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Archive for February, 2010

The act of marriage

Friday, February 26th, 2010

marriage

The act of marriage is the sexual relationship between husband and wife. What can and what cannot be done? The Bible does not teach how to have sexual intercourse in detail. All it does is to warn us against what is contrary to nature (Romans 1:26).

In my point of view, everything that breaks the harmony between God, man and nature, is contrary to nature.

During the practice of sodomy, the rectum is violated when a foreign body is forced upon it. The function of the anus is not to receive, but to expel. Expel what? Faeces, excrement, poo. Faeces are the solid waste from the human body. To use the anus as an object of pleasure is the same as enjoying a gourmet dinner for two in a garbage dump. It doesn’t make sense. It’s a matter of hygiene, health and, above all, intelligence.

However, we own our bodies, and we can do whatever we want with them. We have our free will.

Christians know that their body is the temple of the Spirit of God. And as such, refuse to submit to anything that is contrary to nature.

Read more:

The intimacy of a couple
Marital intimacy
Blessed condoms
Doubt about sex

Faithfulness

Thursday, February 25th, 2010

Marital intimacy

Wednesday, February 24th, 2010

blog10022010b-copy1

Many disappointed husbands have been emailing us complaining about their wives. According to them, when their wives were nonbelievers, they were far more of a “woman”. It seems that after becoming a born again Christians they “deleted” their sexual desires.

There are even those who complain that their conjugal act now happens less than before. I’m sure the devil is loving this situation because there’s nothing more damaging to a marriage than when both spouses don’t see eye to eye in regards to the sacred union of marriage.

I can say from personal experience that the future of a happy marriage begins in the bedroom. The couple can be filled with the Holy Spirit but if they’re not sexually active they’re unlikely going to be faithful to each other.

The conjugal act in a marriage is like the daily nourishment of our physical body. No one can disagree that our sexual appetite is like our appetite for food, because both are part of human nature, created by God. Of course there are some exceptions, like in the case of a eunuch, but in general, there is no dismissing or pretending not to have this desire.

I know that among evangelicals there is tremendous hypocrisy regarding this issue. Many of my colleagues from other denominations have considered the conjugal act as something carnal and demonic; as if sex had been created in hell. This ignorance has also spread among the converted to the point that many are ignoring their spousal obligations.

If the conjugal act is carnal or demonic, my wife and I are of the flesh and in need of deliverance. Furthermore, I must confess that the more we relate sexually, the closer and more attached we grow to each other.

The truth is that the lack of faith with intelligence has led many Christians to failure, beginning with their marriage.

Just the other day someone wrote to me saying, “I’ve been married for 23 years. I like my wife and it’s great to have her at my side at all times. I’m very sexually attracted to her and I’m not disgusted by her or lack desire for her in any way. But I must confess that my sex life leaves much to be desired. While I have sexual urges 2 to 3 times a week, my wife is happy with just once a month. If I seek her more than that, after giving me a ton of the same old excuses, she finally gives in but does things with total disinterest. My wife is a blessed assistant, full of the virtues that only someone of God could possess… but she thinks that sex is a bad and dirty thing before God. This has made our relationship a disaster because I’m always unsatisfied and unable to hide it … This bothers me very much, because like we’ve learned, we shouldn’t miss the things we used to do in the world, but I miss (I really miss) how our sex life was before our conversion. And on top of always being unsatisfied, I’m often tempted to desire other women even though I know it’s wrong.”

I wonder how this assistant would counsel a wife in a reverse situation—where the wife would be the one wanting more intimacy, and not the husband.

The apostle Paul clearly instructs us regarding this subject when he says:

“The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. The wife’s body does not belong to her alone but also to her husband. In the same way, the husband’s body does not belong to him alone but also to his wife. Do not deprive each other except by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.” (1 Corinthians 7:3-5)

The Lord, through Solomon, teaches the following in respect to the conjugal act between husband and wife:

After urging His son to obey God’s Word and warning him about the adulterous woman, He says:

“Drink water from your own cistern, running water from your own well. Should your springs overflow in the streets, your streams of water in the public squares? Let them be yours alone, never to be shared with strangers. May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth. A loving doe, a graceful deer, may her breasts satisfy you always, may you ever be captivated by her love. Why be captivated, my son, by an adulteress? Why embrace the bosom of another man’s wife?” (Proverbs 5:15-20)

The water symbolises the conjugal act; the cistern and the well, his wife. “Let them be yours alone, never to be shared with strangers” means that if he doesn’t fulfil her needs, somebody else will!

“May your fountain be blessed [...] May her breasts satisfy you [...] May you ever be captivated by her love.” These are strong sexual expressions between a married couple.

