Saturday, December 31, 2016

Christian Unity is Detailed to the Philippians Volume 47


Paul Closes with Praise to God & Good Will Blessings to his fellow Saints in Philippi
Philippians 4:20-23 Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you. All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar’s household. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. To the Philippians written from Rome, by Epaphroditus KJV

The Apostle Paul was thought by many Bible Scholars to have suffered from some sort of eye disease or eye trouble because of these words he wrote to the Galatian believers, “You know that because of physical infirmity I preached the Gospel to you at the first. And my trial which was in my flesh you did not despise or reject, but you received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus. What then was the blessing you enjoyed? For I bear you witness that, if possible, you would have plucked out your own eyes and given them to me.” (Galatians 4:13-16) (KJV). With this being documented, we find that Paul did not write most of the letters that we now have in the Holy Scripture (the New Testament), however, despite being unable to write adequately himself, Paul was still carried along by God the Holy Spirit in what was written. Here we find Paul closing another letter of his in his most accustomed manner; first he gives all the glory and honor for what is contained in this letter to God; second he sends his heartfelt greetings to all of the saints who have been made such there in Philippi by our Lord Jesus Christ; thirdly he sends greetings to the Church @ Philippi from the other brethren that were there with him in Rome; finally he prays for the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ to be with each and every one of them in the Philippian Church. This letter is believed by many Bible Scholars to have been dictated by Paul to Epaphroditus (the physical writer) and he is thought to have delivered this letter to the Church @ Philippi upon his return home there when he got sick (Philippians 2:25-30).

First, Paul closes by giving all glory to God as he says with these words, “Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” (Philippians 4:20) (KJV). The English word glory is translated by the Greek word doxa which means literally to praise, to honor, and to worship. In other words, this entire epistle or letter written by Paul is a glorification of the greatness of our God and Father in Heaven who could communicate such love, devotion, goodness, etc. to such sinful people as the Philippians through such a sinful man as Paul a murderer and blasphemer (1 Timothy 1:12-17). For it was our Heavenly Father who placed the desire in the heart of the Brothers and Sisters of Paul in the Church @ Philippi to send the many gifts to him in his time of need and likewise it was Paul doing what he was prompted to do by God the Father in going to Philippi and preaching the Gospel of the Grace of God to these Gentile sinners that caused God the Holy Spirit to respond by converting many in Philippi to Christ Jesus our Lord. Both with Paul’s writing, preaching, and teaching to these believers in Philippi and to the brethren in Philippi care and concern for Paul’s needs, necessities, and his nurture all came from the Divine moving of desires and wills by our Father in Heaven who has such strong tender affections for all of His redeemed children.

Secondly, Paul greets every individual believer in the Church @ Philippi and also sends greetings to them from the brethren with him in Rome, “Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you.” (Philippians 4:21) (KJV). The English word salute is translated by the Greek word aspazomai which means to enfold in the arms, that is, (by implication) to salute, (figuratively) to welcome: - embrace, greet. In other words, with words the Apostle Paul was sending out a big hug or embrace to each one of the Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus in the Church @ Philippi. It was as if he were transporting himself in spirit to them to warmly greet each and every one, likewise sending back to them the same from each of the other brethren there in Rome with him. We have no way of knowing who all of the “brethren with him” were, but we know that Timothy and Dr. Luke were seemingly always with Paul and perhaps others were Jewish brethren who lived there in Rome. 

Thirdly, Paul sends greetings from those with him in Caesar’s household as he declares with these words, “All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar’s household.” (Philippians 4:23) (KJV). The reference to those in Caesar’s household is undoubtedly those who were guards, slaves, and perhaps even some of the family members of the Roman Emperor who heard Paul preaching and proclaiming the Gospel even during his imprisonment and were converted by God the Holy Spirit to Christ. This was most likely not made known by them publicly fearing the Emperor would have them executed, but privately they worshipped our Lord Jesus Christ with Paul, Timothy, Dr. Luke, and other brethren there in Rome away from the hateful sight and knowledge of the Roman Emperor. It was Nero who was Emperor during this time in the ministry of the Apostle Paul and it was thought by many that even his wife the Empress Poppaea was saved and converted to Christ by the Holy Spirit, for it was written by Josephus of her that “she was a worshipper of the true God” and perhaps even others in Nero’s own household went and listened to Paul and were converted by the Holy Spirit to Christ. However, whomever they were of Caesar’s household, the Apostle Paul was confident of their salvation to Christ to write to the believers in Philippi warm greeting from the “saints in Caesar’s household”, for Paul would never refer to any non-believers as saints. Paul ends his letter as he does all of them with the benediction of, “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.” (Philippians 4:23) (KJV).

