A prayer from His servant

Oh heavenly Father help me! Help me to see, help me to stay in Your grace. Cause my heart to never wane. Cause the desire for You to increase as the days turn into years. Let not my eyes rest for searching for You, may my voice cease for crying out to You, suffer long with my weaknesses and guide me.

Who can mend a broken heart? Who can understand the sorrow within us? If not the one that created us. The God that formed us out of dust and breathed life into us, Your life and made us living souls. Yes it is God who understands. It is God that sees and knows….ALL... and it is to God whom every soul shall give account. Judgement is thine Oh God.

Lord may I stand, may I stand clean, may I stand harmless. Reveal to me today the error of my ways and grant me the ability to change so that I would bring glory to Your name and not hide my face in shame. Hear Oh Lord that which You have put in my heart and answer according to thy will.

Teaching 3: Is the Church an Organism or Organization?

The first two teachings in the series “The Church: Organism or Organization” explored doctrines and the church; specifically, what is a doctrine in its affects and who is the church. All teachings are scripturally sound prepared to withstand examination. These teachings laid the foundation to begin the discussion of if the church of God is an organism or an organization and the differences of each. In the light of God’s Word, Jesus, Teaching 3 will examine if we the church, the body of Christ are operating as our Lord determines.

If we are to become the perfect/mature man to the fullness of Christ, how we function is vital in the will of God. Without question, we are unable to fulfill our mandate if we don’t have the knowledge and understanding of who God has ordained that we are. Therefore, it is imperative that we comprehend our error as warranted and repent/change our behaviors to submission of God’s will.

Teaching 3 will address specific behaviors that contradict God’s will for His church and plainly identify those practices that are man’s plan. The teaching will emphasize that a body is an organism; address the practices of membership, attendance, positions, setting-in/placement, rituals and expectations. In so doing you will be enlightened by truth and given the opportunity to determine for yourself if you are truly functioning as the body of Christ, the church, or functioning as part of an organization.

Please review the attached document containing definitions and preparatory scripture reading. Click here to download.. The video teaching on "The Church - Organism or Organization" will be uploaded on Friday, December 12, 2014. 

If you have not done so, you can view the previous videos by teachings on Doctrines and "The Church. 

Teaching 3: Is the Church an Organism or Organization?

The first two teachings in the series “The Church: Organism or Organization” explored doctrines and the church; specifically, what is a doctrine in its affects and who is the church. All teachings are scripturally sound prepared to withstand examination. These teachings laid the foundation to begin the discussion of if the church of God is an organism or an organization and the differences of each. In the light of God’s Word, Jesus, Teaching 3 will examine if we the church, the body of Christ are operating as our Lord determines.

If we are to become the perfect/mature man to the fullness of Christ, how we function is vital in the will of God. Without question, we are unable to fulfill our mandate if we don’t have the knowledge and understanding of who God has ordained that we are. Therefore, it is imperative that we comprehend our error as warranted and repent/change our behaviors to submission of God’s will.

Teaching 3 will address specific behaviors that contradict God’s will for His church and plainly identify those practices that are man’s plan. The teaching will emphasize that a body is an organism; address the practices of membership, attendance, positions, setting-in/placement, rituals and expectations. In so doing you will be enlightened by truth and given the opportunity to determine for yourself if you are truly functioning as the body of Christ, the church, or functioning as part of an organization.

Please review the attached document containing definitions and preparatory scripture reading. Click here to download.. The video teaching on "The Church - Organism or Organization" will be uploaded on Friday, December 12, 2014. 

If you have not done so, you can view the previous videos by teachings on Doctrines and "The Church. 

Word to consider…...Walk

Walk:  to move with your legs at a speed that is slower than running, to pursue a course of action or way of life :  conduct oneself :  behave, to be or act in association : continue in union

“He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you. But to do justly, to love mercy. And to walk humbly with your God?”

Micah prophesied against God’s people because of their behaviors. Their practices of sacrifice and display of worship. Which was not and is not pleasing or acceptable to God. God told the Israelite to plead their case before Him. God asked them to testify against Him and defend their behaviors. For it is God almighty alone that has complaint against His people.

