TRUTH VS. LIES: Is it Biblical? Excerpt from: https://dreamweaverdiaries.blogspot.com/

 Since the fall of lucifer and his minions, they have done nothing but lie cheat and steal from us. We have been pawns in his chess game against Jesus. To the occult, science is a religion.  That is their god. 

It is highly recommended that you do your own research. If it is Biblically supported, you can assure it is true. If it is not, pray over it to limit the enemy's ability to deceive you. 

1 Peter 5:8 - Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

A CONVERSATION WITH A DEMON

(July 20, 2009)

Human: When was the earth made? There is no clear answer anywhere except in the Bible that says it was null and avoid and the estimated age is approx. 12,000 years +/-; day one of creation to Adam; Adam to Noah; Noah to Jesus; Jesus to modern day. A day is a thousand years: 6 "days" of creation is 6,000 years. Adam/Noah/Jesus to today = 6,000 years which gives you 12,000! Simple, no? 

Demon: Ok - let me clear a few things up for you. First of all, the earth was already here, including several thousand of its species for a little over 4.5 to 5 thousand years before you got here. Secondly, the version of human you have come to know is not the first version. You are version 'five'.  There were four other versions before you. There was pre-historic man, 4 versions of him. Then there was current man, biblical human, version 5.

Human: The Bible says your kind, angels, existed before us, our kind, are appropriately referred to as "son of the ground or red earth".  A Soul from God, placed in a body made of earthly elements or "clay". 

Demon: Biblical human, appropriately called, A.D.A.M. which is actually an acronym, not a single person's name. it stands for A.tom-based "D".eoxyribo"n"ucleic "A"cidic M.echanism. (Phew) I know. A mouthful. But you can thank the original panel of bio-physicists for that one; aka, me, myself and I. And of course the Chief Engineer who imagined the design in the first place; again, me.

Human:  Impossible. You're a "created" being. Not a "Creator". Unlike GOD, you can't create from "nothing". You need something already in existence to reproduce or copy.  Like Eve. God created Adam first, then created Eve from scratch, from existing elements.  Eve was not "born" she was "created." Hence, no belly-buttons, she's younger than he is and her complexion and characteristics were different.  Their bodies were intricately designed for their full purpose. Every cell in their bodies had a useful purpose. No "junk" DNA; no unused portions or anything. Adam = Y: Eve = X. Clean. Simple. Sensible.

Demon:  Here's another tib bit. Adam, the male species, was already pretty populated about the earth's surface in the beginning. Approximately forty to fifty years had passed before the creation of a mate suitable for reproduction. Then there was E.V.E. Eve was not technically a woman in sense that you know it today. EVE is, yes-an Acronym that's short for E.volutionary V.ersional E.xtension; the improved, sentient reproductive version of the ADAM.

Human: But we are more than just "numbers" and "organic material". We have minds. Pure energy, with the ability to "choose". Like you.  We were fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of GOD. With a mind, body and spirit. We are not just machines with code from dirt.

Demon: Sorry folks, you're like no,  that's not true, but that's because, guess what? I programmed you with the ability of rational thought and logic based understanding. This is one of the many functions we share with you. The ones before you did not have that gift. Cool, isn't it. Now. For some more basic things that we need to clear up. Life. What's the point? There is no point. That's the point. It is a gift. Given from us -- to you -- enjoy. That's it. Ok. Didn't think that would make you happy so here goes.

You now have an opportunity "experience". You did not have that before. You were all only elements of energy prior to the matter-based material existence as you know it. You now have the opportunity to ""experience"" the ""concept"".  

Human: Live the idea...bring a dream into reality.

Demon:  It's like watching a football game. You watch the athletes and follow the game from the side line and say wow, 'I wish I could play - I wonder what that's like.'  Well guess what? Hike. You now have the ball. Now do something with it. That's life. That's existence.

Human: The Bible says we were created out of love; not an experiment.  The Bible says we were created for His purpose and fulfilment. Not our own. Your answer clearly says ,"it's all about me" when God said, it's all about His Kingdom.  Every creation of His has point; purpose and grows under His Will. We started as servant managers; then servant leaders; we were to be fruitful, fill His earth with light, love, appreciation. God is our Heavenly Father; He is our Relative. We can relate to Him. Love and be loved. This is Relationship.

Demon: ok. ok. Not fair right; to just throw you in the game with no playbook, no coach, no training. Got it covered. Life has a playbook. I am the coach and everyday you live and breathe IS training. See? Simple, isn't it. So are most things in the world. Let's take immortality for example. Only energy is infinite. 

