Study of the Creation of Heaven, Earth and Man Part 1.

The Story of man’s creation and the origins of the creation of Heaven and earth  can be found in the book of Genesis which is called the beginning or the book of beginnings. This book is the first of five books known commonly as the Pentatauch written by the hand of the  prophet Moses and Inspired by Jesus Christ. If you ask a person who has any knowledge of the bible at all when man was created they will automatically say on the 6th day. And I always say that is the correct answer. If you ask the question when was Adam created through whom the Lord Jesus would come through whom the nation of Israel would be birth was created? The answer would be the 6th day and that is not correct. Over the years many have tried to give answers for the different races found all over the world and have never given a satisfactory answer to me and as a bible teacher it is my desire to provide people who are earnestly seeking truth with scripturally sound teaching and the abillity to have biblcal proof to back up what they believe.

Before we continue on in our study we want to point out that the theory behind the literal 6 24 hour period days of creation is not sound biblcal teaching seeing God is not bound by time and time was made for us and God is not bound by our time. God habitat or his dwelling place in Eternity and Eternity is from everlasting to everlasting. (Isaiah 57:15) For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. (Psalms 90:2) Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God. God is not bound by our time but the Apostle Peter tells us in ( 2 peter 3:8 ) But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. So we present to that each day of creation lasted 1,000 years and not 24 hours.

The Lord told Adam when he had warned him about each the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil in the day you eat you shall surely die. ( Genesis 2:17) But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. Some falsely teach Adam died spiritually when he sinned but this is not true seeing he was a living soul and not an immortal soul (Genesis 2:7) And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. A day with the Lord is as a thousand years and a thousand years as one day and Adam died in the very day (1,000 year day) as the Lord said he would. (Genesis 5: 5) And all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty years: and he died. Adam died at the age of 930 and died within the day (1,000 years ) when he ate of the tree of knowledge of good and evil.

The first 5 days of creation after the Lord made Heaven and the earth God created: (Genesis 1:1-23)

God created light and saw that it was good and seperated light (good) from darkness (evil) and called the light day and the darkness He called night and the evening and the morning were the first day. Notice He saw the light that it was good. This happened before the Sun, Moon or the stars were ever created. (Genesis 1: 3-5) ³And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. ⁴And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.  ⁵And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.

God created the firmament in the midst of the waters and the firmament was called heaven (atmosphere) this is found in (Genesis 1: 7-8 ). The heaven was according to these verses of scripture was in the middle of the waters and heaven was made to divide the waters under the firmament (heaven) and above the firmament (heaven). (Genesis 1:7-8 )  ⁷And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so. ⁸ And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day. The waters above the firmament are the same waters referred to as the windows of Heaven being opened during the flood and the foundatins of the deep were broken up meaning the water falling that was like a protective canopy that surrounded the earth fell as rain and the waters from the seas and oceans and rivers rose up out of their place and flooded the earth. (Genesis 7:11) In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, the same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened.

God in the third day caused all the waters under heaven to be gathered unto one place and called it the seas. he caused the earth to appear and call from out of the ground the grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good. So many teach God made everything as it appears automatically and just spoke and it was so but my bible tells me that He made the earth and placed within it the abillity to bring forth grass and herbs and seed and trees and this is not accomplished in a 24 hour day. ( Genesis 1: 11-12) ¹¹And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so.  ¹²And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good. This is not evolution but design by Jesus Christ the one who made the earth with the seed inside the earth.

God in the fourth day made lights in the firmament (heavens) to divide the day from the nightand to be for signs, for seasons, days and years. God created them to be lights in the Heaven and to give light upon the earth. Jesus made the Sun to rule the day and the Moon to rule the night and made the stars also. He gave the greater light (Sun) to rule the day and the lesser light (moon) to rule the night and to divide light from darkness.

God in the fifth day  made the great whales and the fowls)birds) of the air and the waters brought forth abundantly the moving creature that has life and the winged fowl after his kind and God told them be fruitful and to multiply and replenish the earth.

God in the sixthd ay caused the earth to bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast and cattle. God then made man in his image and likeness and gave him dominion (rule) over the fish of the sea, birds and every living animal. God made man in his image which is Jesus Christ (Colossians 1:15) . When God made man he made male and female on the 6th day (Genesis 1:27-31) ²⁷So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. ²⁸ And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. ²⁹And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat. ³⁰And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so. ³¹And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.

God made male and female and notice though the name Adam was never mentioned and here we dont see Eve being created from the rib taken from Adam. We see male and female created and told to multiply and replenish the earth. After this God rested and the first sabbath was kept by the Lord as a day wherein he rested from his labor.

(Genesis 2:1-3) ¹Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. ²And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. ³And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.  Moses declares thus the heavens and the earth were finished and all the host of them. The word host comes from the hebrew word (Strongs #6635) which means a mass of persons or people. How many people were created on the 6th day we dont know. We do knw Adam and Eve were not created on the 6th day but were made and formed and fashioned from the dust of the earth on the 8th day or the day after the sabbath rest.

Adam was the one created who would be the first farmer and who would be the seedline through whom Jesus would come and the nation Israel would be born. (Genesis 2:5-9)  ⁵And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew: for the LORD God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was not a man to till the ground.  ⁶But there went up a mist from the earth, and watered the whole face of the ground.  ⁷And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.  ⁸ And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed. ⁹And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.

Man was created on the 6th day but Adam who was created to be the tiller of His Paradise Garden of Eden and to be also if you will the very lord of this earth was formed from the dust of the ground on the 8th day and God breathed into Adams nostrils the breath of life and Adam became a living soul. Adam lost us and Jesus purchased us back. (  Romans 5;11-13) ¹¹And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. ¹²Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: ¹³(For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.

Death passed upon all men because of Adam’s sin and also on those who didnt sin after the similitude  or likeness of Adam’s sin ( Romans 5: 14) Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude  of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.

Adam was the Son of God( Luke 3: 38 ) Which was the son of Enos, which was the son of Seth, which was the son of Adam, which was the son of God. And the first man Adam was of the earth and the second man Adam was the Lord from Heaven. Jesus was human and Almighty God being the Lord from heaven but had to im the form of Adam (man) come to be a faithful high priest and sacrificial lamb to purge mans sins and bring to man salvation by and through His blood shed at Calvary. Adam lost us and Jesus bought us back with a great price His very life existance and His blood shed and his body being broken for our healing and bruised for our iniquity which is perversity, depravity, iniquity, guilt or punishment of iniquity and wounded for our transgressions or rebellions.

God made Adam lord and king of the earth and death passed upon all men who didnt commit the sin as Adam and Eve did and death passed upon all the people who lived on the earth created by the lord and death reigned from Adam to Moses and we still die today but we have a hope and promise of a resurrection that will cause mortallity to give way to immortality and this corruption will put on incorruption.

Man male and female was created on the 6th day and told to multiply and replenish the earth. One the 7rth day God rested and sanctified and set apart the 7th (sabbath) day as a day of rest and on the 8th day made or formed Adam from the dust of the earth and later formed him a help mate Eve from one of his ribs. This is the beginning in a series of teachings we are presenting chapter by chapter and verse by verse study of God’s Word beginning at Genesis finishing in Revelation. We will also be making these teachings available on tape and in printed form. Feel free to use this material seeing it is the Lord who has given us the privelage to communicate His truth to the earth. This is the beginning in a series of studies that will cover Genesis all the way through Revelation. May they be a blessing to you in Jesus name.

Bro. Josh Sparks.

A spirit of infirmity.

Written by Bishop Josh Sparks.

Praise the Name of Jesus Christ.

Today I want to write about something heavy the Lord has placed on my heart. The past few weeks the Lord has been speaking to me about the many who are sick in body in the church. When I was a young preacher you hardly ever seen sick folk in the church. The people who were sick were healed because the preachers preached about faith and Jesus and His power was more than just a story it was a reality. You cannot and will not move God until you have a revelation of Him and until He has become a reality to you. Jesus is more than just a story and God’s ability to Heal is more than just a good message. That’s why so many are sick in the church today. The preachers are preaching the word but it is void of faith and if the preacher dont really believe and understand what he is preaching how can be a witness to the saints of God.

