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Burnett Ministries
P.O. Box 20643
Greensboro, NC 27420
USA
Phone: 336-681-2973
Email: [email protected]
New: "An Hour of Bible Sharing With Betty"
Tuesdays
8-9 PM
Please connect with us by way of Facebook Messenger, or Conference call: 1-612-746-7362
Conference code: 623509

My Experiences with Praying in the Spirit (Intercession) - Part 2

This is further encouragement to motivate the readers to walk in the spirit and God will do an incredible work in and through you to edify others, so our incredible God can be glorified.

I was going to travel from Philadelphia to Greensboro, and someone dropped me off at the airport. After checking in, I waited quite a while before boarding the airplane.

During that time, I began to pray in the spirit (my tongue language- not out loud), and it was revealed to me that my friend who was picking me up from the airport in Greensboro, was in danger.

We boarded the plane and were seated, waiting for take-off. The pilot started taxiing out, and all of a sudden, he said: “Folks, we have something of a critical nature going on”. So, He taxied back to the terminal.

A lady sitting beside me seemed to be really nervous and I said: “Miss, do not worry; I have prayed”.

The lady and I were seated on the luggage compartment side of the plane and we saw a box being taken from the luggage compartment.

Then the plane started taxiing back out again, and this time the pilot said: “There is a delay because a plane coming in from California has to make an emergency landing”.

Two lanes were opened for the twelve planes to take-off whenever they would get clearance to proceed. Finally, the pilot said: “We are number five and that is a blessing”. It made me feel good when he used the word “Blessing”.

A short while later, the pilot received clearance for the plane to take-off. Finally, we were in the air and about an hour and a half later the plane landed in Greensboro.

Once I was able to get my luggage and go where my friend was, I asked her this: “Mary, did anything happen here at the airport?” She replied: “Yes, they arrested a man”.

From hearing what my friend said, I had no doubt that there was a connection between the box that was taken off the plane in Philadelphia and the man who was arrested in Greensboro. And, it was a dangerous situation for my friend and everybody else at the airport.

I truly thank the Lord for all those who are interceding and standing in the gap for whatever or whomever the Holy Spirit prompts them to pray for. It is a privilege to pray such powerful prayers in the spirit that cause catastrophes to be stopped.

When I first started interceding, it seemed to be a difficult task, but as I grew and matured in it, I certainly considered it an awesome privilege and as time went on and continues to go on, my passion to intercede increases the more.

Before starting with the gifts given by God the Father in Romans 12:6-8, I want to share something that is very crucial for the children of God to read.

God wants us to know and understand what we are commanded to do when it comes to those who have such hatred of others that they would take innocent peoples’ lives. This is murder.

Next: What the Word of God Says About Taking Another Person’s Life

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

My Experiences with Praying in the Spirit (Intercession) 5-30-2020

It is necessary to understand how important it is to walk in the Spirit, because those who are in the flesh do not understand what the Spirit of God is doing. It is similar to unsaved people. Christians can be carnal just as the unsaved are carnal; to be carnally (fleshly) minded is death (spiritually dead), but to be spiritually minded is life and peace (Romans 8:5-8).

In other words, those who are not walking in the spirit will not understand what the Holy Spirit is doing in a spiritual person’s life. If you are walking in the spirit, this message will encourage you. It can also be an eye-opener to the ones who have not been walking in the spirit and to show them the importance of it.

I have been praying for people almost from the beginning of my new walk, which mainly would be those in Nursing homes and hospitals. It was revealed to me in the mid-eighties that what I was called to do went beyond normal prayers. However, at that time I did not understand this was a calling.

A church that I visited had an early morning prayer group five days a week at five am, and I was led to be a part of it; eventually my membership was established at that church. As my passion to pray for people grew; it was revealed and understood that I was called to be an Intercessor.

After leaving North Carolina for the second time, the anointing for Intercession became extraordinarily strong. I am going to share just two of my many experiences in a two-part message.

I was with a friend whose brother was flying into Washington, DC from California. There was inclement weather in DC, but I was not aware of it. I told my friend we needed to pray because I felt there was a dangerous situation going on with the plane that was flying into DC from California. We began to pray in the spirit (tongues).

While my friend’s brother was traveling from DC to New York, he stopped through Camden for a short visit. During the conversation he asked his brother did anything happen pertaining to the flight.

He replied that the plane had to hover in the air over DC for quite some time until it received clearance to land. This was due to inclement weather.

The friend told his brother what had been revealed to me and how we interceded on behalf of the situation.

His brother had a shocked expression on his face, his mouth fell open and his eyes were wide. He told us how worried some of the people were.

After that conversation, he knew that God had supernaturally intervened and protected him and everyone else on that plane. Not only was God’s protection was on them, He was also glorified for sparing their lives.

There was such a joy in knowing that the Spirit of God prompted me to pray and revealed to me what to pray for. The results were amazing; glory to God!

Remember this; even though all of God’s children are called to pray, Intercession goes beyond that. This is supernatural and when we do not know what to pray for, the Holy Spirit joins with our spirit to pray the perfect prayer to our Father (Romans 8:26).

It is necessary to be obedient when someone or a situation is revealed to you; it could be a matter of life and death.

Next: My Experiences with Praying in the Spirit (Intercession) at the Philadelphia Airport - Part 2

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

Continuation of the Gifts of Tongues and Interpretation of Tongues (speaking or vocal gifts) 5-29-2020

Paul’s main emphasis is on tongues being out of order’ when blurted out without interpretation it serves no purpose. People who are not saved and the unlearned (baby Christians) will think the person is mad or crazy.

Paul compares the preaching (prophecy) gift in Romans 12:6, and 1 Corinthians 14:22 which is for the born-again believers to be exhorted and encouraged. However, the gift of prophecy in 1 Corinthians 14:24-25, can be a sign to unbelievers when the secrets of their hearts are revealed.

If someone operating in the gift of prophecy has a word for the person that nobody could have known, what do you think that would do to the person?

It could bring conviction and change the person’s life; falling on his face he will worship God and report that God is truly in you.

Even though Paul has listed four gifts in this chapter, tongues and interpretation are being emphasized more, because he wanted the church to be in balance.

When it comes to the gift of prophecy given by the Spirit of God, the gift of tongues and interpretation can work together to bring forth prophecy for something in the future.

Tongues and Interpretation function together or go hand in hand, whereas prophecy can be a stand-alone gift. The person with these gifts should always do it decently and in order, it is not to be blurted out, because the person has control of what he does. The Spirit will allow space for the gifts to be used.

If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn and let one interpret But if there is no interpreter let him keep silent in the church and let him speak to himself and to God.

The spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. Let the prophet judge as to whether what is being said is coming from a demonic spirit, a human spirit, or the Spirit of God. For God is not the author of confusion.

Now to the beginning of the church age where certain people were in the upper room praying (Acts 1:12-14). And on the Day of Pentecost there was a great move of the Holy Spirit; the one hundred and twenty people in the upper room were on one accord, and suddenly a sound from heaven as a mighty wind and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.

Then there appeared to them divided tongues as of fire and one sat on each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.

People from sixteen nations heard the people speak in their language, and they said we hear them speak in our own tongues the wonderful works of God. They were all amazed and perplexed, saying “What could this mean?” Others mocking them said: “They were full of new wine” (Acts 2:1-13).

This was not the gift of tongues; it was a personal prayer language given by the Holy Spirit for empowerment (Acts 1:8). The prayer language is available to every born-again believer (Luke 11:9-13), when we do not know what to pray, the Holy Spirit helps us (Romans 8:26).

My Experiences With Praying in the Spirit (Intercession)

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

The Gifts of Tongues and Interpretation 5-28-2020

The gift of tongues is a message from the Spirit of God given in an unknown language, for the edification of the body of Christ.

It can be a message of encouragement, a message of warning, a message of direction (wisdom concerning a particular situation), and a message for a future event.

The gift of tongues is to be used in a congregational assembly. The gift of interpretation is the translation of the unknown language spoken by the person with the gift of tongues, so everyone can be encouraged.

Tongues without interpretation has no effect; it does not edify the church (1 Corinthians 14:5). What is being said has to make sense with a distinct sound.

Example: Sirens give a distinct warning sound so people can move out of the way; if they make a sound other than what they are used to hearing, they will not pull over. Otherwise it is like a foreigner trying to speak to someone and they do not understand his language.

Praying in tongues is different from the gift of tongues. One is to encourage and edify the church; the other is a personal prayer language that is unknown to the person who is praying. With this kind of prayer, there is direct and divine intervention by the holy Spirit who prays the perfect prayer to God through the person.

What this means is when someone is praying in tongues, the Spirit of God takes over because the person does not know what to pray. The Holy Spirit speaks to our spirit and our spirit prays to God in the unknown tongue. This kind of prayer is very prevalent in an Intercessor’s life.

Additionally, every child of God does not have the gift of tongues or the gift of interpretation. However, the prayer language is available to every born-again believer who will receive it.

The Apostle Paul wrote: If I pray with the spirit, this is not my understanding, nor in my known language that I understand.

Praying in the spirit is always perfect, therefore you pray well, yet the other person is not edified.

Paul’s prayer language was so important to him that he prayed often in tongues. Yet, Paul would not speak in unknown tongues in the church. The tongue language or praying in the spirit is to be private between the person and God; otherwise nobody is being edified (1 Corinthians 14:2-4, 18-20).

Paul said I do not want you to be as children when it comes to understanding. If we are going to be as children, it should only be when it comes to being angry. In other words, when it comes to understanding, we should not be as a child.

Example: Children fight and a couple of minutes later, they are playing together again. We should be adults in understanding, but childlike when it comes to anger.

Paul uses four gifts in 1 Corinthians, chapter 14: Tongues, Interpretation and Prophecy, along with the gift of Prophecy given by God the Father in Romans 12:6. This will be explained in the next message.

Next: A Continuation of the Gift of Tongues and the Gift of Interpretation

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

“An Hour of Bible Sharing With Betty” ~ “Overview” 5-27-2020
The Qualifications for Ruling and Reigning with Christ (2 Timothy 2:1-12)

Paul wrote to Timothy and encouraged him by illustrating the strenuous duties of the Christian walk, and how there are no exceptions (no alterations or additions). In other words, no cutting corners.

We shared about the athlete who did not run lawfully and was stripped of his rewards.

Example: The athlete who used steroids, which are performance enhancing drugs was disqualified. He cheated and was disqualified because he did not follow the rules.

The Farmer – to sell produce or livestock he must abide by FDA regulations, or they will be disqualified from selling livestock or produce.

Example: Farmers are not allowed to use DDT, an insecticide that was used to kill bugs that damaged the crops. It was banned in 1972.

The soldier has to abide by the rules of the military or he will be disqualified and lose his rank. Some end up being dishonorably discharged because of certain actions. In the worse case scenario, they can be executed for treason (to betray).

Example: Betraying one’s country to overthrow the government by revealing classified information.

In active battle each nation must abide by the rules of the Geneva convention.

Example: At the end of World War II, the Nazis who violated the Geneva convention were placed on trial and some received long prison sentences and some were executed.

Christians must follow rules or they will be disqualified, which means they will lose their rewards.

When we stand before the Judgement Seat of Christ, everybody will be there to witness us receiving rewards and losing rewards. It will be shameful for those who lost rewards and there will be praise for those who are rewarded for their faithfulness.

The faithful ones (one hundred-fold, one hundred times as much) will rule and reign with Christ; because they were faithful, their reward will be great. The faithful will receive a “Well Done” good and faithful servant, you have been faithful over a little, I will make you ruler over much. Enter into the joy of your Master (Matthew 25:23).

Next: The Gifts of Tongues and Interpretation of Tongues

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

“An Hour of Bible Sharing With Betty” ~ “Preview” 5-26-2020
Ruling and Reigning with Christ

When Jesus came to this earth, He gave up everything for us, and we are expected to give up everything for Him (Luke 14:33).

Jesus Christ became poor so we would become rich (2 Corinthians 8:9).

Even if you are born-again, are you really “Sold-Out” for Christ?

Many people attend church; many people work in church and they feel they are pleasing God.

This is what it takes to please God and to rule and reign with Christ:

Those who suffer with Jesus Christ will reign with Him (2 Timothy 2:12).

Being diligent in making your call and election sure, by doing these things you will never fail, you will have a great entrance into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:10-11)

Not being ashamed to stand up for what we believe; will cause us to be hated; if the world hated Jesus first, then we are going to be hated (John 15:18).

We are called to serve (John 12:26, Romans 12:11). Jesus came to serve, not to be served (Matthew 20:28).

Surrendering to the Holy Spirit; allowing your knowledge (intellect) to line up with the Spirit of God; not having knowledge that is puffed up (1 Corinthians 8:1). Jesus surrendered and said to the Father, not My will, but Yours be done (Luke 22:42).

Jesus knew the flesh was weak (Matthew 26:41). However, if we walk in the spirit, we will not fulfill the lust (cravings) of the flesh (Galatians 5:16-18).

Walking worthy of the vocation (assignment – Ephesians 4:1). Jesus Christ accomplished everything He was sent to do and God highly exalted Him and gave Him a name above all names (Philippians 2:7-9). We will receive a “Well Done” good and faithful servant, from Jesus (Matthew 25:21, 23).

Living the life like Christ led, will bring suffering. Satan will do whatever he can to stop us from living a righteous life; he wants us to give in to the attacks that he brings against us through people who persecute us and speak evil against us; calling us holier than thou’s, holy rolers and so on (Matthew 5:10-12).

Suffering is the consequence of living a godly life in a fallen world; God told Adam in the day that he ate the forbidden fruit he would surely die (Genesis 2:16-17).

Some people did not want to be delivered from death but they would rather suffer to obtain a greater resurrection (Hebrews 11:35-40).

