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

20. Grace cannot impart eternal life to men who serve sin and Satan.

Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. 8 He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. 1 John 3:7-8 NKJV

No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. Matthew 6:24-25 NKJV

21. Grace cannot keep man from moral falls if they willfully sin.

But if you do not do so, then take note, you have sinned against the Lord; and be sure your sin will find you out. Numbers 32:23 NKJV

Jesus answered them, I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, Whoever commits and practices sin is the slave of sin. John 8:34 AMP

So then those who are living the life of the flesh [catering to the appetites and impulses of their carnal nature] cannot please or satisfy God, or be acceptable to Him. Romans 8:8 AMP

22. Grace cannot force God to go contrary to His own program of grace.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. Romans 1:16 NKJV

But Christ as a Son over His own house, whose house we are if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end. Hebrews 3:6 NKJV

The good news of the Gospel is that we can come to the Father through Jesus. It is a free gift given by God’s grace. God has the best plan – anything else is a road to nowhere. You cannot follow your own path or do your own thing and expect God to extend His grace and excuse your rebellion. There is only ONE Name whereby men might be saved – the Name of Jesus! Follow His path!

23. Grace cannot cancel the law of sowing and reaping.

Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. Galatians 6:7-9 NKJV

24. Grace cannot guarantee unconditional favor to anyone who relies on the Law.

We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain. 2 Corinthians 6:1 NKJV

I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain. Galatians 2:21 NKJV

You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace. Galatians 5:4 NKJV

You cannot acquire God’s grace through relying on the law or good works. Righteousness comes through faith in God. The only way to please God is through faith. Keep your eyes on Jesus.

25. Grace cannot guarantee unforfeitable life without conditions being met.

For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27 but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries. Hebrews 10:26-27 NKJV

You cannot expect God’s grace to never leave you if you willfully sin. You cannot expect God’s grace to bring you to heaven when you die if you have been hardened by sin and departed from the faith. You must choose life. You must choose blessing. You must choose to serve God fully.

Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; 13 but exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end. Hebrews 3:12-14 NKJV

Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse — 27 The blessing if you obey the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you this day; 28 And the curse if you will not obey the commandments of the Lord your God, but turn aside from the way which I command you this day to go after other gods, which you have not known. Deuteronomy 11:26-28 AMP

I call heaven and earth to witness this day against you that I have set before you life and death, the blessings and the curses; therefore choose life, that you and your descendants may live. Deuteronomy 30:19 AMP

26. Grace cannot guarantee sinlessness to men unless conditions are met.

Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: 15 looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled; 16 lest there be any fornicator or profane person like Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright. 17 For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought it diligently with tears. Hebrews 12:14-17 NKJV

“Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways,” says the Lord God. “Repent, and turn from all your transgressions, so that iniquity will not be your ruin. 31 Cast away from you all the transgressions which you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O house of Israel? 32 For I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies,” says the Lord God. “Therefore turn and live!” Ezekiel 18:30-32 NKJV

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

That we should be saved from our enemies And from the hand of all who hate us, 72 To perform the mercy promised to our fathers And to remember His holy covenant, 73 The oath which He swore to our father Abraham: 74 To grant us that we, Being delivered from the hand of our enemies, Might serve Him without fear, 75 In holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our life. 76 “And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest; For you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways, 77 To give knowledge of salvation to His people

By the remission of their sins, 78 Through the tender mercy of our God, With which the Dayspring from on high has visited us; 79 To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, To guide our feet into the way of peace.” Luke 1:71-79 NKJV

1. Through Jesus we have deliverance from enemies (Luke 1:71,74; 1 John 5:18)

1 John 5:18 NKJV – We know that whoever is born of God does not sin; but he who has been born of God keeps himself, and the wicked one does not touch him.

2. Through Jesus we receive mercy from God (Luke 1:72; Titus 3:4-5; Ephesians 2:4-9)

Titus 3:4-6 NKJV – But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, 5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior

Ephesians 2:4-9 NKJV – But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.

