A Strong Foundation for Christian Living

By Dr. Joe Cephus Bingham Sr.

Jesus tells a story about two homes in Matthew 7: 24-27. The narrative helps everybody to understand the difference between Holiness and sinfulness. In these Scriptures THE LORD shares a word picture to show the dissimilarity amid unrighteous and righteous. The unjust ill advised built upon shifting sand with no thought of digging a foundation. He did not consider his future. An unshakable truth is seasons changes therefore when the gale winds blew his home failed. On the other hand, the man of wisdom dug deep until he hit solid stone hence his base and construction stood under all kinds of inclement weather.
Believers who study, pray, and go to worship services are building their life on the unyielding pillars of The Gospel. However, sitting in the wrong Church, and receiving inaccurate teaching is just as indiscreet as faulty architect on sinking landscape. The strong winds of adversity are sure to come and the structure will collapse. Matthew 7: 27. Two builders; the foolish and wise, two results: devastation and strength.
Make the Gospel a lifestyle

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jun 7, 2016
• ISBN: 9781514451847

Dr. Joe Cephus Bingham Sr.

About The Author Bishop and Dr. Bettye Bingham will celebrate their 50th-wedding anniversary September 13, 2018. To that blessed union, they have four boys, 15 grandkids, and five great-grandkids. He founded Glad Tidings Christian Ministries and the Glad Tidings Bible College in 1984; on the Scripture: My people perish from lack of knowledge, Hosea 4: 6. He has educated, and prepared hundreds of pastors and laypeople for the work of the ministry. He established many Christian Educational Institutes throughout the United States and overseas. He has written training manuals, journals, and books that support Christian Education. He is a published author and a renowned gospel singer. Doctor Bingham has dedicated his life to Christian Education. Doctor Bingham completed his formal Education in the Saint Louis Public School system. He completed his Undergraduate and Graduate studies at the Living Word College Seminary, earning his Ph. D., in Psychology. He is an Ordained Bishop, overseeing the Perpetual Tidings Christian Services, Glad Tidings Christian Ministries, and former president of the Glad Tidings Bible College, St. Louis, Missouri. To God is the recognition.

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Copyright © 2016 by Dr. Joe Cephus Bingham Sr.

Library of Congress Control Number: 2016901057

ISBN: Hardcover     978-1-5144-5186-1

Softcover     978-1-5144-5185-4

eBook     978-1-5144-5184-7

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Rev. date: 06/03/2016

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BIBLE CITATIONS

Scripture quotations marked NKJV are taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scriptures marked as (CEV) are taken from the Contemporary English Version Copyright © 1995 by American Bible Society. Used by permission.

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked MSG are taken from THE MESSAGE. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. Website.

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved. [Biblica]

Scripture quotations marked TLB are taken from The Living Bible copyright © 1971. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked NASB are taken from the New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.

Scripture quotations marked KJV are from the Holy Bible, King James Version (Authorized Version). First published in 1611. Quoted from the KJV Classic Reference Bible, Copyright © 1983 by The Zondervan Corporation.

Scripture quotations marked AMP are from The Amplified Bible, Old Testament copyright © 1965, 1987 by the Zondervan Corporation. The Amplified Bible, New Testament copyright © 1954, 1958, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Website

Scripture quotations marked NRSV are taken from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, Copyright © 1989, by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Website

Scripture quotations marked NCV are taken from the New Century Version, Copyright © 1987, 1988, 1991 by Word Publishing, a division of Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked RSV are taken from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1946, 1952, 1971 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA. Used by permission.

