🏳️‍🌈✝️ A Testimony to Others

Apostolic Faith Church 

03/04/2018

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Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. – Matthew 5:14

Not too long ago, my high school class held its forty-year reunion. Many of the attendees had not seen the other members of the class since graduation day. After dinner, the former classmates gathered in small groups to become reacquainted and find out what the others had been doing with their lives. I informed the small group I was with that I was the pastor of an Apostolic Faith Church.

Immediately, one of the others, who had been the president of our senior class and was now CEO of an investment firm, broke in and exclaimed, “I know a couple who go to that church and their lives were totally changed!” He then proceeded to give the testimony of a couple my wife and I know well. He said that the couple were boyfriend and girlfriend at the time, were members of a local rock band, and had quite a wild lifestyle. Then, they became Christians and everything changed. He said excitedly, “They quit the rock band, stopped using drugs, and began living exemplary lives.” He explained that one night they happened to drive by an Apostolic Faith Church, which had a service going on, and felt led to go in and listen. They have been attending that church ever since and never returned to their old lifestyle.

The man did not know to call it salvation or the power of God. He just knew that the lives of that couple had been spectacularly changed. The others in our group listened intently to all the man had to say about this couple. If I, as a minister, had tried to give their testimonies, it would not have carried the same impact it did when the CEO told it. And the couple could not have shared their story with our group either, as they were not part of our high school class reunion. Yet, because they lived their salvation in public, people who were unknown to them were influenced by their changed lives. 

We should each ask ourselves this question: “Does the life I live show my testimony to the world?” Personal experiences with God are a powerful tool for convincing others of the truth of the Gospel. Let’s not be quiet about what God has done for us; He can spread our testimonies farther than we can imagine.

 

🏳️‍🌈✝️ May all God's Creation including the LGBTQI+ Creation understand that JESUS gave EVERYTHING so we ALL may be ONE with the FATHER GOD!!!

Written by Michael Plemmons

03/04/2018 

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The night before Jesus died, he and his disciples left the upper room where they had celebrated the Passover feast together. Slowly, as they had done many times before, they made their way to the Mount of Olives. The mood (I believe) in this small crowd was electric but solemn. The disciples were sad because Jesus had revealed to them he was leaving them. Jesus was beginning to feel the weight of what was coming on the morrow.

We can only imagine what thoughts occupied the mind of the Nazarene at this time. His mind could have drifted in reflection back over the work of the past three years. In that time, he had demonstrated the heart and mind, and yes the power of God. Yet from the beginning it had been a journey destined to bring him to this moment.

He may have thought of standing on the banks of the Jordan River listening to the thundering voice of the Baptist, John; who under the anointing of the Holy Spirit proclaimed to all who would listen that he had been sent to prepare the way for the one who was coming. He was baptizing them with water, but the one who was coming would baptize with fire.

Jesus stepped into the water with all the broken, wounded seekers of truth, to be baptized by John. He, in so doing, proclaimed to the whole world that for once and all time he was going to take upon himself the sins of the whole world. He identified himself with the lost all around him that day and the Father and the Holy Spirit spoke of their divine approval of his act.

Yet three years later we find him ready to die in the place of every human being who had ever been born. He stopped and (I believe) raised his voice to Father and uttered the most anointed prayer that has ever been recorded. Today I would just like to focus on just one sentence of that prayer.

In this sentence, we see the divine purpose of the Father in sending his son to die for the sins of the entire world. Father knew that man had been corrupted and fundamentally changed on the inside by sin. Sin in the human heart produces lust in all its diverse forms: greed, hatred, and most importantly separated the human race from God.

The next day, the divine sacrifice of Jesus would forevermore break down the wall between God and man. Yet Father had a much higher purpose in mind than just forgiveness of sins. As our text shows, Jesus came to give to the believers in him through every generation - the glory of God - that they might be one with him. A divine union of God and man through the finished work of Jesus on the cross was to take place.

Jesus spoke what was (I believe) uppermost on his mind and heart that night. Father God wanted the power of sin to be broken in the hearts of all believers in him; that we might by grace be lifted into the heavenlies and made a partaker of the glory of God, and thusly made aware that we share a holy union with the Father and Son on the same level that they share with each other.

So, poor hurting soul, wherever you may be found and whatever your circumstance, Jesus has opened to your heart a new divine reality he wishes to share with you. We in Christ have hope for tomorrow because of the divine witness in our hearts of a better world coming, for the meek Nazarene is still speaking. As it is written Christ in you the hope of glory. (Colossians 3:4)

“I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one." (John 17:22)

Copyright © Michael Plemmons 2012, used with permission.

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🏳️‍🌈✝️ May the Light of God's Love shine brightly in ALL {including LGBTQI+} who glorify HIM above all!!!

Rainbow Pastor David

03/05/2018

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IDOLATRY.  EVER SINCE THE FALL, PEOPLE HAVE WANTED to make idols of themselves and their own creations.  They find it easier to deify something visible than to worship My unseen Reality.  You have spent years trying to perfect yourself.  Now you are more vulnerable to idolizing what you have made or done than what you are.  This is a rather subtle sin, especially when you have created something for My Glory and purposes.  
  I have deigned to use some of your creations to bless other people, and this has delighted you.  When they express their appreciation to you, you soak up their praises.  You forget that everything you make is as flawed as you are.  Just as you are a jar of clay filled with heavenly contents, so are the things you have made or done for Me. 
  I am Christ in you - shining the Light of the knowledge of My Glory into your heart.  I am the Treasure that fills not only you but also your creations of clay, giving them meaning.  When you do your work in dependence on Me, I can use it powerfully for My purposes.  Delight in what we accomplish together, but find your utmost Joy in Me - your eternal Treasure.  As you gaze at Me in loving worship, rejoice that your name is written in heaven's book of Life. 
  "For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.  But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us."  2 Corinthians 4:6-7

 

🏳️‍🌈✝️ BROKENNESS! YOUR WEAKNESS AND BROKENNESS DRAWS ME ever so near You

Rainbow Pastor David 

03/03/2018

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BROKENNESS!  YOUR WEAKNESS AND BROKENNESS DRAWS ME ever so near You.  You can open up to Me because I understand you perfectly.  My compassion for you is overflowing.  As you open yourself to My healing Presence, I fill you with Peace that transcends understanding.  So stop trying to figure everything out.  Instead, lean on Me, letting your head rest on My chest.  While you rest, I will be watching over you and all that concerns you.