First I present to you that true prophets will always prophesy against God’s people for the purpose of returning their hearts and minds to God. (This should always be your measuring rod when determining if a prophet is true) Interestingly we often hear this verse quoted but seldom hear the content in which it was spoken. Therefore consider your walk with the understanding that God alone has complaint against us for our walk.

It is useless and without benefit to address the devil in this writing for he is of no consequence. Christians use the devil to deflect and negate their responsibility for their own walk yet declare they have authority. (another teachings)

Again consider your walk. We enjoy preaching about running the race. It pumps us up. Paul spoke about endurance. Yet, I can walk for miles and miles. I can run a while. More importantly can I defend my conduct before God?

What is your walk? What is your course of life? How do you conduct yourself? Whom would any stranger associate you with? (Without you announcing who you say you are, of course!) Our walk does indeed easily declare who our God is. Our words become unnecessary. We are living epistles to be read of all men. The question is, what are they reading?

As always this writing is for you to reflect and consider yourself before God.

The Church - Teaching Series:"The Church An Organism or Organization"

Thought to consider...

“Study to shew yourself approved to God a worker who does not need to be ashamed (abashed or confused by guilt or a conviction of some criminal action or indecorous conduct, or by the exposure of some gross errors or misconduct, which the person is conscious must be wrong, and which tends to impair his honor or reputation), rightly dividing the word of truth.”

Paul instructed Timothy to study (be diligent to present yourself) to shew (stand beside, substantiate) himself approved a workman (laborer, toiler, teacher) that does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing (dissect, expound, correctly the divine message) the word of truth.

Keep in mind that Paul was in prison when he wrote this exhortation to Timothy. There wasn't a bible for Timothy to study. However Timothy could follow the example of Paul’s life and the lives of his faithful mother and grandmother. He had received the divine message, the gospel of Jesus Christ and was born again. Timothy was told to expound (defend with argument) correctly (to change something so it is right, true, and proper) the divine message.

Therefore, I have these questions for you. What is the divine message that you received? Has the divine message remained the same or do you need to rightly divide the word of truth?

Remember that all the working out is within ourselves. Therefore studying that we would not be ashamed, where our honor and reputation is tarnished by our gross error and misconduct NOT that we must prove ourselves to God. For God knows all.

Don't Be Afraid to Study

This brief video post is in response to the many requests we received on how to study.  In considering how to respond, we realized that studying as a disciple of Jesus Christ is individualized endeavor. Therefore, instead of providing specific steps to studying, this video is intended remove the fear of studying for those that may not have developed good study habits while in school or for those who have been out of school for many years. What we would like you to take away from this video post is not to be afraid to apply yourself to studying as a disciple of Christ.  Use whatever tools that will be beneficial in helping you not only retain information but to walk in what you learn.  It is not the length of time or the volume of material you study, but it is applying what you learn that will make a difference in your life.

2. Outline for topic Teaching Series "The Church" Organism or Organization?

Now that I have provided a teaching defining doctrine and the necessity of being aware of the impact of doctrines on our lives, I will continue this series with a teaching on “the church". The church is simply the collection of believers in Christ Jesus, His body. The literal definition is a combination of two thoughts -- the point where motion or actions proceed and to call. Therefore, the definition of church is combined as a calling out. However you will note that most translations/definitions will refer to the church as a building, a religious service, a particular group, community or assembly. Although I understand the intent to classify the church in such a manner; however, those descriptions undermine the spirit, heart and intent of what Jesus our Lord revealed to us when He told Peter saying, “Upon this rock I will be build my church.”

With understanding we realize that Jesus referred to the revelation that God our Father had given Peter. That revelation is that Jesus is the Christ. The church is built, constructed upon the revelation that Jesus is the Christ. He is the anointed one. Jesus is the one appointed and consecrated by God as Savior and Redeemer of the world. Jesus is the Christ and He is the Head of the Church. Jesus Christ Himself is the chief cornerstone in whom the whole building fits framed together. This building is His body and His church.

In this teaching on the church, I will examine who is the church, how we become the church and what the function of the church is. I will provide evidence that the church and body of Christ are one in the same. I will expound upon the attributes of the church described in the epistles in stark contradiction with the attributes of the church today. You will then have the opportunity to decide if you are indeed the church, the body of Christ and if you are functioning or walking as such. Our purpose is always that we would walk in the light and in the liberty that Christ Jesus has given us.  Please review the attached document containing definitions and preparatory scripture. Click here to download.  The video teaching on the Church will be uploaded on Friday, November 21, 2014.

