Prayer Meetings

Overview of Prayer Meeting April 6th, 2025

This service was wonderful as we started with a time of worship, then prayer and ended in taking communion as we always do. The church world is going through a shaking and purging period, but we’ve noticed that there is of late, more persecution against Christians who are spirit-filled, meaning those who have been baptized in the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues and who believe that signs, wonders and miracles are still in operation today. This persecution is not only coming from those who are in the, ‘cessationism’ camp, meaning all ceased with the Apostles, but also from those who have been baptized in the Holy Spirit and for whatever reason, who may or may not still be in the church due to offences or other reasons.  

We prayed specifically for the spirit-filled Christians, that they would stand strong and firm in the power of the Holy Spirit and to not bow in the face of these persecutions. The following scriptures encourage us that just as the Apostles and early church Christians stood strong, so we also are to stand strong.

The New Testament references the supernatural display of the Holy Spirit with miracles, signs and wonders which confirm the gospel of Jesus Christ which He says in Mark 16:14-18 in the great commission; “14 Later He appeared to the eleven as they sat at the table; and He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen. 15 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. 17 And these signs will follow those who [d]believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; 18 they[e] will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”  

Acts 2:43 also says; “Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.”

The gifts of the Holy Spirit are not to be despised or rejected;  

1 Thessalonians 5:19-20 says; “19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies.” 

1 Corinthians 14:39-40 says; “39 Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues. 40 Let all things be done decently and in order.”

Ephesians 4:11-12 says that these gifts are for the edification of the church; “11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the [a]edifying of the body of Christ,”

In 1 Timothy 4:14, we see the Apostle Paul admonishing Timothy to not neglect or lay aside the gifts that had been imparted to him as we read; “Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership.”

Hebrews 2:3-4 also says; “3 how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him, 4 God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will?”

Are there fraudulent “Christians” or as they say those who sell ‘snake oil’? Yes. There were and there still are. That’s why we need the gift of discernment to know those who are truly born again and spirit-filled.  

We read about Simon who was a sorcerer who came to believe in Jesus and was baptized in Acts 8:9-13; “9 But there was a certain man called Simon, who previously practiced [a]sorcery in the city and astonished the [b]people of Samaria, claiming that he was someone great, 10 to whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the great power of God.” 11 And they heeded him because he had astonished them with his [c]sorceries for a long time. 12 But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. 13 Then Simon himself also believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done.”

However, Simon’s heart was truly not right as exemplified by his desire to purchase the power and gifts of the Holy Spirit, which is sin. Acts 8:18-19 says; “And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, saying, “Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit.’” Simon was rebuked by Peter and Simon was told to repent of the wickedness in his heart.

Jesus said in Matthew 7:21-23 that even those who would perform miracles, signs and wonders in His name – may not be of Him. “21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’”

We see by Jesus’ words alone that yes, there may be some (or many) who perform signs, wonders and miracles in His name whom Jesus himself knows are not His – that is sobering, but shouldn’t shock us because Jesus forewarned us already. These may also be those who Jesus refers to as ‘tares’ in the church in Matthew 13:24-30. If they are tares, according to the Bible, they will be judged as such.

Do the manifestations of the Holy Spirit sometimes seem to be ‘out there’? Maybe. But are we God, to ask Him or tell Him what He can and cannot do as He chooses? Absolutely not.

A few scriptures from the New Testament and what happened to the Apostles should be witness enough.

Didn’t the death of Ananias and Sapphira seem over the top? I guess not as God saw their hearts. Peter probably didn’t expect what was about to happen...but it did. Acts 5:5; “Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things.”

How about the shadow of Peter passing over people and they were healed – didn’t that seem over the top? Apparently not! Acts 5:15-16; “15 so that they brought the sick out into the streets and laid them on beds and couches, that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them. 16 Also a multitude gathered from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed.”

The Lord wasn’t too pleased with Elymas because he was a false prophet and was trying to hinder the work of Barnabas and Saul. What happened to him may have seemed over the top, but it wasn’t as Acts 5:6-12 says; “6 Now when they had gone through [a]the island to Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew whose name was Bar-Jesus, 7 who was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man. This man called for Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God. 8 But Elymas the sorcerer (for so his name is translated) [b]withstood them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. 9 Then Saul, who also is called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him 10 and said, “O full of all deceit and all fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease perverting the straight ways of the Lord? 11 And now, indeed, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you shall be blind, not seeing the sun for a time.”

And immediately a dark mist fell on him, and he went around seeking someone to lead him by the hand. 12 Then the proconsul believed, when he saw what had been done, being astonished at the teaching of the Lord.”

We read about a slave girl who followed Paul and Silas around saying that they were servants of the Most High God, and while what she was saying was true, it was from a wrong spirit – a demon speaking through her. That all may to appear over the top, but it was true and that demon was cast out as we read in Acts 16:17-19; “17 This girl followed Paul and us, and cried out, saying, “These men are the servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation.” 18 And this she did for many days. But Paul, greatly [d]annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And he came out that very hour. 19 But when her masters saw that their hope of profit was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to the authorities.”

Or how about Peter falling into a trance in Acts 10. Wouldn’t that seem over the top? It wasn’t as the Holy Spirit used that to reach and convert the soul of Cornelius and his family and household, who were the first Gentiles to be born again and filled with the Holy Spirit. Just reading through the Book of Acts and the New Testament we see the Holy Spirit’s supernatural power being manifest through those who believed. Now is not the time to be silent, indifferent or fearful. Don’t worry about making a reputation for yourselves. Expect more supernatural signs, wonders and miracles to happen in these last days as everything that can be shaken, will be shaken!

To read more on the power of the Holy Spirit and the gift of tongues, click on the links to go to the Illustrated Message Series that we have preached on.

Holy Spirit Power

21 Reasons Why Christians Should Speak in Tongues.

To read the prophecy from this Sunday, please click here to read it. It coincides with the prayer meeting.

Pastors Richard and Marjorie - Bondslaves of Jesus Christ

March 30th, 2025

In 2 Timothy 3:1-9, the Apostle Paul is telling Timothy that at the end of the age, end-times, there would be perilous times and perilous men. Today’s prayer meeting was very sobering as the Lord spoke prophetically to us about this and what we ought to do and how to stand. We see an amplification of demonic attacks and opposition to the Truth – the gospel of Jesus Christ – towards those who are standing for truth, so the church must stand strong in holiness and purity.