“We should look upon God, under all our weaknesses and fears, not as a tyrant or an enemy, but as a Father, who is disposed to pity us and help us. We must ascribe glory to God as a Father, the glory of His own excellence and of all His mercy unto us. We must thankfully own the receipt of all from Him, and give the praise of all to Him. And our praise must be constant and perpetual; it must be glory for ever and ever.” Matthew Henry

“Paul is generally allowed to have been twice imprisoned at Rome: this was, without doubt, the first time of his being there in bonds, as there is every appearance that he was delivered after this; but his second imprisonment issued in his martyrdom. Every Apostle of God is immortal till his work is done. Paul became a martyr when God saw that there was no farther need either for his preaching or his writing; he had kept and defended the faith, and had finished his course; God took him then from the evil to come; and crowned him with the glory which his Redeemer had provided for him, in reference to which he lived, and after which he had continually aspired.” Adam Clarke

“How wonderful is the Gospel of Christ, but at the same time how brutal it is, for history records that the Roman Emperor Nero who had Paul beheaded when he was imprisoned in Rome for the second time may have come to know that his own wife had become a Christian and even others in his household, but he never opened his heart to the Gospel of Grace and it is recorded that Nero (the most powerful man in the world at that time) committed suicide and this reminds me of these words written by the Apostle Paul to the Corinthian believers, ‘For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life. And who is sufficient for these things?’ (2 Corinthians 2:15-16) (NKJV).” Clifford D. Tate, Sr.

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...


Sincerely in Christ,


Clifford D. Tate, Sr.

Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wednesday, December 28, 2016

Christian Unity is Detailed to the Philippians Volume 46


Paul Thanks the Church @ Philippi for their Generosity to him Part 4
Philippians 4:17-19 Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well-pleasing to God. But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. KJV

In concluding his thanksgiving to these Brothers and Sisters in Christ in the Church @ Philippi, Paul wanted them to know that it was not their gifts (although he desperately needed whatever it was they provided), but it was more of the evidence shown of the genuineness of their faith in helping out another Brother in Christ who was in dire need, Paul declares it to them with these words, “Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.” (Philippians 4:17) (KJV). In this case, the fruit Paul refers to here is figurative language meaning that he craved more so in the seeing them storing up treasures for themselves in heaven by caring for the physical needs of the Lord Jesus’ vessel the Apostle Paul. At the Judgement seat of Christ, believers will be rewarded for their faithfulness to our Lord Jesus Christ and likewise be left in shame before Him for our unfaithfulness to Him. The Apostle Paul knowing full well of this fact strongly desired these believers in Philippi to have their individual and collective accounts of giving to those in need that belong to our Lord Jesus Christ to increase in heaven, for in so helping Paul these believers whether they fully understood at the time were giving as if they were giving directly to our Lord Jesus Christ Himself locked away in a Roman Dungeon as He declared with these words written to those of us in the Millennial Reign, “And when did we see You sick or in prison and came to visit You? And the King will reply to them, Truly I tell you, in so far as you did it for one of the least [in the estimation of men] of these My brethren, you did it for Me.” (Matthew 25:39-40) (Amplified Bible).

Paul did not desire their gifts out of covetousness; as many are seen and heard today on TV and Radio trying to con, coerce, and cause people to send money to them and their ministry not because they are in need like was the Apostle Paul here, but because they desire riches for themselves and have no true desire to spread the Gospel throughout the world because they are covetous false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. (See 2 Corinthians 11:13-15). Paul knew that our God is just with everyone and especially all of those who give to the work of getting out the Word of God as the Apostle Paul was always going about everywhere and in everyplace spreading the Gospel of Christ as he wrote in his letter to the Hebrews with these words concerning our Heavenly Father, “For God is not unrighteous to forget {or} overlook your labor and the love which you have shown for His name’s sake in ministering to the needs of the saints (His own consecrated people), as you still do.” (Hebrews 6:10) (Amplified Bible). Evidently it was the visit from one of the Brothers from the Church @ Philippi (Epaphroditus who became ill serving Paul) where Paul received probably the clothes he needed, food he needed and wanted, as well as some amount of money no doubt (Philippians 2:25) as he confirms to them his present condition with these words, “But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well-pleasing to God.” (Philippians 4:18) (KJV).

Paul who had just written to them of having learned to be content in whatever his current conditions, tells them that their gifts sent by Brother Epaphroditus has more than satisfied his needs there in Rome he needs nothing more from them and what they have already done has gone up to our Father in Heaven just as the sweet smell of the incense burning in the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and the smell of the burning flesh of the animal sacrifices performed in the very same Temple as Moses described when writing of the Exodus from Egypt with these words, “Then you shall take them from their hands, add them to the burnt offering, and burn them on the altar for a sweet {and} satisfying fragrance before the Lord; it is an offering made by fire to the Lord.” (Exodus 29:25) (Amplified Bible). Paul knows that just as God the Father saw all that went on in the Holy Temple in Jerusalem by His Chosen people the Jews, He now sees all the acts of loving kindness that one believer in Christ renders to another and He will reward them accordingly as Paul also said to the Hebrews with these words, “Do not forget {or} neglect to do kindness {and} good, to be generous {and} distribute {and} contribute to the needy [of the Church as embodiment and proof of fellowship], for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. (Hebrews 13:16) (Amplified Bible). Paul was filled full with the gift or gifts that came to him by way of Brother Epaphroditus and he knew that our Heavenly Father would furnish or supply to them all that they needed spiritually and physically to take care of their needs as he says to them with these words, “But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19) (KJV).

