PERSECUTION FROM THE WORLD – PART ONE

“From the Heart” teaching by Drs. Rodney & Adonica Howard-Browne.

This is My commandment: that you love one another [just] as I have loved you. 13 No one has greater love [no one has shown stronger affection] than to lay down (give up) his own life for his friends. 14 You are My friends if you keep on doing the things which I command you to do. 15 I do not call you servants (slaves) any longer, for the servant does not know what his master is doing (working out). But I have called you My friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from My Father. [I have revealed to you everything that I have learned from Him.] 16 You have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you and I have appointed you [I have planted you], that you might go and bear fruit and keep on bearing, and that your fruit may be lasting [that it may remain, abide], so that whatever you ask the Father in My Name [as presenting all that I AM], He may give it to you. 17 This is what I command you: that you love one another. 18 If the world hates you, know that it hated Me before it hated you. 19 If you belonged to the world, the world would treat you with affection and would love you as its own. But because you are not of the world [no longer one with it], but I have chosen (selected) you out of the world, the world hates (detests) you. 20 Remember that I told you, A servant is not greater than his master [is not superior to him]. If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word and obeyed My teachings, they will also keep and obey yours. 21 But they will do all this to you [inflict all this suffering on you] because of [your bearing] My name and on My account, for they do not know or understand the One Who sent Me. 22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin [would be blameless]; but now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 Whoever hates Me also hates My Father.24 If I had not done (accomplished) among them the works which no one else ever did, they would not be guilty of sin. But [the fact is] now they have both seen [these works] and have hated both Me and My Father. 25 But [this is so] that the word written in their Law might be fulfilled, They hated Me without a cause. John 15:12-25 AMP

Jesus loved us so much that He sacrificed His life for us—His friends—as He calls us. He only had one life to give and He gave it freely and utterly. Only those who obey His commands can claim to be His friends. Jesus is the one who promoted us from servants to friends. What an honor to be called a friend of God! We did not choose Jesus—He chose us—He loved us and died for us and invited us into His family. We have a choice to make as well—to either accept or reject His offer of salvation. He chose us and appointed us to bear lasting fruit so that whatever we ask the Father, in the Name of Jesus, He will give us. Jesus wants us to get our prayers answered! We should consider it a great, great honor that Jesus loves us so much!

Because Jesus is our Lord and Master, we owe Him our unconditional obedience, but Jesus asks us to obey Him simply because we love Him. The Father, Himself, loves us and desires that His love be freely reciprocated. Indeed, He has been so devoted to us; we owe Him something in return. We owe Him our honor and loyalty. 1 Corinthians 7:23 ERV says that, “God paid a high price for you, so don’t be slaves to anyone else.” You need to take your eyes off of other people—stop caring about what they think of you more than what God thinks of you and be loyal in every way to the One who saved you and set you free.

Jesus goes on to speak of persecution. The world—the world’s system—hates Jesus; hates righteousness; hates what is good—without a cause and for no reason. The god of this world—the devil—has blinded the eyes of the unbelievers so that they should not discern the Truth (2 Cor. 4:4). They hate Jesus and they hate you, but don’t even know why themselves. If the world hates you—know that they hated Jesus first. If you were one of them and like them—they would love you. But because you are not one of them and you are not like them, they hate you. A servant is not greater than his master—if they persecuted Jesus, they will persecute you as well. Don’t be surprised at persecution when it comes, because everyone who desires to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution (2 Tim. 3:12). If they hate you, they hate Jesus too. If they hate Jesus, they hate the Father who sent Jesus to die—even for them. Before Saul became Paul, he too hated Jesus and all Christians, but his eyes were opened and he ended up giving his life for the sake of the Gospel!

Christians get enough hatred from the world—we need each other’s love, support and encouragement. Many times, we think that other Christians are our problem, when our only problem is the devil. He comes to sow discord so that he can divide and conquer. When the Christians of the Early Church were persecuted, they pulled together, called on the Father in unison and continued to boldly preach the Gospel, perform miracles and meet the needs of the people. It’s time the Body of Christ woke up and stopped fighting each other, rather, stood side to side and faced the devil—our true enemy—and fought and conquered him! Jesus asks us to please Him by unselfishly loving one another and he will give you the strength to do it.

AMERICA – OUR CONTINUED FIGHT FOR FREEDOM

“From the Heart” teaching by Drs. Rodney & Adonica Howard-Browne.

