Tag: Paul
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“Don’t Nourish Adversity”
CHOF Ministry & BWFHJr. Ministries are “Online Ministries That’s Teaching and Inspiring People Worldwide with Informative Biblical Principles.” -
“Unhurried Anger”
Beloved, have you ever started reading your Bible, feeling everything was all right between you and God, only to have the Word unexpectedly cut deep into your soul to reveal some sin(s) you had ignored or tried to hide? Well, that usually happens because God is trying to eradicate sin in His children. The Holy Spirit utilizes the Word to infiltrate the secret camouflaged recesses of the heart to do His convicting and purifying work. How you react to that procedure is an indicator of the validity of your faith.
In James 1:19-20 (AMP), “Anger” refers to an adverse “cynical” reaction to that process. It’s a deep-rooted down to the core resentment complemented by the arrogance of rejection. Sometimes that kind of dislike can be slick – tricky. In 2 Tim. 4. 3 (AMP) Paul described it well: those who “but wanting to have their ears tickled [with something pleasing], they will accumulate for themselves [many] teachers [one after another, chosen] to satisfy their own desires and to support the errors they hold.”
Beloved Paul is talking about the people who drift from church to church, social media post to post. Their search is for someone who will tell them what they want to hear—or a congregation that wants a pastor or a divine leader who’ll make them feel good about themselves instead of preaching and teaching the Word and setting a high standard of holiness.
Sometimes dislike toward the Word stops being slick – tricky and turns into wide-open public hostility. That’s precisely what happened to Steven in Acts 7:57-60. The crowd Stephen confronted covered up their ears, drove him out of the city, and smashed him with rocks until they killed him. Many others throughout history have experienced the lethal blows of those whose bitterness of God’s Truth turned to hatred for His people. Acquiring the Word incorporates being quick to hear what it reveals and slow to get upset “mad” when it differs from your point of view or confronts your sin.
As we end another week and prepare to walk through Weekend’s door, let’s disengage our hostile attitude towards the Truth that exposes our secret sin(s) or differs from our secrets or (hidden agenda’s) opinion. We must welcome The Word’s rebuke and listen to its warnings; the real healing occurs when we stop resenting what the Truth has uncovered. When a Christian brother or sister confronts sin in your life, accept it. Rejecting their counsel will automatically start the disconnection process for support to your revival. ✝️❤️
Let Us Pray:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the power of Your Word to convict me and propel me to repentance. I welcome Your Word of Truth that embeds correction with humility and thanksgiving. In Jesus’ Mighty Name I Pray, Amen and Aaamen. ✝️❤️
May your Friday be filled with agape love and your weekend be escorted by the revealing Truth of God’s Word. ✝️❤️😊 -
“Does My Immoral Past Disqualify Me from Leadership Roles?”
