Sign of the Covenant

Throughout the Scriptures we find various Covenants that the Almighty God made with men throughout history. One of the first is the one made with mankind as a whole through Noah after He flooded the earth due to the gross wickedness of man in those days (Gen 8-9). It was instituted with a blood sacrifices of clean animals, but there was a sign that was given as a reminder of that covenant for both God and man, the sign of the Rainbow. This is a reminder of what happened but also of God’s mercy upon sinful mankind, and with it came commandments that all mankind were to keep to remain within the safety zone of the covenant.

As we move forward we find that the Lord calls a man named Abram out of a pagan and idolatrous society to a life of righteousness (in right relationship with and before God) and worship of the One True God of creation, as was meant to be from the beginning. Eventually God also makes a covenant with Abram while also changing his name to Abraham, by which he is best known. This too was accompanied by animal sacrifices to signify the repercussion’s to the party that broke the covenant, as well as a sign of the covenant as a reminder to both parties. This sign for Abraham is that of circumcision for all his male descendant’s and anyone who wanted to join him in worship of the One True God. This covenant and sign is told to be everlasting upon his descendant’s, those who did not partake of the sign did not take part of the covenant and were not allowed into full fellowship with Abraham’s household but were said to be “cut off” or separated because they had broken the covenant of the Almighty (Gen 17)

As we fast forward we come to the New Covenant instituted by Messiah/Christ, we are also given a token of His covenant when we desire to be partakers of it, and just like previous covenants, it was instituted by a blood sacrifice, this time on behalf of those who desire to be in fellowship with the Creator of all we see and don’t see. The New Covenant has it’s conditions of how to properly abide in the Covenant and what it takes to be separated from God’s Covenant people, and it comes with a very special sign.

Ten days after the Messiah’s resurrection, His disciples were gathered together for the Feast of Pentecost for that particular year, in doing so they were following their Master’s instructions. As they prayed together the most amazing thing happened! There was a loud noise that sounded like a violent rushing wind followed by tongues as flames of fire that sat upon them, each person there began to speak in unlearned/unknown languages in regards to that they themselves weren't taught them (Acts 2). This mirrored the day the nation of Israel received the Law/Torah almost 2,000 years earlier in that there was fire seen as well as great winds that swirled around Mount Sinai as The Lord God descended to give the Law/Torah (Teaching) to Moses and the people present in their day. On the day of Pentecost all the Apostles and disciples present in the upper room received the Holy Ghost/Spirit, which is said to be the token or guarantee of God’s promise to us through faith in Messiah/Christ and in time to come will inherit what He has promised us if we remain faithful and obedient. This sign of speaking in tongues was repeated through the book of Acts as God brought different people groups into His sheepfold along with the believing Jews (Act 10, 19). It was taught by Messiah Himself and also was exhibited by believers (John 3, Mark 16). Don’t dismiss the sign of the Covenant, it will cause us to be separated from God’s people.

Published By: Min. Christopher Bateman
Last Days Ministries Apostolic Church

Don't Give Up What God Has Given To You.

Matthew 13:44-46
"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: Who when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all he had, and bought it".

The kingdom of heaven is most precious. We, the Church are the kingdom of heaven. Jesus said the kingdom of heaven comes in without observance. It comes in unaware, for the kingdom of heaven is within you! (Luke17:20-21).  We are God's Kingdom, we have received his Spirit. The Holy Ghost, we are the temple of God.

We have found the hidden treasure, we have received the Pearl of Great Price.

Jesus purchased this Pearl for us with his own blood, he purchased our very lives. By giving up his earthly, natural body he has freely given us this great treasure, this wonderful gift. The Gift of the Holy Ghost. The Gift of Eternal Life.

  Jesus has given his church 9 gifts of the Spirit.

      1. The gift of Wisdom

      2. The gift of Knowledge

      3. The gift of Faith 

      4. The gift of Miracles

      5. The gift of Healing

      6. The gift of Discerning Spirits 

      7. The gift of Prophecy

      8. The gift of Tongues

      9. The gift of Interpretation of Tongues

"Don't Give Up What God Has Given You"

The Word Of God Warns Us!
"What shall it profit a man to gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul"?  Mark 8:36-37

Jesus said to seek first the kingdom of God, and he will give us what we need in this life. (Matthew 6:33)

Be not deceived by the world, by fame and worldly popularity. Don't be envious when the people of the world have new houses, new cars, or expensive clothes. Don't envy the rich man's riches, for they shall pass away. They can not buy what Jesus has given to us, not with all the money in the world!

In Luke chapter 10, Jesus was visiting with his friends; Lazarus, Martha, and Mary. As Jesus began to teach, Mary sat at his feet and listened to his words.

But Martha, though she also loved Jesus, made herself busy by preparing a meal for Jesus and their other friends, and when Martha saw Mary at the feet of Jesus, she went and asked Jesus to tell Mary to help her with the meal.

Jesus spoke to Martha and said: Martha, Martha you are troubled about many things ( the cares of the world) but Mary has chosen what is better, and it shall not be taken away from her. Hallelujah!!!

Mary chose Jesus. She chose the treasure that is hid from the world. She wanted the pearl of great price. Mary chose the Kingdom of God.

Mary chose the good part!

Friends, choose the Good Part! Choose Jesus!!


Created by: Sis. Brittany Jenkins
Last Days Ministries Apostolic Church

The Promise

"Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear" Acts 2:33

In this dispensation of grace, believers in Jesus Christ started to receive the Holy Ghost in the inner man for the purpose of salvation, adoption, and ownership which comes by Jesus Christ. While you read this study, lets seek to be more than a "seer" or a "hearer" of this great promise but let us seek to be the very ones to experience the promise. 