America – today 234 years old – born 4th July 1776 – birthed out of pain and a hunger to worship freely, wise men with their dreams came from the East; the first winter survived, through the red man they were blessed. Thanksgiving, a yearly reminder, we were blessed out of their provision. The new land yielding of her bounty, the fight for a new world is made, from east to west, new frontiers, covenants made, trail of tears, the red man would also give his blood as covenants were broken.

Over the decades, and down through the years, through all the pain, sorrow and many tears, many a man would lay down his life for freedom’s dream, and so while the sword and canon spoke, the pen being mightier than them all, produced a Bill of Rights; wise fathers penned the constitution. From this constitution we cannot sway, not one jot or tittle can be allowed to be taken away – not even by the highest courts of the land – for if it is altered America no more shall stand.

One nation under God, united, defeated the enemy’s might. Our flag was still flying by the dawn’s early light, propped up by our flesh, as men would resist to lower the flag, the broad stripes and bright stars that would signal a nation had been born – tyranny swept aside – the flag was still waving – over the land of the free and the home of the brave.

Many wars were fought on every front, even among us brother to brother – the blue and the grey as the red blood flowed – giving way to the red, white and blue. Slavery, the curse of every family, the cry of every mother – brought to a halt – the desire of all to be free. We hold these truths to be self-evident – all men are created equal – and from this Declaration of Independence we cannot sway.

Ellis Island would be the place where the stranger would come seeking freedom – the Lady with the Lamp the way beaming – give me your huddled and tired masses – they will find rest on my shores. 13 states, that became one nation under God, would grow to become a Jubilee of fifty nations within our borders. Many times, over the years, the balance of power would sway. Thankfully three divisions of government would equally tip the scales – the checks and balances by our founding fathers laid – the dream that all would be equal from a mountain the Promised Land was seen – that we would not be judged by the color of our skin. America would become the Land of Jubilee – the place of the dream.

This nation has walked away from its plumb line, three million-plus laws on the statute books you’ll find, replacing the Ten Commandments. Prayer taken out of schools, our people oppressed by drugs and alcohol, slaves to pornography and STD’s, HIV, millions of unborn babies aborted. While many are trying not to retain God in their knowledge, they are given over to a reprobate mind, professing themselves to wise they become fools, something has to be done and must be done soon. This cannot be done without Divine Intervention.

This is the day this is the hour – we must hear from Heaven and so now we pray.

You have guided us these many years, now hear from heaven, forgive our sin and heal our land – for You were seen in the watch-fires of a hundred circling camps, altars were built in the evening dews and damps. As You died to make men holy, so we will live to make them free, Your truth is marching on.

O Sovereign Heavenly Father, in Jesus mighty name, we pray grant mercy on us one more time – as You have each century – a generation now lost their way – may we still say “in God we trust” and be “one nation” under thee. Heavenly Father, we as a generation refuse to give up – we will stand as one – and humble ourselves and pray, and seek your face and turn from our wicked ways. You have promised to come and heal our land – a new generation is rising up with faith, and the anointing to set the captives free, and marching through the land to see another Great Awakening. This is our purpose, this is our goal – IGNITING A GENERATION – for a nation to fulfill its call!

Poem by Dr. Rodney M. Howard-Browne

THE RIGHTEOUS SHALL FLOURISH – PART II

The [uncompromisingly] righteous shall flourish like the palm tree [be long-lived, stately, upright, useful, and fruitful]; they shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon [majestic, stable, durable, and incorruptible]. 13 Planted in the house of the Lord, they shall flourish in the courts of our God. 14 [Growing in grace] they shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be full of sap [of spiritual vitality] and [rich in the] verdure [of trust, love, and contentment]. 15 [They are living memorials] to show that the Lord is upright and faithful to His promises; He is my Rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.
Psalms 92:12-15 AMP

According to Psalm 92, the uncompromisingly righteous shall flourish like a palm tree, grow like the cedars of Lebanon and flourish in the courts of our God. Even though they grow older, they are still growing – growing in grace – and still bringing forth fruit in old age. Some people say, “You are only as old as you feel!” And this is true, because your heart attitude greatly influences your mental outlook, your body, your choices and your outcome. Whether you are positive or negative, the longer you age the more your thought life affects your mind, your body, your health and your quality of life. You can be older chronologically, but be younger and younger on the inside. As a result, you can remain fresh and vigorous longer on the outside as well. Thank God for those righteous saints, who have a lifetime of experience serving God, and who still have the strength and enthusiasm to teach and impart this wisdom to the younger generation! They are a great inspiration, and can challenge the next generation to reach higher and to aspire to follow and imitate their life of faith and victory. It is a beautiful thing to see a much older, godly person who is still full of life and spunk and joy!