The Philippian believers over and over again supplied the Apostle Paul the things he needed while ministering in Thessalonica and while he was confined in a Roman Dungeon, not because they sought after Paul’s favor (for they had that already), but because of their care for and concern for Paul and their desire to see the Word of God go forth in all the places the Apostle Paul was sent by our Lord Jesus Christ. This is why Paul was certain that God the Father would continue to supply every need they had because they were so desirous to supply every need the Apostle Paul had in the service of Christ Jesus our Lord. The Jewish Patriarch Jacob said perhaps best when he said, “Then [Jacob] blessed Joseph and said, God [Himself], before Whom my father’s Abraham and Isaac lived {and} walked habitually, God [Himself], Who has [been my Shepherd and has led and] fed me from the time I came into being until this day, the redeeming Angel [that is, the Angel the Redeemer--not a created being but the Lord Himself] Who has redeemed me continually from every evil, bless the lads! And let my name be perpetuated in them [may they be worthy of having their names coupled with mine], and the names of my father’s Abraham and Isaac; and let them become a multitude in the midst of the earth.” (Genesis 48:15-16) (Amplified Bible).

“As you have given to me in my distress, God will never suffer you to want without raising up help to you, as He raised you up for help to me. His fullness is infinite; and through Christ, whose followers we are, He will dispense every requisite blessing of providence, grace, and glory, to you.” Adam Clarke

“It is wonderful to hear Paul say that he abounded. A prison, a chain, a meager existence! The great ones of the world would have ridiculed the idea that any could be said to abound in such conditions. But they could not imagine the other hemisphere in which Paul lived; and out of his own blessed experience of what Christ could do, he promised that one’s every need would be supplied. God’s measure is His riches in glory; and His channel is Jesus Christ. Let us learn from Philippians 4:18 that every gift to God’s children which is given from a pure motive is acceptable to Him as a fragrant sacrifice.” F. B. Meyer

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...


Sincerely in Christ,


Clifford D. Tate, Sr.

Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Christian Unity is Detailed to the Philippians Volume 45


Paul Thanks the Church @ Philippi for their Generosity to him Part 3
Philippians 4:14-16 Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction. Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the Gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no Church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. KJV

Paul immediately begins the start of his very next sentence (“Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction”) (Philippians 4:14) (KJV) with the conjunction “notwithstanding” to point out that despite him being able to do anything through our Lord Jesus Christ strengthening him in his inner man, he acknowledges that his human frail frame losing vigor, aching, fading, and becoming feeble needed the help they did provide for him while he was in a Roman Dungeon. Paul uses the English phrase “that ye did communicate with” which is translated by one Greek word sugkoinoneo meaning to share in company with, that is, co-participate in: - communicate (have fellowship) with, be partaker of (this Greek word is used here and only two other times in the New Testament). The English word “affliction” Paul uses here in this verse is translated by the Greek word thlipsis meaning pressure (literally or figuratively): - anguish, burdened, persecution, tribulation, trouble. In other words, we find Paul commending these fellow believers for sharing and partaking of his sufferings while he was in the Roman Dungeon, for they placed themselves in the place of Paul in spirit knowing that his suffering was a benefit to them receiving the Gospel at the time of their conversions from false gods to the Living Christ as if they were remembering the words this same Apostle wrote in his letter to the Hebrews when he said, “Remember the prisoners as if chained with them --- those who are mistreated --- since you yourselves are in the body also.” (Hebrews 13:3) (NKJV).

Paul was not going to allow his pride to keep him from being helped by his fellow brethren and also acknowledging to them his extreme appreciation and gratitude for their sacrifices that relieved him in his time of need. Paul goes on to give thanks to the Philippian Church for giving to him to supply his needs as he embarked on his first journey into Corinth by way of Athens where he was later joined by Silvanus and Timothy by saying this to them, “Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the Gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no Church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.” (Philippians 4:15) (KJV). In other words, none of the other Churches that Paul had planted shared any of their financial resources with Paul for his teaching them the Word of God, nor did they apparently share with any of the other Churches who were being persecuted and in need as Paul said with these words to the Corinthian believers who did not seem to get it initially, “Did I commit sin in humbling myself that you might be exalted, because I preached the Gospel of God to you free of charge? I robbed other churches, taking wages from them to minister to you. And when I was present with you, and in need, I was a burden to no one, for what I lacked the brethren who came from Macedonia supplied. And in everything I kept myself from being burdensome to you, and so I will keep myself.” (2 Corinthians 11:7-9) (NKJV).

This reality of the constant sharing of love gifts so often to Paul from the Macedonian or Philippian Church was what blossomed such a deep affectionate love Paul had for them. Note: “We find Paul giving little to know reprimands to the Philippian Church because they were expressing their faith in action to the Apostle when the other Churches failed (for whatever reason) to come to Paul’s aid and what perhaps was so discouraging to Paul was that none of the other Churches that he founded even offered help to him.” Let us not forget that it was the Apostle Paul who wrote these profound, piercing, and penetrating words to the Corinthian believers when they were acting like spoiled spiritual babies, “Do I say these things as a mere man? Or does not the law say the same also? For it is written in the law of Moses, ‘You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain.’ Is it oxen God is concerned about? Or does He say it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written, that he who plows should plow in hope, and he who threshes in hope should be partaker of his hope. If we have sown spiritual things for you, is it a great thing if we reap your material things? If others are partakers of this right over you, are we not even more? Nevertheless, we have not used this right, but endure all things lest we hinder the Gospel of Christ. Do you not know that those who minister the holy things eat of the things of the temple, and those who serve at the altar partake of the offerings of the altar? Even so the Lord has commanded that those who Preach the Gospel should live from the Gospel.” (1 Corinthians 9:8-14) (NKJV).