The beginning

It is important to know that the outpouring of the Holy Ghost on the day of Pentecost in the book of Acts is the inauguration of the church age. God personally christened his church (body of believers) with his very own Spirit. It was the beginning of his beautiful church. The Apostle Peter recounted this great event to the brethren in Jerusalem, affirming that it was "the beginning" or the start of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

^"And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?"

Acts 11:15-17

It is evident that even the Apostle Peter acknowledges that the Pentecost experience was the beginning, mankind had never experienced such a phenomenon until then. The church, the body of Christ was no longer and empty shell, we can now be filled with his Holy Spirit. What a marvelous experience it is to not only be born of the water, but to be born of the Spirit as well, just as Jesus said in John 3:3-8.

Can we withstand God?

God is the coordinator of this biblical event called the baptism of the Spirit. The called out Apostles could not withstand what God was doing in those days, neither can we withstand what he is doing now. Jesus orchestrated it, he gave the Apostles instruction to tarry (wait) in the city of Jerusalem until they received the promise of the Father (The Holy Ghost).

"And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me." Acts 1:4

It was Jesus who stood on the mount of olives and told his Apostles that they would be baptised with the Holy Ghost not many days after his ascension and that they would receive power.

"For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence." Acts 1:5 

The Promises of God are sure! Ten days later they were all filled with the Holy Ghost speaking in other tongues as the Spirit of God gave them utterance. Acts 2:1-4

 

This is that!
The birth of the church was so significant that even the prophet Joel prophesied about it. The Apostle Peter, seeing and experiencing this spiritual birth, understood what was happening and said...

"..this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams" Acts 2:16-17.

A promised experience!
Jesus promised his disciples before he was crucified that another comforter would be sent in his name. This comforter would abide with his disciples forever. After Jesus made this statement he let them in on a secret "I will not leave you comfortless, I will come to you" John 14:18. Yes, Jesus himself would be that comforter in Spirit form.   

This same promise was reiterated several times during Jesus' earthly ministry, in one account he explains that the Holy Ghost would not come unless he departs John 16:7. He also taught his disciples that believing on him as the scripture says that "out of his belly shall flow rivers on living water" John 7:38. The proceeding verse sheds significant light on this saying. "But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified" John 7:39.

More good news!

This promise is for everyone that believes in Jesus Christ, Jesus said "If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water" John 7:37. Paul passing through the upper coasts of Ephesus seeing certain disciples asked "have you received the Holy Ghost since you believed? This my friends, I ask you today, have you received the Holy Ghost in the same manner as they did in "the beginning"? Acts 11:15

Authored by:

Min. John W. Jenkins
Last Days Ministries Apostolic Church

Holiness

Calling all to be Holy

     The Bible calls followers of Christ to a life of holiness, and stresses just how essential holiness is. 

"Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without no man shall see the Lord." Hebrews 12:14 

   

 The new birth or being born again is the initial experience of salvation, but the process of salvation doesn't end there. There is also the work of sanctification-a process of becoming progressively more and more like Christ, this process takes place as we submit daily to the leadership and control of the Holy Spirit.

 

"But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth." 

2 Thessalonians 2:13

    Just as sure as we must be born again to see the kingdom of God, as stated in the book of John 3:3-5, so we must pursue holiness, or sanctification, in order to see the Lord. The new birth will have no eternal value unless the born again person continues to walk by faith and live after the new nature of the Spirit, and allows God to complete the process that started with being born again.

       

      Holiness is not an option: it is a command that we are to put into operation in all aspects of our lives.  "But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy." 1 Peter 1:15-16

What is Holiness?

   Holiness is the principal aspect of His nature, so in reference to God, it means absolute purity and honest nature. In reference to us as humans it means, conformity to the character and will of God, it  means thinking as God thinks, loving what He loves, hating what He hates, and acting as Jesus would, ultimately, having the mind of Christ. 

   It also means that we are not to love this ungodly world system, neither identify with it,  become attached to the things in it, or take part in the world's sinful pleasures and activities.

"know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God." James 4:4

Why live Holy?

      One reason for living holy is to please God, because we belong to God in two respects:

1. Creation
2. Redemption through the Cross

So as His people we do not have a right to live any other way, than by His design. "What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's."  1 Corinthians 6:19-20

 God created us for His glory:

  "Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him." Isaiah 43:7

   

   He intended for us to love, worship, and commune with Him, but sin separated us from Him. So through the Cross He provided a way for redemption so that we can be restored back to our position in Him. 

   However, if we continue to live unholy and in sin, than we will continue to separate ourselves from His presence. Only by living holy can we fulfill the  purpose of  creation and redemption.  "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light." 1 Peter 2:9 

  

   Another reason for holiness is to communicate Christ to others. People will believe our declaration that Jesus saves from sin only if they can see the saving power operating in our lives. Also people who are no longer satisfied with their worldly life, and the ones who are seeking salvation, will only be attracted to a people and a church that is clearly distinct from the world they are desperately trying to escape.

 "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven."Matthew 5:16

  The life of holiness brings great benefits in this life: physically, mentally, spiritually, and it leads to eternal life. It has always been  God's design for us to live by holiness standards, and when those standards are violated, significant harm results, for example:

  sexual immorality, rage, and bitterness can actually cause physical harm or illness. 

  Those who live godly and walk in holiness enjoy divine love, joy, peace, and hope. They truly have abundant life, now and in the life to come.

Authored by:

Sis. Brittany Jenkins

Last Days Ministries Apostolic Church

Recommended Reading:
 Essentials of Holiness 
  by David K. Bernard

In Search of Holiness
by David K. Bernard