Human: (no response. shaking head in tolerance. the demon does not care.)

Demon: All other elements of material make up are finite. Therefore, you were never an immortal species; nor is any other being or creature on this planet. I mean come on. There are over 17.4 septillion of you. (a huge ""duh"" of silence) ... and only ONE planet! 

Demon: (insulting) Come on people, there's no way that all of you can share the earth at once. There's only 7.4 billion of you here now and you're already all piled up on top of each other--not using the natural resources and intelligence you were BORN WITH to take care of what you currently have! In other words, you have to share. Yes, my fair, spoiled, spoiled children, share!! You have to share the resources. From our perspective and you're not going to like this, you are all children! Your entire span of life-spoiled rotten.

Human: (angry) In the perfect plan of God, all living creatures have reproductive guidelines and instructions on how to correctly steward the earth's resources.  The Bible makes it extremely clear, without sin, the union of a man and woman to reproduce, raise their children to also be productive, willful obedient loving servants in relationship with God, continues to grow the species in a direction that is not wasteful, overpopulated, broken and fallen.  This was NOT the will of God. This was caused by you. The serpent. You twisted his Word, defied his orders, lied about his intentions and completely destroyed every living thing He ever made; from air land and sea. You destroyed it all! Now, we have the world you see today. You did this. This is your fault!

Demon:  (not listening-indifferent to Truth) As soon as one little itty-bitty thing does not go your way and you don't get what you want, all of a sudden, it's "lets throw a huge temper- tantrum and lets complain and yell and get mad and point the finger at everybody else except ourselves."  Um...excuse me. Young one of boastful banter. Stop it. Sit down. Let me help you through this before your head explodes. The world does not revolve around YOU. It is for you - collectively. Not just ONE of you. but ALL of you.

Human: There you go again?! The "world" is NOT for "us"! It does not belong to humans or angels! The Bible says, again, clearly!

God is still on the Throne; God is still in Control; God is still in Charge – God Reigns Over Everything! The Lord Reigns!

Key Bible Verse Scriptures ~ God is still on the throne! God Reigns!

Psalm 47:8, ESV God reigns over the nations; God sits on his holy throne.
Romans 16:20, ESV The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

1 Chronicles 29:11, ESV Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O LORD, and you are exalted as head above all.

Revelation 5:13, ESV And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!”

Demon: (not listening-continues to lie) Yes there are many, many outrageous experiences. Not all, you will like or dislike them, but that's the beauty. You don't have to. You don't have to like it. You do, however, have no choice but to let it 'exist' as it does. Because this is beyond your control and this is what you don't like about existence. That which is beyond you. Such as medical phenomenon, technological advancement, love of self and equal love of others: to name a few. But again I say, just because you had a bad day or a bad life does not mean "I" don't exist; nobody loves you and it's the end of the world as you know it and nobody feels fine.  After all, my A.ngelic I.nterference has already made a positive impact and a great huge difference in your day to day world. 

Demon: (reveals himself)  Come on people. After 12,000+ years of this, I think we both know the outcome. You go through it, you learn, you grow. You pass it on. All of this "extra" you guys do is not needed. But you do it anyway. I don't need your money. I don't need your pity. I don't even need your love. I would like to have your love , your understanding, your patience, your time, but not because you are being told to give it to me but because you CHOOSE to share it with me.

Human: use the Bible to defuse the demon's advances and influences. 

Greater is He that is in you than he who is in the world. 

With God all things are possible. 

The Word of God is your sword to fight against evil of this world.

Human: As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord! You were the root cause of all of this. I am NOT here for your personal amusement or pleasure. I CHOOSE to take my yoke upon Him and learn of Him because He is gentle and humble in heart.

I choose to know; to serve; to fulfill. Yes, at times, I will question, is there a point to it all and the answer will be true: John 10:10! The reward is greater than the sacrifice. John 3:16.

Not all the roads of life are meant for me to explore and imagine. Some questions, I understand God will answer, some He will not. Jeremiah 33:3! 

Satanic Illuminati/Kabbalah/Freemason/Occult/Catholic/Mormon/Muslim stole everything they have from GOD! 

Demon: (fizzling, shrinking and fading) But...

Human: This IS my choice. I choose NOT to respond with discontent, anger, harsh words or "another tantrum".  Job 42:10-17. 

Demon: what about the coach?

Human: John 14:26

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.

