Church News
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
AUGUST 2025
August 1, 2025
THE POWER AND BLESSINGS OF THE GREAT COMMISSION (MATTHEW 28:19)
Preface: It has been brought to my attention that I might have offended or made some of my fellow religious Christian leaders friends upset because I emphasize the revelation I received regarding baptism and the mentioning of it on certain medium how baptism should be done. Let me state that I have no ulterior motives. In as much as I am saddened by the upsetness of my friends, I cannot apologize because the revelation is true. I have no heaven or hell to personally put anyone in, but I cannot hold back what is revealed to me regarding baptism that is mentioned by JESUS CHRIST in Matt. 28:19. Neither am I throwing stones at anyone or saying if you do not believe what I am saying, you are going to hell. That is between everyone and ALMIGHTY GOD. However, I firmly believe it is the truth, and somebody needs this message. If anyone would like to talk with me regarding this subject matter, I would gracefully and humbly sit down and listen to what you have to say (301-499-5524).
1) THE MESSAGE CAME FROM JESUS - In Matt 28:19, JESUS said, "go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the father and of the son, and of the HOLY GHOST (SPIRIT)". Keep in mind that repeating an instruction is not the same thing as carrying out the instruction.
2) IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER - It is very important to know that every father has a name, and JESUS said that the baptism is to be done in the name of the father. In John 5:43, JESUS said that “I am come in my father's name ...". In the dispensation of grace, the father's name is JESUS. In John 10:25, JESUS said, "I told you and ye believe not. The works that I do in my father's name; they bear witness of me" yes, every father has a name and JESUS is the name that is to be pronounce on the candidate to be baptized.
3) AND OF THE SON - Every son has a name. In Matt 1:21, the Bible says, "and she (Mary) shall bring forth a son and thou shalt call his NAME JESUS...". Yes, every son has a name. The son’s name is JESUS. Son is not a name. The name of the SON of GOD is JESUS (Eph. 3:9; John 3:16).
4) AND OF THE HOLY GHOST (SPIRIT) - Every spirit has a name, and also functions in the power of a name. In John 14:26 JESUS said, "but the comforter, which is the HOLY GHOST, whom the father will send in my name...". The HOLY GHOST comes in the power of the name JESUS, and HE the HOLY SPIRIT (John 16:13) functions in the name JESUS. Therefore, we must conclude that the name JESUS must be invoked on the candidate being baptized. All the baptisms that the instructed disciples did were done in the name of JESUS. In Acts 8:16, the Bible stated "... they were baptized in the NAME OF THE LORD JESUS". In Acts 10:48, "and he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the LORD...". In Acts 19:5, "when they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the LORD JESUS". In Acts 2:38, "then Peter said unto them repent and be baptized everyone of you in the NAME OF JESUS CHRIST for the remission of sins and ye shall receive the gift of the HOLY GHOST". Col. 3:17 states "and whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the NAME of the LORD JESUS...". Yes, use the name of HIM who is the head of the Church, JESUS CHRIST (Col. 1:18, Eph. 1:22-23). Baptism, rebuking the devil, praying for the sick, etc. should be done calling on the name of the JESUS (Phil. 2:10-11; Col. 3:17).
If anyone needs to be baptized in JESUS name, please call 301-499-5524. GOD bless you.
Bishop Hopeton W. Mair, Sr.
August 4, 2025
GOD IS WATCHING YOUR GIVING. (Luke 21:1-4; 2 Corinth. 9:6-8; Mark 12:41-44)
Giving to GOD'S business HIS CHURCH comes with such high blessings that the devil will do all that he can to make you not to give so that you become a spiritual and temporal loser, by you not giving honestly and consistently to GOD when you can. Whether JESUS deliberately sat where HE could see how much the people were giving or HE just happened to be seated near the offering plate, it is clear to me that JESUS put strong interest in the giving of our tithe and offering. We do not pay tithe, we give tithe to GOD. (Gen. 28:22). JESUS was not browbeating the rich, it is more like HE was commending them for giving much because they had much. But the poor widow put in the two mites that she had to her name. The point I want all of us to see is that JESUS is watching your heart as well as your mode of giving to see whether you are honest in the amount that you give. It is not just two people at the offering table. There is an invisible third person, and if the receiver steals any of the offering, he or she is cursed. Giving our tithe and offering should be an enjoyable and blessed time because "...It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35). Whether electronically, sealed envelope, or open cash drop, JESUS sees if you are honest in your giving. Malachi describes the dishonest givers as robbers (Malachi 3:8). Robbery is a bold, aggressive, and disgraceful face-to-face confrontation to take away the property of someone by force.