The Holy Spirit led us to pray regarding a couple of scriptures that are mentioned below.  

The first one is where Jesus is talking to His disciples in Matthew 7:6 where He says; “Do not give that which is holy (the sacred thing) to the dogs, and do not throw your pearls before hogs, lest they trample upon them with their feet and turn and tear you in pieces.”

To expound on this, let’s read what Matthew Henry’s Commentary of Matthew 7:6 says;

“2. It is not every one that is fit to be reproved; Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, v. 6. This may be considered, either,  

(1.) As a rule to the disciples in preaching the gospel; not that they must not preach it to any one who were wicked and profane (Christ himself preached to publicans and sinners), but the reference is to such as they found obstinate after the gospel was preached to them, such as blasphemed it, and persecuted the preachers of it; let them not spend much time among such, for it would be lost labour, but let them turn to others, Acts 13 41. So Dr. Whitby. Or,

(2.) As a rule to all in giving reproof. Our zeal against sin must be guided by discretion, and we must not go about to give instructions, counsels, and rebukes, much less comforts, to hardened scorners, to whom it will certainly do no good, but who will be exasperated and enraged at us. Throw a pearl to a swine, and he will resent it, as if you threw a stone at him; reproofs will be called reproaches, as they were (Luke 11 45; Jer 6 10), therefore give not to dogs and swine (unclean creatures) holy things. Note, [1.] Good counsel and reproof are a holy thing, and a pearl: they are ordinances of God, they are precious; as an ear-ring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is the wise reprover (Prov 25 12), and a wise reproof is like an excellent oil (Ps 141 5); it is a tree of life (Prov 3 18).”

The Dake Annotated Reference Bible says; “Do not force truth upon rebels who reject it, or give holy things to faultfinders, speck hunters, or evil speakers.”

There is a time that the Lord says to just turn them (Christians),over because they choose not to listen to truth. No matter how much you care for and love the Christian, when they refuse to be obedient to the Bible, the commands of Jesus, and continue in sin and disobedience, you need to let them go. They have a free will and God will not force His will on them.  

In Matthew 10:11-15, Jesus had sent out the 12 apostles to preach in the surrounding towns and cities, He had given them full authority to cast out unclean spirits, to heal all kinds of sicknesses and diseases. IF the people did not listen to the good news of the gospel, Jesus was firm and said the following which to some may seem harsh and that was to shake the dust off your feet;  

“7 And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven [c]is at hand.’ 8 Heal the sick, [d]cleanse the lepers, [e]raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. 9 Provide neither gold nor silver nor copper in your money belts, 10 nor bag for your journey, nor two tunics, nor sandals, nor staffs; for a worker is worthy of his food.

11 “Now whatever city or town you enter, inquire who in it is worthy, and stay there till you go out. 12 And when you go into a household, greet it. 13 If the household is worthy, let your peace come upon it. But if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. 14 And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet. 15 Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!”

It seems as though the Lord is getting quite fed up with the state of the lukewarmness of the church and He’s saying, enough is enough. The Laodicean church in Revelation is evident of what’s happening in the majority of the global church today.

Revelation 3:14-22 says; “14 “And to the [i]angel of the church [j]of the Laodiceans write,

‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: 15 “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither [k]cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. 17 Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked— 18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten.[l] Therefore be [m]zealous and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. 21 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. 22 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” ’ ”

Jesus desires and requires obedient disciples and children. He tells the man who wanted to follow him in Matthew 8:21-22; “21 Another of the disciples said to Him, Lord, let me first go and bury [care for till death] my father. 22 But Jesus said to him, Follow Me, and leave the dead [in sin] to bury their own dead.”

Jesus fully knows the heart of man, nothing is hidden from His eyes. He asks us to pray for Christians and He also knows when it’s time to turn people over. Paul says in 1 Timothy 1:19-20 that he handed over two men, Hymenaeus and Alexander; “whom I have delivered to Satan in order that they may be disciplined [by punishment and learn] not to blaspheme.”  

Also in 1 Corinthians 5:1-13, Paul tells the Corinthian church to “...hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the Day of the Lord.” This man was living in sexual sin and instead of the church being grieved about it, they were proud and arrogant! Paul knew that if they allowed him to continue in fellowship, it would act like leaven (yeast), and would contaminate the whole church. There are situations when you need to turn people over.  

After this exhortation, the church was obedient as we read in 2 Corinthians 2:1-9 where Paul asks the church to forgive and comfort and encourage this same man as he had repented of his sins. There is restoration where there is true repentance of sin.

Jesus is sifting and purifying His church. Humble yourself before Him today and repent, turn from your wicked and sinful ways. Acts 2:38 says; “38 And Peter answered them, Repent (change your views and purpose to accept the will of God in your inner selves instead of rejecting it) and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of and release from your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

To read the prophecy from this Sunday, please click here to read it. It coincides with the prayer meeting.

Pastors Richard and Marjorie - Bondslaves of Jesus Christ

March 9th, 2025

Today at church, we took time to intercede and pray the Word of God regarding healing for someone close to us who is terminally sick. Our adversary the devil is always wanting to rob the church of anything that Jesus bled and died for at Calvary.  When Jesus said it was finished, He literally meant that. He took the curse of sin and death, sickness and disease and separation from God when He was nailed to the cross. Sin, sickness and disease entered the world through sin with Adam and Eve, but Jesus, being the second Adam (1 Corinthians 15:45), redeemed us back to Father God by becoming a life-giving spirit. Since the curse of sin has been broken, so has the curse of sickness and disease. 1 John 3:8 says; “...For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.”

All throughout the gospels we read that Jesus went about doing good and healing all those afflicted of the devil; he drove out demons, healed the lame, blind, lepers, blood disorders, raised the dead...just to name a few. On top of that, Jesus gave us authority in His name to do the same things, Luke 10:19, Mark 16:17-18, John 14:13, Acts 10:38.

We read about a spirit of infirmity in Luke 13:11 where it says; “And behold, there was a woman who had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bent over and could in no way raise herself up.”  