When it comes to suffering, this is nothing compared to what the tormented suffering that will last forever (Revelation 20:10-15).

On the other hand, suffering here on this earth cannot be compared to the riches of ruling and reigning with Christ throughout eternity (Romans 8:18).

Coming tomorrow: “Overview” of what will be discussed tonight.

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

Memorial Day Reflections of Patriotic Service ~ the Builders and Defenders 5-25-2020

For all those who fought on foreign soil and lost their lives on behalf of the United States of America, this is in remembrance of a service well done!

For the ones who came back to their native land; some physically whole, while others were wounded and lost limbs; for those who had emotional scars that damaged them permanently, thanks to the Almighty God for their sacrificial service.

For those who offered support and love shown to the soldiers who deserved all the incentives available for putting their lives on the line and being loyal to the country they loved, thanks be to God for compassionate hearts.

Although these men and women fought for their country, there were others throughout history who shed blood, sweat and tears to build this country; they will never be forgotten.

If it had not been for these people, we would not be where we are today, thanks be to the Lord God for how they laid the foundation that we continue to build on.

Even though there are two sets of people who made a difference for the betterment of the United States, their cause was similar. One group was brave warriors who were trained and prepared for battle, while the others were given grace for whatever came their way on the US soil.

This is what the land of the free and the home of the brave means to me.

Land of the Free:

Many of our forefathers died for our freedom. Yet some people still do not feel that freedom but having freedom in Christ is more important than all the evils of this world.

According to the Word of God, things will not get better. So, the children of God should not be shaken or alarmed by the rise of demonic activity. This will continue until Jesus Christ comes and deliver us out of the troubles of this world. Until then, we are still free in Christ.

Home of the Brave:

It took a lot of courage to fight on foreign territory and face the enemy and do everything possible to win the war on behalf of our country. It also took a lot of strength and endurance for our forefathers to build this country.

As we reflect on this Memorial Day, let us remember that every child of God is a soldier in the army; we have to fight although we have to cry. We have to hold up the bloodstained banner, we have to hold it up until we die.

All of God’s children will not die on a physical battlefield, but we are in spiritual warfare. Therefore, whatever way we leave here, being with the Lord will be the greatest experience of all. No more sickness, death, trials persecutions and wars of any kind.

I pray that you will enjoy this Memorial Day and give thanks to the Lord for all those who made a difference in our country and in our personal lives.

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

In Memory of the First Responders ~ Your Service is not Forgotten 5-24-2020
Honoring those who gave up their lives to help someone else live.

I do not know of a better time to let the families whose loved ones died due to the coronavirus pandemic that has affected people across the globe, than this Memorial day weekend, that others are being remembered for giving up their lives on behalf of our country.

The Word of God tells us to give honor to whom honor is due (Romans 13:7); these people gave up their lives for a worthy cause and certainly they are to be honored and remembered throughout the ages.

Even though my family nor I have been affected by this pandemic, my heart goes out to every family who lost a loved one.

As condolences are expressed, I ask you to look to the Lord; He will continue to strengthen, comfort, and reveal His great love to you through others.

That same love that sent Christ to die for our sins is still as powerful as it always has been. Actually, your loved ones showed love when they risked and gave up their lives for the sake of others.

It reminded me of what Jesus Christ did; He certainly gave up His life for the sins of the world. Jesus Christ paved the way for all of those who are born-again to be first responders.

Example:

Love your neighbor as yourself. Who is your neighbor? Everyone the Lord places in your life for you to serve in any capacity, is your neighbor (Matthew 22:39). If you really love your neighbors, you will do everything possible to keep them safe.

Esteem others more highly than yourselves – look not only for your own interest but also for the interest of others (Philippians 2:3-4). This is an unselfish and humble act.

Love your enemies. Who are your enemies? Those who despitefully use you and persecute you (Matthew 5:44).

Jesus said, take up your cross and follow Me (Matthew 16:24-26). This means that you are going to have challenges and obstacles that will cause you to be tested to the core. Taking up your cross is dying daily to the flesh.

Are you willing to be a first responder, by giving up whatever it takes to help someone along the way? If that is true, then your living will not be in vain. You are living to live again.

God bless all the families of the coronavirus first responders.

Tomorrow: Memorial Day Reflections of Patriotic Service ~ the Builders and Defenders

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

Prophecy ~ The Vocal or Speaking Gift (Part 2) – My Experience 5-23-2020

Once again, another experience is being shared, this happened in early nineties. Plans had been made for me to visit family and friends in New York for a week. A few days later I had a vision that there was going to be an earthquake in New York.

Sometime after the vision was given, I called my girlfriend in High Point, North Carolina and told her about the vision and she said: “Maybe you should not go to New York”; I said: “I am going”.

So, that Friday I took the bus from Camden to New York, as planned. A friend met me at the bus terminal and we took the subway to Harlem and then to the Bronx. I said to my friend: “I am going to see somebody that I have not seen in thirty years.”

As we were walking up the street where I once lived, the barber I knew was standing on the corner in front of his shop. I had not seen him in thirty years; did not know if he was still alive.

Later we went to Brooklyn where I was going to stay for the week. After supper, something specific in the Bible was discussed, people were ministered to, and a word from the Lord came for someone in the group.

Afterward, I began to tell the others about the vision the Lord gave me; that there was going to be an earthquake in New York.

We continued to fellowship and do other things together; that Sunday I was invited to attend a church service. My excuse was that I needed to pray and that is what I did. About the middle of the week, there was a subway accident that injured many people.

One of the persons where I was staying a guest, told me about the subway accident and someone said this on the news “It was just like an “earthquake”. Can you imagine what this did to the people when I told them about the earthquake?

It was not a literal earthquake, but it seemed like it was. They may not have understood fully, yet, they saw that this was from God.

The Lord showed me the vision and He wanted me to intercede on behalf of what had been revealed to me. Although many people were injured, it could have been worse. Intercession stopped a catastrophe; lives could have been lost.

Next Thursday: The Gift of Tongues and the Gift of Interpretation (The most abused of all the spiritual gifts)

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

Prophecy ~ The Vocal or Speaking Gift

The gift of prophecy is a supernatural endowment (ability) given by the Holy Spirit for future events that will come to pass (1 Corinthians 12:10).

When someone is given a prophecy by the Holy Spirit, it should be not be shared immediately. It should be prayerfully considered how to do it, what to do and when to do it.

When prophecy is given by the Holy Spirit, He gives it in the person’s language. Be careful when someone gives a prophecy the way it is worded in the old king James language, such as: “Thus saith the Lord, He saith unto thee”. This makes the person sound like what is being said is authentic or their intention could be to make themselves sound more spiritual.

The Word of God tells us not to despise prophecy, but to prove or test it (1 Thessalonians 5:20). You need to make sure it is from the Lord. And, how do you know if prophecy is or is not from the Lord? If what is spoken does not come to pass, it is not from God.

Prophecy is also encouraging and it is brings hope. Suppose God had told you something that was going to happen in the future, and after a period of time, you do not see anything changing? He will use someone to operate in the gift of prophecy to help you hold on to your faith and wait for whatever was spoken to come to pass.

Or the person operating in the gift of prophecy could tell you something about the future that you had no previous knowledge of.

Example: The Spirit of God used someone to tell me what was going to happen where I live. He said certain things were going to happen that would cause me to be in danger, but the Lord had me covered. Everything that the person prophesied was true, and that was so encouraging to me.

This makes it more encouraging and hopeful when you hear a word of prophecy and you know the person did not know what had been revealed to you. The prophecy was revealed to the person operating in the gift, by the Spirit of God.

Biblical examples of the gift of prophecy:

Paul told Timothy to be strong and hold the prophecy that was given to him: This charge I commit to you, my son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare(1 Timothy 1:18).

Footnote from the NIV study Bible: Timothy had been set apart for ministry when the elders laid their hands on him (1 Timothy 4:14). Apparently at this ceremony several believers had prophesied about Timothy’s gifts and strengths. These words from the Lord must have encouraged Timothy throughout his ministry.

Jesus prophesied (foretold) how Peter would die. Jesus started off by asking Peter if he loved Him, and He asked Peter three times. Peter said Lord you know I love you. Jesus replied: Feed My sheep.

Then He went on to tell Peter when he would become old, he would stretch out his hands and another will gird (make him ready) and carry him where he did not wish to go (John 21:17-19).

Peter confirmed what Jesus had told him years prior to this time; key verse is 14: Knowing shortly I must put off my tent (body), just as our Lord Jesus showed me (2 Peter 1:13-15).

Jesus prophesied many times about the future events; signs of the end of time and the tribulation period (Matthew, chapter 24).

Gifts are to encourage others and to glorify God.

Prophecy ~ The Vocal or Speaking Gift (Part 2) – My Experience

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

The Working of Miracles ~ Power Gift 5-21-2020

Many people get the working of miracles and healing mixed up. Today you will learn the difference between the two gifts. All the gifts given by the Spirit of God are closely related, yet they have some distinction.

Some of the gifts given by God the Father are also closely related to the gifts given by the Spirit. This will be pointed out when we get to the gifts given by the Father. Some of God’s children operate in more than one gift.

Although some gifts are similar, they are not exactly alike, just as twins are not exactly alike; there are many pastors and other ministry gifts but they are not exactly alike. They minister according to what the Spirit of God gives them for the people they have been ordained to reach.

There are four Gospels, and even though they are similar (called the synoptic gospels), they are not exactly alike; each man wrote as the Spirit of God inspired him.

The same is with pastors and other leaders, if they all were alike, there would only be a need for one pastor, one ministry and so on. One pastor or ministry cannot reach everybody, that is why we are the body of Christ with different parts that have a need for each other.

The difference between healing and a miracle is this: Healing is limited to the body only; that is whatever part of the body that needs to be healed. With the gifts of healing there was/is more than one way it can be done; either by command (speaking) or touch (laying on of hands).

However, when it comes to the gift of miracles, there is direct divine intervention. Miracles can include the body as well as turning water to wine, and so on. A limb that was no longer on the body, maybe through amputation and it grows back, certainly is a miracle. This gift supersedes all-natural abilities. Miracles supersede the law of nature.

Example: Elisha and other prophets went to the Jordan river to cut down trees to build their own dwelling places. But as one was cutting down a tree, the iron axe-head fell into the water…Elisha was told where the axe head fell and he cut off a stick and threw it in the water and made the axe head float (2 Kings 6:1-7).

These are some other Biblical examples of the working of miracles:

Jesus turned water to wine at a wedding (John 2:1-11)

Jesus fed 5,000 men with two fish and five loaves of bread besides women and children. So, they took up the twelve baskets that were left over (Matthew 14:13-21, John 6:1-14). On another occasion, He fed four-thousand men and women, in addition to children with seven loaves of bread and a few small fish; there were seven large baskets left over (Matthew 15:32-39).

Jesus called Lazarus from the dead after he had been in the tomb four days (John 11:32-44).

Paul raised Eutychus from the dead: And in a window sat a certain young man named Eutychus who was sinking into a deep sleep and as Paul was preaching a long time, he fell down from the third-floor window and died.

But Paul went down, fell on him and embracing him, he said, do not trouble yourselves for his life is in him (Acts 20:7-12).

The purpose for the gift of the working of miracles and all the other gifts is to build up the body of Christ and glorify God.

I will continue to emphasize that unsaved persons could be in the midst of what is taking place and it could bring salvation to them (Romans 2:4).

Next: Prophecy ~ The Vocal or Speaking Gift

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

“An Hour of Bible Sharing With Betty” ~ “Overview” The Books Were Opened (Judgment Day)
5-20-2020

We learned that the Ancient of Days in the book of Daniel is a title used for God the Father and God the Son meaning Eternal One. Although you will not see that name for the Spirit of God, He is part of the Godhead; therefore, He has to be Ancient (eternal).

The Ancient of Days in Daniel 7:9 refers to Christ’s second coming, the books will be opened and He will judge the ungodly out of the books.

This was written in the book of Daniel and the book of Revelation. Some of Daniel and John’s writing were similar. The scriptures support, connect and relate to each other.

Some people are going to be in for a big surprise because they thought they would be included in the Lamb’s book of life for the things they did, such a working in the church; they are going to hell through the church.

The final blow is when they stand before Christ and their last hope is, their names will be in the Lamb’s book of life.

Example of those who fooled themselves: People who did things to be seen of others. Their motives were wrong; they built their own ministries like Jim Jones and David Koresh; Christ was not involved.

Every wicked deed, every racist, every person that used the N word in a negative way, the honky, cracker, and redneck words, calling people fools and bad thoughts. I could go on and on.

The book of life is for everyone who lived. The only ones whose names will be in the Lamb’s book of life are those who are born-again. Will your name be written in the Lamb’s book of life?

What is going to happen if your name is not in Lamb’s book of life? You will be cast into the lake of fire and you will be tormented throughout eternity; and the more wicked you were, the greater the degree your torment will be.

I am so glad my name is written in the Lamb’s book of life. I pray that your name is written in the Lamb’s book of life; if not, I am extending salvation to you:

You can be saved by God’s grace through faith, your works will not bring salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9). If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and become righteous and with the mouth confession brings salvation (Romans 10:9-10).

Once you become saved or born-again, pray and ask the Lord to lead you to the church that He would have you to become part of.

Next: Working of Miracles ~ Power Gift

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

“An Hour of Bible Sharing With Betty” ~ “Preview” of Ruling in the Eternal Kingdom 5-19-2020

Another sister and I were walking and as usual we share whatever is being discussed, or what has been discussed in the Bible sharing group.

This is to encourage the readers; although I am grateful for your readership and support of Burnett Ministries’ blog messages, they are like sermons, which are to edify and encourage the readers.