My attention is drawn to the act of being “drunk” with love. And what do you, my dear Christian, have to say about that? And you, heartless assistant, what do you have to say in regards to these Biblical words?

How long will you keep up this division in your bed; giving the devil the opportunity to tempt your husband?

Know that if he falls into temptation, you will be held accountable.

May God open everyone’s eyes in the name of the Lord Jesus, amen!

God bless you abundantly.

Homosexuality

Wednesday, February 17th, 2010

prejudice

I read all the comments that are left on my blogs, the pros and the cons. It no longer surprises me when those who feel alienated from the Christian faith criticise us. If they did it to Jesus, why wouldn’t they do it to His servants? But what baffles me is the level of foolishness among those who use scripture to condemn homosexuals. Does the Bible appoint judges? For example, does the fact that we’re Jesus’ disciples automatically make us perfect enough to judge and condemn homosexuals?

Unfortunately, one of the biggest factors that prevent many from knowing the Saviour and understanding the message of the Gospel is the arrogance of many church goers who consider themselves believers and followers of the Word, but can only point their finger, criticise and attack others, but never show a sign of love or a gesture of respect.

Someone who is prejudiced tends to think of himself as an ideal human being, condemning and ostracizing all others who differ from him. A “Christian” that loathes another person is a contradiction. They’re not only snubbing their neighbour but they’re also reducing their neighbours’ odds of knowing God’s compassion, and ultimately excluding them from receiving salvation.

The only way of demonstrating God’s love, especially to those who have been excluded, is with real gestures of welcome, consideration, respect, and solidarity. This is the way to obediently practice His command: “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful” (Luke 6:36).

The same Bible that condemns homosexuality also condemns any kind of sin, but the Lord Jesus welcomes everyone without discrimination. If we condemn homosexuals, then we would also be condemning ourselves. Who doesn’t sin? What’s the difference between a little sin and a big sin? God doesn’t discriminate.

The image that people sell of themselves may convince others of their appearance of holiness but God sees what’s in our heart and there is no way of disguising that.

I’ll never defend the homosexual lifestyle, but I’ll always have faith to help both homosexuals as well as heterosexuals who are willing to lay their pain, suffering and weaknesses at the feet of the One who wants to save them. I just don’t have faith to put up with hypocrites.

I recommend that intolerant “Christians” meditate on the following passage:

“He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” (2 Corinthians 3:6)

From atheist to son of God

Monday, February 15th, 2010

Rafael José Silvestre, 23, was an atheist since the age of 17. He came to this decision because of several questions that arose in his mind, the main ones being: why does God allow so much evil to happen in the world? How could one God more compelling than another?

“Certain actions taken by Catholics caused me much confusion and so did the bad examples I witnessed from a so-called Christian whose life was the complete opposite of what he claimed to believe. His behavior wasn’t like what I read in the Bible, because although I was an atheist and I didn’t believe in the Bible, I still read it searching to justify my disbelief. My friends and I had the same views on the subject and although many had their doubts they eventually converted to atheism after I influenced them with my reasoning.

The idea I had of the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God was based solely on what I heard about them on the news. I never took time to investigate what I was hearing. I admit that was one of the biggest mistakes I’ve ever made. One of the thoughts I mentioned earlier that came to mind was of the “scandals” that were always appearing on TV against the church regarding money, tithes and offerings, what the congregants gave and this money was put to use .

About two and a half months ago I was invited by a dear friend to come to the UCKG. I was the type of person that had to “see to believe” and so I came to understand how someone could be possessed by evil spirits after witnessing my friend manifest. And that’s when I began questioning my stand on atheism. Was everything that I was so sure about, the power of reasoning, really the only thing that exists?

I decided to continue going to church to support my friend in her deliverance. During the meetings, I continued seeing how she would manifest with evil spirits and how she would become normal again after the bishop used his authority through prayer to deliver her. I felt some strange things happen to me as well, like: discomfort, shaking and pressure on my body as if something was pulling me down. Seeing how the bishop had all this authority over those evil forces challenged everything I believed in. I wanted to understand where that power was coming from. Doubts filled my mind. I spoke with one of the members of the Church and he suggested that I put God to test by tithing. I gave my tithe, put God to test and got an answer, it was amazing. Since then, I began seeking God, the bishop and the pastor for help. I also began reading the Bible to clarify my doubts and for the first time, I found answers.

During one of the worship meetings my attention was drawn to the fact that it’s necessary to bury our sinful past and give birth to a new life. I finally understood that I’m human and a sinner and I was able to repent and find forgiveness in Jesus. I decided to place my life in God’s hands and accept Jesus Christ as my Lord. I was baptized in water and through Him, I’m able find the strength to fight against my will.