Demon: what about the parent?

Human: Matthew 23: 9

And do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father, and he is in heaven.

Demon: what about being a team player?

Human: Proverbs 27:17

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.

Demon: what about understanding? 

Human: Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways submit to Him and He will make your paths straight.

Demon: lastly, what about tomorrow? 

Human: Matthew 6:34

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

Matthew 6:25-34 

After this, the demon was defeated, diminished and vanished from the human's presence.

Almost instantly, the human felt a sense of peace.  It was one small step for the Kingdom, one giant leap for the child of God.

A short story by DeMaster Thomas, 7/20/2009: conversation with God

Don't Believe the Hype

 

Science and religion are corrupted and flawed; subject to corrosion caused by selfish negative dark influences.  Do not force the "car" to fit the "tires and rims" get the correct "tires and rims" that fit the car!  This is how Eve and Adam were mislead in the beginning.  This is how we are still mislead today!

We suffer for lack of knowledge. Seek wisdom above all things. This only comes from the Original Source.  The Bible.  And be careful you are NOT mislead by the altering bait and switch interchangeable confusion the dark forces of this world will attempt to impose.  Like changing the placement of a comma, or using words like "replenish" instead of "fill" , etcetera.  

We see this happen endlessly from the beginning of the Word to the End. (Deuteronomy 4:2 to Revelation 22:18).  If anything in or of the world conflicts with the Word of God; it is like an armchair mechanic who has never designed or engineered anything in his life, trying to tell you how to build a super computer or design a high-tech automobile!  It's like walking into the Ford or Tesla Engineering Plant and telling them how to build a pick-up truck or an electric car!  From scratch!  You don't know! So stop telling Ford how to build F-150's!  Stop telling Ferrari how to build race cars, you don't know what you're talking about and it shows. This is how a person with no knowledge or faulty mislead information about the Bible sounds! In short, you look and sound stupid. It's the blind leading the blind. 

 There are so many verses in the Bible that support and encourage the Word of God as the one true source of knowledge, there's too many to list here. The take away is: GOD is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow; HE is outside of time; the heaven and earth will come and go but HIS WORD will NEVER fade. Like everything else we say in modern day, we got it from the Bible!  

We can't get mad because the apartment doesn't fit the furniture! Well, tear it down and redesign the whole building so my furniture can fit - NO FOOL! You need to adjust your furniture to the space in your apartment! 

You don't alter and change the Bible to fit your thoughts and conclusions; I suggest you go back and adjust your thoughts and conclusions to the Bible.  Otherwise, it's never going to fit! 

There's nothing wrong with raising your hand and asking questions in class while Jesus is teaching, but there's a limit.  Just because you don't like the answer, doesn't mean He's going to change it. God is the original 

He said it first! He is not going to go back and change the answer to fit your question. You don't have to like the answers. But the answers are what they are, regardless. 

Look at it like this. Just because you don't "agree" or "believe" in something, does NOT make is NOT real! I don't believe in taxes, but I bet they're going to deduct it out of my check next week! What the hell is FICA and why do I have to pay it? When you do a deep dive and learn what it is; yes! You're angry, enraged, mad about the answer and what they're doing with that money to destroy us all, but! The government doesn't care. They going to do it anyway. Why? Because in this world, they're god!  It's their way or no way. period. whether we like it. or not. 

You don't have to like the answer, but! It is what it is.  Same with a parent to a child. You ask for something, parent says "yes, no or we'll see."  We all know that "we'll see" means no.  But what are you going to do about it? Get mad? Show out? Get in trouble and still get nothing anyway? Of course you will, because we're human and we can't have nice things. 

Alright, so, I think you get the point.  Existence is a like a classroom.  Satan's the cheater, Christ is the teach and life's the test.  Follow the Leader. Not the bully. 

Often imitated, never duplicated.

Forever mocked, but never clocked.

If we can't see HIM, we're not looking.

If we can't hear HIM, we're not listening. 

HE's not talking fast, we're just listening slow. 

Beware of science and religion. They will lead you astray every time.

Grief: an intermission

 

Since no one really actually ever reads anything I post, I can pretty much say anything I want, right? Wrong. The very second I post anything about a person or place that feels they have been "wronged" in some way, the blasts of "take that down" "that's defamation" "that's invasion of privacy" "you're fired" will pour in, along with a lawsuit or two to take my publishing "off the shelf". 

