THE "US" GODS!

And God said, "Let US make man in our image, after our likeness." (Genesis 1:26).

When God said, "Let US make man" he was speaking on behalf of the Godhead in its fullness! God spoke in relation to the manifestation of Himself, God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son, and the Holy Ghost in US the Church.

Genesis 1:1 states, "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth." In verse 24, God said, "Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, and it was so." That "living creature" was man!

In the visions God gave Ezekiel, he saw "living creatures" that appeared as a man. (Ezekiel 1:5) Also out of the midst thereof came the likeness of four "living creatures", and this was their appearance; they had the likeness of a "man." Briefly stating, the "living creatures" are actually the compartments wherein God works in man to make him like God himself! Man (male and female) has four quarters to his earth (his body); heart, soul, mind, and body. God takes these four areas (living creatures), and puts them through a purging process, until that "man" (male and female) comes to the place of perfection that God himself is in! Halleluia!

In Genesis 2:7, the LORD God continues what God began in Genesis chapter one, the LORD God, being "Yehovah" or "Jehovah" the self-Existent or Eternal God! This let's us know that God exists within Himself! "Self" as a noun is a person in relation to his own person, nature, and individuality! The "person" of God is that which is manifested in flesh form! These people (the LORD God, male and female in Genesis 2:7) who had come to the total of who God was in the earth, began forming other people (male and female)into the image and likeness of God! "Lord" denotes ownership, mastery, and supremacy. Keep in mind, in Genesis chapter one, God told Adam (male and female) to "be fruitful, multiply, replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and every living thing that moveth upon the earth". The LORD God was doing exactly what he was told! But this "man" (adam[male and female]) in verse seven fell from the place of power and kingdom authority they had been placed in by the LORD God! The fall of creation happened because the "Woman" (the church) was deceived by eating the "lie" of the enemy (not an apple). Then the "lie" was fed to "Adam" (male and female) who had been put in charge of the creation, and then the creation fell! That's what was happening when they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves aprons!! Great God from Zion!! [That explanation will have to come up on another lesson]!

Though the creation fell, God had a plan to restore the creation back unto Himself through Jesus the Christ! Then he (Jesus) began to make men. In St.John 1:12, "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name". He gave them the ability, privilege, right, and strength to become "superhumans" or sons of God!! As a "son" (male and female), we are in a position of heirship, which leads to priesthood, kingship, and godship! In 2 Corinthians 5:17, "Therefore if any man be "in" Christ, he is a new creature" or creation! This means that once we become "new", we have returned to our "ktisis" (original formation), which we had with the Father in the "Beginning" when he said, "Let US!"

Now, we are "forming" men! Jesus said to Simon and Andrew in Mark 1:17, "Come ye after me, and I will make "you" to become fishers of men." Meaning he would cause them to "ginomai" (produce, bring forth) "sons" [male and female], and lift them above "sea level" because of the anointing to "preach the gospel to the poor; heal the brokenhearted; preach deliverance to the captives; recovering sight to the blind; and set at liberty them that are bruised"! (Luke 4:18-19). Sea level is that which keeps men in bondage according to Colossians 2:8, "Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the traditon of men, after the rudiments of the world and not after Christ"!

That's why Jesus said in St.John 14:12, "He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he (male and female)do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go to my Father." Greater in the sense that it's more of US because Jesus did the perfect work! Now it's time for US (the US Gods) to move into the place of perfection and do what he did! Why? Because the creation is waiting for "US", the Sons of God, to come and deliver it or may I say, "deliver them!" Keep in mind, a father does not turn his "business" over to his servant nor his friend, but he transfers the "business" over to his "SON!" It is high time we be about our Father's "business!"

We are the "US" gods that God was talking to when He said, "Let US make man!" Jesus said to the Jews in St.John 10:34, "Is it not written in your law, I said, YE ARE GODS?" Psalm 82:6 "I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High!" "For as he is, so are WE in this world"! (1 John 4:17).

- Apostle Gracie Perry

How is Your Walk with Christ?

I bring you greetings from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who hath already done great and mighty things for us and in us!

Brethren, it's past time that we as God's people put away all foolishness and wresting of the scriptures to suit our personal gain. There is no profit in this. (2 Peter 3:16) What does one gain by twisting what God hath already said? Romans 15:4 declares that “whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning”. The word of God is already “settled in heaven” (Psalm 119:89), and we have the opportunity to search the scriptures to see if those things we have learned line up with the truth (Acts 17:11) and to make sure our lives line up with what has already been written.

Before going any further, let's define “settle”. “Settle” means to “put in a definite order, position, or condition; to make or become clear”. Mind you, the words of God are written for our learning, and we must learn to depart from evil. “Fear the Lord and depart from evil”. (Proverbs 3:7). Being wise in our own eyes causes conflicts in our lives. Only the truth of God can make us free in our minds (John 8:32). The mind must be renewed so that the thought process can be transformed,

and the mind of Christ can be manifested in our lives daily, not just when we go to church on our special day. (Ephesians 4:23; Philippians 2:5). Going to church doesn't make you a Christian. The church building is a place of assembling for God's people and a place where the preaching and teaching of the word takes place on the days that we assemble, but what are you doing the rest of the time? You are responsible for searching and studying the word for yourselves with the assistance of the Holy Spirit. (2 Timothy 2:15; Acts 17:11)

The word of God hath been written for our learning that the eyes of our understanding be enlightened that we may know his perfect will and the exceeding greatness of his mighty power that is able to change us (Ephesians 1:18-19) because we believe the truth.

What the truth does is expose and make known the foolishness in the heart of man. Anything that's exposed and reproved by the light of the word is made visible and clear so that even a child can understand. (Ephesians 5:14)

Now you decide - is it going to be God's perfect will? Do you want to awake out of spiritual sleep and allow God to do of his good pleasure in your life? (Ephesians 5:14)

Let us all be wise men and women of God living in the light of the word experiencing the life and freedom that hath been given us.

- Minister Linda Lawrence

The Making of Man

The making of man was not God scooping up some dirt, shaping it into a form, and blowing breath into it. No! No!

When God "made" man, man was already here. Man came into existence by the creative power of the spoken Word of the living God when he said, in Gen. 1:24, “Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind”. It was then that “man” (male and female) came forth. Then in Genesis 1:26, God said “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness”.

In order to “make” something, you need something “already made” to work with. A seamstress makes outfits or suits out of material already in existence. But God “created”; then He “made”.

To “make” means:
accomplish (perform, carry out, to complete)
advance (move forward or ahead, make or become higher; to progress)
appoint (to set, to name for an office, position, etc; to furnish)
apt (unusually qualified or fit; quick to understand)
bestow (present or give honor)
bring forth; have charge of; dress; put in execution

The “making of man” (male and female) was God performing a complete work in them to present or bring them forth in His own image! God caused “man” to progress into a high place or the heavenlies and set him (male and female) in a position of ruling authority and power! God caused them to be quick or alive in their understanding by putting His blood in them, which qualified them to rule as God! Genesis 1:28 states “God blessed them, and 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”.

