Bill Gothard Ph.D.

International ministry. Basic Youth Conflicts Seminar with 3 million alumni, author of 150 books, president of Embassy University. Program to Transform prisons.

[Bill Gothard Ph.D. @BillGothard]

The Heresy of TRUTH out of BALANCE!

There is a dreadful lack of power among believers to live victorious lives! It can be traced to the lack of internalizing God's Word: "The power that works in us" (Ephesians 3:20).

Instead of teaching believers how to have God's "words live in them" John 15:7), churches are majoring in "praise and worship." Yes, we are to praise God and to worship Him but that is not the primary function of the church that Jesus established!

* The primary purpose of the church that Jesus founded

Jesus made this abundantly clear when he used a whip to drive out the money-changers from His temple and declared: "Is it not written, 'My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer?' But you have made it a den of thieves" (Luke 11:17). Jesus was quoting from Isaiah 56:7: "I will make them joyful in my house of prayer... for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all people."

* Enhancing prayer with "the sacrifice of thanksgiving"

David amplified the function of prayer in the Lord's house with the giving of testimonies of thanksgiving. "I will offer to you the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the Lord...in the courts of the Lord's house" (Psalm 116:17,19). Joyful testimonies are the spontaneous responses of believers who have had their prayers answered and have experienced the power of God's Word working in their lives, families, finances, health and witness.

* The power of testimonies to prepare for prayer

Paul gave clear instructions that every believer should be ready to give a living testimony when he or she arrives for a church meeting so that all believers would be edified and non-believers would be convicted and converted: "If you are all [giving testimonies] and there comes in one who believes not, or one who is unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all: and thus are the secrets of his heart made known; and so, falling down on his face he will worship God and report that God is in you [by His Word] of a truth" (1 Corinthians 14:24-26).

* God's prerequisite to have our prayers answered!

Many believers have inwardly lost faith in the power of prayer because God has not responded to past prayers. Answers to prayer are conditional. For example, David stated, "If I regard [allow a place for] iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me" (Psalm 66:18). Two or more believers must also be in one accord (Acts 4:24; Matthew 18:19).

But John gives the foundational requirement for getting answers to prayer: "If you live in me, and my words live in you [by day and night meditation], you shall ask for whatever you desire, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit: so shall you be my disciples" (John 15:7-8).

- Bill Gothard, Ph.D. (https://t.co/75323uTUuT)

[Bill Gothard Ph.D. @BillGothard]

Sunday was Bill's 91st birthday! God has been so good. Still writing books and seeing his friends and loved ones, earnestly praying for and laboring for our nation, including each one of you as you continue to be his "glory and joy" (1 Thess. 2:20). This image is from a birthday a decade ago with his dear sister Anne, now several years with the Lord. His brother David was also taken home this year. Leave him a birthday greeting and we will make sure he sees it!

[Bill Gothard Ph.D. @BillGothard]

Why We Must Never Argue Over Religion

Paul declared, "The servant of the Lord must not strive" (ll Timothy 2:24). The word strive means to argue, quarrel or be contentious. We are to "earnestly contend for the faith" (Jude 3), but we are not to be contentious about it. There will be false teachers who are cunning and crafty and who "lie in wait to deceive" (Ephesians 4:14), but we must not argue with them.

• How Jesus avoided arguments about religion

The woman at the well said to Jesus, "Our fathers worshipped in this mountain: and you say that in Jerusalem is the place men ought to worship" (John 4:20). Jesus knew that arguing over the right place to worship would be futile because this woman was living in immorality. He focused on that, and she brought the city out to hear him! When the unbelieving religious rulers asked Jesus provocative questions, He did not argue. He gave irrefutable answers, self-incriminating questions or wisdom that made their questions look foolish. He also pointed out the vile immorality in them.