Q. Bishop Houston does a man’s previous immoral lifestyle or sinful things he’s done in his life disqualify him from a leadership position in the church?Answer: This is an awesome question. It’s a question I’ve had to answer for many, and it’s personally one of my favorite questions. I’ll be delighted to answer you.Beloved, in my opinion, the most important biblical text, for your question is, found in 2 Corinthians 5: 2 Corinthians 5:16-17 (AMP) – *16 So from now on we regard no one from a human point of view [according to worldly standards and values]. Though we have known Christ from a human point of view, now we no longer know Him in this way. *17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ [that is, grafted in, joined to Him by faith in Him as Savior], he is a new creature [reborn and renewed by the Holy Spirit]; the old things [the previous moral and spiritual condition] have passed away. Behold, new things have come [because spiritual awakening brings a new life].You see, when we fully believe and trust, in other words, have “ALL CONFIDENCE” that it’s Jesus’ saving work that rescued or removed us from immoral harm or danger, we become a new creation. Our old concepts and views no longer exist. The blood of Jesus covers the sins of one’s pre-conversion. In Christ, our sins (immoral ways and thinking) are both exonerated and not remembered.” Jeremiah 31:34 (Msg) says: They will no longer go around setting up schools to teach each other about God. They’ll know me firsthand, the dull and the bright, the smart, and the slow. I’ll wipe the slate clean for each of them. I’ll forget they ever sinned!” God’s Decree. Hebrews 8:12 (AMP) says: “For I will be merciful and gracious toward their wickedness, And I will remember their sins no more.” Hebrews 10:17 (Amp) says: “And their sins and their lawless acts I will remember no more [no longer holding their sins against them].”Paul understood it and believed and acknowledge it in 1 Timothy 1:15-16 (NLT) – *15 This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them all. *16 But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life.Beloved, God’s restorative blessing ought to humble us and inspire us to work for Him, understanding that whatever He accomplishes through us is to His glory and praise. It should also persuade others by giving them hope of being useful in God’s service, “whether it be in a leadership role or not).Paul reminds the Corinthian saints that many of them were once in the fast lane, (getting drunk E & J, Crown Royal, Hennessy, The Bull, etc… Getting high smoking weed-kush-wet, shurm, crack, shooting heroin, cocaine, meth, etc.. Women abusers (beating and or cheating on your spouse, girlfriend or boyfriend, and Women of the night too, were given a new life in Christ. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 (CEV) says: Don’t you know that unjust people won’t inherit God’s kingdom? Don’t be deceived. Those who are sexually immoral, those who worship false gods, adulterers, both participants in same-sex intercourse, *10 thieves, the greedy, drunks, abusive people, and swindlers won’t inherit God’s kingdom. *11 That is what some of you used to be! But you were washed clean, you were made holy to God, and you were made right with God in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.Paul delivers this message to everyone: our identification with Christ by faith means that we died with Him. Christ has completely dealt with our sins and the sentence has been erased. When we were restored to life in Him, we climbed into the vehicle of a new kind of life, rejuvenated by His Holy Spirit. So, we must no longer live as we did during pre-conversion. We now live our life for Him – Romans 6:8-11.Now there are qualifications for elders (and deacons) found in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus. They are character qualifications based upon a reasonable period lived as a Christian, not a new convert according to 1 Timothy 3:6. So actually, they don’t focus on anyone’s sins before salvation.So, in general, the sins of anyone’s past as an unbeliever cannot disqualify a “new creation” from leading in the church or mystery. Now, if, for some reason, this individual’s past casts a shadow on his reputation inside or outside the church, rightly or wrongly, then it would seem best not to appoint him or her to a leadership role in the church.I also do believe one’s past sins should be considered in certain instances, for the safety of the forgiven sinner and the reputation of the church. For example, if a convicted embezzler “pre-conversion” would best not be made the church treasurer. It may tempt that individual, or to make him or her vulnerable to suspicions and accusations.Beloved, I hope my answer has helped you. Again, thank you for your question.Bishop, W. F. Houston, Jr. -
“Keeping a Strong and Clear Outlook”