However, the only way to grow is through teaching the principles of God’s Word. In our Bible sharing, questions are asked and we take as long as it is necessary to make sure each person in the group understands what is being conveyed.

You are blessed if you are in a church where the Bible is being studied and principles are taught. If you do not understand about ruling and reigning with Jesus in His Kingdom, you are missing the greatest blessing other than salvation.

Learning gracefully/gradually about the principles helps all of God’s children to have assurance and build their confidence to pass on to others what they have learned.

We are still discussing “The Kingdom” because so much is written in the scriptures pertaining to the kingdom which has eternal benefits and eternal consequences.

Building the Kingdom of God means to practice what we have studied; it is called practical holiness or practical righteousness. There is a saying: Practice makes Perfect,” and that statement is true. The children of God should be practicing holiness and righteousness every day.

This has a bearing on our eternal status of ruling and reigning.

Example: The rules of a church choir is to have choir rehearsal or choir practice every week. There are people who hit and miss rehearsals. If the person does not show up for choir rehearsal, according to the rules, they do not sing on Sunday. In other words, they miss out on being a blessing to others through songs. These types of people are not faithful.

God has rules that are a requirement for us to rule and reign in His Kingdom. He requires our faithfulness. And, who are the faithful? Those who are consistently living holy and righteous lives are the faithful ones.

The unfaithful will not rule and reign like the faithful, they will be in outer darkness or a dim place that is not as visible. They will have lower positions than the faithful will have.

Think about it, what will your status be in kingdom? It not too late!

Coming tomorrow: “Overview” of what will be discussed tonight.

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

Places Where Little or No Money Took Me 5-18-2020

The message is titled this way because I want to share with you that I had little or no money and how God took me places that could only happen because of Him.

God took me to many states and cities in the United States and abroad as well as territories owned by the US.

This is my story of the Lord opening doors for me to travel. The beginning of extensive travels started in 2002:

A friend from New Jersey was stationed in the military in Germany and she wanted us to visit her. My biological sister, another dear friend, her husband, and I traveled together to visit our friend.

Our flight landed in Frankfurt, and we lodged in Heidelberg. Our travels took us to Germersheim, Speyer and Darmstadt Germany. We visited Luxembourg, a city under a city, and Paris. It was an awesome trip! And guess what? I was the designated driver while traveling to different parts of Germany and Luxembourg; we took a bus tour to Paris.

God used several people to assist in financing this trip. I want to tell you that I never had to ask; the people were led by Him. One of my dear sisters in Christ gave me a donation. The Senior Ministry from my church at that time, took up a love offering. Can you imagine that? The seniors wanted to bless me.

I traveled to Philadelphia because that was our departing city; another friend wired me money to Western Union in Philly. I had been getting a stipend for a youth program at the church and I started saving for the trip. Another friend was stashing away cash towards the trip.

When the songwriter said: “Can’t Nobody Do Me Like Jesus”, that was so true. Yet, God was using all these people to help me.

My first cruise was in 2008 for eleven days, to some islands in the Caribbean, which included, Santa Domingo, Dominican Republic - Labadee, Haiti - St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands and San Juan, Puerto Rico. The Lord used someone to bless me with this trip as well.

I was blessed with two trips in 2019: Punta Cana, which is in Dominican Republic; this was an all-inclusive trip. I also traveled the Caribbean for seven days, to St. Thomas; St. Maarten; Cocoa Cay, Bahamas and a part of that trip was a seven-day stay in Winter Haven, Florida, which included traveling to other cities in Florida.

There are some places like the Motherland (Africa) and Israel, I have a desire to travel and I believe it will happen.

God wants me to tell you that He does not have respect of persons. And: “It is No Secret What God Can Do, What He’s Done For Others, He’ll Do For You”. One of the others God did for and is still doing for is me.

You may not know who or by what means God will use. Once God opens a door, just walk through it trusting Him all the way.

The Lord may not work in your life the same way or do the same thing He does in my life, but He has a plan for you to be great in His Kingdom, and He wants to do some amazing things in your life.

That is the reason I wanted to share another testimony of His goodness with you.

Next: “An Hour of Bible Sharing With Betty” ~ “Preview” of Ruling in the “Kingdom”

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

Being Obedient and Walking by Faith 5-17-2020

These messages are ongoing to share with the readers how important it is to allow the Spirit of God to work in and through you. Each time I have written about my experience, the Spirit of God reminds me to continue sharing some more of my experiences which line up with the gifts of the Spirit.

For many years it truly has been a faith walk for me, living with either no finances or on limited income up to the present time. God has taken care of me and I am so thankful that my dependence is on Him. During these many years of walking by faith, I have also traveled many places globally.

If I had plenty, it would be difficult for me to have the intimacy that I have with Christ, because I would be concentrating more on things, than on Him. This has been my story for a long time and it has been quite an interesting journey.

Listen my beloved, has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He has promised to those who love Him? (James 2:5).

From some of my messages, you can see that I am rich in faith and certainly not in material things. For me not to have material things really help me to trust and depend on Him even more. And, some amazing things have taken place that can only be accredited to God my Father.

While residing in New Jersey, I had a dream that I was back in North Carolina at what was thought to be my former Baptist church. After moving back to Greensboro, I was standing at the kitchen sink and the Spirit of God spoke to me and told me not to join a church in Greensboro. I was obedient.

My stepfather played the piano for the male chorus once a month at a rural church thirty miles away. On this particular Sunday, I drove him to the church. I attended Sunday school, and the 11 AM service. While sitting in the service, I had a recall of the dream that was revealed to me in the night season a year or so prior to this time.

I was completely blown away when I saw the pastor and how he fit the description of the pastor in the dream; he was a very distinguished looking man, and well dressed. I did not remember anything about the Sunday school until the total recall was given to me during the service. The description of the classroom and the teacher also was in the dream.

Here I was having to join a church thirty miles away in a rural area without my own automobile. This definitely was a faith walk. The pastor and his family lived in the same town as my family did, and they knew each other and they were friends.

I became my pastor’s personal driver and for five years we traveled many places to visit the sick and home-bound. I did not know all the details of what God was doing; I was obedient and believed that whatever God said, so it would be; not my will, but His will be done.

Many of you who know me, also know I have never liked the country (rural area), yet the experience was one of the stepping-stones used to get me where I am today; what an awesome set-up.

All I can say is: “God Did It!”

I want to encourage you to allow the Spirit of God to lead and guide you; to reveal what your ministry (gift) is, be obedient and walk by faith. And like me, He will do things that you could never have imagined.

Next Thursday: The Working of Miracles – Power Gift

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

My Personal Experience With Healing ~ Power Gift (Part 3) 5-17-2020
Gifts are Important; They Add More Life to the Church

On January 1, 1994, I took a trip to North Carolina for the first time in a year; had planned to stay a month and ended up staying six weeks.

It was sometime shortly after being at my mother’s house, I wrote on a piece of paper: “Somebody is going to try to get rid of me”. I did not remember this until I came across the paper about a week after a most horrifying experience.

There was an assignment against me from Satan. I went to visit someone in another town and was poisoned by something that was in a cup of coffee I drank. I was so sick and delirious, it felt like I was going to die. After three days, I was taken back to my mother’s house and ended up in the hospital a day later.

During the few days of being a patient, a ninety-year-old lady was put in the same room with me. The lady told me how she kept hearing me talk about my faith and how the Lord was going to heal me. She gave her testimony of forty years ago when she was in the hospital; two ladies came and prayed for her and she was healed. This boosted my faith.

An elder and his wife from my former church came to visit me, they prayed and believed that I would be healed. Others were praying for me in many parts of the United States. My mother also told me I was going to be healed.

A friend was on her way to visit me and she saw this on a truck and believed that God allowed her to see that for me: “That my faith was not in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God”! (1 Corinthians 2:5) I stood on what I believed the Lord had told me regardless of what seemed like a life or death situation.

A nurse said I could be hearing from the devil when I told her about the Pastor who came in and prayed for me. My faith was continually being built up; I did not allow what she said to cause me to doubt.

The doctors wanted to perform surgery on me but I say no. The Lord had told me not to let them operate because they did not know what was going on in my body; the doctors thought it was a bowel obstruction.

Finally, on a Sunday morning I was discharged after being in the hospital a few days. Of course, papers were signed to release them of any liability.

One of the doctors said: “You need to get back on the plane to Philadelphia and see a doctor, you are dying.” When they left, I got dressed and my stomach was still very distended. All of a sudden, doubt crept in, but then I said: “God is going to heal me.”

Upon arriving at my mother’s house, I stayed in the den watching television and it seemed like every preacher was talking about faith. Later, I laid on the sofa and all of a sudden that poisonous coffee gushed out my body and I was supernaturally healed by the power of God!

Sometime later after I went back up north, my mother’s doctor who was one of the attending physicians, asked her if I was still alive. Surely, according to him, I could not still be living. This was a testimony for the doctor to hear, for he certainly thought that I would have been dead.

Not only was I alive; I was and still am alive and well!

Again, all of those experiences were for a purpose, and for a time such as this that saints will be encouraged and God would get the glory in the here and now as well as back then. He was preparing me for the right now season. And to God my Father be all praises, honor, and glory!

Next: The Working of Miracles - Power Gift

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

The Gifts of Healing ~ Power Gift (Part 2) My Experience With Someone Being Healed 5-15-2020

Some of these experiences had escaped my memory, but praise be to the Spirit of God and someone else He used to bring the experiences to my recall. This is absolutely amazing how these testimonies are being shared during a time such as this; the season for the ministry is ripe.

It is for people to be encouraged and built up in their faith, and for God to be glorified. At the time of these experiences, I had no clue that God was calling me into any type of ministry. Every child of has a ministry.

My experience of operating in the gifts of healing:

A friend who had a men’s ministry, invited women to come this particular night. On my way to the friend’s house, I told another friend that I felt this overwhelming warm surge go through my body (it was an anointing); it was so powerful that I could hardly stand it. My friend wanted me to lay hands on him so he could feel the same power.

The person operating in the given gift for that particular time may not always feel something; this was new to me and because of my immature state in this type of gift, I believe the Holy Spirit did this to boost my faith.

I said: “God is going to do something tonight”, and this is what took place:

We were at the meeting, standing in a circle and holding hands for prayer. While I was holding hands with the person on the left of me, I felt the sensational power leave out of me and it went into the individual to bring about his healing.

Later on, while the leader was speaking, I told the person that came with me what happened during the prayer. He told me I should tell the leader, but I was hesitant. Then, the man that was standing beside me during the prayer, went to the restroom. And, the Lord said: “When are you going to tell them what I did?”

After the man came from the restroom, I told the person with me that I was ready to tell the leader what had transpired. I got the leader’s attention and told him that I was not planning to say anything, especially being that the women were invited guests.

The leader allowed me to share what had taken place. I told everyone what happened during the prayer and I looked at the man and said: “You have had a heart problem all your life and the Lord said, you are healed!”

He was looking at me very attentively, and then! The man starting praising God and said Yes, he had the heart condition all his life.

Everybody starting praising God! I went to the bank a few days later and saw the man; he started praising God again.

The meeting that we attended a few days earlier was ordained by God for the man’s healing to manifest.

This particular gift was healing for the heart.

The purpose of the gifts has been and will be to build up and encourage the body of Christ; to increase their faith and to glorify God.

At that particular gathering, I do not know who was saved and who was not; if someone unsaved was there, it could have led to their repentance (Romans 2:4).

Next: The Working of Miracles ~ Power Gift

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

The Gifts of Healing ~ Power Gift 5-14-2020

As we continue with the power gifts, some may wonder why the word gifts is plural, rather than healing being plural. According to the Word of God there are different gifts for different illnesses/diseases (1 Corinthians 12:9).

The Holy Spirit may use some with different kinds of gifts of healing. Example: Jesus healed the leper who said to Jesus: Lord if You are willing, make me clean; Jesus put forth His hand and touched him and said, I am willing, be cleansed. Immediately his leprosy was cleansed (Matthew 8:1-3). This healing was by Jesus touching the man and speaking healing.

Jesus touched Peter’s mother-in-law and the fever left her. And she rose and served them (Matthew 8:15). All she needed was a touch and she was healed.

Peter found a certain man who had been bed ridden for eight years and was paralyzed. And Peter said to him, Aeneas, Jesus the Christ heals you. Arise, take up your bed, and he rose immediately (Acts 9:34). This healing was by a command.

The gifts of healing are always for someone else. For instance, when I was suffering with hot flashes (menopausal transition), one day they were so bad I spoke over the situation that by Jesus’ stripes I was healed (1 Peter 2:24) and it happened. This was not the gifts of healing operating.

Also, when we intercede and stand the gap for someone’s healing, that is not one of the gifts of healing.

Although Intercession can fall under the gift of helps, it does not necessarily mean that the Intercessor will operate in the gifts of healing. Again, we do not put limitations on the Holy Spirit; He uses whomever, whenever He chooses to when it comes to the gifts of healing, or any of the other gifts.

We pray and believe by faith that the person/s will receive their healing. Remember this, even though we are praying, which is spiritual, it is different than the supernatural power of the gifts of healing which goes beyond us praying for people.

Someone can ask for prayer and it does not mean they will be healed, there could be something going on in the person’s life and it would not be in God’s timing. Or it could be for other reasons.

Everybody will not be healed, just as everybody will not be saved; it is not for us to know the reason it does not happen. We do not know who will or will not get healed; we just pray and trust God.

We do what we need to do and leave the rest between God and the person. He knows everything about everybody. Whatever the reasons are, even though we do not know or understand, we should never stop praying. With that being said, God honors our faith.

When the Holy Spirit directs and empower, it is 100% surety that the gifts of healing will happen.

The purpose for the gifts of healing and all the other gifts is to encourage the body of Christ, which builds up their faith and glorify God.

