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Dear Sisters and Brothers:
Today we celebrate another day that the Lord has made. And we will rejoice therein.
We will be ordaining Evangelist Renaye Elizabeth Brown on Sunday, November 22, 2009 at 4:30pm. The service will be held at Consuming Fire Ministries, Incorporated located at 44 Paerdegat 10th Street, Brooklyn, New York 11236.
We cordially invite to attend this anointed service and to witness another officer being placed in the ranks of God's army.
Yours in Jesus Christ,
Bishop William B. Caractor
Dear Ladies and Gentlemen:
I greet you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It is my sincere Prayer that you are being Blessed even as you read this email.
Today, we study the Book of 1 Corinthians chapter 13.
13:1 Tongues of men and of angels: Such was the association of tongues speaking in pagan worship at Corinth. When a priest or devotee spoke in tongues, it was considered that he spoke in the language of the gods.
13:8 Tongues, they shall cease: The Greek term pauo was the most appropriate term in the Greek language that the apostle could use to speak of the cessation of an activity involving speaking (Luke 11:1; Acts 5:42; 6:13; 20:31; Ephesians 1:16). The middle voice in Greek is to be translated: "Tongues shall cut themselves off." The imagery is that of immediate cessation.
13:9, 10 That which is perfect is best understood, in light of 2:6, in the sense of "mature (also Colossians 3:14; Hebrews 6:1). It is neuter in the Greek and could refer to the completeness or fullness of Scripture, not to the coming Christ. Then that which is in part shall be done away: The body, growing up as a perfect man (Ephesians 4:13), will eventually outgrow the need for certain things associated with immaturity, as verse 11 will show.
13:11 Paul's use of spake, understood, and thought seems to correspond respectively to "tongues," "prophecy," and "knowledge." The point of this passage is to explain that partial revelation via tongues, and so forth , will cease when the full revelation of God in Scripture is completed. This occurred by the end of the apostolic age when the New Testament was completed.
13:12 Now we see through a glass, darkly (lit., "Now we see through a mirror in a riddle," that is, indistinctly or dimly): Paul seems to be alluding to the incident in Numbers 12:8. On another occasion Paul says the writings were an enigma compared to the revelations contained in the gospel (2 Corinthians 3:12, 13).
Yours in Jesus Christ,
Bishop William B. Caractor
Dear Ladies and Gentlemen:
I greet you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It is my sincere Prayer that you are being Blessed even as you read this email.
Today, we study the Book of 1 Corinthians chapter 12.
12:1 Spiritual gifts (Greek pneumatikon, "spiritual"): This term may be either masculine or neuter, referring to either men or gifts. The context is determinative. Here it is better understood as neuter, denoting, "spiritual gifts" (verse 4 and 14:1, where the neuter term is used). I would not have you ignorant: This is a common Pauline expression to denote a subject of importance (10:1; 14:38; Romans 1:13; 10:3; 11:25; 2 Corinthians 1:8; 2:11; 1 Thessalonians 4:13).
12:2 Dumb idols: The pagan worship at Corinth involved a pagan exercise of "tongues." The practice of "ecstatic utterances" was common in the cults and in the worship of various Greek gods and goddesses.
12:8-10 Gifts of healing: This has in mind gifts whereby the sick were healed (Acts 4:30). The emphasis is on the results, not on the process. The gift does not produce divine "healers" but divine healing (James 5:14, 15). Prophecy is the communication of special revelation from God. It could have been in the sense of foretelling (Acts 11:28) or simply forth telling. Most of the New Testament epistles fall into this latter category. This was a temporary gift, no longer needed after the canon of the New Testament was completed. Its major counterpart today is preaching. Tongues: The gift of speaking in tongues in the Book of Acts appears to have been limited to speaking in "known [foreign] languages" (Acts 2:4; 10:46; and 19:6). Paul uses the expression in precisely the same way.
12:13 Are we all baptized into one body: This is not the baptism of water but the baptism of the Spirit. This has the same meaning as the expression and have been all made to drink into one Spirit: This fulfills Matthew 3:11; John 1;33; and Acts 1:5. That this baptism is common to all believers at Corinth is implied by the fact that Paul does not exhort them to be baptized by the Spirit. Rather, he asserts that they have all been baptized. The believer does not tarry or pray for this baptism. It occurs at the moment of regeneration. This passage is clear that all believers have received the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
12:27 In one succinct statement, the apostle expresses both the unity and the diversity of the body of Christ. The absence of the definite article in Greek (ho, "the") before the expression body of Christ emphasizes character: since they are Christ's body, their actions and attitudes toward one another should reflect His character.
