”But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. “ (2 Corinthians 3:18)
Greetings again my Brethren. WOW can you believe this is the last newsletter for the year 2024? I truly hope you are enjoying this series as much as I enjoy writing it. I learn so much from all of my writing and the research that is required from the word of God to put out a quality word for our good friends to consider. Please know our articles and columns are not cut and pasted from some commentary, like much messages in churches are these days, but time spent waiting on the LORD, personal experiences, and examples of how God is working in our lives. Anything else is phony, counterfeit, or another person’s revelation to what God is doing or has done in someone else’s life. We go to a church almost every Wednesday night, they have a time of eating then a kind of Bible Study. Now they do read some verses, but sadly they are read from their Sunday quarterly and go over the lesson in their quarterly and bypass the examples, situations, and context that are going on in the Bible. It is no wonder there is limited spiritual growth in most of the people they are studying the wrong material. They have chosen to look past the only book that, “is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” (2 Timothy 3:16). I have mentioned this grave error to individuals and corporately, but they are stuck in this wrong thinking, happy to read the lesson instead of learning from the word of God, happy sharing another person’s revelation and not allowing the Holy Spirit to speak to the people through the word of God. Yet, and after, (I will not call it a Bible Study) the pastor always thanks us for coming and filling in the cracks. May have to reconsider our approach and time.
Okay let us get into another new area that God can use to communicate with man. The word of God may be directed and used by God by using many diverse objects. I think the greatest object God uses to communicate with man is the cross, but this thought is worth more than a monthly column so I will move on to my second greatest object a fish. In Jonah 2:1-3 we read, “Then Jonah prayed unto the LORD his God out of the fish’s belly, 2And said, I cried by reason of mine affliction unto the LORD, and he heard me; out of the belly of hell cried I, and thou heardest my voice. 3For thou hadst cast me into the deep, in the midst of the seas; and the floods compassed me about: all thy billows and thy waves passed over me.”
In Jonah 1:17 we read, “Now the LORD had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.” God has His ways of getting our attention and persuading us to change our plans. God will go great lengths to save one man and see His will accomplished. So, God prepared a “great fish” (maybe a whale, but the Bible does not say whale)
Make no mistake my friend God loves us very much and will move mountains to fulfill His plans in our lives. In the end God used Jonah and the “great fish” to deliver Nineveh, a Gentile city, from their sin. In Jonah 3:5-6 we read, “So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them. 6For word came unto the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, and he laid his robe from him, and covered him with sackcloth, and sat in ashes.” Another time God used a fish was in the Book of John. Here is where God uses five loaves and two fishes to feed 5,000 men and women and children. In John 6:9-13 we read, “There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many? 10And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. 11And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would. 12When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost. 13Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten.” What a miracle to communicate with man. Something that will fill their belly and with Jonah a miracle to fill the belly of the “great fish.” God will use whatsoever He wills to communicate with man. With Jonah not only was God saving Jonah’s life, but He also saved the life of the people of Nineveh. With the loaves and fishes in John God provided provision to the crowd and also for the disciples. God always does many things at the same time. Seldom does God do anything singularly. Who would of thought of using a “great fish” to save lives, provide provision to feed our body, and to communicate a deep message to mankind? We both know the answer to this question.
