C H O F Ministry

Tag: Greek

  • “Being Spiritually Invasive”

    10 9 2019 Eph. 6 17 Being Spiritually Invasive
    Praise the Lord Believers!!! 😀

     
    Beloved, the entire panoply Paul lists in Ephesians 6 is self-protective, except one: “The Sword of The Spirit.” That’s your invasive weapon for defeating Satan.
     
    Now, if you’ve noticed the Roman soldiers always carries two swords: the large broadsword and the small dagger. In verse 17 the Greek word for “sword” refers to the dagger, which was anywhere from six to eighteen inches long and was carried in a sheath or scabbard at the soldier’s side. The dagger was a common weapon. When you have time go back to Matt. 26:47 and you’ll see that the Roman soldiers who arrested Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane were each armed with one. In Matt. 26:51 Peter used one to cut off the ear of the high priest’s servant. In Acts 12:2 it was a dagger that was used to kill James, the brother of John. In Hebrews 11:37 it tells us that this same type of weapon was used against the heroes of the faith.
     
    Now, the Sword of the Spirit” doesn’t always penetrate in a straight position as we would think the Holy Spirit does. Remember this is spiritual warfare. The implications are that since our enemy is spiritual, our weapons also must be spiritual (*1). Our sword is spiritual because it’s the Word given by the Holy Spirit. He inspired its writing and through it convicts and redeems sinners (2).
     
    Beloved, it’s the Word that abides in you and it reconditions and transforms you. It supplies everything you need for a godly, victorious life. It builds you up and produces holiness (*3). And it equips you for good works by teaching, reproving, correcting, and training you in righteousness (*4).
     
    The Bible is an influential, dynamic and effective weapon. The question that stands at hand Beloved is: Do you know how to use it? Do you assiduously study it and apply its ethics to your life? Do you have a mental warehouse of biblical truth to draw from in the heat of battle?
     
    Beloved, the Roman dagger was a precision weapon designed for a precise spot to produce a precise result. Similarly, the sword of the Spirit is most effective when you apply precise biblical ethics to precise situations in your life. Do you do that Beloved? Amen? Aaamen. 😀
     
    CHOF Ministry’s Mid-Week Prayer:
    Dear Heavenly Father, please continue to increase my desire to know Your Word. Help me to continue to apply the wisdom You’ve blessed me with to make precise decisions for the situations I’ll face today.
    In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen and Aaamen.
     
    Beloved, life is very short. It comes and goes like an unannounced gust of wind. None of us know the hour or day when that gust of wind will be permitted to enter our room and blow out our earthly light. So today, reach out and touch someone and tell them you love them, BECAUSE TELLING THEM LATER JUST MIGHT BE TOO LATE. – I LOVE YOU ALL!!! Have a “Happy” Wednesday. 😀
     
    Please visit the Christian House of Faith, CHOF – CHOF Ministry on Facebook
    and Bishop W. F. Houston Jr. Ministry
     
    CHOF Ministry Cross Reference Scriptures and Verses:
    *1. 2 Cor. 10:4
    *2. John 16:8 & Heb. 4:12-13
    *3. Acts 20:32
    *4. 2 Tim. 3:16
     
    Christian House of Faith, CHOF/CHOF Ministry &
    Bishop, W. F. Houston Jr. Ministry:
    “An Online Ministry Teaching and Inspiring People All Over the World with Informative Biblical Principles.”

  • Set Your Affections on Christ

    Bishop Houston's Full Purple Shirt Set Your Affections On Christ

    In Colossians 1:9 Paul talks about being controlled by the knowledge of God’s will. In verse 10 he talks about walking in a manner worthy of the Lord. Beloved, there’s a direct cause-and-effect relationship between those verses. When you’re controlled by the knowledge of God’s will, you’ll walk in a manner worthy of the Lord. The Greek word translated “walk” means “to order one’s behavior”. It’s a common New Testament metaphor for a person’s lifestyle. Paul made a similar plea to the Thessalonians in 1 Thess. 2:12: “Walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.”