That's how I feel about my memoirs, De'Master: Let You Tell It, completed Feb 2023, published to Amazon and then quickly removed for "fear" of backlash, backfire, hurt feelings and unemployment.

That's too bad. Writing was practically the only "freedom" I had left. Google blocked my ability to add posts to https://dreamweaverdiaries.blogspot.com/ so I'm putting everything over here now. 

Not that it matters. Again. No one reads any of this. That "number of views" counter in the creator dashboard could sting, but actually, it doesn't.  There is a sense of arrogance in being the quietest voice in the loudest room.  Being the "fly on the wall" can have its advantages.  We see more, we hear more, we learn more.  Watch the quiet ones. They are more effective than you think. That, I will agree with. 

But there is a still, overhanging sadness that hovers the unseen among us.  We long to be "seen"; to be "heard"; to be "accepted"; to be "happy".  Knowing from our observations that the "in" crowds are not really "in" at all. They're all scraping by, trying too hard, bloated and infectious. 

The rich don't get richer, they become more miserable and sad with every dollar they make. They're addicts; forever chasing an imaginary butterfly that will never land on their shoulder.  Those "1%" one-percenters, I tell you, they make for good gossip and entertainment, but we really should be praying for them.  We are literally watching them kill themselves and die right before our eyes.  You thought George Floyd or Rodney King or any televised death is bad, just look at entertainers, athletes, politicians, all the wealthy people in the world, everyday. Chasing the dragon. We are literally watching addicts kill themselves for sport. 

And for us, the remaining 99% of the world, left to suffer in the hunger games of the walking dead, well, we grieve.  This is our reality. This is the world under Satan's rule.  This is a world that has chosen to forget we have a God that will let us choose to do better. Be better. Live better. 

I learned a LOT of valuable little nuggets during my journal therapy, did you know you can "mourn the death of yourself?!" Yes. that's a thing. Again. Why am I surprised. Unpacking that, along with several other layers of stench and funk from the cobwebbed storage chest of pain that is my broken heart, I dove into the STAGES OF GRIEF like a person who doesn't know how to swim, dives into an empty dried up old swimming pool from the 20 foot high dive.

Back To Reality-

Well delight and inspire, it did. I’ve been writing for as long as I could pick up a utensil to spill thoughts into reality. It’s saddening that no one will ever see any of my writing. I always thought I was saying something useful or important that could help someone else. But numbers don’t lie. Turns out, no one cares. Should I be surprised.  A little. How can there be so many books, libraries, web sites, items in print and circulation if no one cared? How could it be that most writers appear to be so successful in movies and TV? 

Is it that dreams are real and reality is fake or is the tangible reality “real” and dreams are fake?

Either way, they were both a flop. What do you do when the dream and the reality are both a dud?

Seems as though countless others feel the same way. Because unlike my material, I read the article written by Matt Mayberry, just as I have cited or linked every stitch of incredibly helpful information in this entire collection:

What to do when dreams are crushed?

Here are four things to help you recover should it happen to you:

1.      Face the facts. If something has crushed your dream, do you find yourself in denial? ...

2.      Don't overanalyze. When something happens to crush your dream, you'll more than likely start to overanalyze. ...

3.      Surrender. ...

4.      Accept.

Apr 5, 2017

4 Actions: Recover from Crushed Dreams

Yep. Just more stages of grief; simplified or adjusted for the moment. Is this all that this life is? A series of let downs like roller coasters in the Stages of Grief Theme Park?

I don't know , but I know the One who does. Instead of turning to the muddy drying "self-help" material that moves like a debris-filled polluted creek, I go to Amos 5:24

I turn to the Word of God. And he reminds me: 

and even if the moment is brief, I smile a little, knowing that living with depression, loneliness, sadness, fear, frustration, pain, guilt, shame, anger, hate, disappointment, loathing and sadness, these too will pass. Thank God, life in this broken-fallen, hate filled hurtful world, is temporary. 

Matthew 5:4. "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." The Good News: God will never abandon us during our times of grief. Instead, he will always provide us with love and hope.

Time spent in hobbies, interests, with friends and family, sure, those are great, but the greatest joy of all is knowing, that any time, any day, any where, I can stop.

And have a talk with God. This. Is how I cope.  This is how I survive.  By leaning on the Word of God. He is the solid rock I stand on. Although my legs are weary and my arms are tired. He is strong where I am weak. He lifts me up, when all I do is beat myself down. He sees in me, a person I don't recognize. He sees me as someone who matters. Even when I don't feel like I matter at all. Thank you, Lord. For loving me. Even though I don't. 