Next month we will continue to look at other diverse objects God can use to communicate with us as we look at the elements. Are you there my friend? In tough situations and circumstances? Have you heard His voice? Listen closely and you will. Written by David Stahl
ARTICLE REVIEW:
Father in the LORD
I recently had three emails shot gunned to me from an older fellow I recently met. Now I am not going to go into the fellow, but in one of the fellow’s emails he mentioned, “due to my maturity in God I am a father in the LORD.” Now this fellow is a nice, stately, older man (really do not know him that well), very busy for God (maybe too busy), but older than I so I will respect him, but his statement really struck me odd. I thought how does one become a father in the LORD? What are the scriptural qualifications one must accomplish for God to be called a father? Do we have to be in service to the LORD for a certain amount of time, give a certain amount of money, or do mighty miracles, signs and wonders? I looked in the Bible and could NOT find any qualifications or requirements one must master to earn this title. Now I know where he and many in the church get this title, but I cannot believe how title hungry some Christians can be. The push for knowledge, degrees, and such (in some circles) over revelation is very sad to me. After all the Holy Spirit said He will teach (see John 14:26) us all things. But back on thought. In 1 Corinthians Paul was chiding the Church at Corinth to pay attention, to “take heed” to themselves for they were not learning the lessons and teachings he brought them when he established the Church at Corinth and now he is coming back so he was scolding them for their wavering from the truth and their mixing of other religions with the Gospel message. Paul writes, “I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you.15 For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. 16Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.” (1 Corinthians 4:14-16) Paul said of the Church at Corinth they gathered together for the worse than the better. Paul again writes, “Now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse.” (1 Corinthians 11:17) They had every gift of the Spirit in operation, yet they were filled with strife, division, self-serving ambition, ungodliness, and great perversion. Paul was NOT telling the people to call him a spiritual father oh no, Paul was using an analogy, drawing into contrast the requirements for a son to learn from his earthly father. From this one verse (and maybe others) countless Christians think of themselves as spiritual fathers to other Christians whose light may not be as bright as theirs. After all, if we can find another Christian whose light is not as bright as ours, well that makes our light even brighter. Sadly, we see things in the Bible that appeal to our flesh and project them into our walk with the LORD and with our brothers and sisters. Who would not want (not me) to have many spiritual children under their wing? Those babes in the LORD who lack initial guidance to get their feet on the ground. Heck you can even get money for this. The church (but we really know we are the church) of today is obsessed with titles such as being a Father in the LORD, positions, functions, and duties. Many Christians try to see how many letters they can get before and after their names. As if God is impressed with our degrees and accomplishments. I am sure when we stand before the LORD on judgment day (and we all will) He is not going to call us by our titles and degree. The only thing God is impressed with is our ability in Him to lower and humble ourselves before Him and our brothers and sisters in humility. In Romans Paul gives great advice to the Church at Rome and we should take heed to it also, “For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.” (Romans 12:3) The biggest title we can have in God is to be called a nobody. My friend the way up is down. The lower we can go in God the higher we can go in God. Jesus had a few titles while on earth, but never a father in the LORD or any title most Christians would like to identify with. Jesus had great titles like, “son of sorrows” or “son of man.” In Luke we read, “And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. 58 And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. 59And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. ” (Luke 9:57-59) “No place to lay his head” who wants to follow someone with no place to live? Most Christians want a big home, nice car, good job, and all the distracters of life. At least this guy was honest he did not have the heart and stomach to follow Jesus. I wonder how many Christians would like to identify with these words here of Christ? I cannot believe how fast some Christians become Bishops. In the Catholic Church it takes many many years of dedicated service, but in Protestant churches just start one new church somewhere and BAM you are a Bishop. This is really big in Africa. Funny I looked in the Bible at the qualifications to be a Bishop and I found nothing about starting churches. Paul writes to Timothy (who was not a Bishop), “This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. 2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; 3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; 4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; 5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) 6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.” (1 Timothy 3:1-7) If you look at the words: elder, deacon, bishop, and teacher are all basically the same word used in the same context. Pastor (in KJV) is only used one time (Jeremiah 17:16) Strong’s # H7462 and means; companion, keep company with, devour, eat up, evil entreat, feed, use as a friend, make friendship with, herdman. And the word “pastors” (in KJV) is found 8 times (seven times in Jeremiah) and once in Ephesians, Strong’s #G4166 with the same meaning. I think we need to remember the warning, “not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; I am sure when we stand before God He will not call us: elder, deacon, bishop, teacher, apostles, preacher, minister, first lady, or pastor, but He will be looking for the qualities of Himself in us, He will be looking to see if we have learned the lessons He has been trying to teach us, if not we may enter in, but we will suffer loss. Again, I do not see how a Christian graduates from being just a plain Jane, lowly Christian to become an apostle or prophet. Again, there is no qualifications in the Scripture for this, but I can tell you how the folks (not sure if I can call them all Christians) I know who call themselves an apostle or prophet became apostles and prophets, they were made an apostle or a prophet by another person who called themselves an apostle or a prophet. Something is not right here. Man cannot bestow God’s spiritual authority. Man may be able to ordain someone into a denomination from a certain Bible School or organization, but man cannot ordain another man with God’s spiritual authority. In Ephesians 4:11-12, Paul was pleading with the Church at Ephesus for unity (because they were not in unity) he was NOT defining the five-fold ministries of a church. Read the context of the entire 32 verses of the chapter, feel Paul’s heart for the dysfunction. Paul writes, “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;12For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:” (Ephesians 4:11-12) Paul was not talking about offices, but attributes that need to be found in the functions of a Spirit filled Body of Christ. He (being God) gave “some” who, “some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;” for the Body of Christ. Paul is not talking about offices and duties (where you can get a job and make money), but qualities and attributes that must be operating in people for the Body of Christ to be in unity. We see the same message to the Church at Corinth, “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. 