Church News
THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY
March 1, 2024
DON'T FORGET GOD
(Deuteronomy 31:8)
It is truly amazing how I/we sometimes forget to do the right things at the right time for GOD and for others, yet GOD NEVER forget to bless us, keep us, protect us, and help us when we need HIM most. DON'T FORGET GOD. Don't forget to say thank you. Don't forget to pray and don't forget about HIS business the church. GOD bless you.
March 4, 2024
THE SAME
(John 1:2)
The SAME was in the beginning with GOD (John 1:2). The SAME has a name. Do you know the name of HIM who is the same with GOD in the beginning? The word same is defined as "being the very one, the identical one, the absolute one". Identical means "conforming in every details with the one that was aforementioned in the beginning" (Gen 1:1). The Bible states in Gen 1:1 "in the beginning GOD created the heaven and the earth". So, HE who is The SAME in John 1:2 is identical in every detail with GOD in Gen 1:1, who created the heaven and the earth. The Bible says of The SAME in John 1:3, that all things were made by HIM (the SAME) and without HIM (the SAME) was not anything made that was made. GOD the FATHER in Gen 1:1 is a SPIRIT and HE THE SPIRIT took on a body in the beginning and He the body is known as JESUS THE SON OF GOD, who is also GOD THE SON, who the FATHER SPIRIT used the human part of himself (JESUS) to make all things (John 1:3). GOD the father Spirit has no form for HE is invisible (Col. 1:15). Speaking of The SAME who is JESUS in John 1:10. "...the world was made by HIM (Eph. 3:9; Heb. 1:2; Col. 1:15-19). "HE is before all things, and by HIM all things consist" (Col. 1:17). Man was made in the image of JESUS. Man came looking like JESUS (Gen. 1:26; Gen 2:7). GOD the Father Spirit has no form or blood and it needed HOLY non-animal blood to redeem man from his sin (Heb.10:4-5), "without shedding of blood is no remission (of sins)" Heb. 9:22. GOD took on a body with blood (JESUS) and died on Calvary for us. "... GOD was manifest in the flesh..." 1 Tim. 3:16; Daniel 3:24-25). GOD gift wrapped JESUS and gave HIM to the world and anyone who accepts JESUS and repent, baptized in JESUS' NAME, and filled with THE HOLY GHOST shall be saved (John 3:15-19; Acts 2:38; Acts 10:44-48; Acts 19:1-6). Yes, JESUS the CHRIST is the SAME GOD in the beginning (Eph. 3:9). GOD bless you.
March 5, 2024
“PREDESTINATION”
Predestinate is God’s foreknowledge, meaning He knows what will happen before it does. God is sovereign and He knows the beginning from the ending. He is God! God already knows who will accept or reject Him. However, we are all given a “Will” to make a choice. It’s not for us to question the sovereignty of God. (Romans 8:28-30). All He asks is that we accept Him as Lord and Savior. Jesus was born, he died and rose again for all human beings, because it is not God’s will that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. (II Peter 3:8-10). All souls belong to God whether we accept Him or reject Him. (Ezekiel 18:4). God (Jesus) calls everyone to repentance, and if you’re destined to be saved, God will provide the right environment where you can hear the gospel and be saved. (St. John 3:16). God Bless!!
March 6, 2024
GOD'S CHURCH IS HOLY
(Colossians. 1:18; Ephesians. 1:22-23; Ephesians. 5:23)
JESUS CHRIST is the head and owner of THE CHURCH which is HIS body (us) (Eph. 5:27). Since the head (JESUS) is HOLY, the body (us) MUST be HOLY too. "... for the temple (body) of GOD is HOLY which temple ye are (1 Corinthians 3:16-17). "But as HE ... is HOLY... be ye HOLY ..." (1 Peter 1:15-16). The CHURCH is a set apart group of people living HOLY in an unholy/sinful world. We are like the ship in the sea, but the sea is not in the ship. Yes, we are in the world, but the world is not in us, and we are not controlled by the world or the devil. Sin has no dominion over the church (us) (Rom. 6:14). So let us live holy ready 24X7 for death or the rapture because no sin can enter heaven. If you sin repent before it is too late (1 John 2:1-6). Forgive before it is too late (Matt. 18:35). GOD bless you.