• We must recognize and reject the wrong kind of questions

Scripture identifies three types of questions:

1. Foolish questions. These questions have no answers. Theologians once argued over how many angels could fit on the head of a pin.
2. Unlearned questions. These questions do have answers but our finite minds cannot comprehend them. Why did God "create evil"? (Isaiah 45:7) is an example.
3. Learned questions. These are questions that have answers, and we should ask them. i.e. "Why did Jesus have to be crucified?"

Paul warned, "Foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do produce strife" (ll Timothy 2:23).

• We must be qualified to teach those who are in error

Rather than arguing, we are to teach those who are living in error and be patient with them. "In meekness instructing those who oppose themselves: if God might give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth" (I Timothy 2:25). In order to be an "instructor," we must be a mature believer who is skilled in using God's word. An immature believer who tries to argue with a skilled deceiver will be defeated. "For everyone that uses milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness for he is a babe. But strong meat belongs to those who are of full age, in other word, those who have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil" (Hebrews 5:13-14).

• Those who persist in arguing over religion are immoral

False religions are primarily designed to promote or allow sexual immorality. Even though they have the moral law of God written in their heart, they reject it. So, they are fighting themselves. By a warning "God may give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth: and they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil who are taken captive by him at his will" (verses 25-26). After two warnings stop talking, knowing that he is in immorality and he condemns himself! (Titus 3:10-11)

Bill Gothard, Ph.D. (https://t.co/75323uUskr)

Picture courtesy of Blaine A. White under https://t.co/rCYVmDdj0p

[Bill Gothard Ph.D. @BillGothard]

Seven Questions Every Bride Must Ask!

For centuries, the “perfect Prince Charming” has become the “vile village villain!” How did the happen? Nothing happened! The naïve bride did not realize that she was walking down the aisle with three different grooms.

The Six People at the Altar:

1. The groom, who he thinks he is.
2. The groom, who she thinks he is.
3. The groom, who he really is.
4. The bride, who he thinks she is.
5. The bride, who she thinks she is.
6. The bride, who she really is.

After the wedding, two carefully contrived masks vanished, and the real groom emerged! The disillusioned bride could have spared herself a lifetime of grief if she had asked the eager suiter these seven questions before she said “yes”!

Seven Questions to Ask a Prospective Groom:

1. Does your father trust your decision-making skills?

2. Would your mother say that you treat her with the highest respect?

3. Are you in debt for depreciating items? Do you owe anyone money?

4. Have you been involved in any pornography? Or any immorality?

5. Are your closest friends wise Christians? Do you get angry?

6. What is your life goal? What have you done to reach it?

7. Do you have a deep relationship with God? Do you meditate on Scripture daily?

Bill Gothard, Ph.D. (https://t.co/75323uUskr)

[Bill Gothard Ph.D. @BillGothard]

Steps of Action for Revival in Our Day

Revival does not “just happen”! It follows spiritual laws of cause and effect in the same way that a farmer follows physical laws. We can all follow these steps of action and expect to see lasting revival in our day!

Step One: Build Dynamic Families!

For centuries, Christians have been trying to build the church. This is NOT our job! Jesus is the head of the church, and He has stated: “You build your families” and “I will build MY Church!” (Matt. 16:18).

If we follow God’s pattern and build dynamic families, we will have dynamic churches and continuous revival!

Step Two: Internalize God’s Word!

This is the only way that we can build dynamic families! It is getting God’s Word IN US! It involves finding a special verse of Scripture every day, memorizing it and quoting it back to God that night while going to sleep. During the night the verses go from our head brain down to our gut brain, and then teach our heart brain wisdom, understanding, insight and creativity. David made reference to this when he wrote, “I will bless the Lord who has given me counsel. My reins [gut brain] also instructs me in the night seasons” (Psalm 16:7)

This day and night meditation is an ABSOLUTE necessity and must be done continually in order to experience the joy and victory of the Christian life! Jesus said, “If you live your life in me and my words live in your hearts, you can ask for whatever you desire [to bear fruit], and it will be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified that you bear much fruit. So shall you be my disciples.” (John 15:7-8). By doing this, God guarantees that we will experience true success. “In his law does he meditate day and night, and whatsoever he does shall prosper” (Psalm 1:2-3). “Let the word of Christ live in you richly in all wisdom” (Col. 3:16), “Then you shall have good success” (Joshua 1:8)

Step Three: Know the Devastation of Not Meditating!

