http://livingfaith.org We are a down-to-earth evangelical church! Mon, 09 Jan 2012 10:28:00 +0000 http://snappages.com en http://livingfaith.org/blog/2012/01/09/new-beginnings http://livingfaith.org/blog/2012/01/09/new-beginnings Mon, 09 Jan 2012 10:28:00 +0000 http://livingfaith.org/blog/2012/01/09/new-beginnings “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

The process that leads one into the New Birth miracle must follow the procedures below:

First. Surely you heard about the dream of a “new world”. Also, you have heard about [...]]]> “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

The process that leads one into the New Birth miracle must follow the procedures below:

First. Surely you heard about the dream of a “new world”. Also, you have heard about the Kingdom of God. Right? In the verse above, we learn that the so dreamed “new world” starts in the person of Jesus, as He is the beginning of a “new creation”. Therefore, the first step to jump into the New Birth process is to acknowledge that Jesus is the Way!

Second. The new replaces the old! So right after accepting the fact that the whole process starts in Jesus, the candidate for the New Birth miracle must let the old things go. How can we identify the old stuff or the wrongs, so that we might let them go? Let’s look at it this way. Turn the commandments, ordinances and laws of God into a precise and perfect mirror, and look to yourself through it. If you are not pleased with what you see, it’s because you have the “old things” that must be left behind. Looking firmly to that mirror (Bible), you will be able to identify the old stuff and let them dwell in the past forever more. (Ex: addictions, gossips, prostitution, adultery, lies, dishonesty, pretense, selfishness, etc.)

“The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the Lord are sure and altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.” (Psalm 19:7-11)

Third. Once you let go of the old things, you are half way. Now the new things must replace the old ones. To go straight to the point, I say that the “new world or new life” starts with the acquirement of God’s mind. When we acquire the thoughts of God, which are higher than ours – Isaiah 55:8,9 – the will of God, His plans and potentiality, become very clear in our eyes and consequently we gain innumerous virtues, among which, the fear of God must be highlighted! But, how can we acquire it?

“For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man's spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.” (1 Corinthians 2:11)

Only the Spirit of God can introduce God’s thoughts to us. Hence, make sure you will do all you can to have Him with you or even better “in” you for all the days of your life!

]]> http://livingfaith.org/blog/2012/01/04/the-greatest-people-for-god%e2%80%99s-use http://livingfaith.org/blog/2012/01/04/the-greatest-people-for-god%e2%80%99s-use Wed, 04 Jan 2012 10:29:00 +0000 http://livingfaith.org/blog/2012/01/04/the-greatest-people-for-god%e2%80%99s-use common, ordinary, everyday people — like most of us! God chooses these people to do His command and empowers them with supernatural gifts and abilities to succeed.


“Brothers, think of what you were when you were [...]]]> common, ordinary, everyday people — like most of us! God chooses these people to do His command and empowers them with supernatural gifts and abilities to succeed.


“Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things — and the things that are not — to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him.” (1 Corinthians 1:26-28)

This is a remarkable message. When God “calls” people, He tends not to call the “wise ... (the) influential ... (or those) of noble birth”. No, but rather, in His great wisdom, God chooses to use “the foolish ... the weak ... the lowly ... the despised”. Why does God do that? “... So that no one may boast before Him”. God does not need one bit of our natural wisdom, our noble birth, or our influential positions to accomplish His work. If it were so, then such persons might be tempted to boast that their own abilities were at least part of the cause of successful work. But when God extremely uses what the world arrogantly calls foolish, weak, lowly, or despised people, then God alone will receive the glory, as He always must.

The following verses can illustrate the matter:

“So the last will be first, and the first will be last.” (Matthew 20:16)

“Also a dispute arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.” (Luke 22:24-27)

“For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.” (1 Corinthians 15:9)

“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners — of whom I am the worst.” (1 Timothy 1:15)

In short, the smaller you are, the easier you will be overflowing with God’s Spirit, love, life, power, light and wisdom, in order to reach out to those who are thirsty of God.

God Bless.

]]> http://livingfaith.org/blog/2011/11/28/your-preparations-for-2012-begin-here http://livingfaith.org/blog/2011/11/28/your-preparations-for-2012-begin-here Mon, 28 Nov 2011 17:09:00 +0000 http://livingfaith.org/blog/2011/11/28/your-preparations-for-2012-begin-here Through His Son Jesus, He not only confirmed old prophecies, but also announced the coming of the Kingdom of God and how to take possession of it.
After His death, [...]]]> Through His Son Jesus, He not only confirmed old prophecies, but also announced the coming of the Kingdom of God and how to take possession of it.
After His death, resurrection and ascension, the Lord Jesus sent the Helper to continue the work of bringing salvation.

Nowadays, the Spirit of God continues to speak, but not by dreams, visions or prophecies. He speaks through His Word – the Holy Bible.
So, the question is: Why did He give us the gift of prophecy?
“But he who prophesies speaks EDIFICATION and EXHORTATION and COMFORT to men.” (I Corinthians 14:03)

As you can see, the gift of prophecy is not to foresee or predict anyone’s future. Its purpose is to edify, exhort and comfort the Church.
How does the Holy Spirit speak? How can you be sure it’s His voice?
How can you be sure you’re not being deceived by other voices?
There’s only one way to be sure: By being born of water and the Spirit, obtaining His Divine nature and the power to understand His Word.
Only those who are born of the Spirit are able to recognize when His Spirit speaks to them through the Bible. Have you noticed how many Christians (born of the flesh) have been deceived by the spirit of the antichrist because of biblical interpretations!