All through Ephesians chapter 1, Paul is undoubtedly hit with the brilliance of our birthright in Christ. In our focal verse this morning, we see he prays that we’ll know the resources of its glory. According to Ephesians 1:14, some commentators perceive “His inheritance” as an orientation to believers, who are God’s inheritance or in distinct proprietorship. That interpretation weighs heavily on the value God places on us as believers, as demonstrated in Christ’s death, the forgiveness of our sins, and the abundant grace that He lavishes on us (*1.).Others understand it by referencing it to the believer’s inheritance, which Paul calls “His inheritance” because God is its source. Just as “His calling” (Ephesians 1:18) issued from Him and was received by believers, so His inheritance issues from Him.Beloved, both opinions are theologically sound, but the second view seems more reliable with Paul’s emphasis in verses 11 and 14. It doesn’t make a difference which view is favored, Paul’s point is strong and transparent: reclamation and its complementary blessings are so philosophical that we must have supernatural help to comprehend them. That’s why in Ephesians 1:18, he prayed for our insight.Beloved, insight is vital because how you look at your spiritual possessions is the way you’ll take your spiritual prescriptions to live. If, for example, you comprehend “and appreciate” that you have every source for godly living (*2.), you’re less likely to surrender to enticement. Knowing God has given you His absolute best in Christ (*3.) guarantees you that He won’t hold back less essential things so that you won’t be so apprehensive about earthly requirements. Understanding that you have already received “grace upon grace – John 1:16″, abundant life – John 10:10”, and “everything about life and godliness” – 2 Pet. 1:3″ assures you that God’s forthcoming modification and resources will be more than necessary (*4).Beloved, let this morning’s words inspire you to praise your prosperous and glorious God for His spiritual affluence and magnificent inheritance!!! Amen? Aaamen.Let Us Pray:Dear Heavenly Father, this morning I want to say thank You for allowing me to be Your child. In Jesus’ Name, I Pray, Amen, and Aaamen.✝️❤️Beloved, most of our States are opening back up, but the Coronavirus, COVID – 19 is still Present. Let us all remember to continue to wash our hands, wear our mask to protect others from us and us from them while we’re out and stay in compliance with social distancing. ✝️❤️😊To God Be the Glory. Have a Blessed Sunday, Everyone. ✝️❤️😊Bishop Houston’s Sunday Morning Word Bible References:*1. Ephesians 1:6-7*2. Ephesians 1:3*3. Rom. 8:31*4. 2 Cor. 12:9Beloved, if you desire to read more Bishop, Houston’s (CHOF Bible Fellowship)Sunday Morning messages visit:*www.facebook.com/christianhouseoffaithchof *www.facebook.com/groups/christianhouseoffaithchof*www.bishopdrwfhoustonjr.wordpress.com*www.pinterest.com/bishopwf -
“Error Help Create Us”
Praise The Lord Everyone!!! Happy Monday to you. ✝️❤️😊You know Beloved, one of the most potent regular statements in the Christian faith, is “Be Imitators of Christ. But how many know what it means? Sure, everyone realizes Paul was a prudent man, but he also made errors. So, what is Paul implying here? He tells us to replicate him. Beloved, what Paul is saying to us here is he wants us to look at him as an example as he follows Christ’s example. Now some people would say that that’s pretty selfish or self-centered. Well, it’s not. Beloved Paul is educating us. He’s saying it doesn’t matter what he does we should imitate Christ the best we can. In actuality, Paul uses himself only as a reminder to us that just as he made mistakes, we will too.
Beloved, what matters is what we do when we make those errors. Amen? Aaamen. ✝️❤️😊
Let Us Pray:
Dear Heavenly, once again, I come to say Thank You. Thank You for being the example we can imitate in our lives. Lord, You provide us illustrations that will remind us we’re only human. Father God help us to utilize the examples around us, and in scripture to show us how to replicate You better. In Jesus’ Name, I Pray, Amen, and Aaamen. ✝️❤️Let’s all remember to wash our hands and continue to stay in compliance with social distancing. ✝️❤️😊
I LOVE YOU ALL!!! Have a Spectacular Monday and a Resourceful Week, Everyone. ✝️❤️😊
CHOF Ministry Bible References: N/A
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“Use Your Spiritual USB Connection”
Praise The Lord Everyone!!! Happy Monday to you!!! ✝️❤️😊
You know, in our society today, we live in a world that plugging in or connecting is very important. I was at the airport last week, and I saw people standing in line at the charging station to get their mobile devices charged or recharged. Everyone had a cord connected to their USB port, ready to plug into an electrical outlet.Beloved, three essential passions are dominant that control my soul: evangelism, the exploration of the Bible, and the assessment of the Word of God. I’m convinced that God utilizes the Scripture to recharge lives.