29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? 30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.” (1 Corinthians 12:28-31) The “some” are people (not titles or offices religion does this) who have the attributes and qualities of God to edify the Body of Christ in these areas. After “teachers” (no evangelist or pastors here) are miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.” They do not sound like titles or offices to me. If Paul was establishing offices and titles in the Body of Christ he forgot two major functions. Paul even corrects the Christians at the Church in Corinth, ” Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? 30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?” Sounds like what is going on today in most churches. I guess it is true there is nothing new under the sun. Now, do these happen in the Body of Christ? Yes absolutely 100% and they need to. God has provided to every child that comes unto Him the ability to do these things 24/7 and more if they desire to walk in obedience to God. The requirement and qualifications to be able to flow in these spiritual qualities and attributes will take us to the school of hard knocks (what I like to call the wilderness) so He can knock us down, break us so He can fix us, but when we stand up in God we will have something to give of eternal value. Am I a father in the LORD? I would say no. I have been walking with the LORD for over 63 years at differing degrees, but that does not make me a father in the LORD only “some” one who needs to be more humble and open to God. Anyhow Jesus told us not to go after such things. In Matthew he said, “And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. 10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. 11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.” (Matthew 23:9-12) Written by David Stahl
THOUGHTS FROM KAREN:
Biblical World View
After the recent Presidential election (thank GOD it’s over) I could really see how important it is to see things the way GOD see’s things. As Christians we’re supposed to want to see things GOD’s way. I’m amazed at the number of so called or self-professed “Christians” that can vote for a party that believes in abortion, homosexuality, all this WOKE stuff, pronoun police, and all the demonizing, marginalizing, lying, ungodly people in government, government people that are supposed to be non-partisan and help US ALL equally (except for you MAGA/Trump people in western NC, a bit of sarcasm) The Democratic Party picks and chooses, weaponizes the FBI and the IRS and LORD knows what else, A Party that touts acceptance, as- long-as you accept ungodliness, and their brand of ungodly moronic drivel. Yet “Christians” say its ok to go along with the party, after all, their friends are going that way. Well, I’m here to tell you it’s NOT ok. They lie and the Truth of God’s word is not in them. They know not the truth because it’s easier and more politically correct to go with the status-quo of the Democratic Party, along with their church friends, neighbors, and relatives than righteousness. Such ones are man pleasers. Paul in Galatians 1:10 tells us, “For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. Did you get that? “I should not be a servant of Christ.” Either, we will want to please man or God, we cannot please both. So, who cares what GOD thinks? Apparently, they don’t. They don’t know their Bible, and they’d rather please man then God. They want what they want and the heck with righteousness. Folks the good and gracious LORD gave us the Bible for a reason. Many men died for it. It is our instruction manual for righteousness. We ARE SUPPOSED TO READ AND STUDY IT!!!! In the Old Testament the kings (before there were kings in Israel, GOD told Moses this) were to “write him a copy of this law in a book out of that which is before the priests the Levites: and it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life: that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statues, to do them: That his heart be not lifted up above his brethren, and that he not turn aside from the commandment, to the right hand, or to the left: to the end that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he, and his children, in the midst of Israel.” (see Deuteronomy 17:18-20). Many kings in the Old Testament were righteous but most were not, sad to say. Perhaps they did not read their copy of the law. Back to the present. For those of us that profess Christ it behooves us to read, study and know what the LORD expects of us. GOD is a holy GOD, He expects His people to be holy too and NOT BE DOUBLE-MINDED. James tells us, “A double minded man us unstable in ALL his ways.” (James 1:8) not just in the matters at hand, but “ALL his ways.” My friend “ALL” means “ALL.” Folks we can’t be double minded, either we are going GOD’s way or no way. His view is the only one that matters. Who cares what Oprah or any of the Hollywood elite think? Listen we (real Christians) need to get on board with what GOD thinks and does, think HIS way! And for you out there that want to throw up the personality issues, look we didn’t vote for Sunday School teacher. And little missy (Kamala Harris) had 3 ½ years to DO SOMETHING. She was given the task of being “Border Czar” and she did nothing. The left threw all they could at Donald Trump, to stop him from running. I also truly believe the LORD spared his life. At the first attempt of his life the bullet missed his temple by centimeters. Apparently, GOD wanted him to live. Is he perfect? No. Is he brash, yes. Is he a New Yorker, yes, however his policies line up more Biblically than Harris.’ And let me tell you, our enemies in the world would like nothing better than a weak lady leader so they can do whatever they want. Male world leaders do not respect a woman’s leadership period. Our country, like the Titanic is sinking fast in morality, finances, safety, border security. We’ve just been given a reprieve. May GOD help our President and this administration to do the right things and may we Christians develop a Biblical world view, and see things GOD’S way. GOD Bless and read your Bible. Written by Karen Stahl
NEEDS NOT WANTS:
1. In Dobrich, Bulgaria Pastor Niki Marsov and in Silistra Pastor(s) Yanko, and Marcho. Times are troubled in Bulgaria much prayer and support is needed.