We can see what kind of relationship exists between the Father and the Son, when Jesus said:
“No one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him.” (Matthew 11:27)
When the Holy Spirit’s voice, guidance or inspiration comes from the Word of God, its listener is left with no room for doubts.
Especially, when it’s His children.
The problem is that their ears aren’t always attentive and ready to hear His voice.

God speaks.
He speaks to His children and to others as well.
He speaks through His written Word.
He speaks through His true servants, while they’re preaching (prophecy) the Gospel.
He also uses the opportunity to speak to us when we’re dealing with our everyday problems.
His sweet gentle voice speaks loud and clear, when we find ourselves in the desert. The more alone we feel, the louder and clearer He speaks.

When you separate yourself from your family, friends and coworkers’ polluted words and when you disconnect yourself from the audiovisual pollution of television, internet, radio, newspapers and magazines, your full attention can be focused towards hearing God’s voice.
The audiovisual pollutions of this world have been the greatest enemy of God’s voice.

That is why we are going to be fasting during the last 21 days of the year, beginning on December 11, 2011. This will be our 3rd Fast of Daniel this year, for those who want to receive the Spirit of God.

During this fast, we will abstain from all kinds of audiovisual entertainment. We will focus our thoughts only on what comes from above. Those who believe move forward, those who don’t believe stay behind.

God bless those who believe.

(Taken from Bishop Macedo’s blog)

]]> http://livingfaith.org/blog/2011/11/18/must-i-be-committed http://livingfaith.org/blog/2011/11/18/must-i-be-committed Fri, 18 Nov 2011 19:09:00 +0000 Bishop Randal http://livingfaith.org/blog/2011/11/18/must-i-be-committed
I heard the words "commitment phobic." "What's that," you ask? It's the sort of person who enjoys relationships, even says they plan to marry some day, but “circumstances” always seems to keep [...]]]>
Commitment is an act of committing to a charge or trust; an agreement or pledge to do something in the future; engagement; involvement.

I heard the words "commitment phobic." "What's that," you ask? It's the sort of person who enjoys relationships, even says they plan to marry some day, but “circumstances” always seems to keep them from doing so.

One feature of commitment is making a stand. Joshua chose to serve the Lord, to make a commitment. Scripture reprimands us to not be indecisive, to choose. Joshua 24:15 tells us "...if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day..." The Bible reminds us that we need to commit to the spiritual path we have chosen and not be swayed by those who try to deter us from that path.

"Commit your way to the Lord. Trust in Him, and He will do this. He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun." (Psalm 37:5-6)

There are numerous references in the Bible addressing the Christian’s commitment in various aspects of lives: to our families, our neighbors, employers, the church, our health, and in all things we do and say (Ephesians 6:5; Hebrews 10:25; 1 Corinthians 6:19, 31). But the Bible also teaches that the chief commitment of our lives is to God Himself. Jesus said: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment” (Matthew 22:37-38).

Jesus is telling us that every fiber of our being, every facet of our lives must be committed to loving and serving God. This means that we must hold nothing back from Him because God holds nothing back from us (John 3:16). Furthermore, Jesus tells us that our commitment to Him must supersede that of even our families: “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after Me cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:26-27). It means our commitment to Christ demands, if given an “either/or” situation, we turn away from them and continue on with Jesus. The bottom-line is that those who cannot make that kind of commitment cannot be His disciples.

It was the apostle Paul who exemplified the Lord’s example of commitment to sacrifice and service. He said: “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).

Total commitment to God means that Jesus is our sole authority, our guiding light. Being committed to Christ means being fruitful; it means being a servant. Our proverb is simple and brief: “For me to live is Christ” (Philippians 1:21).

]]> http://livingfaith.org/blog/2011/10/31/the-problem-with-the-sandals http://livingfaith.org/blog/2011/10/31/the-problem-with-the-sandals Mon, 31 Oct 2011 14:17:00 +0000 http://livingfaith.org/blog/2011/10/31/the-problem-with-the-sandals

God would not have told him to remove his sandals if they were having no negative influence. Why take them off?

The fact is that God's glorious presence had filled Mount Sinai with Energy and his sandals would act as insulation (doubt). Before promising an impossible thing to Moses, freedom from Egyptian slavery, God said, "Take your sandals off your feet", because with sandals on his feet Moses would not hear what God was about to promise him.

Free from the sandals he would be a recipient of God's Energy and stand on top of Mount Sinai, before God, in all his strength.

When you believe, you climb Mount Sinai with no sandals - with no doubts - in all your strength.

Those that do not conquer what they should have conquered, with a faith that they say they have in God, in reality, have not yet removed their sandals from their feet. They have not yet put all their strength into what they are doing.

He first said, "Do not draw near this place". But when Moses no longer had sandals on his feet, He said to him, "Come now, therefore, and I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring My people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt." (Exodus 3:10)

Moses climbed up with no power, no light and no spirit, but because he believed, he climbed down full of light, energy and power to face the devil, who was acting through Pharaoh.