This morning’s section from the apostle, Paul’s letter in Colossians chapter 3 to the believers in Colossae is one of my favorites. These verses follow Paul’s spiritual philosophies that we’ve been made alive in Christ. Here we find Paul explaining the impressive distinction. In verse 15, Paul uses essential “obligated” words when he says: “the peace.” What Paul is saying here is he wants Christians to have harmony (reconciliation, tranquility) with themselves and with each other. In verse 16, Paul utilizes essential “obligated” words again when he recommends the message of Christ, or the Word of Christ, when he says, “has its home within you.” Here Paul’s telling us the Word should be deeply rooted in us.
Beloved, the words, PEACE, and HAVE ITS HOME WITHIN YOU, implies vital actions on our part.
We must get spiritually plugged in!!!
Paul recommends Christian supporters to live a life saturated in Scripture. Colossians 3:16, in particular, encourages believers to allow God’s Word to live (make a home) in their hearts and lives in a deep-rooted (imperative) and profound way. Bible research, education, interpreting Scripture, and moral music are valuable to your spiritual wisdom and experiences. Too often, we read God’s Word or hear a sermon preached and quickly turn our mind to other things. Instead, we’re encouraged to let the message of Christ absorb us, to live and deeply populate in us until it saturates everything we do. Verse 17 (AMP) says: “Whatever you do [no matter what it is] in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus [and in dependence on Him], giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
Beloved, there’s no long waiting line to get connected or reconnected to God. It’s vital to connect the cord coming from your spiritual USB port into a Bible-based outlet or Spiritual Charging Station until you’re Biblically charged or recharged.
If you don’t, your spiritual battery will die. Amen? Aaamen. ✝️❤️😊Let Us Pray:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the port that allows us to be connected to You when our life’s battery is drained or weak. It’s a blessing to have a real source with unlimited power. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen, and Aaamen. ✝️❤️Have a Happy Monday, Everyone. ✝️❤️😊
CHOF Ministry Bible References:
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“Reinforcing Your Spiritual Intensity”
Praise The Lord Everyone!!! Happy Sunday to you!!! ✝️❤️😊
Beloved, if you’re one that loves gardening, you know that judicious pruning (clipping and cutting back) stimulates the general development and production of flowers and garden vegetables. In John 15:1-3, Jesus believed His audience knew as much when He said, *”I am the true Vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. *2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that continues to bear fruit, He [repeatedly] prunes, so that it will bear more fruit [even more productive and more exceptional fruit]. *3 You are already clean because of the word which I have given you [the teachings which I have discussed with you]. “(AMP)
So, what we see here is Jesus comparing believers to branches, which the Father prunes (clipping and cutting back to promote stimulation) for maximum productivity. Beloved, the Word is His pruning shear, which He utilizes with skill and accuracy to eradicate our imperfections and encourage godliness. He wants to eliminate everything from our lives that may impede our spiritual expansion.
Now in this morning’s focal Bible verse (2 Timothy 3:16), the word translation for “correction” is addressing the reinforcing work of God’s Word. Scripture not only uncovers your sin, but it also reinforces you and reestablishes you to an appropriate spiritual posture. It convicts you and then gives you instructions to build you up again.
Job 17:9 says, ” “Nevertheless, the righteous will hold to his ways, and he who has clean hands will grow stronger and stronger.” In Acts 20:32, Paul adds, ” … [I commend you] to the word of His grace [the counsel and promises of His unmerited favor]. His grace can build you up and give you the [rightful] inheritance among all those who are sanctified [that is, among those who are set apart for God’s purpose—all believers].”
Beloved, as the Spirit uses Scripture to uncover transgression in your life, abandon that iniquity and follow what Scripture says to do instead. Your spiritual walk will be reinforced as a result. To aid in that process, 1 Timothy 4:6 (AMP) tells you to be: “constantly nourished [through study] on the words of the faith and of the good [Christian] doctrine…”
Beloved, I firmly believe that any flaws you have can become areas of immense depth and spiritual intensity as you allow God’s Word to do its sanctifying work within you. ✝️❤️😊
Let Us Pray:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the rebuilding, reinforcing, restoring power of Your Word. If there’s any area of my life that’s anemic and defenseless to impulsive behavior, I’m acknowledging it now in Your presence, and today I’m asking You to reinforce where I’m weak according to Your Word.