Forgive me, please. Teach me how to love. And be loved. This is my prayer.

Plot Setting for Short Story-Telling: A Short Summary

 

When it comes to creative writing, as is the entire flesh and bone of this blog and its brother blog https://dreamweaverdiaries.blogspot.com/, one of the key ingredients is Plot and Setting Summary of Original Creative Short Story. Here's an example below. 

Plot Summary

This is a story of love.  It is meant to enchant, delight and inspire.  Scene one of my story takes place in a fictional village set in early century.  The characters are taken from strangers to life companions through an interesting tale of love.  The main character longs to one day, meet the jewel of his Nile but loses hope and allows his heart to grow cold and bitter, until that unexpected day when the jewel appears.  It is not with ease that they finally lock hearts.  It takes some time and distance to make a final breakthrough.  But once the union is created, it is unbreakable.  The plot of the story is, a man begins to reminisce on his life as he sits down to write a letter to his wife.  He thinks back on when he first came to understand and want for love.  Then he remembers how his passion stayed with him over the years but never came true for him.  It did for others, but not for him.  In an effort to continue to fulfill his place in life, he continued to live single without searching for love any further.  Until one day, she finds him.  They make every effort to see each other and spend time together.  Then, finally after much travel and time, they find themselves able to live together and be wed.  Their lives are simple but fulfilling and they are both pleased to find their soul mate.  He wraps up his story by continuing to light the small flame of their undying love, a daily letter of good word and spirit. 

Setting Summary

 

Now the setting of the story is similar to early century England.  Cobblestone streets lined with Victorian style lampposts are accented by wooden and brick storefronts, Victorian styled three level homes, a town square, and a town church.  Some of the scenes take place in the main characters childhood, so the setting ages a bit but only enough to reflect a flashback.  The overall atmosphere is still the same.

There are horse and carriage, pony express, and town square villagers about.  Picture Norman Rockwell meets Thomas Kincaid.  The illustrations of small, village town living, filled with the eye opening smell of fresh baked breads in the morning, sweet pastries and pies in the afternoon, and the mouthwatering taste of warm, creamy soup on the cold, cold night.  The seasons change from winter to fall, but the overall emotions expressed through the characters bring a feeling of springtime exuberance with summer heat to warm the soul.  In the setting you will find mostly wood furniture, used, chafed and chipped in places from years of good use.  There will also be a feeling from the scratchy wool clothing worn by the characters in most of the scenes.  Thick, warm sweaters and boots, accented by winter gloves, hat and scarf, all bring out the reality of each scene.  Since there are no automobiles in this time, horse and carriage will have to be depended on for the idea of transportation.  Which is important to the story because of the plot.  The fact that there is distance between the towns and they have to travel by horse and carriage and communicate through messenger, adds to why the passion and waiting grew so strong between the two main characters.  These are the ingredients of the creative short story of love.  It will enchant, delight and inspire. 

DeMaster Thomas

Sally Hellman

April 2, 2003

Plagiarism Activity: A Short Summary

 

As a writer who posts original material online alongside endless others, it's crucial to know when to give credit when credit is due. We all know this, but it's still important to say, don't steal other people's material! Plagiarism only hurts you in the end because you did not grow. You went backwards. See in this example where once the "group" effort is complete, proper reference and credit is given to all. Remember, there's no "I" in Team!

Summary and Paraphrase

 

Plagiarism Activity

 

The Changing Workplace

 

It is true that in previous generations longevity of employment was a way of life.  There are some companies that have been known to employ their workers from an early age and keep them in that trade or field until retirement.  The expectations of retirement also changed over the years.  Today one could expect an investment plan or retirement plan to be there when retirement approaches.  Unlike the days before, a pension, social security and a gold watch was to be expected.  This stereotypical vision of our society’s workplace has also painted the picture that ethics and professional values were a huge part of our workforce.  There were some who worked from 15 or so to 60 or 65 years of age.  Not so much because of their vision of retirement, but because they could grow in the field or trade.  Their skills would increase and the positions would continue to be filled by the ladder climbers below them. 

True to common knowledge is the idea that to back then, managers had to be knowledgeable of all functions with their departments in order for that department to be managed effectively.  Employee started at the entry level, learning all functions of the job, then worked their way into management.  This was intended to allow the employee to learn all of the functions of the department as they were promoted to positions of greater responsibility.  This meant moving from for example, mailroom to supervisor in one career. 

