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The Reign of the King

12/1/2014

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Christ is the King of Glory!
7 And the Lord told him: “Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king. 8 As they have done from the day I brought them up out of Egypt until this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are doing to you. 9 Now listen to them; but warn them solemnly and let them know what the king who will reign over them will claim as his rights.” 1 Samuel 8:7-9

Grace and peace saints of God. Today and everyday we celebrate the Reign of the King - Jesus the Christ. As we proclaim the doxology, "Christ has died. Christ has risen! Christ will come again," we are reminded that the King of the Universe who clothed himself in humanity and dwelt among men, the King who died for our sins and rose to justify us with all power in his hands, the King who ascended unto the Father and now sits at his right hand interceding for us even now, the King - alive and well is returning again to reign for all eternity. Jesus is the King who was and is, and is to come.Rev. 1:8  Jesus is the King whose kingdom shall have no end. Luke 1:33, Isaiah 9:7

This means that no matter what we're facing, no matter how catastrophic thing may appear, God is in control! Somebody ought to say amen right there! We serve the Almighty, Everlasting  God, the Ancient of Days! The God we serve is the only one who can do exceedingly, abundantly, above all that we could ask or think! Eph. 3:20  Yet in all of his power and might, we like the people in today's reading find ourselves thinking that we can do better for ourselves than the creator of all that is.

The Word of God declares in the 24th Psalm that "The earth is the Lord's and the fullness therof; the world and they who dwell therein. For he has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters." vs. 1-2 Straight from the mind and heart of God we were created with purpose embedded in the very fabric of our being. To express the glorious splendor of an awesome God; as we engage a spiritual relationship with God and God's creation, God is glorified and his people edified! All under the reign of the King.

The people of Israel had seen neighboring nations come against them led by a man who they had made their king. They had watched as others engaged in what appeared to be an honor and privilege of serving a man who would govern over them. He would make rules and regulations and tell them how they were to live; what they should and should not do, and what they could and could not own. They had watched a people who were obliged to give their sons and daughters to be servants and soldiers for the king.

God's people were not satisfied with the one true King of Kings, and I wonder in the reign of the one and true king we serve, King Jesus, if we have learned very much from Israel's experience, or are we the same. Jesus has told us through the council of his word, to tend after those who are sick and shut in, to visit those who are imprisoned, and care for those who suffer without food or clothing, (Matt.25:40) and yet many of us who say we are the King's subjects and servants continue on as if it's not our concern. Oh yes, we thank God for sparing us from imprisonment, famine, and homelessness, all from the comfort of our homes and church assemblies. But are we the slightest bit concerned about the reign of the King.

The prophet John the Baptist and Jesus Christ himself proclaimed that the Kingdom of God is at hand. Both speak to the reign of God, also articulated as the righteous rule of the one true King. The statement itself announced that the current domain, as the people had known it, was under new management. In the righteous rule of the King of Kings, the one who "came that we might have life, and have it more abundantly," (John 10:10) we are given principles of the King that will enable us to engage victorious living! That is the wonder of God's Word! We weren't left to try to figure it out all by ourselves, and yet we still try.

And as Christians, as citizens of the King's domain, we find ourselves frustrated and feeling busted and disgusted trying to live in accordance with the will of God, trying to live victoriously and failing miserably, because we try to do it our own way. God tells husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church and gave his life for it. God tells wives to submit to their husbands as to the Lord. Eph. 5:22, 25  Yet we find in this day and time that the divorce rate is just about as high in the church as it is in the secular world! And as I witness the challenges in the lives of my brothers and sisters, and yes even in my own walk, I am reminded of the spiritual struggle that remains in our flesh that desires to exalt itself over the will of God. To dare say, indirectly, but just as boldly, "I want another king!" Even worse, "I want to be the king!" In the midst of the trials and tribulations that are meant to stretch us and not to destroy us, we say to ourselves, "God you just don't understand! So it seems I'll have to take this matter into my own hands."

But in reality it is us who don't understand. Under the reign of the King, God has a system that guarantees our victorious success! It is a system where we fully rely on Christ himself and not on ourselves, because on our best day we could never do what Christ has already done for us and what his Holy Spirit is doing for us even now! When we repent of our sins, and accept Jesus Christ as our Lord (King, Overseer, Ruler), and savior, God seals us with his Holy Spirit and enables us with the grace to be victorious! This grace is an unmerited favor! We don't deserve to live, but Jesus has already paid our debt - already taken our punishment of death. This grace is however, also an enabling power to live in a "new and living way." It is the power to think as the King thinks. It is the power to do as the King would have you to do - live as the King would have you to live, and yes love as the King would have you to love! This grace brings the joyous privilege of being able to proclaim, "Greater is He who is in me, than he that is in the world!" 1 John 4:4

May we be those who will truly live in the Reign of the King - "Not by might, not by power, but by His Spirit says the Lord of hosts." Zech. 4:6   And the people of God said - Amen.