I am a monthly tithe and offering giver, and I am a Jacob follower in the giving of my tithe. Jacob says to GOD, "... and of ALL that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee" (Gen. 28:22). Jacob's grandfather Abraham gave tithe. We are the third son of Abraham by faith, and tithing is a faith work. You will be consistently blessed when you consistently follow the examples of Father Abraham and his grandson Jacob. Remember, JESUS knows how much is in your hide away or bank account anyway, so if you say you are broke, make sure you are telling the truth. God bless you.
August 5, 2025
"YOUR GOODNESS/KINDNESS IS NOT ENOUGH!“
There are many people who are kind or who would be considered as nice, but no matter how nice or kind you are that’s not a ticket into Heaven. It’s unfortunate that many will do a lot of good, and while nothing is wrong with doing good, being kind or nice to others, it doesn’t guarantee salvation. You must come in at the door. The only way through the door is by repentance, baptism in Jesus’ name, and being filled with the Holy Ghost. The scripture tells us, that our righteousness to Him is like filthy rags. As children of God, when we do good deeds being kind and/or nice to others, when we do it as unto the Lord, God gets the glory, and we get the blessing.
Isaiah 64:6 - But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
August 6, 2025
RUNNING OUT OF TIME (Convocation theme) - (Eccl. 3:1-15; Rev. 10:6)
Time was instituted by GOD to regulate the limits of man to get things done orderly. Many definitions may be given for time, but I will define time as that which is measured in seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, and years. So time is that which was instituted by GOD to let man and the whole creation function in an orderly manner. The wise man Solomon says, "to everything there is a season and a time... under the heaven ...a time to be born and a time to die..." (Eccl. 3:1-15). Everything in time has a beginning and an ending. Man's total existence is regulated by time. Man comes into existence at a certain time, which we call birth and leaves here at a certain time, which we call death. GOD/JESUS is not regulated by time because HE made time, and HE is before time. GOD has no end because HE is eternal. GOD is the self-existent creator of the heavens, the earth, and the everything in the heavens and the earth (Col. 1:17; John 1:3).
It is proper to say GOD is before all things (Col. 1:17) but it may not be proper to say "there will be none after HIM" because GOD does not have an after or an end.
Every man must repent and get saved in time, die holy in time, be rapture holy ready in time so as to live eternally with GOD in heaven. Rev. 22:13 states that JESUS/GOD is "...the beginning and the end, the first and the last". This is saying GOD was the only one in the beginning of time and will be the only one at the ending of time. Man ceased to exist in time when time ends (Rev. 10:6). GOD bless you. GOD willing see you in Convocation 2025.
August 7, 2025
THE LOVE OF GOD!
There are people and pets that we say we love, and that's how it should be. But we should love God above anybody and above anything because He loves us above anybody and anything. Love is powerful, and even death can't stop it. Also, because of love, Jesus laid down His earthly life so that we could have eternal life. Now, that's love.
Romans 8:38-39 - For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
August 8, 2025
A TIME FOR EVERYTHING (Eccl. 3:1-7)
It is as if in the beginning of the world, THE ETERNAL GOD JESUS THE CHRIST stepped into HIS eternity and made a little opening or space in eternity and then pushed apart both ends of eternity and that little opening space in eternity HE called it TIME. In that Genesis chapter one and verse one, the whole package of GOD'S created makings is found. Everything from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation chapter 22 is in Genesis 1 verse 1. Genesis 1:1 states "in the beginning GOD created (drew up the blueprint of the world from then until now) the heavens and the earth". Yes, the now everything was also in the everything of Genesis 1:1. GOD, thereafter began out of verse 1 to put the package contents in their places in various areas of HIS world in time. Genesis 1 from verses 2 and 3 upward confirms what I am saying. But GOD has a plan to close up back that little space opening in eternity, which I call time, and when the two ends of eternity reconnect back, TIME will be no more. The writer of the poem "THE TIME CLOCK "ends his poem by saying "TICK TOCK, TICK TOCK, SAYS THE TIME CLOCK, ETERNITY SOON WILL MAKE ME STOP". GOD bless you.
August 11, 2025
AT THE HOUSE BUT NOT IN THE HOUSE (LUKE 15:11-32)
AT THE CHURCH DOING MUCH BUT NOT IN THE CHURCH. SO NEAR YET SO FAR; SO FAR YET SO NEAR.
The prodigal son backslid from home, and he should not have left his father's house. But "he came to himself" and went back home with a repented heart and his father forgave him and took him back into the house.