The Hebrew word for “bring forth fruit” means: to germinate; to cause to flourish; to bring forth fruit; to make cheerful; to increase. The word for “fat” means: fat; rich: fertile. The word translated “flourish” here, means: to be green; verdant; new; prosperous; flourishing. The Lord promises that the righteous will be fat and flourishing: full of sap – spiritual vitality – and rich in the verdure (greenness or freshness) of trust, love, and contentment!

So even as the righteous grow older, they will still be able to contribute – they will still flourish and increase and continue to produce fruit. This is not the normal way people age. Usually you lose structural fat and there’s no way you could be called “green”, because everything has started to dry out. After a certain age, you certainly can’t produce anything new anymore. And yet, the Lord promises that if we faithfully serve Him and honor His word, that we will renew our strength like the eagle. He promises that we can have a great quality of life – a sound mind and body – until it’s our time to go home! This strength and vitality, fruitfulness and productiveness, peace and contentment, is the evidence of God’s blessing on a life. The uncompromisingly righteous are living memorials – their blessed life brings glory to God! Their blessed life proves that God is good and faithful to His promises! The Lord wants to bless you – it brings Him glory! You need to bring your life over to where His blessing is being poured out. His blessing is not being poured out where sin abounds, but it is poured out where people revere and honor and obey Him!

As you have therefore received Christ, [even] Jesus the Lord, [so] walk (regulate your lives and conduct yourselves) in union with and conformity to Him. 7 Have the roots [of your being] firmly and deeply planted [in Him, fixed and founded in Him], being continually built up in Him, becoming increasingly more confirmed and established in the faith, just as you were taught, and abounding and overflowing in it with thanksgiving. Colossians 2:6-7 AMP

We need to be rooted firmly and deeply in God and His word. We need to walk with the Lord – regulating our lives and conduct, in union with Him and conforming to Him. If we do, then we will see stability, peace, provision and good fruit manifest in our lives.

He who leans on, trusts in, and is confident in his riches shall fall, but the [uncompromisingly] righteous shall flourish like a green bough. Proverbs 11:28 AMP

[Most] blessed is the man who believes in, trusts in, and relies on the Lord, and whose hope and confidence the Lord is. 8 For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters that spreads out its roots by the river; and it shall not see and fear when heat comes; but its leaf shall be green. It shall not be anxious and full of care in the year of drought, nor shall it cease yielding fruit. Jeremiah 17:7-8 AMP

Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. 2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. 3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.
Psalms 1:1-3 NIV

The uncompromisingly righteous – who trusts in, leans on, and relies on God; who puts his hope and confidence in Him; who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers; who delights on the law of the Lord and who meditates on it day and night – shall flourish like a green bough; he shall be like a tree planted by the waters that spreads out its roots by the river; he shall not see and fear when heat comes; his leaves will remain green and not wither; he will not be anxious and full of care in the year of drought; he will yield his fruit in season and he’ll not cease yielding fruit. Whatever he does prospers! And he will bring much glory to God!

COVETOUSNESS DESTROYS LIFE

Now godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. 9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 11 But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. 1 Timothy 6:6-11 NKJV

The love of money – greed; covetousness – is the root of all evil! A covetous person – one who has lustful desire for the property of others and is greedy for gain – is an idolater, and will not inherit the Kingdom of God (Ephesians 5:5). You either serve and worship God – or your worldly possessions (mammon). Covetousness is not compatible with serving God, because it breeds only evil and destruction. A covetous person destroys lives – their own and that of other people.