March 7, 2024
THE WOUNDED!
In the natural, we may have received wounds (injuries) and some may be more severe than others. Most wounds will heal, and we may still remember how we got them. So, it is in the spiritual, we may get spiritual wounds, and sometimes these wounds hurt more than the natural wounds, and you may take longer to heal from them. So, consider what you say and do to people, because you could wound them deeply.
Psalms 109:22 - For I am poor and needy, and my heart is wounded within me.
March 8, 2024
TRUST GOD
(Daniel 3:14-25)
"For we walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Corinthians. 5:7). It makes no sense not to trust in our LORD GOD, THE SAVIOUR, JESUS THE CHRIST. When you are going through your unpleasant test and trials situation, you may not see with your physical eyes all the time that he is there with you, but your eyes of faith will surely let you find out with others that HE was there all the time and that he is the reason why you are alive and got the victory (Daniel 3:24-28). Just remember that GOD alone is all powerful (Omnipotent); HE alone is all wise (Omniscient); HE alone is present everywhere and is always present with you. "Lo, I am with you always..." (Matt. 28:20). Nebuchadnezzar said "... I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire... the form of the fourth (one) is like the SON OF GOD" (Dan. 3:24-25). JESUS was there for the Hebrew boys, and HE will be there for you. He was there for Bishop HOPETON MAIR, SR (October 4, 2022) when he literally died on the OR table; HE will be there for you. Yes, HE did it before and HE will do it again. TO GOD BE ALL THE GLORY. GOD still works miracles today (Isa. 12:2). TRUST GOD. "JESUS CHRIST the same yesterday, and today, and forever" (Heb. 13:8). GOD bless you.
March 11, 2024
THE SEED OF THE WOMAN
(Genesis 3:15; Galatians 3:16)
In the early history of the human reproduction, many men of various cultures around the world did not know that it is the man's chromosomes (X or Y) that determines the sex (male or female) of the baby. The woman carries XX and the man carries XY. If the man’s sperm gives an X, then with the woman's X (XX) the baby will be a girl. If he gives a Y, then with the woman's X (XY) the baby will be a boy. I get to understand that in some ancient cultures some women were abused verbally and physically because they kept giving birth to girl babies. Some girl babies and some mothers were even killed. The men wanted boys to carry on their gene heritage name and to do the man’s physical work around the house and the farm.
In JESUS' case, Mary did not participate in determining the sex of JESUS. Neither did the man Joseph who had nothing to do with Mary's pregnancy (Luke 1:34). GOD through HIS HOLY SPIRIT self-planted JESUS IN Mary's womb (uterus). JESUS is the SEED that has bruised Satan's head (Genesis 3:15; Galatians 3:16). Yes, HE is the SON OF GOD (Luke 1:35) whose name is JESUS (Matt. 1:21). After Adam and Eve were made everyone else except JESUS came into the world by way of a man's sperm seed (Matt 1:18-21; Luke 1:34-35). Thank GOD for the SEED of the woman (JESUS). GOD bless you.
March 12, 2024
"THE LORD MY SHEPHERD!”
“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul…” (Psalms 23:1-3).
A Shepherd is one who guards, tends, herds, feeds, and takes care of its sheep. A Shepherd is also one who protects, guides or watches over a person or group of people. Jesus is our good Shepherd and He gave His life for the sheep (us). A good Shepherd has the same love and care for all its sheep. Jesus is our guide, our protector, our healer, and the shepherd of His sheep, who need spiritual food, healing, care, and mercy. Because Jesus is such a wonderful Shepherd, He left the ninety and nine to go after the one that was going astray. As the scripture states, “The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want…” (Psalms 23:1). As sheep we must trust the Shepherd because He (Jesus) will never lead us astray. Jesus reiterated, “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11-18). God Bless You!