The greatest temptation for most men is lust. This can also be a major problem for women. Jesus warns about the devastating consequences of lusting in our heart. It would be more profitable to pull out our right eye or cut off our right hand than to lust in our heart. (Matt. 6:27-30)

When we go to sleep at night, our head brain and our heart brain become passive. In this state they are open to any and every stray thought. Many of these thoughts are sensual. It is all too easy to picture them and then engage in lust. Our destiny will be the thoughts we think while going to sleep. When we quote verses of Scripture to God, the light and power of God’s word blocks out all other thoughts. Lustful thoughts just do not come!

Step Four: Document the Rewards of Meditation!

One who faithfully meditates should begin to see God’s blessings in a short period of time because God promises that whatever that man does “will prosper” (Psalm 1:2-30). Be looking for things to be thankful for. “In every thing give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” ( I Thess. 5:18).

Step Five: Glorify God by Reporting Rewards!

God receives glory when we report His deeds to as many as possible. His works will be the theme of our praise for generations to come. “One generation shall praise your works to another and shall declare your mighty acts” (Psalm 145:4)

Step Six: Prepare a Testimony for Your Church!

Now we have the potential for revival. Notice the power of spontaneous testimonies in church: “If all prophesy [give testimonies| and there comes in one who believes not or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, and thus are the secrets of
his heart made manifest, and so falling down on his face, he will worship God and report that God is in you of a truth” (I Cor. 14:24) 

Bill Gothard, Ph.D. (https://t.co/75323uTUuT)

[Bill Gothard Ph.D. @BillGothard]

How the Church Surrendered its Authority

The power and authority of the first century church was in its ministry of healing. This power attracted thousands to the Lord and stopped the mouths of God's enemies. The care of widows was a related ministry that was a key factor in the rapid growth of the church (Acts 4:33).

Whoever controls the health and welfare of a nation controls the nation!

• Why healing is a foundational ministry of the church

Health is one of the strongest reasons for people to seek God and obey His laws because He controls our health. "Be not deceived: God is not mocked: for whatever a man sows, that shall he also reap. For he that sows to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption [sickness and disease]" (Galatians 6:7-8). When a person is seriously sick his first thought should be to contact the church. "Is any sick among you, let him call for the elders of the church" (James 5:14). The Bible is a "textbook" on health!

• The example of the first century church

Physical healing was a major factor in the rapid growth of the first century church. When Peter and John healed the lame man "all the people ran together unto them...and the number of men [who believed] was about 5,000" (Acts 3:11,44). This was 2000 more than believed on the day of Pentecost! "And believers were added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women. Insomuch that they brought forth the sick... out of the cities round about...and they were healed, every one" (Acts 5:15-16).

• God's calling to ministry includes physical healing

Jesus described His calling: "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because he has anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised" (Luke 4:18). Later, He said to his disciples, "As my Father has sent me even so send I you" (John 20:21).

• God's rebuke of pastors who fail to heal the sick

"Woe be to the shepherds...the diseased have you not strengthened, neither have you healed that which was sick, neither have you bound up that which was broken, neither have you brought again that which was driven away, neither have you sought that which was lost... Thus says the Lord God, behold, I am against the shepherds and I will require my flock at their hand" (Ezekiel 34:4,10).

• Health and welfare were church functions in America

Jesus made it clear that the care of the sick is the personal responsibility of believers when He said, "I was sick and you visited me...inasmuch as you have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, you have done it unto me" (Matthew 25:36,40). In colonial America the churches fulfilled this role but in 1751 the nation's first hospital was founded in Philadelphia by a Quaker doctor. Churches sent their sick to the hospitals which became secular and under state control. Pastors have not been trained to trace sickness and disease to their root causes and give wise counsel. Instead, the state pays for diseases that are the direct result of violating God's moral or health laws.