When a spirit of infirmity has been allowed to rule your life, it not only affects you physically but also it affects your mind. Everything revolves around the infirmity, your thoughts and conversations, it becomes all-consuming. It’s meant to kill, steal and destroy (John 10:10). The battle for the Christian is in their mind as to whether or not they’re going to believe and receive what the Bible teaches about healing or to deny it. We have to daily wash our minds with the Word of God and to meditate on it day and night (Psalm 1:2). We must renew our thoughts with what the Bible says because if we don’t we’ll believe every other report that the doctor, family or friends will tell us.

James 5:14-15 says; “14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.”

We recognize that the devil will try to inflict us with sickness and diseases as we’re still in a fallen world. We also know that sin can open the door to sickness, and when it’s repented of, healing can be made manifest. So when you know what the Bible says and what Jesus died and bled for, we have the authority to claim all the promises that He gave us, not only salvation but also healing. Jesus was prophesied about throughout the Old Testament and in Isaiah 53:1-5 it talks about the sin-bearing Messiah;

“Who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?  

2 For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant, And as a root out of dry ground. He has no form or comeliness; And when we see Him, There is no beauty that we should desire Him.

3 He is despised and rejected by men, A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.
And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.

4 Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken,
Smitten by God, and afflicted.
5 But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.
 

That is powerful!

If the doctor gives you a bad health report, does that change what God’s word says about Jesus giving you healing? No. Today we want to encourage you to believe what Jesus did for you at the cross regarding healing. We’re not talking about being in denial, because it’s very real what you may be living and experiencing, but the Word of God is greater than that.

Here is a link to many healing scriptures that you can read and speak over your life. There is also a video that you can put on and listen to that is loaded with healing verses.  

Open Bible healing scriptures.

SoakStream healing scriptures video.

Click here to read the prophecy from the church service.

Pastors Richard and Marjorie - Bondslaves of Jesus Christ

Overview of Prayer Meeting – March 2nd, 2025

This Sunday's prayer meeting primarily focused on the trade wars that Canada is engaged in with the USA. The Bible is clear that we're to continually pray for those in authority over us that it might go well with us - His church. It says in 1 Timothy 2:1-2 the following; “First of all, then, I urge that petitions(specific requests), prayers, intercessions(prayers for others) and thanksgivings be offered on behalf of all people, 2 For kings and all who are in positions of authority or high responsibility, that [outwardly] we may pass a quiet and undisturbed life [and inwardly] a peaceable one in all godliness and reverence and seriousness in every way. ”

Regardless of the rhetoric of leaders touting that they just have the 'good of their nation' in mind, we see the opposite as the tax wars will cause great suffering to the common citizen. We're grateful that though we are in this world, we are not of this world, John 17:14-16. 

Philippians 3:20 says that our citizenship is in heaven. Balancing this fact, our spiritual posture as Christians has to be different than that of the world. Hebrews 11:13-16reminds us also that we long for a heavenly country!; "13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off [e]were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14 For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. 15 And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them."

God's grace always abounds towards us and more so in the midst of difficult times as this and we can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens us, Philippians 4:13. So we do not loose heart. We remember that God sits in the heavens and laughs at the schemes of leaders who do not hold His plans in their hearts, Psalm 2. Psalm 46:1-3 encourages us with this; " God is our refuge and strength, A[a] very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the [b]midst of the sea; 3 Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah" .

The Lord will take care of His children, He will not abandon nor forsake them. He is the bread of life and the wellspring of living water. Don't be moved and disheartened when you see ungodly leaders vie for position and authority. Our citizenship is in heaven!

February 2nd, 2025

Ephesians 6:12 says the following; “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of [a]the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”

Many Christians try to deal with differences of political or church issues in the natural. They lean on the wisdom of this world which the book of James tells us is “earthly, sensual and demonic,” James 3:14-18; “ 14 But if you have bitter envy and [h]self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. 16 For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. 17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. 18 Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”
So where there is envy and self-seeking interests, we see confusion and every evil work and people operating in that, their wisdom is not of the Holy Spirit but of the world. It plays out every day around us. We need the power and gifts of the Holy Spirit in everything we do.We can’t over emphasize the need for churches and Christians in general to pray and intercede at this time for their leaders; those being political, national, spiritual, governmental, all who have any authority in any sphere of influence. The demonic forces that are at work around the world are ramping up and creating havoc through every form of leadership. We sensed by the Holy Spirit to pray for Canada and the USA as there are rumours of war, an economic trade war, which is to be implemented in a few days. This would really be devastating for Canada for sure but also for the Americans. The political leaders of these countries who are not under the Lordship of Jesus Christ are easily swayed by demonic assignments. The Bible says in 2 Chronicles 7:14; “if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
Christians need humility, prayer, seeking the face of Jesus, turning from their wicked ways for the Lord to hear from heaven, forgive them and heal their land. Church and church leaders, it’s time to get serious. There are eternal consequences; either heaven or hell. Many churches have gone woke, they’ve fallen prey to mammon, duplicity and sin. There needs to be repentance for the healing of the land.
Spiritual warfare was nothing new to Jesus, and that’s why He gave us His name and authority to bind and break the plans and schemes of the devil, Luke 10:19; “Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall be any means hurt you.”  
John 10:10 also says; “the thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” 

1 Peter 5:8; “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”

We prayed and took authority over these plans of economic warfare over these two nations, binding the assignments of the devil working through the World Economic Form behind the scenes that are wanting power and authority over both these nations, not caring if they pit each leader against each other through their pride, selfishness and ambition, only wanting to conquer and divide. We prayed for an end to the economic war that’s on the horizon. We prayed for exposure of all evil schemes of the devil to kill, steal and destroy Canada and the USA. We took authority over demonic blood covenants that leaders have made to gain authority and power and influence.

We prayed for the fire of the Holy Spirit to fall on churches who have compromised the truth of God’s word and have become lukewarm. 2 Peter 1:3-4 says; “3...as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, 4by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the [c]corruption that is in the world through lust.”