Additionally, this can change the lives of the unsaved, when they see how God worked in the lives of others.

It is the goodness of God that leads people to repentance (Romans 2:4).

Next: The Gifts of Healing (Part 2) ~ My Experience With Someone Being Healed

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

“An Hour of Bible Sharing With Betty” ~ “Overview” of Ruling in the “Kingdom” 5-13-2020

Last night we discussed how foolish it is to live your life just trying to make it in, but we should live our lives in a way that we rule and reign with Christ. Jesus said to store up your riches in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21). This has to do with ruling and reigning in the eternal realm.

Jesus also said, blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for great is their reward in heaven. Blessed are you when they shall revile you and say all manner of evil against you falsely for My sake, rejoice and be exceeding glad… (Matthew 5:10-12). Living a godly life is costly, but it is worth it, no cross, no crown.

The faithful saints will rule as kings (the 100-fold), the less faithful will rule as lords; they are 60-fold and 30-fold (Matthew 13:8). Everybody will have some responsibility, but everybody will not rule and reign.

Warning: Even if you make it in, and are given responsibilities, there will be weeping and gnashing (gritting) of teeth. Can you imagine what it will be like to see what you missed out when you were given responsibilities on this earth and you failed to fulfill your destiny?

Let’s use a city as an example of positions and how they vary: The mayor runs the city and the city council members vote on ordinances to make changes.

City inspectors and police have authority to enforce any ordinances the city council members votes on and is implemented. Police do not have authority to make changes, but they have authority to carry out the changes.

There are different levels of authority on this earth, just as there will be different levels of authority in the eternal realm.

There are so many similarities when it comes to comparing cities on this earth with cities on the new earth. Saints will be ruling over cities and positions will vary according to how faithful they were.

Jesus was speaking in parables to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson. When Jesus spoke in parables pertaining to the Kingdom, He would say the kingdom of heaven is like…

Jesus talked a lot about the kingdom and the requirements to rule and reign with Him throughout eternity. When He talked to the unfaithful servant, the five foolish virgins, and the ones who said they did works in His name, He did not go easy with them.

As a matter of fact, Jesus was pretty rough on them. Why? Because they had the ability to fulfill their responsibilities, but they chose not to.

What are you going to do with the responsibilities that have been assigned to you?

Next week on Tuesday, we will continue with the Kingdom; there is so much to learn about it.

Tomorrow: The Gifts of Healing ~ Power Gift

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

“An Hour of Bible Sharing With Betty” ~ “Preview” of the “Kingdom” 5-12-2020

One member of the group is not able to connect with us on Tuesday Bible sharing; we do a one on one study on Monday. This means we are ahead of the Tuesday Bible Sharing which makes me more polished for the next group, and I love it.

Yesterday, during the Monday morning session, we discussed Luke 19:10-27, Daniel 7:18 and a few more verses in the same chapter. The Old Testament prophets wrote many things pertaining to the future as they were inspired by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:20).

The seventh chapter of Daniel connected with the Kingdom and ruler-ship that is being studied in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke.

I am going to take you back to where we started with the foundational, the first or elementary principles sometimes called the rudiments of a born-again believer’s walk, and how one must learn the A, B and C, before the can understand X,Y and Z. In other words, a baby has to crawl before it walks.

The principle is to start from the beginning and build on the foundation of Christ. As was stated in the beginning, there can be no skipped steps; it is a process that should be progressive.

So, one must know the basics and then they will gradually understand why they are here on this earth and what their purpose is. How in the world is someone going to rule and reign when they have no clue about Kingdom principles?

If one does not understand their assignment and walk in it, they will miss out on ruling eternally with Jesus Christ, even though they are born-again. Only the faithful Christians will rule with Jesus Christ.

We have learned and it is understood that salvation is secure; in other words, one can never be lost once they are saved; next step was how to grow in our walk, and now we are learning and understanding how we are going to rule in the eternal realm with Christ our King.

It will be exciting to share what was shared and learned from tonight’s class.

Looking forward to tomorrow, if the Lord wills, “An Hour of Bible Sharing With Betty”

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

“Happy Mother’s Day”

This is a wonderful and praiseworthy day that has been set aside to honor mothers. the Word of God says to honor (pay respect) fathers and mothers (Exodus 20:12, Ephesians 6:1-3).

However, I want to concentrate on mothers.

Mothers are to be Cherished

They are precious Rubies, and nothing can be compared to them

Mothers are Diamonds that are a best friend

They are Silver that gives wisdom in their old age

Mothers are as priceless as Gold Nuggets

They glow so much like Bronze that they capture attention

Mothers are like Copper that provides a gentle healing touch to meet the needs of their children

The Greatest of these is a Mother’s Love, that comes come from the Lord

Whatever feelings you are having about your biological mother, godmother, adopted mother, spiritual mother, mentor and so on, just remember that she is somebody God placed in your life. So, cherish her; she is a gift from God to you.

I am so grateful to Father God for all the wonderful women He placed in my life.

I honor those who are still alive and those who have passed on, shall never be forgotten.

Every mother that God made is a blessing to somebody, one way or another. Even though some may not see it; He made her with purpose.

If your biological mother is living; give her honor, or if you have anyone in your life who is a motherly figure, honor her. When she is gone, it will be too late to tell her.

Lovingly submitted ~ Betty A. Burnett

Be Encouraged Friends and Family 5-9-2020

Many of you read my experience of how the Spirit of God used me to operate in the gift of faith. This was posted for others to be encouraged and to be built up in their faith, to God’s glory!

Although I have not been given the gift of faith; as was stated yesterday, the Holy Spirit used me at that particular time and I did not question or doubt Him. The Spirit just gave me the unquestionable empowerment of 100% faith to operate in the gift.

A few days ago, I posted a couple of my experiences of how I was operating in the gift of discerning of spirits, which is one of my spiritual gifts that the Holy Spirit has equipped me with in my prophetic office.

The messages on the gifts and my experiences are testimonies to encourage the readers and to motivate you to discover your gifts, be trained and developed and function effectively in what God has called you to do. And when your season comes, He will launch you out into your ministry.

It took me about twenty-five years to get to this this juncture of my life. My season is definitely here; the Spirit started revealing much to me in November of 2019, and I have been on a spiritual roll since that time.

As you continue to read my experiences and testimonies, you will begin to understand why I will not be confined or restricted from doing the work God has called me to do. He allowed all these experiences for me to help others to be set free.

God has given me much and much is required. The more time I spend with Him, the more He reveals to me, my faith built up and activated.

These gifts are not just for me and some others; they are for every child of God and each of us has at least one gift.

In the near future, there will be more experiences to share for your encouragement and for His glory.

Next Thursday, Lord willing, I will continue with the Spiritual Gifts ~ The Gifts of Healing

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

Faith, One of the Power Gifts ~ My Experience (Part 2) 5-8-2020

As we continue with the Gift of Faith, I am going to use a personal experience that the Spirit of God used me in the gift of faith

My experience

It was in the 1990’s on a Monday in the early afternoon, the Spirit of God told me to pray for $10,000 for a ministry I was connected with. That night the ministry was having the usual Monday night service, that I attended.

At the end of the service, I stood up and said: “Brother Miguel, the Lord told me to pray for $10,000 for this ministry”, and out of my mouth shot: “You will have it in seven days”. That was not my own doing; that operation of the gift of faith came directly from the Spirit of God.

During the course of that week, I would remind Brother Miguel what the Lord was going to do. It not only increased my faith, but also this was to encourage Brother Miguel.

My reminding Miguel, proved that I was 100% sure without a shadow of a doubt that God was going to bring the money in. It was never questionable as to how He was going to do it; I just knew that He would.

A few days later, on a Saturday morning, three of us attended a task force meeting and my pastor was chairperson. Ministers and others were present from surrounding townships because of the concern about situations going on in the city.

The discussion included Billy Graham who was going to be in Philadelphia for the first time in thirty-five years. Every time the Billy Graham crusade would come up, the Spirit brought the conversation back to the need in Camden.

Different people were allowed to speak, the Director of the ministry spoke and I was the last one to speak; not knowing what I was going to say. Then, I began to tell the people that the Spirit had told me to pray for $10,000 for the ministry. I went on to use Luke 6:38 about giving.

And then, one of the pastors stood up and said we are going to get that money. He went on to say he had spearheaded a campaign and they raised $38,000, and $10,000 was just a drop in the bucket.

I was so overwhelmed that I jumped up and ran in the restroom. When I came back in the room, ministers from surrounding townships were pledging money for the ministry. Glory to God!

I did not know why the ministry needed $10,000; I just told what was revealed to me. Later I was told that the ministry needed a sprinkler system.

Again, this was not something that I did on my own, it was the Spirit of God moving through this vessel to accomplish a much - needed task. Thanks be to God that the gifts are to encourage and build each other up, that He may be glorified

Next: The Gifts of Healing

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

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Faith, One of the Power Gifts (Part 1) 5-7-2020

Although these gifts are given by the Holy Spirit in 1 Corinthians 12:4, 8-11), all the gifts are spiritual, including those given by God the Father (1 Corinthians 12:6, Romans 12:4-8) and God the Son (1 Corinthians 12:5, Ephesians 4:11).

I am writing about the second set of the gifts of the Spirit. This will be a two-part message; the second part will be about my personal testimony.

The first gift of the three. There are three types of faith:

1) Saving faith (Ephesians 2:8-9)

2) Growing (maturing) Faith (1 Peter 2:2, 2 Peter 3:18)

3) The gift of Faith (1 Corinthians 12:9)

Saving Faith

This faith which brings salvation must come first; without salvation, it impossible to grow or have gifts. Although it was written in a previous message that Satan imitates God, even with the gifts. However, we must remember that he operates with lying wonders (2 Thessalonians 2:8-9).

Growing (maturing) Faith

This kind of faith can only happen if one is studying the Word of God, being taught the principles of the Word and the trials that come to test our faith (James 1:2-4).

Example of the faith that test people: Abraham was told by the Lord to sacrifice his only son Isaac on the altar. Abraham obeyed the Lord, believing without a shadow of doubt that if his son died, the Lord would raise him from the dead (Genesis 22:1-18).

The Word of God tells us to grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18). We should have the desire to grow; and a hunger and a thirst to grow (Matthew 5:6, 1 Peter 2:2).

The Gift of Faith

No self- reliance, it comes from the Spirit of God to move in a supernatural way for a specific task at that moment.

Even though there are people whom this gift is given to, it does not necessarily mean the Spirit has given you the gift of faith; the Spirit uses whomever He chooses at a given time.

Example of the gift of faith: Someone was told by the Spirit of God to walk on water, because He was going to him to rescue someone from drowning. And, they cannot swim; but the Spirit has given them that special ability to believe supernaturally that they can walk on water.

This person has no doubt and is 100% sure because that kind of faith came directly from the Spirit of God.

The situation where Peter walked on water so he could meet Jesus who was also walking on water, was not the gift of faith. Peter started to walk on the water where Jesus was, but he took his eyes off Jesus and began to sink. Therefore, this could not have been the gift of faith (Matthew 14:22-31).

Next: My Experience in the Gift of Faith

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

“An Hour of Bible Sharing With Betty” ~ “Overview” of the “Kingdom” 5-6-2020

Brothers and sisters, all I can say is, the Bible sharing was a WOW! All praises, honor and glory belong to God our Father.

I am so grateful to God that the group understands that certain scriptures in Matthew, chapters 22 and 25, talk about the unfaithful who will be cast into outer darkness which some think is hell.

Outer darkness is a place (a dim place) where the unfaithful Christians will be because they were not intimate with Christ.ave been studied are talking about ruling and reigning with Jesus Christ.

We discussed who will rule and reign with Jesus Christ our King in the eternal realm. There are two types of Christians, the faithful and the unfaithful ones. Only those who have prepared themselves will rule on the new earth.

The unfaithful Christians also will be on earth, but they will not have the same positions as the faithful saints.

Heaven is not like many people say it is. For instance, some say: “When I get to heaven, I’m going to sing and shout and nobody will be able to put me out”. Not true!

Heaven is not our home; the saints will live on the new earth and they will not be singing and shouting.

Additionally, people will not be walking around heaven all day. I am reemphasizing, we will not live

Just as we have assignments here on this earth, we will have ruler-ship assignments over cities and so on, in the eternal realm.

It is plainly stated in the Word of God, as John the Apostle wrote:

And I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Then I, John saw the holy city, New Jerusalem coming down out of heaven.

Jesus Christ our King will rule and reign in the New Jerusalem (Revelation, chapter 21), and the faithful children of God will rule and reign on the new earth (Daniel 7:18, 27, 2 Timothy 2:1-12).

Are you making yourself ready to rule and reign with Jesus Christ? Are you working on your wedding garment, as a bride who will be prepared to meet Jesus Christ, the Bridegroom?

What does that mean? It means, you are studying the Word of God and doing what He called you to by living holy and walking in righteousness which includes fulfilling your destiny.

If not, I am pleading with you to start getting ready to meet Christ; it is much later than you think. The Spirit of God is sad when the children of God are not preparing to meet Jesus Christ.

I pray that your eyes will be opened to see how serious walking with the Lord and being intimate with Him is.

Join us again next week on Tuesday for a Preview of “An Hour of Bible Sharing with Betty”

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

“An Hour of Bible Sharing With Betty” ~ “Preview” of the “Kingdom” 5-5-2020

Tonight, our lesson will be coming from Matthew, chapters 25 (ten virgins) and 22 (wedding garments). Most people will be shocked as to what these scriptures mean, but in studying the verses, and learning what Jesus Christ is talking about and who He is talking to, makes the difference.

Because they had never been taught these principles, what was taught seemed to have made sense, which is sad.

