By The Latter Days Blog

“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Matthew 6:14-15

Forgiveness can be a hard thing to offer when we feel that an injustice or offense has been committed. Yet not only does God command us to, He says that if we fail to forgive, He will not forgive us. This is a terrifying statement.

The one thing that stands in the way of forgiveness every time is pride. Forgiving and asking for forgiveness requires us to lay aside our selves, our positions, our rights, our causes, and even our pains. This cannot be done in man’s strength alone, for man’s natural instinct is to defend himself. Yet through the power of the cross, the love of God can be manifest in us, even towards those who we believe to be wrong.

“Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, ‘I repent,’ you shall forgive him.”" Luke 17:3-4

• Offering/Requesting forgiveness does not mean you were wrong and the other person was right.
• Offering/Requesting forgiveness does not mean your hurts or views are not valid.
• Offering/Requesting forgiveness does not mean you have compromised on the truth.

Offering/Requesting forgiveness means that you have decided to obey the Father by taking up your cross and following Jesus so that Christ may live through you….even at the expense of yourself.

“Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.

Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants.And when he had begun to settle accounts, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. But as he was not able to pay, his master commanded that he be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and that payment be made.

The servant therefore fell down before him, saying, ‘Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt. “But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and he laid hands on him and took him by the throat, saying, ‘Pay me what you owe!’ So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ And he would not, but went and threw him into prison till he should pay the debt.

So when his fellow servants saw what had been done, they were very grieved, and came and told their master all that had been done. Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?’

And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him. “So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.”" Matthew 18:21-35

Unforgiveness is not just about what it offers to the other person. Forgiving is for our OWN benefit too, so that hatred, anger, malice, pride, or hurt does not rage down in our own souls.

Festering anger and unforgiveness is a tormentor! It is like walking around with a gaping, seeping, wound that is extremely sensitive to the slightest touch. It robs you of peace in God and shuts you up within yourself away from others.

BUT, there is a balm in Gilead! If you could but pray to be given the strength, God will intervene. He will remove the heavy weights which crush your soul and spirit. He will apply the balm of forgiveness so that you may be made whole and can release those who have caused offense. He will restore you in His love.

We are called to stand for that which is true. We are also called to forgive those who offend us. By the grace of God and through His love and mercy alone, we are equipped to do each of those things to the glory of God.

If you cannot view this video, you may view at the YouTube Website by CLICKING HERE

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Why do God test believers?  What is the reason for trials?

I’m sorry, we’ve been a little busy so there will be no Bible study for this Sunday, March 14, 2010.  Please join us again “God willing” on next Sunday, March 21, 2010.

We will be discussing Prayer, Fasting and Sacrificing unto the Lord in an entirely different way.  After hearing a testimony from one of our “Stand up” brothers, we would like to revisit this subject in a more realistic and practical way.

Does God allow his people to go through certain trials and tests to get them to the place to which He would have them be?  (Psalm 119:71) It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.

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What does it takes for God to get our attention?

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If you cannot see this video, you may view it on YouTube by clicking: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zxXpte1YKHI.

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Join us Sunday, 2/28/2010 for 1 hour of teaching followed by a half hour of questions and answers (Q & A).
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Topic:  Marriage & Relationships
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What’s wrong with your marriage?  How does one maintain a healthy marriage relationship? What are some things an individual must do to contribute in a long happy marriage?
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7:pm (East), 6:pm (Cent), 5:pm (Mount), 4:pm (Pacific)
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To listen to broadcast via ( Telephone ):  (347) 215-6015
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To join us ( On Line ) at the aforementioned times click:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/stand-up-ministry/2010/03/01/marriage-relationships
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I met Elder Nate sometime in the year 2006, and we spoke via telephone on several occasions.  I didn’t agree with everything that he held to, but I realized that he truly was a man that loved the Lord and I will miss him dearly.  Our prayers go out to his lovely wife, sister Tanya Williams and his family.  God’s blessings.

If you are using an old version of “Internet Explorer” and you can not view this video, please click:

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ug0hHPVOhTw

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“From People Standing Up 1 “

ELDER: NATHANIEL E. WILLIAMS
ezra.ministries@hotmail.com
(OHIO)

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The Celebration of life Praise and Worship Service for Minister Nathaniel E. Williams will be on Friday February 26, 2010 at 5:30 p.m. est.  The Celebration will be held at Lee Memorial AME Church on 10512 Bryant Avenue, Cleveland, Oh 44108.  Flowers can be sent directly to the church to be delivered the day of the service.  Cards can be brought to the service or mailed to Tanya Williams 708 East 92 Street, Cleveland, OH. 44108.

Nate loved the Lord and served him with gladness and that is what we will be doing on Friday.  Our Pastor Rev. Dwayne M. Simmons will be officiating and there will be a repast in Lee’s fellowship hall immediately after the service.

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If you cannot view this video you may view it by clicking: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R92ulxb4tHc

Those who are in Christ are beloved….

Join us Sunday, 2/21/2010 for 1 hour of teaching followed by a half hour of questions and answers (Q & A).