Trust Me in the depths of your being, where I live in union with you.  My healing work in you is most effective when you are actively trusting Me.  Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet My unfailing Love for you will not be shaken.  This is the essence of My compassion for you:  No matter how desperate your circumstances, the one thing you can always count on is My unfailing Love. 

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."  Philippians 4:6-7 

"Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet My unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor My covenant of peace be removed," says the LORD, who has compassion on you.  Isaiah 54:10

 

🏳️‍🌈✝️ MY LIGHT SHINES ON YOU CONTINUALLY, WHETHER YOU ARE AWARE OF IT OR NOT

Rainbow Pastor David 

03/03/2018

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MY LIGHT SHINES ON YOU CONTINUALLY, WHETHER YOU ARE AWARE OF IT OR NOT.  During the wee hours of the night, your thoughts are often distorted - even catastrophic.  Although you may feel as if you're enveloped in darkness, remember that darkness and light are alike to Me.  I am with you, and My Love for you never fails.  You need the Light of My Presence supremely more than you need the light of day. 

When the way before you seems dark and threatening, you can still trust Me to guide you.  Walking by faith is akin to using radar to discern the way you should go.  Instead of trying to see through clouds of uncertainty up ahead, fix your eyes on Me.  I can show you a way forward where there appears to be none.  Moreover, as you strive to stay in communication with Me, your soul opens up to Me.  Even in the midst of your struggle, My loving Presence can fill your soul with warm delight. 

"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scoring its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."  Hebrews 12:2

"Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You.  Show me the way I should go, for to You I lift up my soul."  Psalm 143:8

 

🏳️‍🌈✝️ REJOICE IN ME ALWAYS

Rainbow Pastor David

03/03/2018

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REJOICE IN ME ALWAYS.  This is a moment-by-moment choice.  It is possible to find Joy in Me even during the most difficult times.  Because I am always near, I am constantly available to help you.  I can even carry you through times of extreme adversity. 

Imagine a woman who has become engaged to a man she deeply loves and admires.  Her heart overflows with pleasures whenever she thinks about her beloved.  Problems fade into the background, unable to dampen her enthusiasm and excitement.  Similarly, when you remember that I am your perfect Betrothed and that you are promised to Me forever, you can rejoice in Me even though you face many problems. 

It is in the present moment that you find Me ever near you.  My Presence in the present is an endless source of Joy; a continual feast!  The soul-satisfaction you find in Me helps you relate well to other people.  As you enjoy My abiding Presence, you can bless others with your gentleness.

"Rejoice in the Lord always.  I will say it again:  Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all.  The Lord is near."  Philippians 4:4-5

"Abide in Me, and I in you.  As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me."  John 15:4 

🏳️‍🌈✝️ Let God Take the Lead

Written by Shadia Hrichi

03/01/2018 

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I remember once taking salsa lessons with a group of friends. It was the first time I had danced where the women and men had clear roles: the men were to lead and the women would follow. Growing up as a woman in modern-day America, it was almost ingrained in my psyche that women should never allow themselves to be subject to man’s dominance. But as I came to enjoy the complimentary dance roles of leader and follower, and considered how God desires to lead us, I realized that many of us (both men and women) may have mistakenly come to equate leading with dominance, to our own detriment.

In ballroom dancing, the main purpose of the man is to empower the woman to express beauty, elegance, and grace through dance, hoping to wow their audiences. The man’s primary role is to continuously survey their surroundings, determine their course, and confidently guide the woman by gently pressing his hand against her back. When this occurs, the woman, who cannot see where the man is taking her, is freed from fear that they are in danger of colliding and instead, yields herself to the enchanting beauty of the music.

I will never forget one particular dance partner. He repeatedly failed to keep his hand strong and purposeful on my back. As a result, I found myself continuously looking over my shoulder in fear we might crash. Why? Because I could not trust a guide whose presence and confidence was lacking; it felt like I was dancing blind. But when I was paired with a man who confidently took the lead, careful to guide and protect my steps, I felt safe and secure in his arms, finally free to enjoy the dance.

Likewise, God desires to lead us, not in order to exercise dominance over us, but rather to free us to express the dignity and grace He intended for us from the beginning. In turn, because we are made in God’s own image, when we yield ourselves to His loving lead, embracing our God-given roles, we more accurately reflect His beauty and grace back onto a fearful, lost, and colliding world.

How can we learn to let God lead our lives?

Jesus warns us in Matthew 15:14 to avoid leaders who exercise religious dominance but reject the truth, “They are blind guides. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.” (Matthew 15:14 NASB)

Instead, when we yield our lives to a loving, all-wise, all-knowing God, we are free to become all that God intended us to be. We are confident He can lead us there because we have learned to trust in His unfailing Presence, Goodness, and Faithfulness.

“You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me…If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.” Psalm 139:5, 9-10 NIV

Copyright 2014 Shadia Hrichi. Previously published in the Upper Room magazine (November 5, 2014). Used by permission.

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