The Philippian Church took these words very seriously and they made every effort to sow what financial resources they could to the Apostle Paul for sowing so much spiritual resources into their body of believers as these words written in the letter to the Hebrews describes this Philippian Church perfectly, “But recall the former days in which, after you were illuminated, you endured a great struggle with sufferings: partly while you were made a spectacle both by reproaches and tribulations, and partly while you became companions of those who were so treated; for you had compassion on me in my chains, and joyfully accepted the plundering of your goods, knowing that you have a better and an enduring possession for yourselves in heaven.” (Hebrews 10:34) (NKJV). While Paul was ministering in Thessalonica, the Philippian Church continued to send support for his necessities there as well as he declares this way, “For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.” (Philippians 4:16) (KJV). Paul worked with his own hands making tents to support himself while laboring in the Gospel to plant the Church there (1 Thessalonians 2:9), but while he was there he received once again love gifts from the Philippian Church for any needs he might have while sowing spiritual seed there. Apparently they sent Paul a couple of love gifts while he was in Thessalonica.

“The Apostle Paul was more refreshed by the fact that these believers in Philippi had not ever forgotten the fact that he was the angel or messenger of God that came to them (in their minds out of nowhere) with the Gospel of Grace that God the Holy Spirit took and opened their spiritual eyes to see Jesus Christ Crucified and changed their world forever, they were eternally grateful to Paul and showed it in their constant, consistent, and continual support of him financially during his Apostleship.” Clifford D. Tate, Sr.   

“He reminds them that in the beginning of the Gospel no Church communicated with him as to giving and receiving but they only, Philippians 4:15. They not only maintained him comfortably while he was with them, but when he departed from Macedonia they sent tokens of their kindness after him; and this when no other Church did so. None besides sent after him of their carnal things, in consideration of what they had reaped of his spiritual things. In works of charity, we are ready to ask what other people do. But the Church of the Philippians never considered that. It redounded so much the more to their honor that they were the only Church who were thus just and generous.” Matthew Henry

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...


Sincerely in Christ,


Clifford D. Tate, Sr.

Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Christian Unity is Detailed to the Philippians Volume 44


Paul Thanks the Church @ Philippi for their Generosity to him Part 2
Philippians 4:12-13 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. KJV

Briefly in his thanking these brethren from Philippi, Paul expounds more on what he just previously said to them in verse 11, “I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.” (Philippians 4:12) (KJV). In verse 11, Paul declared that he had learned contentment in whatever was his circumstance in this life of faith in Christ Jesus, now he declares that he knows how to live in those circumstances whatever they might be at the time. The English word know Paul uses here at the beginning of verse 12 is translated by the Greek word eido a primary verb; used only in certain past tenses; properly to see (literally or figuratively); by implication (in the perfect only) to know: - be aware, behold, consider, have knowledge, look on, perceive, see, be sure, or to understand. As we declared in the last study/commentary, Paul (as is every believer in Christ) was enrolled in the School of our Lord Jesus Christ which involved both Christ constant, continual, and commanding care for him, while at the same time required Paul to suffer for Christ sake and the cause of the proclamation of the true Gospel of Grace as he already declared to them at the very beginning of this letter with these words, “For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me.” (Philippians 1:29-30) (NKJV), and where do we find Paul writing this very letter, from a Roman prison.

Paul was made aware and now understood how to conduct himself in whatever he found the Providence of God had delivered to him. First he says he knows how to be abased and this English word is translated by the Greek word tapeinoo which means depressed, that is, (figuratively) humiliated (in circumstances or disposition): to depress; figuratively to humiliate (in condition or heart): - abase, bring low, humble. In other words, Paul found himself often times depressed or brought to a low estate in his conditions and even in his inner man as we learned from his words spoken to the Corinthian believers in the last study/commentary (1 Corinthians 4:9-13). However, during all of these tough circumstances and conditions Paul found a strength to endure patiently and even with joy from the grace that flowed to him from our Lord Jesus Christ. Some may ask, why did our Lord Jesus allow these hard, horrific, and even hurtful things to get to His Beloved Apostle, well this answer is none of our business, but these harsh circumstances and conditions are not just for the Apostles (even Paul thought so at the time) (1 Corinthians 4:9), but it is true of every true believer and follower of Christ Jesus of every time and generation and of both men and women who love Him. Paul had learned how to conduct himself honorably and by grace to be steadfast in his work for our Lord Jesus despite having little to no food and no shelter as he declared with these words to the Corinthian believers, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 15:58) (NKJV).