If you have not done so, please watch the video teaching on doctrines and review the definitions provide in the preparatory outline from the blog post on doctrines as the definition will prove useful as we continue throughout this series.  

Can We Be the Church?

Doctrines A Foundation of Christianity from the series The Church, Organism or Organization?

1. Outline for the Teaching Series: Doctrines a Foundation of Christianity

I will begin this series teaching about doctrines because our instruction is a foundation in our Christianity, yet rarely if ever addressed. In my nearly 30 years of walking with God, I have never heard a teaching on the impact of doctrines in us and on us, nor has there been an attempt to just define the word “doctrine”.

Doctrine is defined simply as teaching, instruction; something that is taught. The word doctrine can bring to mind a whole slew of thoughts. For some what comes to mind is that doctrine is not simple at all, but is the principles of faith. That is correct. For others doctrine brings to mind a particular belief about a subject or practice such a prayer or salvation. That is also correct. Both bring to mind something taught either formally, as in bible study or sermons or informally by a transfer of information, ideas or concepts between believers. My goal in teaching about doctrine is that you would gain an understanding of doctrines and have the wherewithal to discern the doctrines of God as opposed to doctrines of men or demons. And in so doing, you would be liberated by the truth.

Throughout this series, I will present specific examples of traditionally held Christian beliefs and practices. I do this for the purpose of teaching not merely for the sake of pointing out error.  As in the introductory video, I ask that you remain open. You will be challenged.  As an encouragement to me, a dear friend espoused a belief that most Christians hold dear. A belief I had once accepted without question, because it was taught to me by those I trusted.  I had come to learn through studying the Scriptures that the belief was in error. Although I appreciated what my friend was trying to do, I told her the teaching was not correct and I could show her in the Holy Scriptures.  She told me she liked practicing what she believed and it did not matter what I showed her in the Bible. I pray you would not be like this friend. As you are challenged, you must seek truth yourself.  As you do, I am confident that the Spirit of God will bear witness inside of you of the truth.  

The video teaching on doctrines will be uploaded on Friday, October 17, 2014. To help you prepare, I created brief outline containing definitions and reference scriptures.  Click Here to Download

In the introductory video, I stated you must discover how you learn and some responded that they didn’t know where to begin.  To help with this process, we will post study tips that will prove helpful so stay tuned.

Word to consider...Trust

Trust: to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), that is, credit; by implication to entrust. Belief that someone or something is reliable, good, honest, effective, etc.
 

Jesus said, “He who is faithful (trustworthy, worth trust) in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust (wicked, treacherous; specifically heathen) in what is least is unjust also in much. Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon (wealth) who will commit to your trust the true riches?”

Perhaps what we must consider is our everyday dealings in the world and our expectations. For if we can not and/or will not be trustworthy in what is temporal (here today and gone tomorrow) obviously we will not be entrusted with the riches of knowing God and understanding His kingdom.

Introductory Video to the Teaching Series "The Church - An Organism or Organization"

A Revelation of Jesus Christ: The Gathering, September 27, 2014

New Video Bible Teaching Series

Beginning October 3rd, I will begin a new video bible teaching series.  I don't have a name for this series as of yet.  You can judge from my previous blog posts and video posts from The Gathering that I am not good with creating enticing titles using the current Christian trends or buzz words that will compel the reader/viewer to look further.  Rather, I wish that those who read a post or click to watch a video do so because they, like me desires to walk in the Light of God's Word as revealed through the Holy Scriptures and is compelled by the truth. Jesus declared that “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

We will start with an introductory video.  Each teaching will be between 30 and 45 minutes in length with most being 30 minutes long. I invite you to participate by providing your feedback and asking questions through the comment section on our YouTube Channel or by email at alandpromisedministries@gmail.com. I encourage you to read the blogs regarding "The Church: Organization or Organism" and to view the videos from The Gathering on YouTube. 

Never miss a teaching. Subscribe to our Land Promised YouTube channel: A Land Promised Ministries and Like us on Facebook.