But once people’s eyes are open to the truth, it is like a light-bulb that comes on and it makes sense.

Each week the group is given scriptures to study for the next week, and I ask them what they got out of the scriptures. Most of the time, they are on point.

I want to see where each person is and how much of a desire, they have to study the Word of God for themselves (2 Timothy 2:15). Sometimes they say things that I had not thought of and it helps me to see that particular scripture from a different perspective.

As they say about the coronavirus, we are all in this together, so it is with the Bible class; we are all in this together; being in the same book despite the different levels.

I can hardly wait until tomorrow to share an “Overview” what we discussed!

Tomorrow: “Overview of “An Hour of Bible Sharing With Betty” 5-6-2020

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

Gifts and Their Value to the Body of Christ and to God

I am writing about the gifts, as led by the Holy Spirit for this given time. It has been posted on my ministry website what this ministry is about. It was revealed to me years ago that Burnett Ministries would help people to discover and be trained in their gifts. And, now is the time.

On that note, if God gives you an assignment, it does not mean it will come into fruition right away. From my own experience, it takes time; I am still being taught and growing more in the Word to minister effectively to the needs of those God has ordained for me to minister to.

The reason I am concentrating on the gifts is because of the many years of being in different denominational churches, I have not seen the gifts in full operation.

It is imperative for every child of God to function in the capacity God has called us to function in. We should want to know what our gifts are and understand how to function in them.

We are so important to God and He desires to have us working in harmony with Him; God the Father, God the Son and God the Spirit, just as the Triune God works in harmony (union) with each other (1 John 5:6-7).

Although there are three persons of the Godhead, each functions differently, but always in harmony with each other. So, when it comes to the children of God, we are to utilize these valuable gifts as we co-labor with God to encourage each other and to glory Him (1 Corinthians 3:9).

Many of the gifts are misunderstood, abused, and misused because of improper teaching or no teaching at all. This causes the children of God (body of Christ) to miss some awesome blessings, when we are not doing what God has called us to do. Not only that, it will affect our eternal status of ruling with Jesus Christ.

Even though each of us has different personalities because that was the way God made us, our character should be more and more like Christ; so many scriptures – I will give a few (1 Corinthians 11:1, Ephesians 4:22-24, Philippians 2:5).

When you hear someone say: “That person has character”. This means a distinguishing feature and qualities of the person; one with a good character has traits like; trustworthy, respect, integrity, caring and so on. These characteristics are usually developed as one matures.

When people use character in other ways like: “That house or that furniture has character”, they are saying, there are distinct qualities that really stand out.

Therefore, the gifts and character should go hand in hand. If one does have good character, the gifts are useless; no one wants to receive from someone who has a lot of flaws in their character.

Tomorrow: “An Hour of Bible Sharing With Betty” Preview of the Kingdom and ruler-ship

Back to the gifts on Thursday

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

Discerning of Spirits (Part 4) Some of My Experiences

In the early 1990’s. I was at a church service and as I looked toward the pulpit, my attention went directly to one of the ministers. At my first look, his eyes were normal, then I looked again and his eyes were blood-red; I shook my head as if in unbelief, when I looked again, his eyes were back to normal.

This was my first experience with a situation like this, so I shared it with another person, because I knew something was wrong, but did not understand what this meant. So, the person that I shared it with, told me that was a spirit.

Later, I shared my experience with a leader, which was a warning that the man was not who the church thought he was. Not long after this occurred, the man was exposed for the other ways that he had deceived people.

This is why the gift of discerning of spirits is so important. Suppose the Lord did not have someone to supernaturally detect this, the person would have done more damage than he did. This shows how much God loves His children, He wants to protect them and He has placed each of us with the gifts in the body of Christ to help.

I was in another church in the early 2000’s. This situation went on for about a year. I went to the leader and told him that a person was set up in the church to do harm to him. Because the leader did not understand the spiritual gifts, he ignored it.

The person attended Bible study and Sunday morning church services. One Sunday he had a man with him, who was his back-up. The last Sunday he was there, he had a female back-up. I looked and saw how evil her eyes were, and she was looking in the pastor’s direction as if she were trying to put a hex (do harm) on him.

Reminder, only the person with the gift of discerning of spirits would have been able to discern this, because it was not for people in their natural senses to detect. That’s what the person with the gift is for.

During the service, a sister was sitting beside the man and she could see that the man had a notebook and was drawing on it. Another sister was sitting next to the woman that was with the man, and from the pulpit, I saw how nervous the sister seemed to be; she kept looking at the woman as if she were afraid of her.

We came out of the pulpit when it was time for altar prayer, and it was as if the Holy Spirit floated me to where the man and woman were sitting. I said to him: “Stop what you are doing”! He said: “Reverend Burnett, I’m not doing anything”. I said: “I said stop what you are doing to the pastor”. He and the woman left.

These women on both sides of the man and woman confirmed to the pastor that something eerie was going on with the man and the woman. Later, the Holy Spirit told me to go to the sanctuary on a certain day and He told me what pew to go to.

I went as the Spirit directed and the man left so fast that Sunday, the paper he was drawing on was still there. The drawing was a man and a casket and on it was written: Phase 3 of 4 complete.

My brothers and sisters, this is real! And I do not take it lightly. Furthermore, I embrace whatever God has assigned me to do to help others. I pray that you will take the gifts and calling of God seriously. It is necessary to learn about the gifts, understand the gifts and function in them.

Next: The Gifts of the Spirit ~ Faith, a Power Gift

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

Spiritual Gifts ~ Discerning of Spirits (Part 3)
More Examples of the Holy Spirit, the Human spirit and Demonic spirits

I feel the readers need more examples to clearly distinguish what the gift of discerning of spirits mean. This gift detects the type of spirit operating in a person or a situation/movement.

Let’s start with Jesus and the disciples when He asked them who do men say I am? And they said, some say You are John the Baptist, some, Elias, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets. He said to them, but who do you say I am (Matthew 16:13-15)?

Spirit of God revealed who Jesus was:

Simon Peter answered and said: You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. Jesus said, blessed are you Simon Barjona, for flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father in heaven (Matthew 16:17). Jesus was saying this was a good thing, for it was God who revealed to Simon Peter who Jesus Christ was.

An example in the church could be that someone could be bringing forth a message and others do not understand and they may even question the person’s credibility. But the person with the gift of discerning of spirits would say: “What the person is saying is from God”.

Remember in a previous message, it was stated that there are three categories for spirit: The Holy Spirit, the human spirit and demonic spirits. We should be able to discern both good and evil, when it comes to what or who is true or false, because we should have enough knowledge and understanding to detect the difference.

However, with the gift of discerning of spirits which is totally supernatural, we could not have been able to discern spirits on our own, it comes directly from the Spirit of God.

Human spirit

The Pharisees were religious leaders whom the people looked up to; but they abused their positions and were operating in their human spirit.

The same thing happens with some leaders in the church; they use their position for the wrong reason. They are operating in their human spirit when all the attention is focused on them. Some even start a movement that has nothing to do with God, because they are about self-gain.

Demonic spirits

The slave girl had a spirit of divination (to bring out something unknown -evil). The girl cried out saying: These men are servants of the Most-High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation. It was the demonic spirit speaking through her to discredit what Paul and the apostles were doing.

Remember this, Paul was the only who detected this through the gift of discerning of spirits. So, he exposed what the demon was doing through her (Acts 16:16-18).

An example of the demonic spirits operating in the church in the 1990’s, was the “holy laughter”. In the previous message, I wrote that the purpose of the gift of discerning of spirits is to detect the type of spirit or spirits operating in the church in opposition to God’s will.

How was the “holy laughter” movement operating against the will of God? Think about it! Would anything that takes the focus off of God be of God? Some of these people were rolling on the floor, laughing hilariously and some continued with that silly laughter when the word was brought forth.

I visited a church and actually saw these people in action; it saddened me to see all that foolishness

Discerning of Spirits (Part 4) Some of My Experiences

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

Spiritual Gifts ~ Discerning of Spirits (Part 2)

Let us move on to what the gift really is, which is discerning of spirits. Notice that the scripture in Hebrews did not say discerning of spirits, but it said that the children of God should be mature enough to discern both good and evil.

The gift of discerning of spirits is not given to every child of God. The Holy Spirit gives gifts to whom He chooses and the gift goes beyond being able to distinguish good from evil.

The Word of God tells us (all His children) to beware of false prophets (Matthew 7:15-20). Paul addressed the church at Galatia about allowing people to come in and take their attention off Christ and revert back to the law (Galatians 3:1-3).

They should have been able to discern these false teachers because they had been taught the truth about Christ delivering them from the law. The law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ (John 1:17).

The purpose of the gift of discerning of spirits is to detect the type of spirit or spirits operating in the church in opposition to God’s will. I mentioned in a previous message that the devil is causing havoc in the church because the gifts are not functioning for whatever reason.

It may be that certain denominations are not aware that all these gifts are essential in the body of Christ. It just could be that some denominations are knowledgeable of the gifts but are not embracing these awesome gifts that have been given to the body of Christ to edify, build up and encourage each other, and God is glorified.

And, some feel that the gifts have been done away with; that they were only for the early church.

According to the Word of God, the work that He started in us, He will complete until the day of Christ (Philippians 1:6). This means that nothing stops until Christ returns.

The devil does not want God’s children to have knowledge of and operate in these gifts. The gifts were given to the church and they will function in the body of Christ until Christ returns to take us to heaven; this is called the rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).

The gift of discerning of spirits detect spirits through the senses - the ear (hearing something that is evil), eye (seeing images) and nose (foul smell) or directly given by the Holy Spirit. This is the supernatural power to detect spirits and their activity.

Example: As we went to prayer, a certain slave girl possessed with a spirit of divination, met us who brought her masters much profit by fortune-telling. This girl followed Paul and us, and cried out saying, “These men are the servants of the Most-High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation”.

And she did this for many days. But, Paul greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus to come out of her”. And he came out that very hour.

Only Paul recognized that the girl had a spirit of divination, and once he was tired of what that spirit was doing through the slave girl, he took authority over the spirit and cast it out of her. In other words, he exposed what she was doing to discredit their mission.

To others, it may have seemed like the girl was agreeing with what they were doing, by saying: These men are the servants of the Most-High God who proclaim to us the way of salvation.

The girl’s masters were upset, because the hope of their profit was gone, and they took hold of Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to the authorities (Acts 16:16-19).

I will reiterate that it is of utmost importance for the gifts to function in the church (body of Christ).

Next: Spiritual Gifts ~ Discerning of Spirits (Part 3) More Examples of the Holy Spirit, the Human spirit and Demonic spirits

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

Spiritual Gifts ~ Discerning of Spirits (Third of the Revelation Gifts)

Before we go into the Gift of discerning of spirits, everyone needs to understand that there are three categories when it comes to the word spirit:

1) The Holy Spirit is capitalized - the Spirit of God; it is known that the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Godhead is the only perfect One listed in these categories.

2) The human spirit is the spirit of man and is in each human being (Genesis 2:7, Proverbs 20:27, 2 Timothy 4:22). The human spirit of man can be influenced by evil spirits.

3) Demonic spirits -These are fallen angels who are intelligent, evil and fierce.

Since this is a three-part message, I will only get to the human spirit in this message.

The human spirit

Example: When Jesus told the disciples the things He had to suffer, Peter rebuked Jesus and told Him that this was not going to happen. Jesus said: Get behind Me Satan, you are an offense to Me, you are not mindful of the things of God, but of the things of men. Peter meant well, but he was being influenced by Satan.

Jesus recognized Satan using Peter in an attempt to stop Him from fulfilling what He was sent on earth to do (Matthew 16:23); to suffer, die and be raised the dead for many souls to be saved.

This is one of my experiences in detecting a human spirit in operation. I visited a church and the guest speaker was charismatic (charming), had a broad vocabulary and knew how to captivate his audience.

The Spirit revealed to me that the guest speaker was trying to take the church from the pastor who had sickness in his family and was not able to be at the service. Months later, I received a call from a sister who was a member of that church, and she told me the man was exposed.

The man was operating in his human spirit. I never discussed this with the sister; the Spirit used her to confirm what had been revealed to me.

The Word of God tells us to test the spirits to see if they are of God, because many false prophets are gone out into the world (1 John 4:1). Every child of God should get to a place in their Christian walk where they are able to detect spirits. When you see spirit in the plural, it is referring to demonic spirits.

Now to the introduction of the gift of discerning of spirits. I am starting off with what this gift is not, since many people so erroneously misunderstand the gift of discerning of spirits. In recent years, I have heard people call it the gift of discernment; there is no gift of discernment.

The author of the book of Hebrews was talking to the Hebrews who had stopped growing because they had become dull of hearing. And they thought they were mature, but they had need of milk and not meat; they were still babies in Christ because they were unskilled in the Word of God.

The author of Hebrews goes on to say: But solid food belongs to those who are of full age (mature), that is, those who by reason of use have their spiritual senses exercised to discern both good and evil (Hebrews 5:12-14).

One can only discern (be able to distinguish/recognize) good from evil, if they are mature in Christ. How can a baby know the difference between good and evil, or right and wrong? They have to be trained.

Next: Spiritual Gifts ~ Discerning of Spirits (Part 2) Purpose

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

“An Hour of Bible Sharing With Betty” ~ “Overview” of the “Kingdom”
The Faithful, the Unfaithful Children of God and the Unsaved 4-29-2020

There has been much confusion pertaining to born-again believers thinking that everybody is going to be the same in the eternal realm. For instance, some say: “I just want to make it in”. Little do they know they have already made it in. Our citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20-21); it has already been established.

It is shameful for anybody to say: “They just want to make it in”, as much as Jesus Christ went through for them.