God took “man” (male and female) out of a chaotic state of darkness (death, misery, destruction, ignorance) and brought him forth with His blood in him! “Man” means “adam”, and “Adam” means to show blood in the face. God “made man” with His (God's) blood in him (male and female). He “made” them in His image (meaning ghost or phantom - an unusual or unexpected appearance) or in a visible form; a representative.

With a phantom, it's like something is there, but it's not. Meaning God is here, but many people don't know He's here because they don't know who He is! God is a Spirit! But to be seen, He manifests Himself or has “made” Himself visible in “man” (male and female)! God's ghost or God's phantom!

God is eternal; therefore He “made man” eternal! That's why He “made” him “after His likeness”! "After" means hereafter; also posterity. "Hereafter" is from this point forward and posterity deals with all of a person's descendants or all succeeding generations. If that is so with people, and it is, how much more with God? Future generations are a replication or duplication of the generation “before”. God made “man” (male and female) after His likeness to be a representative of excellence or perfection of Himself in flesh form in the earth. God will always be, and “man” (male and female) will always be!

In Genesis, Chapter one, “God” is creating and making! In Genesis, Chapter two, the "Lord
God” is doing the creating and making! Genesis 2:4: "These are the generations of the heavens and of the earth when they were created in the day that the Lord God made the earth and the heavens.” Then in verse 7, it states “The Lord God formed man (adam – people of a common sort or low degree) of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man (male and female) became a living soul.”

The “dust”, not the “dirt”. Dust means “as powdered” or “gray”. It's the color of death! Gray is gloomy, meaning dark or depressed in mind or spirit. Gray also means dismal, which is to be lacking in interest or merit. Man (adam – mankind; male and female) was in a state of ignorance, misery, destruction, and death, but the “Lord God” revived him, or them! The Lord God breathed the very blood of God into their nostrils or faces. It divinely inspired a holy presence that stimulated within the mind of man ideas and feelings which revived his soul and led to creative actions. Within his (male and female) intellect was given the ability not to just understand knowledge only but also to accept it; the knowledge of the unfolding of the “revelation” that they were the very “image” of God in the flesh!

This was the “light” or “luminaries” God saw in Genesis 1:4 that He said was good! He saw man (male and female) in His image and after His likeness in and on the earth as Himself, and He as man!

- Apostle Gracie Perry

The 4 P's of God

Did you know that GOD still surrounds us on a daily basis through life's trials and tribulations? In a world that seems dark, desolate and lonely, his guiding light still shines through, providing and surrounding us with his Promises, Peace, Protection and Power, which I call the 4 P's of GOD.

First = Promise
What is a promise? It is an agreement to do or not to do something - in other words, a VOW. It also means “to give as a basis for expectation, or to make a promise of something to somebody”.

God made a promise, and his greatest promise to man was that he would bring a redeemer from the seed of a woman. He would be completely human, yet divinely begotten, meaning “the only one of its kind” or “unique”. We know that seed was JESUS, who died for our sins so we could have life and have it more abundantly. God promised that his grace is sufficient for us. He promised us victory over death. He promised that all things work together for good to those who love and serve him faithfully. God also promised us eternal life. These are just a few of God's promises to his people.

Second = Peace
Colossians 1:20 states that through Jesus, God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Jesus's blood on the cross. You see, God wants us to be at peace with everything around us - actually to live in harmony, which is another definition of peace. All things in your life are of concern to God: the big and the small, where to move, who to marry, what job to get, and even your hobbies and leisure time. The peace that God gives you will guard your mind and will strengthen you. He wants us to cast our cares on him because he cares so much that he doesn't want us being stressed over any situation. So trust God and keep your mind stayed on him, and you will be able to weather any storm that comes your way.

Third = Protection
Psalm 91:11-12 states “For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone”. In other words, God ordered his angels to guard you wherever you go. Their job is to keep you from falling. But if you stumble, they'll catch you. As a matter of fact, here are some examples of how God surrounds us with his protection:

David was protected from Goliath and also from King Saul who was trying to kill him.
Esther was protected when she went before the king without being summoned.
Daniel was protected when he was thrown into the lion's den.

Now if God will protect them, don't you know you're a part of God's Witness Protection Program? Similar to the Federal Witness Program but yet different.

Federal Witness Program - Relocates you to another place

God's Witness Program - Relocates you from darkness to light

Federal Witness Program - Gives new identify

God's Witness Program - Makes you a new creature

Federal Witness Program - Provides financial aid

God's Witness Program - Supplies all your needs according to his riches in glory

Federal Witness Program - Must sever all ties

God's Witness Program - Comes out from among them

Federal Witness Program – Once you enter in, you cannot have any other contact with old acquaintances because you are subject to being killed.
God's Witness Program – You are expected to go back and testify and present evidence of what God has done and how He will protect you in the midst of your enemies.

Now how much more protection can you ask for than that??

Fourth = Power
1 Peter 1:5 “Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”
The power of God is that ability and strength, whereby He can bring to pass whatsoever he pleases, whatsoever His infinite wisdom may direct, and whatsoever His infinite purity of His will may resolve. You see, God's Power is like himself – infinite, eternal, incomprehensible. It can neither be checked, restrained, nor frustrated. As Christians, we are kept and able to use that same Power. By that same Power, the Holy Spirit empowers us for service: to help the needy, pray and lay hands on the sick (and they shall recover), comfort the bereaved, cast out demons and witness to the unsaved. (Acts 1:8)

So as we go forward, just keep in mind how God has surrounded us with the 4 P's in every area of our lives, and there's no need to be afraid.

2 Timothy 1:7 states “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” So stay and be encouraged and know that God has your back.

- Shawnda Townsend

The Garden of God

Earlier I made mention of the Garden of Eden and said I'd come back with the Garden of God. Well, here I am.

Garden (web) is defined as a place for growing vegetables, fruit, or flowers, and it is natural. But let's see what God's "garden" is.

This "garden" means fenced [a protective or confining barrier of posts, wire, etc; to enclose, within]; to hedge about.

Jesus said in St. John 14:17, "For He dwelleth WITH you and shall be IN you." Verse 23 "If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and WE will come UNTO him, and make our abode with him!" "Greater is he that is IN you"! (1 John 1:4).

You become and are the "garden", the body that God dwells in! It's like putting a letter into an envelope. We encapsulate Him! He lives WITHIN us!

In Genesis 2:7 the "forming of man" was not him being scooped up out of the ground and being shaped into a form and breath breathed into some holes poked into his nose. No! No! No! This "man" [adam(male & female)] was already here, but he was dead. He was walking around breathing, but "dead" [in a state of ignorance, misery, darkness, sorrow, destruction, wickedness, obscurity, death]! This was the "dust" he was in! The LORD God formed him as a potter with clay! He squeezed him into shape through a pressurized process of trials and testings until every thing that was not like God was out of him (male & female) to make them like himself! He brought him out of the darkness into light, or from death to life, by breathing the very "blood" of God into his face!! MAN, or ADAM, means to show "blood" in the face - God's mind, wisdom, understanding, knowledge, health, dominion, authority, power, and all that he (male & female) needed that pertained to life to sustain LIFE within themselves!!