God saw, heard and came down. Do you believe? Then remove the sandals from your feet and climb up with all your strength.

]]> http://livingfaith.org/blog/2011/10/14/9-fruits-of-the-spirit http://livingfaith.org/blog/2011/10/14/9-fruits-of-the-spirit Fri, 14 Oct 2011 13:34:00 +0000 http://livingfaith.org/blog/2011/10/14/9-fruits-of-the-spirit
The fruits that make the difference are not related to the outside only, but they start on the inside: Mind [...]]]>
The fruits that make the difference are not related to the outside only, but they start on the inside: Mind and soul (heart). Let’s meditate on one of the most powerful biblical statements regarding this matter.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is:
1. Love – Not the feeling but the power to give up anything for the good of others.
2. Joy – Not the emotion but the result of a total assurance that God is in us.
3. Peace – Not the absence of troubles or wars, but the knowledge of what to do, when to do and how to do, in times of adversity.
4. Patience – Not lack of boldness to act, but the acknowledgment that after doing all we could have done, God will certainly do His part. He NEVER fails!
5. Kindness – Not only related to doing charity, but understanding the circle of life. Do good to others as you would have them do to you. (Luke 6:31)
6. Goodness – Not related to being “good” (No one is good, except God), but being able to display virtues (Honesty, balance, truthfulness, etc).
7. Faithfulness – Not only related to fulfilling duties and responsibilities, but showing total commitment to God. In this sense God can count on us!
8. Gentleness – Not related to education or politeness, but truly being mild in temperament or behavior. In other words: A Peacemaker!
9. Self-control – Not only related to the power to quit addictions or to be able to discipline oneself. But when an individual is in a competitive, yet non-judgmental and non-prejudicial environment, the individual may want to be like those around them. An individual may become motivated and inspired and gain self-control to become as excellent as the others or even better.
Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23
Abiding in Jesus is the key to bearing excellent fruits. You must be connected to Him, through the ministry of the Holy Spirit, like a branch to its vine.

“Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.” John 15:4


]]> http://livingfaith.org/blog/2011/10/04/uproot-power http://livingfaith.org/blog/2011/10/04/uproot-power Tue, 04 Oct 2011 10:39:00 +0000 http://livingfaith.org/blog/2011/10/04/uproot-power
“Then the Lord reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, “Now, I have put my words in your mouth. See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.””
Jeremiah 1:9-10

Without any doubt, God has empowered us to [...]]]>
“Then the Lord reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, “Now, I have put my words in your mouth. See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.””
Jeremiah 1:9-10

Without any doubt, God has empowered us to uproot and totally destroy the bad tree, as well as, to plant and root a new life. In the above text, we see Jeremiah receiving this power to work together with God, in order to execute His plans.

God does not uproot the bad tree alone, instead, He chooses to do it through people who accept and practice His empowerment. Jeremiah took the most out of that power and satisfactorily accomplished his mission. You need some qualities to be successful in exercising the same authority given to Jeremiah, which are:

1. Knowledge of God’s will – Only by knowing God’s will for your life, you may fight for it and reject whatever is against it (Bad roots, trees and fruits).
2. Courage to confront the bad root – Is it easy to uproot a long-time rooted bad tree? Not at all! It’s big enough to demand more than digging around and let it fall to any side. One needs to have a plan to take successful steps.
3. Emotionlessness to burn it until it’s totally consumed – One has to make sure that the bad tree is gone and will be remembered only in the testimony. NO MERCY!
4. Wisdom to work the soil and prepare it for the new seeds – The soil here is the mind and heart of the person. The best way to treat it well is to bring into it the Living Water (Holy Spirit).
5. Sowing the new seeds – The seed we refer to is the Word of God that once it falls into a heart and mind, which are generous, worry-free, kind and filled up with love and FAITH, will produce 30, 60 or 100 times what is sown on them. (Mark 4:20)

Now that you know, you should start taking actions to remove the bad trees and planting the good ones. That’s how you can change your life!

]]> http://livingfaith.org/blog/2011/08/24/how-to-find-the-root-causes http://livingfaith.org/blog/2011/08/24/how-to-find-the-root-causes Wed, 24 Aug 2011 15:23:00 +0000 http://livingfaith.org/blog/2011/08/24/how-to-find-the-root-causes (Root Event)

Effects have causes. The causes may be supernatural (evil-made), natural (man-made), obvious or hidden. Those causes that lead immediately to the effect are often called direct causes. The direct causes often result from another set of causes, which could be called [...]]]>
How to find the root causes? (Root Event)

Effects have causes. The causes may be supernatural (evil-made), natural (man-made), obvious or hidden. Those causes that lead immediately to the effect are often called direct causes. The direct causes often result from another set of causes, which could be called intermediate causes. When a chain of cause and effect is followed from a known end-state, back to an origin or starting point, root causes are found. The process used to find root causes is called root cause analysis.

The usual purpose of attempting to find root causes is to solve a problem that has actually occurred, or to prevent a less serious problem from escalating to an unacceptable level. The basic concept is that solving a problem by addressing root causes is ultimately more effective than merely addressing symptoms or direct causes. Consider the following example, where root cause leads to effect, with a few intervening steps.