Plus, it is more than just making it in. God has given us these awesome abilities to utilize on earth, which determines our ruler-ship with Jesus Christ. In other words, those who are faithful will have greater positions in the eternal realm.

Those unfaithful, carnal Christians who choose to do what they want to do, will not have the same positions as the faithful. These are the ones made it that made it by the skin of their teeth.

There are two aspects of the “Kingdom”

1) Stewardship of the saved (what we have been given to manage)

2) How the wicked will be cast into hell

In both of these scriptures, weeping and gnashing of the teeth are used – One is talking about loss of rewards for the born-again believers.

The unfaithful children of God will be cast into outer darkness where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matthew 25:30). When they stand before Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10) and see all the glory they had missed because they did not make good use of their stewardship.

The other is for the unsaved who will be cast into the furnace of fire where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth because they will be tormented forever (Revelation 20:10-15).

At the end of the age, the angels will come forth and separate the wicked from the just and cast the wicked into the furnace of fire where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matthew 13:47-50).

I am concerned about those who profess to be born-again and are not taking their new life seriously. You may ask: How can I determine the way someone else is living? I see it every day on Facebook; some of the stuff people are posting is shameful.

If you are truly born-again, you must stand before Christ to give account of all that has been done in your bodies, whether it is good or bad.

And, to those who are not born-again, I am concerned about your souls, and I definitely don’t want you to end up in the fiery furnace.

Tuesday: “An Hour of Bible Sharing With Betty” - More about the Faithful Ruling With Jesus

Tomorrow - Continuation of the Gifts of the Spirit

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

“An Hour of Bible Sharing With Betty” ~ “Preview” of “Kingdom Principles” 4-28-2020

As we explore the scriptures tonight, “Kingdom Principles” is what is going to be our main emphasis. There is a difference between Salvation and Kingdom Principles.

We will continue to search to see what these scriptures actually mean, then they can be passed on to others and they too will have a clear understanding of Salvation and Kingdom Principles.

How do we get a clear understanding? Scriptures must connect, relate to and be supported by other scriptures. Key words and what the scriptures mean in the original language give a full understanding of what the verses mean.

History is another important factor; not knowing the culture and language of the people will change the entire meaning of the context of the scripture.

Our discussion includes several scriptures, but we may not get to all of them. It is of most importance that the group understands; taking it slow and easy make all the difference in achieving good results.

These are the scriptures, just in case you want to follow along with us:

The servant who didn’t do his Lord’s will (Matthew 25:14-30)

The narrow gate and the wide gate (Matthew 7:13-14)

The ten virgins (Matthew 25:1-13)

The man who did not have on his wedding garment (Matthew 22:11-14)

However, you will not get all that is shared unless you connect with us via conference call.

See you tomorrow, Lord willing, for an “Overview” of “An Hour of Bible Sharing With Betty”

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

Spiritual Gifts ~ The Word of Wisdom

As we move on with the revelation gifts, I want to give a word of caution. A person may think they are operating in one gift and it could be another, because some of the gifts are so intricately connected. This is the reason examples are used so the gifts can be distinguished.

Now to the Word of Wisdom – This gift, which is the Holy Spirit’s word of wisdom, gives directions on how to proceed with a matter in your own life or someone else’s life. The Holy Spirit will supernaturally reveal this for you or someone else.

Example: A person is working on a job; an offer may be made for you to move to another city. In the natural, it may not make any sense to you, and it looks as though you should stay where you are because things already look promising. It could be that you got a promotion on your present job, and you just purchased a new house.

But God has somebody to give you a word of wisdom for you to move on to the next place. It does not have to make sense; therefore, it is a decision that could not have been possible for you to make on your own.

In other words, you could have been stuck and missed your blessings, and if the Holy Spirit had not placed the person in your path whom He had given His word of wisdom to help you. This will really strengthen you and build your faith.

This is supernatural and that is why it is so important for the gifts to operate in the body of Christ. These gifts are in the church for us to encourage and lift each other up. We need God above all else or anybody else; however, He shows us that we have a need for each other by our giftings.

Jesus told two of His disciples: Go into the village next to you and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to Me. And if anyone says anything to you, you shall say: “The Lord has need of them” and immediately he will send them. So, the disciples went and did what Jesus told them to do (Matthew 21:1-6, Mark 11:1-6).

This was a prophecy that was being fulfilled in Zechariah 9:9, pertaining to Jesus riding on a colt the week before His crucifixion. Of course, Jesus had the fulness of the Godhead without measure (without limitations) - (Colossians 2:9), but the principle is the same. Plus, Jesus was 100% human and 100% God.

Here is the main point: What do you think the disciples must have thought when Jesus told them to go and bring the colt? Do you think that made any sense to the disciples to get a colt from a complete stranger? Yet they obeyed and realized later that what Jesus told them to do, made all the sense in the world.

Jesus was teaching the people from a boat. And when He finished speaking, He said to Simon, put out into the deep and let your nets down for a catch. And Simon answered, Master we toiled (worked hard) all night and got nothing. But at Your word, I will let down the nets. And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish and their net was breaking.

So, they signaled their partners on the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both boats, so they began to sink (Luke 5:1-7).

That was so powerful! Simon never would have imagined something so great as this happening. If he had not taken Jesus at His word, none of them would have brought in such a catch.

Coming Thursday: Spiritual Gifts ~ The Gift of Discerning of Spirits

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

The Gifts of the Spirit ~ The Word of Knowledge (First of the Revelation Gifts)

Now to take a look at these three gifts and how some people misuse them. This is how they are listed in the books that I have had in my possession: Knowledge, Wisdom and the Gift of Discernment.

Today, I am starting with the Word of Knowledge that has been called knowledge by some people. The reason this gift cannot be called knowledge is, all people with their right faculties have knowledge.

However, the Word of Knowledge is a gift where facts are revealed as to what is going on in a person’s life or a situation that could not have been known through natural means. This supernatural knowledge comes directly from the Holy Spirit and can be revealed through visions and dreams.

Example of the Word of knowledge:

Gehazi was the prophet Elisha’s servant who accompanied him when Naaman was healed of leprosy after he dipped in the water the seventh time. Although the gift of healing was manifested, I am concentrating on the Word of Knowledge.

After Naaman was healed, he offered Elisha great gifts in appreciation for his healing, but Elisha did not take anything from him because the healing was for God’s glory, not for his personal gain.

Gehazi, the servant of Elisha saw all the gifts that Elisha had turned down and he decided to go and collect the rewards.

When Gehazi returned to Elisha, he asked him where he had been. Gehazi told Elisha he had not been anywhere. Elisha said to Gehazi: Did not my heart go with you when the man turned back from the chariot to meet you?

The Holy Spirit revealed to Elisha through the word of knowledge that Gehazi had received gifts from Naaman (2 Kings, chapter 5).

Jesus operated in the word of knowledge – He knew that the Pharisees were thinking evil in their hearts and He told them what they were thinking (Matthew 9:1-6).

Peter – Ananias and Sapphira. People were distributing their possessions so everybody would have and no one was left out. This couple sold their possessions and because they wanted to look big to others, they schemed and held on to some of it.

But Peter, operating in the word of knowledge said to Ananias: Why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the land for yourself ….. you have not lied to men but to God. (Holy Spirit and God the same). Ananias fell down and died.

About three hours later Ananias’ wife Sapphira, not knowing what had happened to her husband, was asked by Peter what she sold the land for and she told him the same thing her husband did. Then Peter said, how have you agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look at the feet of those who buried your husband at the door, and they will carry you out.

And immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last, and she was carried out to be buried beside her husband. These two situations put fear on all the church who heard these things (Acts 5:1-11).

Understanding the gifts is important, and these messages are shared to help those identify their gift and to be trained properly. Remember that this gift is different from human knowledge; it is called the Word of Knowledge because the Holy Spirit gives a word of His knowledge about things or people that you are not aware of.

Reminder: The devil imitates the gifts of the Spirit through Root doctors (witchcraft) and Fortune tellers. It is dangerous for a child of God to seek information from these evil people.

Next: Spiritual Gifts ~ Word of Wisdom

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

Names Given For Some Gifts That are Incorrect ~ Continuation

Before I start explaining the gifts, all readers need to be aware that the devil also operates in the supernatural realm (evil or unholy). He imitates God through the gifts and the devil reaches more people through telecommunications where these so-called Christians are operating in the demonic realm.

Example: The holy laughter (unholy) was widespread in some denominations in the 1990’s. It was a distraction that took people away from the Word of God. It was like blurting out (speaking) in tongues in the assembly, which made an unsaved person think they were barbarians (an uncivilized wild person). The person with the gift of discerning of spirits is able to detect this unholiness.

The devil is causing havoc in the church more than ever because the demonic activity is increasingly on the rise. It is even worse when the gifts are not functioning in the church, especially the gift of discerning of spirits, which reveals and expose the demons so they can be recognized for what they are doing.

When the body of Christ comes to a better understanding, they will exercise their authority over the devil, instead of giving the demons free reign in the church because of their ignorance.

When it comes to the gifts given by the Holy Spirit in 1 Corinthians 12:8-10, you need to know that one must be baptized with the Holy Spirit and have the evidence of speaking in tongues.

However, the Spirit of God can work through anybody He chooses to at any given time, but the person needs to be filled with the Spirit to be the most effective. Also, a person does not necessarily have to possess that particular gift, in order to be used by the Holy Spirit.

These gifts given be the Holy Spirit fall into three categories. The first set is called the revelation gifts which have direct supernatural manifestations:

1 – Revelation gifts: 1-3) word of knowledge, word of wisdom and discerning of spirits

2 – Power gifts: 4-6) faith, gifts of healing and working of miracles

3 – Speaking gifts: 7-9) prophecy, different kinds of tongues and interpretation of tongues

They are also grouped in three categories, and when I get to the names of the gifts that are incorrect, they will be pointed out again.

There will also be plain and simple examples; some from the Old Testament.

In the Old Testament, different gifts were used as the Holy Spirit came upon certain people to function in gifts; just as He came upon (anointed) kings and prophets at specific times for specific assignments.

In a previous message, it was stated that the Holy Spirit did not live or dwell in people until after Jesus Christ was resurrected from the dead.

Many people have been turned off because of the misuse of some of the gifts, especially the gift of tongues. However, it is up to you to receive what the Word of God says about the gifts. I have been baptized with the Holy Spirit since 1987, and my life has been enriched.

The next message will be the beginning of the gifts of the Spirit.

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

Names Given For Some Gifts That are Incorrect ~ Introduction

I have taken the same test four times in various churches over many years, and they all used the same book.

After being in the first church, I realized that some of the information in the book pertaining to pinpointing your gifts, was erroneous.

I also realized that a book may not be accurate in describing one’s gift. Then I learned after being taught about the gifts, the description of a few gifts was wrong.

This is something that every child of God should know; the Word of God is always accurate and if anyone is qualified to help you identify your gifts, it is the Five-fold ministry offices of the Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor and Teacher (Ephesians 4:11-16).

These offices are gifts to the body of Christ to help them grow into maturity, therefore these office gifts are mature enough to help the children of God discover their gift/s, and to train them in their gifts, so they will be in balance and not running around like a chicken with its head cut off.

If the church is not functioning the way the Word of God tells us to, we are not progressing (growing) spiritually, which causes eternal consequences.

I am going to back up and explain that Jesus Christ the Son, who is also Lord, gave these gifts to the church (1 Corinthians 12:5, Ephesians 4:11). There is a difference between these gifts and the ones in Romans 12:6-8 and 1 Corinthians 12:6, given by God the Father, and the gifts given by the Spirit of God in 1 Corinthians 12:4, 7.

Every child of God has been given at least one gift, and maybe more, but that is determined by the Spirit of God who distributes His gifts the way He chooses and to those who have the ability to function in the various gifts (1 Corinthians 12:11).

Notice that there are different gifts given by the Triune God, and these gifts are always in harmony with each other just as God the Father, God the Son and God the Spirit are always in harmony.

Before all the gifts are explained, which will take time, there must be an understanding of the misunderstood gifts.

You will learn the true meaning of misworded gifts like:

The Word of Knowledge, not knowledge, which is not a gift

The Word of Wisdom, not wisdom, which is not a gift

Discerning of spirits (not the gift of discernment; there is no gift of discernment)

You will also learn:

The difference between healings and miracles

When healings (plural) are mentioned, it means different kinds of healings

The gift of tongues which is highly misused, and the difference between the gift and the tongue language

Gift of Interpretation

How the gift of Prophecy can be highly misunderstood and misused

Feel free to print out this information for reference tools; it cannot be printed from my website because it is encrypted.

Next: Names Given For Some Gifts That are Incorrect (Part 1)

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

“An Hour of Bible Sharing With Betty” ~ “Preview” Eternal Security - Once Saved, Always Saved 4-22-2020

And I will give them eternal life, and they shall never perish, neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father who has given them to Me is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand (John 10:28-30).

The operative or key words are eternal or everlasting; which means to never come to an end - never perish (not ever; will never suffer spiritual death). And no one has the power to snatch them out of His hand, because nobody is greater than God: the All-Powerful One.

Romans 11:29- The gifts and calling of God are without repentance. The Gentiles saw that the Jews had rejected Christ and they thought God had rejected Israel.

God was dealing with the Gentiles (the church), but He also was letting them know that He had not forsaken the nation of Israel, therefore when God made a covenant (promise) it could not be broken (Numbers 23:19). This was an unconditional promise (no if, and's or buts).

That is why the gifts and calling are without repentance; meaning that God did not change His mind.

He called Israel as a nation unto Himself and it shall be fulfilled (Deuteronomy 14:2). In the meantime, because the Jews rejected Christ the Messiah, He is using Gentiles to provoke them to jealousy (Romans 11:11); the Jews despised the Gentiles and considered them dogs (Matthew 15:21-28), but the church which consists of Gentiles, has the same promise of the gifts and calling as the Jews.