Word to consider... Sin

Sin - OT - an offense (that which causes harm, upset, anger) , NT - miss the mark, not share in the prize, err... sin - for your faults, offend, trespass....

For most sin is a dreaded word that at times is used as a mallet to hammer people. In our lack of understanding we not only inaccurately beat ourselves but others. Therefore, let’s look at what sin actually is. It is... the course of action that we do that misses the mark. The mark being Christ and salvation. Because salvation in Christ is our ultimate prize/goal.

Let’s think of a goal. You are aiming to achieve a goal, you have markers along the way and you miss your mark. Simply, that’s sin. It’s missing the mark. If our understanding is enlightened we repent (change) and realign ourselves to make the goal.

In light of understanding sin, we understand when our Lord was asked how many times shall I forgive my brother that sins against me? For our brothers miss the mark  just like us. Jesus said, “every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men.” Paul said we have not strived against sin to blood shed as our Lord did.

Therefore, gird up the loins of your mind regarding sin with truth and be strong. Continue on with the goal of salvation in Christ Jesus!

**Of course He said blasphemy against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven which is another teaching.

 

OT - Old testament

NT -New testament

This IS personal...30 years..Who knew?

Over thirty years ago I had the same dream for three nights in a row. I saw a man. He looked like a football player. He was on an airplane. I saw the plane flying from coast to coast. I had no clue about the dream's meaning or significance. Only that I awoke with butterflies in my stomach. Months passed and I forgot the dream. One day coming home from work pulling into my driveway I saw a man getting out of his car and without thought I stopped my car and looked at him. He looked at me and began to walk towards my car. I became aware of my sitting there and began to drive away but for some reason I stopped and waited for him to approach my car. He said hello and told me that he had just moved to California and was over six thousand miles away from home and didn't know anyone. As I looked at him something inside of me "clicked" that's the only way to describe it. Without thought I invited him over for a drink and showed him where my house was. He informed me that he lived across the street. I went inside my house and called my stepmother and told her I just met my husband. He came over a bit later. I didn't remember the dream and forgot what happened inside of me within moments.

Donnie Luster was a high school All Star in four sports and a two sport college athlete. He was invited to workouts with nearly every NFL team. He was working for Piedmont Airlines when he transferred from  Virginia to California to get away from a girl he was entangled with for six years and flew right into our destiny. (Interesting I didn't realize this was the man in my dreams)

We met in March 1985 and married on September 21, 1985. I did not know Jesus Christ as Savior or Lord. I knew of Him as the Son of God that died and envisioned Him on the cross. I loved God in what I knew of Him which was simply that He was God. That was the extent of my understanding. I did believe that I would be a good wife. In fact, I honestly was quite prideful in my thoughts of what a good wife I would be. I based my thoughts on the wives I knew that I thought weren't very good and determined I would not be like them. I knew Donnie needed me and I wanted to be needed.

We began our lives together with no planning, no arrangements and no family support. We had agreed to one thing that no matter what, we didn't believe in divorce. We went to the courthouse stood in front of a stranger (judge) and exchanged vows. We went to Sizzler to celebrate and ate at the buffet because that's what we could afford and were perfectly content. That night we went to the beach and sat by the water and talked about our future. There was just a knowing that our being together was right. Who knew?

God in His great mercy sent His servant, my brother Michael, at a time of great need within our first year of marriage and God revealed His Son Jesus to us. We were both baptized in the Holy Spirit that day. My eyes were opened and my heart was changed. He took my stony heart away and gave me a heart of flesh. He gave me the right to become a son of God and gave me access to God the Father. I will never forget Donnie saying to me "you finally feel loved." Donnie knew that even though we were married that his love could not fill the void in me. It was during this time that I was reminded of the dream I had about the man on the plane and knew Donnie was the man.

Throughout the years there has been trails, great heartache, anger, fear, sorrow and sin in both of us. Yet there has been great joy, appreciation, graciousness, growth, patience, laughter and so much love. Who knew?