This is the same thing God is doing to you and me now! He is putting us through a pressurized process of trials to get out of us what is not like him so we too can be him in the earth!! Ephesians 2:1 "And you hath he quickened [make alive], WHO WERE DEAD in trespasses and sins." Verses 5-6 "Even when we WERE DEAD in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, and HATH raised us up together, and made us to sit [established] together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus"!!

In Genesis 2:8, the PLANTING of this garden eastward was God mending, adjusting, establishing, settling, stabilizing a definite place that He could eternally or forever dwell. So "man" is the garden that's "eastward" [eternally made] that houses GOD! He chose, God chose, to DWELL IN MAN!! Hallelujah!! God is Spirit (St. John 4:24), the invisible God! But He is the VISIBLE God IN you! Was He not Jesus in flesh form? Yes, He was! And He's still in flesh form IN you! That's the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations but is now made manifest to His saints: "To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is CHRIST IN YOU, the hope of glory"!! (Colossians 1:27).

We the church must come to the place Adam was in Genesis before he fell - a place of dominion, authority, and power! They (male & female) were ruling the creation by the power of God! We MUST come to this place because the CREATION is waiting FOR US, the SONS OF GOD (male & female)! (Romans 8:19).

- Pastor Gracie Perry

The Light

I greet you in the name of our LORD AND SAVIOUR JESUS THE CHRIST!

Let's take a look at the "LIGHT!"

There are several sources of "light": electric light, flashlights, candles, lamps, moonlight, sunlight, etc.
But the "light" I want you to zoom in on is "KNOWLEDGE" which is spoken of in Genesis 1:3 when God said, "Let there be light"! And the true source of this "light" is God! 1 John 1:5 "God is LIGHT, and in HIM is no darkness at all"! He is "OMNISCIENT" [all knowing]!!

When He said here, "Let there be light", He was not talking about "day light". The "light" of the sun and moon wasn't brought forth until the fourth day, vs 14-19. So this had to be a different kind of "light" here in Genesis 1:3, and this "light" was "revelation knowledge which was brought forth the first day.

This word "light" means illumination or luminaries; to shine; be set on fire.

ILLUMINATION is the state of being provided with understanding [comprehension, realization, or knowledge] of something or someone.

LUMINARY is a body that gives off light, as the sun, moon, stars; or a famous or notable person; or one that can enlighten mankind.

God was saying, let there be "people" with my mind, my thoughts, my KNOWLEDGE, understanding, wisdom, power, authority, my blood, my very life IN THEM! Let them be like me!! And vs 3 states, "And there was "light"! God saw these people [male & female] shining, set on fire with the very light of His glory!! Genesis 1:4 "And God SAW the LIGHT, that it was GOOD"!

There were people here before "adam & eve" [the two that religion teaches were running around naked]. Adam & Eve were not "one man and a woman". Don't stone me. Genesis 5:1-2 "This is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made he him; male and female created he THEM; and blessed THEM, and called THEIR NAME ADAM, in the day when they were created."

Philippians 2:5 "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus": vs 6 "Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God."

We dare not self exalt! But we must come to know who we are in GOD! He is our CREATOR, and we must come to know HIM in HIS fullness!!

1Thessalonians 5:5 "Ye are all the children [sons] of LIGHT, and the children [sons] of the day"!!

Hollywood has nothing on God! We have been in LIGHT from the beginning! We are the STARS of GOD!

God bless you.

- Pastor Gracie Perry

Have you really taken a look at the word "genesis"?

I greet you in the name of Jesus, The Christ

Have you really taken a look at the word "genesis"? There are the words "gene(s)"; and "is". Our physical make up "is" in the "gene(s)".

Genesis comes from the Hebrew word "re'shiyth" which means first, in place, time, order or rank (spec. a firstfruit): BEGINNING, the head, every man. The synonym for "genesis" is: creation, origin, source, formation, beginning, birth; nativity, nature.

It is the book of BEGINNINGS. It could be called the nativity scene of creation, birth, circumstances, conditions, etc.

The definition that really caught my eye was "every man".

When you look at the anatomical make up of man (mankind - male and female), we stem from a sperm and an ova. It starts with a cell that has a nucleus with a chromosome that houses the "GENES", which are hereditary units that control or act in the transmission of hereditary characteristics. We receive homologous pairs of autosomal chromosones from our parents; one pair of sex chromosomes from each, totaling forty six chromosomes. So we develop characteristics from both of our parents. This is necessary in the developing or shaping of our personality, which later on in life helps us fulfill the kind of ministry God has given us. Oh glory to God!!

It means "nature" which deals with one's character or temperament. That's why it is so important for us to take on the "new birth" that Jesus spoke to Nicodemus about in St.John 3:3-5. He said "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.". In (vs 5) "Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." This means he cannot know, be aware, understand, discern clearly the kingdom, nor can he arise and come into this realm of power, dominion and authority.

So we must be "born again" (from the Greek word genna'o), which means reproduced, brought forth, regenerated (re-gene-d). "Re" signifying a doing over or doing again, which is actually a metamorphosis taking place. Meta meaning "over" and morpho meaning "form." We need to be "born" or formed all over again!

This happens through the coming forth by the "water" and the "Spirit"!

The "water" here is not "water baptism," but the "water" is THE WORD OF GOD!! Ephesians 5:26: "That he might sanctify and cleanse it (the church) with the WASHING OF WATER by THE WORD!! (the "logos", the divine expression of thought; the REnewing of the mind which brings about a metamorphosis in us) We must be formed all over again by the REnewing of our minds (Romans 12:2). Which is the same forming or squeezing into shape the Lord God did to the man (adam - male and female) in Genesis 2:7 to bring them into the very image of God himself! God is thus "forming" us into His very image, that which Jesus was, and now is, IN US!! For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conFORMED to the image of His Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren (Romans 8:29). We must become the LIVING WORD of God!! "The SAME (that's US)was in the beginning with God" and (vs 14)" the Word was made flesh" (St.John 1:2,14). "For as He is so are WE in this world" (1 John 4:17).

Then we are brought forth by God's "Spirit", which is the "pneuma" (the very breath of God), which contains His blood. And in His blood is all that is vital for life: knowledge, wisdom, understanding. In other words, we must let Christ's mind be in us (Philippians 2:5)!!

This is the same breath the Lord God breathed into Adam in Genesis 2:7 that caused these people to become living souls! God has not changed!! He's the same yesterday, today, and forever!!

So we must take on the "GENES" of God, so much that we become Him! This is the taking on of the "nature" of God! For God is love!!

Genesis means generation(s), or people! Look at this: In the "GENES" God created!! In His people He created heaven and earth. Jesus was and is the "Beginning", and in him was Spirit and flesh, representing heaven and earth! GREAT GOD FROM ZION! Genesis and Beginning come from the same root word meaning origin and source! Where did your "genes" or "nature" originate from? But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: which WERE BORN, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of GOD (St.John 1:12-13)!!