Ephesians 4:30 – Do not grieve the Holy Spirit whom we were sealed for the day of redemption; meaning the Holy Spirit is our guarantee that we will receive glorified bodies (1 Corinthians 15:50-58).

Why was the church being told not to grieve the Holy Spirit? In verses 25-29, the children of God were told not to lie to one another, be angry and not let the sun go down on their wrath, nor give place to the devil.

Let him who stole stop stealing and work with his own hands, told not to speak corrupt words out your mouth, but what was good to edify that it may be grace to the hearer; all these things grieved or made the Holy Spirit sad.

Also, scriptures in verses 31 and 32 were used after they were told not to grieve the Holy Spirit - to put away all bitterness, anger ……be kind and tenderhearted, forgiving one another as Christ had forgiven you; this includes us.

Next: Names Given For Some Gifts That are Incorrect ~ Introduction

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

“An Hour of Bible Sharing With Betty” ~ “Preview” Salvation versus Works 4-21-2020

Monday, there was a study with someone who is not available for the Tuesday PM sharing.

One of the scriptures pertaining to salvation came from Ephesians 2:8-9, of course the verses must be read before and after the actual scripture in order to understand the meaning within that context. So, we started with verse one in Ephesians, chapter 2, and continued to verse nine.

The scriptures were: But God who is rich in mercy because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in sin, made us alive together with Christ. (by grace you have been saved)….. That in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness to us through Christ.

For by grace you have been saved, through faith and not of yourselves, it is a gift of God, not of works lest anyone should boast. If there is any boasting, it should never be about you, but boasting should be about God only.

Ephesians 2:8-9 is one of the scriptures used to witness the Gospel to lost souls, and verses 1-9 are a reminder to the born-again believers of their previous state of being before they experienced this wonderful salvation.

Some are basing their salvation on their works. Of course, one does not work to get saved, but because they are saved, they should want to do good works to glorify God. For they know this salvation is all about God extending His love for them to become born-again through the precious blood of Jesus Christ that was shed for their sins.

Therefore, they are grateful for their salvation; they understand that if it were not for God, they would be in hell.

Those who believe they can lose their salvation tend to be judgmental and they are self-righteous. Those who understand that God chose them and He is the One who keeps them, are more humble and thankful. Those who have an understanding know that works cannot produce salvation but salvation produces works.

I am going to take it to verse 10; this helps us to know who we are in Christ Jesus and what is required of us. We are His workmanship (God’s masterpieces), created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Understanding God loves us so much, that He called us to be His sons and daughters, should be humbling to the point of showing our appreciation, by doing what we have been called to do.

Which category do you fall in?

Are you a self-righteous and a judgmental Christian? Or, are you forever grateful to God for saving you, which makes you humble?

Tomorrow: Eternal Security - Once Saved, Always Saved

This Bible sharing is open to all who are interested; the conference call information is on Burnett Ministries website.

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

Unless You Believe That I AM He, You are Still in Your Sins

This ends the series about Jesus Christ being I AM. Jesus Himself said at least ten times that He was I AM. How could He claim to be God unless it was true?

Jesus said, My Father and I are one (John 10:30).

God called Jesus Christ the Son, God: But to the Son He says: Your throne O God is forever and ever, the scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore, God, Your God has anointed You with the oil of gladness beyond Your companions (Hebrews 1:8). Jesus Christ is above all, including angels (Hebrews 1:6, Psalm 104:4).

Christ deity was presented by the Father Himself; Christ is called the everlasting Father, meaning He is the Father of salvation; Mighty God – equal to God (Isaiah 9:6); THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS (Jeremiah 23:5-6), Looking for the blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ (Titus 2:13).

And we know that the Son of God has come and given us understanding that we may know Him who is true, and we are are in Him who is true. And even in His Son Jesus Christ, this is the true God and eternal life (1 John 5:20).

Who being in the form of God did not think it robbery to be equal with God, took on the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men (although He was God-Man).

Jesus came in the form of, means He was eternally God; not robbery means exactly the same in every sense.

But He did not make a reputation and took on the form of a servant and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient even to the point of death, even death on the cross.

Therefore, God has highly exalted Him and given Him the name that is above all names. (Christ obedience to death is followed by a super exalted position of honor and glory).

That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow in heaven, on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory and honor of God the Father (Philippians 2:6-11).

Eventually everybody will confess and bow to the awesome Savior, Deliverer and King. Everybody, including angels will acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord. Everything and everybody were created to worship Him; if Christ is not worshipped now, one day He will be.

Many people say that there are many ways to God. That is not true. The Word of God specifically says that there is only one way (John 14:6).

The Word of God also says: Neither is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name given under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:12).

For there is one God and one mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 2:5).

I want to thank each of you for your readership and support, it motivates me to press forward. This is not easy, but writing messages and believing lives are being changed, makes it worthwhile.

A new series pertaining to seeing Jesus Christ in every book of the Bible will start soon.

Names Given For Some Gifts That are Incorrect

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

The Spirit of Christ, The Spirit of God and The Spirit of the Lord are the Same (Part 2)

I am mentioning one thing that was left out of the message yesterday about the Old Testament: God said, let Us make man in Our image and after Our likeness that they may have dominion over …. (Genesis 1:26).

The Us was the God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. The Triune God was always working harmoniously throughout the Bible, and the three-bear record of their oneness (1 John 5:7-8).

Now to the New Testament –

The reason the Spirit of Christ, which means anointed One or Messiah is not mentioned in the Old Testament is, Christ was foreshadowed and revealed in types and figures (Colossians 1:14-17).

Near the end of the Old Testament, God Himself put on flesh as the Son (John 1:1, 14); He prepared a body to be sacrificed for our sins (Hebrews 10:5).

I am only listing a few of the many scriptures revealing that the Spirit of Christ and the Spirit of God are the same:

So then those in the flesh cannot please God. But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His (Romans 8:8-9).

Jesus Himself said the Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, for He has anointed me to preach good tidings to the meek, He has sent Me to mend the brokenhearted, proclaim liberty to the captives and to open the prison to those who are bound (Isaiah 61:1, Luke 4:18).

The Spirit of God: In mighty signs and wonders by the power of the Spirit of God so that from Jerusalem and round about to Illyricum, I have preached the Gospel of Christ (Romans 15:19). Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? (1 Corinthians 3:16).

We are told not to grieve the Holy Spirit of God, whereby we are sealed until the day of redemption (Ephesians 4:30). Since the Holy Spirit is our guarantee that we are children of God, we should not grieve him by living according to our fleshly desires.

Now to Jesus Christ being raised from the dead:

But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you (Romans 8:11).

I read in Romans 10:9, that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved.

It is also necessary to bring this up again:

Jesus said: Destroy this temple (meaning His body) and in three days I will raise it up (John 2:19).

God wants His children to understand that the Spirit of the Lord, the Spirit of God, and the Spirit of Christ are the same Triune God in three Persons and cannot be separated. Each Person of the Godhead was active in Christ being raised from the dead.

I am reiterating that there is only One Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:4). The reason why this is being mentioned is because there are many spirits. Notice the Holy Spirit is capitalized and spirits are not.

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits (plural) to see if they are of God, for many false prophets are gone out into the world (1 John 4:1).

Next: Unless You Believe That I AM He, You are Still in Your Sins

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

The Spirit of God, The Spirit of the Lord, The Spirit of Christ are the Same (Part 1)

For the readers to have more understanding of God in three persons (the Trinity or the Triune God), it is necessary to know that we as children of the Most-High God will not understand everything about God. However, it is important to trust Him and not lean to our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6)

I am talking about One Godhead in three Persons: God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit; the three cannot be separated. The three persons of the Godhead function differently but the three are always in harmony with each other.

God the Father initiated the plan; Jesus Christ carried out the plan; the Holy Spirit was the power used to bring it about. Let us go back to the beginning during creation: In the beginning God created the heavens and earth (Genesis 1:1).

Doesn’t the Word say that all things were made by Jesus Christ? For by Him (Jesus Christ or God the Son), all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible or invisible, whether they are thrones, dominions or principalities, or powers. All things were created by Him and for Him, and He is before all things and by Him all things consist (Colossians 1:16-17).

The Spirit of God moved on the face of the waters (Genesis 1:2). The Holy Spirit was and is the power that moves throughout the earth in the lives of people.

I am going to use two examples how the Spirit moved by His power in the Old Testament and how God placed His Spirit upon those He used to carry out His will:

The reason the Spirit of God came upon certain people in the Old Testament was because nobody had the Spirit of God living or dwelling in them until after Jesus’ resurrection (Matthew 28:5-6, John 20:22).

The Spirit of the Lord came upon David when he was anointed king. Jesse was David’s father of whose ancestry the messianic king was to come. There shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse and a Branch shall grow out of His roots (Isaiah 11:1-2). Jesus whose name Branch is a title for the Messiah.

David committed an adulterous act with Bathsheba and had her husband killed (2 Samuel, chapter 11). Psalm 51 was written by David in reference to these sinful acts. Verse 11 says: Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.

I am bringing this to the readers’ attention because I have heard some people say this in their prayer: “Lord, don’t take Your Spirit from me.” God’s Spirit will never leave His children (Galatians 4:6); once He is living in us (1 Corinthians 3:16), because we are sealed until the day of redemption (Ephesians 4:30). This means the seal cannot be broken.

David did not lose his kingdom, but innocent blood was on his hand, and the sword or warfare never left his house (2 Samuel 12:10-12). He had some serious problems with his children. One of the problems was, David’s son, Absalom tried to take his kingdom (2 Samuel, chapter 15).

Samson was called to judge God’s people, and he had extraordinary strength when the Spirit came upon him, this empowered Samson to defeat the enemies of Israel. But he had a problem with women and he was deceived by Delilah, a Philistine woman whom he loved (Judges 16:4-27); after which the Spirit left him and he lost his strength.

Samson cried out to the Lord after losing his strength and his eyesight; the Spirit came upon him and Samson killed more people during his death than in his life (Judges 16:28-30).

Next: The Spirit of God, The Spirit of the Lord and The Spirit of Christ, are the Same (Part 2) New Testament

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

Thomas Declared That Jesus Christ Was His Lord and His God (John 20:29)

All of the disciples including some of Jesus’ female followers did not understand when Jesus told them He was going to be killed and He would rise from the dead. Even though He told them numerous times what was going to happen, Peter did not accept it and rebuked Jesus (Matthew 16:21-22, Mark 8:31; 9:31, Luke 9:22).

Thomas, called Didymus said to his fellow disciples “Let us also go, that we may die with Him (John 11:16). This was a very was courageous statement.

Yet when the time came for Jesus to be delivered into the hands of the enemies to be crucified, all of His disciples fled (Mark 14:42-50).

When Jesus rose from the dead, Thomas was not with the disciples when He appeared unto them through the locked doors and said Peace be with you…. (John 20:19-24).

When they told Thomas what had happened, he did not believe them, and he said unless I can see in His hands the print of the nails and put my finger into the print of the nails and put my hand in His side, I will not believe (John 20:25).

And then, after eight days Jesus appeared again, when Thomas was with the others. Jesus said: Put your finger here and see My hands; and reach out your hand and place it in My side. Do not disbelieve but believe.

Thomas answered Him “my Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, you have believed because you have seen Me. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe (John 20:26-29).

Jesus was talking about all those who would believe the He, Jesus Christ was and still is, I AM the resurrection and the life; that He rose from the dead for us to be resurrected into a new life (Romans 6:4).

What about your faith? Do you believe that Jesus Christ was resurrected from the dead for you to have a new life, have you realized who He is and accepted Him as the Lord God your Savior?

Next: The Spirit of Christ, The Spirit of God, The Spirit of the Lord – the Same

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

Jesus Asked His Disciples, Who do Men Say I am?

Some say I am John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets. He said to them, who do you say I am?

And Simon Peter answered and said, You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God (Matthew 16:14-20).

Jesus said, blessed are you Simon Barjona, for Flesh and blood did not reveal that to you, but My Father in heaven revealed it to you. In other words, this was divine and totally spiritual.

It was God who opened Peter’s heart to a deeper knowledge of who Jesus was. That is the reason Jesus told them not to tell anyone that he was Jesus, the Christ. Prior to this, the disciples did not fully know who Jesus was.

This happened about six months before Jesus was to go to the cross and die for our sins.

Jesus told Peter that he was the little rock or stone (petras) and on this Rock (Jesus Christ), His church would be built (established) and the gates of hell or death could not prevail against the church. And the Spirit will draw all the little rocks (stones), that is us; we are the church, the lively stones (1 Peter 2:5).

When Jesus rose from the dead, He defeated the devil (1 Corinthians 15:55-57, Colossians 2:15), who could not prevail against His church.

Jesus was the Foundation (1 Corinthians 3:11) and the church belongs to Him, He is the Head of the church (Ephesians 5:23, Colossians 1:18). The church was founded on the apostles with Jesus being the Chief Cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20).

What does cornerstone mean? It is the rock in which the entire structure rests. Jesus Christ is the Cornerstone of our faith; without the cornerstone the church could not stand.

A cornerstone is on the corner of a building showing when the building was established. The church was established on the Day of Pentecost (Acts, chapter 2) by the apostles and the prophets with Jesus Himself being the Chief Cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20).

And it was Peter who preached on the day of Pentecost, which was the beginning of the church age (Acts, chapter 2).

The Roman Catholics say that the church was built on Peter who became the first pope and bishop of Rome. If the church was built on Peter, then where does Jesus fit in?

Doesn’t the Word of God say that Jesus is the head of the church and the Chief Cornerstone? If Jesus was left out, then Peter would have been their savior. The church consists of born-again believers, which is the body of Christ (Romans 12:4-.5), with Jesus being the head.