These are the things that covetousness breeds:

1. Greed and murder:

But [when these men set a trap for others] they are lying in wait for their own blood; they set an ambush for their own lives. 19 So are the ways of everyone who is greedy of gain; such [greed for plunder] takes away the lives of its possessors. Proverbs 1:18-19 AMP
You are jealous and covet [what others have] and your desires go unfulfilled; [so] you become murderers. [To hate is to murder as far as your hearts are concerned.] You burn with envy and anger and are not able to obtain [the gratification, the contentment, and the happiness that you seek], so you fight and war. You do not have, because you do not ask. James 4:2 AMP

2. Rebellion and Poverty:

There are those who [generously] scatter abroad, and yet increase more; there are those who withhold more than is fitting or what is justly due, but it results only in want. Proverbs 11:24 AMP

3. Oppression and violence:

He who oppresses the poor to get gain for himself and he who gives to the rich — both will surely come to want. Proverbs 22:16 AMP
But your eyes and your heart are only for your covetousness and dishonest gain, for shedding innocent blood, for oppression and doing violence. Jeremiah 22:17 AMP
Woe to those who devise iniquity and work out evil upon their beds! When the morning is light, they perform and practice it because it is in their power. 2 They covet fields and seize them, and houses and take them away; they oppress and crush a man and his house, a man and his inheritance. Micah 2:1-2 AMP

4. Denial or rejection of God:

Remove far from me falsehood and lies; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me, 9 Lest I be full and deny You and say, Who is the Lord? Or lest I be poor and steal, and so profane the name of my God. Proverbs 30:8-9 AMP

5. Injustice:

Your princes are rebels and companions of thieves; everyone loves bribes and runs after compensation and rewards. They judge not for the fatherless nor defend them, neither does the cause of the widow come to them [for they delay or turn a deaf ear]. Isaiah 1:23 AMP
Both their hands are put forth and are upon what is evil to do it diligently; the prince and the judge ask for a bribe, and the great man utters his evil desire. Thus they twist between them [the course of justice]. Micah 7:3 AMP

6. Backsliding:

Its heads judge for reward and a bribe and its priests teach for hire and its prophets divine for money; yet they lean on the Lord and say, Is not the Lord among us? No evil can come upon us. Micah 3:11 AMP

7. Deceitfulness and deceptions:

As for what was sown among thorns, this is he who hears the Word, but the cares of the world and the pleasure and delight and glamour and deceitfulness of riches choke and suffocate the Word, and it yields no fruit. Matthew 13:22 AMP

8. Defilement:

For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, 22 thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. 23 All these evil things come from within and defile a man.” Mark 7:21-23 NKJV

9. Temptations and lusts:

But those who crave to be rich fall into temptation and a snare and into many foolish (useless, godless) and hurtful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction and miserable perishing. 1 Timothy 6:9 AMP
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world — the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life — is not of the Father but is of the world. 17 And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever. 1 John 2:15-17 NKJV

10. A short life and a fool’s end:

Like the partridge that gathers a brood which she did not hatch and sits on eggs which she has not laid, so is he who gets riches by unjust means and not by right. He will leave them, or they will leave him, in the midst of his days, and at his end he will be a fool. Jeremiah 17:11 AMP

Then He spoke a parable to them, saying: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully. 17 And he thought within himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?’ 18 So he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.”‘ 20 But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’ 21 “So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” Luke 12:16-21 NKJV

Jesus Christ

Jesus is all-powerful:

For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father [of Eternity], Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 AMP

Jesus is the Son of God:

And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. Luke 1:35 NKJV

Jesus is God:

Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Matthew 1:23 KJV

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. John 1:1-5 NKJV

Jesus is the Messiah:

The woman said to Him, “I know that Messiah is coming” (who is called Christ). “When He comes, He will tell us all things.” 26 Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am He.” John 4:25-26 NKJV

Jesus is the Judge:

For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son. John 5:22 NKJV

Jesus has authority over demons:

Then they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? What new doctrine is this? For with authority He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him.” Mark 1:27 NKJV

Jesus gives life:

The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. John 10:10 NKJV

Jesus is the Good Shepherd:

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. John 10:11 NKJV

Jesus is the only way to God:

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. John 14:6 NKJV

Jesus is the author of life:

But you killed the very Source (the Author) of life, Whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses. Acts 3:15 AMP

Jesus is the wisdom of God:

For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. 22 For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; 23 but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 1 Corinthians 1:21-24 NKJV

Jesus is the head of the church:

For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. Ephesians 5:23 NKJV

Jesus is the highest authority:

Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:9-11 NKJV

Jesus is the Creator:

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. Colossians 1:15-16 NKJV

Jesus is faithful:

If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself. 2 Timothy 2:13 NKJV

Jesus is coming again:

Looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. Titus 2:13 NKJV

Jesus is sinless:

For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Hebrews 4:15 NKJV

Jesus is holy:

For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens. Hebrews 7:26 NKJV

Jesus is the King of the ages:

They sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying: “Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the saints! Revelation 15:3 NKJV

Jesus is the Lamb of God:

But I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. Revelation 21:22 NKJV

MY TREASURE-STEWARDSHIP

Foundation Scriptures: Genesis 1:26
God said, Let Us [Father, Son, and Holy Spirit] make mankind in Our image, after Our likeness, and let them have complete authority over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, the [tame] beasts, and over all of the earth, and over everything that creeps upon the earth.
Genesis 1:26 AMP

1. The lost sense of the Eternal.

Many people habitually think and act as if there is no eternity to consider

  • James 2:12 AMP – So speak and so act as [people should] who are to be judged under the law of liberty [the moral instruction given by Christ, especially about love].
  • 2 Peter 3:12-13 AMP – While you wait and earnestly long for (expect and hasten) the coming of the day of God by reason of which the flaming heavens will be dissolved, and the [material] elements [of the universe] will flare and melt with fire? 13 But we look for new heavens and a new earth according to His promise, in which righteousness (uprightness, freedom from sin, and right standing with God) is to abide.
  • Isaiah 40:6-8 NKJV – The voice said, “Cry out!” And he said, “What shall I cry?” “All flesh is grass, And all its loveliness is like the flower of the field. 7 The grass withers, the flower fades, Because the breath of the LORD blows upon it; Surely the people are grass. 8 The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever.”
  • James 4:14 AMP – Yet you do not know [the least thing] about what may happen tomorrow. What is the nature of your life? You are [really] but a wisp of vapor (a puff of smoke, a mist) that is visible for a little while and then disappears [into thin air].
  • Psalm 39:4 AMP – Lord, make me to know my end and [to appreciate] the measure of my days–what it is; let me know and realize how frail I am [how transient is my stay here].

2. According to God’s Word, one of our main aims in this life is to prepare for the Next.

3.  A steward’s primary goal is to be found faithful by his Master as he uses the Master’s resources to accomplish the tasks delegated to him.

  • God is the Master — We are the Steward.
  • Ownership:
  • God owns everything
  • We are the custodians of what He has placed in our care. We are to wisely administer and expand the Master’s estate.

Power:

  • All power is His.
  • We are accountable to Him.

Trust:

  • He entrusts us with possessions, authority and responsibilities.
  • We are expected to be faithful with what we are given.

Expectations:

  • He expects us to do what He asks and do what we can.
  • We are to work and be industrious – to give our best and do our best for Him.

Absence:

  • He is like the Master who went on a journey — He has left His estate in His servant’s hands—that’s you and me.
  • We must use wisdom as we invest the Master’s wealth and manage His estate.

Return:

  • He will return—it will be unannounced.
  • We should be always ready and waiting for His return.

Generosity:

  • The Lord is extremely generous.
  • We should never take Him for granted. Fear the Master and appreciate His blessings.

Standards:

  • God has set standards for us that are non-negotiable —there are no grey areas.
  • We should be single-minded in service. We will give an individual account to God for our own words and deeds.

4. Things we must seriously consider:

  • The long term significance of today’s behavior and choices (ours).
  • The inevitability of consequences for all of our choices and actions.
  • The weightiness of our responsibility to choose wisely and live rightly.
  • We have clear cut incentives and motivations—our eternal treasure and crowns.
  • We should place more importance on, and be more focused on, our responsibilities than our rights. Our obedience is more important and more fruitful than our temporary happiness.
  • N.B. Anyone else’s evaluation of the steward, compared to the judgment of the one and only Master, is meaningless. We are here to please the Master. No one else’s opinion means anything, or counts for anything, at all.

5.  God owns everything:

  • Deuteronomy 10:14
  • Leviticus 25:23
  • 1 Chronicles 29:11-12
  • Job 41:11
  • Psalm 24:1-2
  • Psalm 50:10-12
  • Haggai 2:8
  • 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

The Crown of Glory by Rodney Howard Browne

Worship Soundtracks from RMIRiverSong on Vimeo.