Bill Gothard, Ph.D. (https://t.co/75323uTUuT)

[Bill Gothard Ph.D. @BillGothard]

What Is Missing in, "IF MY PEOPLE..."

Since my boyhood eighty-five years ago, I have listened to pastors quote with hopeful confidence, "If my people which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways: then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land" (Il Chronicles 7:14). Multitudes of believers have tried to obey this verse. However, our land is far from healed. As a nation we are tolerating sins that were unthinkable 85 years ago. We are no longer seen as a Christian nation. Instead, we are at the brink of becoming an anti-God, atheistic dictatorship! What is missing?

* "If My people who are called by My name.."

When Hitler planned to kill millions of Jews, his first step was to require them to wear a "Jewish Badge." This consisted of a six-inch yellow star of David on a black field with the word "Jew" inscribed in the star. Similar tactics are being employed today by government leaders identifying all Christians as "racists," "white supremacists," "bigots," etc. Christians are now becoming a hated people!

* "Will humble themselves and pray..."

True humility is not just an outward act of falling on our faces before a holy God, but the inward act of totally yielding our will to God's will. It is surrendering the right to make final decisions. Prayer is not getting God in line with our needs, but getting our hearts aligned with His Kingdom goals.

* "AND SEEK MY FACE ..."

If you were to ask the average believer what it actually means to "seek God's face", he would not be able to give you an accurate answer. This is the critical factor in this verse, and we do not know what it means nor are we doing it. God gives us further light in I Chronicles 28:9, "Serve him with a perfect heart and a willing mind: for the Lord searches all hearts and understands all the IMAGINATIONS of the thoughts: if you SEEK HIM, he will be found of you: but if you forsake him, he will cast you off forever." Seeking God's face cannot be done before we cleanse our hearts and minds of evil imaginations and bring every thought captive to Christ. This is only possible by quoting Scripture to God every night while going to sleep. Only then will Jesus reveal His face to us. "He that has my commandments, and keeps them [in his heart], he it is that loves me, and he that loves me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him and will manifest myself to him [make myself known to him]" (John 14:21).

* "And turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven..."

It is only by the inner power of God's daily Rhemas and the Holy Spirit that we will be able to "turn from our wicked ways". "Let the word of Christ live in you richly in all wisdom" (Colossians 3:16). Only then will God heal our land!

Bill Gothard, Ph.D. (https://t.co/75323uTUuT)

[Bill Gothard Ph.D. @BillGothard]

Do We Have "Free Exercise" of Our Faith?

The first Amendment of the U.S. Constitution states, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the FREE EXERCISE thereof." Most American believers do not realize that this first amendment right is a "two-edged sword." If believers do NOT exercise their faith, by default the government will take over and the church will lose its authority in the community.

* The first failure to exercise our faith: TRUE EDUCATION.

God established the home to be the educational center and the parents to be the chief instructors. Tutors would be called in as needed. Parents are to teach wisdom to the heart and gut brains of their children, not just knowledge to their head brain. This can only be done by training sons and daughter how to find daily Rhemas and to quote them to God while going to sleep at night. "I have taught you statutes and judgments....this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations... teach them to your sons and your sons' sons" (Deuteronomy 4:5-10).

* The second failure to exercise our faith: WELFARE.

Whoever controls the health and welfare of a community controls the community! In the first century, the church took care of widows, fatherless and the sick. There is no Biblical basis to end this requirement. The law "is fulfilled in one word, even this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself" (Galatians 5;14). "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction and to keep himself unspotted from the world" James 1:27). "As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good to ALL people, especially those who are of the household of faith (Galatians 6:10). Meeting the need of others expresses our love for God (I John 3:17).

* The third failure to exercise our faith: INTERCESSION.