In His Service,

Pastor Emery B. Barber
FaithWorks Christian Fellowship


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Prophesy to the Bones!

10/31/2012

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Word of Faith: Prophesy to the Bones, Pastor Emery B. Barber

Grace and peace saints, and the mercy of God our Father be yours,

Several weeks ago, the Lord lead me to a rehearsal of Ezekiel 37:1-14. The application for me was a reminder of the urgency to forth-speak the will of God articulated by His Word, to decree what the King has already declared, to prophesy to the dry bones of our time. That is to communicate to the people of this dark age that now is the time to repent of their sins, accept Jesus Christ as savior, and serve him, as they walk endued by his Holy Spirit, in a new and living way..

In this scripture God told Ezekiel to prophesy to the bones what God said God would do in their restoration process, and when Ezekiel did so, restoration began. Remarkably there was a shaking that caused something to happen! The bones started reconnecting, flesh started reappearing. But in order for life to take place, God told Ezekiel to prophesy to the breath!

Here is what tugged at my heart so heavily. God tells Ezekiel exactly what to say, and thus how to speak forth the breath, and where to call it from. God communicates that he has established the Four Winds as a place of residence, according to the council of his own divine power and authority, for this restorative, life-giving breath. As Ezekiel moves in obedience to decree the Word of God, the breath obeys and enters into what essentially stands as a vast army of the people of God.

Saints of God its time for us to move in obedience and prophesy to the dry bones of this age so that they may live again to the glory of our God! Forget about your vain imaginations men and women of God! Say what the Master has already declared! Speak the Word of God! In 2 Chronicles 7:14, God said if my people, who are called by name would humble themselves and pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then would I hear from Heaven, forgive their sins, and heal their land.

The people of this dark age have gotten to the place spoken of in scripture, "people who will not endure sound doctrine (teaching), but after their own lusts will heap to themselves teachers, with itching ears." 2 Tim. 4:3
No longer having tolerance for the truth of God's Word, people are making up their own doctrinal code of life to live by, or should I say die by, because the further they move away from the will of the one true God, who gives life, the further they move away from life itself. Thus, dead dry bones!

Ministering servants of God, we can no longer remain silent! As God spoke to Ezekiel about the children of Israel, the God of Love, creator of all, speaks to us now. Prophesy to the bones that they may live... through Jesus Christ our Lord, Savior, and Very Best Friend. Amen.

Emery B. Barber is a founding Pastor of FaithWorks Christian Fellowship of Jamaica, NY, and co-author of the web devotional and devotional book, Words of Faith for FaithWorks Christian Center, International. As a Creative Media Consultant he provides training and services in various areas of digital marketing collateral with a special calling to Creative Worship Media.

   FaithWorks Christian Fellowship | Engaging Worship, Declaring Praise, and Proving God at God's Word | Join Us

                                             © 2012 Faith Works Christian Center. All rights reserved.


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Word of Faith: Go Tell It, Pt. I

6/7/2012

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Excerpt from Words of Faith, by Emery & Stephanie Barber

Grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord! The theme for today’s Word of Faith is “Go Tell It!” 

Spirit of the Living God is one of my favorite hymns. “Fall afresh on me.” What a blessed privilege to serve the true living God! I wonder if anybody still believes that it’s good news that Jesus the Christ is alive and well. Yes Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins, but he rose on the third day with all power in his hands, and with that power he declared us “not guilty” before the divine court. And that gives us the blessed privilege of everlasting life with Christ if we accept God’s free gift! That’s not just good news, that’s great news! It’s such great news, we just have to go and tell it!

But I can’t help, but wonder if those who say that they have heard the good news, and say they believe it is true - really do. The price of gas goes down a few cents and your friends are knocking down your door to tell you about it. Your favorite department store has a sale and you can’t wait to show off what a great buy you acquired.

In the fourth chapter of John, Jesus has an encounter with a stranger. This stranger – the woman of Samaria, later finds out she is with the Son of God! The Messiah has come and is standing before her, impacting her life and look at her response. Rather than stand there and bask in the glow of his presence, currently all her own, she has to run and go, and tell it.

People hear good news, and they go and tell it, whether they believe it’s true or not. We have experienced the miraculous move of God in our lives and we keep it to ourselves, like hidden treasure. My brothers and sisters, God wants us to go and tell it! Tell the good news!

After Jesus had risen from the grave, before his ascension, Jesus Christ proclaimed in the 28th chapter and the 19th verse of the book of Matthew, “All power and authority has been given me in Heaven and Earth, go ye therefore and make disciples of all nations.” He goes further to say baptize, and teach them to obey all I have commanded.

