Stand fast in one spirit with one mind

Stand fast in one spirit with one mind

1 Corinthians 1:10

"Now I plead with you brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment."

As Christians, we are to be of one mind and one spirit striving together for the faith of the gospel. United in Jesus. Jesus is the only way!

Philippians 1:27

"Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel"

1 Corinthians 1:11-17

11 For it has been declared to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloe's household, that there are contentions among you. 12 Now I say this, that each of you says, “ I am of Paul,” or “ I am of Apollos,” or “ I am of Cephas,” or “ I am of Christ.” 13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?

14 I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, 15 lest anyone should say that I had baptized in my own name. 16 Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas. Besides, I do not know whether I baptized any other. 17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect.

How can we be of one mind and one spirit if we are separated by denominational beliefs? Once saved -always saved; baptism through immersion - baptism by sprinkling; baptism as a child - baptism at the age of accountability; sinful to drink any alcohol - okay to have one glass of wine but sinful to be a drunkard; Apostles and Prophets are of the now times - Apostles and Prophets are not for today times; and so on and so on and so on.... All believed to be truth in various denominations. All believed to be truths to the point that our eyes are taken off Jesus for hours to debate who is right in their understanding and interpretation. It is like "man" has taken ownership to give and interpret of what God intended for the Comforter (Holy Spirit) to give and interpret.

I am of the Assembly of God Church belief; I am of the Southern Baptist belief; I am of the Northern Baptist belief; I am of the Pentecostal belief; I am of the Catholic belief; I am of the Lutheran belief; I am of the Methodist belief, etc. etc. etc....... WHAT HAPPENED TO BEING OF THE JESUS BELIEF????

I am of Kim Clemente's preaching and teaching; I am of Chuck Pierce's preaching and teaching; I am of Benny Hinn's preaching and teaching; I am of T. D. Jakes preaching and teaching, etc., etc., etc.... WHERE IS THE BEING OF THE JESUS PREACHING AND TEACHING??? (Please note that I used names listed above as examples and in no way say or believe that they feel or believe that people should say that they are of them)

We are MORE divided today than they were divided when Paul addressed the Corinthians.  Paul preached that "sectarianism" is a sin!

We have taken "sectarianism" and compromised to make it acceptable. "it is alright to not believe that baptism is to be through immersion, if you believe and have faith in Jesus"; it is okay to believe that once saved always saved as long as you believe and have faith in Jesus"; etc., etc.,

We have even allowed leaders to take sectarianism through denominations to let us judge others that are of a different denomination to a point of saying that those of the different denomination are not truly saved!!!

What Paul was saying to the Corinthians, and what I feel Jesus is trying to say to us today, is there is only one way; there is only one church; there is only one bride.... If we do not open our eyes and begin to stand fast in one spirit with one mind, we will never understand the fullness of one way; the fullness of one church; or the fullness of being one bride, BECAUSE, we only have part of Jesus.

Do denominations unite or divide the Kingdom of God? Is it because of a division due to denominations that we cannot see the full power of God, as He wants to flow. I believe that Satan loves denominations because he knows it divides God's people. It causes them, at times, to fight over TRIVAL beliefs and non-beliefs. During these times of debating or fighting as to whom is right, their eyes are taken off Jesus and placed on self. Satan LOVES our eyes to be taken off Jesus, even if it is for only a very short time because during the time that our eyes are off Jesus, Satan has the opportunity to attack.

Again, it is all about Jesus and only Jesus. We will be teaching that Jesus is the only way to stand fast in one spirit with one mind. We pray that those who are able will attend the meetings in Helsinki, Finland. And, for those that are not able to attend, we pray that you visit the website to listen to the messages. The messages will also be placed on Facebook via YouTube.

For those wanting to know, the following is the definition for sectarianism:

Sectarianism -

Denoting or concerning a sect or sects:

"Ethnic and sectarian differences"

* (Of and action) carried out on the grounds of membership of a sect, denomination, or other group: 'a sectarian attack.'

* Rigidly following the doctrines of a sect, denomination, or other group

Noun -

A member of a sect

*A person who rigidly follows the doctrine of a sect, denomination, or other group.

Derivatives:

Sectarianism / - nizem /noun

Sectarianize / - niz / verb

Origin: Mid 17th century from sectarian + an, reinforced by sect.

Sect:

Is a group of people with somewhat different religious beliefs from those of a larger group to which they belong.

PArt 3: Introduction 1 Corinthians

Introduction to 1 Corinthians from NKJV study bible:

Part 3 of 3:

Paul wrote in response to two letters that he had received. One was from the house of Chole in regards to divisions and immorality in the church. The other letter was a set of questions from Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus regarding marriage, singleness and Christian liberty. Paul responded to the letters and, even though the church was riddled with problems, he ended the confrontational letters with a note of hope. The church of Corinth could have victory over sin and death because Jesus in His death and resurrection had already decisively obtained it.