Let me sat without faith it is impossible to please God. (Hebrews 11:6) But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. I have laid hands on people who come through the prayer line that had no business being up there.They dont have any faith in what was preached because they dont believe that He (God) is (present) or living. They have never had a revelation of the reality of God and the reality of His word they have not known because the one’s teaching them dont know either. You will always have the one who presses through he crowd and is healed in the service. There will always be a Zaccheus who just wants to see Jesus. Some are not at church to be entertained. Some are there to really touch Jesus.

I know God is a healer. I was born crippled. Evangelist R.A West was preaching at the paramount arts center November 1979 and Dad and Mom took me there. Hands were laid on me and by faith they took the pillow I had to wear off from around my little twisted right leg and God healed me. Mt Grandfather was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer 15 years ago and 15 years later he is 79 years old and still alive and well and God is still real and He is still healing those who believe He is because He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

Prayer lines and prayer clothes and prayer boxes have replaced the power of God. We have to have gimmicks and programs to take place of the power we have somehow lost. I believe in prayer lines and prayer clothes but these are mere points of contact and cannot replace the presence of Jesus nor the reality of Jesus. We spend more time boxing God in and not allowing Him to move in our services, we have become experts on telling God what to do and the people who need the revelation of His reality brought to light miss out with God because they cannot find him in our way of worship and orders of service. Zaccheus couldnt see Jesus because of the crowd or the church so he had to take drastic measures. Desperate people will do desperate things in order to catch a glimpse of Jesus. The crowd tried to hush blind Bartimaeus but it made him cry out louder Jesus Son of David have mercy on me and Jesus healed Him. He got a revelation of Jesus and His power was a reality to Bartimaeus and his eyes were made whole.

This brings me to our text tonight. (Luke 13:10-17) 10And he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath.

11And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself.

12And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity.

13And he laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.

14And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because that Jesus had healed on the sabbath day, and said unto the people, There are six days in which men ought to work: in them therefore come and be healed, and not on the sabbath day.

15The Lord then answered him, and said, Thou hypocrite, doth not each one of you on the sabbath loose his ox or his ass from the stall, and lead him away to watering?

16And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?

17And when he had said these things, all his adversaries were ashamed: and all the people rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by him.

Notice Jesus was keeping the Sabbath and as was custom he was teaching in the synagogue. And it says he beheld a woman who had a spirit of infirmity for 18 years. For 18 years this woman spent her life bent over and was no doubt tormented by this spirit of infirmity and she couldnt stand upright and had to walk stooped or bent over. Jesus loosed this woman from this spirit and she stood up and was made whole. And the church folk got mad because Jesus interrupted their church meeting and some of us are like that today. We have a little church bulletin we print up with every song we are going to sing, and every special song and oft-times we have the sermon title also placed in the bulletin. Sometimes God shows up and we neglect what He desires to do and continue right on with the order of service grieving the Holy Ghost.

The religious were mad at Jesus for messing up their church meeting and reminded Jesus of what the law said, 6 days shall you work and on the 7th you should rest. Let those who are sick be healed during the 6 days but not on the sabbath. Jesus said ok you hypocrites you unleash your donkey and lead him to drink water on the sabbath and your ox and you are upset because the moving of my Spirit doesnt cooperate with your order of service cannot stop me from blessing and moving in the realms of faith. Church our religious raunchy judgemental attitudes will not and cannot stop God from moving in peoples lives where faith is present.

Jesus then said ought not this woman who is a daughter of Abraham who has been bound by satan for 18 years be loosed from this band or bondage on the sabbath day and the religious folks shut up but the praise people glorified God and rejoiced and the religious were ashamed. I am telling you church it will take more than a prayer line and a cut up handkerchief to bind and loose those bound by the spirit of infirmity. It will take a people who know God is able and a people of discernment. Yes I said it right a people of discernment. So many people think that because a woman comes to church without her hair piled on her head and her skirt dragging the ground that when we look down our religious noses at her and say she wont get nothing tonight we thank that is discernment and thats not.

Discernment is what Jesus had when he beheld the woman bound with the spirit of infirmity. If it had been some of us preachers she would have went home bound because we are more worried about our 30 minutes of fame thinking we are why people shout and dance and receive from God when we are nothing more than a vessel or conduit God chooses to work through. Without Him your nothing but measured dirt. That is the problem we have so many great preachers with great abilities and these great men fail us because they cannot produce the goods that Jesus can. A preacher can scream and shout and spit and dance but he cannot give you what you need only Jesus can.

Many of the sicknesses in the church are caused by a spirit of infirmity but Jesus has power of the spirit of infirmity and wants it rebuked and removed from His people. Preachers let’s get some discernment and take authority over the devil and allow God to loose his people even though it may go against our programs let God be God and let Him move and be lifted up. Jesus will free us from sickness and disease and will come and sup with us and be to us a very present help in times of trouble. My prayer is for God to give the church discernment of a godly sort and not a carnal sort. Man looks on the outward appearance but God sees the heart. I am sure glad though sometimes He dont judge me when he sees my heart. I hope this little study has blessed you in Jesus name.

Be Blessed,
Bishop Joshua Sparks.

Statement of Faith.

Statement of Faith

“THE ONE TRUE GOD”

We believe in the One ever-living, eternal God; infinite in power, holy in nature, attributes and purpose, and possessing absolute, indivisible Deity. This one true God has revealed Himself as Father in creation, through the Son in redemption, and as the Holy Ghost by emanation (I Corinthians 8:6; Ephesians 4:6; II Corinthians 5:19; Joel 2:28).

The Scripture does more than attempt to prove the existence of God; it asserts, assumes and declares that the knowledge of God is universal (Romans 1:19, 21, 28, 32; 2:15). God is invisible, incorporeal, without parts, without body and therefore free from all limitations. He is Spirit (John 4:24), and “a spirit hath not flesh and bones…” (Luke 24:39).

The first of all commandments is, “Hear, O Israel: the LORD our God is one LORD:” (Mark 12:29; Deuteronomy 6:4). “One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all:” (Ephesians 4:6).

This one True God manifested Himself in the Old Testament in divers ways, in the Son while He walked among men; as the Holy Ghost after the ascension.

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THE SON OF GOD

The one true God, the Jehovah of the Old Testament, took upon Himself the form of man, and as the Son of man, was born of the virgin Mary. As Paul says, “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory” (I Timothy 3:16;John 1:10).

“He came unto his own, and his own received him not.” (John 1:11). This one true God was manifested in the flesh, that is, in His Son Jesus Christ.

“… God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them;…” (II Corinthians 5:19).

We believe that, “… in Him (Jesus) dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.” (Colossians 2:9).

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THE NAME

“… unto us a child is born, unto us a son in given:… and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). This prophecy of Isaiah was fulfilled when the Son of God was named, “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: For he shall save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21).

“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). The Name Of JESUS!

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MAN AND HIS FALL

God created man in His own image (Genesis 1:26,27), innocent, pure and holy (Romans 5:11, Ephesians 2:3). Man needed a redeemer which has been supplied in the seed of the woman, which seed bruised the serpent’s head (Genesis 3:15; Luke 2:10,11); that is, Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins (Ephesians 1:7; Revelation 1:5).

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THE GRACE OF GOD

“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world.” (Titus 2:11,12)

“For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.” (John 1:17)
A Christian, to keep saved, must walk with God and keep himself in the love of God (Jude 21), and in the grace of God. The word “grace” means “favor.” When a person transgresses and sins against God, he loses favor. If he continues to sin and does not repent, he will eventually be lost and cast into the lake of fire. (Read John 15:1,6; II Peter 2:20-22) Jude speaks of the backsliders of his day and their reward. (Read Hebrews 6:4-6)

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:” (Ephesians 2:8).