To God Be The Glory. ✝️❤️😊Have a Blessed Sunday Everyone. ✝️❤️😊
Bishop Houston’s Sunday Morning Word Bible References:
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“Ensued Faithfulness by Extended Family”
Praise The Lord Everyone!!! I pray that your Sunday has started blessed in the Lord!!! ✝️❤️😊You know, I started the CHOF Ministry over 12 years ago. “I DON’T AND WILL NOT” claim to be the best cleric in the world. What I bring to the spiritual banquet hall is what God has prepared me to provide. I’m thankful for the special opportunity to lead, share, teach, and deliver, Christian spiritual influence to thousands for Christ, I’m also even more thankful for the opportunity to be taught, to humbly sit back and listen to the more spiritually established men and women of God. I thank God for faith believing parents and grandparents. My faith in God was shaped by my parents and grandparents when I was young. They taught me about Jesus. As a young adult, I claimed Christianity but spiritually I’d left the spiritual foundation. I thank God for praying parents, it was the internal flame of my grandparents Rev. C. J. Houston (Granddaddy) and, Mrs. Nancy J. Mills (Momma Nancy) my praying mother Elnoria M. Butler that has kept me coming back each time I would veer off my spiritual path. And I also thank God for great friends and who have never turned their backs on me when I felt friendless, disliked and hopeless. My wife, First Lady, Donece Houston, Arnold Smith Jr. (A.J.), Coach, David Norris Sr. Coach, Clifton Fifer Jr., Elder, Aaron K. Henson, The Late Rev. Troy McKee, and The late Marty (Eli) Benson. And there were others that assisted me indirectly, Dr. Donnie and Jackie Banks, Delana R. Sharron and few family members.
It’s through their faith and prayers that have helped shape me, taught me, directed me back to the path I abandoned. “I WAS LOST!!! BUT NOW I’M FOUND!!! Hallelujah!!! You never know who, how, where or when God will allow the proper influences onto the course of your life nor when one of them will help you remove the blinders or rose-colored glasses from your eyes to accept Him. The key is to accept Him when you recognize and then confess.
Today there are many that are thankful for my life’s transformation. But as we all know Satan lives here, evil is the foundation his power is established, and he recruits friends and family 24/7, 365 days and night a year – So there are those that despise me and will despise you because you are no longer hopeless or disliked. Today my life rests on the Word of God. The earnest prayers and Agape love, of God’s sincere people, has been answered as I boldly confess Christ as my Savior. I LOVE the way the Message Bible defines Matthew 10:22-23 (MSG): 21-23 “When people realize it is the living God you are presenting and not some idol that makes them feel good, they are going to turn on you, even people in your own family. There is a great irony here: proclaiming so much love, experiencing so much hate! But don’t quit. Don’t cave in. It is all well worth it in the end. It is not success you are after in such times but survival. Be survivors! Before you’ve run out of options, the Son of Man will have arrived.
This morning our text encompasses Paul’s charge to young Timothy. The apostle inspired Timothy to maintain his belief in salvation through faith in Jesus. Timothy was also raised up in a Christian family and discovered his faith by being taught by his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice (*1). In 2 Timothy 3:15 Paul says to young Tim: “You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood…”
Paul also cautioned Timothy. He told him that following Christ loyally would not be easy. Timothy understood and he also knows about the difficulties and sufferings Paul had faced. (*2), and he let him know that he too would face persecution for being a Christian (*3.) Paul realized that any follower and supporter of Jesus would need motivation-encouragement to face the tyrannical world. He encouraged Timothy to persist in what he was taught, studied and understood as a child because of the people he was taught by. (*4).