12:31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: This expression explains why the apostle has arranged the list in verse 28 in order of priority. He wants his readers to be clear in their own minds as to which gifts are the best. Obviously, his intent is to steer them away from the more spectacular gifts such as tongues. Covet here is not to be construed negatively by means "earnestly desire." A more excellent way: The import of this statement is to be seen in chapter 13. Paul will show that a better way is not through contentious striving but through loving. Many feel that Paul is here showing how the gifts are to be administered, that is, in love. However, the use of way (Greek hodos) in the sense of "a path" instead of the way (Greek tropos) in the sense of "manner," and the statement of 14:1, indicates that Paul was pointing out a path of life superior to a life spent seeking and displaying spiritual gifts. Paul's interest here is not to instruct his readers in how they may best use their gifts, but how to have their priorities straight. They should strive for love, not spiritual gifts.
Yours in Jesus Christ,
Bishop William B. Caractor
Dear Ladies and Gentlemen:
I greet you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It is my sincere Prayer that you are being Blessed even as you read this email.
Today, we study the Book of 1 Corinthians chapter 11.
11:3 Head of Christ is God: The concept of hardship does not denote qualitative or essential difference. It denotes responsibility and accountability, not superiority. The prototype is seen in the persons of the Trinity. The Father and Christ are coequal, yet they fulfill different functions (15:28; John 6:38-20; 10:29, 30; 14;9; Philemon 2:6). Paul is not a male chauvinist. On the contrary, he argues here for the equality of the sexes in personal worth but distinction in function and responsibility.
11:5 Head uncovered: The covering is symbolic, indicating the authority that exists above the woman, yet still under Christ.
11:6 It be a shame for a woman to be shorn: In Corinth it was not uncommon for prostitutes and loose women to shave their heads and wear blonde wigs, signifying their availability to the men in the streets. Just as no respectable Christian woman would go out in public dressed as a prostitute, it is equally important that she not participate in public worship without a head covering.
11:7 The image and glory of God: This does not infer that the man is in the image of God, and the woman is not. Genesis 1:26, 27 states that God created man in His own image, "male and female created he them." But Paul uses the term image here in a restricted sense. The only sense in which the man is uniquely in the image of God is that to him was given dominion over the earth. This was done before the creation of the woman. That is, whatever dominion and authority she has is delegated. '
11:10 Angels: The reference is to the holy angels, who elsewhere are spoken of as "ministering spirits" (Hebrews 1:14). The keynote of Paul's thought is submission to the divine order of things. Women should demonstrate the same sense of submission of God in recognizing their true position, and fulfilling its claims, as do the angels who know nothing of insubordination among their ranks.
11:12 Even so is the man also by the woman: Just as the principle of submission is supported by the order of creation, so the principle of mutual dependency is supported by the order of procreation.
11:14, 15 If a man have long hair: It cannot be said that he has in mind a specific kind of haircut. He is simply saying that it is shameful for a man to wear his hair in an effeminate way.
11:16 We have no such custom: In other words, there is no other precedent. To violate this principle is to go against a standard that is maintained in every church known to Paul.
11:19 For there must also be heresies (lit., "factions," the term is used in a nonecclesiastical sense. Note Acts 5:17 and 15:5, translated "the sect"): Paul was certain that some division would occur in the assembly, if only to bring to light those who defend the truth.
11:21 For in eating: In the the early church, the Lord's Supper was commonly preceded by a fellowship meal, later known as the agape or love feast. Eventually, so many problems accompanied these feasts that at the Council of Carthage (A.D. 397) they were strictly forbidden.
11:24 This is my body is certainly not literal, but figurative. His actual body was there in the midst, participating with the disciples in eating the element of the bread which signifies His incarnation.
11:25 New Testament: Christ is the Mediator of the New Covenant, who "by his own blood...entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us" (Hebrews 9:12-15). Notice the emphasis on the blood. This signifies our Lord's death, which in turn signifies the grounds on which an eternal salvation is applied to the heart of the believing sinner.
11:29 Damnation is best rendered "judgment." The kinds of judgment the apostle has in mind are enumerated in the following verse.
11:30 Many sleep: The verb koimaomai, "sleep," when referring to death, usually refers to the death of believers (15:6, 18, 20, 51; John 11:11, 12; Acts 7:60; 1 Thessalonians 4:13, 14, 15; 2 Peter 3:4). Our word cemetery is related to this word.
11:33, 34 Set in order refers to an outward, practical arrangement (9:14, 16:1; Matthew 11:1; and Galatians 3:19).