Contents

Foreword

Dedication

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Chapter 1

Get More Out of Prayer

Growth in Prayer

Prayer Moves the Work

Prayer Needs a Target

Be Consistent in Prayer

Prayer Scriptures

Group Prayer

Chapter 2

Work and Moving of the Holy Spirit

The Moving Spirit

Growth in the Divine Spirit

Holy Spirit Exposes Darkness

Completeness in the Holy Spirit

Beguilement

Chapter 3

THE Hidden Agenda OF Satan

The Hidden Agenda of Pride

Chapter 4

How to Manage Mixed Emotions

Chapter 5

Trusting God

Chapter 6

Junk Thoughts

Negative Thinking

Junk Thoughts of Worry

How to Dispense Junk Thoughts

Chapter 7

Beware Of Inner Feelings

Chapter 8

Keeping the Body (Temple) Healthy

Uncontrollable Eating Habits Harms the Body

Our Body Is Fearfully and Wonderfully Made

Chapter 9

Make a Clean Sweep to Get the Sin Out

Chapter 10

Myths about the Holy Spirit

The Churches of God in Christ

The Holy Spirit Comes Before Tongues

Mourner’s Bench Preservation

The Myth about Waiting for the Holy Spirit

Proper Use of Tongues

Chapter 11

How to Express Thanks To THE LORD

The Devotionals Book

A Brief Foreword to the Book of Psalms

Praise Him for His Goodness

People Are Just Human Beings

Chapter 12

Understanding the New nature

Chapter 13

Christian Behavior

Conduct That Draw or Drive People Away

Parishioners’ Behavior

Parents Being Examples

Chapter 14

Understanding Faith

The Prayer of Faith

Chapter 15

Counterfeit Faith

Magical Faith

An Application for Authentic Faith

Chapter 16

Tithes and Offerings

Give with the Right Attitude

Chapter 17

Sanctification

The Origin of Sanctification

The Method of Sanctification

Sanctification Does Not Free Believers from Troubles

The Cross and Sanctification

Self-Righteous Sanctification

Justification, Sanctification and Regeneration

Position and Progressive Sanctification

Chapter 18

Compassion

Chapter 19

Right and Wrong Thinking

Self Evaluation

Chapter 20

Growing In Change

Abraham Changes His Environment

Commit To Change

Change Is Difficult

Chapter 21

Christian Logic

Logic and Apologetics

Chapter 22

Christian Fellowship

Chapter 23

Do Not Compromise

Chapter 24

Bringing Balance to God’s House

About The Author

Endnotes

Foreword

Doctor Joe Cephus Bingham Senior invited his wife to copyedit a sentence from A Strong Foundation for Christian Living. She was reluctant. After she accepted, the transcript set upon her with righteous awe. A proofreader she is not! Except this book shares life-altering instructions from the first Chapter to the last. She was happy to be one of his proofreaders and write this foreword.

The author and spouse will celebrate forty-eight years of marriage September 13, 2015. Jesus blessed their union with four sons, fifteen grandkids’ and six great-grandchildren. The Glory goes to God. Bettye Bingham, earn a nursing degree at St. Louis College of Health Careers. She earned her Doctor level in Religious Education at Glad Tidings University Saint Louis. She ministered as the Official Registrar at the Seminary for twenty-years.

Doctor Joe Cephus Bingham Senior founded and served as Bishop for thirty-two years at the Glad Tidings Word Fellowship Ministries. He is still the President and CEO of the Glad Tidings Seminaries. He is the Presiding Bishop at Perpetual Tidings Christian Ministries. Simi retried he devotes his skills as a full time Christian author and serve under Senior Pastor Charles Jones at Antioch Baptist in Oviedo, Florida.

Doctor Bingham tenures as Bishop meet with countless challenges. Though, through faith he always overcomes. Bishop is a praying man. Immeasurable times, his prayers, and counseling delivered scores of believers from poverty. He prayed for the sick doctors gave up on hence they are with The House of Prayer still. Young people facing prison time, hence after he, intercedes the judge ruled a second chance in their favor. He is a person who believes everyone has a divine purpose.

In his thesis, Doctor Bingham shares his ministry experiences through practical Biblical application. The book furthermore addresses many Christian’s denominations complicated Doctrine. Such as: speaking in tongues, mourner’s bench salvation, compassion, tithing, baptism, and, much more. He explains these concepts in straightforward yet uncomplicated and nonthreatening terms.

Secular and charismatic publishing companies are releasing thousands of self-help books every year. Though, not any of them shares lasting solutions on solving human problems. A Strong Foundation for Christian Living is a study guide to show Christians and unbelievers how to enjoy life. The thesis is compelling reading for anyone who wishes to be successful and at peace. The world says: worked hard for a dream home, car, and a diversified portfolio, and this will make a person content. Still, many people live without wants in their lives yet happiness is not with them. This manuscript shows everybody how to have their heart’s passions, and be happy within, and express the same joy beyond themselves. THE LORD expects His followers to be comfortable.

The author unzips his life and shares how he overcomes junk thoughts. His volume is a treasure chest on how to handle uneasy emotions by trusting God. Unrighteousness causes people to trap themselves trying to find answer for their problems. They get stuck on the same sticking line of rhetoric. A Foundation for Christian Living directs them to the Omniscient Lord Jesus Christ for answers.

Doctor Bettye Bingham is writing this foreword because the substance pulls at the core of her heartstrings. The book shows how the people of Yahweh are making choices freestanding of The Author of Salvation. Thus, they are damaging their righteous vocation. Supporters who try to manage their faith walk by temporal concepts hence are creating disorder in his or her life. Secular logic teaches a believer to rehearse failure by philosophical reasoning. So believers should be careful about the thoughts they choose apart from THE LORD. Christians must envision success by what they trust God to give; not by what they fear.

Bettye Bingham, D. R. Ed.

Dedication

To my faithful wife Bettye, without her caring support this book could not be possible. The memory of my beloved parents, Mittie and Ruben Bingham who taught me how to love God and kingdom work.