Likewise, he learned how to conduct himself (without haughtiness or being wasteful with resources) when he abounded and this English word abound is translated by the Greek word perisseuo which means to superabound (in quantity or quality), be in excess, be superfluous. In other words, Paul found himself at times blessed with plenty, even more than enough food, clothing, shelter, money, etc. and he learned in the School of Christ how to be gracious, generous, and giving with others with what he had been blessed with as evidenced in his strong desire to go to Jerusalem and help the persecuted Church of Christ in the Capitol City. Paul goes on to use the English word instructed which is translated by the Greek word mueo (used only this one time in New Testament) it means to initiate, that is, (by implication) to teach: - instruct. This teaching and instruction came directly from our Lord Jesus Christ to the heart and soul of the Apostle Paul. We find these two separate times our Lord spoke to Paul directly, this first one was instruction to Paul to lead him into safety our Lord Jesus’ care and protection of Paul from the devil, his invisible devils, and his two-legged devils when He said to Paul, “Now it happened, when I returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, that I was in a trance and saw Him saying to me, ‘Make haste and get out of Jerusalem quickly, for they will not receive your testimony concerning Me.’ So I said, ‘Lord, they know that in every synagogue I imprisoned and beat those who believe on You. And when the blood of Your martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by consenting to his death, and guarding the clothes of those who were killing him.’ Then He said to me, ‘Depart, for I will send you far from here to the Gentiles.’ (Acts 22:17-21) (NKJV).

And this second occasion was also when Paul was under attack from the enemy, but here our Lord Jesus strengthens Paul with might in his inner man with these words spoken to him, “And when he had said this, a dissension arose between the Pharisees and the Sadducees; and the assembly was divided. For Sadducees say that there is no resurrection --- and no angel or spirit; but the Pharisees confess both. Then there arose a loud outcry. And the scribes of the Pharisees’ party arose and protested, saying, ‘We find no evil in this man; but if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him, let us not fight against God.’ Now when there arose a great dissension, the commander, fearing lest Paul might be pulled to pieces by them, commanded the soldiers to go down and take him by force from among them, and bring him into the barracks. But the following night the Lord stood by him and said, ‘Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome.’ (Acts 23:7-11) (NKJV). From these two examples (but of course there were many more than just these) we understand the rationale, the resolve, and the reasoning behind these following words from Paul when he says, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13) (KJV). This verse of Scripture has been a wealth of comfort, care, and cause over the many centuries since Paul penned these words for all believers. Paul wanted these Philippian believers (at the time of his letter) to understand that his knowing how to live fruitfully during times of plenty and times of need did not come from him pulling himself up by his bootstraps and trying harder or doing his best, but it came directly from the grace that was his (and all of ours) from the Lord Jesus Christ. Christ supply of grace is without limit to any one Christian at the same time true for every Christian of every generation.

“It requires as much grace to keep the heart right in prosperity, as it does in adversity, and perhaps more. Adversity, of itself, does something to keep the mind in a right state; prosperity does nothing.” Albert Barnes

“Paul found out that his learning was how to access from this endless fountain or well of living water that is Christ Jesus our Lord and in so doing he found the strength he needed to overcome, survive, and flourish during the worst of times and to be faithful, fruitful, freehanded, and freehearted with his resources during times of abundance, surely Paul had these words of the Prophet Isaiah in his mind when he wrote speaking of the people of Israel, “But you, Israel, are My servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, The descendants of Abraham My friend. You whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, And called from its farthest regions, And said to you, ‘You are My servant, I have chosen you and have not cast you away: Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ (Isaiah 41:8-10) (NKJV).” Clifford D. Tate, Sr.

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...


Sincerely in Christ,


Clifford D. Tate, Sr.

Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wednesday, December 7, 2016

Christian Unity is Detailed to the Philippians Volume 43


Paul Thanks the Church @ Philippi for their Generosity to him Part 1
Philippians 4:10-11 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. KJV

Paul seemingly did always try and heed his own exhortations to others in his own actions as we see here him ending his letter with earnest thanksgiving and gratitude to the believers @ Philippi for their generous help they provided for him while he was a prisoner in Rome. It was not the money or other goods they provided him (although he surely needed what they gave), but it was more the knowledge that they cared greatly for the man that was responsible for bringing them the Gospel of their salvation in Christ Jesus our Lord. The Romans were at the time in history ruling most of the known world with an iron fist and Christians (Paul being most sought after) were one of the top targets of Rome and their many false gods, which were no gods at all, only the devil and his principalities and powers. Paul had an understanding heart toward these believers in Philippi seeing that they had earlier greatly aided him by sending Epaphroditus to them when he was sorely needed as Paul acknowledged earlier on in this same letter to them with these words, “Yet I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, but your messenger and the one who ministered to my need” (Philippians 2:25) (NKJV). It appears by what Paul now says here at the close of his letter that perhaps because of Epaphroditus’s illness or persecution or other circumstances that the Philippians financial care or support of Paul came to a halt for some period of time as Paul says this now, “But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.” (Philippians 4:10) (KJV).