Today, the day before our 30 year anniversary, I think back to that foolish girl with so much pride. How I thought I knew so much. I remember how I thought Donnie needed me never realizing how much I needed him. Who knew? Who knew that this man would be the love of my life? Who knew that the man in my dreams would be perfect for me? Who knew that he would accept me with all my quirks and shortcomings and make me feel special and beautiful? I am completely myself with him without reservation and I am safe. Who knew that he would support and encourage the call of God on our lives and see who Christ is in me? Who knew he would be a man I am proud to say is the father of my children? Who knew he would be known in our community and well spoken of? Who knew that if we endured we would experience the joy we have today?

God knew! In His infinite wisdom He chose Donnie for me. I have learned that God is faithful in spite of me. I have learned His thoughts toward me are good and not evil. I have gained wisdom, patience and endurance. I learned from the wisdom of Solomon, "if you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is weak indeed." In these years I have learned of God.

I wanted to share my joy with you all. For God has truly blessed me beyond my own imaginings. In all things I desire to teach His body that we may grow. My hope is that in this declaration of the power of God you are encouraged. May His faithfulness be glorified and you know He is no respecter of persons. His ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not our thoughts. So often we have plans, desires and thoughts about and for our lives and our prayers are that God blessed them without understanding God knows and He will if we will yield ourselves to Him. Sometimes we bail out and never experience the joy set before us because all we can see is the trial at the time. Here are a few lessons I've learned on the way:

1. When you don't know what to do, do nothing! Meaning don't act in the moment because you'll probably make the wrong move and regret it.
2. Don't let the sun go don't on your wrath. Say you're sorry even if it's for the thousand time, even if you don't mean it at the moment. Make peace.
3. Forgive and forget it...let it go!
4. Don't say those things that you know will hurt your spouse, somethings are hard to take back.
5. Never let the pain you're experiencing in the moment let you lose sight of the love you have.
6. Let those that have wisdom encourage you in your relationship, everyone doesn't have wisdom.

Had I not learned to practice some of this things, I wouldn't have this love-story today. I pray that God give Donnie and I another thirty years together. And that we live to see our children's children and rejoice. May God bless us all and strengthen us and enlighten the eyes of our understanding and keep our hearts.

Word to Consider... Forgive

Forgive - to send forth, in various applications: - cry, forgive, forsake, lay aside, leave, let (alone, be, go, have), omit, put (send) away, remit, suffer, yield up.

For those of us who are His, the church, the body of Christ we understand that we have been forgiven. Not because of any atonement or sacrifice of/from ourselves to warrant His forgiveness but that while we were still dead in trepasses and sin Christ died for us. Therefore, we forgive because we’ve been forgiven. Forgiveness is about Christ in us, not about ourselves nor about the offender. It’s about Christ Jesus.

God has promised that our sins and iniquities He remembers no more. Since He is within us, we forgive and no longer remember those that have trespassed against us.

Paul rehearsed his trepasses and sin as a testament to the glory of God. God’s forgiveness. Yet God had wiped out the handwriting of ordinances against him and us.

Therefore beloved, examine your heart and if Christ be in you, just as He has forgiven you, forgive. Now may your prayers be heard of God.  

Can I get a witness?

The meditation of my heart and mind is always the church, the body of Christ. And the calling of God for the equipping of the saints and edifying of His body until we all come to  maturity. As I have learned to write as a tool to communicate my comfort is in speaking, yet for the benefit of all I will continue to write. I encourage you to consider these words carefully and examine yourselves.

The book of Acts is written by Luke the physician. This fact had little, if any value to me previously because I determined it as without pertinence. I was unaware, not knowing, in darkness. However, as God has enlighten my understanding to see I can share the value of such knowledge now. Luke wrote Acts. Yet he himself is not mentioned in the writings. He is a witness of the acts of the Apostles and records that which he witnessed. His detail account seems at times as though Peter or Paul were speaking themselves. Yet he spoke (testified) about what he himself had witnessed. He was an eyewitness and we read his testimony as recorded Acts.

What is a witness? to be a witness, that is, testify (literally or figuratively):  charge, give [evidence], bear record, have (obtain, of) good (honest) report, be well reported of, testify, give (have) testimony, (be, bear, give, obtain) witness.