Assume each of these factors is as described below:

E - car will not start
D - battery is dead
C - alternator does not function
B - alternator is well beyond its designed service life
A - car is not being maintained

The effect, (E), could be prevented by addressing any of the other factors. For example, attaching jumper cables from another car addressing factor (D) will probably allow the problem-car to be started. However, this solution is not likely to provide long-lasting relief from the undesired effect, as factor (C) will ensure that the car shuts down again in a very short period of time. Addressing factor (C) by repairing the alternator may solve the problem for a longer period, but factor (B) will eventually result in another age-related breakdown in the alternator. The alternator could be replaced with a new unit, addressing factor (B), thus allowing the car to be driven for an extended period of time. However, factor (A) will eventually ensure that the car breaks down again for some other reason. Clearly, a better solution to the problem (and many other potential problems) is to maintain the car properly, which addresses factor (A), the root cause.

One of the difficulties encountered in root cause analysis is, knowing when you have found a bona fide (genuine) root cause. A checklist of the characteristics of a root cause can help the analyst separate pseudo root causes from real ones.


]]> http://livingfaith.org/blog/2011/08/19/everything-has-a-cause http://livingfaith.org/blog/2011/08/19/everything-has-a-cause Fri, 19 Aug 2011 16:06:00 +0000 http://livingfaith.org/blog/2011/08/19/everything-has-a-cause
If you've wondered why the same problem keeps [...]]]>
Life presents situations that are apparent to the eye. Problems we sometimes wonder if it's worth fighting for because, "that's just life". You've tried and tried but it just wasn't for you. Your relationship, health, financial life, family never seem to flourish. Success seems out of reach.

If you've wondered why the same problem keeps recurring or why your life is so fruitless, then the Root Event is for you. This Event is a series of seven meetings that will help you uncover the root of your problem and root them out permanently.

Consider the words of Jesus: "Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or else make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for a tree is known by its fruit." Matthew 12:33

How do you know what the root of your problem is? How do you cut it off? What do you need to do?

The Root Event will provide the answer to these questions.

The Root Event will start on Sunday, September 11th at 10am and will happen simultaneously at all of our churches: Long Beach, Eagle Rock & Fresno!

For more info, click on the banner on top in the Home Page.

]]> http://livingfaith.org/blog/2011/08/13/living-in-the-heartland http://livingfaith.org/blog/2011/08/13/living-in-the-heartland Sat, 13 Aug 2011 13:59:00 +0000 http://livingfaith.org/blog/2011/08/13/living-in-the-heartland
A trip to heartland!

"Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do." Proverbs 4:23 (NLT)



This week I will ask you to do something different. But my request is not that you do it for me - rather, I ask you to do it for yourself. I'd like you to invest about an hour in yourself this week. It can be done one hour straight, in one go, or it can be split in half an hour over two days or twenty minutes over three days. I'm sure you can do that for yourself, can't you?

Then you will take this message, your Bible and a marker pen with you to a quiet place. You must be free from interruptions. Switch off your cell phone. Put the children to sleep or have someone watch them for you, and of course, no sound of radio or TV. All your concentration must be focused on what you will read in your Bible.

Make a short prayer to ask the Holy Spirit to inspire your reading. Following the list below, open your Bible in the Scriptures referred and read them carefully. Highlight each verse with your marker. And most importantly, meditate, think, consider, ponder, and digest what you read. If you do this, you will know the characteristics of the human heart; you will understand a lot more about your behavior and actions; and you will appreciate why God says we must have a new heart.

Do this and then read the rest of the message after this list.

The human heart is:

• Hateful to God Pr 6:16,18 11:20
• Full of evil Ecc. 9:3
• Full of evil imaginations Gen. 6:5 8:21 Pr. 6:18
• Full of vain thoughts Jer. 4:14
• Fully set to do evil Ecc. 8:11
• Desperately wicked Jer. 17:9
• Far from God Isa. 29:13 Mt. 15:8
• Not perfect with God 1Ki. 15:3 Acts 8:21 Pr. 6:18
• Not prepared to seek God 2Chr. 12:14
• A treasury of evil Mt. 12:35 Mr. 7:21
• Darkened Ro. 1:21
• Prone to error Ps. 95:10
• Prone to depart from God De 29:18 Jer. 17:5
• Unrepentant Ro. 2:5
• Unbelieving Heb. 3:12
• Blind Eph. 4:18
• Uncircumcised Le. 26:41 Acts 7:51
• Of little worth Pr. 10:20
• Deceitful Jer. 17:9
• Deceived Isa. 44:20 Jas. 1:26
• Divided Ho. 10:2
• Double 1Chr. 12:33 Ps. 12:2
• Hard Eze. 3:7 Mr. 10:5 Ro. 2:5
• Haughty Pr. 18:12 Jer. 48:29
• Influenced by the devil John 13:2
• Carnal Ro. 8:7
• Covetous Jer. 22:17 2Pe. 2:14
• Spiteful Eze. 25:15
• Ensnaring Ecc. 7:26
• Foolish Pr. 12:23, 22:15
• Depraved Ps. 101:4 Pr. 6:14 17:20
• Fretful against the Lord Pr 19:3
• Idolatrous Eze. 14:3,4
• Mad Ecc. 9:3
• Mischievous Ps. 28:3 140:2
• Proud Ps. 101:5 Jer. 49:16
• Rebellious Jer. 5:23
• Perverse Pr. 12:8
• Stiff Eze. 2:4
• Stony Eze. 11:19 36:26
• Stout Isa. 10:12 46:12
• Elated by sensual indulgence Ho, 13:3
• Elated by prosperity 2Chr. 26:16 Dan. 5:20
• Studies destruction Pr. 24:2
• Often judicially stupefied Isa. 6:10 Ac 28:26,27
• Often judicially hardened Ex. 4:21 Jos. 11:20

You can probably identify with many of the characteristics described above in your own heart. Hopefully now you have a much greater understanding of why you behave, feel and act in certain ways.