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THE COMMUNION

Melchizedek, the priest of the Most High God, gave the first communion, consisting of bread and wine (Genesis 14:18), to our father Abraham. Christ, being “made a high priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.” Evidently administered the same (Hebrews 7:21; Matthew 26:26-29; I Corinthians 11:23-32).

On the night of our Lord’s betrayal, He ate the Passover supper with His apostles, after which He instituted the Communion service. “And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the New Testament in my blood, which is shed for you” (Luke 22:19, 20).
Paul instructed the Church how to observe it (I Corinthians 11:23, 24,25).

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THE WASHING OF FEET

This ordinance is as much a divine command as any other New Testament ordinance. Jesus gave us an example that we do even as He had done. He said that we ought to wash one another’s feet. And again, “If ye know these things, happy are ye if you do them” (John 13:4-17). There is scriptural evidence that this was practiced by the church in the days of the apostle Paul (I Timothy 5:10).

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DIVINE HEALING

The physical suffering of the Lord Jesus Christ purchased healing for our bodies, as His death, burial and resurrection provided for the salvation of our souls, for “… with his stripes we are healed,” (Isaiah 53:5). Matthew 8:17 reads, “… Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.” (See also I Peter 2:24)
We see from this that healing for the body is in the atonement. That being true, then it is for all who believe. Jesus said of the believer, “… they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.” Later James wrote in his epistle to all the church, “Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” (James 5:14-16).

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REPENTANCE AND REMISSION OF SIN

The only grounds upon which God will accept a sinner is Repentance from the heart for his sins that he has committed. A broken and contrite heart He will not despise (Psalm 51:17). John preached repentance, Jesus proclaimed it, and before His ascension commanded that repentance and remission of sins should be preached In His name, beginning at Jerusalem (Luke 24:47). Peter fulfilled this command on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:38).

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WATER BAPTISM

The scriptural mode of baptism is Immersion, and is only for those who have fully repented, having turned from their sins and a love of the world. It should be administered by a duly authorized minister of the Gospel in obedience to the Word of God and in the name of Jesus Christ, according to the Acts of the Apostles; 2:38; 8:16; 10:48; 19:5, thus obeying and fulfilling Matthew 28:19.

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HOLY SPIRIT BAPTISM

John the Baptist, in Matthew 3:11, said “… He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.”
Jesus, in Acts 1:5, said, “… ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.”
Luke tells us in Acts 2:4, “… and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost and began to speak with other tongues, (languages) as the Spirit gave them utterance.”

The terms “baptized with the Holy Ghost,” “filled with the Holy Ghost,” and the “gift of the Holy Ghost,” are synonymous terms which are interchangeable in the Bible.

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APOSTOLIC DOCTRINE OF NEW BIRTH

The basic and fundamental doctrine of this Organization shall be the Bible standard of full salvation, which is repentance, baptism in water by immersion in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and the baptism of the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking with other tongues as the Spirit gives the utterance (Acts 2:4,38; John 3:5).

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HOLINESS

We believe that godly living should characterize the life and walk of all saints according to the sign and example found in I Peter 2:21; Titus 2:11; Galatians 2:20; Hebrews 12:14; I Peter 1:15-17.
We believe we are to cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God (II Corinthians 7:1), to abstain from all appearance of evil (I Thessalonians 5:22), and to turn away from those who have a form of godliness but deny the power thereof (II Timothy 3:5; I Corinthians 11:6; I Timothy 2:9,10; I Peter 2:3,4).
The Apostle Peter gives instruction to wives about their behavior and their appearance, “Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; while they be-hold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price” (I Peter 3:1-4).
The Word of God teaches a distinction between the dress of a woman and a man: “The woman shall not wear that which pertains unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman’s garments: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God.” (Deuteronomy 22:5) The word “abomination” used by God in this verse indicates that this rule will not change through all generations. Christian men are not to wear women’s clothing, and Christian women are not to wear men’s clothing.
Modesty is not confined to dress alone but also includes conversation and manners. Philippians 4:5 teaches us, “Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.”
Holiness is not only an inward presence of God but it is also reflected in the outward life of the Christian in his conduct in this world.

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TITHING

We believe tithing is God’s financial plan to provide for His work, and has been since the days of Abraham. Tithing came with faith under Abraham, Moses’ law enjoined it, Israel practiced it when she was right with God, Jesus endorsed it (Matthew 23:23), and Paul said to lay by in store as God has prospered you. Do not rob God of His portion, that is tithes and offerings (Read Deuteronomy 25:4, Malachi 3:8-10, Matthew 10:9-10, Luke 10:7, 1 Corinthians 9:7-17, 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, 1 Timothy 5:17-18, Hebrews 7:2 )

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MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE

“Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery” (Matthew 5:32; 19:9).

In order to lift a higher standard in the ministry, no minister shall be accepted in this organization who has married for the second time after his conversion, unless the first marriage was terminated by a death or Fornication as Stated above.

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SECRET SOCIETIES

The people of God shall have no connection whatsoever with religious oriented secret societies or any other organization (labor unions excluded) wherein bound by an oath to unbelievers.

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THE RETURN OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST

That the Lord Jesus Christ is to come to earth in person is a doctrine clearly set forth in Apostolic times. James taught it; the Apostles preached it; the saints expect it; (See Matthew 24:1, etc.; Acts 1:11; 3:19-21; I Corinthians 1:7,8; 11:26; Philippians 3:20,21; Titus 2:13).

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TRANSLATION OF SAINTS

We believe the catching away of the church is drawing nigh, and at that time all the dead in Christ shall rise from their graves, and we that are alive and remain shall be translated or “caught up” to meet the Lord in the air (Matthew 24:36-42; Luke 17:20-37; I Corinthians 15:51; Philippians 3:20,21; I Thessalonians 4:13-17).

Whereas, the Word of God teaches the imminent second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and that there will be first an appearing or catching away of the Church (I Thessalonians 4:13) preceding His second coming back to earth; and said first appearance we believe to be at hand and likely to occur at any moment.

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TRIBULATION

Moreover, we believe that the distress upon the earth is the “beginning of sorrows” and will become more intense until there “shall be a time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time,” (Matthew 24:21; Daniel 12:1; Romans 11:25-27).

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MILLENNIUM

We believe that the period of “Tribulation” will be followed by the dawn of a better day on earth, and that for one thousand years there shall be “peace on earth and good will toward men,” (Revelation 20:1-5; Isaiah 65:17-25; Matthew 5:5; Daniel 7:27; Micah 4:1; Habakkuk 2:14; Romans 11:25-27).

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FINAL JUDGMENT

When the thousand years are finished, there shall be a resurrection of the dead who shall be summoned before the Great White Throne for their final judgment, and all whose names are not found written in the Book of Life shall be cast into the lake of fire, burning with the brimstone, which God has prepared for the devil and his angels (Revelation 20:5-15; Matthew 24:41-46; Revelation 21:8).

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CIVIL GOVERNMENT

All civil magistrates are ordained of God for peace, safety, and the welfare of all people (Romans 13:1-10; Titus 3:1,2; I Peter 2:13,14); therefore, it is our duty to be in obedience to all requirements of the law that are not contrary to the Word of God and that do not force one to the violation of the sixth commandment by bearing arms. It is our duty to honor without murmuring (Matthew 17:24-27; 22:17-21) and show respect to them in all lawful requirements of the civil government.