The Lord is calling the church to escape the corruption that is in this world through lust and to walk by His divine power. The power is the baptism in the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues and walking and operating in the nine gifts of the Holy Spirit. This baptism is the gift that Jesus promised the Father would give to those who love Him. Jesus said that we would receive power after the Holy Spirit comes upon us, Acts 1:8; “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” This power is still needed and is being poured out around the world today. Christian, you need this power to be able to stand and to be a witness.  

For those Christians that feel like they are a smoldering wick, Isaiah 42:3 says; ““A broken reed He will not break [off] and a dimly burning wick He will not extinguish [He will not harm those who are weak and suffering]; He will faithfully bring forth justice.” The Holy Spirit will ignite that smoldering wick! We prayed that the Lord would rekindle the fire in back-slidden Christians and spirit-filled Christians.

Jesus said that we’re to pick up our crosses daily and follow Him, Mark 10:21. Our true rights and freedoms are only found in Him, as we laydown our life to follow Him. Even today we read an article that in Canada they are contemplating on removing the tax exempt status from churches and if that would be done, who knows how many churches would crumble because of the decline of giving, but we prayed that Christians would give regardless of tax exemptions or not and that they would see the Lord provide according to His glory and riches in Christ Jesus. 

Psalm 37:25 says; “I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his descendants begging bread.” That’s a promise to every Christian.

Continue to pray every day for your leaders at every level and don’t be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God!

To read the prophecy from Sunday’s service, click here.

Note: As we post this message on February 4th, the Prime Minister of Canada and President of the USA have come to an agreement to delay these tariffs and economic war for at least 30 days. Praise God. Continue to pray church.

1 Corinthians 6:9-111 Peter 5:8Psalm 2:1-62 Chronicles 7:14Matthew 10:28John 14:6Philippians 4:19, 4:6Colossians 3:2
Pastors Richard and Marjorie ~ Bondslaves of Jesus Christ  

Overview of Prayer Meeting January 12th, 2025 

Our nation, Canada, is going through major political upheaval right now. Our Prime Minister has handed in his resignation but will stay on in power until another leader is elected by his party to replace him. We regularly pray for our leaders, but this is a crucial time in our nation and the church must rise and intercede fervently for the right person to replace him and for the next person who will be voted in as Prime Minister. We must wage war in the spirit realm to break the assignments of the devil off of Canada. Ephesians 6:12 says; “For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere.”

Our authority to pray like this was given by Jesus Himself in Luke 10:19; “Behold! I have given you authority and power to trample upon serpents and scorpions, and [physical and mental strength and ability] over all the power that the enemy [possesses]; and nothing shall in any way harm you.” 

We know the devil has an agenda for Canada, but we also know God’s plan is to bless this nation and to have a leader who blesses it. This is what we prayed for. Daniel 2:21 says; “It is He who changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and establishes kings. He gives wisdom to the wise and [greater] knowledge to those who have understanding!” This is not just for the head figure but also those who are supporting, endorsing and propping up the leaders.

Jesus has told us that we should pray for God’s will to be done, so that’s how we pray, by using His word to validate it and declare His plan and purpose. It’s also important in prayer to have a heart attitude of humility and forgiveness. Jesus says in Mark 11:25; “And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him and [a]let it drop (leave it, let it go), in order that your Father Who is in heaven may also forgive you your [own] failings and shortcomings and let them drop.”

The Lord is calling Canada to repentance, and like what happened to Jonah in the Old Testament, people have been sent and are continually being sent to tell the leaders of the land to repent from their wickedness. Nineveh, as terribly sinful, wicked and evil that it was, believed that what Jonah prophesied would come to pass and their city would be destroyed if they didn’t repent. We’re in a season where people and nations are deciding whom they’ll serve. God spared Nineveh, and God will have mercy to those who repent from their sins. So we prayed that Canada would repent of its sins and turn to Jesus Christ who alone is able to save.
We personally believe that because of the lukewarm state of the majority of Christian churches in Canada and the wickedness of our Prime Minister, our country is not safe from enemy invasions. All the more reason for Christians to be praying like never before. Pray hard! “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet...” Romans 16:20

Here are some Scriptures on the church coming together to pray; 

Matthew 18:20; “For wherever two or three are gathered (drawn together as My followers) in (into) My name, there I Am in the midst of them.”

Acts 1:14; “All these with one mind and one purpose were continually devoting themselves to prayer, [waiting together] along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.”

Acts 2:42; “They were continually and faithfully devoting themselves to the instruction of the apostles, and to fellowship, to [a]eating meals together and to prayers.”

Acts 12:12; “When he realized what had happened, he went to the house of [a]Mary the mother of John, who was also called [b]Mark, where many [believers] were gathered together and were praying continually [and had been praying all night].”

Acts 13:2-3; “2 While they were serving the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul (Paul) for the work to which I have called them.” 3 Then after fasting and praying, they laid their hands on them [in approval and dedication] and sent them away [on their first journey].”

Acts 12:5; ‘So Peter was kept in prison, but fervent and persistent prayer for him was being made to God by the church.”

Colossians 4:2; “Be persistent and devoted to prayer, being alert and focused in your prayer life with an attitude of thanksgiving.”

Ephesians 6:18; “With all prayer and petition pray [with specific requests] at all times [on every occasion and in every season] in the Spirit, and with this in view, stay alert with all perseverance and petition [interceding in prayer] for all God’s people.”

1 Timothy 2:1; “First of all, then, I urge that petitions(specific requests), prayers, intercessions (prayers for others) and thanksgivings be offered on behalf of all people, 2 For kings and all who are in positions of authority or high responsibility, that [outwardly] we may pass a quiet and undisturbed life [and inwardly] a peaceable one in all godliness and reverence and seriousness in every way. ”

2 Corinthians 1:11;“ while you join in helping us by your prayers. Then thanks will be given by many persons on our behalf for the gracious gift [of deliverance] granted to us through the prayers of many [believers].”

Click here to read the prophecy from church.

Pastors Richard and Marjorie - Bondslaves of Jesus Christ 

 Prayer Meeting December 15th, 2024  

We’re grateful for our time of prayer on Sunday. We had a time wonderful time of praise and worship and communion as we do in all of our services.

Matthew 21:12-13 says this; “12 Then Jesus went into the temple [a]of God and drove out all those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. 13 And He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a ‘den of thieves.’”