God has established two types of power: The power of leadership and the power of influence. God has set up leaders, however, the power of influence is greater than the power of leaders. This has been confirmed throughout history beginning with Eve's influence over Adam.

It is for this reason that God commands all believers to pray "for ALL who are in authority that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life" (I Timothy 2:1-2). We can pray in a general way for God to give them wisdom, understanding, success and protection. However, we cannot pray for precise needs until we know what they are. Every leader tends to have problems in four areas: marriage, rebellious children, finances and health. God has practical answers for these four problems.

When your authorities know that you are concerned about their personal welfare and are praying for them and their family members, they will be open to receiving resources from you that provide practical and proven answers to the problems that they are facing. Such resources are available at https://t.co/75323uUskr

Bill Gothard, Ph.D. (https://t.co/75323uUskr)

[Bill Gothard Ph.D. @BillGothard]

How Rhemas Produce Revivals

When is the last time you heard spontaneous testimonies in your church or Christian school? The obvious reason is that most Christians have nothing to say. Their "faith" is not working, and they are living defeated lives. Since the first century, lifechanging testimonies have ignited lasting revivals: "If everyone [testifies] and there come in one that believes not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all: and thus are the secrets of his heart made known: and so, falling down on his face he will worship God and report that God is truly in you" (1 Corinthians 14:24-25).

The Famous Welch Revival

In 1904 a small group of believers met in North Wales to pray for a revival. God answered their prayers. Soon, churches were packed out with people wanting to know God. The meetings lasted all day and night for a year! When one group left, another was waiting to fill their seats. There was little preaching only testimonies! Over 100,000 came to Christ and the revival spread to other nations.

The Wheaton College Revival

Time Magazine reported on the 1950 revival that took place among the students and faculty of Wheaton College. After a week of meeting, Dr. V. Raymond Edmond, the College president, asked if anyone would like to give a testimony. A few students came up to the microphone to confess failures. More followed. The testimonies lasted day and night for 42 hours! This revival transformed the college atmosphere!

The Mansfield Christian School Revival

When the Principal of the Mansfield Christian School in Ohio complained to me about the lack of spirituality among his 700 students, I said, "How would you like a revival starting next Thursday?" On Monday, I began interviewing the most "unspiritual" students. By Thursday I had seven who had made lifechanging decisions and were ready to give a public testimony. On Thursday morning at 8:30, the entire student body, faculty and parents met in the gymnasium. We invited any student to come up and give their testimony. Not only did the seven come up but more followed. The line got longer and longer. Students asked parents and teachers to forgive them. The testimonies continued all day and resumed the next morning!

The Key to a Genuine Revival

Charles Finney experienced amazing and lasting results in revivals in the 1800's in America. He wrote "Lectures on Revivals" and stated: "If farmers planned for crops the way the church plans for revivals, we would all have starved. Revivals do not 'just happen' they follow the laws of the harvest." This means internalizing God's daily Rhemas!

Bill Gothard, Ph.D. https://t.co/75323uUskr

[Bill Gothard Ph.D. @BillGothard]

𝔻𝕠 𝔾𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕥 𝕎𝕠𝕣𝕜𝕤 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝔾𝕠𝕕!      

    If you are a believer, God has called you and empowered you to do “great works” for Him! You may not believe that you are capable of doing great works, but God’s “strength is made perfect in our weakness” (II Corinthians 12:9). 

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 “𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤”? 

     A great work is a large or small action that is prompted by God’s Spirit and will glorify Him and produce lasting fruit for His kingdom. For example, Edward Kimball walked into a shoe store in 1855 and noticed a young shoe salesman. Edward was prompted to explain the gospel to him. That shoe salesman was saved and years later preached the gospel to a hundred million people in many nations. He also founded a training institute and church which continue to this day! He was Dwight L. Moody. 

𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐃𝐢𝐝 𝐆𝐨𝐝 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐌𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐃𝐨 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬?   