Acknowledgments

Thanks to Ken Battles, Kimberly Jones, and Brittani Johnson for your support and prayers. Without their encouragement, I would not have achieved my goals for this much-needed project. Thanks, for the many prayers of my friends and family. Again, Kimberley Jones you are very precious to Bettye and me.

Introduction

The Bible shows how to be faithful to Almighty in every Chapter. However, the most outstanding is the conversation between Jesus and the Jewish leader Nicodemus. The story of Ruler of the Jews is in print in the Gospel of John Chapter Three, Verses 1: 1-21. THE LORD is straightforward with the teacher of the Jews. He explains born again to the educator as an allotment of God’s precious love. So, everlasting life is given succeeding evildoers confession of transgression to The Author of Salvation. Then they find comfort in knowing the Beloved Son rose from the grave, to protect believers’ deliverance.

After sinners accept freedom from sin, the Holy Spirit encourages them to continue bonding with the Messiah through Word study and prayer. Righteous love builds allegiance and consistency to love Jesus Christ alone. The commitment vows made at redemption are the same couples make to one another during marriage ceremonies. They are the groundwork for righteousness. A relationship via obedience and faithfulness comes out of affection to the person he or she loves. Love never grows out of control to influence supporters to serve out of fear.

He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him. ¹

John 14: 21

Nicodemus was a renowned Pharisee and member of the elite Sanhedrin Court. He emerges in rank as the chief executive of the Ecclesiastical Council. Though, in Spiritual matters his position offers him little or no righteous insight. So he goes to THE ANOINTED ONE under the cover of nightfall seeking knowledge on the method of eternal reclamation. Jesus explains in uncomplicated words to him, the different between born of the Holy Ghost and the flesh is separate. Unless one is born again, (in the Spirit) he cannot see the kingdom of God. ²

Nicodemus knew of God, but he did not know the fullness of His Righteousness. 2 Corinthians’ 3: 6. The gift of Gospel is security for timelessness, and Holy Counselor supplies perpetual deliverance as an understanding for righteous hope. Jesus time on earth, BORN AGAIN was an idiom to explain restoration. John 3: 7. The words still carries the same interpretation: revision coming from Jehovah.

In John Chapter Three, the recognition the Ruler of the Jews received through the knowledge of the Law meant little. Hence, he needed to upgrade his compassion. Spiritual growth results from the King of kings encouraging followers to grow in the Word and Spirit at the same instant. After salvation, the love of Alpha and Omega helps a believer move to do Christ center goals. So, the Prince of Peace assigns endurance to carry out the Ministry of Agape Love. The person stops spilling the blood of others and work together exerting sweat for kingdom building.

In this age, living a life for Yahweh is difficult. The world is overflowing with inequality, trepidation, and consternation. Christians are not free from tribulations; they often stumble over many inaccuracies. Though, Satan manipulates the size of mistakes after the people of God believe his lies. Then panic sets-in, undermining a person confidence in God. Note as believers develop an active affiliation with God, through prayer, and Word study they rise above their problems.

Intimacy is the preeminent purposes of THE LORD after placing faith in Jehovah. Fellowship also builds a strong base for Christian living. A believer’s association with other saints shows him or her how to act as Jesus did under any circumstances. Such is: Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you. ³

The gift of prayer is the lifeline between God and His people. Christian Education must be paramount for the Local Church. The Place of Worship is not a mere building for Christians to visit twice a week for social benefits. They meet to organize methods for soul winning and self-growth in Yahweh’s Word. Please note faultless people do not go to The House of Jehovah.

The world wants everyone to believe, if people try hard enough they can live without fault, not so. Romans 3: 10. The Bible teaches; the wisdom for building a strong Christian base is a quest for the Son of Righteousness. Matthew 6: 33. Living for The Prince of Peace qualifies nobody for perfection. While Christians are in these human bodies, they will make miscalculations.

However, repent the mistake and move on with life, otherwise unconstructive conversations crowds out Christian faith. Negative chatter always points to the awfulness of a person’s mistakes. A sinful nature is the reason Christians must forgive and admit their faults. Conversion was not just a onetime act a person received at salvation. Christian perseverance and resolve are long-lasting conducts for behaving as the people of God engage in morality. Righteous knowledge and faithful living changes sinners holistically.

Chapter 1

Get More Out of Prayer

Growth in Prayer

As a young pastor, the author struggled in his spirit for many days. He was trying to move the Ministry forward by what others was doing in their Church. He wanted to seek THE LORD yet he avoided Yahweh. For several odd reasons, he felt unworthy to ask The All Mighty for help. He thought he may appear unintelligent.

Doctor Bingham realizes now those thoughts came from Lucifer. Jehovah loves His supporters, and He is always there for them. Anyone reluctant to inquire of the King of kings looks within themselves for perfection. After reading the Bible, the author discovered not a single human being on earth is perfect. Romans 3: 10. Every person needs the atonement of The Redeemer. Satan does not want the saints to pray because it brings people closer to the Judge of Righteousness.