IT "IS" IN THE "GENES"!

Be Blessed of God!

- Pastor Gracie Perry

Salvation

I encourage you to allow God to awake you out of your spiritual sleep - from your deadness - and Christ shall give you light.(Ephesians 5:14) Yes, you are spiritually asleep, unaware that Satan is the god of this world, and he hath blinded the minds of the unsaved. (II Corinthians 4:4) Jesus came to enlighten your understanding to his truth, that you, his people, will no longer be ignorant. (Hosea 4:6) Ignorance hath destroyed many in their minds for not knowing the truth.

When you're not born again, the devil is your father. You're his child. Your mind is controlled by what he tells you to do. He is a liar and abode not in the truth. (John 8:44) So do you think your father is going to tell you to give your heart to JESUS? Absolutely not! You were born in sin (Psalm 51:5), and your iniquities have separated you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you that he will not hear. This is what your father doesn't want you to know (THE TRUTH). He wants you to continue to believe that as long as you go to church, sing in the choir, give your money to the church, work on the pastor aide committee, and be a faithful Sunday School teacher, then you're alright with God. (This is a big bold lie that your father has told you and others from the beginning.) JESUS, declared in John 3:3: “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God”. You must be born again of THE WORD AND OF THE SPIRIT OF GOD.

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9) God knows that the heart is sinful. This is why he said you must be born again.(John 3:3) He wants to give you a new heart full of righteousness. “A new heart also will I give you”, and “I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.” (Ezekiel 36:26) Now after reading this letter, you have gained important knowledge of God's word. So decide to come in agreement with God that you will not continue to reject his will for your life.

Except the Spirit of God draw you, no man can come to God. (John 6:44) The Word is what draws and attracts the heart of man, giving him the desire to come to Jesus working in his heart godly sorrow, grief and pain that has been permitted by God to produce repentance that leads to salvation and deliverance from evil. There is more to just believing the word. The devil believes and trembles because he knows the power of God's Word. (James 2:19) The Word is able to transform the heart of man and bring him in line with the will of God.

Ephesians 2:8 says “For by grace are you saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God”. Be a doer of what the Word says and not a hearer only. Like your father, the devil, you are deceiving your own selves. (James 1:22) Acts 3:19 says “repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out.” Repent means to have a change of heart and mind; turn away from Satan unto God, and live your life through the power of his Word.

Remember if you shall confess with your mouth THE LORD JESUS and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Jesus from the dead, thou shalt be saved. And with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. You just can't say “I believe”, and there is no change in your life style. If any man be in Christ, he is a new creation. His old life style is passed away, and all things are become new.

Now that you know this knowledge, what are you going to do? Give the devil back his tools and become his enemy, declare war on his kingdom and set the captive free with the power of the word IN JESUS NAME.

- Pastor Linda Lawrence

God With Us

“Immanuel” - a Hebrew word meaning “God with us”.

How often do we think of this phrase?

Most likely, we think of “God with us” more at Christmas than any other time of the year. There are several Christmas songs with the word “Immanuel” in them. But, what does this word really mean for us as Christians?

In Isaiah 7:14, Isaiah announced God's prophecy to send a son to his people, and they “shall call his name Immanuel”. Immanuel comes from the Hebrew word “Immanuwel”, which means “God with us”. It is derived from two Hebrew words - “im” meaning with, in conjunction with, in, beside, for all, more than; and “el” meaning strength, mighty God, great, mighty one, power, strong.

Once we have accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour, He dwells in us. He has been with us since creation, the beginning  For example:

1. God was in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve
2. God was in the Ark of the covenant moving with His people
3. God was in the burning bush while talking to Moses
4. God was in the cloud leading the Israelites through the wilderness
5. God was the gardener at the tomb when Mary Magdalene and Mary, mother of
James, came looking for Jesus’ body
6. God was in that other body on the road to Emmaus when walking with two of the
disciples

What better examples than these to show that God wants and desires to be with us. He has had many ways to be with us since the beginning. This is how we develop a relationship with Him – by spending time with Him wherever we are because where we are, He is also.

When Jesus died on the cross, he moved back into spirit, which allowed him to be able to dwell in each of us. He had to leave his physical body in order to be with each of us. He could only be in one location at a time while in his physical body, but now He can dwell in each of us in spirit. Let us rejoice in our Saviour, Immanuel (God with us)!

- Rachel West

THE GARDEN OF GOD

First of all let's establish the fact or truth of the matter, that "the garden of Eden" was not a physical garden, but a spiritual garden.

Webster defines "garden" as a place for growing flowers, vegetables, or fruits. In the Hebrew, garden is (gan) a garden as fenced (a structure that functions as a barrier; to close in or surround); also the word (ganan) meaning to hedge about, ie protect or defend.

It is a place of protection, growth, development, increase, expansion, or coming to maturity.

Genesis 2:8 "And the LORD GOD planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed."

This is what he was doing with the "man" (adam - mankind inclusive of male and female) when he formed him from the dust of the ground. FORMED means the LORD GOD was squeezing and pressuring the "man" (adam - male and female) into the very image and likeness of God himself! He brought them out of the "dust" (a state of death, destruction, ignorance, sorrow, misery, wickedness), and breathed or kindled in their nostrils (faces) the divine inspiration (stimulation within the mind,thoughts, feelings, and impulses) which led to creative action and breathed or kindled in their intellect (the power of the mind to understand and accept knowledge)! He caused them to grow, develop, increase, expand, and come into a place of maturity in dominion, authority, power, wisdom, understanding, health, and eternal life in God!! The LORD GOD literally breathed the blood of God into them! Adam means to "show blood in the face"! In God's blood is life eternal and everything else we need!

Remember the "garden" was "planted" (FIXED - established, made stationary, stable, set definitely) eastward (eternal; everlasting) in Eden (a pleasant place; to live voluptuously; rejoicing). A place of POWER, DOMINION, AND AUTHORITY! Actually it is the same as "heaven" is to us. It's a lofty or high place; an elevated place; happiness; power; eternity! A place where all man needs spiritually and naturally is supplied to him by the ALMIGHTY GOD! It's at his (male and female) disposal now!! You do not have to die to be in this place; we are in it right here and right now, IN CHRIST JESUS! Ephesians 2:6 "And HATH raised us up together, and made us sit together IN HEAVENLY PLACES IN CHRIST JESUS"!!

God is doing the same thing to us, squeezing us into his image and after his likeness by the trials we go through to bring us from the "earth" (carnal) into the "heavenly" (elevated place) by the renewing of our mind!

SOME FOOD FOR THOUGHT!! The "garden of Eden" in Genesis Chapter two was not a beautiful flower garden where Adam and Eve ran around naked. Eve didn't come on the scene until Chapter three. Chapter two mentions "man" (adam - mankind--male and female). If the "garden of Eden" was a physical garden where Adam and Eve lived as told us by religious teaching, how did the King of Tyrus in Ezekiel 28:12-19, get into the garden of Eden? Also in Ezekiel 31:1-18, Pharoah, King of Egypt is in the "garden of God." The trees that are being referred to are other people that are in the "garden of God" as well. In verse 18, they are referred to as "trees of Eden". There were other people there - male and female!! They were people walking in a place of rulership, authority, and power!!