Paul used the English phrase “hath flourished again” which is translated by one Greek word anathallo (the only time it is used in the New Testament) meaning to revive or restore from a depressed, inactive, or unused state or condition. In other words, Paul’s rejoicing was in the fact that just as many flowers go dormant for the winter and sprout or flourish once again in the spring time, so here the believers @ Philippi for perhaps one of the reason stated earlier were not able to come to Paul as they had done before. We don’t know if this lasted a week, a month, a year, or even longer, but whatever the cause and time period, Paul acknowledges his joy that they have resurrected their care for him, surely it came at an opportune time for Paul and that he had heard from those believers after a long period of silence. There is perhaps a bit of a mystery here in that Paul did not mention any care for him by the Church @ Rome. It was clear at the time of his letter to that Church that Paul had never actually physically been to the Church @ Rome, but he planned to go to them as he wrote in this manner in his letter to them, “For this reason I also have been much hindered from coming to you. But now no longer having a place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come to you, whenever I journey to Spain, I shall come to you. For I hope to see you on my journey, and to be helped on my way there by you, if first I may enjoy your company for a while. But now I am going to Jerusalem to minister to the saints.” (Romans 15:22-25) (NKJV).

This Church @ Rome was perhaps under tremendous persecution by the non-converted Roman citizens and the Government of Rome more so and this is why they were not mentioned here in this letter to the Church @ Philippi as having ministered to the needs of the Apostle Paul, not that they did not have the desire but they were hindered, for Paul had two dear saints there Priscilla and Aquila who he acknowledged at the close of his letter to the Church @ Rome with these words, “Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their own necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who is the first fruits of Achaia to Christ.” (Romans 16:4-5) (NKJV), they were certainly not afraid to suffer for Christ sake as Paul’s words clearly declare. The Philippian believers being a good distance away from the City of Rome (even though they were under Roman rule) were unable to serve Paul’s needs for a while, even though they wanted to do so, this was the same mind-set of the Church @ Rome. Note: “Often times circumstances out of our hands cause us to not help other believers that we desire to do to the plots, schemes, and wiles of our enemy the devil as happened to Paul himself many times.” Paul wanted them to know that it was not just his want or need that was the driving force behind these words, but he wanted communion with them more than the money or goods they would send to him as he declares with these words, “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” (Philippians 4:11) (KJV). Paul had been enrolled into the School of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ as is every redeemed, regenerated, and resurrected believer.

In Christ School one of the things Paul learned over the years (through many trials) as he disclosed some of them in these words written to the Corinthian believers speaking of the things that he experienced serving our Lord Jesus Christ, “From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fasting’s often, in cold and nakedness” (2 Corinthians 11:24-27) (NKJV), sounds nothing remotely resembling the prosperity gospel at all. Paul learned contentment even in these miserable circumstances and conditions, because his happiness and joy was in our Lord Jesus Christ and not outward circumstances and conditions. Paul was not a machine or a robot, when he was cut he bled real blood just as we do and he acknowledged his perplexity with the way he and the other Apostles were treated in the world everywhere they went to these same Corinthian believers with these words, “For I think that God has displayed us, the apostles, last, as men condemned to death; for we have been made a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men. We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are distinguished, but we are dishonored! To the present hour we both hunger and thirst, and we are poorly clothed, and beaten, and homeless. And we labor, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure; being defamed, we entreat. We have been made as the filth of the world, the off-scouring of all things until now.” (1 Corinthians 4:9-13) (NKJV).

These very words and even worse one’s can be said of many true believers today all over this world for becoming a follower of Jesus Christ, most such situations occur in other countries like Iraq, Syria, Nigeria, Colombia, Sudan, Sri Lanka, China, and Southeast Asia. Following Christ in the United States has not yet reached this level of harassment, hostility, and hatred. Contentment under such conditions can only be learned from God the Father and can only be felt in the inner man by God the Holy Spirit. To be joyfully and thankfully patient under such situations can only be taught by God to His children like those children in Nigeria and Colombia whose parents were murdered only because they are Christians, as well as the Christians being targeted by ISIS and beheaded live on the internet. These days today around the world are even worse than what we have just read the great Apostle speak concerning himself. The English word content is translated by the Greek word autarkes (used this one time only in the New Testament) which means self-complacent. This self-complacency Paul speaks of concerning himself is not what we think of as one being satisfied with oneself or one’s actions; not looking to improve, but he means his satisfaction, soundness, and sufficiency is in the redeeming Blood of Christ that has been applied to his sinful soul as he declared again to the Corinthian believers with these words, “Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God, who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” (2 Corinthians 3:5-6) (NKJV).

“I am so satisfied with the wise providence and goodness of God, that I know whatever He determines is the best; and therefore I am perfectly contented that He should govern the world in that way which seems best to His godly wisdom. How true is the proverb, A contented mind is a continual feast! What do we get by murmuring and complaining?” Adam Clarke

“The considerations by which he had been taught this, he does not state; but they were probably such as the following: that it is wrong to complain at the allotments of Providence; that a spirit of impatience does no good, remedies no evil, and supplies no want; that God could provide for him in a way which he could not foresee, and that the Savior was able abundantly to sustain him. A contented mind is an invaluable blessing, and is one of the fruits of Christ in the soul. It arises from the belief that God is right in all His ways. Why should we be impatient, restless, discontented? What evil will be remedied by it? what want supplied? what calamity removed? ‘He that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast’ Proverbs 15:15; and one of the secrets of happiness is to have a mind satisfied with all the allotments of Providence. The members of the Episcopal Church beautifully pray, every day: ‘Give us minds always contented with our present condition.’ No prayer can be offered which will enter more deeply into all our happiness on earth.” Albert Barnes

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...