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CONSCIENTIOUS SCRUPLES

We propose to fulfill all the obligations of loyal citizens, but are constrained to declare against participation in combatant service in war, armed insurrection, property destruction, aiding and abetting in or the actual destruction of human life. Furthermore, we cannot conscientiously affiliate with any union boycott or organization which will force or bind any of its members to perform any duties contrary to our conscience or receive any mark without our right to affirm or reject same. However, we regret the false impression created by some groups or so-called “Conscientious Objectors” that to obey the Bible is to have contempt for law or magistrates, to be disloyal to our government and in sympathy with our enemies, or to be unwilling to sacrifice for the preservation of our commonwealth. This attitude would be as contemptible to us as to any patriot. The Word of God commands us to do violence to no man. It also commands us that first of all we are to pray for rulers of our country. We, therefore, exhort our members to freely and willingly respond to the call of our Government except in the matter of bearing arms. When we say service – we mean service – no matter how hard . First of all, let us earnestly pray that we will with honor be kept out of war. We believe that we can be consistent in service to our Government in certain non-combatant capacities, but not in the bearing of arms.

Noah’s Ark a type or shadow of New Testament Salvation.

Written by Bro. Josh Sparks.

Praise the name of Jesus Christ.

In the Old testament there are many types and shadows of things mentioned in the old testament that are fulfilled in Jesus Christ and His Sacrificial Death at Calvary. The very Tabernacle and it’s layout inside represents Full New Testament Salvation. The sacrificial lambs offered up to God as a sacrifice for the sins of the people Israel, was not just a blood offering to cover their sins, but was a reminded to God of His plan to prepare a body, Reveal himself in this fleshly body and His name and shed His blood for sins. The sacrifice represented or was a shadow of Jesus the perfect Lamb of God slain for the sins of mankind.

Today I feel impressed to write about the Ark the Lord commanded Noah to build. Wickedness has grown to an all time high int he earth when God spoke to Noah commanding him to build the Ark. We will look at Genesis Chapter 6:7-14.

(Genesis 6:7-14) 7And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them. 8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD. 9These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God. 10And Noah begat three sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth. 11The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. 12And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth. 13And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth. 14Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch.

Sin had seperated man from God and made man so corrupt that God told Noah, “The end of all flesh is come before me”. But notice that Noah found Grace in the eyes of the Lord. Noah had favor with God because He was righteous and loved God. The bible says Noah was just and perfect in His generations or perfect among those with whom he lived who were evil. The purpose in this ark being constructed was to save Noah from the waters of Heaven that were to be released on the earth because of sin. There are some major types or shadows in this portion of God’s Word that represents the New Birth Experience or New Testament Salvation.

God told Noah to build the Ark with three levels (Genesis 6: 16). God gave to Noah a plan that would save him and his household (Genesis 6: 18 ). God told Noah I will establish my covenant with you, and He and his sons and wife and their wives went into the ark. Also 7 of every clean animal and 2 of every unclean as well. The Ark when finished had 3 levels and only one door into the Ark. This one door into the ark was a type or shadow of Jesus the one way to God and the only door into the sheepfold.

(John 10:1, 7-9) 1Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. 7Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. 9I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.

The Apostle peter speaks of how Noah’s Ark was a figure or shadow or type of our Salvation. ( 1 Peter 3:20-21) 20Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. 21The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ .A “figure” is a type, shadow or symbol. Peter informs us that the building of the ark symbolizes or is a type of our salvation.

The Ark had three stories and I believe this represents God’s Plan of Salvation for man. This is a type or figure of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 1) Jesus died. 2) Jesus was buried. 3) Jesus rose from the dead the third day. The Apostles Paul declares this truth to be the very Gospel in (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) 1Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 3For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.

The Apostle Peter and The Apostle Paul both preach that judgement is coming to and upon all who do not obey the Gospel of Jesus Christ. ( 2 Thessalonians 1: 8 ) In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 4:17) For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?

The Ark had 3 levels and one door. The Church today is the Ark of salvation and Jesus is the door in and the only way we can be born again is by water and Spirit(John 3:5) Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. Noah and His family entered in by the door. Jesus as we mentioned earlier is the door into the Kingdom of God and he commands us to be born again. If the Gospel is to be obeyed and the Gospel is the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ how can we obey the Gospel? Must we die physically and be buried then resurrected? The answer is no. We must obey by dying through repentance. We must be buried with Jesus in water baptism in the likeness of his death and be resurrected with him in the likeness of his resurrection which comes through being filled with the Baptism of the Holy Ghost evidenced by speaking in other tongues as the Spirit of God gives the utterance.

The Gospel must be believed and obeyed (Mark 16:15-16) 15And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

(1 John 5: 8 ) And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. This verse shows us the blood and Spirit and water are in agreement. The Spirit of God causes the blood of Jesus to be applied to our lives in Water Baptism in Jesus Name. Jesus said that repentance and remission of sins should or must be preached in His name among all nations beginning at Jerusalem(Luke 24:46-49). This Peter preached on the day of Pentecost when those pricked in their hearts asked Peter and the rest of the Apostles, “men and brethren what shall we do”? In the next verse we see Peter preaching obedience to the Gospel. he declared, 1) Repent-Death. 2) Be Baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for remission(forgiveness) of sins-Burial. 3) And Ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost-Resurrection.

So many teach that water baptism is non essential to ones salvation but eh Apostle Peter declared 8 souls were saved by water and that baptism doeth also now save us(1 Peter 3:20-21). Jesus said he that believes and is baptized shall be saved(Mark 16:16).

So we see types or figures of Salvation in the wonderful testimony of how God saved Noah and His family through the Ark a tyoe of the church and the three levels of the Ark that represented the Gospel and Jesus the one entrance into the Kingdom.

Ark-Church
3 levels-Gospel which consists of 1-death 2-burial 3-resurrection. This also represents obedience to the Gospel.

1.death-repentance 2. burial-water baptism in Jesus Name for remission of sins. 3. Resurrection-Baptism of the Holy Ghost evidenced by speaking in other tongues as the Spirit of God gives the utterance.

We are water baptized into Jesus death and this is also our New covenant Circumcision. We are baptized by the Holy Ghost by which we are baptized into the Lord’s body the church and without none of us can be saved nor can we belong to Jesus without the Holy Ghost.

(Romans 6:3-5) 3Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.

(Colossians 2:11-12) 11In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: 12Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.

(1 Corinthians 12:13) For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

Lets review what we have covered. The Gospel is preached in three parts. 1. Jesus died. 2 Jesus was buried. 3.Jesus rose from the dead. In obedience to this we 1. Repent-Die to sin. 2. We are baptized or buried in the Name of Jesus Christ and our sins are forgiven and washed away(Acts 22:16). 3. We are resurrected when filled with the Holy Ghost the old man dies and a new man is raised to live in the image of Jesus Christ and in the likeness of His resurrection through the faith and operation of God.

I hope this bible study has been a blessing to you. I will be posting more on types and shadows in the weeks to come. We will soon be looking at the layout of the tabernacle and how it is a figure of New testament Salvation. So many ask why do you preach Salvation alot. It is the only message that can bring Salvation to you. You cannot shake my hand, sign our church book and go to heaven. You must be born again. God loves you and wants to save you. Obey the Gospel today.

IN His Grip,
Bro. Josh Sparks.

A Man’s gift makes room for him.

Praise the Name of Jesus Messieh.

Today the Lord has placed on my heart a scripture that has spoken to me concerning my life and the lives of others who have defied the odds that were against them to be lifted up by the Lord and do the will of God in their lives. These men and women found that God’s Destiny for our life, which is to say His will will bring us to that finished product He intends for us to become. When He sees you and me he doesn’t see us as we are though He can see all things. When He sees us He sees us as the finished product He has predetermined us to be. Can we frustrate God’s Will and miss out on the blessings of the Lord? Yes. Can we start all over again?Yes.

You may say Bro. Josh I feel called to preach but I really dont know anyone or my Pastor wont acknowledge my calling or I feel so far from the Lord but have a burning desire to do a work for God. God has given me a gift and talent and I want to use it for God but just don’t know what to do.

The bible declares in (Proverbs 18:16) A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.The word gift here means a present and we know the scriptures teach us that every gift comes from God. (James 1:17) Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. God gives us gifts and talents that will be a blessing to His body and the lost and God is no respector of persons and he will make room for your gift, your talent and your ministry just as he has done in the past.