His older brother did not go far away from his father's house, and he was entreated by his father to come inside the house but because of a heart of unforgiveness (Matt.18:35) he too had left home although he was just outside at the back door of his father's house. So near, yet so far. Let us all realize that you can be at the house but not in the house. Yes, you can be at the church and be involved but because of sinfulness in thought, unforgiveness, words, or deeds or because you have not believed to receive the HOLY GHOST you are at the church but not in the rapture and the death ready church. The younger brother was so far away, yet with a repented heart he was so near. The older brother was so near to the house, but yet because of a self-righteous attitude he was so far from the Kingdom. Is thine heart right with GOD? Are you in the house (church)? GOD bless you.
August 12, 2025
"THE HOLY GHOST!"
In the Book of II Corinthians 3:17, “Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty (freedom)", signifying that the Holy Spirit is God's presence dwelling within believers. It highlights the transformative power of the Spirit, enabling believers to live a life pleasing to God and to experience a deeper relationship with Him. The Holy Ghost which is the Spirit of God is given freely to anyone who has an open heart to receive it. The Holy Ghost/Holy Spirit is what identifies us as children of God. The scripture says that the Lord doesn’t know anyone in the flesh (II Corinthians 5:15-17). This means that whatever we do for God, it must be done through the power of the Holy Ghost. “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24). The Holy Ghost is what connects us to God, and we will need it to be in the first resurrection.
John 14:16-17 - And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, (Holy Ghost) that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
August 13, 2025
GOD FIRST - IT IS A COMMANDMENT (Matt. 22:31-40; John 13:31-35)
Biblical commandment is a directive or rule from ALMIGHTY GOD. The first and most important commandment is to "love the LORD thy GOD with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind ... the second is like unto it, thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself (Matt. 22:31-40).
H M S from a British standpoint means "His Majesty Service", but for us believers, H M S is heart, mind, and soul dedicated to Almighty GOD. HE is and must always be our first love. Secondly, JESUS CHRIST gave us a new and upgraded commandment where by we MUST now love one another the very same way as HE (GOD) loves us. Wow!! That is an awesome upgraded high class living, and money has nothing to do with it (John 13:34-35). GOD bless you.
August 14, 2025
HAVE YOU SEEN A MIRACLE LATELY?
When we hear about miracles, we expect to see miracles like in the Bible. For example, miracles like God parting large bodies of water, like He parted the red sea. But God will only do miracles like that when miracles like that are needed. God does miracles every day, but we overlook them. It's a miracle that you woke up this morning, you could have died while you were sleeping. It's a miracle when you ate your breakfast, lunch; or dinner; and didn't get sick. We don't know what happened to that food before we brought it. It's a miracle that the car didn't hit your car when it came close to your car. It's a miracle when you were getting ready to cross the street, and you stopped before a car raced pass you. It's a miracle how you live with various sicknesses that killed other people. It's a miracle when you get up in the morning and still have your right mind. It's a miracle in the times we live in that you still have something to eat, clothes to wear, and somewhere to sleep. So, yes, we see miracles every day.
Deuteronomy 11:3 - And his miracles, and his acts, which he did in the midst of Egypt unto Pharaoh the king of Egypt, and unto all his land;
1 Corinthians 12:28 - And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
August 15, 2025
THE BELIEVERS' THREE MAIN PURPOSES IN THE CHURCH. (Matt 22: 36-40; John 13: 34-35; Col. 3:17; Phil. 2:3)
There are three main purposes for all believers in the church.
1) GOD must be first, and we must do things so that HE gets ALL the glory. Yes, HE must be glorified in what we do. We must love GOD with all our heart, mind and soul, and HIM only to be served as our GOD (Luke 4:8; Matt. 22:37). GOD will not accept second place in anyone's life. GOD will not share HIS diety creative glory (GODness) with anyone. There will be no second little gods running around or saying that they created anyone (Isa. 42:8). The only glory GOD will share or give to us are the HOLY GHOST, HIS holiness (1 Peter 1:16), HIS gifts of the SPIRIT (1 Corinth. 12:1-31) and the fruit of the SPIRIT (John 17:22, John 3:5, Gal. 5:22-26). GOD is still the owner of all gifts given to us.
2) We must love one another as JESUS loves us (John 13:34-35). We must "let nothing be done through strife or vain glory; but in lowliness (humility) of mind, let each esteem other (one another) better than themselves (ourselves)" (Phil. 2:3-5). We must edify one another (the church) (Eph. 4:12).
3) We must make sure we stay Holy ready for death or the rapture 24X7 (John 6:33; Heb. 12:14). GOD bless you.