This is the scripture that is on the poster for the Message Series, Merchants. We know that Jesus is very jealous and zealous about His church, those who are to be representing Him on the earth. So when we see Jesus cleansing the temple, which was supposed to be focusing on the worship of His Heavenly Father, He was angered to see the corruption that had come in over time making it acceptable to be a den of thieves and merchandise instead of a house of prayer. We prayed that God would by the power of the Holy Spirit, illuminate the modern day merchants in the church, that what is being done in darkness would be exposed to the light of God’s word. We see that Jesus flipped the tables in the religious setting, not the worldly setting, and so we see it happening today, churches, ministries and non-profits are being exposed by the Holy Spirit.

We prayed that the Holy Spirit would continue to flip tables in churches, ministries, non-profits who are making merchandise of the gospel and that pastors, prophets and leaders would resist the temptation to make money off of the gospel. We interceded for pastors and Spirit-filled leaders that they would be bold and resist the wisdom of the world which is earthly, sensual and demonic according to James 3:13-18; “13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter envy and [h]self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. 16 For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. 17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. 18 Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”

We prayed that the Holy Spirit would reveal that you cannot put a price tag your personal testimony, revelations that Jesus has given, or healings that you have received. The world system of finances has filtered into the church, and that wisdom is not what Jesus is wanting us to walk in. He has given everything to us freely, He’s given us the wisdom of the Holy Spirit freely, He expects us to give freely of all that He has blessed us with.

1 Peter 4:17 says; “For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?”
Jesus is purifying His church and the church needs to embrace His chastening, not scorn it. Allow the Holy Spirit to bring conviction to your heart in the areas that you’re compromising in, repent, turn away from it and walk humbly before Jesus.

Pastors Richard and Marjorie ~ Bondslaves of Jesus Christ  

Overview of Prayer Meeting November 17th, 2024 

Even though we were planning on having a regular church service with a message, the Holy Spirit led us to spend the day in prayer and to have a prayer meeting instead.

But first to back up though to last Sunday, November 10th. A brother in the Lord came to the service, a first time visitor who normally attends a Baptist church (and our church is more Pentecostal & Book of Acts). The first thing we discerned is that he came in down-hearted, depressed and oppressed. Why that is notable is the fact that during the day in prayer, both Pastor Richard and myself were being attacked with the same spirits but we didn’t know where it was coming from, other than from the devil. You know, sometimes, we are picking up in the spirit what is happening around us, but the devil lies and makes us believe that there is something the matter with us, when in reality we’re picking up (perceiving and discerning) what is going on around us or those we are about to come in contact with. That’s why we need the Holy Spirit to give us those gifts of discerning of spirits.

Such was the case when this brother came to church. During the day we were picking up what the devil was harassing this brother with. But it didn’t stay that way! As we started worshipping the Lord, praising Him and started praying, things began to break off in the spirit in Jesus’ name. We were able to pray for him and his family and when he left, he left with a skip in his step, having received a touch from the Holy Spirit and the demonic assignments were broken off of him. He also received an animated Action Bible to share with his sister’s children who he felt a need to pray for in the prayer service. James 5:16 Amplified Bible says; “16Therefore, confess your sins to one another [your false steps, your offenses], and pray for one another, that you may be healed and restored. The heartfelt and persistent prayer of a righteous man (believer) is able to accomplish much [when put into action and made effective by God--it is dynamic and can have tremendous power].”

Also, a few weeks before that, we had another first time guest come to church. This was amazing, because as he walked in the doors (the worship had already started), he was very taken back and had to sit down immediately as the presence of the Lord was overtaking him, he almost couldn’t stand up. He couldn't even speak and was on the verge of tears as the power of the Holy Spirit ministered to him.

So, that’s what happens as the Holy Ghost church prays. Ephesians 6:18 says; “18With all prayer and petition pray [with specific requests] at all times [on every occasion and in every season] in the Spirit, and with this in view, stay alert with all perseverance and petition [interceding in prayer] for all [e]God’s people.” 

The Holy Spirit is there, deliverance happens, prophetic words are given, the Lord’s Supper is shared and so much more. Every church service we celebrate communion as it’s important for the body to partake in the breaking of bread and drinking the cup, 1 Corinthians 10:16-17. This is what the Lord desires to do in your life too. The same happened this Sunday as we worshipped, prayed and had communion, the Holy Spirit spoke (click here to read the prophecy), prayers were prayed and we know the answer is at hand. Amen!

Pastors Richard and Marjorie

Bondslaves of Jesus Christ

During our time of prayer, this scripture came up. It’s in 1 Kings 18:21 where it says; “21 And Elijah came to all the people, and said, “How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.” But the people answered him not a word.”

What’s the context of it and why is it applicable today? Read the whole chapter of 1 Kings 18 here. It’s the story of the Prophet Elijah who calls King Ahab and the prophets of Baal and Asherah, 850 heathen, idolatrous and false prophets in total to an assembly on Mount Carmel. Also present were the Israelite's and God was speaking through Elijah to all of them, to ask what is written above. In essence asking, choose who you’re going to serve Israel; King Ahab and the false prophets or are you going to serve Almighty God, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, or the gods of the heathen? They were faltering and wavering between the two. Elijah told King Ahab that he had forsaken the commandments of the Lord and had followed after the Baals. 

Jeremiah 19:4-5 states that Baal worship included sacrificing children; “4 “Because they have forsaken Me and made this an alien place, because they have burned incense in it to other gods whom neither they, their fathers, nor the kings of Judah have known, and have filled this place with the blood of the innocents 5 (they have also built the high places of Baal, to burn their sons with fire for burnt offerings to Baal, which I did not command or speak, nor did it come into My mind),”

The church, the body of Christ is being sifted, shaken, and purified exposing sin, idolatry, lukewarmness and truly Jesus is asking His church, how long will you falter between Me and the world, either serve Me with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, or, serve the world, the flesh and the devil. Just like King Ahab was seduced by Queen Jezebel to follow after her heathen gods, so we see the church being led astray in the same way.