Your heart affects everything you do. It is the fountain of your life. But with a fountain so polluted, how can your life taste good? Without a mind to discipline and lead our heart, a mind firmly rooted in God's Word, our hearts will lead us straight to hell.

No wonder God wants to perform heart surgery to remove the old, stony heart and put in a new heart shaped by His own character.

Let your human heart guide your feelings, actions and decisions - at your own risk.

Bishop Renato Cardoso

]]> http://livingfaith.org/blog/2011/08/01/what-is-the-21-days-event-all-about http://livingfaith.org/blog/2011/08/01/what-is-the-21-days-event-all-about Mon, 01 Aug 2011 16:03:00 +0000 http://livingfaith.org/blog/2011/08/01/what-is-the-21-days-event-all-about participating in this event changes the whole course of your life.

That is why at the Living Faith Evangelical Church we are going [...]]]> participating in this event changes the whole course of your life.

That is why at the Living Faith Evangelical Church we are going to have the 21-Day fast of the Holy Spirit.

From August 1st to August 21st, you are invited to join us in a fast of distractions. All forms of entertainment, TV, the internet, facebook, twitter, texting, gossip and unproductive conversations with friends, or anything that takes our mind off the things of God, will be cut out of our lives for this three week period. Instead, free time will be used wisely to meditate on the word of God, to pray and seek God’s wisdom and guidance in all we do, from work to family to every aspect of life. You will enjoy coming to church more often - even every day if you can - because the desire for His presence will consume you. As you change your mindset, habits and goals for these 21 days, you will open the way for the Holy Spirit to baptize you with power from on high.

It is important you understand that the fast alone will not be enough. You have to seek the Holy Spirit. There is no better place than the church to do so. In the church the perfect environment can be found and the possibility to be baptized in the Holy Spirit in the church is incomparably bigger.

In addition to the fast, all participants are encouraged to pray 3 times a day: morning, afternoon, and evening.

On the final Sunday of our fast, August 21st, be prepared for a service unlike any other. How God appears to us on that day is up to Him, but we can count on His promise of the Holy Spirit baptizing with power those who truly want Him.

Before joining us to seek the Holy Spirit, please watch carefully the video bellow!



]]> http://livingfaith.org/blog/2011/07/24/learning-about-the-lords-supper http://livingfaith.org/blog/2011/07/24/learning-about-the-lords-supper Sun, 24 Jul 2011 14:56:00 +0000 http://livingfaith.org/blog/2011/07/24/learning-about-the-lords-supper
1. An act of worship, in which we…

a. Partake of the bread
b. Drink of the fruit of the vine

2. An act that we should understand why we do it, otherwise our participation will be...

a. Meaningless to us
b. Displeasing to God
c. Harmful to us – (1Co [...]]]>
1. An act of worship, in which we…

a. Partake of the bread
b. Drink of the fruit of the vine

2. An act that we should understand why we do it, otherwise our participation will be...

a. Meaningless to us
b. Displeasing to God
c. Harmful to us – (1Co 11:27)

Therefore it fits all Christians, especially those new in the faith, to be well familiar with the meaning and practice of the Lord's Supper.

THE MEANING OF THE LORD’S SUPPER

IT IS A MEMORIAL...

1. Note Paul's account as given by the Lord Himself - 1Co 11:23-25

a. We eat the bread in memory of His body
b. We drink the cup (fruit of the vine) in memory of His blood

2. We therefore commemorate the death of Jesus on the cross – Mt 26:28

a. Whose death makes the new covenant possible - He 9:16
b. Whose blood was shed for the remission of sins - Ephesians 1:7

As the Passover was a memorial commemorating Israel's deliverance from Egypt through the blood of the lambs on the doorframe, so the Supper is a memorial of our Lord's death who makes our deliverance from the bondage of sin possible.

IT IS A PROCLAMATION...

1. We proclaim our faith in the efficiency of the Lord's death - 1Co 11:26a

a. That His death was indeed for our sins
b. If we don't believe He died for our sins, why take part of the Lord’s Supper?

2. We also proclaim our faith in the Lord's return - 1Co 11:26b

a. For it is to be done "till He comes"
b. If we don't believe He is coming, then why take part of it?

IT IS A COMMUNION...