I'll expound more on "the garden of God" another time.
Be blessed of the LORD!!

-- Pastor Gracie Perry

The Woman in Genesis and the Woman in Revelation

In scriptures, many things are said about many “women”, such as Sarah, Ruth, Naomi, Deborah, Esther, and others. But I want to make mention of two women you don't hear too much about across pulpits - the woman in Genesis 3 that the serpent deceived and the woman in Revelation 12:1 who is clothed with the sun (the one that recognizes the deception ).  They are both types of churches.

One "woman" is set up and controlled through philosophies, traditions of men, vain deceit, rudiments of the world (Col. 2:8). She's the adulterer that has caused the people of God to turn away from the “light” (illumination, knowledge, wisdom, understanding, life, health, inheritance) which God gave his people in the beginning. She's still in existence! In Revelation 17: 1-18, she's called “MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH” - the false woman or false church system. She is the one (woman) that fits Proverbs 14:12, “There is A WAY which seemeth right unto A MAN, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Whereas John 14:6 states “I am THE WAY , the truth and the life”!

The other “woman” – the true woman in Revelation 12:1 clothed with the sun (the light, the righteousness of God) - is reproducing Sons of God (the twelve stars) and walking in Kingdom authority (moon under her feet, meaning walking on the power of the enemy). This is the woman (body of Christ, the true church) walking the earth operating in the heavenlies now, not when you get up beyond the blue, but right here and right now! Galations 4:26 “But Jerusalem which is above (already in a high place in the heavenlies in Christ Jesus) is free, which is the mother of us all.”

Revelation 19:7-8 “Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife (the church) hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white (clothed in light): for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.”

"For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we (the true church) might be made the righteousness of God in him.” 2 Corinthians 5:21

This is going on now for those who believe!

- Pastor Gracie Perry

Possess the Heritage!

Heritage is something inherited, occupied; treasured possessions handed down from generation to generation; an estate; that which is acquired or one has come to have in possession.

It is time now for us to possess the heritage that has come to us because it belongs to us by reason of birth! In Hebrews 1:1-2, God in these last days speaks unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things.  Because we are heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ, then we are co-heir (participant in common, together with, in union with, a possessor) with Christ. A possessor is one that possesses (have as property, own, have knowledge of, maintain control over, as one's self, or one's mind).

Our inheritance is kingdom! Searching out the root meaning of inheritance, it also means the Gospel; the good news of Jesus Christ; the Word made flesh that dwelt among us but is NOW spirit living IN us, who have become his flesh and bones! (Ephesians 5:30).

Luke 12:32 - "Fear not little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom" (royalty, rule, a realm, reign, a foundation of power)!  1 Cor.4:20 states "the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power" (force, miracles, ability, mighty deeds, strength)!

The Kingdom is not a place one sails off to beyond the blue.  It, or shall I say "He", is in you! (Luke 17:20-22). Jesus was the "power" of God walking around on two feet!  When reading in Mark 11 about Jesus making his triumphal entry into Jerusalem riding on a colt, those who went before and those who followed cried, "Hosanna, Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord: Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest"!  They were looking at the "kingdom" ride on a colt into Jerusalem! Glory to God!! (Mark 11:9-10). That is what is being said in Matthew 6:33 "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you"! What things? These things: eternal life; divine health; peace; joy; power; dominion; authority; wisdom; knowledge; understanding; incorruption; immortality; all are in the kingdom!! (Romans14:17 states "For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but righteousness, and peace, and joy IN the Holy Ghost"!

It is all by faith! (Galatians 3:18) "For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise."  vs (22) "But the scipture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe." vs (29) "And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise."  Because we who believe are Christ's, that makes us heirs according to the divine assurance or promise of God. Jesus's death has made our heritage possible for us to have it NOW!! Not after you die and go to heaven. What we need to rule over is right here - the power of the enemy that's opposing us NOW!! And God has given us the power to rule now through Jesus, the Christ! (Luke 10:19) (Matthew 16:19).

Hebrew 9:16-17  "Where a testament is, there must also of necessity bee the death of the testator.  For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth."  THE TESTATOR HAS DIED! THE KINGDOM IS OURS NOW!! AND WE MUST POSSESS IT NOW!! For this cause, he is the mediator of the new testatment that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance!! "Might" is equivalent to "may" (is a possibility). "Possible" is equivalent to may or may not happen. Those that don't believe they can have it now and think you have to die to have eternal life, WILL NOT POSSESS IT! But those that believe it and receive it by faith and know they can and must POSSESS it NOW, shall!
TO GOD BE THE GLORY FOR THE THINGS HE HAS DONE!!

-- Pastor Gracie Perry

Are You Dead in the Water or Alive?

When my husband and I were kayaking last weekend, we paddled into a cove near a bridge on Falls Lake. As we entered the cove, we saw 50-60 dead trees at the back of the cove in very shallow water. It was an awesome but somewhat startling scene. It looked like an interesting place to explore. When we moved further into the cove and got closer to these trees, God gave me a simple revelation about these dead trees – they are like the people sitting on church pews today who do not know the revelation of Jesus Christ and the kingdom message. It was an incredibly clear message!

Some of the trees were very tall and looked like they had not been dead as long as others. There were some that were very short due to the “wear and tear” of the weather and water around it. The diameter of some was narrowed to a point from disintegration, and some trees were broken and fallen into the water.

God was showing me that these trees (like some people sitting on the church pews) have not been receiving the nourishment that they need to be green and alive. They are disintegrating, wearing away; they are stuck in the same places they have been for years and years. They are experiencing the same things that they have for years – the same seasonal celebrations, the same scriptural interpretations, the same expectation of church attendance and dress. No nourishment = no life!

The survival of trees depends upon its roots. It is the roots that give the trees nourishment. If the natural trees need water to survive, so do we. Trees are God's people! We are God's people, and therefore we are trees as stated in Mark 8:24: “And he looked up, and said I see men as trees, walking.”

But aren't those trees sitting in water? Why are they not surviving? Why are so many people sitting in this water but dying?  Maybe it is because of the type of water they are sitting in.  We need natural water, but we also need spiritual water or living water.- the Word of God. Remember what Jesus said to the woman at the well in John 4:13-14 “Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.”

Psalm 1:1-3 states “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners (those sitting on the pews), nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit, in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”

In Isaiah 61:3, God refers to his people as “trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he (God) might be glorified”. Isaiah 44:23 states “Sing, O ye heavens (that's us); for the LORD hath done it: shout, ye the lower parts of the earth: break forth into singing, ye mountains (that's us), O forest (that's us), and every tree therein (that's us): for the LORD hath redeemed Jacob and glorified himself in Israel (that's us).”