Revelation 3:14-22 says this about the Laodicean church; “14 “And to the [i]angel of the church [j]of the Laodiceans write, ‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: 15 “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither [k]cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. 17 Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked— 18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten.[l] Therefore be [m]zealous and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. 21 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. 22 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” ’ ”

This was and still is, a representation of the church today, it’s lukewarm, it’s faltering between two opinions and is neither hot nor cold. Jesus is very clear that by being in that state, He’ll vomit them out of His mouth. In the USA right now as they’re approaching elections, Christians are being asked to choose between the lesser of two evils. What does that mean? To choose between one candidate who is fully endorsing abortion from conception until even birth, and the other candidate who has ‘wavered’ by endorsing the right to women to abort their baby up to the end of the first trimester. The action is evil and is abomination at any state. The mantra and talking points of the majority of Christian leaders is that they must vote for life, but if both candidates and political parties are endorsing abortion, how can you morally and ethically vote for either? They’re both evil regarding the unborn.

Proverbs 6:17 says; “16 These six things the Lord hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to [a]Him:
17 A[b] proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, 18 A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, 19 A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren.”

Christian Americans in particular are being told to choose between the lesser of two evils; at what stage is it ‘ok’ to abort a baby and at what stage is it ‘not ok’ to abort a baby and this is unconscionable and unethical. They are being challenged to falter between two opinions right now, and we pray that they choose life above any party platform, even if it means withholding their vote and allow Jesus to do the final sifting and judgment in His church. Don’t idolize the vote or the right to vote even though it’s important, serve Jesus only, choose life and don’t participate in the sins of those who are wanting you to waver between righteousness and unrighteousness. By your vote, don’t allow the blood of the unborn to be on your hands because you feel you have to choose between the lesser of two evils.  

Isaiah 5:20 also says; “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!”

Here are two prophecies that came forth at the prayer meeting, click here to read them.

On our website, we have a page dedicated to the unborn, and in it we have an excerpt from a message series we did entitled, The Life and Death of Mr. Badman by John Bunyan,  which is very sobering, plus a video link of what the early church Fathers taught about abortion.

Church Prayer Meeting - August 11th, 2024

As a church, we always want to be obedient to what the Holy Spirit is leading us to do and this Sunday we sensed it was important to stand in the gap for the body of Christ, the church, and as Paul says in Ephesians 6:18; “praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints,”.

A word that we sensed that is happening to Christians all over is distraction. This is what Merriam-Webster Dictionary says about the word;  

1: something that distracts : an object that directs one's attention away from something else

especially : amusement

a harmless distraction

2: the act of distracting or the state of being distracted

especially : mental confusion

Here are some synonyms of distraction; bafflement, bemusement, confusedness, fog, muddle, puzzlement, bamboozlement, bewilderedness, confusion, head-scratching, mystification, tangle, befuddlement, bewilderment, discombobulation, perplexity, whirl.”

The list of distractions (or any of the other synonyms to the word), in our lives is endless; social media, entertainment, sports, vacations, jobs, just to name a few. With these distractions can come a laziness or slothfulness to the reading of the Word of God, fellowshipping  with other Christians by going to church and praying. Something usually shows up at the last minute to get us off track and loose our focus. Our adversary, satan, is the promoter of distraction when it comes to the things of God, the call of God on our lives and God’s plan and purpose for our lives. His fiery darts and flaming missiles are relentless at times.  We must continually stay in the Word of God, the Bible, and fellowship with the saints. We’re to stand in the gap in prayer for our brothers and sisters in Christ.  

As Ezekiel 22:30says; “So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one.” Be the one who stands in the gap in prayer for Christians so that they can stand strong and resist the temptations and distractions of the devil.

When Nehemiah was rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, it says the following in Nehemiah 4:17-18; “Those who built the wall, and those who carried burdens, loaded themselves so that with one hand they worked at construction, and with the other held a weapon. 18 Every one of the builders had a sword girded at his side as he built.”

We’re to work for the Lord and carry the sword of the Spirit – the Word of God – and do battle in the spirit realm for the church. When we may not know what or how to pray, we pray in the Holy Spirit – in tongues as Ephesians 6:18 says; “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.”

Hebrews 10:23-25 Amplified Bible says;“23 Let us seize and hold tightly the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is reliable and trustworthy and faithful [to His word]; 24 and let us consider [thoughtfully] how we may encourage one another to love and to do good deeds, 25 not forsaking our meeting together[as believers for worship and instruction], as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more [faithfully] as you see the day [of Christ’s return] approaching.”  

Another topic that we prayed about was that many Christians are not offering the right sacrifices to God, or not being obedient to what Jesus is requiring of them to do. If you read last weeks message (August 4th), you’ll remember that Cain did not offer to God the right sacrifice but Abel did. Because Cain was angry, hatred and murder was seen in his heart and he murdered his brother. Likewise today, many Christians are not being obedient to what Jesus commands. These commands are not vague, illusive or incomprehensible, the whole Bible instructs us how we’re to live, conduct our lives, to be baptized in the Holy Spirit and speak in tongues, to operate in the gifts of the Holy Spirit, to go to church, tithe, give, etc.  

The Prophet Samuel wrote in 1 Samuel 15:22; “And Samuel said, “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.”

The temptation the devil uses is to get Christians to give or do something for the Lord in substitute of being totally obedient to what He has asked them to do, thinking that somehow that will be good enough. God isn’t looking for ‘good enough’, He’s looking for obedience. This is what King Saul did when he wasn’t obedient to Samuel, he wanted to please the people, not be obedient to God. Same with Cain, he wanted to worship God how he wanted to do it, not how God had asked him to do it. Be obedient to hear and do what Jesus is requiring of you.

Here are some Bible verses to encourage you about staying the course, keeping your hands to the plow, and not getting distracted.

Colossians 3:2;“Set your mind and keep focused habitually on the things above [the heavenly things], not on things that are on the earth [which have only temporal value].”

1 Corinthians 7:35; “Now I say this for your own benefit; not to restrict you, but to promote what is appropriate and secure undistracted devotion to the Lord”.

Romans 12:2; “ And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be [a]transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you].”

Psalm 86:11; “Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.”

1 Peter 5:8; “Be alert and of sober mind, Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”

Mark 4:19;“But the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful.”

Luke 9:62; “But Jesus said to him, ‘No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.’”

2 Corinthians 11:3; “But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.”

Philippians 3:13-14; “Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended, but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

Click here to read the prophecy from the church service.