3. Through Jesus we are justified by faith (Luke 1:72-73; Galatians 3:6-15)

Galatians 3:6-9 NKJV – Just as Abraham “believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” 7 Therefore know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham. 8 And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, “In you all the nations shall be blessed.” 9 So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham.

4. Through Jesus we have peace with God (Luke 1:74; Romans 5:1-11; Ephesians 2:14-18)

Romans 5:1-2 NKJV – Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Romans 5:8-9 NKJV – But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.

Ephesians 2:14-18 NKJV – For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, 15 having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, 16 and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. 17 And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near. 18 For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.

5. Through Jesus we have holiness and righteousness (Luke 1:75; Ephesians 4:24; Titus 2:11-12)

Ephesians 4:24 NKJV – And that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.

Titus 2:11-12 NKJV – For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age.

6. Through Jesus we are reconciled to God (Luke 1:77; 2 Corinthians 5:14-21; Colossians 1:20)

2 Corinthians 5:17-21 NKJV – Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. 21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

Colossians 1:20 NKJV – And by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.

7. Through Jesus we have light and guidance (Luke 1:79; 1 John 1:7; John 16:7-14)

1 John 1:7 NKJV – But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.

John 16:12-14 NKJV – I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. 14 He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you.

We know we know the Lord because:

6. We have overcome the world and Satan

“I write to you, little children, Because your sins are forgiven you for His name’s sake. I write to you, fathers, Because you have known Him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, Because you have overcome the wicked one.I write to you, little children, Because you have known the Father. I have written to you, fathers, Because you have known Him who is from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, Because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, And you have overcome the wicked one.” 1 John 2:12-14 NKJV

“For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world – our faith.” 1 John 5:4 NKJV

“We know that whoever is born of God does not sin; but he who has been born of God keeps himself, and the wicked one does not touch him.” 1 John 5:18 NKJV

Because we know the Father; because we are born of God; because His word abides in us; because our faith is in Him; because we keep ourselves and choose to not sin – therefore we have overcome the wicked one and he cannot touch us.

7. We hate the world and the things of the world

“Do not love or cherish the world or the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world — the lust of the flesh [craving for sensual gratification] and the lust of the eyes [greedy longings of the mind] and the pride of life [assurance in one’s own resources or in the stability of earthly things] — these do not come from the Father but are from the world [itself]. And the world passes away and disappears, and with it the forbidden cravings (the passionate desires, the lust) of it; but he who does the will of God and carries out His purposes in his life abides (remains) forever.” 1 John 2:15-17 AMP

The child of God, who knows God, does not love the world or things of the world. The more we come to know the Father; the more time we spend with Him; the less we desire worldly carnal things.

8. We are one with the Body of Christ

“They went out from our number, but they did not [really] belong to us; for if they had been of us, they would have remained with us. But [they withdrew] that it might be plain that they all are not of us.” 1 John 2:19 AMP

Those who know the Father have fellowship with Him and with each other. They are not exclusive, neither do they separate themselves. They do not fight against each other, but they do everything to walk in peace with each other.

9. We are anointed by the Spirit

“But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things. I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and that no lie is of the truth. Who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist who denies the Father and the Son. Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father either; he who acknowledges the Son has the Father also. Therefore let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father. And this is the promise that He has promised us — eternal life. These things I have written to you concerning those who try to deceive you. But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him.” 1 John 2:20-27 NKJV

You cannot fake the anointing – you are either anointed or you are not. Those who know the Father also know and recognize the anointing of the Holy Spirit.

10. We know the truth that sets us free

“I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and that no lie is of the truth.” 1 John 2:21 NKJV

“And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” They answered Him, ‘We are Abraham’s descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, ‘You will be made free’?’ Jesus answered them, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.’ ” John 8:32-36 NKJV

We know the Truth because we know the Father. The Truth sets us free from sin and from the bondage of sin. We are free indeed.

11. Because we acknowledge God and His Son Jesus Christ

“Who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist who denies the Father and the Son. Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father either; he who acknowledges the Son has the Father also. Therefore let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the
beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father. And this is the promise that He has promised us —
eternal life.” 1 John 2:22-25 NKJV

We know the Father, and we know Jesus, because we acknowledge that He is Lord, God and Savior. Because we believe, we have eternal life now.