     The ministry of Jesus was a continual series of great works. He stated, “Verily, verily I say unto you, He that believes in me; the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do also” (John 14:12). He then said. “All power is given unto me in heaven and upon earth, Go ye, therefore and teach all nations… to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20). 

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐈 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐃𝐨 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬? 

           Begin by guaranteeing success: quote Bible verses to God every night while going to sleep! Then look for needs. The young boy did a great work by giving his lunch to Jesus. But it was what everyone needed. Ask yourself “What does everyone need?” The woman at the well did a great work by giving Jesus a drink of water. But it was something that he needed and asked for. Everyone needs the gospel but how can you get their attention and convince them that they need to receive it? 

          Then determine what group of people God wants you to focus on: Children, youth, adults, sick people, inmates, married couples, etc. Find out all you can about their needs, ways of thinking, and disappointments. Then spend time with them. 

          When I was fifteen years old. I asked myself, “What one thing could I do that would bring great glory to God?" My answer was, “Bring a revival to the youth of Chicago.” I learned how to do scenic chalk drawings and did them for church groups, high school youth groups. and Chicago street gangs. After many years of drawings and personal counselling, and a forty-day fast, God gave me the Basic Youth Conflict seminar!

-Bill Gothard, PhD (https://t.co/75323uTUuT)

[Bill Gothard Ph.D. @BillGothard]

How to Win the Hearts of Your Teens!

Most parents are totally unaware of the battle that comes when their sons and daughters reach their teen years. They lose the battle and spend years in grief over the destructive choices that their teens make!

• Be aware of your competition!

When your sons and daughters become teens, powerful hormones will awaken sexual desires. They need to be prepared by learning God’s moral laws and self-control. Most teens do not tell their parents about these new drives, but instead make friends with those who are fulfilling them in sinful ways. These friends will have a stronger influence than you have. If you try to break these friendships, your teens will turn against you and defend them.

• Establish a deep-rooted relationship with God!

Before your sons and daughters reach their teen years, they must have a solid relationship with God. “Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh when you shall say, I have no pleasure in them” (Ecclesiastes 12:1). Lead them to Christ and teach them to find and quote daily Rhemas to God every night while going to sleep.

• Look for ways to praise them!

People are controlled by the ones who praise them. Look for character qualities such as diligence, gratefulness, generosity, etc. and explain how they demonstrated them. Then tell them how their actions encouraged you.

• Introduce them to heroes of faith!

Young people tend to copy those who are admired. Your job is to get them to admire the right people. Read the biographies of great leaders such as Hudson Taylor, George Mueller, John Wesley, Goerge Whitefield, Martin Luther, Charles Finney, William Tyndale, and John Knox. Also, invite Godly people from your church and guest speakers to your home for a meal.

• Maintain a clear conscience with each one!

When you discipline with anger or harsh words, or show favoritism, quickly acknowledge your wrong and ask for their forgiveness! Unforgiven offenses will produce roots of bitterness and cause permanent alienation!

Bill Gothard, Ph.D. (https://t.co/75323uTUuT)

Image by ProperAndPolite used by permission (https://t.co/rCYVmDcLaR)

[Bill Gothard Ph.D. @BillGothard]

How to Get ALL Your Prayers Answered!

God wants to answer all of our prayers but there are certain prayers that he will not answer. He explains what these prayers are and why He will not answer them.

• God will not answer prayers with no faith.

All prayers must be based on faith. “But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he who wavers, is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive anything from the Lord” (James 1:6-7). Jesus said to Peter, “Have faith in God. For verily say unto you, that whosoever shall say unto this mountain, be thou removed and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he has said shall come to pass, he shall have whatsoever he says” (Mark 11:22-23).” Jesus identified three levels of faith. These levels correspond to our three brains:

1. “No faith” - Our head brain: This is the weakest brain. It simply affirms mental assent to facts.

2. “Little faith” - Faith from our heart brain. It is shallow faith.