 
 
In modern times, people are continually moving from job to job and from career to career. 
This was something that was really not common in the early years of the last century. 
This movement is creating experience for that person in different industries but what real
effect does it have on their work ethics?  Although during their working years they assume
many responsibilities and acquire various sets of skills, there is not a sense of loyalty to the company or industry between the employee and the company as there once was. 
In either case, experience is experience and can be extremely marketable for a worker to have. It seems that in the 21^st century, many employees will go from competitor to competitor applying skills they learned from their previous employer to the next.

Technical expertise and product knowledge are no longer prerequisites for managers.  It is more important to have the ability to motivate, achieve results, and supply vision for the company.  Basically, they may be totally unfamiliar with a company’s products or services and still be given the opportunity to manage.

References

Carolyn Carlson, Ph.D. “The Changing Workplace,” Workplace Monthly. New York:  

     Millenium Publishers, June 2002, p. 42.

Doug Roorda

 

Kelly Smith

 

Floyd Ward

 

De Thomas

 

Trevor Vollstedt

Jeannine Klein-Talar, APR

October 21, 2002

Elements for Effective Learning Teams

 

Important Elements for Effective Learning Teams

 

1. Good and effective leadership.  In self-managed groups this would be shared leadership.

 

Our team has decided to operate as a self-managed team.  We have created a team charter to follow and it clearly states each member’s responsibilities.  This way, we share the leadership.

 

2. Interdependence among the members.

 

This is based on our honesty, communication and skill settings.  We agree that it is important to remain true to your self.  Remember not to take on a task that you are not comfortable with or that you feel you cannot assume full responsibility for.  Own your part.

 

3.      Members must be committed to the team and its goals. 

 

In reference to the team charter-reminding each other to stay focused on the task at hand.  Adhere to the time management by setting a realistic time to complete each task.  Remain committed to reach to the final goal.

 

4.      Must have access to resources.

 

We utilize email, phone, scanner, Internet, laptop and our meeting place is the public library, which provides a pool of resources. 

 

5.      Have the ability, both interpersonal and technical, to accomplish its task.

 

We have found that we compliment each other’s skill sets.  First we rely on our human resources. Each member brings their talent, time and knowledge to the table.  Second we make use of the library where our meeting is held.  As far as technical resources, as a team we have access to Internet, allowing email communication, one member has a scanner, another, a laptop to bring to the meetings.  Each member has some degree of knowledge in a particular software application such as PowerPoint, Word or Excel.

 

6.      Cooperation between members.

 

We have found it successful to combine our ideas to accomplish the task at hand.

We respect each other’s opinions and show respect by avoiding cutting each other off while talking.  We are learning about each other’s personalities and learning styles. 

Also, there is a discovery time we share in the meeting where we discuss other topics such as writing styles, school interests, work, hobbies, personal interests, etc. 

This builds camaraderie and rapport.  Our cooperation is imperative to our success as a team.

Evangelism: Starter Kit (Part III)

 

Another branch of the Ambassadors of Christ is the field team. 

They are the part of the F.B.I. (Firm Believer in Christ) Romans 1:16 

S.W.A.T. (Spiritual Warriors Advancing Truth) 2 Corinthian 10: 4-5  

They serve alongside special agents and other important roles in God's Kingdom.

 THE FULL ARMOR OF GOD

1. BELT OF TRUTH: The belt of truth (Jesus’ teachings and commands) hold up your spiritual pants up and centers all you do, John 8:31-32.
2. BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS: The breastplate of righteousness (given to you by Christ at the new birth) protects your heart and gives you your identity, 2 Corinthians 5:21.
3. SHOES OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE: The shoes of the gospel of peace (peace with God because of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection) is what guides your life and gives purpose to everything you do, Romans 10:14-15.
4. SHIELD OF FAITH: The shield of faith (faith in God’s Word) protects you from all the attacks of the enemy (doubt & fear), Romans 10:17.
5. HELMET OF SALVATION: The helmet of salvation (the mind of Christ) guards your thoughts and lines them up with the will of God, Romans 12:1-2.
6. SWORD OF THE SPIRIT: The sword of the Spirit (the Word of God) is the weapon you use against your carnal thoughts (1 Peter 2:11 & 2 Corinthians 10:5) and the devil’s temptations (Luke 4:3-4).

Leading Others To God

Just remember, soft heart, humble approach, be teachable. Continue to thirst and hunger for righteousness and the Spirit will continue to give it to you. TRUTH understood and applied becomes WISDOM. In Truth, you have Wise Dominion.