Sincerely in Christ,


Clifford D. Tate, Sr.

Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday, December 3, 2016

Christian Unity is Detailed to the Philippians Volume 42


Paul Reminds the Church @ Philippi what things they are to Meditate On
Philippians 4:8-9 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. KJV

When we last left off, Paul declared to these Philippian believers and we believers today that when we rejoice continually in Christ Jesus our Lord and on the salvation that He purchased for us on the Cross of Calvary, then we would be enveloped, enfolded, and completely enclosed in the peace of God that none of us can ever understand. What Christ accomplished by His death, burial, and resurrection from the dead and our faith in it and in Him cannot ever be undone by the devil, his many invisible devils, nor any of his many two-legged devils. However, with that being said, there is still a very important daily responsibility that falls upon each one of us as sincere believers in the Lord Jesus Christ and one of the most important is what we allow to dominate our thinking. The enemy cannot and does not have the power to control our minds at all, but what he can do is influence our thinking. Our Lord Jesus Christ told us while He was on earth what the enemies desire is for all of humanity and especially those of us who are redeemed and that is as follows, “The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have {and} enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).” (John 10:10) (Amplified Bible). The first half of these words spoken by our Lord Jesus declares to us the only motive of the devil, but praise Jesus the second half declares to us the victory that is ours “in Christ”. The devil by influencing our thoughts wants to steal our joy in Christ, rob us of the peace of God, kill our sanctification in Christ, and destroy our witness to the rest of the world dying in sin ending in hell. Therefore, Paul warns these Philippian believers and we believers today to exercise our minds to the following as he says with these words, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Philippians 4:8) (KJV).

First up on this list is things that are true and this English word is translated by the Greek word alethes meaning that which is not concealing, that is, covered up or hidden; the act or activity of keeping something secret. In other words, Paul wants us to be transparent with God the Father (in our thoughts) knowing that he sees them all anyway, but also transparent with ourselves by keeping our mind more and mostly focus on things we know to be true according to the only Authority that matters God and His Holy Word just as King David declared with these words of a Psalm he penned, “LORD, WHO shall dwell [temporarily] in Your tabernacle? Who shall dwell [permanently] on Your Holy hill? He who walks {and} lives uprightly {and} blamelessly, who works rightness {and} justice and speaks {and} thinks the truth in his heart, He who does not slander with his tongue, nor does evil to his friend, nor takes up a reproach against his neighbor; (Psalms 15:1-3) (Amplified Bible). This is our first duty to our Lord Jesus Christ not out of fear or dread, but out of love for Him and for what He has done for us. Second, Paul declares we must saturate our minds with things that are honest and this English word is translated by the Greek word semnos meaning things that can be revered, lifted up highly, or idolized, that is, that which is worthy of being honored or that which can be adored bringing about positive actions in the life. In other words, Paul wants us to have our minds on things that can lift us up toward heaven (where Christ is seated now) and not drag us downward by yielding more often to our old nature (Colossians 3:1-2), but just as important our conduct in the sight of men as he declared to the Romans with these words, “Repay no one evil for evil, but take thought for what is honest {and} proper {and} noble [aiming to be above reproach] in the sight of everyone.” (Romans 12:17) (Amplified Bible).

Thirdly, things that are just and this English word is translated by the Greek word dikaios meaning equitable (in character or act); by implication innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively): In other words, having just things in our minds will keep us formed and shaped to do no harm to others despite what is happening in the world, this does not bar us from self-defense at all, but it disposes us to have the best interest of humanity in our thoughts and actions as the Proverb declares with these words, “For a righteous/just man falls seven times and rises again, but the wicked are overthrown by calamity.” (Proverbs 24:16) (Amplified Bible). Fourthly, Paul expresses to these Philippian believers and we believers today to exercise our minds to things that are pure. This perhaps is the most difficult one of these eight exhortations that we have because of the day’s we believers live in today of constant bombardment on television ads, print ads, and the internet of women in bikini’s or lingerie, or even naked that causes our old man or old nature to rise up leading our minds back down to impurity instead of purity, however, although Paul did not live in our time, he witnessed the same things we see today just in a different manner, let us be reminded of the Church at Corinth for the example. The English word pure is translated by the Greek word hagnos meaning properly clean, that is, (figuratively) innocent, modest, perfect: - chaste. In other words, Paul was a proponent of what we learned at the beginning of the computer age when the saying was penned by someone saying garbage in equals garbage out and so it is with our minds when we allow sexual lustful things into our mind to take up residence, then we can certainly expect those things to manifest themselves in our un-chaste, un-clean, and un-holy behavior. Note: “This is a constant fight, struggle, and battle every single day that we cannot ever win in our own strength, it takes our yielding to God the Holy Spirit for us to have victory in this area as Paul said to the Galatian believers when he wrote these words, ‘But I say, walk {and} live [habitually] in the [Holy] Spirit [responsive to {and} controlled {and} guided by the Spirit]; then you will certainly not gratify the cravings {and} desires of the flesh (of human nature without God). For the desires of the flesh are opposed to the [Holy] Spirit, and the [desires of the] Spirit are opposed to the flesh (godless human nature); for these are antagonistic to each other [continually withstanding and in conflict with each other], so that you are not free {but} are prevented from doing what you desire to do. But if you are guided (led) by the [Holy] Spirit, you are not subject to the Law.’ (Galatians 5:16-18) (Amplified Bible).