March 13, 2024
UNDERSTANDING HOMOSEXUALITY
(FROM OUR RELIGIOUS BELIEF)
The Greek word homo means same. The definition of homosexuality includes being sexually, romantically, and mentally attracted to one’s own sex (men with men and women with women). Homosexual is the opposite to heterosexual, which is being sexually, mentally, and romantically attracted to the opposite sex (men with women and women with men). In Genesis, GOD THE FATHER SPIRIT said to the human part of Himself JESUS (John 1:1-3; John 14:7-9; Eph. 3:9; Heb. 1:1-8; and Col. 1:15-18), "Let us make man in our image, (and) after our likeness...So GOD created man in HIS own image, in the image of GOD created HE him; MALE and FEMALE created HE them" (Gen. 1:26-28). They were created holy. GOD THE FATHER SPIRIT looked at the human part of himself JESUS and formed man looking like JESUS. Yes, in the beginning man came looking like JESUS. We see then that from the beginning GOD created Male and Female (Gen. 1:27). GOD told the male and the female "be fruitful and multiply" (reproduce) (Gen. 1:28). GOD made the man with sperms, and HE made the woman with eggs. All of us came into this world by way of a sperm and an egg, except Adam and Eve, who were made and JESUS who came by the SPIRIT of GOD (Luke 1:34-35). GOD designed the husband (the man) and the wife (the woman) from male and female (Gen 2:24). In our established " BOOK OF PRINCIPLES" page 20, it states, "Marriage therefore is a voluntary agreement between a consenting adult male (sperm carrier) and a consenting adult female (egg carrier) to cohabitate". It is a biological fact that two sperms cannot reproduce, and two eggs cannot reproduce. It takes a sperm man and an egg woman to produce a baby. The lifestyle practice of homosexuality goes against our religion and against GOD'S design for reproduction in family. We do not endorse or condone in our religious beliefs the lifestyle of men with men or women with women in marriage or in the church. We do not encourage, condone, or endorse any violence towards the homosexual person. We believe emphatically that we have the biblical religious rights to oppose any country or government who makes laws to force the church or anyone not to speak their non-violent religious rights and beliefs against the practice of homosexuality. (Gen. 19:1-11, Levit. 18:22, Levit. 20:13, 1 Corinth. 6:9, 1 Tim. 1:10, Col. 3:5, Rom. 1:26-27). GOD bless you.
March 14, 2024
NO WEAPON!
As believers we have gone through many test and trials in our lifetime and God (Jesus) gave us the strength to go through each one. But be assured that many weapons (a means of contending against another) were formed against us, but they didn't prosper, because God blocked them. Thank God for His mercy and protection.
Isaiah 54:17 - No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.
March 15, 2024
LOVE vs. HATE
Love and hate cannot mix in the same bucket. Love is of GOD and hate is of the devil and never can they both dwell in your body at the same time. The Bible states "he that loveth not knoweth not GOD; for GOD is love (1 John 4:8). "Beloved, if GOD so love us, we ought also to love one another... (and) If we love one another, GOD dwelleth in us, and HIS love is perfected in us (1 John 4:11-12). "Love thinketh no evil" (1 Corinthians 13:5). You cannot hate a human being and be saved. You can however hate the wrong or the sin that a person does but you cannot hate the individual human person. You have to love even your enemy, the person who has done you the worst and evil thing or who wishes all kinds of bad things on you (Luke 6:27-28). You do not have to fellowship with anyone who hates you or who is doing bad, illegal, or ungodly things but you cannot hate or wish evil on them. We are JESUS' disciple if we have love one TO another (John 13:35). Some people say I don’t hate him, but I don't like him. Such may be a disguised modified form of hate which is still wrong. Finally, you must remember that JESUS gives us a new commandment, so you no more must just love as you love yourself (Leviticus 19:18), but you must now love one another the same unconditional way that JESUS loves you (John 13:34). GOD bless you.
March 18, 2024
AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE
I just wanted to take this TFTD to say THANK YOU to all my friends who sent greetings and congratulations on March 17 on Annie and my 51 years of marriage Anniversary. TGBTG for bringing the both of us from a mighty long way. Thanks to our children, our Mt. Olivet church family and to our many friends for your kindness. We love you all and may GOD'S blessings be with you always.
