Al Finch on LinkedIn: March 6, 2024 - Exhortation As you call on Jesus who understands the… (2024)

I was pondering earlier about our pre-mortal existence, and finally found some words about it. The Pearl of Great Price, another scripture in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, offers significant insights into our pre-mortal existence, providing a unique perspective on our life before earth. Particularly, the Book of Abraham, found within the Pearl of Great Price, expands on the knowledge about our pre-mortal life.Key teachings include:Our Existence as Spirits: We existed as spirit children of our Heavenly Father before our birth on Earth. This is part of the Plan of Salvation, which outlines our journey from pre-mortal life, through mortal life, and on to the eternities.Pre-Mortal Council in Heaven: Abraham 3 reveals that there was a council in heaven, during which God's plan for our salvation was presented. Jesus Christ was chosen as our Savior, and we had the opportunity to accept this plan, which included coming to Earth to gain a body and experience that would enable us to grow and progress.The Rebellion of Satan: Also detailed in Abraham 3 and Moses 4 (another book within the Pearl of Great Price), Lucifer, a spirit son of God, rebelled against God's plan, desiring to usurp God's authority and remove the agency of man. He and his followers were cast out of heaven and denied the chance to obtain physical bodies.Foreordination: The Pearl of Great Price teaches that certain spirits were foreordained to fulfill specific roles and responsibilities during their mortal lives. Abraham 3:22-23 mentions that God saw certain spirits as noble and great and mentioned that He would make them leaders on Earth. This does not imply predestination but indicates preparation and opportunities based on faith and choices made in the pre-mortal life.These teachings underscore the view that life on Earth is a pivotal stage in our eternal progression. We made choices before this life that affect our circ*mstances and responsibilities here, with the ultimate purpose of returning to live with our Heavenly Father.This is a topic I will be returning to and would be interested in your thoughts. Keith 🙏

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🌟 Reflecting on Philippians 2:1-8 🌟Paul’s words in these verses are a profound call to live out our faith through unity and humility, mirroring the attitude of Christ Jesus. He urges us to find encouragement in our unity with Christ, comfort in His love, and fellowship through the Spirit. These gifts should guide us towards being tender, compassionate, and harmonious with one another.In our interactions, Paul challenges us to avoid selfishness and vanity, but to adopt a mindset of humility, valuing others above ourselves. This isn’t just a call to modesty; it’s an invitation to consider the welfare of others as diligently as we consider our own, embracing the selfless nature of Jesus.Christ, though divine, did not cling to His status but emptied Himself to serve humbly, even to the point of death. This ultimate sacrifice underscores the depth of humility and obedience we are called to emulate. How powerful is the example set by Christ, who, possessing every reason for pride, chose the path of servitude for the sake of love!As we ponder these words, let’s engage in a conversation about how we can practically apply these principles in our daily lives. How can we better serve those around us and foster a community that reflects Christ’s love and humility? 🙏💕#Philippians2 #Humility #ChristlikeLove #FaithInAction #SpiritualGrowth”Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!“‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬-‭8‬ ‭NIV‬‬https://lnkd.in/e5xJidyK

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Let Your Light Shine!In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus compares us his followers to light, saying we "are the Light Of The World," unable to be hidden; let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Never hesitate to glorify God with your gifts, you will never regret it. I encourage you to “Be Bold” and let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.Be willing to do what others won’t do. Train yourself for the Purposes of God. Fight To Win! Let nothing stop you from reaching your full potential in Jesus Christ; and remember, we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. Romans 8:37If you are passionate about winning souls and want to make a meaningful difference in your community and country, we want to hear from you! Please help Bivin's Mission Japan bring in the Harvest by seeking and saving all lost, making disciples, and fulfilling the Great Commission. Luke 19:10 - (Matthew 28:18-20).Prepare to join us as we learn more about our Destiny and Position in Christ on Awaken To Sonship - 2 am With God, and together let’s wait for Him to Perform His Word.For Spiritual Growth and Training, please contact Bivin's Mission Japan. Learn more about God's Divine Strategy for advancing the Gospel of Jesus Christ and winning souls into the Kingdom! https://lnkd.in/fbUN3q9

