Sin Is Not Imputed When There Is No Law

Today's Bible Study:

Just as through one man sin entered into the world ... and death through sin ... and so death spread to all men, because all sinned — for until the Law sin was in the world ...

but sin is not imputed when there is no law.

Nevertheless death reigned from Adam until Moses, even over those who had not sinned in the likeness of the offense of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come.

If you've made it this far ... please comment and give your definition of "sin."

May God bless you abundantly, and make you a blessing to others.
Bishop Dennis Davis
Presiding Apostle/Prophet of CFI

Hear What God Is Saying And Walk In It

We need to know what God is saying to us, and then we need to walk in it. This, and much more, is covered in this video.

May God bless you abundantly, and make you a blessing to others!
Bishop Dennis Davis
Presiding Apostle/Prophet of CFI

Equipping Leaders

Here's a video for this blog. Says more than what I can write, and probably says it quicker than most can read. :-)

May God bless you abundantly, and make you a blessing to others,

Bishop Dennis Davis

Presiding Apostle/Prophet of CFI

I celebrated another birthday, Saturday, May 7. I won't say how old I am because everyone usually thinks I'm 5-10 years younger than I truly am ... so, at my age, I'll allow them to think what they will. :-)

While the day my mother gave birth to me is an important date, there is one day that is even greater, yet few celebrate it at all. That day would be the day we are "born again." Why most not celebrate it? I'd say because many have NO idea when they were born again ... which could be a problem.

On the one hand, there are those who KNOW that they were born again. They can tell you the moment or event, but they can't tell you the date. They can tell you specifics about that day, they just don't recall the month or day, and sometimes don't even recall the year. However, they do KNOW of a moment that they were born again, and their life changed.

On the other hand, there are those who have no idea of when they were born again. They can't point to a specific moment, event, season, or anything. They just "grew up" a Christian. These I am concerned about.

I understand that many churches don't keep the records, nor do they highlight the special day representing when they were born again. Thus, many don't know the date. But when someone can't point back to a time they made a decision to accept the Lordship of Jesus Christ, then we must encourage them to truly question ... have I truly made Jesus Christ Lord of my life? It's a decision one makes.

If you know the day you were born again ... cherish it. Make it special. Celebrate it. If you know the month, but not a specific day ... pick a day and celebrate it. My point is this ... we celebrate our fleshly birth, yet our spiritual birth is far more important. Which should we treasure more?

Those who may read this who don't know of any time that they could say, "I was born again," I challenge you ... make THIS day that day. Decide, and declare, that Jesus is Lord of your life from this day forth. Thank Him for the salvation that He has given to you, and rejoice!

My very special day was July 23, 1979 at 3:10 AM.

Proclaim the good news to others and invite them to accept the Lordship of Jesus for themselves.

May God bless you abundantly, and make you a blessing to others,
Bishop Dennis Davis

Personal Prophetic Ministry

The following is in response to a question I received through my website. I thought the response may help others, as well.

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Question:

Hello I was wondering if you do personal prophetic ministry?

Answer:

May grace and peace be manifested abundantly in your life.

Elizabeth, thanks for contacting me with your question.

I appreciate the seriousness of your question, and I'll answer that question after I say this. It seems to be a bit of humor between me and the Lord when someone asks me, what I'm sure to them is a simple question, and yet my answer isn't as simple and direct. So, please hang in here with me.

To answer your question, "simply" ... the answer would be "yes."

To answer your question more "completely" ... will take a bit more than a "yes." Please allow me to explain.

There are those who accept personal prophetic ministry, and those who do not. Obviously, I do accept it.

To those who do not accept it, the Lord "rarely" (not "never") directs a word to them. Just as Jesus could do no mighty work in Nazareth because of their unbelief, a word to the scoffer would be rejected.

To those who DO accept personal prophetic ministry there needs to be better understanding. God moves through each of His "vessels" uniquely. Just as the example of the difference between the foot and the hand in the body. Both are necessary. They are still, both, part of the body. Now in a bit different scenario that helps me personally understand how God uses each person uniquely is forks, spoons, and knives. Personally, I have a rough time using a spoon for what forks and knives are used for. Then to break it down even more, it's difficult to use a butter knife the same way you'd use a steak knife.

Now, let's understand that each individual in the body of Christ is unique. There's not another on the planet, exactly like me, and not another exactly like you. He'll use you one way, and me another.

To get back to your question, those who are utilized by the Lord in the personal prophetic ministry are unique. Each have varying styles and personalities, which simply reveals the creativity of the Lord.

As I equip and empower those the Lord sends my way, I in no way desire a clone. If they are a clone of me, then the work in them is not of the Lord. They must learn to go beyond me, and be moved by His Spirit. It is my responsibility to help them, and nurture them in the ways of the Lord, not in the ways of "me." I understand that they are unique and valuable to the Lord and to the body of Christ. Now they will definitely have my impression upon them, that's why the Lord sent them to me, because He wants the impression He's given me to be upon them ... otherwise, He would have sent them to another prophet for molding.