1. A sharing in the blood of Christ - 1Co 10:16a

a. As we partake, we commune with the blood of Christ
b. Perhaps in the sense of reinforcing blessings we enjoy through the blood of Christ – 1 John 1:7,9

2. A sharing in the body of Christ - 1Co 10:16b-17

a. As we partake, we commune with the body of Christ
b. Perhaps in the sense of reinforcing fellowship together in the body of Christ (The church), as we break bread together

]]> http://livingfaith.org/blog/2011/07/13/jephthah-from-a-rejected-man-to-a-national-hero http://livingfaith.org/blog/2011/07/13/jephthah-from-a-rejected-man-to-a-national-hero Wed, 13 Jul 2011 17:29:00 +0000 http://livingfaith.org/blog/2011/07/13/jephthah-from-a-rejected-man-to-a-national-hero
Jephthah was rejected by his family – he was fruit of an affair between his father and a prostitute – and by the eastern tribes of Israel. His half-brothers drove him out of the house to the desert, so that he wouldn’t take part in his father’s inheritance, and that made him a revolted man. Out of his [...]]]>
Judges Chapter 11

Jephthah was rejected by his family – he was fruit of an affair between his father and a prostitute – and by the eastern tribes of Israel. His half-brothers drove him out of the house to the desert, so that he wouldn’t take part in his father’s inheritance, and that made him a revolted man. Out of his revolt, he became a commander of a small army, but powerful enough to be respected by the people of that region. However he was asked by the Israelites to be their deliverer when the Ammonites threatened them. It was a practical choice; the Israelites weren't looking for a man of God, they were looking for a man who won battles, anyway, anywhere.

1 Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty warrior. His father was Gilead; his mother was a prostitute. 2 Gilead’s wife also bore him sons, and when they were grown up, they drove Jephthah away. “You are not going to get any inheritance in our family,” they said, “because you are the son of another woman.” 3 So Jephthah fled from his brothers and settled in the land of Tob, where a gang of scoundrels (dishonest or unscrupulous people) gathered around him and followed him.
4 Some time later, when the Ammonites were fighting against Israel, 5 the elders of Gilead went to get Jephthah from the land of Tob. 6 “Come,” they said, “be our commander, so we can fight the Ammonites.”
(Judges 11:1-6)

Jephthah was made into a man of God, by means of the Holy Spirit. Jephthah knew that to overcome the Ammonites, he would need much more than experience and fame, and that’s why he sought the help of God. He knew that was his only chance to remove his disgrace from himself and see justice in his life. It was all or nothing. He was not a religious man, neither a man who knew that much about God’s ordinances, but he learned with his life of so many difficulties that sacrifice was the only way to guarantee victory. He didn’t hesitate to make a vow of sacrifice. Although he gave freedom to God to choose the kind of sacrifice he was supposed to burn on the altar, and the Lord chose his daughter to be the object to be sacrificed, he didn’t change his mind and became faithful to fulfill his vow.

29 Then the Spirit of the LORD came on Jephthah. He crossed Gilead and Manasseh, passed through Mizpah of Gilead, and from there he advanced against the Ammonites. 30 And Jephthah made a vow to the LORD: “If you give the Ammonites into my hands, 31 whatever comes out of the door of my house to meet me when I return in triumph from the Ammonites will be the LORD’s, and I will sacrifice it as a burnt offering.”
34 When Jephthah returned to his home in Mizpah, who should come out to meet him but his daughter, dancing to the sound of timbrels! She was an only child. Except for her he had neither son nor daughter.
(Judges 11:29-31 & 34)

Many people in our churches feel rejected and kept out from the family’s inheritance. They are also sent to a desert, where they can’t find anyone to understand and love them. The only power left for them is revolt. His revolt made him a leader of unscrupulous men and became famous as a powerful, wise and strategist commander. But he was still missing the most important victory, which was to see his brothers that rejected him, having to come to him and begging him to be their commander.
How to grant such big change in his life? He had to sacrifice what God had chosen to be the perfect sacrifice.

He was bold to present his perfect sacrifice on God’s altar, despite the pain he felt as he saw his young daughter was the sacrifice chosen by God, which turned the son of a prostitute and rejected brother in the family, into a national hero that became a judge over Israel.

If anyone in the church wants to be honored by God, he cannot avoid the sacrifice.


]]> http://livingfaith.org/blog/2011/07/03/taking-risk-in-faith http://livingfaith.org/blog/2011/07/03/taking-risk-in-faith Sun, 03 Jul 2011 17:45:00 +0000 http://livingfaith.org/blog/2011/07/03/taking-risk-in-faith “I assure you that there were many widows in Israel in Elijah’s time, when the sky was shut for three and a half years and there was a severe famine throughout the land. Yet Elijah was not sent to any of them, but to a widow in Zarephath in the region of Sidon.” (Luke 4:25,26)

God has preparered special [...]]]>
“I assure you that there were many widows in Israel in Elijah’s time, when the sky was shut for three and a half years and there was a severe famine throughout the land. Yet Elijah was not sent to any of them, but to a widow in Zarephath in the region of Sidon.” (Luke 4:25,26)

God has preparered special blessings for those people who are also especial. But, who are the especial ones? Are they those who go to church frequently, return their tithe faithfully, give offering regularly, or do similar things?
Not at all! The truth is that the especial one in the eyes of God is he who materializes his faith on the altar, without any doubt or fear. He is not afraid to sacrifice what he has for what God has for him, which is incomparably greater.

When the especial one sees by faith the dimension of what God has for him, he feels ashamed of his sacrifice. There is no comparison! It’s a little bit more than nothing for the ALL of God.

That widow was especial, and what God had prepared for her was so great that He didn’t waste any time, but sent Elijah straight to her house. He knew she would sacrifice...