Pastors Richard and Marjorie

Church Prayer Meeting - July 21st, 2024

Our time of prayer this Sunday was focused primarily on the scriptures from 1 Timothy 2:1-6 and the other Romans 8:26-28.

In 1 Timothy 2:1-6, the Apostle Paul tells Timothy the following; “Therefore I [a]exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in [b]authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and [c]reverence. 3 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,”

Prayer is key to our relationship to our heavenly Father. Jesus commands us to pray and throughout the New Testament, prayer is mentioned over 450 times. In this scripture, Paul is admonishing Timothy, who is pastoring the church at Ephesus, to pray for all men, including those in authority. It’s one thing to pray for those you love, but praying for those that rub you the wrong way, aren’t kind to you, who are contentious with you, who have their own agenda and for authorities who do not have the best interest for those they’re governing over, isn’t easy.

We are told we’re to make supplications (entreaties), prayers and intercessions to God for everyone and to give thanks for them, and yes, also to give thanks for those in authority over us. When we have an attitude of prayer towards those who govern us, we are releasing them into God’s hands for His will to be done in them. Even if they have ill will to us, and as we’re seeing in these days, have an evil agenda toward us for our harm and even destruction, God promises to watch over us. 

As Psalm 91:9-12 says; “9 Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge, Even the Most High, your dwelling place, 10 No evil shall befall you, Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; 11 For He shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you in all your ways. 12 In their hands they shall [c]bear you up, Lest you [d]dash your foot against a stone.

In essence, our praying and forgiving our leaders, who may be our enemies and enemies of Christ, protects us from their evil intent. Jesus told the disciples in Matthew 6:14-15; “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”  That’s sobering. As we forgive, the Father will forgive us likewise. We’ve been forgiven much, we need to forgive likewise to all.

In verse 2 of 1 Timothy 2, it says; “that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and [c]reverence.” When we pray like this, we personally are able to have a quiet and peaceable life, because we’re living it in godliness, reverence and prayer. Leaders may continue with their evil agendas, but in praying for them, we have divine protection. On top of that, Paul says these two important things in verse 4; 1)”who desires all men to be saved and 2) to come to the knowledge of the truth.”

2 Peter 3:9 says; “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

God’s will is that no one person perishes and spends a Godless eternity in hell. So we pray that the eyes of their heart be enlightened to what Jesus has done for them and that they be saved.
 

As we’ve shared many times, the Holy Spirit prays through us, in other tongues, when we don’t know in the natural how to pray. Romans 8:26-28 then says;“26 In the same way the Spirit [comes to us and] helps us in our weakness. We do not know what prayer to offer or how to offer it as we should, but the Spirit Himself [knows our need and at the right time] intercedes on our behalf with sighs and groanings too deep for words. 27 And He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because the Spirit intercedes [before God] on behalf of [a]God’s people in accordance with God’s will. 28 And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.”  

When we pray in tongues, we pray God’s perfect will, we don’t pray with our own intellect or natural reasoning. Holy Spirit is praying through us for all men and for those in authority over us. Do you ever wonder when you pray if you’re praying God’s will? You can be certain you are when you pray in tongues. So when you pray for anyone in authority over you, lift them up in prayer by name and then pray in tongues and watch how the Holy Spirit moves!

We spent much time praying for our political leaders, but especially for the leaders in the USA. They’re in a tumultuous time and the demonic realm is more active than ever to see that nations demise. Let’s keep our countries leaders in prayer.

If you’re unfamiliar with the baptism in the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues, click here to read the Illustrated Message Series on 21 Reasons Why Christians Should Speak in Tongues.

Pastors Richard and Marjorie

Bondslaves of Jesus Christ

As we read in the following verse, the last days are in full swing. What Jude wrote concerning the last days is happening around the world, 24/7, at an accelerated pace. That’s why the church needs and must pray like never before. Prayer for the church, the body of Christ is on Jesus’ mind a lot, in face it says that He is making intercession for us, the church, His children, day in and day out. Why does the church need prayer. To be able to stand against the onslaught of the devil. Yes we pray that the lost be saved, but we must pray for the saints so that we’ll be able to now bow in the midst of persecution. We’ve been preaching on the series, Foxe’s Book of Martyr’s for a few months and what’s very clear is that the early church knew how to pray for their brothers and sisters in Christ. That’s what we need to do with the fervour of the Holy Spirit today.

Jude 1:17-21 in the Amplified Bible says the following; “17 But as for you, beloved, remember the [prophetic] words spoken by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. 18 They used to say to you, “In the last days there will be scoffers, following after their own ungodly passions.” 19 These are the ones who are [agitators] causing divisions—worldly-minded [secular, unspiritual, carnal, merely sensual—unsaved], devoid of the Spirit. 20 But you, beloved, build yourselves up on [the foundation of] your most holy faith [continually progress, rise like an edifice higher and higher], pray in the Holy Spirit, 21 and keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously and looking forward to the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ [which will bring you] to eternal life.”

Romans 8:26-28 also says; “26 In the same way the Spirit [comes to us and] helps us in our weakness. We do not know what prayer to offer or how to offer it as we should, but the Spirit Himself [knows our need and at the right time] intercedes on our behalf with sighs and groanings too deep for words. 27 And He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because the Spirit intercedes [before God] on behalf of [a]God’s people in accordance with God’s will. 28 And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.”

There are times when the Holy Spirit will have you intercede, (pray) in tongues, without any understanding of your prayers, and it is the Holy Spirit praying on behalf of the Church body, who is the restraining force on earth that hinders Satan from taking it over. So, spirit filled Christian, your job is to pray in tongues for the body of Christ. Jesus is coming back, but in the mean time you are to intercede for the church, so that means that there might need to be a shift in your prayer life to make it a priority. The groanings are of the Spirit – tongues – not the language you speak as your first tongue or even other languages that you’ve learned or know. 

When we pray with our natural, rational understanding for someone, we lean to our own understanding of that person because we know them, their life, challenges, family, trials etc., that’s why it’s of utmost importance to allow the Holy Spirit to pray beyond what we intellectually know about them and get us into the Spirit where He prays God’s perfect will.