    Now, the thought of being worthy of the Lord might raise some eyebrows because we usually relate worthiness to merit or something deserved. But that isn’t Paul’s point at all. The Greek word translated “worthy” in Colossians 1:10 speaks of something that weighs as much or carries the same value as something else. He isn’t saying we deserve Christ, but that our conduct should be consistent with His.

    That’s also Peter’s point in 1 Peter 2:21: “You have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps.” John said in 1 John 2:6: “The one who says he abides in [Christ] ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked”. He also added in 2 John 6, “Walk according to His commandments.” That’s how you demonstrate your love for Christ and please Him in every respect. John 14:15 (AMP) says: “If you [really] love Me, you will keep and obey My commandments.”

    Now I’ll give you this word of encouragement, a worthy walk isn’t a walk of sinless perfection or impeccability. That won’t happen until you’re fully glorified. But each day you’re growing in godliness as a result of the Spirit’s transforming work in you. 2 Cor. 3:18 (Amp) says: And we all, with unveiled face, continually seeing as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are progressively being transformed into His image from [one degree of] glory to [even more] glory, which comes from the Lord, [who is] the Spirit.

    Beloved, be faithful to that process. Set your affections on Christ, look to His Word, and rejoice in the privilege of becoming more like Him today. Amen? Aaamen. 😀

    Sunday’s Prayer:
    Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the power and guidance of Your Spirit in my life. I’m going to continue to work hard each day to continue to confess my sin when I wander from my worthy walk with You. In Jesus’ Name I Pray – Amen.

    Beloved, life is very short. It comes and goes like an unannounced gust of wind. None of us know the hour or day when that gust of wind will be permitted to enter our room and blow out our earthly light. So today, reach out and touch someone and tell them you love them, BECAUSE TELLING THEM LATER JUST MIGHT BE – TOO LATE.

    I LOVE YOU ALL!!! – Have a Remarkable Sunday. 😀

  • Even the Demons Tremble”

    8 14 2019 James 2 18 20.png
    Praise the Lord Believers in the Christian faith.

    You know recently I’ve seen an alarming rise in the number of confessing Christians who believe that there’s no required relationship between what they believe and what they do. They say you can’t judge a person’s spiritual condition by what he or she does because salvation is a matter of faith alone, you know, as if requiring works violates the principle of faith.
     
    But you know Beloved, it was that kind of perception that provoked James to issue this challenge “How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds (works)? I will show you my faith by my good deeds (works).” (*1). The word “show” translated in the Greek means “to exhibit,” “verify,” or “put on display.” Beloved, his point is simple: it’s impossible to verify true faith apart from holy living because doctrine and deed (work) are attached – they’re inseparable.
     
    Now, allow me to ask you a question – Can you know if someone is a Christian by watching his or her behavior? According to James, that’s the only way to know!!! In verse 19 he says, ” for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror.” In other words, confirming orthodox doctrine isn’t necessarily proof of saving faith. Demons believe in the oneness of God, and its implications fill them with fear terror, but they aren’t saved. 😀 The phrase “Good for you” is intentionally sarcastic. The implication is that demonic faith is better than non-responsive faith because at least the demons trembling, is better than no response at all.
     
    Beloved, you can’t be a Christian in creed only!!! You must be one in conduct as well!!! James makes that very clear. Don’t be confused or deceived by those who teach something different. Repeatedly aim your life at bringing glory to God through obedient application of biblical truth.
     
    Beloved, life is very short. It comes and goes like an unannounced gust of wind. None of us know the hour or day when that gust of wind will be permitted to enter our room and blow out our earthly light. So today, reach out and touch someone and tell them you love them, BECAUSE TELLING THEM LATER JUST MIGHT BE TOO LATE.
     
    I LOVE YOU ALL!!! Have a Delightful Wednesday.
     
    CHOF Ministry’s Cross Reference Scriptures
    *1. James 2:18