3. “Great faith” - This faith is from our gut brain, (reins), and is a faith for which we will lay down our lives.

• God will not answer selfish prayers.

God evaluates the motives of our prayers. If they are to fulfill our pleasures, He will not answer them. “You have not because you ask not. You ask and receive not because you ask amiss, that you may consume it upon your lusts” (James 4:3). Our prayers must advance God’s kingdom and His purposes, not our programs and pleasures.

• God will not answer the prayers of believers who continue in sin.

David confirmed this important truth. “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.” (Psalm 66:18).

• God will answer ALL prayers that are based on his word.

Prayer is talking to God in the language of His own Word. The great prayers in Scripture illustrate this basic point. When God was going to destroy the nation of Israel, Moses reminded God of His promise to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. “And the Lord repented of the evil that he thought to do to his people” (Exodus 32:13-14). Nehamiah’s great prayer reminded God of His promise to Moses: “Remember, I beseech you the word that you commanded your servant Moses” (Nehamiah 1:8-9). Jesus promised, “If you live your life in me and my words live in you, you can ask for whatever you desire, and it will be done unto you” (John 15:7).

• God will answer ALL prayers that will bear fruit.

Every believer must bear fruit. “Every branch in me that beareth not fruit, [the Father] takes away, and every branch that bears fruit he prunes that it may bring forth more fruit” (John 15:2). “Herein is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit” (John 15:8)

Bill Gothard, Ph.D (https://t.co/75323uUskr)

Image by Lakhindra, used by permission. (https://t.co/rCYVmDdj0p)

[Bill Gothard Ph.D. @BillGothard]

How to Fulfill “One Another” Commands!

The “Head of the Church” must be properly worshipped. However, Jesus is equally concerned about believers loving one another “that they all may be one: as you, Father are in me and I in you, that they also may be one us: that the world may believe that you have sent me” (John 17:21). In order to do this God gave us thirty “one another” commands. There is NO Way these commands can be carried out with our present church schedule of Sunday morning worship services!

Examples of "one another" commands:

• Love one another (Repeated 16 times)
• Serve one another
• Pray for one another
• Give to one another
• Edify one another
• Exhort one another daily
• Submit to one another
• Bear one another’s burdens
• Admonish one another
• Comfort one another

The only way to fulfill these commands is to organize all church members into small groups of men and women and meet once a week.

The first order of business is for each member to pass his or her Daily Rhema Journal around for accountability. Quoting Scripture verses to God every night while going to sleep an essential discipline for a victorious Christian life. During the night they go from our head brain down to our gut brain (called "reins" in Scripture) and then teach our heart brain God’s wisdom. This is the only way to get God’s Word IN US! “Let the word of Christ live IN YOU richly in all wisdom” (Colossians 3:16).

Today, people come to church with hurts, problems, needs, and questions, and they go home with the same hurts. problems, needs and questions. Only in small groups can these be properly taken care of! So, we are running “half churches”! This is why churches and denominations are losing members!

Bill Gothard, Ph.D. (https://t.co/75323uUskr)

[Bill Gothard Ph.D. @BillGothard]

What Does God Say about the Food We Eat?

God designed our bodies to live indefinitely with NO diseases. He also gave us clear instructions on foods that we can eat and foods that we should NOT eat! Food restrictions began in the Garden of Eden when God commanded Adam and Eve NOT to eat certain food. God could have kept that food out of the garden, but He uses certain foods to test our obedience to His laws!

• Do not eat scavengers!

“Clean” animals have a digestive process for their food before it becomes part of their flesh. “Unclean” animals allow their food to go immediately to their flesh. This causes “food born” diseases such as trichinosis which consists of round worms that attack vital organs. God gives us a list of “clean” and “unclean” animals in Leviticus 11:3-47, and Deuteronomy 14:3-21. Some believers think that these restrictions no longer apply to Christians. However, their health benefits transcend the law of Moses. Also, Paul reaffirms these lists in Acts 15:20-21. The vision that God gave to Peter to eat unclean animals was an analogy of unsaved people (Acts 10:28). Peter confirmed the lists of unclean meats when he wrote, “As he who has called you is holy, so be ye holy in all [aspects of life], because it is written, “Be ye holy, for I am holy” (I Peter 1:15) from Leviticus 11:20!