As God's people, we need a steady diet of spiritual water so that we're not sitting on those pews like “dead wood” but standing and singing praises to our Lord and Saviour for the living water!

 - Rachel West and Pastor Gracie Perry

God Don't Make No Junk!

Recently our church organized a yard sale to help fund a mission trip to Louisiana.

During the weeks leading up to the yard sale, I was reading a Joyce Meyer's devotional message titled “God Uses What Others Throw Away.” I thought of all the donated items – stuff that folks had found useless and ready to discard – and how yard sales miraculously change a person's junk to another buyer's treasure!

And that's how God operates in us.

God created “treasures” when He made every single one of us, and He created each of us as “designer originals” as stated by TD Jakes in his book, Woman, Thou Art Loosed Devotional. There has never been and never will be another person made just like you because God designed you uniquely for His purpose. Each one of us is valuable to Him and to the body of Christ.

However we don't always see others or treat others as Gods' “treasures”. How many times have we “looked down” at a co-worker or stranger on the street because they did not look like us or talk like us? Remember the saying “God don't make no junk”? It's true. He has made each of us for His purpose. This scripture explains the types of people whom God uses:

1 Corinthians 1:26-29 states “But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise. He chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. And he chose what the world thinks is not important. He chose what the world hates and thinks is nothing. He chose these to destroy what the world thinks is important. God did this so that no man can brag before him.”

In this scripture, Paul is telling the people of Corinth that they have received a “calling” or an invitation from God. THEY have received it – not others who are well-to-do, strong, good-looking, resourceful or have good connections with the right people. He chose those who appeared “foolish” (absurd, dull, thoughtless) and those who appeared “weak” (feeble, impotent, sick) to shame those who were considered “wise” and “mighty” in man's eyes.

In much the same way that buyers found treasures from others' discards, God CHOOSES His sons and daughters to bring His truth into the conformity and rigidity of the religious system. He has chosen the “least of these” to become great in His eyes by becoming “sons of God” and sharing the truth - the revelation of the scriptures with those who surround us.

- Mike and Rachel West

SONS OF GOD

This is a title indicating (pointing out, showing, serving as a sign, and signifying) the "deity" of Jesus Christ.

Psalms 2:7 states: I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, "Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee."

Son in Hebrew is ben (bane) meaning a son (as a builder of the family name). Also banah' meaning to build (establish, erect, construct), repair, set up, have children, obtain children. The word "begotten" is 'yalad' meaning to bear young: beget, bring forth. This was stated also in Hebrews 1:5 with the definition of "begotten" meaning to regenerate (reform, create anew, refresh, restore), begat, bear, bring forth.

In the natural we know that the "family name" is carried on through the "sons" or the male gender because he carries the sperm or the seed.

In Luke 8:11: "The SEED is the WORD of GOD." And Galatians 3:28: "There is neither Jew nor Greek (Gentile), there is neither bond nor free, there is neither MALE nor FEMALE: for we are all ONE in Christ Jesus."
This is letting us know that it doesn't matter what gender you are; you can carry the SEED which is the WORD of God!! According to gender, I am a female, but by God's Spirit, I am a SON OF GOD! Thank you, Jesus!

St.John 12:24:  "Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it BRINGETH FORTH much fruit". That is what God did with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, He "reproduced" himself in his people! For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren (Romans 8:29). The firstborn being the first-begotten, foremost (in time, place, order, or importance), before, the beginning, in front of, prior (superior) to, above, ago, ever; to produce (from seed); bring forth, bear!

When Jesus died, we died with him! When he go up, we got up with him! He's the "head", and we are his body! It was the "head" of the creation that went to the cross, the one that's first and foremost in time, place, order, or importance!  2 Corinthians 5:19:  "To know that God was IN CHRIST, reconciling the world unto himself"! This is speaking of Jesus, "who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:  For by him were ALL things created . . .  he is before all things . . . he is the head of the body, the church; who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in ALL things he might have the preeminence"! (Colossians 1:15-18). HALLELUJAH!!

So Psalms 2:7 was an official order or decision that Jesus would be the restorer, repairer, builder, of the creation that had fallen in Genesis due to Adam's transgression. And Adam was the "son of God" (Luke 3:38). Also Genesis 3:15 in relation to the "seed" of the woman that would bruise the head of the serpent (not a snake, but the works of the devil). Galatians 4:4-5: "when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of SONS".  St.John 1:12: "as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God"! Power meaning ability, privilege, capacity, mastery to become superhumans, potentates with authority, jurisdiction, rights, and strength to be "SONS" (builders and carriers of the name of God, both male and female)! Isn't that gooooood news!!

Just as the title "Son of God" points out, shows, serves as a sign, and signifies the deity of Jesus Christ, it does the same thing for us as "sons of God!" It signifies our DEITY!  St.John 10:34: "Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?"
Psalms 82:1 "God standeth in the congregation of the mighty; he judgeth among the gods". Verse 6 ""I have said, Ye are gods, and all of you are children of the most High." This is gooood news people of God!!

1 John 3:1- "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world (religious order) knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved NOW are we the sons of God, and it doth not appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear (not on a cloud, but in us in his fulness), we shall be like him: for we shall see (discern and know) him as he is.  Listen, I see him when I see you! All you have to do to see him is go and look in the mirror! Praise God!

He is the "head" and we are his body! "we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones". (Ephesians 5:30)! This makes us ONE with him! We are him in the earth! RIGHT NOW, not up yonder beyond the blue! This is the mystery of God that he is revealing to us NOW! We must come into the "unity of the faith, and of the KNOWLEDGE of the SON OF GOD unto a PERFECT man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of CHRIST". (Ephesians 4:13). This has to come to pass in order for the creation to get what it needs! For the earnest expectation of the creature (creation) WAITETH for the MANIFESTATION of THE SONS OF GOD. (Romans 8:19). It is waiting for US THE SONS OF GOD TO COME FORTH!!

At one time the sons of God were in charge of the creation but fell from that place of dominion, authority, and power. In Job 38:4-7, God asked Job, "Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare if thou hast understanding? Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it? Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the CORNER STONE thereof; when the MORNING STARS sang together, and ALL THE SONS OF GOD shouted for joy? These were the ones sounding the earsplitting message of dominion, authority and power they possessed as God! God hasn't changed! He's the same powerful God now as He was then!! He still wants and still has people that He is using for His glory all over the world who will accept and believe Him in His fulness! HE STILL HAS SONS! GLORY BE TO THE LIVING GOD!!

- Pastor Gracie Perry

If you change positions, you will see things from a different point of view

We here at Greater Works have been in an intense "study" in the book of Revelation for a while now and it has been very illuminating. To some people it is a book with frightening information because they are looking at it with a natural mind. But to those who are reading and studying with a spiritual mind, it's not frightening at all. It is actually revealing the total of Christ in the church and the church totally in Christ!