Yours in Jesus Christ,
Bishop William B. Caractor
Dear Ladies and Gentlemen:
I greet you in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It is my sincere prayer that you are being Blessed even as you read this email.
Today we are in a court room setting. John Doe has just expired and in a twinkling of an eye he is now before the throne of God to be judged. Lets go back to the scene of the crimes (life). John Doe grew up in the church. He was given gifts of the spirit by God. John Doe had the gift of healing (laying on of hands) and was given the office of a Pastor by God almighty.
John Doe decided that he would take his gift into the world. He established a church and began to use God's gifts for money (filthy lucre). He had a large congregation and he began to teach the word of God in segments. He refused to preach on Holiness and Righteousness. He refused to preach Hell and Damnation. He refused to preach on the plan of Salvation. He continually taught about prosperity and how to gain money and become rich in this world. He obtained a vast amount of money. He had nice cars, a beautiful home. All because he used God's principles to get wealth.
Now he is being accused of being a hypocrite and a false pastor as described under God's statutes (Jeremiah chapter 23). He is also accused of being an anti-Christ because he did not acknowledge the chief cornerstone of the church, Jesus Christ.
The court room is packed. God (Jehovah) is the chief judge. Jesus Christ is the prosecuting attorney. The jury is all the patriarchs and the saints that has gone on before him. God calls the court to order. He asked the defendant John Doe does he have an attorney? His answer is no. God said, on earth you were given an attorney. The advocate, the Lord Jesus Christ, and you dismissed him. So, we will proceed.
Jesus arises and says, I was and am the lamb of God who was slain from the foundation of the world. Now I am the Lion of the tribe of Judah, prosecuting attorney. He turns to the judge and says, I find him guilty as charged. My blood does not cover his sin. He did not bare my cross, therefore his judgment is eternal damnation in the lake of fire.
You may think that this is a figment of my imagination. But sisters and brothers, as this depicts the trial of John Doe, it can very well be your trial, who will be your Defense Attorney? There is no appeals before this court. There are not stays before this court. Only righteousness and true holiness will stand up as a stipulation in this court. Only the seal of the Holy Spirit upon your forehead will move this court. Who will be your Defense Attorney?
Think about it.
Yours in Jesus Christ,
Bishop William B. Caractor
The study of the Book of 1 Corinthians chapter 10 part 2
Dear Ladies and Gentlemen:
I greet you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It is my sincere Prayer that you are being blessed even as you read this email.
Today, we continue the study of the Book of 1 Corinthians chapter 10 part 2.
10: 13 Make a way to escape (lit. “An egress” or “way out”): In early Greek usage, this term had the sense of a landing place for a ship. The idea is thus not that He will enable us to escape temptation, but that He will enable us to land intact on the other side.
10:14 Wherefore (Gr. Diper, a strengthened form of dio, lit., “for this very reason”): This term appears only here and in 8:13
10:18 Partakers of the altar: When a sacrifice was brought to the altar, it was not entirely consumed. Rather, a portion was divided between the priest and the offerer (cf Lev. 7:15; 8:31; Deut. 12:18). Thus it became an act of mutual sharing and worshipping God. This passage must not be construed to indicate that the Lord’s Supper is a sacrifice. The point of correspondence was not sacrifice, but communion.
10:20 Devils (lit., “demons”); Of grave concern to the apostle is that behind the idols are fallen angels, evil spirits. This is in keeping with Deuteronomy 32:17 and Psalm 96:5. Since Paul had already established that these religious feasts involved fellowship with the altar, if the Corinthians attend a heathen feast, they will be having fellowship with devils. And this was the last thing Paul hoped for is young converts at Corinth.
10:23, 24 All things: Paul is speaking in a restricted sense (cf. 6:12). He means all matters of indifference.
10:25 The shambles (GR. Makellon, a term used only here in the New Testament, refers
to the market): In the sacrifices, usually only a part of the animal was consumed. The rest was given to the priest or sold again in the market. Anyone might therefore unknowingly purchase meat offered to idols.
10:29, 30. If I by grace be a partaker may be better rendered. “If I partake with thankfulness.”
Yours in Jesus Christ,
Bishop William B. Caractor
The study of the Book of 1 Corinthians chapter 10 part 2
Dear Ladies and Gentlemen:
I greet you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It is my sincere Prayer that you are being blessed even as you read this email.
Today, we continue the study of the Book of 1 Corinthians chapter 10 part 2.
10: 13 Make a way to escape (lit. “An egress” or “way out”): In early Greek usage, this term had the sense of a landing place for a ship. The idea is thus not that He will enable us to escape temptation, but that He will enable us to land intact on the other side.