Fifthly, Paul declares that we are to have our minds exercised to things that are lovely and this English word is translated by the Greek word prosphiles (the one and only use in the New Testament) meaning friendly towards, that is, acceptable: - lovely. In other words, our minds should not be filled with desires to injure, hurt, or harm our fellow-man, but instead filled with thoughts that are peaceable and friendly towards others (unless we are assaulted physically) again as Paul instructed the Roman believers with these words, “If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:18) (Amplified Bible). Sixthly, Paul wants our minds focused on things of a good report and this English phrase is translated by one Greek word euphemos meaning well-spoken of, that is, reputable: - of good report. In other words, it is our duty to exercise our minds to things that are honorable and not born out of someone’s gossip to us about others or conditions or circumstances, but only what we know to be the facts of a matter and not innuendo, implication, or insinuation as Paul warned the Corinthian believers to do with these words, “So do not make any hasty {or} premature judgments before the time when the Lord comes [again], for He will both bring to light the secret things that are [now hidden] in darkness and disclose {and} expose the [secret] aims (motives and purposes) of hearts. Then every man will receive his [due] commendation from God.” (1 Corinthians 4:5) (Amplified Bible). Seventhly, Paul declares that our minds should be filled with things of virtue and this English word is translated by the Greek word arête meaning properly manliness (valor), that is, excellence (intrinsic or attributed). In other words, things that serve the purpose of promoting the general good of all mankind and things that are strong and substantive, the very opposite of folly as Paul exhorted the Thessalonian believers to do with these words, “See that none of you repays another with evil for evil, but always aim to show kindness {and} seek to do good to one another and to everybody.” (1 Thessalonians 5:15) (Amplified Bible).

Eighthly, Paul wants us to exercise our minds to things of praise and this English word is translated by the Greek word epainos meaning laudation; concretely a commendable thing: - praise. In other words, the things that are of value, virtue, and vitality to our Heavenly Father, should be things we have in and on our minds, for these things honor Him and are praiseworthy such as repentance, joy, love, peace, abhorring evil, honoring father and mother, confession of sin, giving to the true work of the Gospel, giving thanks to our Father in Heaven for all things, etc. as Paul declared to the Hebrews with these words, “Through Him, therefore, let us constantly {and} at all times offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, which is the fruit of our lips that thankfully acknowledge {and} confess {and} glorify His name.” (Hebrews 13:15) (Amplified Bible). Think on these eight things Paul declares and the English phrase “think on” is translated by one Greek word logizomai meaning to take an inventory, that is, estimate (literally or figuratively): - conclude, (account (of), esteem, impute, lay, number, reason, reckon, suppose, think (on). In other words, our minds are to be like a business ledger or an accounting journal recording our thoughts in the positive or negative side of the ledger and having the positive side or thoughts far out numbering the negative side of the ledger, knowing that as redeemed, regenerated, and reborn sons and daughters of God the Father through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, that we have the mind of Christ even though we don’t always exercise Christ mind within us, we should be more inclined to think like Christ than to think in opposition to Him. Paul uses himself as the example of all these eight things he is exhorting the Philippian believers and we believers today to follow as an example. Paul walked and lived among these believers, so they were eyewitnesses to his daily conduct and behavior, however, we have the Word of God that details for us Paul’s manner of life for our example. Paul declares that not only will God’s Peace be in us, but that when we are obedient to exercise our minds to these eight things or ways of thinking and meditating, then we will know the Presence of the “God of Peace” Himself walking, talking, and fellowshipping with us somewhat like the angel Gabriel spoke concerning himself when he said, “And the angel replied to him, I am Gabriel. I stand in the [very] presence of God, and I have been sent to talk to you and to bring you this good news.” (Luke 1:19) (Amplified Bible).

“We must be moderate in our ambitions and gentle in our behavior. We must ever practice the presence of our Lord-He is always at hand. We must turn over all causes of anxiety to the Father’s infinite care and leave them with Him. We must thank Him for the past, and count on Him for the future. While we pray, the Angel of Peace will descend to stand as sentry at our heart’s door. But we must possess the God of peace as well as the peace of God-the one condition being that we must earnestly pursue all things that are true, just, pure, and lovely.” F. B. Meyer

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...


Sincerely in Christ,


Clifford D. Tate, Sr.

Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…