I say this in hopes of equipping you to be prepared for what the Lord has in store for you.

Always remember, a prophetic word is for exhortation, edification, and comfort. When a prophet brings you a word from the Lord, he will not bring fear. The word He gives you will not discourage you, it will encourage you. It will not be for condemnation, it will be for building you up. It will not bring you discomfort, it will bring you comfort.

I tell people who thinks God uses fear to motivate us ... that's simply not true. I've had someone tell me, "Well, if there is a serial killer in your house waiting for you, fear will keep you out of the house." Nonsense, we're told that God didn't give us a spirit of fear. Fear involves the flesh. We are not carnal. We are to be moved by His Spirit and His Word. I tell people that if there's a serial killer awaiting me in my house, God will simply tell me to go do something else. OR, if He tells me there is a serial killer in my house, He'll say it in such a way that it will not bring fear but comfort, and a solution for victory.

One last thing, NOTE ... we seldom (I didn't say never) are to seek a prophetic word. Let me emphasize again that I did NOT say that we are NEVER to seek ... what I said was that we are to seldom seek a prophetic word. Our leading and inspiration comes from the Holy Spirit. We're clearly told in Romans 8:14 that all who are led by the Spirit of God, are the sons of God. It does NOT say those who are led by prophets. Again, keep in mind, I am a prophet of God, but you are to be led by the Spirit of God, not by me. It is my responsibility to teach you to hear HIS voice. It is important that you are able to hear HIM, even when I am not, or another prophet is not, around.

As we are seeking the Lord, praying, and asking for guidance, He will send those to speak prophetically into our life. As a prophet, I am to equip you for the work He has called you to, and one of the most important ingredients in that equipping is teaching and showing you how to hear directly from the Holy Spirit. I've seen too many who have been called to the prophetic, who have become too puffed up in thinking everyone needs them. Instead they should be thinking that everyone needs the Lord, and understand that they are simply a tool (like a hammer, or sandpaper) which the Lord is utilizing to shape someone's life ... always remembering ... to God be all the glory, honor, and praise!

Finally, you were probably not expecting such a lengthy response. Had you inquired with someone else, you would have received a different response, because of how the Lord equips us individually. He led you to my website, and led you to ask me the question. This is the response you received. I don't believe it was by accident. God desires for you to have a deep and passionate heart to heart walk with Him. He doesn't want it to be superficial, He desires for it to have a strong root and strong foundation. He doesn't want you to have a life of quick fixes, He desires for you to be a vessel who is strong and healthy, and able to train up and equip others, to train up and equip others, to train up and equip other ... I hope you get the picture. He didn't make a mistake in molding you. You are unique! He didn't call you for your imitation of someone else, He called and equipped you for HIS purpose. He didn't create a purpose for you, He created YOU for a purpose. There's a difference. Be strong, be courageous, and be bold to be who God created YOU to be.

I hope this answers your question. If you have any others, or desire clarity on anything here, please let me know.

May God bless you abundantly, and make you a blessing to others,

Bishop Dennis Davis
Presiding Apostle/Prophet of CFI
www.BishopDennisDavis.com
www.VoiceOfTheAnointing.com
www.ChristianFellowshipInternational.net

Radical Change

I've known the Lord for over 31.5 years, and I've been in ministry nearly as long. I've studied His Word extensively. I've been exposed to many varied moves of God over those years ... some good, some questionable as to if it truly was a move of God ... some long term moves, some short term, and some as quick as one service only. I've also been exposed to many varied doctrines, with the same conclusions as the moves of God ... some good, some questionable.

I've made several observations over the years concerning the kingdom of God, the church, ministries, authority in the kingdom, authority in the church, the world, scripture, interpretation of scripture, and much more. As you read this, you may think that authority in the kingdom and authority in the church would be the same. Now, although it should be the same, upon research and study, you'll conclude that it is NOT ... well, it hasn't been ... but ... the times, they are a changing.

It's hard to explain, but in the last few months I've gained a clearer understanding of things that in years past have been "cloudy." I truly believe we are in the midsts of the most radical change in the way of "doing church" since the Protestant Reformation.

Isn't it interesting that most people who call themselves Christians, have very little understanding of what they should truly believe? What do you think about the fact that most "believers" have no, or very little, understanding of what happened in the Protestant Reformation? How many today know where the various denominations came from, and who knows the differences between them? Now most would say all that is not important. To which I'd say, it is important if one wants a true understanding of the ways of God.

How does the time of the Protestant Reformation compare with today? If we think we are so much "better off" than they were, we should do some more study. In the time of the Protestant Reformation, people were misled because most could not read the Bible, due to the language barrier. Today, many are misled because they don't find it important enough to read and study the Bible.

When one takes a close look at the church today, there is much to be excited about, with also some things that sound an alarm. There are changes that can be seen when one looks with an observant eye. Changes in style, appearance, methods, training, and authority, to name just a few.