Foundation Scriptures: 1 Peter 5:1-4

The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: 2 Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; 3 nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; 4 and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.

1 Peter 5:1-4 NKJV

I. The Crown of Glory.

• The Crown of Glory is awarded to pastors and elders, who have been faithful ministers of the Gospel.

• The Crown of Glory is for all those who are called of God, who have obeyed God in their calling and who have faithfully served His people.

• Ephesians 4:11-13 NKJV – And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.

• God has called some people to be in full-time ministry. He has called others to serve in a “ministry of helps” capacity.

• 1 Corinthians 12:28 KJV – And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

II. Shepherds of the flock.

• 1 Peter 5:2 says that the people belong to God—they are His sheep; His flock—and do not belong to any man. Jesus is the Chief Shepherd and we are all under-shepherds, who answer directly to Him. When He comes, He will award the Crown of Glory to the shepherds who carried out their responsibilities diligently and in a spirit of love and truth.

• As ministers of the gospel, we are responsible to diligently tend the flock of God; nurturing, guarding and guiding them.

• Ministers must have a good attitude about their calling. The Lord wants you to do it willingly—not by coercion or constraint; not because you have to, or are forced to—do it because you want to do it; do it because you want to please God! That is how God wants it.

• Never minister to God’s people out of a money motive or because of any other selfish reason. Do not calculate what you can get out of it. The AMP says that we should not be dishonorably motivated by the advantages and profits belonging to the office. What we should do is be spontaneous, be cheerful, and be eagerly happy to serve.

• Ministers are in a place of leadership, but 1 Peter 5:3 says that you should never use that authority to dominate others. Never be arrogant, dictatorial, or overbearing and do not bossily tell others what to do.

• Rather, be a good example to the flock; to the congregation. You can be both firm and kind, tenderly showing them the way. Be a pattern and model of Christian living. Live what you believe and practice what you preach!

III. Work Together to Build the Kingdom of God.

• Everyone has their part to do. Leaders are to lead in the Spirit of Christ and the flock is to respect and work with the leadership that the Lord has placed over them.

• 1 Thessalonians 5:12-14 AMP – Now also we beseech you, brethren, get to know those who labor among you [recognize them for what they are, acknowledge and appreciate and respect them all]—your leaders who are over you in the Lord and those who warn and kindly reprove and exhort you. 13 And hold them in very high and most affectionate esteem in [intelligent and sympathetic] appreciation of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. 14 And we earnestly beseech you, brethren, admonish (warn and seriously advise) those who are out of line [the loafers, the disorderly, and the unruly]; encourage the timid and fainthearted, help and give your support to the weak souls, [and] be very patient with everybody [always keeping your temper].

• We do the work, but God is still in charge. He is the boss and He pays the wages!

• 1 Corinthians 3:6-9 AMP – I planted, Apollos watered, but God [all the while] was making it grow and [He] gave the increase. 7 So neither he who plants is anything nor he who waters, but [only] God Who makes it grow and become greater. 8 He who plants and he who waters are equal (one in aim, of the same importance and esteem), yet each shall receive his own reward (wages), according to his own labor. 9 For we are fellow workmen (joint promoters, laborers together) with and for God; you are God’s garden and vineyard and field under cultivation, [you are] God’s building.

• Give it ALL you’ve got, but don’t try to do it in your own strength! Lean on the Lord—He will empower you with superhuman energy!

• Colossians 1:28-29 AMP – Him we preach and proclaim, warning and admonishing everyone and instructing everyone in all wisdom (comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God), that we may present every person mature (full-grown, fully initiated, complete, and perfect) in Christ (the Anointed One). 29 For this I labor [unto weariness], striving with all the superhuman energy which He so mightily enkindles and works within me.

IV. The Reward of Your Labor.

• 1 Corinthians 15:57-58 AMP – But thanks be to God, Who gives us the victory [making us conquerors] through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be firm (steadfast), immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord [always being superior, excelling, doing more than enough in the service of the Lord], knowing and being continually aware that your labor in the Lord is not futile [it is never wasted or to no purpose].

• Hebrews 6:10 AMP – For God is not unrighteous to forget or overlook your labor and the love which you have shown for His name’s sake in ministering to the needs of the saints (His own consecrated people), as you still do.

• 1 Peter 5:4 says that when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.