• Major on fruits and vegetables!

God reveals the foods that we should eat by putting them in a favorable light in Scripture. For example, He speaks of the “fruit of the Spirit”(Galatians 5:22). And the “fruits of righteousness” (II Corinthians 9:10). Fruit is mentioned over one hundred times in the Bible in a positive light! Vegetables made up the original diet that God gave to Adam and Eve. They symbolize growth, nourishment, and prosperity. Nutritional experts tell us that we should eat vegetables every day. They provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are high in fiber and can decrease the risk of many diseases.

• Use olive oil to treat Arthritis!

Many foods have marvelous medicinal benefits. For example, if you suffer from pain in your joints, add virgin olive oil to your salads. The oil will lubricate your joints like oil does to a squeaky hinge. Psalm 109:18 states: “As he clothed himself with cursing, so let it come into his bowels like water and like oil into his bones” This is also confirmed by medical research. Many have found it to be very effective!

Bill Gothard, Ph.D (https://t.co/75323uTUuT)

Photo courtesy of Roberta Sorge under https://t.co/wk7HGeqBqR

[Bill Gothard Ph.D. @BillGothard]

@rich47jack Thank you, Richard

[Bill Gothard Ph.D. @BillGothard]

How Fasting Breaks the Power of Sin

Jesus listed three secret practices that God will openly reward. The first is prayer, the second is fasting and the third is giving. (Matthew 6:5-21) Fasting breaks the power of sensual sins. In over eighty years of attending church, I have never heard even one message on fasting! Is it any wonder that so many believers are in sensual bondage?

1. Recognize the continual war between our flesh and our spirit

"Walk in the Spirit and you shall not fulfill the lusts of the flesh. For the flesh wars against the Spirit and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that you cannot do the things that you desire" (Galatians 5:17). The works of the flesh are moral bondage and degeneration, but the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy peace and other qualities that lead to abundant and fruitful living. (Galatians 6:19-24)

2. Understand how to "crucify the flesh" with its lusts

Scripture states: "Those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and lusts" (Galatians 5:24). By using the symbolism of crucifixion, God is telling us that crucifying the flesh is a slow and painful process! This describes extended fasting. During a water only fast of 5-10 days many beneficial physiological changes take place. Toxins are eliminated from the blood, the immune system greatly increases and sex drives become dormant. God promises those who fast, "Your health shall spring forth speedily" (Isaiah 58:8).

Peter related physical suffering to conquering fleshly lusts. "Forasmuch then as Christ suffered for us in the flesh arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin: that he should no longer live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men but to the will of God" (1 Peter 4:1).

3. Compare the results of fasting to our life calling

Jesus calls us to follow "in his steps" and promises, "He that believes on me, the works that I do he shall do also, and greater [more in number| works that these shall he do" (John 14:12). He described his works: "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good tidings to the meek; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound" (Isaiah 61:1; Luke 4:18).

Now compare this list with the results of a prolonged fast: "Is not this the fast that I have chosen? To loose the bands of wickedness, to undue the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke?... then shall your light break forth as the morning and your health shall spring forth speedily" (Isaiah 58:6,8). Jesus began his ministry with a forty-day fast and Paul fasted often (Il Corinthians 6:5). Having gone on many fasts including two forty-day fasts, I can affirm the power of fasting!

[Anyone who undertakes a longer fast should have the counsel of a medical doctor, especially those with a medical condition. Also, a fast should never go beyond forty days or the body cells will begin to break down.]

Bill Gothard, PhD (https://t.co/75323uTUuT)

Image by Dr. Jean Fortunet used by permission, https://t.co/FJceayAqT1