The position from which one views a situation will determine the outcome of what he sees. If you change positions, you will see things from different view points so that you can see the overall picture. We must view it from John's stand point in the sense of when he got this great truth! He was shown what was then, what had been, and what was to come! John was looking at what God did in the beginning in creation: (Gen.1:1) "In the beginning God created" and he also saw how things were fulfilled in Jesus Christ: (Rev.1:1)"The revelation of Jesus Christ!"

Remember earlier in the definitions, I explained by the Word of God that the BEGINNING was Christ. Well everything started in Him, and everything is fulfilled in Him. (2 Corinthians 5:18-19) And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by JESUS CHRIST and hath given unto us the ministry of reconciliation; to wit (to know) that God was IN CHRIST reconciling the world unto himself and not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Verse 20 "Now then we are ambassadors for Christ!" So the book of Revelation is a TAKING OFF OF THE COVERS of the philosophies and traditions of men so that we can SEE CHRIST as HE IS!! Paul's prayer for the people of God in Ephesians was "That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of WISDOM AND REVELATION in the knowledge of him: The EYES of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the GLORY of his INHERITANCE IN THE SAINTS." (Ephesians 1:17-18).

This inheritance is not to be obtained "up yonder" beyond the blue, but God wants us to have it RIGHT HERE AND RIGHT NOW!

- Pastor Gracie Perry

The Devil is Bidding for Your Soul

Many Christians today live as if they don't have anyone to answer to! A true born-again Christian no longer lives unto himself. He or she lives unto the Lord. In 2 Corinthians 5:15, the truth tells us that we should not henceforth live unto ourselves but unto him (Jesus) who died for us. Because we are accustomed to our formal lifestyle, we have to be taught how not to walk in the flesh or according to the course of this world (Ephesians 2:2).

You can't live unto Jesus unless you first have a teachable spirit. Jesus said in Matthew 11:29 “learn of me”. Learn of the new life that we are to live and follow the instructions that are given to us from the truth (Psalm 32:8). The divine instructor is always willing to teach us how to live unto him. This way of life we know not of. But are you willing to let the Lord guide you by his Holy eye?

Let's face it unless the Lord builds the house, you labor in vain (Psalm 127:1). You are trying to establish the laws of man in a house that is supposed to be governed by its owner. Is the scripture a reality to you: “… for ye are the temple of the living God” (2 Corinthians 6:16). The devil is very much aware of your attempts to live according to your thinking and to do things according to your own abilities. This only motivates him to continue to bid for your soul. Don't be fooled into thinking that the devil doesn't know the truth. He knows that as believers, you are to live unto a holy God. He is persistently looking for a wrong angle in your walk with God, refusing to give up his bidding.

According to Job 1:6, the devil was present when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord. Contrary to what we may believe, he wasn't just hanging around for the fun of it or for his health. He made his presence known with accusations! He came to sentence and bring a sense of unworthiness for those that had and have the right to enter into the presence of God. Mind you, the devil goes to and fro in the earth watching you! Yes, he's watching YOU!

The devil has the right to falsely accuse. Your feelings regarding his action aren't enough to stop him. You are to know beyond thinking whether or not what he has said is true or false. Unless we are willing to renounce all hidden sin in the heart, then we can't contend with him. (2 Corinthians 4:2)

Hidden sin in the heart causes one to come in agreement with the master of lies. According to John 8:44, “when the devil speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it”. When we fail to acknowledge the presence of sin in our heart, the devil immediately bids for our soul. There isn't one opportunity that he doesn't leap at to gain authority over us.

It's not in God's will for the devil to regain control over you in any area. God makes known to us in some ways where we are falling short. As believers we are to continuously examine ourselves according to the Word of God so that our lifestyle can bring honor and glory to God.

I put you in remembrance of an earlier statement that I made. It is important that you renounce everything that is not pure and holy. We have been given power to overcome all the power of the devil (St. Luke 10:19) yet we can't defeat an enemy who we have something in common with.

I remind you that an awesome sacrifice was paid for your soul. Jesus laid down his life and shed his blood.

Be blessed with this truth:
Hebrews 9:13 “For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: (v. 14) How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?”

AS LONG AS YOU WALK UPRIGHT BEFORE THE LORD, THE DEVIL WILL LOSE THE BIDDING. JESUS PAID THE ULTIMATE PRICE!

- Minister Linda Lawrence

Heaven

Greetings to you in the name of Jesus The Christ!

I would like to share some things with you in relation to "HEAVEN". I was taught as a child that "heaven" was up yonder beyond the blue. That's all I heard preachers say. So I believed it and thought that you had to die to go there, but now that my Heavenly Father has taken the scales off my eyes, I realize that I can be in "heaven" right here and right now! Isn't that good news!! For Paul wrote in Ephesians 2:1, 5, 6: "And you hath he quickened (made alive), who were dead (past tense) in trespasses and sins; by grace are ye saved; And hath (already now is) raised us up together, and made us sit together in HEAVENLY PLACES in Christ Jesus"!

This sounds to me like one has to be ALIVE to accept Jesus Christ, and once you've done that you have moved into heaven in Christ Jesus!!

It doesn't matter whether you define it in the dictionary, hebrew, or greek, it is always a place above all else; a lofty place; elevation (in condition or character); the abode of God; happiness; power; eternity; specifically the Gospel! Briefly said, it is a HIGH PLACE!

To get into this place we must be transformed by the renewing of our minds! We must put on Christ's mind! (1Corinthians 2:7-14) Please read these verses. But verses 12-14 states: "Now we have received not the spirit of the world (arrangement of religious order), but the Spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which MAN'S wisdom teacheth, but which the HOLY GHOST teacheth; comparing SPIRITUAL THINGS with SPIRITUAL. But the NATURAL MAN receiveth NOT the things of the Spirit of God: for they are FOOLISHNESS unto him: neither can he know them, because they are SPIRITUALLY DISCERNED."

Now that God has and is revealing Himself to me, the new heaven and the new earth that Revelation 21:1 speaks of is happening for me and others the world over right now! Thinking with Christ's mind; learning to do things God's way and not my way or doing things your way; or presenting our bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God! When we do this, the first heaven (the one painted in my mind that I thought was beyond the blue) and the first earth (old man, old nature) pass away. If therefore any man be IN CHRIST, he is a NEW creature; OLD THINGS are passed away; behold, all things are BECOME NEW!!

(St.John 8:23)Jesus said to the Jews: "Ye are from beneath (downwards; under; hades or hell); I am from above (over; upon; top; on high): ye are of this world; I am not of this world." So you see, you don't have to be down in the center of the earth (ground) to be in HELL. It is a state or condition one is in. Just not be in HEAVEN, and you're in HELL!! Ignorance is HELL! Torment of the mind is HELL! A bad marriage can be HELL! Deliverance from it is HEAVEN!!
Now you can understand (Genesis 1:6-9) when God said "Let there be a FIRMAMENT in the midst of the waters (peoples, nations, multitudes, and tongues) and let it divide the waters (people) from the waters (people). (vs 7) And God made the FIRMAMENT, and divided the waters (people) which were UNDER the FIRMAMENT from the waters (people) which were ABOVE the FIRMAMENT: and it was so. (Vs 8) And God called the FIRMAMENT HEAVEN! "

The FIRMAMENT (raqi'ah) being an expanse: a "firm" place! That which is solid, unyielding to pressure or touch; steadfast and constant, strong and sure!! A place where we become unmoveable in our faith in the TRUE LIVING GOD!