• The Greek word for “crown” is stephanos, which is the crown awarded at the games. It was made of olive or laurel and soon faded. The Crown of Glory, which the Lord will give to His under-shepherds, is eternal and will outlast the ages.

How To Release and Transfer

It is one thing to be anointed of God. It is another

thing to be in a position to release that anointing to

others, seeing their lives touched with the reality of that

heavenly materiality.

 

After the encounter I had with the Lord in July of

1979, I made plans to go into the full-time ministry. In

January of 1980, at the age of eighteen, I joined a group

that traveled our nation, ministering in Word and music

in many of the nominal mainline denominations across

our country.

 

The group that I joined was interdenominational,

but non-charismatic in their beliefs. They frowned upon

the Pentecostal experience, but I felt led of the Lord to

work with the vehicle they were providing me to spread

the gospel. I knew that at anytime I could have been

given the left foot of fellowship because I held fast to my

Pentecostal experience.

 

The Day My Ministry Changed

 

I can remember the day it first happened – the

day my life and ministry was to change. It was a day like

every other. The interesting thing was that I was not

doing anything that you might think I should have been

doing to bring this on. I believe it was all in the plan of

God.

 

We were preaching in a Methodist church. I was

back in the vestibule – which is a holy name for a plain,

old office – preparing for the service. One of the young

ladies came into the office and asked me to pray for her

because she was in terrible pain. I stood up from the chair

where I was sitting and lifted my right hand as I normally

would do to lay hands upon her and pray. Then the most

amazing thing happened.

 

Hey, This One’s Loaded!

 

I got my hand halfway to her head, almost like a

gunslinger would draw a gun out of a holster and point it

at his opponent. Suddenly, unexpectedly, it felt like my

finger tips came off. I felt a full volume of the anointing

flow out of my hand. The only way I can explain it is to

liken it to a fireman holding a fire hose with a full volume

of water flowing out of it. The anointing went right into

her. It looked like someone had hit her in the head with

an invisible baseball bat and she fell to the floor.

 

I was left standing there totally dumbstruck by

what had happened, looking at my hand and at the young

lady. I was still conscious of the presence of God flowing

out of me, but I was amazed at what had just transpired.

About that time, the rest of the team walked in the door. I

prayed for them and they all fell out under the power of

God.

 

After a while, I managed to sober them up. I was

afraid the priest would walk in the door and I would have

some explaining to do. We then moved into the sanctuary

and the service began. I was so overwhelmed by the

experience and what I had witnessed that I couldn’t get it

out of my mind.

 

Call All Those Who Want a Blessing

 

I began to talk to the Lord all the while I was

speaking in the service. I was asking Him what we

(notice I said we) were going to do about what had

happened. After all, I was not allowed to talk about the

Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues, or falling under the

power. But they didn’t realize when you talk about Jesus,

the Holy Spirit comes along to find out who you are

speaking about.

 

Here I am, having a conversation with the Lord,

asking Him what are we going to do. Suddenly He says to

me, “Call all those who want a blessing.”

Now, I was in a Methodist church, and if you

asked a question like that, the whole church would

respond. And respond they did. Let us keep in mind that I

had said nothing about the Holy Spirit, speaking in

tongues, or falling under the power.

 

They came and stood in one line across the front

of the church. The Lord then said to me, “Don’t lay both

of your hands upon them.” We have a problem with folks

who are under the impression that ministers are pushing

people over. The Lord said to me, “Just lay one finger of

your right hand on the forehead of each individual and

say, “In the name of Jesus.”

 

I walked over to the first person and said, “In the

name of Je…” I did not even have time to say, “sus,”

when the power of God threw that person to the floor. I

went down the line and everyone went out under the

power. They hit the floor just like someone had slammed

them in the head with a Louisville Slugger.

A Healthy Body

Rodney Howard Browne Discusses the importance of a healthy body. All of us know that there is an undeniable relationship between our health and our ability to realize our full potential. We may labor to have a clean heart, a clear mind, and a balanced schedule, but without a healthy body we simply cannot do our best. And good health will be enhanced when we begin to see our bodies as God views them.

Rodney Howard Browne teaches that our bodies belong to God. In the sixth chapter of first Corinthians, Paul teaches that our bodies belong to the living God. (verses 19-20) As a result, I have to decide whether I will take care of my body or whether I will ignore or abuse it. None of us would walk into church and deliberately make a big mess, smearing red or black paint all over the place. We wouldn’t do that because we respect the church building as a place where God’s people worship. Then consider this: the human body indwelt by the God’s Spirit is far more important than any house of worship that ever existed.