The bible says God will cause your gift to make room for you meaning He will take the things He has imparted into your spirit man, that seed that when it is full grown will cause you to blossom and become the man or woman Jesus has destined you to be and cause it to make room for you in the work of the Kingdom. The scripture also goes on to say that it will bring you before great men.  The word great here can mean a large number or also men of importance and men established and distinguished in heir work for God. If you truly have a gift God will make room for that gift but will before that send you to a great Man of God who will help you cultivate your gift.

So many of us let the hardships of serving God stray us from allowing our gift to make room for us and we attempt to twist God’s arm and make Him immediately manifest our gifts and talents to the world without us every being proven and without us every going through the tests of life in general that help mold us into the men and women God is calling us to be. Moses although caled of God to deliver the children of Israel out of bondage, killed an Egyptian and attempted to execute the feelings in his heart before the gift of God could make room for him and he ended up on the back side of a dessert for 40 years before He heard from God.

A man’s gift will make room for Him. Jospeh told the dream to his brothers about the Sun and the Moon and the 11 stars bowing before him and this was God’s Destiny for Joseph to be a ruler over his brethern and to ultimately save the world during famine. He ended up in a pit sold to the Midianites as a slave and ended up the slave to Potiphor. His was exalted only to be placed in jail again then to rise out of obscurity and interpret the Pharoh’s dream and be made as great as Pharoh except for in His throne. Joseph lead the world through 7 good years and 7 years of famine and all the people were kept alive by this Man of God whose gift made room for him.

Be patient for your work in God. Jesus will make room for your gift. Do you feel like leaving your church and Pastor and roaming about seeking to do the will of God? Friend you will roam and roam and never make your self what God and God alone can make you. He has a destiny for your life and wants to fulfil it but you must be obedient and allow Him to use the gift He has imparted to you to make room for you.

It has taken nearly 18 years in fact the whole history of my ministry to figure this out. Testimony has come from the test I have gone through. Just as the Apostle Peter was jailed and place among four quarentines of soldiers it was not his destiny to die there. The prayer meeting the church had didn’t set Peter free but God’s destiny was revealed by Jesus when he said when your old you will be lead where you dont want to go.

If you will follow Jesus faithfully and help your Pastor young preacher and work in your church saint God will allow your gift to make room for itself and bring you into the council of great and Godly men. This church or ministry you are working with ,ay not be your final destination realize Jesus has you here and the Man of God is placed in your life to help cultivate and grow your gift so God can make your life exactually what He designed for it to be.

This study will be continued in the next few days.

In Jesus Name,

Bro. Josh Sparks.

Does a person receive the Holy Ghost just by believing?

Written by Bro. Josh Sparks

So many today have completely allowed traditions to replace truth. Jesus warned us about doing this and declared that we reject the commandments of God by holding to our traditions and exalting them about the truth of God’s Word. Jesus also said in doing so we make the Word of God of no effect in our lives. The conversation between Jesus and the pharisees and scribes was a result of them seeing one of the disciples eat bread defiled which is to say with unclean hands. They found fault and asked Jesus why His disciples didnt walk according to the traditions of the elders? So many today are walking after the traditions of the elders or the leaders of their particular denomination or church and the answer today is still the same.

(Mark 7: 6-9; 13) 6He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.
7Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
8 For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. 9And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.
13Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.

Many who hold to traditions make the comment to me when they find out I am Holy Ghost Baptized. They say well I received the Holy Ghost when I prayed and received Christ as my personal savior. Neither of these two statements or teachings are found anywhere in the Word of God. No where did any of the Apostles, Prophets, and Ministers in the New Testament ever teach anybody to receive Jesus as personal Savior. Nor did they teach that one receives the Holy Ghost when they prayed or repented of their sins. This is traditions of men and many of it’s constituents deny the voice of truth and stop their ears from hearing the truth and God’s Word cannot effect them because they are blinded by their traditions.

The Disciples of Jesus followed Him for 3 and 1/2 years and were believers in His Mission, partnered with Him in His work and after His resurrection commissioned to carry the Gospel to the world. But what was Jesus instructions to these believing disciples waiting to go carry out the mission of preaching the Gospel to the world. These were believers but were lacking the Power to do so. This power can only be found in the Baptism of the Holy Ghost. (Luke 24:49) And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. Jesus also in Acts 1 gave the apostles commandments and for 40 days spoke to them of the things concerning the things pertaining to the Kingdom of God. He told them what they needed that would give them the power and ability to carry out the Kingdom message and His atonement.

(Acts 1: 4-5:8 ) 4And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. 5For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. 8But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

This believed Jesus for 3 and 1/2 years but did not receive the Holy Ghost just because they believed that Jesus death, burial and resurrection were realities. These received the Holy Ghost by waiting int he place Jesus commanded them to wait for the promise of the father, the baptism of the Holy Ghost and fire. We see ths fulfilled in (Acts 2:1-4) 1And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

The 3,000 added to the church of that very same day were told that it took more then believing, thought that is important, it takes more then that to be saved. It takes repentance, water baptism in Jesus name and God will fill you with the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:38 ) Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:41) Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. Peter didnt promise these believers the Holy Ghost was given to them by believing.

The same is true in Samaria when Phillip preached to them the things concerning the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ that men and women both were baptized. (Acts 8:14-16) 14Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: 15Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: 16(For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) These received the Holy Ghost when? When they believed? No. When they were baptized? No. When? When the Apostles laid hands on them and God filled them with the Holy Ghost. (Acts 8:17) Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.

The bible tells us in Acts 10 about an Italian man living in Caesarea who feared God, gave much alms and prayed to God always. There was even a memorial made for this man in heaven and his prayers God had heard(Acts 10:1-4). But what did the angel command him to do? To send men to Joppa and to have Simon Peter come and tell him and his family all the things he was commanded of God to speak. This man was a believer through and through but lacked the New Birth Experience in His life. No dount he believed and had repented but there was something missing. He had not been filled with the Holy Ghost nor was he baptized in Jesus Name for remission of sins. But something powerful happened while Peter was preaching. The Holy Ghost fell and Cornellius and His family were baptized with the Holy Ghost and spoke with tongues. Then Peter commanded them to be water baptized in the Name of the Lord.

(Acts 10:44-48 ) 44While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. 45And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. 46For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, 47Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

In Acts chapter 19, we see Paul engaging in a discussion with 12 disciples of John the baptist. These men no doubt believed in God right? I mean they were disciples of Joh the Baptist. The Apostle Paul knew this but what was Paul’s first question? (Acts 19: 2) He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? (Here is the believers reply)And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. Pauls second question was this. (Acts 19:3) And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism.

The Apostle Paul then declares in (Acts 19:4-7)4Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. 5When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. 7And all the men were about twelve. We see by these exampkes that just because one believes does not mean they have received the Holy Ghost.

The answer to my question, Does a person receive the Holy Ghost just by believing is simply NO. The Word of God proves this that one doesnt receive the Holy Ghost until Jesus baptized them with the Holy Ghost. Only He is the Holy Ghost baptizer. John the baptist declared concerning Jesus in (Matthew 3: 11) I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance. but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire.

I ask you have you received the Holy Ghost since you believed? Unto what then were you baptized? If you say no to the first and into membership in my church for the second you probably havent experienced the New Birth but you can. Obey and dont delay your eternity depends on it.

In Jesus Name,
Bro. Josh Sparks.

Don’t Destroy the Foundations.

Written by Bro. Josh Sparks.

Today the Lord has placed ths thought in my heart and blog about and to post here on facebook as well. FOUNDATION: the basis upon which something stands or is supported, an underlying prepared support, the whole substructure of a building, something laid down or constructed to serve as a base. Every house and building has a foundation. Even though the building may take on different shapes and may be built upward in many different designs. One thing is certain and that is the foundation never changes.