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Topic:  The sovereignty of God and the power of prayer

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If God already knows what is going to happen tomorrow because whatever is going to happen tomorrow is already set in eternity, then can prayer change tomorrow’s outcome?

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If prayer cannot change tomorrow’s outcome, then why pray?
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Does prayer move God to act on behalf of “Believer’s” although He is Sovereign?
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Is there any power at all in prayer?  If yes, power to do what?

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7:pm (East), 6:pm (Cent), 5:pm (Mount), 4:pm (Pacific)

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To listen to broadcast via ( Telephone ):  (347) 215-6015

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To join us ( On Line ) at the aforementioned times click:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/stand-up-ministry/2010/02/22/the-sovereignty-of-god-and-the-power-of-prayer

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Join us Sunday, 2/14/2010 for 1 hour of teaching followed by a half hour of questions and answers (Q & A).

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Topic:  The Blessing or Curse of Tithing

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Are we to give to the poor?  Does God desire believers to give 10% of their earnings?  Can Christians be cursed with a curse?  Does tithing move God to bless someone?  Lets discuss the topic of tithing.

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Read sister Lessie Myles’ “Tithing” testimony: An Insert From The August., 2009 Newspaper

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7:pm (East), 6:pm (Cent), 5:pm (Mount), 4:pm (Pacific)

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To listen to broadcast via ( Telephone ):  (347) 215-6015

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To join us ( On Line ) at the aforementioned times click:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/stand-up-ministry/2010/02/15/the-blessing-or-curse-of-tithing

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This hilarious look at the lukewarm church of today is brought to us courtesy of http://www.sacredsandwich.com

Posted on 20 February 2009
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Dear Christianity Today:

In response to Paul D. Apostle’s article about the Galatian church in your January issue, I have to say how appalled I am by the unchristian tone of this hit piece. Why the negativity? Has he been to the Galatian church recently? I happen to know some of the people at that church, and they are the most loving, caring people I’ve ever met.

Phyllis Snodgrass; Ann Arbor, MI

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Dear Editor:

How arrogant of Mr. Apostle to think he has the right to judge these people and label them accursed. Isn’t that God’s job? Regardless of this circumcision issue, these Galatians believe in Jesus just as much as he does, and it is very Pharisaical to condemn them just because they differ on such a secondary issue. Personally, I don’t want a sharp instrument anywhere near my zipper, but that doesn’t give me the right to judge how someone else follows Christ. Can’t we just focus on our common commitment to Christ and furthering His kingdom, instead of tearing down fellow believers over petty doctrinal matters?

Ed Bilgeway; Tonganoxie, KS

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Dear CT:

I’ve seen other dubious articles by Paul Apostle in the past, and frankly I’m surprised you felt that his recurrent criticisms of the Church deserved to be printed in your magazine. Mr. Apostle for many years now has had a penchant for thinking he has a right to “mark” certain Christian teachers who don’t agree with his biblical position. Certainly I commend him for desiring to stay faithful to God’s word, but I think he errs in being so dogmatic about his views to the point where he feels free to openly attack his brethren. His attitude makes it difficult to fully unify the Church, and gives credence to the opposition’s view that Christians are judgmental, arrogant people who never show God’s love.

Ken Groener; San Diego, CA

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To the Editors:

Paul Apostle says that he hopes the Galatian teachers will cut off their own privates? What kind of Christian attitude is that? Shame on him!

Martha Bobbitt; Boulder, CO

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Dear Christianity Today:

The fact that Paul Apostle brags about his public run-in with Peter Cephas, a well-respected leader and brother in Christ, exposes Mr. Apostle for the divisive figure that he has become in the Church today. His diatribe against the Galatian church is just more of the same misguided focus on an antiquated reliance on doctrine instead of love and tolerance. Just look how his hypercritical attitude has cast aspersions on homosexual believers and women elders! The real problem within the Church today is not the lack of doctrinal devotion, as Apostle seems to believe, but in our inability to be transformed by our individual journeys in the Spirit. Evidently, Apostle has failed to detach himself from his legalistic background as a Pharisee, and is unable to let go and experience the genuine love for Christ that is coming from the Galatians who strive to worship God in their own special way.

William Zenby; Richmond, VA

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Kind Editors:

I happen to be a member of First Christian Church of Galatia, and I take issue with Mr. Apostle’s article. How can he criticize a ministry that has been so blessed by God? Our church has baptized many new members and has made huge in-roads in the Jewish community with our pragmatic view on circumcision. Such a “seeker-sensitive” approach has given the Jews the respect they deserve for being God’s chosen people for thousands of years. In addition, every Gentile in our midst has felt honored to engage in the many edifying rituals of the Hebrew heritage, including circumcision, without losing their passion for Jesus. My advice to Mr. Apostle is to stick to spreading the gospel message of Christ’s unconditional love, and quit criticizing what God is clearly blessing in other churches.

Miriam “Betty” Ben-Hur; Galatia, Turkey

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EDITOR’S NOTE: Christianity Today apologizes for our rash decision in publishing Paul Apostle’s exposé of the Galatian church. Had we known the extent in which our readership and advertisers would withdraw their financial support, we never would have printed such unpopular biblical truth. We regret any damage we may have caused in propagating the doctrines of Christ.