At the time of the writing of the letters, the church at Corinth was a seriously troubled church. The believers in the church were being effected by the non- believers of Corinth. They were allowing the beliefs and actions to infiltrate the Church. Sexual immorality, factions dragging each other into court, and abuse of the spiritual gifts all were prevalent in the church. The church was in need of radical spiritual surgery. The church had to stop following the immoral, selfish, and contentious ways of their pagan neighbors in Corinth!

What is happening in the churches today with regards to the Spiritual Gifts? Is there abuse of the Spiritual Gifts? What exactly are the Spiritual Gifts? I believe that God has shown that the spiritual gifts is the flowing of the Holy Spirit through us as God directs. Since the Holy Spirit is Jesus, then it would also mean that flowing of the Spiritual Gifts is actually Jesus flowing through an individual. The  abuse is in the fact that many churches today do not allow the flowing of the Spiritual Gifts. I was in a meeting with one leader and that leader said to me "Yes, we believe in the spiritual gifts but they can not take place during Sunday services. We do allow them to take place or be discussed during Wednesday meetings".  I can just hear what God is hearing "God - it is okay to flow as you want on Wednesday, but please keep it under control on Sunday because we have those in the congregation that will leave if they see you in your full glory". If not allowing the flow of the spiritual gifts and/or not teaching of the spiritual gifts, is not abuse of the spiritual gifts then I only ask God's forgiveness for allowing Him to flow as He so wants to flow during the meetings for Rivers of Eden Ministry! Flow Jesus flow...

Matthew 7:21-23

21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy by thy name, and by thy name cast out demons, and by thy name do many mighty works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

We cannot fall into the position of just calling out in His name. We must not be placed into the position of working iniquity. It must be only Jesus! It must be all of Jesus! The leaders must allow Jesus back behind the pulpit. They have to relinquish what they have taken ownership away from God. MAN's rules and regulations will not allow God to speak through whom He want to speak and/or how He wants to speak. The only resolution is to know Jesus fully and allow Him to have full control.

With all that Paul was addressing and with all that is happening in the "churches" today, we know that Debra, Tarja, and I have heard correctly when God said to go back to Finland and just teach Jesus. We have to let Jesus back into the congregation. MAN's rules and/or restrictions must be removed to allow the full move of God in His people. Jesus bought us with the shedding of His blood on the cross, but w allow MAN to enslave us with his rules and regulations. It is those rules and regulations that block the comforter (Holy Spirit) sent by God to flow freely in power and might through us individually. It is plain to see that's the church of today can still have victory over sin and death because Jesus in His death and resurrection had already decisively obtained it. It is only Jesus. It has to be all Jesus! IT WILL BE ALL JESUS!

Part 2: Introduction 1 Corinthians

Introduction to 1 Corinthians from NKJV study bible:

Part 2 of 3:

Paul wrote in response to two letters that he had received. One was from the house of Chole in regards to divisions and immorality in the church. The other letter was a set of questions from Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus regarding marriage, singleness and Christian liberty. Paul responded to the letters and, even though the church was riddled with problems, he ended the confrontational letters with a note of hope. The church of Corinth could have victory over sin and death because Jesus in His death and resurrection had already decisively obtained it.

At the time of the writing of the letters, the church at Corinth was a seriously troubled church. The believers in the church were being effected by the non- believers of Corinth. They were allowing the beliefs and actions to infiltrate the Church. Sexual immorality, factions dragging each other into court, and abuse of the spiritual gifts all were prevalent in the church. The church was in need of radical spiritual surgery. The church had to stop following the immoral, selfish, and contentious ways of their pagan neighbors in Corinth!

I am not sure how it is in Finland, but in America one can be taken to court by another just because the one felt that the other looked at them differently than they looked at the person with them! It is even to the point that a child... CHILD... of five years old can call the authorities and say (or just say to another adult)  that one of their parents (or even an adult that they do not know) has abused them and the authorities will arrest the individual being accused by the CHILD! What is even worse is that if you were accused (or as the authorities might say... Allegations were made) and you were not proven guilty, the fact that you possibly could have been a child abuser remains on your RECORD with the authorities FOREVER! Believers in the church have allowed this belief to become part of their beliefs... They will forever state that you were arrested for being a child abuser and hold a false accusation against you for the rest of your life on Earth! Is that the way of our Lord Jesus Christ? 

Matthew 7:21-23

21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy by thy name, and by thy name cast out demons, and by thy name do many mighty works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

We can not fall into the position of just calling out in His name. We must be not be placed in the position of working iniquity. It must be only Jesus! It must be all of Jesus! The leaders must allow Jesus back behind the pulpit. They have to relinquish what they have taken ownership away from God. MAN's rules and regulations will not allow God to speak through whom He want to speak and/or how He wants to speak. The only resolution is to know Jesus fully and allow Him to have full control.