King David wrote by inspiration of the Holy Ghost concerning the foundations of God’s Wors.
(Psalms 11:3) If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do? If the supports of God’s Kingdom are removed then what can the righteous do? They are torn up along with the foundation. But I believe the words of Jesus Christ when He declared in (Matthew 16:18 ) And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. The foundations King David is writing about is the very base that all of God’s Kingdom is built upon.

Know this that the foundation does not change because a building is added to our renovated but it remains intact in it’s original place. You cannot tear up a foundation that is already laid just to lay another foundation in it’s place as a base for the existing building. Remove the foundation and the building will crumble. The Apostle Paul wrote in (1 Corinthians 3:11) For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. I know thsi does not sit well with some religious folks but it is the truth. Jesus is the foundation, the chief cornerstone in whom the whole building filty framed together grows into a Holy Temple unto the Lord. It also has other parts to it’s foundation that we are founded upon.

(Ephesians 2:20-21) 20And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; 21In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord. If your not built upon this foundation then you have not laid up in store a foundation against the time to time that we are getting ready to face as we endure tribulation and not being built on this foundation you will not lay hold on eternal life. ( 1 Timothy 6:19)Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

So many in the religious world today are like those pharisees who rejected Jesus as the Chief Cornerstone of the church. These today who would rather place tradition above truth and reject Jesus Name, the Seal of God, have received the same spirit as the pharisees had. I call it the spirit of the rejecters. The Apostle Peter while preaching in the book of Acts shows us they rejected the stone and didnt desire it to be part of the building and that the Name of Jesus, the stone they rejected was the only name that was given under Heaven among men that could bring salvation. (Acts 4:11-12) 11This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. 12Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

The Prophet Isaiah spoke of Jesus the cornerstone of the church in His book of Prophecy. (Isaiah 28:16) Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.The foundation of God is sure and those who are sealed with the seal of God, Jesus Name belongs to the Lord and the Lord knows them. (2 Timothy 2:19)Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. (1 Peter 2:6)Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.

So many today has removed the Name of Jesus out of the Plan of Salvation. They preach 2 verses of scripture as means of Salvation and this doctrine was never part of the foundation the Church has been built upon. These two verses are found in (Romans 10:9-10) That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Jesus prayed for us who would believe on Him (Jesus) through the Apostles Words. (John 17:20)Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word.

Jesus commanded the Apostles to preach repentance and remission of sins in His Name beginning at Jerusalem (Luke 24:46-49). On the day of Pentecost Peter did just that when thosed convicted of sin asked what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent and be baptized every one of you in the Name of Jesus Christ for remission of sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost(Acts2:38 ). Peter also declared there is no other name that brings Salvation(Acts 4:12). No prayer we could ever pray can bring to us remission(forgiveness) of sins but the blood of Jesus applied to our sin stained lives when water baptized in Jesus Name can and does.

I know so many fight the Name of Jesus Christ and act like they love and adore Him. They will sing and dance and shout and run the aisles praising Jesus and then in the same service fight Jesus Name in Baptism. If there is anything that rises up inside of you that causes you to fight Jesus Name you have a wrong spirit or have been filled with a wrong spirit. You say Bro. Josh I speak in tongues! So why then do you fight Jesus Name? The book of Acts shows us that in Jerusalem they were baptized in Jesus Name(Acts 2:38, 41). In samaria(Acts 8:16). In Caesarea (Acts 10:46-48) and in Ephesus (Acts 19:1-7). Paul was baptized calling on the name of the Lord(Acts 22:16) And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

Don’t be like the religious modern pharisees whose soul desire is to fight Jesus Name. Love that name and obey the Lord Jesus and repent of your sins. Obey by being water baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for remission or removal and forgiveness of sins and God will fill you with the Holy Ghost. Obey Acts 2:38. Upgrade your Salvation.

Built upon the right foundation.
Bro. Josh Sparks.

Preparing for the Blessing.

For the last few weeks the Lord has placed the word preparation in my spirit. Preparation is very important in many instances in our lives and I could waste valuable space to list some of them. Today I want to write about spiritually preparing for God’s blessings, promises and provisions for your life and my life. To be prepared means to be ready in every sense of the matter. being ready and available to Jesus Christ makes all the difference. It also directly affects your blessings as well. If you dont prepare and make yourself ready then you will be unprepared and unready to follow God’s instructions for your life and miss out on so many wonderful blessings and victories in God.

Being ready and prepared to meet Jesus Christ at His coming is of vital importance. Jesus declared in
( Matthew 24:44) Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. The five foolish virgins were unprepared and didnt have the oil in their lamps and were lost as a result. (Matthew 25: 10) And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.

Jesus tells us to be prepared all the time because He could come in any watch of the night. (Mark 13:35)Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning. (Luke 12:36) And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately.

Let me say preparation always precedes God’s blessings. There are many examples in God’s Word. As we prepare God will meet our need according to His riches in Glory by Christ Jesus.

In the word of God we see God said there would no water until the ditches were dug. ( 2 Kings 3:16-17) 16And he said, Thus saith the LORD, Make this valley full of ditches. 17For thus saith the LORD, Ye shall not see wind, neither shall ye see rain; yet that valley shall be filled with water, that ye may drink, both ye, and your cattle, and your beasts.

The promise of oil came when the borrowed vessels were gathered. ( 2 Kings 4:3-4)
3Then he said, Go, borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbours, even empty vessels; borrow not a few. 4And when thou art come in, thou shalt shut the door upon thee and upon thy sons, and shalt pour out into all those vessels, and thou shalt set aside that which is full.

Naaman couldn’t receive healing until he had dipped seven times. (2 Kings 5:10) And Elisha sent a messenger unto him, saying, Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean.

The Messiah could not come until His way had been prepared. (Isaiah 40:3) The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

There can be no Harvest until the fallow(unplowed ground) had been broken up or plowed. ( Hosea 10:12) Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.

There cannot be reconcilliation without repentance. (Joel 2:12-13) 12Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:
13And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.

There cannot be a Vision without obedience. (John 9:7) And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.

There was no resurrection until the stone was removed. (John 11:39) Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days.

Man cannot enter into Heaven without cleansing. (Revelation 7:13-14) 13And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?
14And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

Ultimately those who dont make preparations will be like the generation that persihed in the days of Noah. ( Matthew 24: 38-39) 38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, 39And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

I close this message with the words of warning given to us by Jesus Christ our King. (Luke 21:34-35)34And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. 35For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.

I have been actively involved in the ministry as Pastor, Evangelist, Youth Pastor District Superintendent. I have been preaching for 18 years and the Lord has been speaking to me very distinctly over the course of the last few weeks about preparing myself for a new area of ministry He is moving me into. In doing so I have submitted myself to a local church and I am no longer preaching revivals at this time. The Lord has asked me to work in my local church and is allowing me to fulfill the desire of my heart which is to attend a credible Apostolic Bible College. I have since enrolled in the Biblical Apostolic Universities Associates Degree Program. BAU is accredited by the Assemblies of the Lord Jesus Christ Christian School Accreditation and is a wonderful fully Apostolic Bible College.

I am preparing for the next level in Jesus and I and my family are so blessed. Preparation will bring a blessing. I know the Lord will speak to us when it is time to move forward. Until then I will continue to write and preach in my local church and be a dedicated bible college student until Jesus reveals the fulness of His plan. Is Jesus telling you to prepare for a new area of ministry? Is he calling you just now into ministry of some sort? Find you a good Apostolic Church. Attend bible college if you so desire because God’s will can be found in a solid Apostolic education. If you dont feel attending school is whats needed then work with your local church and allow God to prepare you and equip you to be all he wills and desires for you to be.

I hope this has been a blessing. In Jesus Name.

A Man built upon Jesus the Solid Rock.
Bro. Josh Sparks.

A Counterfit Gospel.

Written by Evangelist J.O. Sparks.

Praise the Name of Jesus Christ.