Salvation is deliverance, victory, to heal, to free, to preserve, to make whole.

PSALM 3:8 and ACTS 4:12-deliverance is God’s plan for man through Jesus Christ. Whom the Son sets free is free indeed. Salvation is God’s work.

JOHN 6:44 no one can come to me unless the Father draws him near.

God chose you. Christ is your King. Follow His rule. You are a son of Monarchy; not a son of anarchy of the world and the devil. There is no such thing as “finding God or Jesus”, they’re not lost! You are! Jesus finds you, not the other way around. God chooses you and you accept God’s gift of salvation. That’s the difference. Now reach and teach and make a difference.

2 peter 3:9 - ⁹ The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

glc.ccf.org

Your tools for evangelism:

1.       Prayer – literally means to petition the King and to call upon God for something. It is exercise of your faith, hope and belief in the promise of God.

James 5:15-16 ¹⁵ And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. ¹⁶ Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

 Pray before during and or after you minister with someone knowing that Holy Spirit will give you utterance and the King will hear your needs and God will respond in His Will.

James 4:8 - ⁸ Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

Philippians 4:6-7 - ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

2.       Knowledge – true knowledge is from God. When God speaks, listen. Know the Word intimately, not just by memory or by phrase.

2 Timothy 2:15 - ¹⁵ Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

Understand scripture. Know what you are reading and what it truly means. True revelation comes from having a relationship with God. You know it not only by Word, but by experience. You know it, because you lived it. Know where to you find it in the bible. Sew it in your heart and you will know where to go when asked.

3.       Engagement – be not afraid to have conversation about and attract attention from anyone who longs to know the Gospel. The Holy Spirit will guide in you what to say.

1 Corinthians 9:22 - …I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.

You will be able to meet them where they’re at. Jesus calls out to all people of all walks of life in every condition and circumstance. You will be amazed how just a conversation or an acknowledgement can open doors to someone who is hurting. (Luke 4: 18-19)

Remind them Jesus lives for them and God loves them and is ready to heal and restore them. If someone pays you attention, give them their money’s worth. They will pay with their time and take interest in the God in you

Evangelism Class Parts 1-3 courtesy of class notes from DeMaster Thomas, 9/27/16-10/4/16

New LIfe Covenant Church, Chicago, IL - Humboldt Park

Evangelism: Starter Kit (Part II)

 We are human. Self evident-we are not very bright. Intelligent. Sure. Common sense? Absolutely NONE. Humans have about as much sense as God gives paint.  But even paint knows to stick to the wall and look pretty. We can't even do that.  Indeed, we are a gross waste of space in existence and even with all of that, HE loves us still.  That's the power of God. The absence of Christ is the presence of the Holy Spirit for those that have chosen to accept Him. But wait. The Holy Spirit is not a "what"? NO. He's a "who". His pronouns are "He" and "Him".  Let's learn more below...

Who is the Holy Spirit? The 3^rd person of the Trinity. When God the Son left this earth to sit on the throne at the right hand of God the Father, God the Holy Spirit was placed upon the earth to teach, build, guide, comfort and remind us of who we are in God’s Kingdom and manifest the Kingdom of God in us and through us. You represent your Kingdom through your culture. God’s culture expands through the Holy Spirit in you. You literally take on the characteristics and nature of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will cultivate the nature of Jesus Christ in you. You will be a living example of what a citizen of God looks like.

 

The Holy Spirit will show you how to behave like Jesus behaves. Remember, God chose you. And also remember, the Holy Spirit is the Father of Jesus! So what better teacher than the one who taught Jesus how to become the Christ? The Holy Spirit guided Jesus and now guides you. To be under guidance of the Holy Spirit is to be in relationship with God.

 

1+1+1=3 does not equal God.     1x1x1 = 1 = God.

 

The Spirit brings out the exchange; the righteousness; the integration. You have integrity because you are integrated with God. The Holy Spirit is Eden. You are with Eden. Eden is the presence of God with you. God works through the Holy Spirit through you.

 

Jesus did not perform “miracles” in the sense that man has come to know or define. It was simply God working through the Holy Spirit in Jesus to bring forth His Will. Just as He did with Jesus, the Spirit will raise you from a baby to an adult. You will be renewed, repaired and restored. The heart is the only thing God cannot repair. So, he replaces it. Problem solved.   

Now, God can work through the Holy Spirit through you to bring forth His Will.