August 18, 2025
ENDURE (Matt. 24:1-13)
We serve the GOD of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. HE is the creator of the heavens and the earth (Psalm 146:5-6). HE alone has all power in heaven and in the earth, and HE alone is Omnipotent, Omniscient, and HE alone is Omnipresent (Matt. 28:18; John 1:3, Col. 1:17). The writer says, "these are the times that tries men soul" and certainly we are living in the last days. Men are more evil than ever before (2 Tim. 3:13). But with JESUS CHRIST in our vessel, we can smile at the storms of Life in sicknesses, hard times, troubles, etc., etc. Keep the faith in JESUS and remain steadfast and unmovable (1 Corinthians 15:58). Remember, "...he that shall endure (spiritually and physically) to the end, the same shall be saved" (Matt. 24:13). If you trust and never doubt, HE will surely bring you out as (pure) gold (Job 23:10). So I encouragingly say unto you, ENDURE, ENDURE, ENDURE. GOD bless you.
August 19, 2025
"GOD'S TIMING IS DIFFERENT, BUT IT'S BETTER!"
Sometimes, we expect God to respond immediately to our prayers, but remember God’s timing is not our timing. God has already seen far ahead of us that we might not be ready for what we prayed for, or our maturity level has not yet been developed. Don’t get discouraged because God's way of doing things is always better. “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11). The wait may seem long, but I guarantee you that you will be happier with the result than if you would have received an immediate answer. Remember “God's ways are not our ways, neither His thoughts our thoughts”.
Isaiah 55:8-9 - For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
August 20, 2025
THE RACE - JUDGEMENT vs. MERCY (Jonah chapters 3 and 4)
GOD'S grace and mercy can run faster than HIS judgement when we from the heart repent of our sins. When you are on the road to the destructive wrath of GOD and you repent to GOD from the heart or forgive from the heart GOD'S grace/mercy will run and overtake/prevent the judgement wrath of GOD from destroying you.
The king and the people of Nineveh repented from the heart in sackcloth and ashes and GOD repented (change HIS mind) from overthrowing the city of Nineveh. Jonah was angry, but GOD'S mercy ran pass fast moving Jonah and also ran pass GOD'S judgement and blocked the wrath of GOD from Nineveh, because the King and the people repented from the heart. If you do not repent of your sins or forgive, GOD will not activate HIS forgiving grace and mercy upon you (Matt. 6:14-15). If you die in sin, the judgement of GOD will prevail upon you eternally (Luke 13:3).
GOD'S grace and mercy are the fastest runners, and will always outrun GOD'S judgement when we forgive or repent of our sins (1 John 1:9). GOD bless you.
August 21, 2025
LIBERTY!
Since God (Jesus) has provided us with liberty (the quality or state of being free), why would we want to go back and "practice" sin. We all make mistakes after we are saves because we are trying to learn how to live this new lifestyle. But if you make mistakes, repent right away to keep your heart right with God. Don't keep doing the "same" wrong things over and over again. Also, when you repent, believe that "God" has forgiven you and also forgive "yourself". Sometimes, we are too hard on ourselves. God is a loving and merciful God, He wants us to have liberty as we live our lives. He doesn't want us to walk around in bondage.
2 Corinthians 3:17 - Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
August 22, 2025
SERVANT - (Matt. 23:11-12)
One of the definitions of a servant is a person who does duties for others. JESUS CHRIST is our ultimate example of being humble and being a servant. JESUS let HIS disciples know that HE did not come to be served, but to serve, and serve HE did often (Mark 10:45). Great example for all of us to follow. On one occasion, HE told HIS disciples, "if I then, your LORD and MASTER, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you" (John 13:14-15). None of us is bigger than JESUS CHRIST, so have you washed your brother's or your sister's feet lately? JESUS the KING stated in Matt. 25:40, "inasmuch as ye have done it (serve) unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it (serve) unto ME". JESUS stated, "... he that is greatest among you shall be your servant... whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted" (Matt. 23:11-12). Big church title holders are supposed to be big servants of the people. Humble yourself. GOD bless you.
August 25, 2025
GIVE GOD THE BEST (Matt. 26:6-13; Mark 14:3-9; John 12:1-8)
We all must do more in the CHURCH for the glory of GOD and not for self-glorification (a show). We all should do more in GOD'S church for the edifying of GOD'S people, and not for show and self-praise. You should not be comfortable in doing a little bit in the church, but doing a whole lot more for JESUS and HIS people. In the church, you must do less to impress people and do more to address JESUS and see to it that you give HIM all the glory, praise, and honor. The Church is not just all about JESUS, and that is good, but THE CHURCH is truly "ALL JESUS".