Today in many churches and assemblies all across this nation and around the world you will hear preachers preach their messages and give the invitation to the lost. The lost will in many cases come forward as a profession of their faith in Jesus and then they will pray a prayer ie the sinners prayer and ask Jesus into their hearts. This prayer is also known as the sinners prayer. This terminology nor this popular belief can be found in the New Testament doctrine of Salvation. The advocates of this doctrine take 2 verses of scripture and ask people to recite these verses and it somehow misteriously saves them. These question me and other Jesus name preachers in matters of doctrine and, faith and practice for upholding the biblical doctrine of salvation. This is found in Jesus commission to His Apostles as well as in their carrying out Jesus explicit commands.

These advocates of the sinners prayer that leads one to salvation misquote these two verses of scripture. (Romans 10:9-10)  9That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Firstly who was this epistle written to? (Romans 1:7) To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. This was an epistle written to the church in Rome. This was written to a people established in the faith. The advocates for the sinners prayer salvation often quote the Apostle Paul in (1 Corinthians 1:17)For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. This is also taken out of context.

2 of the 7 accounts of convert water baptism was performed by the Apostle Paul or as many want to declare him to be the preacher who preached against water baptism.

When a Federal Agent whose job it is to track down, identify and secure counterfit money is trained to do so he or she doesnt study the counterfit money to help them to identify what is counterfit and what is not. They study the original and when they learn the original then anything counterfit will immediately be revealed as such when compared to the mental image they have of the original. I wish somebody would shout unto God in Jesus Name. You dont have to study the garbage put out by false churches and false prophets to know if they are in truth. Just study the truth and it will be the revealer.

The bible says the Word of God is a discerner of the thoughts and the intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12) For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. When the Word of God is preached in truth with the genuine or original Gospel in focus one who has studied and learned the true Gospel will not be fooled to believing the counterfit. So many who have counterfit salvation who have believed  another gospel, received another Jesus and another spirit will manifest in two ways.

Those taught this never hearing the truth will often times respond in shock and awe. This terribly upsets them and will sometimes cause them to search the scriptures in search for truth. Others who are sold out to the counterfit whose eyes have been blinded by tradition and the spirit of the rejecter will fight true biblical salvation and all of those who love it and live by it’s precepts.

John declared to us the measuring stick whereby we can measure what a person teaches and whether or not ittrue or false. (1 John 4:6) We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error. If we study what Jesus commanded the Apostles to preach and teach and follow their teachings and epistles as our rule of faith and practice then we will be preaching, believing and following Jesus commands.

Jesus told Niccodemus in (John 3:5) Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. Notice how Jesus worded His statements concerning the New Birth here. Except or unless a man(or woman) is born again( a secodn time or from above) how? Of water and Spirit. The word water here and it’s correct meaning can be found in the strongs concordance in the Greek Section # 5204 which means water as if rainy or literal water.

Here Jesus is telling Niccodemus how to be born again. Niccodemus ask how can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mothers womb and be born(John 3:4). Jesus proceeded to tell him that this new birth consisted of two parts. That of water and Spirit. Notice also that Spirit is capitol “S” and this means the Holy Spirit or Holy Ghost or the Spirit of God. When the S is capitolized it never represents the spirit of man.

How can a man be born again of water and Spirit. Jesus gave His disciples commandments and these whom He gave commandments were filled with the Holy Ghost and did just as Jesus commanded. They preached you must be born again of the water and Spirit.

Jesus commissioned His Disciples in 3 of the 4 Gospels to go make disciples and teach all nations and to baptize them and to preach repentance and remission(forgiveness) of sins in Jesus Name and that those who believed and were baptized would be saved.

(Matthrew 28 :19-20)  19Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:  20Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

(Mark 16:15-18 ) 15And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.  16He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. 17And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

Luke 24:46-49)  46And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: 47And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 And ye are witnesses of these things. 49And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.

Jesus told the Apostles to tarry in the city of Jerusalem. Why? Until they be endued(clothed) with power from on High. Jesus also reinterated this command before His ascension. (Acts 1: 1-5)  1The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, 2Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen: 3To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: 4And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. 5For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

Jesus then goes on to tell them in (Acts 1: 8 ) But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Something amazing happened just 10 days later. The promise of the Father was poured out on 120 believers waiting on Jesus to come in Spirit form (John 14: 17-18 )  upon them and give them power to be witnesses to His Resurrection and His Gospel. The prophesied promise of Pentecost that gleaned in the eyes of Joel the prophet as he looked several hundred years into the future and declared in (Joel 2:28) And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions.

It happened on the day of Pentecost the 120 were baptized in the Holy Ghost, clothed with the enduement from on High. Given Power to be witnesses. (Acts 2:1-4) 1And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.  2And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

The Apostle Peter verified that this was the fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy. (Acts 2: 16-18 ) 16But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;  17And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: 18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy.

Then Peter preached to those in the audience that Jesus and His miracles validated His Ministry and how His sufferings and death and resurrection were prophesied beforehand by King David. Peter preached that Jesus has been resurrected, and made to be both Lord and Christ (Messieh). Then Peter charges all the house of Israel with Jesus death and says in (Acts 2: 36) Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made the same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. Then we see the response to what peter preached. (Acts 2:37)  Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

Remember Jesus told Niccodemus except a man be born again from above of water and of the Spirit He cannot enter the Kingdom of God. Peter obeyed Jesus command to preach repentance and remission of sins in Jesus Name and that they too who obeyed the command to be born again must do so by water and Spirit. The way to be born again and to have the New Birth Experience is what Peter Declares next. (Acts 2:38 ) Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Peter then tells them this promised Holy Ghost is not privy to one certain group of people but to all the Lord will call. (Acts 2:39) For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the LORD our God shall call. I know some of you reading this will say well Bro. Josh I justw asn’t taught that way and I just don’t believe that God would force me to obey this because Mom and Dad didn’t believe that way. So this changes God’s demand for you to be born again somehow? No you must be born again Jesus said of water (water baptism in Jesu name) and of Spirit( Holy Ghost Baptism evidenced by speaking in other tongues).

Those who heard obeyed and were added to the church. (Acts 2:41) Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And look at what they did as a result of their new birth experience. (Acts 2:42) And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

When people hear the word Apostolic they automatically make fun and say comments like: The Jesus Only’s. Holy Rollers. These make remarks and never examine if their church and pastor is preaching to them and growing them up under the influence of a spirit of error. They dont open their bibles and have never had a true genuine new birth experience but you can and Jesus still demands this of you and me. Even if your preacher and church no longer accepts this as true Doctrine it is true.

If you say I have never obeyed this and my church doesnt teach it you need to find a local church that does. Those who will continue to reject it and disregard it as truth will continue to be deceived and blinded by the god of this world who is the reason they cannot see. (2 Corinthians 4:3-4) 3But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:  4In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

Paul declared those who preached another Gospel whether it be them or an angel was accursed (seperated from God). (Galatians 1:6-9)  6I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 7Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 9As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

Today dont harden your hearts and accept the truth. Obey Jesus command to be born again of the water and Spirit and you can come from darkness and walk in Jesus Marvellous light. ( 1 Peter 2:9) But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.

Dont believe a counterfit Gospel that doesnt have any power to save you or your families. Peter preached the model message or procedural message and if the procedures of the Gospel are obeyed if you repent and are water baptized in the Name of Jesus Christ your sins are washed away and God will fill you with the Holy Ghost. Those who receive another Jesus, and another Gospel and another spirit will have a hard time believing the truth.

(2 Corinthians 11:3-4) 3But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.  4For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.

If you have received and obeyed another Gospel other then what the Apostles preached you have received a false Jesus and a false spirit and you need to obey the True Gospel as taught by the Apostles of Jesus Christ. I ask you today what is stopping you from obeying the truth? I hope this article has been a blessing to you in Jesus Name.

A Man standing on Jesus the solid rock.

Bro. Josh Sparks.

Seeking the Face of God.

Written by Bro. Josh Sparks.