Annie and Hopeton
March 19, 2024
“JEALOUS GOD”
Naturally, people can be jealous of each other for various reasons. People in relationships can be jealous if someone else is taking the attention, but God’s jealousy is pure. The Bible talks about Godly jealousy in II Corinthians 11:2, “For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy…”. Jesus’ desire is for us to be totally and wholeheartedly dedicated to Him.
The Hebrew word EL QANNA (pronounce El Kah-nah) means: “Jealous God, Our God is a jealous God”. In addition, it means, “to be jealous, zealous, be envious of, be zealous for, or excite to jealous anger”. God desires our praise to be for Him alone. El Qanna is about the marriage relationship between Yahweh (God) and us. His jealousy is not out of selfishness, but a passionate love saying, “never will I leave you, never will I forsake you”. It is because of His burning love for us that His jealousy is so great. “For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God” (Deuteronomy 4:24). Jesus wants us to give Him our whole heart today and to give Him all of the Glory! God Bless you!
March 20, 2024
THE CHURCH vs. THE WORLD
(John 15:17-27)
The world and its sinful practices such as hating another person, unforgiveness, murdering (with the tongue and physically), fornication, disobedience, envy, adultery, revenge, fake love, greed, selfishness, idolatry, witchcraft (roots, obeah, etc.) and strife to name a few (Gal. 5:19-21) is completely the opposite to THE CHURCH. The head/leader of those worldly doings is the devil. The head and leader of THE CHURCH IS JESUS THE CHRIST who is our LORD AND SAVIOR (Eph. 1: 22-23; Col 1: 16-18). THE CHURCH which consists of us the saved believers are holy, loving unconditionally, righteous, forgiving, peaceful, gentle, meek, HOLY GHOST led, kind, and caring to name a few (Gal. 5:22-26). Just like the ship sailing along in the sea but the sea is not in the ship because if the sea starts to get into the ship, the ship will be in very serious trouble. So it is that if the world starts to get into the church, the church will be in serious trouble. No man can serve two masters, no man can serve the devil and JESUS (GOD) at the same time (Matt. 6:24). So, choose ye this day whom you will serve (Joshua 24:15). GOD bless you.
March 21, 2024
EXACT FAITH!
When you are believing God (Jesus) for something, you have to have Exact (on-target) Faith. This type of faith pin points what you are believing God for, and it trusts that He will provide the requests according to His will. Also, with Exact Faith you don't have to worry about how long your requests will take to come to past, you just know they will come to past. You are looking forward to your requests being answered, with anticipation and expectation.
Matthew 21:21 - Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.
March 22, 2024
SPIRITUAL GIFTS. THE GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT.
(1 Corinthians 12:1-11; Romans 12:6-8; Ephesians 4:11-16)
The gifts of THE SPIRIT are not your self-owned or personal gifts that you choose and operate at your own will or discretion or to elevate yourself. Unlike the ordinary human gifts where the receiver is now the owner of the gift and is free to do whatever he/she wants; the gifts of THE SPIRIT are given by GOD to edify (build up) HIS CHURCH. HE will never relinquish ownership or control of the gifts that HE gave to those who are filled with the HOLY GHOST so that they may edify the church. The operation of the gifts is to be done decently and in order. I believe everyone that is filled with the HOLY SPIRIT has the potential to be a recipient of one or more of the gifts of the SPIRIT. Some saints know that they have a gift of the SPIRIT, and some are not certain if they have a specific gift. If uncertain the HOLY GHOST filled individual should live right and ask GOD to reveal HIS gift to them. If there is never a time for the gifts of the HOLY SPIRIT to be in operation in the Churches, it is in these last days. GOD bless you.
