the way to go. 

Psalm 32:8 “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”

How Does It Affect Others?

God has told us to love our neighbors but when we are getting something that is contrary to that, then it’s not the will of God. Galatians 6:10 “Therefore, as we have the opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”

You cannot say because it’s the will of God that you do His work and abandon your responsibility as a wife, a husband, a boss, or whatever position you are in. 1 Timothy 5:8 “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”  

Doing the right thing for your family and the people whom you love, including the people at your workplace is the will of God.

Build Your Life Around Your Divine Assignment

God has already placed a specific assignment in your life that only you can accomplish with His help. Your job is to discover that assignment, complete it with God’s help and be a blessing to the Body of Christ.  

Your assignment or plans can be found in studying the Word of God. (NKJV) Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”  

God’s thoughts and plans for your life are for good and not evil. They are to prosper you!  God’s assignment for you will not fail when you do it His way. Continue to seek Him and He will reveal it to you.

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A Worker Approved By God

March 7, 2019 /0 Comments/in /by


CHRISTIAN LIFE

A Worker Approved By God

March 7, 2019

Ricardo Newbold

Written by Ricardo A. Newbold

What does it really mean to be approved by God? The apostle Paul wrote to the evangelist Timothy, Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15).

Believers present so many questions to God and other people.  Particularly, questions such as “What’s God’s plan for me?” or “How can I make it in life?”  and “Which road to I travel for success?” 

They are good questions to ask but we have forgotten that there is a question we must ask ourselves and provide an answer for. Answering this question will help us to determine the purpose of our lives and where we belong. The question is “Am I being called by God?”

There are some things we must do to be approved by God. One thing is certain – God is too holy that He cannot behold sin and the inequities of man. There are a few considerations which we dismiss, believing them to be irrelevant as far as God is concerned. 

Yet, they are the matters that can destroy or disqualify us from working for God. Nonetheless, there are certain tools that God has entrusted us with. Tools which He expects us to use to advance His Kingdom. Let’s look at a few.

Your Talent

To every man or woman born to this world, there is at least a talent. Sure, it takes time and the grace of God to discover the talent. Yet, we Christians have been given different talents to use, not only for our personal use but also for the glory of God. 

Your Talent

Quoting Romans 12:6 – “We have different gifts according to the grace given us. If someone’s gift is prophecy, let him use it in proportion to his faith.”  

Since God gave us talents, then we should be willing to glorify His name with the talent. “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” ~ 1 Peter 4:10

Your Wages

Another thing we need to surrender when God calls us is our wages. Ah well. You might be shocked by this because you’re probably thinking what you earn is little. Luke 16:10 states, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.” 

Spiritual growth for the believer is impossible without mentioning the area of giving.

Your Wages

Working for God requires giving, in fact, it is a spiritual thing. Everything we have in this life is given by God so no one should boast. This is what the LORD said in Jeremiah 9:23: “Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches.”  

To yield to God’s ownership of our possession, we must then surrender all to Him as part of our service to Him. When we start giving, it helps us to trust God more and it lightens our financial burden.

Your Body As A Living Sacrifice

One thing that hinders the Holy Spirit from entering our lives is sin. God hates sin and He cannot behold it (Habakkuk 1:13 – “Your eyes are too pure to look on evil.”).

Your Sacrifice

Whenever we act contrary to the Word of God, that’s considered disobedience, which is sinful. Our obedience alone will make the Spirit of God descend on us, enabling the Holy Spirit to work in every area of our lives. Staying away from sin yields spiritual maturity.  That is when we will begin to show forth the fruit of the Spirit.

Your Love For Each Other

What brings about forgiveness is love.  When you have love, you will find it easier to forgive just as Christ forgives. Ephesians 4:32 reminds us to “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Paul understood the importance of love; he knew without love, he wouldn’t be anything.

Forgiveness

It doesn’t matter the level of your faith. The knowledge or the wealth you have acquired. If you don’t have love, you have gained nothing (1 Corinthians 13:1-3). Even if we possess all manners of gifts of the spirit, the Bible says: 

“Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.”  ~ 1 Peter 4:8 

Therefore, learn to forgive out of love and do away with bitterness and anger.

Your Commitment To The Work Of God

Your commitment, notwithstanding life’s circumstances and those defining moments, goes a long way in magnifying Christ. Romans 8:35 “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?”  

Your Commitment

The apostles were committed in their love towards Jesus Christ. The three Hebrew boys were very committed to their God.  Even in the face of death, they never stopped being faithful. Through their actions, the name of God was magnified.

Joseph, a boy sold into slavery, was so committed to serving God that Potiphar (his master) realized that God was blessing his household because of Joseph. Hence, God was magnified.

If you are committed to God, you will do the right thing. And when people see you doing things that are right, in you, Christ shall be magnified. They will want to learn more about your God and will naturally seek to follow your example. Doing this, God and His son Jesus Christ are then magnified.

Approved by God – My Utmost for His Highest

By reading/studying God’s Word daily, we are also at the same time allowing God to be intimately close to us. I believe it is pleasing to Him. He enjoys being with us. The goal of being an approved workman should be the goal of all of God’s children.

Nothing will help us more to please God than to handle carefully and correctly God’s written word. We should look to the written word of God with the same reverence as the psalmist who wrote, Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path (Psalm 119:105).

Just as the apostle Paul wrote to the evangelist Timothy, I once again encourage you. Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15).

 

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