If a Christian rejects the baptism of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues, their intercession is made in their own understanding, and this is why their prayers become repetitive, and are often full of rational and reasoning that involves more self-will to be done rather than God’s will be done. It’s very understandable why the devil has gone out of his way to convince Christians that the baptism of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues was only for the establishment of the early Church and is not for Christians today.  

Ephesians 6:18-19 says;“18 With all prayer and petition pray [with specific requests] at all times [on every occasion and in every season] in the Spirit, and with this in view, stay alert with all perseverance and petition [interceding in prayer] for all [e]God’s people.”

It’s very important for Christians that speak in tongues to allow the Holy Spirit to pray thru them in tongues the will of the Father for the Church body of believers, and we know that Jesus is at the right hand of the Father making intercession on our behalf, so regardless of whether a Christian understands what they are praying, Jesus understands and that’s all that matters. Jesus understands your tongues, He understands what the Holy Spirit praying through you in communication to Him. It’s not you interceding but the Holy Spirit, He’s using your tongue as the vessel or instrument to pray God’s perfect will for His children.

We’d encourage you when you pray for someone, lift them up by name and then say, Holy Spirit pray through me God’s perfect will for that person. As you then pray in tongues, He may give you specific understanding as to what to pray with your understanding, then you pray as He leads you. You’ll be so blessed to see how praying like this brings breakthrough in your time of prayer and breakthrough for the person you’re praying for.

To read more on the subject, here is a link to Message 15 – Intercession for the Saints from the Message Series; 21 Reasons Why Christians Should Speak in Tongues. The whole message series with worth reading, studying and applying to your life.

Read the prophecy from Sunday’s Service.

Pastor Richard

Bondslave of Jesus Christ

James 5:16; says “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” Are you righteous? Are you walking righteously before the Lord? Then your prayers avail much and there is a sure way to know that they will avail much.  The Bible says that God’s word will not return void but will accomplish what it’s been sent to do. Isaiah 55:11 says; “So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.”  Isn’t that powerful.  God’s word will not return empty.

Number 1 – pray the word of God. Find scriptures that deal with what you’re praying about, ie; salvation, health, finances, government, work, family, marriage etc. Make a list of those verses and pray them out-loud and make them personal. The scriptures are God’s promises that you can stand on, so stand on the Word of God. Let your prayers be fervent, impassioned and ignited with the fire and power of the Holy Spirit.

Number 2 – when you don’t know how or what to to pray for, pray in tongues, pray in the Spirit. Ephesians 6:18 says; “praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.” Romans 8:26-27 says; “26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession [a]for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.”

The Apostle Paul talks about a man by the name of Epaphras who prayed fervently in Colossians 4:12; “Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.”

Jesus not only prayed a lot but also taught that we too need to pray. If Jesus, the Son of God and Son of Man prayed...we must pray. Here are a few scriptures on Jesus and prayer.

Luke 6:12; “In these days he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God.”

Mark 1:35; “And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.”

Mark 6:46; “And after he had taken leave of them, he went up on the mountain to pray.”

Luke 11:1-54; “Now Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray...”

Luke 22:32; “But I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail...”

The following is a powerful verse on faith that not only applied to Abraham, but applies to us today as one’s who walk by faith and not by sight.

Romans 4:16-17 says; “16 Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be [d]sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all 17 (as it is written, “I have made you a father of many nations”) in the presence of Him whom he believed—God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did; 18 who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, “So shall your descendants be.”  

God hasn’t changed. What He spoke still exists and what He speaks, exists. That’s what faith is, speaking those things which are not as though they do exist. Abraham, by faith, received what God spoke even though it didn’t exist in the physical realm at that time. Hebrews 11:1 says; “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

This new message series we’re doing right now is based on Foxe’s Book of Martyrs and Hebrews 13:3 says; “Remember the prisoners as if chained with them—those who are mistreated—since you yourselves are in the body also.”

Persecution is not new, it really started at the fall of mankind when sin entered the world. According to Mirriam-Webster Dictionary, persecution means “the punishment or harassment usually of a severe nature on the basis of race, religion, or political opinion in one’s country of origin.”

The early church knew all too well the persecution, punishment and harassment of following Jesus Christ and throughout the centuries the church has suffered from it in one form or another. In Canada, many pastors experienced it, some were hand-cuffed and put in jail for days and weeks for simply keeping their church doors open during the scamdemic lock-downs. 

Many are still paying the price of this persecution, so it’s needful to continue to keep them in prayer that they would know the comfort and power of the Holy Spirit, that they’d be able to forgive their persecutors that it might go well with them.  

The church must always pray for those who are in authority over them as the Apostle Paul says in I Timothy 2:1-4; “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, ..”

Jesus has given us authority in His name to bind the demonic activity that would manifest through leaders towards Christians. We see the deliverance of Peter in Acts 12 where the church was offering constant prayer for him, and as a result an angel was commissioned to release him from his chains and he went free. We have that kind of authority in Jesus’ name, to bind and to loose.

In praying for the church in Canada, we prayed;

Prosperity - 3 John 1:2 which says; “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.”

Church growth - Acts 2:40-47 ; “ 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added [q]to the church daily those who were being saved.”

Right people in authority - Daniel 2:21; “It is He who changes the times and the epochs; He removes kings and establishes kings; He gives wisdom to wise men and knowledge to men of understanding.” 

Jeremiah 1:10; “Behold, I have put My words in your mouth. See, I have this day set you over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out and to pull down, to destroy and to throw down, to build and to plant.”

False teachers be exposed in the church – Acts 20:28-30; “28 Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. 29 I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock.30 Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them.”

Here are more scriptures on prayer to meditate on and apply to your lives.

Mark 11:24 says; “Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.”

Philippians 4:6-7 says; “ Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

I Thessalonians 5:17 says; “pray without ceasing”

John 15:7 says; “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.”

I John 5:14-15 says; “Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, he hears us. 15 And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.”

Christian, your prayers avail much when you pray according to the word of God. Use it as the sword that Ephesians 6:17 says it is. Use it to pierce the demonic real and render the devils powers null and void. Use it to speak the blessings that the Bible says you are entitled to as a child of God. Resist the lies and temptations of the devil to keep you from praying. Pray at all times and in all situations, don’t loose heart!

Pastors Richard and Marjorie

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