Refining fire:

The Word is a fire that purges sin and purifies hearts and lives.

Hammer:

The Word is like a hammer that works to break down all resistance and bring conviction to the hardest heart.

“Is not My word like a fire?” says the Lord, “And like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces? Jeremiah 23:29 NKJV

Mirror:

The Word of God is a mirror that reflects who we are in Christ, so that we can see ourselves as He sees us and we can continue to grow into His likeness.

For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; 24 for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. James 1:23-24 NKJV

Seed:

The Word of God is planted as a seed that multiplies and produces life, blessing and freedom.

The sower sows the word. Mark 4:14 NKJV

“Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. Luke 8:11 NKJV

Having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever. 1 Peter 1:23 NKJV

Water:

The Word of God washes us on the inside, like water washes us on the outside.

Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. John 15:3 KJV

That He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word. Ephesians 5:26 NKJV

Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to thy word. Psalms 119:9 KJV

A Lamp:

Just as we need light to guide us so we can see – with our natural eyes – where we are walking and to make sure we stay on the path, so we need God’s Word to clearly show us the way in life so that we don’t wander off in the wrong direction and perish.

Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path. Psalms 119:105 NKJV

Rain and snow:

Just as rain and snow comes down from heaven to water the earth and cause seeds to sprout and grow and bring forth fruit, so God’s Word waters and brings life everywhere it goes. It will never fail to produce and prosper.

For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: 11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. Isaiah 55:10-11 KJV

A sword:

God’s Word is a sword that is a powerful weapon to defeat the enemy. God’s Word is sharper than a two-edged sword. It instantly and accurately cuts down into the heart of the matter. Dake’s says that the Word is, ‘Piercing through the body and laying open the innermost recesses of the soul (feelings, passions, desires, appetites) and mind (thoughts and intents of the innermost being).’

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:17 NKJV

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 NKJV

A bow (for revenge):

Thy bow was made quite naked, according to the oaths of the tribes, even thy word. Selah. Thou didst cleave the earth with rivers. Habakkuk 3:9 KJV

Gold:

God’s Word is of more worth than the finest gold.

The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. 8 The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. 9 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Psalms 19:7-10 KJV

Power:

God’s Word has the power to create and to produce faith and eternal life.

So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17 NKJV

Food to nourish:

Milk for babes:

As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby. 1 Peter 2:2 NKJV

Bread for the hungry:

But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:4 NKJV

And He humbled you and allowed you to hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that He might make you recognize and personally know that man does not live by bread only, but man lives by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of the Lord. Deuteronomy 8:3 AMP

Meat for growing believers:

For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. 13 For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. 14 But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. Hebrews 5:12-14 NKJV

Honey for dessert:

The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Psalms 19:9-10 KJV

1. The Gospel program is universal (involving/applying to all):

Look to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other. Isaiah 45:22 AMP

The Gospel applies to, and is extended to, ALL people from ALL nations. No one is outside of God’s invitation or His salvation plan. There is only one way to heaven and all men are invited and welcome to come through Him. He is God and there is no other like Him or beside Him or above Him. Men worship all other gods in vain.

2. God is willing to save ALL, or He would not have invited ALL:

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16 NKJV

God so loved the whole of His creation that He sent His only Son. He does not just love some people – He loves all people – each and every person that ever is or has or will be born into the earth. He has not pre-destined for only some select people to be saved, as some erroneously preach. The decision to receive salvation through faith is left up to every man and woman, so that no one can make an excuse.

For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. 1 Timothy 2:3-6 NKJV

God desires ALL men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. Jesus didn’t just die for a few – He died for ALL!

The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9 NKJV

It is not His will that ANY should perish, but it is His will that ALL should come to repentance.

And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely. Revelation 22:17 NKJV

The water of life is FREE and available to anyone who desires it.

3. Provision has been made for ALL:

For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. 18 He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. John 3:17-18 NKJV

Jesus came to save the world – the entire world!

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. Romans 1:16 NKJV

Salvation is made available to EVERYONE – from EVERY tribe and nation. The only requirement is that men BELIEVE.