2. Constanta, Romania Pastors Luke and Jacob at Bethel Church and in Agigea Brother John Vlad as the Director of the Romanian Center for Cross-cultural Studies Bible School.
3. Pastor S. J. Peter, Founder of DAWN Ministries in Hyderabad and Pastor Wilson and his son Pastor Julian at Gospel Assembly in Sankaraguptham, India.
4. Dan, Cathy, and members of Uskudar Son Buyruk Kilisesi in Istanbul, Turkey.
5. Pastor Elieti Msangi in Dar Es Salaam and Pastors Isreal Mutaitina and John Balone in Bukoba, Tanzania.
6. Pastor Tek Dahl at Gethsemane, Church (his church) and their radio station “Good News 105.1 FM” in Kathmandu, Nepal.
7. Bishop John, Samuel Kamanzi (from the Congo), and, Emmanuel Ndolimana in Ruhengeli, Rwanda.
8. Christian and Ina Kopjar Missionaries to the County of Liberia.
NEXT HOME GROUP MEETINGS:
17 December at 7:00 pm
At 232 Everett Drive
Sneads Ferry, NC 28460
7:00 pm please RSVP
(910) 382-9287
BEHOLDING HIS GLORY ON THE RADIO:
On WJCV Jacksonville, NC
“Pebbles of Truth”
1290 AM or 98.3 FM
Every Tuesday and Thursday morning at 7:30 am
FUTURE BHG SCHEDULE:
December: Local Ministry
January: Local Ministry
February: Local Ministry
I am still available to share what God has given me at churches and/or home groups. If God moves on your heart to support BHG or other ministries we personally know we would be honored to serve as a go between. Remember, if we want a blessing from God the spiritual principle is we must bless others. Remember, God is to you what you are to God.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Address:
David and Karen Stahl
232 Everett Drive
Sneads Ferry, NC 28460
Phone:
Mobile: (910) 382-9287
FAX: (910) 741-0489
Email:
Website:
Blog:
http://bhisglory.blogspot.com/
FREE OFFERS
Booklets on Spiritual Authority, Spiritual Leadership, Prayer, Body of Christ, and Righteous Living the Four Anchors of God are now available by contacting us and requesting one. You can see them on our home page. Get one now.
The Author House link below will lead you to our latest book, “Thoughts for Consideration.” Just copy it into your web browser and return. Also you can purchase two of our other books “Adventures with God.” and “God Still Performs Miracles: A Book of Personal Encouragement.”
http://www.authorhouse.com/AuthorCenter/Protected/BookHome.aspx?bookID=61464
Please take a minute and take a look, they all make for a great encouraging gift, giving hope and sharing God’s love through a deeper teaching that someone can enjoy again and again. All of our books can be purchased at all book stores like Barnes and Nobles, Borders, Book-A-Million, and etc., any Christian Book Store that orders, and all book ordering on-line companies like Amazon.com. Or if you are like me from the old school just contact us, we will let you know the price and then we will mail it out to your home address. Postage and handling is on a case by case basis. If you know someone you think would enjoy receiving this newsletter or if you receive this newsletter and do not wish to please let me know. Contributions to this ministry is always appreciated and needed the more time continues. Please feel free to contact us with the above information.