 

The Fruit of Love

Fruit is something you can pluck and take with you when it’s ready. It is the outcome or result of what is produced from the seed.

 

DIFFERENT TYPES OF LOVE we recognize today:

Physical love is visual, stimulating, erotic, worldly or self-gratifying.

Natural love is between 2 people ie parent/child.

Conditional love is temporary adoration for people and can be unforgiving if betrayed.

Material love is selective and determined by what you choose to like or dislike in places or things.  

Brotherly love is built on affection for another such a friend spouse or mate

Unconditional love is God’s love for man. It has no limits. No strings. No requirements. It’s just because.

 

The Scriptures are the Original Truth. The Word of God is knowledge. Lack of knowledge brings darkness. Satan can only get a foothold if you are not in line with the Holy Spirit. From the Holy Spirit you will gain strength to overcome your fears, you will learn how to better yourself as a Christian and how to share what you learn with others. You will become a branch of the Kingdom that bears fruit by default. Knowing the Holy Spirit is with you brings you peace of mind which leads to peaceful thinking which leads to peaceful action and reaction in your daily life. You will gain direction from the Holy Spirit through prayer. Prayer time is alone time with God and realigns your focus.

 

Fruit of the Spirit

The word “church” comes from kirk or kuriakos which means to pertain to or belong to a lord. It is not a “religious” word. It is utilized in Christian vernacular as a person or persons who belong to Christ our Lord. You are called by God to be the fruit of the Spirit. To be the end result of what the Holy Spirit has brought up in you. You are the manifestation of God’s culture.

 

This is what it means in the Lord’s Prayer to say, His Kingdom come, His Will be done. The image and culture of God in man has dominion. These united persons in Christ become His “church; a reflection of His common unity or “community”.

 

There is only one fruit of the spirit with many characteristics.

1.       Patience-to be long-suffering, to endure or tolerate for a long time

Job 1-the model of patience and faithfulness to God

Ephesians 4:2-there is fruit in patience from God

Colossians 3:12-compassion is patience with others God is love and if love does not give up this means God does not give up.

Philippians 1:6-God will bring good out of patience.

1 Thessalonians 5:14 – be strong, pray for people and help them; even if they don’t appreciate it; God does and that’s what matters.

2.       Gentleness – is strength under control. Let the Holy Spirit continuously guide you in all relationships. Gentle communication is a character of the fruit. If you remove the gentleness in your communication the relationship can fail. When you are gentle, you are adaptable.

3.       Goodness – this is virtue, beneficence, do well to give, provide, help, serve and be useful.

Acts 10:38-Jesus was able to go and do good because God was with him.

Acts 20:35-it is more blessed to give than to receive

 

You will bear good fruit and people will want that from you. You will influence, entice and satisfy.  Your fruit is a reflection of your integrity. God keeps his word-keep yours. Be the same person in front of people as you are behind closed doors. God is unchanging and steadfast. So are you. Your labor is not in vain to God-1 Corinthians 15:28.

 

God is protecting His name; not yours. Do not boast in your righteousness. God does all things in you for His namesake. If you act in His name by His command, He will back you 100%. Die to your will and live for His. This is what “let go and let God” means. This is also what “let go of all you have” means.

 

4.       Humility – have respect. Yield to the Will and authority .

5.       Meekness-remain in control in the face of adversity. Be meek in your foundation and you will not crumble under a storm. Meekness is revealed the most when there is trouble in your life.

Proverbs 14:29/16:13 – be slow to anger, do not repay evil with evil, do not sin in your anger, anger is energy from God to take action without fear. It is not be used to destroy yourself or others, but to protect and bring out of in a time of trouble.

James 4:17 – to know right and do wrong anyway ( Isaiah 53:5 again!) your soul cannot sin. It is the part of you that belongs to God! It is in your soul that the Holy Spirit dwells. The soul controls the mind and the mind controls the body. The body has no choice but to submit and obey the mind when the soul commands it to avoid sin. Your “free will” is the most powerful tool you have as a human being. Use it wisely.

6.       Temperance – is self-control from the Holy Spirit. Jesus had self-control because of Christ in him. Ergo self-control is God control! You will have power over your actions, thoughts, desires, emotions and appetites.

Romans 8:14 – be led by the Spirit. Lack of temperance can lead you to sin or just throw you off track! Stay aware and alert so you do not overreact, overindulge, overspend or overdraw. All of these reactions can have a negative effect on you and others.