4. ALL who accept the invitation will be saved:

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: 13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. John 1:12-13 NKJV

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16 NKJV

That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. 13 For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:9-13 NKJV

You are not saved by your good works and you don’t have to wait till you die to see if God is going to let you into heaven or not. You are guaranteed heaven as long as you accept God’s invitation and believe in the Name of Jesus. You have to believe in your heart what the Father said concerning Jesus – that He is your Savior: that He died to destroy your sin and rose again to give you new life – and confess with your mouth that He is your Lord. The only thing that will take you to heaven is faith in Jesus Christ. The only thing that will keep you out of heaven is neglecting or refusing to believe in Him.

ANYONE can come to God in faith and receive salvation. Nothing can hinder you from receiving salvation when you have faith in God. There is no one who is disqualified by anything else other than just not believing. You must accept God’s invitation, and when you do, you will receive His salvation.

The days of visitation and punishment have come; the days of recompense have come; Israel shall know it. The prophet is [considered] a crazed fool and the man who is inspired is [treated as if] mad or a fanatic, because of the abundance of your iniquity and because the enmity, hostility, and persecution are great. 8 Ephraim was [intended to be] a watchman with my God [and a prophet to the surrounding nations]; but he, that prophet, has become a fowler’s snare in all his ways. There is enmity, hostility, and persecution in the house of his God.  Hosea 9:7-8 AMP

The prophets of God, the true people of God who speak and live God’s Word, will inevitably suffer persecution when their nation is full of sin and rebellion against God and the Truth of His Word, however, the Gospel must continue to be boldly preached.

The Christian who believes in the power of the Word of God, who is filled with the power of God, who is wholly submitted to the Word and the Spirit, who has clean hands and a pure heart, who is not ashamed of the Gospel, who preaches the truth and lives a godly life, is the devil’s worst nightmare! If the devil cannot stop you from obeying the Great Commission, then he will stir up persecution against you to try to hinder you, discourage you, and/or prevent you from continuing.

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

The Gospel is the same to all, but not all receive it the same way. Sincere people, who sin because they don’t know any other way, still have a conscience that convicts them, especially when the truth is preached. However, a person who has silenced their own conscience so that they can continue to sin, does not welcome, but rather rejects, the Truth. The generation which has embraced evil will be stubborn and rebellious toward God; therefore, they will claim that God’s righteous messengers, who speak His Word, are merely “crazed fools”, rather than God’s watchmen, so that they can have an excuse for their own sinfulness. Unwarranted enmity, hostility, and persecution, directed toward the messenger, are the results.

If you are a child of God, then you have been given the ministry of reconciliation – to introduce people to Jesus Christ and see them reconciled to the Father. Sometimes you are welcomed; sometimes ignored; sometimes attacked. You cannot quit because you are not welcomed – the word must be preached and the seed sown regardless of the reception.
Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage – with great patience and careful instruction. 3 For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 5 But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.  2 Timothy 4:2-5 NIV

The Amplified Bible says we must be ready to preach the Word of God anytime and every time, “…whether the opportunity seems to be favorable or unfavorable; whether it is convenient or inconvenient, whether it is welcome or unwelcome.” We are not responsible for the response TO the message, just the delivery OF the message. We cannot preach merely what people WANT to hear – we are to preach the Truth – we are to preach what they NEED to hear, whether they like it or not. We must correct, rebuke and encourage – with great patience and careful instruction.

But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. 3 But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, 4 whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. 5 For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.  2 Corinthians 4:2-6 NKJV

The devil will try to blind men so they can’t see the Light or hear the Truth and so they don’t receive Jesus as Lord and Savior, but as you preach the Truth, God’s light shines into their hearts and they are converted. If you preach your opinion, you will get nowhere, however, the Gospel is full of the power of God and when you preach Jesus Christ, and Him crucified, then the power of the Gospel is released into men’s hearts and the Holy Spirit goes to work to touch and change their hearts.

You don’t know, you cannot tell beforehand, who will receive the Truth and who will not. Saul (renamed Paul) persecuted the Church terribly – he captured them, jailed them and even killed them – but Jesus met with him on the Damascus road and he became a bold proclaimer of the Gospel, himself. That is why you must be prepared to preach the Gospel and continue to preach the Gospel, through persecution and opposition if needs be, until all have heard and God’s will is done!