Likewise, we have been sent to those who are ready to sacrifice their very little (that cannot add anything to their life) for the fullness of God’s blessings.

Bishop Randal Brito - bp@LivingFaith.org

]]> http://livingfaith.org/blog/2011/06/29/the-laid-back-group-and-the-revolted-group-which-group-do-you-belong-to http://livingfaith.org/blog/2011/06/29/the-laid-back-group-and-the-revolted-group-which-group-do-you-belong-to Wed, 29 Jun 2011 18:43:00 +0000 http://livingfaith.org/blog/2011/06/29/the-laid-back-group-and-the-revolted-group-which-group-do-you-belong-to They say, that those who have this tendency may be happier than those who don’t.

This of course is a big lie. Relieving the pain will never be [...]]]> They say, that those who have this tendency may be happier than those who don’t.

This of course is a big lie. Relieving the pain will never be the same as getting rid of the pain. It is similar to pain killers or palliative medicine.
The word palliative means: Relieving or soothing the symptoms of a disease or disorder without effecting a cure. This is what most churches have done for people. They have relieved their pain with kind words, nice music, potlucks, etc. But they never cure the pain.

Pain is a sign that something is wrong in our bodies, and it is requesting our immediate reaction and if we neglect its appeal, our body is going to “adapt” to that situation. The same thing happens in life. This is where the Revolted group (Living Faith Evangelical Church) comes into action. This group will never adapt to anything that is opposite to the promises of God.

If we adapt to marriage problems, brokenness in the family, financial crisis, sicknesses, debts and similar problems, we invalidate our faith.

Definitely, satan wants us to remain in our “comfort zone!”

In the bible, we find the Holy Spirit setting the fire on us, to react upon our challenges in a different way:

“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7)

Instead of saying, “Be adapted to the circumstances of your life,” He said, “RESIST whatever is evil, whatever goes against My will.”

That’s why we MUST be revolted!


]]> http://livingfaith.org/blog/2011/06/21/a-better-life-vs-a-life-in-its-fullness http://livingfaith.org/blog/2011/06/21/a-better-life-vs-a-life-in-its-fullness Tue, 21 Jun 2011 16:28:00 +0000 http://livingfaith.org/blog/2011/06/21/a-better-life-vs-a-life-in-its-fullness
Although the bible says that we must respect each other’s faith, I would like to share my faith with all of you. As far as I have been learning, our God is not a God that improves our life or just makes it better. In the Scriptures, we see that the work of God in the people who believe in Him, is complete and radical. The examples are innumerous. When it talks about: Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Israel, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, David, and all the others, we can see how God perfectly works.

Since, “Jesus Christ (God) is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8), we conclude that He did not change His way to work.

What has dramatically changed is the kind of faith people carry inside. Just meditate upon the following words of the Lord Jesus: “And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:7,8)

I believe that Jesus, by affirming that, is referring to the “ALL or NOTHING” kind of faith that causes the person to acquire the full life that Jesus has brought to us.

Note that it is not related to “better or worse” but to “ALL or NOTHING!”

When the person sees improvements in his life, the natural tendency of the person is to get relaxed and in some cases “pretty much satisfied.”

Therefore, I REFUSE to go for a “better life”, and I only accept the fullness of life!!! (John 10:10)
For you to ignite the fire of this kind of faith (ALL or NOTHING), you must be angry about your situation in life. If there is no anger or revolt, sorry, but your faith will not rise and with it, your life.
Get ready for the Campaign of Israel, in the faith of Gideon and the 300 mighty men.

Bishop Randal Brito - bp@LivingFaith.org

]]> http://livingfaith.org/blog/2011/06/16/no-sacrifice-no-success http://livingfaith.org/blog/2011/06/16/no-sacrifice-no-success Thu, 16 Jun 2011 10:56:00 +0000 http://livingfaith.org/blog/2011/06/16/no-sacrifice-no-success
The angry young man with family problems gets into drugs and even crime. If he thinks to have reached the end of his life, he normally uses his revolt to commit suicide. A person, who was [...]]]>
The angry young man with family problems gets into drugs and even crime. If he thinks to have reached the end of his life, he normally uses his revolt to commit suicide. A person, who was betrayed, uses their anger to get revenge on those who betrayed them. Thus, everyone uses anger as fuel to take actions.

The rebel is inconsequential when he uses his power for evil. Because of this, he has assumed his condition of being lost, and externalized his anger in the form of hatred.

Imagine this anger in the service of God!

The result is externalizing anger against the spiritual forces of evil that cause injustice. This power with Divine direction will not only reverse the situation of the person, but the situation of the whole family.
In other words, when revolt is used in partnership with God, it promotes a state of grace in the family. How? By allowing the Spirit of God to possess you.

Make a test: put your anger in the service of God. It will awaken pure faith and you'll see the Greatness of God!


God Bless you abundantly,

Bishop Edir Macedo

]]> http://livingfaith.org/blog/2011/06/14/treasuring-gods-words http://livingfaith.org/blog/2011/06/14/treasuring-gods-words Tue, 14 Jun 2011 09:32:00 +0000 http://livingfaith.org/blog/2011/06/14/treasuring-gods-words Word of God! The question is, 'Do we give the same value to It?' [...]]]> Word of God! The question is, 'Do we give the same value to It?'