Luke is a powerful example to us if we can/will understand it. First we must determine that Luke was just a man (flesh). Just like you and me. Additionally he is not listed as one of the twelve apostles. Although there are some listed as apostles that we have no record of their words or deeds, yet they walked with the Lord Jesus and were undoubtedly witnesses of His life, death and resurrection. We know this to be true because Luke was an eyewitness to their presence as recorded in Acts 1. This demonstrates the truth of God's Word as recorded by Paul when he said "that God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as he pleased." For God called Luke and equipped him to do the work of the ministry. And we are witnesses of that fact.

Why am I explaining this to you? Why is it prevalent to you and I? Because in Acts Jesus is recorded as giving the great commission, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

We have determined that it is a great commission ( a group of people who have been given the official job of finding information about something or controlling something). Jesus said, that we would receive power and that with that power we shall be witnesses. Meaning His Spirit would give us the ability to give evidence, proof, bear record, and testify to that which we have witnessed.

The examination now begins with, what are you a witness too? Remembering always that Jesus is our example as High Priest, Savior, Shepherd, Lord and King. Simply said, if we are not a witness, one that can display the evidence of Him within us (our lives) and one that can testify (make a statement based upon personal knowledge) and it is true and honest we are not a witness to him.

Remember that Jesus said, “If I bear witness of Myself, My witness is not true.”  He said, “There is another who bears witness of Me, and I know that the witness which He witnesses of Me is true.” He goes on to tell us that John borne witness to the truth and that He has a greater witness than John, being the Holy Spirit.

My encouragement to you today is two-fold. One, to ask yourself are you a witness as defined, of Jesus whom you say is your Lord? Two, if indeed you are a witness of Him would not ALL be witnesses of you that you are His?  

*I can not presume that all will understand, therefore I must say that, what you confess or say without evidence or proof is useless, fruitless and therefore you are a false witness (not true, genuine, not accurate).

I regularly post on A Land Promised Ministries on Facebook. I invite you to like the page.

Also, the website for my book His Words are in Red which is available on Amazon.com is under construction. I will post when it is up and running.

Thank you,  Adoria

Have Ears to Hear: Teaching from the Gathering, July 26, 2014

Continuing with My testimony of darkness to light: “A place for you.”

Many years ago and upon more than one occasion the Holy Spirit of God spoke to me saying that He had, “a place for me.” The first time it was through a man I believed to be a prophet. It was at a time in my life when I wanted to buy a home. I felt we needed to because of how much we were paying for rent and therefore purchasing someone else’s home for them. I was told by a realtor that my hope of owning a home wasn’t realistic based upon our income. So, because of the teaching’s I embraced at the time and the darkness in my mind I believed that God was saying that HE had a place for me. A literal house. The doctrines/teachings I believed at the time were that God’s Word was specific to me and my needs. And that God wanted me to have the very desires of my heart whatever they may be. I also embrace the teachings that my natural financial limitations were nothing for God all I needed was faith (and of course to continue to give to the ministry). Several years later we did indeed buy our home, we were not a part of that ministry any longer and I did not remember His Word.

While praying in the backyard of our own home nearly seven or so years later God spoke to me again by His Spirit saying that He had, “a place for me.” I rejoiced thinking God still has a place a plan for me. You see, even though I left the actual ministry Genesis, I took all the teachings I had embraced within me. (That’s what leaven does, it leavens the whole lump, the error didn’t leave just because I left) I actually thought somewhere deep inside me that God had forgotten about me. I began to look for a “church” to submit myself and to find the place that God had promised me. Again, because that was the teaching I embraced and believed.

I am a preacher and teacher. That’s just who I am. I thought that the gift that God gave me would make a way for me. (and I had thoughts about what that means too, based upon teachings) I truly believed that I would go somewhere and that God would reveal that this was “the place for me.” And not only would I know it but that man in charge would know it as well. Right?

However, being a part of Genesis taught me well. I learned what I would not participate in. Simple. I would not gather or join myself to anything that compromised the Word of God in truth at all! And yes, I judged. I judged every place I went based upon what I knew of God’s Word. Honestly, mostly everywhere I went were variations of the same thing I left. From San Diego to Orange County I looked for “a place for me.”  It’s difficult to express in words the emotions of turmoil, hope, despair, desire, fear and faith of being in darkness, which is simply not knowing. Believing God is true to His Word and yet understanding of what His Word means is obscure.