Rodney Howard Browne shows us Jesus as he really is.

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. 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. 8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 9 That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. 11 He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: 13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.  John 1:1-14 NKJV

l.  Rodney Howard Browne explains that If Jesus were around today, He would be kicked out of most churches.

• Jesus was not religious and did not fit in with the religious crowd.
• Jesus was radical. He was unpredictable. He did not do what people thought He would or should do.
• 1 Corinthians 2:14-15 AMP – But the natural, nonspiritual man does not accept or welcome or admit into his heart the gifts and teachings and revelations of the Spirit of God, for they are folly (meaningless nonsense) to him; and he is incapable of knowing them [of progressively recognizing, understanding, and becoming better acquainted with them] because they are spiritually discerned and estimated and appreciated. 15 But the spiritual man tries all things [he examines, investigates, inquires into, questions, and discerns all things], yet is himself to be put on trial and judged by no one [he can read the meaning of everything, but no one can properly discern or appraise or get an insight into him].
• Jesus was led by the Spirit of God in everything He said and did.
• John 3:34 AMP – For since He Whom God has sent speaks the words of God [proclaims God’s own message], God does not give Him His Spirit sparingly or by measure, but boundless is the gift God makes of His Spirit!
• Jesus is not physically here on earth where He can be seen. The only Jesus the world will ever see is in born-again believers, children of God, filled with the Holy Spirit.
• The only way that people can see Jesus in your eyes, hear Jesus in your voice and feel Jesus in your touch is if you allow the Holy Spirit to do a work in you as you obey Him by walking in the love of God toward others and by doing the works of Jesus.
• To get a picture of what Jesus is really like—read Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

ll.  Rodney Howard Browne shows us that there are so many different opinions and theories out there about Jesus, but the Gospel portray Him as He really is.

• Jesus said what He meant and He meant what He said.
• The significance of Jesus’ words and actions get lost when people try to interpret the bible allegorically or figuratively, instead of literally.
• At the end of his account of Jesus earthly ministry, John says, “And there are also many other things which Jesus did. If they should be all recorded one by one [in detail], I suppose that even the world itself could not contain (have room for) the books that would be written.” (John 21:25 AMP)
• The things we need to know about Jesus are written in the four Gospels.
• His Birth; His Life; His Earthly Ministry; His Death; His Resurrection; His Ascension.
• His Birth: Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of a virgin. He was 100 percent God and 100 percent man.
• His Life: He led a sinless life even though He was tempted with everything that anyone of us are tempted with.
• Hebrews 4:15 AMP – For we do not have a High Priest Who is unable to understand and sympathize and have a shared feeling with our weaknesses and infirmities and liability to the assaults of temptation, but One Who has been tempted in every respect as we are, yet without sinning.
• His Earthly Ministry: Jesus spent 30 years preparing for an earthly ministry that began when He was baptized in water and the Holy Spirit at the River Jordan.
• His earthly ministry lasted about 3 ½ years and 70 percent of that ministry was healing the sick and casting out devils.
• His Death: His death at Calvary was for the sins of the world—the whole world.
• His Resurrection: Jesus was raised up from the dead and He stripped Satan of the keys of death, hell and the grave.
• His Ascension: The angel told the disciples, “This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:11a)
• John 14:12 KJV – Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
• Jesus sent us another Comforter—the Holy Spirit, who is just like Him—the same Holy Spirit that anointed Jesus.
• This Comforter comes to live in us and with us. This Comforter would allow Jesus to live inside us and to have expression through us in the earth.
• Christian means: little Christ; little anointed one.
• Remember Jesus said, “Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father.” (John 14:9) And also, “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and that I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father taught Me, I speak these things.  29 And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.” (John 8:28-29)
• 1 John 4:4 NKJV – You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
• Allow Jesus to live big on the inside of you so that the world may know He is alive!

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

Foundation Scripture:  Matthew 21:15-16  (NKJ)

15         But when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that He did, and the children crying out in the temple and saying, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” they were indignant

16         and said to Him, “Do You hear what these are saying?” And Jesus said to them, “Yes. Have you never read, ‘Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants you have perfected praise’?”