]]> http://livingfaith.org/blog/2011/06/10/do-you-need-more-signs-from-godwhy-god-understands-unbelievers http://livingfaith.org/blog/2011/06/10/do-you-need-more-signs-from-godwhy-god-understands-unbelievers Fri, 10 Jun 2011 16:50:00 +0000 http://livingfaith.org/blog/2011/06/10/do-you-need-more-signs-from-godwhy-god-understands-unbelievers "Then Jesus said to him, 'Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will by no means believe." John 4:48


If God had it His way, He would not perform any signs for anyone. 'I AM what I AM', says the Lord. If human beings really knew God, and had not become so distant from Him, then they would [...]]]> "Then Jesus said to him, 'Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will by no means believe." John 4:48


If God had it His way, He would not perform any signs for anyone. 'I AM what I AM', says the Lord. If human beings really knew God, and had not become so distant from Him, then they would instinctively believe in His power, submit to His will, and accept His words. Unfortunately, it is not so.

The reality is much grimmer. Many people have grown more and more skeptical and cynical when it comes to the things of God. Indifference towards Him is much more common, even in people who say they believe in God, than regard and concern for His will. Doubt, ignorance and reluctance are much more common today than faith, obedience and submission to God's Words.

God has to reluctantly admit: "Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will by no means believe."

The good news is that God understands us and is willing to do what it takes to open the eyes of our faith. He knows that we all struggle with doubt, fear and ignorance from birth. And because He loves us, like a caring father loves his children, He doesn't mind giving us proof of His love and kindness. After all, His goal is to get us closer to Him and to know Him better.

The Lord Jesus acknowledged that some people will never believe in Him unless they see signs. "By no means" He said. In other words, no matter what they hear or know, if they don't see signs, they will not believe full stop.

To give you an idea, let me tell you about my personal experience.

Listening to people and counselling them is what I do every day. I've lost count how many times I've taken pains to convince people that their life can change, that they can still be happy in spite of whatever problem they were facing. It's hard. It's like the person is not listening, or listening but not registering one word. But I see a little hope in their eyes when I begin to tell them, "I've seen many people with the same problem you have, getting the miracle they needed through the chains of prayers here in the church." Now what I say starts to get more interesting because I'm talking about things that have happened, that have been seen... So their faith begins to revive.

Signs produce faith. When people see signs, they begin to believe more. The more signs, the more faith and the more faith, more signs.

What this means to you and me is that God is all for giving us signs and do we need them! He wants us to know Him better, to believe more, and to become true witnesses of His power to the world. The more signs, the more believers and the more souls being saved!

God has not changed. "And these signs will follow those who believe..." said Jesus, in Mark 16.17.

"Wherever two or three people come together in My name, I will be there in the midst of them," our Lord said. If Jesus rushes to be among two or three people who come together in His name, how will He treat a church-full? For all who doubt, who fear they have lost their faith, who need a sign to point them back towards God, walk into any of our churches this week and you'll find a pastor ready to pray for the sign that you need right now.

]]> http://livingfaith.org/blog/2011/06/10/don%e2%80%99t-forget-to-remember-your-god http://livingfaith.org/blog/2011/06/10/don%e2%80%99t-forget-to-remember-your-god Fri, 10 Jun 2011 16:38:00 +0000 http://livingfaith.org/blog/2011/06/10/don%e2%80%99t-forget-to-remember-your-god It’s embarrassing! Isn’t it?

In the same way, we may cause God to feel embarrassed when we forget [...]]]>
How would you feel if an old friend who you helped a lot in the past, and have not seen for a very long time, claims not to recognize you? Although you insist and even bring up remarkable event, he still does not recognize you.
It’s embarrassing! Isn’t it?

In the same way, we may cause God to feel embarrassed when we forget what He has done for us so far. Purposely we find in various passages of the bible that God complains saying His people had forgotten Him and what He had done for their lives. As a result, His people would be left on their own and could not count on God until they would remember Him again.

One man who was careful about this particular issue was David. He knew that God was the reason why “he was taken from the pasture and from following the flock, to be the ruler over God’s people.” (1 Chr. 17:7)

He never forgot that he was born in a poor family, without any perspective in life and God had changed the course of his life and honored him with the highest honor that could be given to a Jewish man.

For this reason he wrote: “Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His (God) benefits.” (Psalm 103:2)

In the book of Deuteronomy – Chapter 4 – we find God recommending His people to never forget Him and His deeds for them.

Verse 9 - “Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.

Verse 10 - Remember the day you stood before the Lord your God at Horeb, when he said to me, “Assemble the people before me o hear my words so that they may learn to revere me as long as they live in the land and may teach them to their children.”

Verse 23 - “Be careful not to forget the covenant of the Lord your God that he made with you; do not make for yourselves an idol in the form of anything the Lord your God has forbidden.”
We cannot forget our origins or where we came from!

Do you remember how your life was when you came to Jesus? What about the change in your inner being?

God says: “Does a maiden forget her jewelry, a bride her wedding ornaments? Yet my people have forgotten me, days without number.” (Jeremiah 2:32)

Manage to never forget your God, in whom you can trust continuously and will never fail to show His mercy and faithfulness to you!

Bishop Randal Brito - bp@LivingFaith.org

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