Beloved, Paul motivated young Timothy by encouraging him to rely on God’s Word, which was influential in building his faith (*5). Timothy’s family also played a vital role in his life by sharing God’s Word with him and praying for him.
Beloved, the Scriptures have permanent energy to structure and restructure our lives, provide, prepare, and repair us so that we will be spiritually effective, dynamic, beneficial, and valuable servants of God. As Paul says in 2 Timothy 3:16, they are inspired, God-breathed, so worthy of our time and attention. ✝️❤️😊
Let Us Pray:
Dear Heavenly Father, this morning I thank You for allowing us the opportunity to share Your wonderful Words of Wisdom. Thank You for the opportunity to restructure, rebuild and return spiritually. If it wasn’t for the earnest prayers of family and friends that You have allowed to bless our path the opportunity to be spiritually reestablished would not exist. Thank You, God. To You Be The Glory. ✝️❤️😊Have a Blessed Sunday Everyone. ✝️❤️😊
Bishop Houston’s Sunday Morning Word Bible References:
*1. 2 Tim. 1:5
*2. 2 Timothy 3:10-11
*3. 2 Timothy 3:12-13
*4. 2 Timothy 3:14
*5. 2 Timothy 3:15 -
“Do You Need Celebrity Status?”
Peace to all of you who are in Christ and Happy Wednesday. 😊You know, there have always been prominent people, the modern-day world has created a new degree for fame. Outlets like People’s magazines and channels like TMZ and reality Television inspire us to stay interested in every element about celebrities such as their workout routines, diets, and vacations. Sociologists use terms like “celebrity culture” to describe the compulsive interest given to the lives of public figures.
What I’m about to say is disturbing – but must be identified, this culture of creating celebrities has even bled into the church. Just take a look at the mega-churches!!! It’s easy for us to promote and follow famous pastors and church leaders. While God has exceptional people to serve in leadership in the church, and in the Christian ministries but there’s only one true leader. In (v. 18) the concluding section of his celebration of Jesus, the apostle Paul announces Jesus as the “head of the body, the church.”
Now, it’s possible that Paul was cleverly tackling the issues about false teachers, who had taken upon themselves too much authority. If so, Paul confronts their conduct by verifying the supreme authority of Jesus. His authority is established on three central truths:
#1. (v. 18) – Jesus rose from the dead. In His resurrection, Jesus serves as the reassurance, or first fruits, of the resurrection of all believers.
#2. (v. 19) – Jesus is God. The abundance of divinity resides in Him. We can know what God is like. He’s revealed to us in Jesus.
#3. (v.20) – Through His sacrificial death, Jesus made it conceivable for the reunion between a fallen world and God. Jesus discloses to us that God loves us and is even willing to pay a huge personal cost to make a relationship with Him possible.
Beloved, celebrity status isn’t a pre-requisite nor is attaining a goal to apprehend fame when it comes to speaking, teaching or preaching the Good News. It’s a blessing that many churches and ministries don’t have to depend on savvy or cunning leaders for success. All our dependence should always be upon the risen Savior!!! Jesus is the head of the church not because He has published a lot of books, been on celebrity talk shows, been in countless movies, or has an enormous social media following but because of who He is and what He has done. Amen? Aaamen. ✝️❤️😊
PRAY WITH US:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for our risen Savior. In Jesus’ name, I pray Amen and 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 enter our earthly room and blow out our candle. So, reach out and touch the ones that need your agape, dissolve the divisions among you, continue to encourage one another, be united in the same mind, the same reasoning and continue to build one another up.
I LOVE YOU ALL!!! Have a “Wonderful” Wednesday. ✝️❤️😊
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www.bishopdrwfhoustonjr.wordpress.comI LOVE YOU ALL!!! Have a blessed Wednesday
CHOF Ministry Cross-Reference Verses:
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