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The Christian CharacterA big part of the Holy Spirit’s work is to transform us into the likeness of Jesus. If we are one with Christ, people around us must be able to see and hear Jesus in us, and through us, as we interact with one another. We are to be an example to one another, and the secular world, as to what it means and looks like to be a true, all-in, disciple of Christ (Ephesians 4:31-32). Is it difficult? Yes, but only if we have “quenched the Spirit” who abides in us. If people see and hear bitterness, wrath, anger, yelling, slander, malice, and un-forgiveness in us, we have a very serious spiritual problem that we must addresses immediately. It could be that we are not true, all-in, disciples of Christ, and are in danger of an eternity completely and hopelessly, separated from God. Here is what we must do:1. Understand and accept the fact that we are sinners rebelling against God (Romans 3:23; 6:23).2. With a contrite heart, ask God to forgive us of our sins (1 John 1:9).3. Become an all-in disciple of Christ by professing to the world that Christ is the Supreme Lord of our lives and that we now live for Him (Romans 10:9-10; 2 Corinthians 5:15). 4. Commit to loving Him by living in immediate, radical, costly obedience to His commands (John 14:15).Surrender your life to the Holy Spirit of God and watch your transformation happen (2 Corinthians 5:17). You will love the new you!How will you respond to what God has taught you today? In what way will you apply what you have learned to your life? With whom will you share what you have learned?https://zume.trainingwww.CovoneMinistries.com www.ForwardLiving.Live

Let Your Light Shine!In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus compares us his followers to light, saying we "are the Light Of The World," unable to be hidden; let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Never hesitate to glorify God with your gifts, you will never regret it. I encourage you to “Be Bold” and let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.Be willing to do what others won’t do. Train yourself for the Purposes of God. Fight To Win! Let nothing stop you from reaching your full potential in Jesus Christ; and remember, we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. Romans 8:37If you are passionate about winning souls and want to make a meaningful difference in your community and country, we want to hear from you! Please help Bivin's Mission Japan bring in the Harvest by seeking and saving all lost, making disciples, and fulfilling the Great Commission. Luke 19:10 - (Matthew 28:18-20).Prepare to join us as we learn more about our Destiny and Position in Christ on Awaken To Sonship - 2 am With God, and together let’s wait for Him to Perform His Word.For Spiritual Growth and Training, please contact Bivin's Mission Japan. Learn more about God's Divine Strategy for advancing the Gospel of Jesus Christ and winning souls into the Kingdom! https://lnkd.in/fbUN3q9

Let Your Light Shine!In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus compares us his followers to light, saying we "are the Light Of The World," unable to be hidden; let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Never hesitate to glorify God with your gifts, you will never regret it. I encourage you to “Be Bold” and let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.Be willing to do what others won’t do. Train yourself for the Purposes of God. Fight To Win! Let nothing stop you from reaching your full potential in Jesus Christ; and remember, we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. Romans 8:37If you are passionate about winning souls and want to make a meaningful difference in your community and country, we want to hear from you! Please help Bivin's Mission Japan bring in the Harvest by seeking and saving all lost, making disciples, and fulfilling the Great Commission. Luke 19:10 - (Matthew 28:18-20).Prepare to join us as we learn more about our Destiny and Position in Christ on Awaken To Sonship - 2 am With God, and together let’s wait for Him to Perform His Word.For Spiritual Growth and Training, please contact Bivin's Mission Japan. Learn more about God's Divine Strategy for advancing the Gospel of Jesus Christ and winning souls into the Kingdom! https://lnkd.in/fbUN3q9

📖 Forsake All For Christ ✝️❓ Have you measured the true cost of following Christ in your life?🤔 To truly follow Christ means more than attending services; it demands a profound sacrifice, a willingness to forsake all else. This path isn't about loss but about gaining Christ in a way that transforms every aspect of our existence.🛑 "So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple" (Luke 14:33). To be a disciple requires a radical relinquishment of all that might hinder our complete commitment to Christ.🚶 "Then Jesus told his disciples, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me'" (Matthew 16:24). Following Jesus means daily denying our desires and comforts to embrace the challenges and joys of discipleship.🔥 "Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord" (Philippians 3:8). The apostle Paul exemplifies this mindset, considering all things loss compared to the overwhelming value of life with Christ.🙏 Pray for the strength to let go of worldly attachments and the wisdom to prioritize your relationship with Christ above all. Ask for courage to embrace the cost of discipleship fully.👣 Consider what you might be holding onto that prevents deeper commitment to Christ. Today, take a step to forsake something that has been a barrier in your walk with God.#ForsakeAllForChrist #FaithOverFear #SchoolAlive