 

Before people get born again, they might find loud and joyful praise, strange or unusual. They might wonder why we sing, clap and shout before the Lord, but once they are washed in the blood of Jesus, they find that there is praise in their hearts that demands expression! Pure and unashamed praise comes from hearts that have been touched by the awesome power of God. Hearts filled with the love, peace and joy that only the presence of God can bring.

 

Psalms 8:1-2  (NKJ)

1           O LORD, our Lord, how excellent is Your name in all the earth, who set Your glory above the heavens!

2          Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants you have ordained strength, because of Your enemies, that You may silence the enemy and the avenger.

 

The word ‘strength’ as used in this scripture, has to do with loud and bold praise! Children, untouched by the negativity of the world, find it easy to openly praise the Savior, because they have not yet been taught to please men rather than God. Their little hearts are honest and pure and so they can worship with abandon. The angels worship in the same way. It is only when religious tradition is taught, or when sin begins to exert its power over us, that we lose the ability and the desire to worship God wholeheartedly.

 

Religious spirits, and other demons, stirred up by Satan, hate to hear people praise God. Satan (or Lucifer – before iniquity was found in his heart and he was cast out of heaven) had instruments built into his body, so that he could worship before the throne of God. He tried to exalt his throne above the throne of God. So know he hates to hear people praise God. He tries every way he can to make people hate and curse God. He lies to people, telling them that God is the author of death and destruction in their lives, so that they will curse him.

 

Praise unto God will stop the work of the enemy in your life. When God’s people begin to truly praise Him, in spirit and in truth, the demons cover their ears and run for cover. Shouts of praise brought down the walls of Jericho (Joshua 6:5). Praise alone caused the defeat of the enemies of Judah (2 Chronicles 20:21&22). Praise, flowing from your lips, will stop the work of the enemy in your life. The very times you don’t feel like praising, are the times you should be praising, louder and longer than ever before!

 

We must praise God with our whole heart.

 

Psalms 9:1-3  (NKJ)

1           I will praise You, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will tell of all Your marvelous works.

2          I will be glad and rejoice in You; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High.

3          When my enemies turn back, they shall fall and perish at Your presence.

 

We must praise the Lord continually.

 

Psalms 34:1-4  (NKJ)

1           I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.

2          My soul shall make its boast in the LORD; the humble shall hear of it and be glad.

3          Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together.

4          I sought the LORD, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.

 

Praise God even when you don’t feel like it.

 

Psalms 42:11  (NKJ)

11         Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God.

 

We praise God because of all He has done for us. We praise Him because He is our strength, our salvation, our deliverer, our protector, our healer, our joy, and everything else, to and for us that words cannot express. But most of all, we praise Him simply because He is worthy of all praise and honor and glory! So lift up your hands and lift up your voice – and rejoice and magnify the Lord today!

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

Hebrews 13:4  (AMP) Let marriage be held in honor (esteemed worthy, precious, of great price, and especially dear) in all things. And thus let the marriage bed be undefiled (kept undishonored); for God will judge and punish the unchaste [all guilty of sexual vice] and adulterous.

Proverbs 5:15-23  (NIV) 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? For a man’s ways are in full view of the LORD, and he examines all his paths. The evil deeds of a wicked man ensnare him; the cords of his sin hold him fast. He will die for lack of discipline, led astray by his own great folly.

Proverbs 6:23-35  (NKJ) For the commandment is a lamp, and the law a light; reproofs of instruction are the way of life, To keep you from the evil woman, from the flattering tongue of a seductress. Do not lust after her beauty in your heart, nor let her allure you with her eyelids. For by means of a harlot a man is reduced to a crust of bread; and an adulteress will prey upon his precious life. Can a man take fire to his bosom, and his clothes not be burned? Can one walk on hot coals, and his feet not be seared? So is he who goes in to his neighbor’s wife; whoever touches her shall not be innocent. People do not despise a thief if he steals to satisfy himself when he is starving. Yet when he is found, he must restore sevenfold; he may have to give up all the substance of his house. Whoever commits adultery with a woman lacks understanding; he who does so destroys his own soul. Wounds and dishonor he will get, and his reproach will not be wiped away. For jealousy is a husband’s fury; therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance. He will accept no recompense, nor will he be appeased though you give many gifts.