Today, I participated of the Lord’s Supper for the first time and it was really special. I was able to take part of the body and blood of Christ. To me, this is experimenting with my faith. It’s not something palpable or found in a material form. I believe that through these elements (the bread and wine) I’m in communion with the Body of Christ.

Everything is now clear to me. I understand the value of a true sacrifice. It’s not in the sacrifice itself; there’s so much more behind what really pleases God and being able to let go of the materialism and rely solely on God is what shows our true faith. The formula for a miracle is: give your life to God and fully trust in Him, without doubting.

I have a thirst for the Holy Spirit to fill me completely. I fight every day to conquer and I will, because today I believe!”

Letter from a son in the faith

Monday, February 15th, 2010

Hi Bishop, how are you?

I was so excited that you allowed me to write to you, that I don’t even know where to start. A bunch of things come to mind.

I was moved after hearing your meeting on Sunday. That’s what I believe the Universal Church is. It has a unique faith and a love that can’t be found in this world.

As you know, my father left home when I was little and our life became a disgrace. Nobody helped us. There were a few, very few, that even tried but couldn’t afford to keep helping us out, didn’t have enough love for us, didn’t have patience and most importantly they didn’t have God.

No one could help us. We knocked on many doors: churches, witch doctors, family members, my mom and I even went to the cemetery and lit candles to my dead grandfather.

Things only got worse and that’s when no one could really help us. Everyone has their own problems and don’t want to be bothered with other’s.

That’s when we went to the Universal Church, in Pinheiros (São Paulo, Brazil), where we found pastors with enough patience to hear us out and best of all, faith to fight for us. It was through this faith that I met God’s love and discovered my hatred for the devil.

When I heard your prayer of humility, I could feel the pain you and the people were and are going through. It reminded me of everything you faced - the persecution and challenges. I also heard you say that you don’t know what else to do and you even asked God to take your life as if it were a favor to you, oh no bishop, this can’t happen!

If you don’t know what to do, imagine me? I know God guides you and we all need you. Of course we need God, but only you, through the Universal Church can lead us to Him. There isn’t any other ministry (that I know of) that can lead us to God.

When I speak to my mother or my sisters (only one hasn’t converted yet), I see what you have done for us; you guided us to God!

Just the fact that you were able to help us, already makes me consider you a perfect overcomer.

Bishop, there are millions of people, like my family and I, who need your help to guide them to the Lord Jesus!

Thank you, for helping us even in the midst of all the difficulties, harassment and slander.

I always pray for all of your family: Mrs. Esther, Bp. Renato, Mrs. Cristiane, Bp. Julio, Mrs. Viviane, Moses, although I do sometimes forget to mention your grandson (lol). Anything can happen in this world, but one thing’s for sure, a man of God exists.

Here, the ministry moves forward. There are still many things to learn. Lack of experience will only lead me to use my faith and rely on the mercy of God until I learn, right? And God has seen our desire to save souls and blessed us by bringing more and more people to church.

Soon, another church will be opened. We’re only missing some minor details.

I’ve learned a lot from Bp. Renato, Bp. Julio (I’m still learning, because they’re always sending new inspirations) and Bp. Peter, who is now in England. His meetings are really cool. He’s even taught me how to ski in the snow! Only at the UCKG.

A great big hug from me bishop and stay with the Lord Jesus Christ.

We love Jesus and we love you!

Guilherme from Ireland

The Universal Church in Haiti

Friday, February 12th, 2010

The earthquake that struck Haiti on January 12, killing more than 200 thousand people, caused minor damage to the building of the UCKG in Port-au-Prince, the capital of the country. At the time of the earthquake, pastors, assistants and members of the church were evangelising and they escaped unharmed. Thanks to that, they’ve been able to help the victims. The pictures below show the temple of the UCKG after the earthquake.

A best friend

Monday, February 8th, 2010

It doesn’t matter what you have in life, but who you have in life.

Before honour comes humility.

Bear with other people’s faults just as you bear with your own.

A best friend is one who makes you better than who you already are.

A true friend wants you to be happy, without selfishness or envy… A true friend is happy for your achievements.

The seal of guarantee

Sunday, February 7th, 2010

seal

Nothing in this world is more important than guaranteeing your soul’s eternal salvation. Jesus said: What good is it for a man to gain the whole world and yet lose his soul? It’s impossible to gain it and keep it without help from the Holy Spirit. Only He is able to teach, guide, strengthen, sustain and keep those who follow His Son on the right path.

Every branch that doesn’t produce fruit will be cut down and only the branches that bear fruit will remain. The Holy Spirit is the nourishing sap that gives life to the branch. Without it, it wilts.