As I sit here at my desk today, the thoughts the Lord has been giving to me over the last few days are thoughts concerning prayer. Not just any type of prayer but seeking the face of God in prayer. The Word of God tells us that Revival will come when we begin not just to pray our sweet hour of prayer or our 30 minute quick maintenance prayer. Revival comes when God’s people seek His face. ( 2 Chronicles 7:14) If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

Some have asked, how do I seek the face of God? And what is seeking the face of God. It is more then maintenance prayer. Maintenance prayer is and seeking God’s face are mentioned separately in the scripture above and for a reason. Regular prayer involves us communicating with God asking for mercy and grace and forgiveness for ourselves. In this time of prayer we pray for the sick, for the lost, for our church and for the church globally to see Revival. We often mention friends and family who are sick and afflicted and while this type of prayer is good and needed to seek the face of God is a higher level of prayer.

Prayer is not always seeking the face of God. It could be that we are seeking the hand of God to move in a situation. It could be prayers prayed to help one maintain the life in God they have already got but seeking the face of God deals with more then this. When we wonder why we don’t get the results we pray for we must first ask the question. Am I asking too much for too little a price? The one hour prayer or maintenance prayer is a must to survive as a christian. So many of us think this a great accomplishment when this is our reasonable service, that is to present our bodies a living sacrifice to God.

(Romans 12:1-2) 1I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
2And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

I spend more then an hour everyday feeding my natural man and don’t spend near enough time in prayer, let alone seeking the face of God. Limited prayer doesn’t give us time for intercessory prayer for the lost, or sufficient time to pray and war for the lost and for revival locally and globally. We as soldiers of the cross are called to war with the enemy and to put on the whole armor of God taking a stand against the wiles of the enemy. We are in a war and maintenance prayer is not intercessory prayer.

(Ephesians 6: 10-18 ) 10Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
11Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.

Just praying the me, me, me prayer and seeking God about the things that just effect us is not true intercessory prayer. It is maintenance prayer but it is not seeking the face of God. To seek the face of God means to intercede for God’s people and for revival and to war with the enemy. This happens to those who are seated with Christ Jesus in Heavenly places where we war against principalities and power and spiritual wickedness in high places.

(Ephesians 1:3; 19-21) 3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: 19And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, 20Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, 21Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come.

What is seeking the face of God. It is doing whatever it takes to get the answer. It is to seek God’s face until he moves in the situation. Moses is a good example of one who truly interceded for God’s people.

(Exodus 32: 7-14) 7And the LORD said unto Moses, Go, get thee down; for thy people, which thou broughtest out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves:

8 They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them: they have made them a molten calf, and have worshipped it, and have sacrificed thereunto, and said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which have brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.

9And the LORD said unto Moses, I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiffnecked people:

10Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may wax hot against them, and that I may consume them: and I will make of thee a great nation.

11And Moses besought the LORD his God, and said, LORD, why doth thy wrath wax hot against thy people, which thou hast brought forth out of the land of Egypt with great power, and with a mighty hand?

12Wherefore should the Egyptians speak, and say, For mischief did he bring them out, to slay them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth? Turn from thy fierce wrath, and repent of this evil against thy people.

13Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, thy servants, to whom thou swarest by thine own self, and saidst unto them, I will multiply your seed as the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have spoken of will I give unto your seed, and they shall inherit it for ever.

14And the LORD repented of the evil which he thought to do unto his people.

Moses interceded for the children of Israel and sought the face of God and the bible says God changed His mind concerning the evil he had thought to do to the children of Israel, remembering the covenant He made with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

There are those satisfied with just maintenance prayer and seeking the hands of God but there is a group of people not satisfied with this type of prayer. They do maintenance prayer but have went up into a new level of prayer because they are hungry for God and for Revival in their church and all across this world. We need a book of Acts outpouring of the Holy Ghost. We need another Azusa Street Revival where people were hungry and sought after God. These people crossed denominational barriers and color barriers and segregation to seek the face of God for a book of Acts revival and because of that move of God I am Holy Ghost filled today.

But what about the generations to come? What will the writers of church history have to sat about us? That we was the lazy church who talked a good talk but never commit ed in our hearts to really seek God. Jesus said in ( Matthew 15:8 ) This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. How often are we guilty of this. And friends we are only kidding ourselves by talking this kind of talk at church. It doesn’t matter how much you blab at church about your walk with God it is whether or not you are walking with God that makes the difference. So many serve Jesus with their mouths and never truly experience a change to serve Him with their hearts.

David declared in (Psalms 42:1-3) 1As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. 2My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God? 3My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God?

Also in (Psalms 63:1-2) 1O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; 2To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary.

We must be like Jacob who was persistent even when coming out of the womb. ( Hosea 12:3-4) 3He took his brother by the heel in the womb, and by his strength he had power with God: 4Yea, he had power over the angel, and prevailed: he wept, and made supplication unto him: he found him in Bethel, and there he spake with us.

Jacob didn’t just spend an hour or two with one eye on God and one on his watch. He wrestled with God because Esau was coming with an army of men to kill Jacob and break up His family. The messengers came to Jacob and told him in (Genesis 32:6) And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, We came to thy brother Esau, and also he cometh to meet thee, and four hundred men with him. After this the bible says Jacob was afraid and he divided the people, the camels, the flocks and the herds into two bands (Genesis 32:7-8 ).

Jacob then prayed to God and here is Jacob’s prayer. (Genesis 32: 9- 12) 9And Jacob said, O God of my father Abraham, and God of my father Isaac, the LORD which saidst unto me, Return unto thy country, and to thy kindred, and I will deal well with thee:

10I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which thou hast shewed unto thy servant; for with my staff I passed over this Jordan; and now I am become two bands.

11Deliver me, I pray thee, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau: for I fear him, lest he will come and smite me, and the mother with the children.

12And thou saidst, I will surely do thee good, and make thy seed as the sand of the sea, which cannot be numbered for multitude.

Jacob sent a present ahead to Esau. 200 she goats, 20 male goats, 200 hundred ewes and 20 rams. He also sent 30 milch camels with their colts and forty ki ne, 10 bulls, 40 female donkeys and ten foals (Gen 32: 13-15). This reminds me alot of times how we often pray. Jacob prayed for poor little old Jacob and then tried to resolve the situation by sending His brother gifts. Esau no doubt was on his way to kill his brother who had stolen his birthright and his blessing. But what happened after this changed Jacob and even His Name and changed His situation and the very outcome of that situation.

(Genesis 32: 24- 30) 24And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day.

25And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob’s thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him.

26And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.

27And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob.

28 And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.

29And Jacob asked him, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, thy name. And he said, Wherefore is it that thou dost ask after my name? And he blessed him there.

30And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.

Jacob sought the face of God and when God said let me go Jacob said not until you bless me. God changed His name to Israel which means prince of God. The name Jacob means the deceiver. What changed the outcome of Jacobs dilema? He got hold of God and was blessed and there He saw God face to face and declared my life has been preserved.

What was the outcome of Jacob seeking God’s face and wrestling with the Lord in intercessory prayer? (Genesis 33:1-4) Genesis 33
1And Jacob lifted up his eyes, and looked, and, behold, Esau came, and with him four hundred men. And he divided the children unto Leah, and unto Rachel, and unto the two handmaids.

2And he put the handmaids and their children foremost, and Leah and her children after, and Rachel and Joseph hindermost.

3And he passed over before them, and bowed himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother.

4And Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck, and kissed him: and they wept.

God changed Esau’s heart and brought reconciliation between Jacob and Esau. Do you really want Revival? Do you really want your loved ones saved? The we must not think that our one hour of help me Lord prayers, though important will bring to us the things we are seeking but Seeking the Face of God will. Please dont stop at maintenance prayer or seeking God’s hand but lets begin to seek the face of God. It will prove to be the answer to our prayers just as it was Jacob’s.

In His Grip,
Bro. J.O. Sparks.