Beloved, we’ve been given a tall order by the Savior of our souls. But the joy of it all is that we are not called to do it alone. Jesus ends the great commission with, “Be sure, I am with you always, even to the end.”

If there was a plague in the land, and you knew where to find the antidote, would you keep it to yourself or would you share it? Christ calls us to share the antidote to the plague of sin with our families, friends and yes - even strangers. Jesus is the answer! May we be so inspired – so compelled to move in love for our God and mankind that we would obey the call and go and tell it!

In His Service,
Pastor Barber
FaithWorks Christian Fellowship
Proving God at God's Word

Emery B. Barber is a founding Pastor of FaithWorks Christian Fellowship of Jamaica, NY, and co-author of the web devotional and devotional book, Words of Faith for FaithWorks Christian Center, International. As a Creative Media Consultant he provides training and services in various areas of digital marketing collateral with a special calling to Creative Worship Media.

   FaithWorks Christian Fellowship | Engaging Worship, Declaring Praise, and Proving God at God's Word | Join Us

                                             © 2012 Faith Works Christian Center. All rights reserved.




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Word of Faith: Completely New for the New Year

12/31/2011

1 Comment

 
Twelve months completes the cycle of one year. Twelve hours encapsulate the day and the night. Twelve tribes of Israel. Twelve Judges, Twelve Apostles. Twelve foundations in the new Jerusalem. Twelve gates to the Holy City. Such an overwhelming pronouncement of twelve that symbolizes completion, fulfillment, and establishment. 

As we approach 2012, I pray that we are postured to enter what I believe the Spirit of God has decreed as a season of Kingdom Establishment. A mandate for the people of God to walk in that which is Completely New, where old things are passed away, and all things become new! Viewing life through the lens of a new paradigm. Living according to the Kingdom Agenda. Blessed with the benefits that a new beginning in Christ brings. It is imprinted in the Word that God gave to us.

It is time to stop imitating holiness, and just "be" holy. As we enter this season saints, don't "resolve" to be holy, transformed, renewed, refreshed. God calls us to "be" holy as God is holy. When we do so, not by might or power, but by His Spirit, blessings will overtake us. If you have not yet done so, surrender to the Kingdom mandate: Be not conformed to this world any longer, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable, and perfect will of God.

We have made beautiful music to the glory of God and for the good of others. But the best is yet to come! Just wait and see! But don't wait as the world waits. Wait as we are called to wait in the Kingdom! As those who find strength and renewal as we wait on the Lord! As those who find themselves mounting up with wings as eagles! As those who run, but never get weary; as those who walk (no matter how far the path, no matter how steep the slope) and never faint.

Blessings for the Completely New in 2012,

In His Service,

Pastor Barber
FaithWorks Christian Fellowship
Proving God at God's Word

Emery B. Barber is a founding Pastor of FaithWorks Christian Fellowship of Jamaica, NY, and co-author of the web devotional and devotional book, Words of Faith for FaithWorks Christian Center, International. As a Creative Media Consultant he provides training and services in various areas of digital marketing collateral with a special calling to Creative Worship Media.   

FaithWorks Christian Fellowship | Engaging Worship, Declaring Praise, and Proving God at God's Word | Join Us

                                          © 2012 Faith Works Christian Center. All rights reserved.





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Word of Faith - The Light of the Word

1/9/2011

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Word of Faith - The Light of the Word
 
It's a new year filled with the potential to fulfill all of your goals. But what is your strategy? What route will you take? King David was inspired to write in the book of Psalms, "Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and light unto my path." He knew that whatever plans he made, and whatever steps he took to fulfill them had to be guided by the illuminating light of the Word of God.
 
We need to be aware that the same holds true for today. Every answer to every question we may have in life can be found in the counsel of God's Word. That means we must study the Word of God in order to apply it to our lives. When we apply God's Word to our lives we give glory to God - or prove the steadfastness of God's plan for our lives, and encourage others to do the same.
 
As you make plans for the future - this week, this month, this year and beyond, let the light of the Word of God direct and illuminate your path.
 
Walking in the Light of God's Glory, Pastor Barber

FaithWorks Christian FellowshipProving God at God's WordEmery B. Barber is a founding Pastor of FaithWorks Christian Fellowship of Jamaica, NY, and co-author of the web devotional and devotional book, Words of Faith for FaithWorks Christian Center, International. As a Creative Media Consultant he provides training and services in various areas of digital marketing collateral with a special calling to Creative Worship Media.   FaithWorks Christian Fellowship | Engaging Worship, Declaring Praise, and Proving God at God's Word | Join Us

                                             © 2012 Faith Works Christian Center. All rights reserved.

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    Author

    Emery and Stephanie are 
    the founders of Faith Works Christian Fellowship, and pastors of branch of Shepherd's House Open Bible Church, Brooklyn. They are also the authors of the Words of Faith Devotional Series.

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