Proverbs 7:4-27  (NKJ) Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” and call understanding your nearest kin, That they may keep you from the immoral woman, from the seductress who flatters with her words. For at the window of my house I looked through my lattice, And saw among the simple, I perceived among the youths, a young man devoid of understanding, Passing along the street near her corner; and he took the path to her house. In the twilight, in the evening, in the black and dark night. And there a woman met him, with the attire of a harlot, and a crafty heart. She was loud and rebellious, her feet would not stay at home. At times she was outside, at times in the open square, Lurking at every corner. So she caught him and kissed him; with an impudent face she said to him: “I have peace offerings with me; today I have paid my vows. So I came out to meet you, diligently to seek your face, and I have found you. I have spread my bed with tapestry, Colored coverings of Egyptian linen. I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. Come, let us take our fill of love until morning; let us delight ourselves with love. For my husband is not at home; he has gone on a long journey; He has taken a bag of money with him, and will come home on the appointed day.” With her enticing speech she caused him to yield, with her flattering lips she seduced him. Immediately he went after her, as an ox goes to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks, Till an arrow struck his liver. As a bird hastens to the snare, he did not know it would cost his life. Now therefore, listen to me, my children; pay attention to the words of my mouth: Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways, do not stray into her paths; For she has cast down many wounded, and all who were slain by her were strong men. Her house is the way to hell, descending to the chambers of death.

The marriage union is precious in the sight of God. He created Eve and gave her to Adam in a marriage union. Some people act like all relationships between men and women are evil, but marriage is ordained and sanctioned by God. You dishonor yourself when you dishonor your marriage vows or when you have physical relationships with one or more people who are not your spouse. God gives us these parameters for the welfare and safety of our children and ourselves. If people would trust God and obey Him, we would not have the destruction in people’s lives that we see in the world today. God knows best. Whether you are married or single – keep yourself for your spouse and for them alone.

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

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

Galatians 5:22-23 KJV

Longsuffering, or patience, is a fruit of the Spirit. You cannot operate in the fruit of patience if you do not also first operate in the fruit of love, joy and peace. You need to walk in love in order to walk in patience, because love gives you a reason to be patient – love is patient and kind.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.  1 Corinthians 13:4-8 NIV

You need to walk in joy because joy keeps your attitude straight while you exercise your patience. You need to walk in peace in order to walk in patience because you are trusting God to come through for you and the measure of your peace is the measure of your trust. You can be patient because your trust is in God who answers prayer and delivers you from all tribulations.

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

Romans 5:1-5 NIV

Perseverance is patience in action. The Greek word in verses 3 & 4 translated patience in the KJV and perseverance in the NIV and NKJ mean cheerful and hopeful endurance and constancy. You will never know if you have patience unless you go through something that requires patience. The difficult situations that we go through, both call for patience, and also develop patience in us. Patience is something that grows as we use it.

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

James 1:2-4 NKJ

If you live on this earth – stuff happens. When you go through a trial or through adversity, you can rejoice in the middle of it, and you can rejoice in spite of it, because you know that something good will come out of it – you will grow in patience! Joy is an important part of your faith and your patience. When you encounter adversity, you need to know that the way you handle your situation determines the outcome of your situation. The trying of your faith produces patience. When you properly apply your joy and your faith in the middle of an adversity then your steady faith will produce patience. When patience is allowed to run its full course in your life then you will become perfected.

Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.

But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.

Luke 8:11 and 15 KJV

When you have heard the Word and you allow it to be planted firmly in your heart and you patiently allow it to be watered and to grow, you will bring forth good fruit in your life.

Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. Hebrews 10:35-36 (KJV)

God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.

Hebrews 6:10-12 (NIV)

Our Father God has made us exceeding great and precious promises, but we will not be partakers of these promises unless we believe that what He has promised is true and unless we patiently exercise our faith in His Word.