Is it possible, as a few scholars and theologians have stated, that there has been a period of 1800 years when the biblical government of the Church was not explicitly in its proper place? Think of the time between Malachi and the New Testament. Over 400 years of silence, where we know of no record of any visitation of God ... no prophets, no miracles, no word from God. Then comes John the Baptist, the forerunner of Jesus. One representing the old covenant, the other being the manifestation of the new covenant ... old wineskin and new wineskin. So, why would it be said that the biblical government of the Church has not been explicitly in its proper place?

While there has been a "government of the Church" in place, when one understands the truth of God's word, and the ways of God, one would have to admit that it has not been a "biblical government." Why would some disagree with that statement? Let me ask another question ... why was there such controversy over the Protestant Reformation? People get accustomed to the "status quo." Most never study to show themselves approved unto God, rightly dividing the word of truth. (2Timothy 2:15)

Radical change is upon us. Look at the signs of the times. Look at the number of nations that are having demonstrations and upheavals. It is necessary to gain a better understanding of the truth of God's word. It is vital that we understand that we, as christians, may be in the world, but we are not of it. We have a King, and His name is Jesus! We are to be about the advancement of the kingdom of God.

The world needs solutions, and we as the children of God, should be the ones with the solutions. In their day, Daniel, Nehemiah, and Joseph (to name only a few) were given the solutions to their generations. Who are the ones in this day and age who will come forth with the solutions?

Again, radical change is upon us. Stand up, step out, and make a difference. Seek the Lord, like you've never sought Him before. Allow Him to lead you, as you've never allowed Him before. You will fall into one of the following categories.

1) Those who make things happen.

2) Those who watch what's happening.

3) Those who don't know what's happening.

Decide to be in group number one.

To God be all glory, honor, and praise!

May God bless you abundantly, and make you a blessing to others,

Bishop Dennis Davis

Presiding Apostle/Prophet of CFI

The Awakening is Upon Us!!!

Now many of you that have taken the time to read my facebook and twitter chatter, have heard me talking about an awakening. Up until tonight (you can tell me I've been hiding in a closet), but until tonight, I've not heard anyone else talking about an awakening. Tonight ... I read this ... "One of the things that we keep hearing for 2011 is AWAKENING is COMING! God is prophetically speaking to His people telling them to arise, awake, and accept the light of a new day!" Amazing! Glad someone is hearing it. The first and only time I've heard it, was some time ago while I was in prayer. It was birthed in my spirit, and it has been like a fire. Get ready.

I'm also the presiding Apostle/Prophet for CFI (Christian Fellowship International). I've prayed a lot about that. I kept telling my wife, I have to answer the question, "WHY?" Why CFI? This was back in October of 2010. I then found a book. It was discounted and only cost me a dollar. I look back and have NO IDEA why I picked up that book. I have NO IDEA why I purchased it after I picked it up. The ONLY reason it could have been, was that it was divinely prompted. That book answered so many of my questions. It would take a book, to explain all the answers the Lord revealed to me concerning questions that I'd had for years. However, through all that, the Lord revealed to me the WHY, that I'd been asking about. CFI is for equipping and empowering believers, and releasing them to fulfill the call of God on their lives. I've been communicating that to those who inquire about CFI, and anyone else that will listen. :-)

OK, having said that ... what else do I read tonight, from the same blog? (BTW, the blog I read can be found by clicking here ... it's by Brian Simmons, and it's about half way down the page.) The title is "Seven Components of a Great Life This Year and Some Celebrities Will Prophesy." He started out with what I mentioned in the opening paragraph of my blog here. Then he went into his 7 components. It was all good, but #4 was amazing, because in #4 he wrote:

4. Empowerment of Others to Fulfill Their Ministry

Non-controlling, equipping, releasing, affirming, fathers/mothers will arise in 2011. Will you be one of them? Now is the time to stop telling people in the Church what they can't do and begin to teach the saints what they can do! The works of Jesus are waiting for a faith-filled people to step out in ministry and do it! I love the legacy of John Wimber who taught our generation that we can "do the stuff." So why would we put so many barriers and restrictions and probations before God's people when He calls us to "do the stuff"? People who really know the power of God are now called to empower the people to know it, too! If you will give yourself like crazy to take off shackles from God's people and empower them to fulfill their ministry, 2011 will be the BEST year you've ever had!

I've recently been talking about coaching (similar to what he says about "fathers/mothers"), and how I see the need for everyone to have a coach. Yes, the Holy Spirit is our coach, but in case anyone hasn't noticed lately, some have had (admittedly) a rough time hearing that voice clearly. It is the responsibility of the mature to teach and train others how to hear that voice.

I find it amazing and exciting when the Lord does things like this. It stirs me when I get confirmation about what the Lord is doing. He has told us, by the mouth of two or more witnesses let everything be established.

I encourage you to get ready for a great outpouring ... a great AWAKENING. If you, or someone you know needs equipping and/or empowering, please visit the CFI website.

May God bless you abundantly, and make you a blessing to others,

Bishop Dennis Davis

Presiding Apostle/Prophet of CFI