THE LORD gave the writer the answer to Church growth during several devotion sessions. Doctor Bingham discovered the answers to any complex problems can be workout after communicating with The Father. Righteous prayer is a known problem solver; this is the reason Satan and his demons will try to stop the people from seeking The Well Beloved.

Daniel don’t be afraid! God has listened to your prayers since the first day you humbly asked for understanding, and He has sent me here. But the guardian angel of Persia opposed me for twenty-one days. Then Michael, who is one of the strongest guardian angels, came to rescue me from the kings of Persia. ⁴

Daniel 10: 12-13 CEV

The Father is happy when His contingents embrace new goals. However, this means dealing with multitudes of diverse humans. The blameless sharing goals with others are an excellent idea since diversity expands healthy growth. Even if their religious ideologies are poles apart, they may still be helpful in reaching believers’ goals.

Although, choosing people characterize by the flesh could delay honorable objectives. Note the visionary can spend much energy on their foolish ideas. Understandings not conceive in prayer deviates from righteousness. Therefore, the faithful ought to be unswerving in hallowed meditation to keep dreams before Jehovah. Any unrighteous assessments will take time from a person’s worship sessions.

The noble ones of heaven should supplicate always without distractions. Ephesians 6: 18. A believer consistent in prayers does not allow negative ideation to hinder their purpose to petition THE LORD of HOSTS. God’s Word and devotion must be the Christian’s central focal point while achieving life’s goals.

Disciples of Jesus grow in prayer as they pray for others. His followers who want to keep growing have to stay pure in thoughts approaching people who hurt them. A believer who knows someone is doing them wrong ought to show compassion toward them. The individual may speak hurtful gossip on them yet Jehovah loved one’s need to respect them. The faithful minded must be free of sin during righteous meditation. Otherwise, THE LORD will not hear their plea. Unanswered supplications are roadblocks for Christian growth. Your sins are the roadblock between you and your God. That’s why he doesn’t answer your prayers or let you see his face. ⁵

Vindictiveness is at the top of the list stopping Holy deliberations. A friend or anyone who causes pain, hence Christian must not take it personal. Instead, keep them before the Righteous Master. Transgressions can drive anybody to be unscrupulous. Still, the Bible encourages the right-minded to love sinners and see them as potential acceptors. Matthew 6: 14-15.

Believers cannot omit dealing with the unrighteous. By abominating unbelievers, salvation will escape them and their sins go unresolved. Christians must always separate sin from the human being. Satan’s business on the planet is to influence everybody to transgress. People devoid of prayer cannot tell the different between the person and their offenses. To equate wrongdoing as the problem is ninety-eight percent of not finding the solutions to winning them for The Author of the Scriptures. The other two per cent is not showing them compassion.

Therefore, the blameless cannot be free of transgressors’ fellowship. Often at work and other social events, the misdeed expects supporters to interact with them in wrongdoings. Faithful standard must never be a choice to compromise. Believers can take righteous steps to keep their unity with trespassers and still uphold their conscientious morals.

(1) Explain to them in love their lifestyle is against the Christian faith.

(2) Be sympathetic, yet stern in explanation that sin makes Jehovah unhappy. They may giggle and even speak out in anger, but be respectful and ignore their intimidation. Remember, THE LORD wants His doctrinaires to love people who mistreat them. Matthew 5: 43-48.

The righteous ought not wear their feelings on their sleeves or get upset with sinners. After the upright blame sinners for their imperfection, they can find no solutions to unravel the person iniquity. A sinner’s sins are the reason for intercession not anger. After supporters criticize folks for their sins, they deepen their unforgiveness toward him or her.

To pardon shows the blameless freedoms of forgiveness. If you kept a record of our sins, no one could last long. However, you forgive us, and so we will worship you. ⁶ Psalm 130: 3-4. An old abbot to his monks writes: Don’t condemn the sinner! We are, or we were, or we could be as this man is. ⁷ A believer’s thoughts should be pure from condemning anyone; otherwise, Yahweh does not listen to his prayers. Read Psalm 66: 18-19. If our thoughts had been sinful, he would have refused to hear me. However, God did listen and answered my prayer. ⁸

Prayer Moves the Work

The Almighty gave the Prophet Nehemiah explicit instructions on how to rebuild the walls surrounding Jerusalem. Once the Hebrews started the project, his adversaries came with intimidations. They receded not from making abusive jesters, about the Jew construction skills. Look at the wall they are building! Why, even a fox could knock over this pile of stones. ⁹

Nehemiah took their threats to Jehovah, and he remained true to kingdom building. He stood strong in the face of his foes and did not stop praying.