March 25, 2024
THE REAL CHURCH
(1 Corinthians 10:31)
GOD will use those in HIS CHURCH who are not jealous when GOD uses another person except them. Your gift will make room for you and not you seeking recognition or you striving to make room for your gift and yourself. GOD knows the heart and HE also knows those that are wrapped up in themselves with boasting. The writer says, "humble yourself and the LORD will draw near you". The wise man Solomon says there are "...six things doth the LORD hate: yea seven, are an abomination unto him: 1) a proud look, 2) a lying tongue, and 3) hands that shed innocent blood, (the tongue kills too (James 3:3-10), 4) an heart that diviseth wicked imagination, 5) feet that be swift in running to mischief, 6) a false witness that speaketh lies, and 7) he that soweth discord among the brethren" (Prov. 6:16-19). "... whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of GOD" (1 Corinthians.10:31) and not to the glory of yourself. We all must have the church's best interests at heart and not our personal self-want to be seen and heard interest. The if I can't have my way then I am gone on the highway is a path that often leads to self- destruction for many. So, I encourage you to stay humble and wait on the LORD courageously. GOD bless you.
March 26, 2024
“Life struggles, Don’t Give Up!”
Life sometimes seems to get us down, and it seems there’s nowhere to turn. As Shirley Caesar sings it, “God is concerned, and He is working it out for you”. As believers, we know that we can consult God at any time. Things will not always be smooth for a child of God, as a matter of fact, the way of salvation is a suffering way. When we make the decision to follow Jesus we will go through some things. However, we are reminded in His word where Jesus said, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). God truly cares for us, despite the physical struggles we go through, sickness, pain, heartaches, and the storms of life, we know that God will never leave us comfortless (John 14:18).
“Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD” (Psalm 27:14). God Bless You!!
March 27, 2024
PERIL - OUS TIMES HAVE COME
(2 Timothy. 3:1-17)
We are living right now in a spiritual, political, financial, criminal, racial, man-made diseases/viruses, wars, unrest, tension filled, etc., etc., turbulent times. Yes, we are certainly living in serious and immediate danger. The enemy, like a roaring lion, is prowling around and is deceiving many religious and non-religious people (1 Peter 5:8-10). Lying, financial, and other crimes are paying off well, politically, and otherwise. THE CHURCH must maintain an adamant faith in GOD our LORD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST. Some things we think are accidents may be systematically planned to cripple the economy of Blacks and poor people, especially in countries, states, and cities that Black leaders control. The real CHURCH must vibrantly seek a closer relationship with JESUS CHRIST. The devil is a lying spirit that has invaded America's politics and many powerful religious organizations (John 8:44). Certain rich races in America are using their financial power to control the political scene in their favor towards non-democratic rule. Prayer is very important, but we must also vote and vote for democracy. Sin is a reproach, but righteousness exalts all nations (Prov. 14:34). ALL liars shall find themselves in the fire lake (Rev. 21:8). Even the very Bible is blatantly being used and sold for political gain. These are certainly the last days. GOD bless America.
March 28, 2024
SPIRITUAL FLEXIBILITY!
When I think of flexibility (adaptable), I think of a rubber band. You can take a rubber band and stretch it, twist it; mash it; and bend it, and after you do all those things, the rubber band goes back to its original state. We as Believers should have that same flexibility when life stretches us in different directions. When we deugo through life's twists and turns. When life mashes and bends us out of shape. We are to be flexible and able to bounce back from whatever life throws our way (with the help God (Jesus)).
1 Corinthians 13:7 - Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
March 29, 2024
TRUE LOVE
"THE REAL McCOY"
(John 13:34-35)
What an extremely wonderful feeling it is to be TRULY LOVED and to know and prove without a shadow of doubt that that person or persons’ love is unconditionally real. Such kind of love is never "hurry come up" or "rushie rushie" trying to get you to love them back in return. Anyone who is forcing you to love them especially by doing "nice things" for you, and keep reminding you what they did or is presently doing for you so as to demand of you to love them in return or give them what they want from you, that person does not love you. DON’T BE FOOLED. Anyone who is demanding you to love them back with threats of harm to themselves or to you does not love you. Love thinketh no evil (1 Corinthians 13:5). Yes, it is a wonderful feeling to be truly loved by a special one or by many. JESUS (GOD) is our ultimate example of true and unconditional love. HE wants us to no more love one another as we love ourselves, but HIS new commandment is for us to love one another like HE loves us (John 13:34-35). GOD bless you.
Your Pastor and Bishop, HOPETON MAIR, SR.
TFTD Ministry
Mt. Olivet Apostolic Churches
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