With all that Paul was addressing and with all that is happening in the "churches" today, we know that Debra, Tarja, and I have heard correctly when God said to go back to Finland and just teach Jesus. We have to let Jesus back into the congregation. MAN's rules and/or restrictions must be removed to allow the full move of God in His people. Jesus bought us with the shedding of His blood on the cross, but w allow MAN to enslave us with his rules and regulations. It is those rules and regulations that block the comforter (Holy Spirit) sent by God to flow freely in power and might through us individually. It is plain to see that's the church of today can still have victory over sin and death because Jesus in His death and resurrection had already decisively obtained it. It is only Jesus. It has to be all Jesus! IT WILL BE ALL JESUS!

Introduction - 1 Corinthians

Introduction to 1 Corinthians from NKJV study bible:

Part 1 of 3:

Paul wrote in response to two letters that he had received. One was from the house of Chole in regards to divisions and immorality in the church. The other letter was a set of questions from Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus regarding marriage, singleness and Christian liberty. Paul responded to the letters and, even though the church was riddled with problems, he ended the confrontational letters with a note of hope. The church of Corinth could have victory over sin and death because Jesus in His death and resurrection had already decisively obtained it.

At the time of the writing of the letters, the church at Corinth was a seriously troubled church. The believers in the church were being effected by the non- believers of Corinth. They were allowing the beliefs and actions to infiltrate the Church. Sexual immorality, factions dragging each other into court, and abuse of the spiritual gifts all were prevalent in the church. The church was in need of radical spiritual surgery. The church had to stop following the immoral, selfish, and contentious ways of their pagan neighbors in Corinth!

As I wrote the words above I felt that just as the believers in the Church of Corinth allowed the beliefs of the pagan believers in Corinth to lead and direct their beliefs in the church, many, leaders (and congregations) today are being influenced by man rather than being led by the Holy Spirit! Many are trying to do it themselves in the name of Jesus, instead of allowing Jesus to do it through them in His name. When they start doing it themselves they actually push Jesus to the side and start allowing compromise to take place. Thus sin begins to be overlooked and not fully addressed. The sin must be addressed. God loves the sinner but hates the sin! Jesus addressed the demons and not the person. He cast the demons (sin) out of the person not the person out of the demon (sin).

Sexual immorality has, and continues to increase amongst the leaders. If the leaders are participating in sexual immorality, individuals within the congregation will also be guilty of sexual immorality!  God is bringing forth recognition of the fact that many leaders are participating In sexual immorality by revealing the sin to others in the church. The sin is the same for a leader as it is for a member of the congregation yet it seems that other leaders place a "sentence" on the individual in accordance to their feelings of who the individual is that committed sexual immorality. It is evident that a "big name leader" that is exposed of sexual immorality is treated completely different than a "small name leader" or a member of the congregation! "Big name leader" - slap on the hand - sit down for a VERY short time - back behind the pulpit being backed the other "big named leaders". "Small name leader" or member of congregation - excommunication and a mark against you that will never let you behind the pulpit for a specific denomination! Same sin, different sentence for different individuals - MAN's ruling ways...... The richer you are the easiest it is to commit a crime and never be found guilty. The larger the number of people that are following you the quicker you get back behind the pulpit.

Many "think" they know the Lord and proclaim to know Him. Some started off knowing the Lord and allowing the Lord to work through them with the Lord getting all. Recognition. As more people began to follow, they unknowingly began to receive the praise themselves for all that the Lord was doing through them. They will still prophesy in His name, cast out demons in His name, and even do mighty works in His name but it is all just done in His name and not by allowing Him to work through them. They claim Jesus is in the church but they no longer preach the blood. The fact that they are doing it themselves is why they succumb to sin. We must return to Jesus working through us with Him getting the praise and glory. It has to be all Jesus and nothing of ourself.

Matthew 7:21-23

21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy by thy name, and by thy name cast out demons, and by thy name do many mighty works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

We can not fall into the position of just calling out in His name. We must be not be placed in the position of working iniquity. It must be only Jesus! It must be all of Jesus! The leaders must allow Jesus back behind the pulpit. They have to relinquish what they have taken ownership away from God. MAN's rules and regulations will not allow God to speak through whom He want to speak and/or how He wants to speak. The only resolution is to know Jesus fully and allow Him to have full control.

With all that Paul was addressing and with all that is happening in the "churches" today, we know that Debra, Tarja, and I have heard correctly when God said to go back to Finland and just teach Jesus. We have to let Jesus back into the congregation. MAN's rules and/or restrictions must be removed to allow the full move of God in His people. Jesus bought us with the shedding of His blood on the cross, but w allow MAN to enslave us with his rules and regulations. It is those rules and regulations that block the comforter (Holy Spirit) sent by God to flow freely in power and might through us individually. It is plain to see that's the church of today can still have victory over sin and death because Jesus in His death and resurrection had already decisively obtained it. It is only Jesus. It has to be all Jesus! IT WILL BE ALL JESUS!