10:14 Wherefore (Gr. Diper, a strengthened form of dio, lit., “for this very reason”): This term appears only here and in 8:13
10:18 Partakers of the altar: When a sacrifice was brought to the altar, it was not entirely consumed. Rather, a portion was divided between the priest and the offerer (cf Lev. 7:15; 8:31; Deut. 12:18). Thus it became an act of mutual sharing and worshipping God. This passage must not be construed to indicate that the Lord’s Supper is a sacrifice. The point of correspondence was not sacrifice, but communion.
10:20 Devils (lit., “demons”); Of grave concern to the apostle is that behind the idols are fallen angels, evil spirits. This is in keeping with Deuteronomy 32:17 and Psalm 96:5. Since Paul had already established that these religious feasts involved fellowship with the altar, if the Corinthians attend a heathen feast, they will be having fellowship with devils. And this was the last thing Paul hoped for is young converts at Corinth.
10:23, 24 All things: Paul is speaking in a restricted sense (cf. 6:12). He means all matters of indifference.
10:25 The shambles (GR. Makellon, a term used only here in the New Testament, refers
to the market): In the sacrifices, usually only a part of the animal was consumed. The rest was given to the priest or sold again in the market. Anyone might therefore unknowingly purchase meat offered to idols.
10:29, 30. If I by grace be a partaker may be better rendered. “If I partake with thankfulness.”
Yours in Jesus Christ,
Bishop William B. Caractor
Dear Ladies and Gentlemen:
I greet you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It is my sincere Prayer that you are being Blessed even as you read this email.
Today, we study of the Book of 1 Corinthians chapter 10.
10:1 How that all: The five alls in verses 1-4 emphasize the five downward moral steps of verses 5-10. The very same people who enjoyed great privilege from God also fell into serious apostasy from God. Under the cloud: This speaks of diving guidance and protection (Numbers 9:15-23; 14:14; Deuteronomy 1:33; Psalms 78:14). Passed through the sea: This has reference to divine deliverance (Exodus 14:15-22; Psalms 66:6).
10:2 Baptized unto Moses: This is a figurative use of the term baptism. The people were immersed under Moses' authority. Thus the expression speaks of divine leadership (Exodus 14:31; Galatians 3:24).
10:3 Same spiritual meat: Paul does not intend to imply that the manna was not literal food. It was clearly designed for ordinary nourishment (Nehemiah 9:15; John 6:49). It was spiritual in the sense that it was supernaturally provided by the Spirit of God. Likewise, the water that was received from the rock was real water. It was spiritual in the sense that it was given through God's direct intervention.
10:4 That Rock was Christ: The Rock was not a theophany (a visible revelation of God). Rather, it was a "type of Christ. It prefigured the provision that Christ would ultimately make for His people. But also it is intended to mean that the source of supply was Christ and not the rock. This passage is an impressive affirmation of the preexistence of Jesus Christ ( also verse 9; John 8:58; 12:41; Hebrews 11:26; and Jude 5).
10:8 In one day three and twenty thousand is not a mistake. In Numbers 25:9 the total of people who died is given as 24,000. The apparent discrepancy may be accounted for in at least two ways. The actual figure may be midway between 23,000 and 24,000; in this case the figure is rounded off. But note that Paul refers to the number slain in one day. Numbers refers to the total number that died. In either case, the discrepancy is resolved by recognizing that the number is given in approximate terms.
10:11, 12 Examples (lit., "Now these things happened to them typically"): The expression emphasizes God's providential control over all affairs of men (Genesis 50:20; Proverbs 21:1). Written for our admonition: One of the reasons God caused Moses to record the experiences of the children of Israel was that He had Paul and the Corinthian believers in mind. He knew that the Corinthians were going to face similar crisis situations. When that time came, the example of the children of Israel would provide the deterrent to guide them from sin and to lead them to spiritual victory. Ends of the world: That is, "for us who are living in the end times." Paul considered the second coming of Christ to be imminent.
Yours in Jesus Christ,
Bishop William B. Caractor
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:
As we approach the holiday known as Thanksgiving, let us remember those that are less fortunate than ourselves. Before you take a bite of that good old turkey, ham, potato salad, stuffing, gravy, etc., take a little trip over to the grocery store, and take a ride to one of the homeless shelters, and donate a bite of food to them.
Then truly, you can communicate with God, and say "Thank you for all that you have given me, and now I have shared with those less fortunate than I."
Happy Thanksgiving
Yours in Jesus Christ,
Bishop William B. Caractor