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Christians Work Together:The Bible says in Ephesians 4:16; He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.Christian Unity is the key to victory! The Father is glorified when we treat and see each other as Christian Brothers and Sisters, members of His glorious Family. As believers, we must be willing to work together with one harmonious purpose! Philippians 2:2 says that we should be like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.If Christians aren't willing to work together in harmony with each other, how can they expect to work together in harmony with God? In addition, the Bible in Ephesians 2:10 says; For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Determine To Hold The Purposes of God in your heart. Read 1 Corinthians 2:16, Ephesians 4:1-16, & 1 Corinthians 12: 1-31 Prepare to join us as we learn more about our Destiny and Position in Christ on Awaken To Sonship - 2 am With God.If you are passionate about winning souls and want to make a meaningful difference in your community and country, we want to hear from you! For Spiritual Growth and Training, please contact Bivin's Mission Japan. Learn more about God's Divine Strategy for advancing the Gospel of Jesus Christ and winning souls into the Kingdom! https://lnkd.in/fbUN3q9

Be Like-Minded:Then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Philippians 2:2What Is Your Position In Christ? If every Christian truly understood their Identity and Position in Christ, Christianity would be a force to be reckoned with in the world. As Christian, we should strive to live and work in harmony with each other as mentioned in Romans 15:5-6 and Ephesians 1: 3-8 Think AboutYour Teammates. The Father is glorified when we treat and see each other as Christian Brothers and Sisters as members of His glorious Family. If Christians aren’t willing to work together in harmony with each other, how can they expect to work together in harmony with God? For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10 We must determine to Work Together for the Lord and make every effort to Live In Unity with one another before Jesus can truly Reign on earth.Yes, determine To Hold The Purposes of God in your heart. Determine to embrace every member of the Body of Christ as if it were your own body. Read 1 Corinthians 2:16 , Ephesians 4:1-16, & 1 Corinthians 12: 1-31Prepare to join us as we learn more about ourDestinyandPositionin Christ onAwaken To Sonship - 2 am With God, and together let’s wait for Him to Perform His Word.For Spiritual Growth and Training Please Contact, Bivin's Mission Japan. It's Time to Seek and to Save those who are lost.(Luke 19:10) Let's RememberThe Great Commission.Matthew 28:16-20. Please Help us Impact The Nation of Japan. Please SupportBivin’sMission Japan. www.bivinsmissionjapan.com

Be Like-Minded:Then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Philippians 2:2What Is Your Position In Christ? If every Christian truly understood their Identity and Position in Christ, Christianity would be a force to be reckoned with in the world. As Christian, we should strive to live and work in harmony with each other as mentioned in Romans 15:5-6 and Ephesians 1: 3-8 Think AboutYour Teammates. The Father is glorified when we treat and see each other as Christian Brothers and Sisters as members of His glorious Family. If Christians aren’t willing to work together in harmony with each other, how can they expect to work together in harmony with God? For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10 We must determine to Work Together for the Lord and make every effort to Live In Unity with one another before Jesus can truly Reign on earth.Yes, determine To Hold The Purposes of God in your heart. Determine to embrace every member of the Body of Christ as if it were your own body. Read 1 Corinthians 2:16 , Ephesians 4:1-16, & 1 Corinthians 12: 1-31Prepare to join us as we learn more about ourDestinyandPositionin Christ onAwaken To Sonship - 2 am With God, and together let’s wait for Him to Perform His Word.For Spiritual Growth and Training Please Contact, Bivin's Mission Japan. It's Time to Seek and to Save those who are lost.(Luke 19:10) Let's RememberThe Great Commission.Matthew 28:16-20. Please Help us Impact The Nation of Japan. Please SupportBivin’sMission Japan. www.bivinsmissionjapan.com