I have witnessed many people who were cured from numerous illnesses and diseases, and freed from all sorts of evil spirits, who became financially stable, accomplishing wonders by faith, only to later abandon it. Unfortunately, many forget that if they conquer by faith, then they lose by doubting. Faith needs to be kept alive, otherwise it evaporates.

Only those who have been sealed with the Holy Spirit remain firm. They are the true “called and chosen”.

God has called many but few have been chosen. Divine injustice? No. Absolutely not. Just like salvation is offered to everyone, the same goes for the baptism of the Holy Spirit. The problem is that not everyone is willing to sacrifice their life. What can we do?

Everything needs care and maintenance. The same is true for the greatest spiritual blessing: salvation. The Holy Spirit is the Flame that keeps faith from burning out. He is the Seal of Guarantee to eternal life.

“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me.” (Acts 1.8)

An interview with Lucifer

Sunday, February 7th, 2010

(Interesting text that’s been circulating on the internet, author unknown)

WHO CREATED YOU?
Lucifer: I was created by God himself, long before the existence of man (Ezekiel 28:15).

HOW WERE YOU FORMED?
Lucifer: I came into existence fully formed and like Adam, I had no childhood. I was a symbol of perfection, full of wisdom and beauty and my clothes were adorned with precious stones (Ezekiel 28:12,13).

WHERE DID YOU DWELL?
Lucifer: I walked in the glow of the precious stones of God’s Holy Mountain in the Garden of Eden (Ezekiel 28:13).

WHAT WAS YOUR ROLE IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD?
Lucifer: I was anointed and ordained by God as a guardian cherub. My job was to guard God’s glory and lead the angels in praise. A third of them were under my command (Ezekiel 28:14; Revelation 12:4).

WERE YOU IN NEED OF ANYTHING?
Lucifer: (thoughtfully and in a quiet voice) No, nothing (Ezekiel 28:13).

WHAT CAUSED YOU TO LOSE THE POSITION OF GREATEST HONOUR THAT ANY CREATED BEING COULD HAVE?
Lucifer: It didn’t happen suddenly. One day, I saw my reflection in the stones (like a mirror) and realised that I surpassed the other angels (maybe not Michael or Gabriel) in beauty, strength and intelligence. A yearning brewed in my heart and I began thinking about how it would feel to be worshipped like a god. This yearning lead to strategizing and scheming a plan on how to raise my throne above the stars of God and become like Him. One day, I tried to go through with my plans but that caused me to be expelled from God’s Holy Mountain (Isaiah 14:13-14; Ezekiel 28:15-17).

WHAT FINALLY TRIGGERED YOUR REBELLION?
Lucifer: When I realised that God was about to create someone to His image and likeness and therefore superior to me, I couldn’t accept it and so I manifested the true intentions of my heart (Isaiah 14:12-14).

WHAT HAPPENED TO THE ANGELS THAT WERE UNDER YOUR COMMAND?
Lucifer: They followed me and were also expelled. Together we have made the kingdom of darkness (Revelation 12:3,4).

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT MANKIND?
Lucifer: (enraged) I hate the human race and will do everything in my power to destroy it because I envy them. I should have been made in the image and likeness of God (1 Peter 5:8).

WHAT ARE YOUR STRATEGIES TO DESTROY MANKIND?
Lucifer: My biggest objective is to keep them away from God. I encourage them to do what is evil and confuse them in a sea of philosophies, thoughts and lie-filled religions mixed in with half-truths. I send my messengers to confuse those who want to seek God. I turn lies into truths, leading man to practise what is wrong, pulling him away from God, though he thinks he’s close. And there’s more. I make the message of Jesus Christ seem like old-fashioned nonsense. I stimulate pride, arrogance, selfishness, quarrels and hatred in them. I work hard with my minions to weaken churches, cause divisions, discouragement, criticism of the leadership, adultery, resentment, spiritual weakness, greed and an absence of commitment (laughs hysterically). I try to destroy the lives of pastors, especially with sex, money, ungratefulness, lack of time for God and pride (1 Peter 5:8; James 4:7; Galatians 5:19-21; 1 Corinthians 3:3; 2 Peter 2:1; 2 Timothy 3:1-8; Revelation 12:9).

WHAT ABOUT THE FUTURE?
Lucifer: (with a hatred-filled look) I know that I can’t win this battle with God and I have little time before going to my eternal prison—hell. My angels and I will work hard to make sure we take as many people as possible with us there (Ezekiel 28:19; Jude 6; Rev. 20:10-15).

SO, AS THE HOLY SPIRIT SAYS: “TODAY, IF YOU HEAR HIS VOICE, DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEARTS” (Hebrews 3:7,8).