Yet, I continued to seek God. And I continued to gather with like believers as we searched His Word to find Him. I stopped looking for “a place for me” and just looked for Him. And I have found Him! As I learn of Him, I walk in Him. What He tells me in the dark, I speak in the light, and what I hear in the ear, I preach on the housetops.

Today He revealed “the place for me.” The promise He made when He said, “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.“ I no longer looked for this place and actually haven't given it any thought. Today, He reveals!

The place He prepared for me is IN Him. A place IN His body, the church. A place where He has by His blood given me entrance and access to the Father. A place where I belong and am loved by Him. A place where I am fulfilled and have peace.  It’s IN Him and has been the entire time.

Because of the darkness in me from the doctrines/teachings I embraced I looked for the promise of God outside of God. Some may think how foolish of me. You are right in your judgment.

Even though I have begun to walk in the light of His Word, Jesus, it wasn’t until today that He spoke again, “a place for you.” However, this time the eyes of my understanding were enlighten. I see and I understand! I rejoice!

He has a place for everyone of us IN Him if we are His. The place is not in a building called the church, it’s not in some man’s organization called the church, it’s not in man’s traditions and/or rituals, it’s not in some one’s determination of who we  are or what we should be, it’s IN Him. IN His body that He named the church where He is the head and He sets all the members, each one of them IN the body just as He pleases!

Definition:

IN - is used as a function word to indicate inclusion, location, or position within limits

used as a function word to indicate means, medium, or instrumentality

used as a function word to indicate limitation, qualification, or circumstance

          used as a function word to indicate purpose

My testimony of darkness to Light!

The Spirit of the Lord revealed that it is time for me to speak about the darkness I was in. I don’t like to talk about me. But, He revealed that in sharing this in truth it will not be about me, but about Him and His goodness & power.

As Paul admitted when he walked in darkness as his testimony to the faithfulness of God. So do I.

I was a leader in headship as it was called at Genesis Ministries. In fact as my brother would say, I did the lion’s share of the preaching when he was not there.

I am Michael Babin’s sister. I love my brother dearly. And was with him in the very beginning of starting Genesis Church. In fact I called those that we determined were to be a part of us. They all came.

This is my testimony. I was asleep in my home one night when the Lord stood over me and called my name. He said, Adoria. I woke up and looked for Him that called me and saw no one. So I went to my husband and asked him did he call me. He said no. When I went back to sleep, I was told the next time He calls your name, say, Yes Lord, for it is the Lord that calls you. I did as I was told. When the voice called my name again I said, “yes Lord.” He showed me my whole life that night. When  I awoke I didn’t remember what He showed me only that He had.

In my youth and zeal I ran to tell my brother Michael. I told him everything. That was our relationship.  We were the closest out of all our siblings. We moved our family to Oceanside so I could be near my brother. I adored him. Michael was not just my brother, he was my best friend and my Pastor. He led me to the Lord. God used him to baptize me in water and in the Holy Spirit. He gave whatever he had and did whatever necessary to help me and my family. I love him.

As time past Genesis grew, people were healed they prospered and they changed by the power of God’s Word. Homeless men became stable. Addicts were delivered. Families were restored.  I clearly remember an older man and his wife came to visit because of an article they saw in the paper. In the article Michael was standing in front of the window where there was a painting of a man with armour on it. Each piece of the armour indicated as the scriptures details the armour of God. This man brought his wife who was stricken with an incurable disease. He was in awe of our boldness in declaring God’s power. She was prayed for and called the next day to say she was healed. This man told me that we were like children having no idea what God had given us. I have never forgotten his words for they were true. At the time I proudly ran and told my brother what was said about us. We rejoiced!

Time ticked went on ...the bigger we got the more we tried to organize for what we thought was the betterment of all and to grow the ministry. For the teaching we believed was “if God is in it, it will prosper/grow”. In the attempt to organize and prevent “foolishness” more and more structure was set in order. We aligned ourselves with established ministries like Chapel Hill of Atlanta, GA and tried to emulate their practices. We submitted ourselves to Mel Bailey because of the teaching/doctrine of “you must have a covering”. I honestly can’t remember who brought us that teaching. But it was embraced without question and the people were instructed in this teaching immediately. All were told that they had to be covered in a church or else they were outside of God’s will and thus His blessings and protection. This teaching is still very much in effect throughout the body of Christ although I have not been able to substantiate it from or by the Word of God.  