Nevertheless, people often think that neglecting or mistreating their body is their prerogative. Whether the issue is substance abuse, abortion, or unhealthy habits, many people will say, “This is my body. I’ll do with it whatever I please.” But as we saw in Scripture, it is not your body. You can do what you please, but you will pay the penalty. Sin has its consequences, and sin against the body can inflict a penalty that lasts for generations. Ask God to help you regard the body as He does so that you will care for it appropriately.

  • 1.
  • Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,
  • 2.
  • Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:
  • 3.
  • Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
  • 4.
  • I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ;
  • 5.
  • That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge;
  • 6.
  • Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you:
  • 7.
  • So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:
  • 8.
  • Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
  • 9.
  • God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
  • 10.
  • Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
  • 11.
  • For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.
  • 12.
  • Now this I say , that every one of you saith , I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.
  • 13.
  • Is Christ divided ? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?
  • 14.
  • I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius;
  • 15.
  • Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name.
  • 16.
  • And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.
  • 17.
  • For Christ sent me not to baptize , but to preach the gospel : not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect .
  • 18.
  • For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
  • 19.
  • For it is written , I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.
  • 20.
  • Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?
  • 21.
  • For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe .
  • 22.
  • For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:
  • 23.
  • But we preach Christ crucified , unto the Jews a stumblingblock , and unto the Greeks foolishness;
  • 24.
  • But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.
  • 25.
  • Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
  • 26.
  • For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:
  • 27.
  • But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
  • 28.
  • And base things of the world, and things which are despised , hath God chosen , yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are :
  • 29.
  • That no flesh should glory in his presence .
  • 30.
  • But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
  • 31.
  • That, according as it is written , He that glorieth , let him glory in the Lord.

Ministers’ Conference

Ministers’ Conference

Hi Dear Drs. Rodney and Adonica, I came to say that few hours ago my step father, my brother, 2 couples and another friend prayed the prayer of salvation here in a party. I simply followed what Brother Rodney said last Sunday. I went through and in the end they all prayed, even the ones that have prayed before, they did it again. In the end they all hugged me and thanked me soooooooooo very much and my step father was drunk, but he told me later that he felt so much in peace after praying with me that he went to sleep and felt better. I know what he felt was HS… me crying here now… I have been praying for some of them for 21 years… and in an instant God answered my prayers… Like I told Brother Rodney after the full night prayer meeting: my life will never be the same! I am always bold and win souls for God a lot, but my family I had some of them left… a block was there… and Brother Rodney said last Sunday about taking the challenge and I said here loud: I will do it! Lord use me! I am ready! and today he gave me the boldness and the idea to just read the script and pray with them and no one found it strange as its CHRISTMAS! YAAAAAAAAAAAAAA THANKS BROTHER RODNEY FOR WHAT U SAID… YOU HAVE NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO IDEA HOW GREAT IT IS TO HAVE THEM SAVED. 21 Years ago they almost put me out of the house for I gave my heart to Jesus… today they did t he same! God is faithful and sooooooooooooo great! I love u Jesus! Happy birthday my Lord… wow yaaaaaaa… God bless you Brother Rodney and Sister Adonica and know that your harvest is reaching a little family in Brazil! Well we are Americans too! South Americans…(little joke)… Oh by the way, I can now cut off this petition from my prayer journal! yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa wow!!!!!!!!!! oh one man, whom i have never met before, came for he is my brother’s friend, and after prayer he said to me: “thanks for your prayer! I feel so clean now!” wow praise God. when you said that 2007 would be a harvest year, I believed and put myself out there… I won more souls for God in 2007 than in my life time of born again combined. praise God forever more. I Love you and thank for your lives every day. I lift you and your ministry and the harvest and Great awakening tours every day. Thanks for being so genuine and so sold out for Jesus! Have a joyous Christmas and a blessed 2008 of harvest. Olga Silva Brazil P.S.: did you receive the transcript translated to Portuguese that I have sent few months ago? if you didn’t tell me and I send to you again, if its of some use, as Miami and Boston there are so many Brazilians. thanks again.

Olga S
Brasilia, DF (No State) Brazil

Rodney Howard Browne brings good news to Greensboro

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