Signs That Follow Believers

 

 

The New Testament church in the book of Acts was a powerful church.  They greatly affected their world with the Gospel message given to them by Jesus Christ.  Their prayers had powerful results and in the same way it is the will of God that these signs should follow believers today.   They had troubles and difficulties but they had tapped into something powerful and they rose above their troubles through prayer and faith in God. 

Acts 4:29-31 (KJV) And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, [30] By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. [31] And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.

Jesus made it clear that signs would follow those who believe his gospel message.

Mark 16:17-18 (KJV) And 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.

It is important to note here that the believers do not follow after signs but the signs follow the believers.  True believers are those who seek for the  presence of the only one who can give signs. If we are believers in the Word of God we too can experience the deliverance and power to be set free from the things that bind us.  Jesus told his disciples that they would receive power after they had been baptized with the Holy Ghost.

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.

The Holy Ghost is that supernatural presence of God and something powerful happens when his Spirit comes to live within us.  Through God’s anointing the bondage of sin is broken and men are set free.  There is no reason to walk in bondage when the power to be free is available.  I have written a study entitled “Signs That Follow The Word”  and “What Does It Mean To Receive The Holy Ghost?” that lays out this exciting truth.  Do you know someone who needs the power to be free from drugs or alcohol?   Why not share this note with them?  The newsletter is free and we would love to have them join us!

Here’s the weekly inspirational scripture.

Isaiah 10:27 And it shall come to pass in that day, that his burden shall be taken away from off thy shoulder, and his yoke from off thy neck, and the yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing.

Sincerely

Greg Wirths

Focus on Freedom

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Watch Those Small Things

 

Oftentimes, we look at the big things in life and give most of our attention to them.  While we need to do this it is important that we examine the small things as well.  Small things like attitude and sin can be totally destructive if not kept in check.  Jesus Christ gave us a powerful parable to this end.

“Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: [32] Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.” Matthew 13:31-32 (KJV)

The seed that Jesus was probably referring to is the Brassica nigra or mustard seed.  According to Wikipedia; “The small (1 mm) seeds are hard and vary in color from dark brown to black. They are very flavorful, although they have almost no aroma. ”  “The plant itself can grow from 2 to 8 feet tall with racemes of small yellow flowers. These flowers are usually up to 1/3″ across, with 4 petals each. Its leaves are covered in small hairs. The leaves can wilt on hot days, but recover at night.” 

In his book “All the Plants of the Bible” Winifred Walker on pg. 120 says, “The mustard is found growing wild in many parts of the world, including Israel, where it is also cultivated.  In that country it grows to so great a size that it can screen a mounted rider, and is a favorite haunt of linnets and finches.”  “Mustard for the table comes from the seeds.”  He also states that a poultice made from the seeds was used before medicine to treat certain illnesses. 

Suffice it to say that this little seed has the power to produce a lot of good things.  Yet when we look at his teaching he was not only speaking of the power of these little seeds to produce great good he was also teaching that a little evil can also produce much trouble and heartache.  Jesus was teaching us the power of sowing and reaping in our lives.  Sin when it is sown can cause much destruction and damage not only to self but to others as well.  Good, when it is sown has the potential to bring about a crop of blessings that is unimaginable.  What kind of seeds are you sowing in your life?  It will make a huge difference.  I have written a study entitled “A Parable on the Power of Small Things” and I’d love to have you check it out.  Till next time, watch those small things!

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Oh yes, here’s the weekly inspirational scripture!

Galatians 6:7-10 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

Sincerely

Greg Wirths

Focus on Freedom

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The Current Housing Crisis.

 

 

The bubble has burst and the world is feeling the effects.  The situation is so critical that talk of taking the dollar off of the world standard has surfaced recently.  Foreclosures are at a record high and new home starts are down.  In fact just yesterday I heard a commentator say that California with 12% unemployment may be the first state to fail.  Whether it all happens or not is not really the issue.  The issue is, are we living within our means.  Have we purchased a home or homes that we can actually afford?  HMM, good question.  Can we live like the politicians in Washington and borrow more to stimulate our bottom line at the expense of others?  Well, for most of us the answer no. Most of us will tighten the financial belt, spend less, stop borrowing and live below our means.  While this is just common sense it is amazing that this is really not that common.

It seems that we are living the life of the foolish man who never thinks about tomorrow but just lives his life for the moment.  Are there any wise among us who can discern the times?  Well, there was one who would certainly qualify as a wise man and he lived almost two thousand years ago.  He taught common sense principles to common people and one of  his lessons was about building houses.  Yes, Jesus Christ gave us the timeless parable about the wise and foolish man.  One lost everything (the foolish man) and the other made it through hard times (the wise man) because of the way they built their homes.

In this parable he not only talks about our physical dwelling place but more importantly he addressed the need to build a strong spiritual home that will stand the test of wind and weather.  In his discourse the foundation is what made the difference.  One built his house on the sand (hearing and not doing the word of God) the other built on a rock (hearing and doing the word of God).  When the storms came, the house on the sand fell flat but the one on the rock stood strong and made it through.

“Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.”  Matthew 7:24-27

Which foundation do you think America is on financially and spiritually?  Which foundation are you on?  It will make a difference one day.  Why not go through the study entitled “The Parable of the Two Houses” and see where you are today?  It might be better than going through a housing crisis.

Thanks for being a great part of Focus on Freedom and thanks so much for the positive comments and words of encouragement!

Here’s the daily inspirational scripture!

“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.” 2 Timothy 2:19

Sincerely

Greg Wirths

Focus on Freedom

If you are receiving this newsletter as a forward you may sign up at the main site now for your free subscription!