We began to have teachers from all over the world come and share. This was an exciting time. None of us had experienced such things People from everywhere wanted to come to Genesis. One such teaching, that I believed wholeheartedly was that somehow we were forging a new way for the kingdom of God, we were the point.(Failing to understand that the kingdom of God is within us)  And those that were with us were “called” to be with us!! And that God had put us at Genesis using the scriptures, “God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleases.” I remember telling a woman one day that I went to Genesis and she actually physically ran from me. I reported this to the whole congregation (from the pulpit) and we all rejoiced, thinking her behavior was indicative of our stand for God. And that our standard for His kingdom was so undeniable it struck fear in the hearts of people. We believed we were taking the city for Jesus. This belief became a source of pride & bondage.  As I write about it now I am dumbfounded by my error and ignorance, for none of this is truth. I was in darkness and did not know at the time the folly and dangers of what we had embraced and were perpetrating.   

We were taught if anyone left “us” they were leaving the will of God. I honestly never embraced that one because I knew God was in me and with me. Yet our lives were completely entailed with Genesis church. For me it was all of my friendships, all fellowship, my ministry and my family.

Another teaching/doctrine is that all were to submit to headship or the leadership. I didn’t need to be told submit to Michael, he is my big brother I submitted to him my whole life. I trusted him. I really never considered anyone submitting to me. That wasn’t and isn’t important to me.  Although I realize that I was a part of and had the expectation that people did submit to the leadership at Genesis. This is very difficult for me because I learned the extent people embraced this to their detriment and demise. People stop living their own lives and making their own decisions. They were in bondage. We had made ourselves as kings ruling them. And they allowed it and coveted it as well.

Honestly initially those that transgressed the expectations of leadership and we’re deemed outcast I thought they deserved it. I looked at their behaviors and made determinations in my mind. Because I had swallowed the whole doctrine. I now know there is no reason, no excuse, no justification for the manner in which God’s people were treated. And treated thus so because of the failure to know truth. Jesus is the truth.  I also realized through the light of God’s Word shared with me by another brother that I was in darkness. That I had embraced lies and error as truth. I knew for a few years before leaving Genesis that we had veered from the way. However the darkness prevailed through yet another teaching. Which is I was not to judge and if I saw something I thought was wrong, I needed to pray and let God handle his leaders. Well, I did pray for a few years. (and let me say I’m not one of those people that say they pray and don’t) I prayed! And God changed NOTHING!!! What did happen is the faithful brother continued to speak truth to me and the light of God’s Word began to expose the darkness in me.

One fateful night. A Wednesday night we left Genesis. The particulars which many desire to know are unimportant. What is important is that God gave His Son Jesus to be the Light of the world and I sat in darkness in the “church!” (Now I know who/what the church is) This is my testimony to the glory of God. Paul testified that he persecuted the church but did it in ignorance. I participated in the harm of many while in darkness though I did it ignorantly. As Paul walked anew, so have I. I now know one of the very things that I will spend my life doing is teaching the dangers of error and lies to God’s people. Shedding the light of His Word on the darkness and deceit in the church, the body of Christ. Jesus warns us continuously, to be aware of the leaven of the Pharisee and that a little leavens, leavens the whole lump.(The trouble is we don’t believe) I do now! I have received in myself the recompense of my deeds. I now examine any and all teachings according to the Word of God. Jesus continues to reveal darkness within me and as He reveals I  walk in the light.

I know I am and will always be associated with Michael Babin. Of course he is my brother. I love him. My testimony is not a commentary about Michael or Genesis. It is a declaration of the truth of God’s Word that lives and abides forever. I am a representation of the faithfulness of God's Word. For He has given me liberty and strength. I am forever indebted to Him to do His Will. However it is a commentary about the darkness within the church, the body of Christ that continues and prevails.

Yet in all things I will be obedient. Even as He instructed me to share this I will walk in Him.

 

The Gathering of Saints is this Saturday, May 24 @ QLN Conference Center in Oceanside. 1938 Avenida Del Oro. 10am - 12pm. This meeting too is in obedience to Him. If you are His, you are welcome!