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To All living in the New York area

“FREE” viewing of the movie

“Lord Save Us From Our Leaders”

*  WHERE:  The Eastside Tabernacle Church

*  ADDRESS:  254 E. 2nd Street / (Between) Avenues B & C

*  TIME:  7:00 PM

*  Must call to reserve seats

*  TEL NUMBER:  (201) 298-5700

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Friendship with the World IS Enmity Against God

Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins. Isaiah 58:1

There have been several “Gospel” awards shows recently, and they all have one thing in common: a love of the world. People mistakenly believe that if you slap the name of Jesus on anything, it becomes Christian. This is not so.

The following video engages in a discussion of the recent “Celebration of Gospel” awards show which was featured on BET. The theme was “10 Years, Faithfully Yours.” I have no doubt these shows have been faithful; the question is to whom have they been faithful?

If you cannot see the video below please CLICK HERE to see it.

According to Steve Harvey, the “celebration of Gospel” has always been about merging the church with the world.

He says, “We have always brought in people from the secular world into this [church] world. But what you find out is the people who just make their living in the secular world have never really left this [church] world. It is just that they have found a means out there…When they hit the stage, they are going to give praise to the one who has taken them to the top of the charts.” They did proceed to the stage and gave praise to the one who has taken them to the top of the secular charts; his name is Satan.
Is this why Jesus came? Is this what the Gospel is about? Joining with the world and proclaiming that we ALL serve God in spite of how we live? Is the world supposed to be the light unto the church or is the church a light unto the world? Is the world in darkness or is the church?

“And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.” I John 5:19

Why are people sitting up under the world, letting the world teach them and preach to them about what it is to serve Christ? Because this is not the church.

WHAT?! That’s right! All the shouting, all the Amen-ing, all the arms upraised, all the Hallelujah-ing is all for naught. This is the world entertaining the world by playing religion. It is a show of flesh and an exaltation of all that is carnal under a cover of a false Christianity that Scripture calls the WHORE of Babylon. It looks like a whore, talks like a whore, dresses like a whore, and behaves like a whore. God’s word is surely true.

“For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is NOT of the Father, but is of the world.” I John 2:16

How do you have a “Gospel celebration” while forgetting the very nature of the Gospel?? When did the “Gospel” become about worldly talent and acceptance instead of sanctification unto Jesus Christ?? Are those who are of the world, promoting the world, living after the world really just Christians at heart who are simply doing what they “got to do” to be successful?

“Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.” I Corinthians 2:12

The BET Gospel Awards, the Stellar Awards, the Dove Awards…these events are becoming showcases for the degeneration of the church. We are witnessing the great apostasy happen right before our eyes as women prance half-naked and men sashay on the way to Hell, while pretending to serve JEEEEEEESUS! The spirit of the world has walked into and merged into the fabric of what is called church, and now some cannot even tell the different between the spirit of a sodomite and the Holy Spirit of God.

“And what concord hath Christ with Belial? Or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? For ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” II Corinthians 6:15-18

We are not even received by the Father until we have come out from amongst that which is unclean and separated from it…in our hearts. That is what repentance is, a turning away from that which is sinful and defiled. What makes these people think that they can embrace that which is unclean and call themselves Christians? A false, perverted Gospel.
STOP playing with God, for HE is not playing! Several have told me that God has given them a message saying this year He will make a separation between the wheat and the tares. Where will you wind up standing? The things these “stars” and “churchfolk” are doing in the name of Christ is beyond shameful…and yet who will stand against it and represent the true Gospel?

“For 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.” II Corinthians 11:4

Which “Jesus” do YOU serve? If you can enjoy, promote, or defend the type of FILTH featured in these videos, then have no doubt that the “Jesus” you serve is not the True & Living God.

“If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.” John 15:18-19

Do we believe Jesus’ words? He does not say the world will hate you sometimes, nor does He say that some of the world will hate you. The world WILL hate you. Why? Because you have been chosen OUT of the world. According to Jesus, if you are still “of the world” – and loved by the world – it is a testimony to the fact that you are NOT in Christ.
If you claim to love the Lord, and have been involved in or supporting this pseudo-religious nonsense, then you must repent…and quick, for time is short. Stop trying to be accepted, be famous, be adored, be applauded, be liked by the world. CAST DOWN these idols you have erected, repent, deny your “self”, and follow Christ.
When you promote a false Gospel like the one featured in the earlier Steve Harvey video, you will only attract false converts. Only the true Gospel message is the power to save…out from the world.

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Join us Sunday, 1/31/2010 for 1 hour of teaching followed by a half hour of questions and answers (Q & A).

Be Very Careful When Making A Judgment!

We are taught in scripture to judge righteously but we were also warned that we would be judged by the same judgments we make.

(Matthew 7:2)

For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.

(John 7:24)

Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.

7:pm (East), 6:pm (Cent), 5:pm (Mount), 4:pm (Pacific)

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To join us ( On Line ) at the aforementioned times click:

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To view this video directly please CLICK HERE to go directly to YouTube

Let’s not add to the Gospel of Jesus Christ…

Blair Wingo – www.P4CM.com

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