Mary gave JESUS no cheap stuff, but she gave HIM the best. She did not open the alabaster box, so some could be left in it, but she broke it, so all of it could be poured out (flow in large amount) up on JESUS. She gave JESUS all and the best. How about you?
Judas, the thief, and the hypocritical others were angry and full of resentment against Mary and said it was a waste for Mary to pour it all on JESUS. Judas said it could have been sold and the money given to the poor. Judas and those agreeing with him were hypocrites and cared nothing about the poor. Brothers and sisters let no one in the church or out of the church stop you from doing more in the church and giving to JESUS the best of praise and worship. Pour out all the praise and worship on JESUS and not on self or man. GOD bless you.
August 26, 2025
“HOW BEAUTIFUL HEAVEN MUST BE!” (Rev. 21)
Heaven is a beautiful place prepared for the (Bride) Church and His (Groom) God. In Heaven, there will be no more sorrow, no more heartaches, no more pain, no more struggles, no more disappointments and the list goes on. Heaven will be “Joy Unspeakable and Full of Glory!” While John was exiled on the Isle of Patmos, he wrote the Book of Revelations Chapter 21. He was encouraged despite what he was going through, because he knew that Heaven would be better. (John 14:3). Despite the struggles, the pain, or difficulties we face in life, just remember that Heaven will be better than this. We have an eternal future to look forward to that includes walls of Jasper, street paved with gold, and where there will be neither night or day. Heaven is a prepared place, for prepared people! Will you be there?
Revelation 21:4 - And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
August 27, 2025
ABOMINATION (Levit. 18:22; Levit. 20:13; Gen. 19:7, 24; Rom. 1:26-27)
The word ABOMINATION has several meanings such as that which is repugnant to GOD, disgusting, wicked, unnatural, opposed to GOD'S nature, illicit sex, etc.
Here are ten biblical abominations unto the LORD GOD.
1) Prov. 16:5 - "Everyone that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD..."
2) Levit. 18:22 - "Thou shalt not lie with mankind as with womankind (and womankind as with mankind) it is abomination"
3) Prov. 6:16-19 - "These six things doth the LORD hate: yea seven are an abomination unto HIM...".
4) Levit. 20:13 - "...If a man also lie with mankind as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination..."
5) Deut. 22:5 - "The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy GOD"
6) Prov. 12:22 - "Lying lips are abomination unto HIM (GOD)".
7) Rom. 1:26 - "... women did change the natural use (of the man to) women with women...".
8) Prov. 15:26 - "The thought of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD"
9) Gen. 19:7 - "... do not do wickedly (the men wanted to have sex with the two men)..." Abomination.
10) Rom. 1:27 - "...the men leaving the natural use of the women... men with men...". Abomination. GOD bless you.
August 28, 2025
WHO CARES?
"Who Cares" is normally a negative statement that people use when they are frustrated with something, and they are letting you know that they are not worried about a situation. But there is a positive answer to this question. God (Jesus) cares. He knows what we will have to face in our lifetime, and He cares about everything pertaining to us. Sometimes, you may feel lonely, but He is there with you. Sometimes, you may feel unloved, but He loves you more than anyone. Sometimes, you may feel down, but He is there to lift you up and encourage you. You may have various needs, and He is a supplier of all your needs. Don't forget that He made the Heavens, and the earth and all the things that are in them for us because He cares. Thank God for caring for us.
1 Peter 5:7 - Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
August 29, 2025
STRONGER (Philippians 4:13)
"FORGIVENESS IS STRONGER THAN REVENGE".
Retribution is the weak act of a coward leader with power. Unforgiveness is a sign of weakness. Love is stronger than all the powers of hate and revenge. A small person with love is stronger than a giant who is full of evil and hate. With GOD'S power, little David was 100 times stronger than the giant Goliath. To some big women, the sight of a little mouse in the house will make them run out of the house. It is said that "a woman will run from a mouse but will fight a man as big as a house". Doing good is stronger than doing evil (Rom. 12:21). The weakness of an ant is stronger than a leader who is a dictator bully. Loving others like JESUS loves us is stronger than all the dictators of hate and retributional revenge. Forgiving others is not a sign of weakness but is a sign of one who is filled up with the strength of GOD'S meekness. JESUS tells us not to fear man who can only hurt or destroy the body, but fear GOD who can destroy both body and soul (Matt. 10:28). A soft answer is stronger than the loud sounding threats of a big town bully.
Finally, the strength of a true strong leader is one who will use his soldiers not to kill people, but to dig wells, build homes, and farm lands for the poor and needy.
May GOD help us all to abide in HIS strength. GOD bless you.
TFTD Ministry
Mt. Olivet Apostolic Churches