In this place you're ABOVE everything that pertains to the flesh or that which the natural man yields to! (1 John 5:18) "Whosoever is born of God sinneth not: but he that is begotten (regenerated or regened) of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not"! The devil can't fasten or attach himself to you because you don't have anything in you that belongs to him! Jesus was all that God was in that flesh body! We, the body of Christ, must become all that Jesus was and function as priests and kings in the earth NOW! (Revelation 1:6; 5:10). Jesus said, "The prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me" (St.John 14:30).

HALLELUJAH!! Jesus was in heaven (a high place) walking around on the earth, in a FLESH BODY! But his spirit, soul, and body had been brought into complete agreement, unison, harmony, or one unit because of his MIND set! He knew who he was! We must come to know who we are! We are not just mere men, we are SONS OF GOD!! God became a MAN! He ordained that MAN become GOD in the earth! Jesus was God, God was Jesus! "As he is, so are we in this world"! (1John.4:17).

When we let the mind (phrone'o) that Jesus had be in us, we can be in the same place he is in, HEAVEN, right now! This happens when we exercise our mind in relation to entertaining it with and thinking on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report! (Phil.4:8). When we do these things, we are RAISED up into HEAVEN, "in Christ Jesus," not by the rapture, but IN CHRIST!! You don't have to sail off any where to go to HEAVEN. It has been made available to you right here and right now IN CHRIST JESUS!!

You can now understand why in Genesis 1:1, "In the beginning (Christ), God created the HEAVEN (spiritually - a high place) and the earth (natural man). Because the FLESH MAN OR NATURAL MAN must be conquered by the SPIRIT MAN and brought into the high place so he can LIVE!! That's the NEW HEAVEN and NEW EARTH! Because the "old heaven" [one beyond the blue] and "old earth" [the body you think you'll have when you get up yonder] has passed away. You know that you can have it right now!! That's HEAVEN!! Elevated in condition, character, authority, thinking, power, dominion, knowledge, wisdom, understanding!! Hallelujah!!


- Pastor Gracie Perry

Healing

Grace be to you and peace from God, our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

I bring you encouragement in knowing that there is a God who is able to do just what His word says. Do you need healing? He hath already provided it. Isaiah 53:5 declares that Jesus “was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities”. Let us define the word bruise. It means to become injured by means of a blow and without breaking the skin; to offend or hurt as with an insult; to damage; and a discolored area caused by bleeding beneath the skin. Yes, he took the cruel punishment for us so that we will experience healing in every area of our lives because God loves us.

Do we have any idea of the blows that were put upon his back from the whip lashes that symbolized healing for every disease there is so that you and I today shall be healed? Psalm 107:20 states “He sent his word, and healed them (you and I), and delivered them from their destructions”. There is no place in your life that God can't heal so let's bring our mind in line with the word of God which says, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust in the Lord forever.” Isaiah 26:3-4

He has already promised it to you. Let not your mind rob you of what's already yours. Exodus 15:26 declares that God is who he says he is – “the Lord that healeth thee”.

Mind you, there are instructions to follow. You must believe the gospel of Jesus Christ, ask him to heal you, and receive his healing by faith. (Heb. 11:6; Matt. 21:22) Most of all, if you are not saved, give your heart to Jesus. Let him be your savior. Become born again. God wants the whole of you (John 3:3) It is God's will that you repent and turn to him. “And do works meet for repentance.” (Acts 26:20)

God loves you and wants his healing to be alive within your life. (John 3:16)

- Minister Linda Lawrence

Earth and the Word of God

Message 18
In relation to the EARTH message I sent earlier I would like to add more to it. Genesis 1:10 God called the "dry land" EARTH. Dry is from the Hebrew word [yabesh']which means to be ashamed, confused; to dry up or wither as herbage. And if the natural earth does not get rain, the herbage or vegetation will dry up; the land will crack. If we don't drink water, we will thirst or dehydrate. As we need physical water, we need the spiritual water, or the "water of life" which is the WORD OF GOD! Why did God call the EARTH "dry"? Because He is referring to people that do not have or are not drinking from the rivers of the water of Life! They have been and are being given "poison" water from the doctrines of men and not CHRIST! That's why Jesus said in St.John 7:38 "He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water!" The enemy has lied to the people of God and blinded them with traditional order, "philosophy, and vain deceit, after the traditions of men, after the rudiment of the world, and not after CHRIST!" (Colossians 2:8). Because of this, people have been denied their rights of having the fulness of God in them now! You don't have to die to get it; you must live to have His fulness! To get an inheritance, you must be alive to receive and enjoy it!!! Our testator has died and rose, and all the Father has for us is ours now!! The shame and confusion the "dry land" brings is being naked because you have been stripped of your robe of righteousness you are entitled to NOW! NOT WHEN YOU GET UP YONDER!! Isaiah 61:10 I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath CLOTHED ME with the GARMENTS of salvation, he hath COVERED ME with the ROBE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS! GLORY TO GOD!!! In Revelation chapter 19 John is hearing a "great voice of much people in heaven" (elevated places in the spirit) praising God and saying, vs 8, "And to her (the church)was granted that she should be arrayed (clothed or covered) in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF SAINTS." WE are the righteousness of God! And are CLOTHED OR COVERED with HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS! 2 Corinthians 5:21 "For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that WE might be made the RIGHTEOUSNESS of God in him." That's why Revelation 3:18 states, "I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white RAIMENT (clothing, covering), that thou MAYEST BE CLOTHED, and that the SHAME of thy NAKEDNESS do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see"!! Which means in greek, (blep'o) [look at; take heed; beware of or have spiritual insight to discern Jesus Christ in His fulness]! Now you can better understand what God meant in Genesis 1:9 when He said "let the waters (people) UNDER the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the "dry land" appear, and it was so." This is speaking of those that have not made it INTO THE HEAVENS yet. They are still lower than or beneath the place that God has already prepared for them to be through Jesus Christ! Anyone that does not believe that they can have the fulness of God, the total of the Kingdom of God in them now (dominion; authority; health; peace; joy; victory; righteousness; eternal life; much more), are in a DRY PLACE (UNDER HEAVEN) and you're sipping on "poison water" which will bring about a slow death. When Jesus HAS COME that we might have ETERNAL LIFE, NOW!!! But God HATH saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which WAS given us in Christ Jesus before the world began. But IS NOW made manifest by the APPEARING of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who HATH ABOLISHED death, and HATH brought LIFE and IMMORTALITY to LIGHT through the GOSPEL!!! GREAT GOD FROM ZION!!! HALLELUJAH!!! I'm going to send an explanation of "heaven" later. GOD BLESS YOU!

- Pastor Gracie Perry