Additionally, the Roman Catholics call the pope holy father. The Word of God says to call no one on earth your father, for you have one Father in heaven (Matthew 23:9). If someone is being called holy father, doesn’t that make him their father/god?

Note: This does not mean that our earthly fathers cannot be addressed as father; most people call them dad, daddy, papa, poppa and etc. Now that you have read the truth about Jesus Christ,

Who do you say Jesus Christ is? Is He your Lord God and Savior?

Next: Thomas Declared Jesus to be His Lord and His God (John 20:29)

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

“An Hour of Bible Sharing With Betty” ~ “Overview” of a Review 4-15-2020
Our God is an Awesome God!

One of my minister friends sent me an email saying she was praying that the Lord would give us the spirit of wisdom and the revelation knowledge of Him. The eyes of our understanding being enlightened…. Ephesians 1:17-21, pertaining to the Bible sharing. I thank my God that righteous prayers are powerful.

Later, after the Bible class, another person prayed with me and used the same scriptures, thanking God our Father for how He gave us the spirit of wisdom and the revelation knowledge of Him. And we thanked the Lord that the eyes of our understanding were truly enlightened! Glory to God!

Truly I thank the Lord for those who joined us and what a blessing it was and is to be willing to learn; we all learned and understood that Hebrews, chapter 5, was talking about those who had learned and did not continue to practice what they had learned, did not grow.

Therefore, when they thought they were mature (of full age), they were still babies on milk and had need to go back and be taught all over again. If one is mature enough, they can recognize the baby state someone else is in.

This is the reason the Holy Spirit prompted me to start at the basics and go step by step to make sure each person understands fully what is being shared, so they will minister and witness effectively.

Many born-again believers use Hebrews 6:4-6 to say you can lose your salvation. This had nothing to with us as the children of God. The writer was talking to the Hebrews/Jews or those that belonged to the nation of Israel who refused to accept Jesus Christ as their Messiah.

These people understood that symbolism, types and figures and foreshadowing in the Old Testament was preparing the way for the Messiah, but they did not accept Jesus Christ as Messiah. Jesus came to His own and they did not receive Him (John 1:11).

They had tasted (sampled) the heavenly gift, and had shared in the Holy Spirit; many Jews experienced the blessings Christ brought while He was on the earth, such as healings, deliverance from demons, and miraculously feeding five-thousand, but they did not have the faith to go all the way.

They were like the Pharisees who actually witnessed the awesome move of Christ. Yet they rejected what Christ did, therefore, repentance could not be renewed.

In studying, make sure you know history and key words; this certainly makes a difference in how well you will understand.

Tuesday, I will share how the author is talking to two groups of people- saved and unsaved.

By the time the class was over, I was so excited I couldn’t go to sleep; was up at 4:40 AM.

Next: Jesus Asked His Disciples, Who Do Men Say I Am?

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

“An Hour of Bible Sharing With Betty” ~ “Preview” (Review) 4-14-2020

Tonight, we will go back to the beginning of what was shared about eternal security and “Kingdom Principles” according to the Word of God.

The reason I said the Word of God is, there is no way possible one can grow from sermons, that edify and encourage, or a book that someone else wrote. There is nothing wrong with either of these. However, we can only grow by being taught the principles from the Word of God.

Understanding salvation, being able to witness to the lost and minister to those who are born-again and do not understand, is absolutely necessary. The downside to both of these is the person/s need to be open to the truth, regardless of what they learned in the past, even if the teaching was erroneous.

The group wants to be sure that they have absorbed the information and feel confident enough to witness and minister effectively. What I admire about this group is, regardless of the levels of growth they are on, they have a desire to go back to the basics. We started off with the basics of our foundation and also learned how skipping steps cause back-sets.

Additionally, I feel this will give stability and no one will not be tossed to and fro with every wind of doctrine. That’s the reason why we are may nottaking our time to make sure everything discussed will be fully understood.

There will be a review of what has been shared to this point. Questions will be asked to see where everyone is from the time we started.

It is going to be interesting to hear the answers. However, I am feeling assured they will have the right answers. I believe in pulling things out of people; most of the time, they know more than they think. This will help to build up their confidence.

I can’t wait to share what the results tomorrow.

This Bible sharing is open to all who are interested; the conference call information is on Burnett Ministries website.

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

Being Content

Grace and Peace from God my Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ my Savior.

To any children of the Most-High God who been complaining about limited mobility because of the coronavirus, you should be grateful that you are still alive.

In such a time-period as this, with all the wonderful means of technology that God our Father has provided for us through the people He has given those abilities to; we should be grateful.

I am taking you back in time with some history:

The Spanish flu, also known as 1918 flu pandemic, was an unusually deadly pandemic. Lasting from January 1918 to December 1920, it infected 500 million people – about a quarter of world’s population at the time.

The death toll is estimated to have been from 17 million to 50 million, and possibly as high as 100 million, making it the deadliest pandemic in human history. The Spanish flu was the first of two pandemics caused by the H1N1 influenza virus, the second was the swine flu in 2009.

Can you imagine what it was like? No technology and very limited means of communication. It must have been horrible to many of them. On the other hand, they could have been thankful that the Lord had kept them alive for a reason. AND, this could have drawn many people to the Lord for Him become their Savior.

I know most people were not prepared for this, but by now you should have accepted that there is not one thing you can do about it and that God is still in total control. Yet God has called us to spend more time with Him in His Word and pray the right kind of prayers according to His Word.

Instead of posting a lot of foolishness through the media, we need to be about our Father’s business (Luke 2:49). I don’t know of a better time during this calamity that has affected people world-wide, than to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ to those who are still in darkness and offer them hope.

Also, this is a great time to love people from a distance for the right reason; not because you cannot tolerate being around them for whatever the case may be. We are called to love God first and our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:36-40) and to esteem (regard) others more highly than ourselves (Philippians 2:3-5).

Maybe God is trying to tell all of us something. We are not called to complain to each other about our negative feelings because of this situation, but to encourage and lift each other up.

Although this is a difficult time for all of us, we need to give thanks to the Lord for the means He has provided for us to communicate with each other. There are excellent means to communicate, without being in someone’s presence physically, but seeing them is the next closest thing to being with them, which is absolutely wonderful! Some ways are through Facetime, Messenger, Duo, WhatsApp and others.

This is to offer encouragement and help to others stop complaining, because God is not pleased. He wants us to be content, regardless of the situation (Philippians 4:11), and then we will experience His peace that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7).

Coming tomorrow: Preview from “An Hour of Bible Sharing With Betty”

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

Celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ - I AM
He is Jesus Christ -I AM, Who Rose From the Dead!

He is Jesus Christ- I AM was the Passover Lamb who sacrificed His life for our sins (1 Corinthians 5:7b). Jesus Christ- I AM was the Only acceptable sacrifice that brings eternal life (1 Peter 1:19). (1 Peter 1:19).

Through His sacrificial death, He was the only One capable of giving people a way to escape death and sure hope of eternal life (1 Peter 1:20-21). Lambs were used in the OT to cover the sins but they could not take away sins.

The Passover lamb was a foreshadow of Christ (Exodus 12:5). God was going to bring judgment on Egypt, which was symbolic of the world (Exodus 12:12). Those who had the blood of the Passover lamb applied the doorpost would not receive the judgment of God; it would pass over them (Exodus 12:23).

This was not for the Jews only, who at that time were called Hebrews; it was for anyone including the Egyptians who had blood from the Passover lamb on their doorposts (Exodus 12:7).

Our Passover Lamb was slain for those who by faith, would receive Him into their hearts and would not see the judgment of God, but are passed from judgment unto life (John 5:24).

John the Baptist, who was the forerunner of Christ said: Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29).

Christ was our Passover Lamb, now that His blood has been sacrificed, He forever lives as our High Priest to make intercession on our behalf (Hebrews 7:24-25). This is the whole purpose of us celebrating Jesus Christ’s Resurrection.

The biggest Cornerstone of our lives is the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. If He was born and if Jesus had just died, that would not have been be enough. It was His Resurrection that brought salvation and is still bringing salvation to those who believe that He was resurrected for their sins (1 Corinthians 15:14).

What a Joyous and Glorious Resurrection!

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

I AM the Resurrection and the Life (John 11:25-26)

-whoever believes in Me though he was dead, yet he shall live; and whoever lives and believe on Me shall never die. Please read the entire chapter of John 11.

History: Jesus was friends of Lazarus and his two sisters, Mary and Martha. Lazarus died; he had been dead four days before Jesus went to the town where he had lived.

The reason Jesus waited for days according to the Jews a person could still be alive until the fourth day. Jesus waited so God would be glorified in raising Lazarus from the dead (John 11:39-40).

I am using the scripture to bring about the point of Jesus being the Resurrection and the Life.

He raised Lazarus from the dead, but Lazarus died again. Jesus Christ was the only One to die and be raised again from the dead. If Jesus Christ did not rise from the dead, we would be still be in our sins (1 Corinthians 15:13-17).

I am going to share some historical facts about the Resurrection; first let’s talk about Easter and the Passover.

1) Easter: Eastre, the goddess of spring-meaning to rise, to shine, to spring forth. This was a Roman (pagan) holiday of festivities honoring the Easter bunny and the Easter egg, which means renewal of life.

2) Passover –a Jewish celebration continued throughout the Old Testament, until the present time.

Both of these festivities occurred at the same time (Acts 12:3-4). Jesus was crucified during that time. According to the four Gospels, Jesus was crucified on the day of preparation (Matthew 27:62, Mark 15:42, Luke 23:54, John 19:14, 31, 42). It was the day of the preparation of the Passover (John 19:14).

3) The Resurrection did not take place until three full days and three full nights after the crucifixion. Jesus said: For as Jonah was in the fish three days and three nights, so shall the Son of man be in the heart of the earth three days and three nights (Matthew 12:40).

Therefore, Easter is not on a Sunday; for Jesus to rise from the dead the first day of the week (Sunday), He had to have died sometime between Wednesday and Thursday.

The devil wants us to take our minds off the resurrection and focus on the crucifixion; if Jesus had not risen from the dead, the devil would have defeated Jesus.

Jesus rose and conquered the grave and He took the sting out of death (1 Corinthians 15:55-57). He also took the fear out of death. Jesus Christ had to destroy the devil, who had the power over death to deliver them who through the fear of death in their lifetime who was subject to bondage (Hebrews 2:14-15).

Jesus Christ triumphed over death- Having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it (Colossians 2:14-15).

If you believe that Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life, and brought you new life (salvation), you will live eternally with Him (Romans 10:9-10).

I pray that you will have a Joyous Resurrection Day tomorrow, remembering what Jesus Christ did for you.

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

I AM He Who Lives and Was Dead and Behold, I AM Alive Forevermore (Revelation 1:18)

Events leading to Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection.

1) Jesus said: Destroy this temple and in three days I will rise it up (Matthew 27:63).

Doesn’t Romans 10:9 say if you believe in your that God raised Jesus from the dead, you shall be saved? The more I search the scriptures, the more is revealed time and time again, that Jesus Christ is I AM - He and God are the same.

2) He was buried in a borrowed tomb (John 19:38-42). “Ain’t No Grave Gonna Hold My Body Down”

He preached to spirits in hell (1 Peter 3:19). One writer interpreted it this way: Jesus Christ preached to those fallen angels who are chained because of their heinous and wicked acts when they married the daughters of men (Genesis 6:4). He proclaimed that in spite of His death, He triumphed over them (Colossians 2:14-15).

The devil and his demons are not in hell, so please stop telling the devil to go back to hell, where he came from. When the devil’s time is up, he will be cast into the lake of fire; so, will all those who follow him (Revelation 20:10-15).

How do I know the devil is not in hell? Satan is the god of this world (2 Corinthians 4:4), prince of the power of the air (Ephesians 2:2), rulers of darkness in high places (Ephesians 6:12); all principalities are in the heavenly realm. Lucifer was in heaven originally; and his name was changed after he was kicked out of heaven (Isaiah 14:12-14, Luke 10:18)

Satan is the accuser of God’s children and he goes before God day and night laughing to God about us when fall into sin (Revelation 12:10).

3) Jesus got up with All Power in His hands (Matthew 28:18)

Jesus Christ is alive forevermore!

And, because He lives, we can face tomorrow, regardless of uncertainties.

For those of you who have not received Jesus Christ – I AM as Savior, He is waiting with outstretched arms: Behold, I stand at the door (your heart) and if anyone hears My voice and open the door (your heart) I will come in and dine with him and he will dine with Me (Revelation 3:20).

This means if anyone will open their heart to Jesus Christ, he or she will be in relationship with Jesus; there is nothing better than dining with and having fellowship with Jesus. Jesus Christ is the Bread of Life and He wants you to eat the spiritual bread (His Word).

Jesus said: I AM the Living Bread, that came down from heaven; if anyone eat this bread, He will live forever (John 6:51).

Next: I AM the Resurrection and the Life (John 11:25-26)

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

I AM Alpha and Omega, the Beginning (First) and the Ending (Last) - Revelation 1:8, 11

What do Alpha and Omega mean? In Christianity, it is interpreted to mean Jesus has existed for all eternity, or that God is eternal; One and the same.

There has been full-proof over and over again as to Jesus Christ being I AM. He is the beginning (first) of everything; all things were made by Him and by Him all things exist (Colossians 1:16-17).

In the beginning God said, let Us make in our image (Genesis 1:26). Jesus Christ was the beginning.

Nothing that Jesus Christ created will be destroyed, even though they may be changed or interrupted. Everything is in Jesus Christ.

The entire Word of God (Logos) is about Jesus Christ from the beginning to the very end. He is in every book of the Bible through types, figures and foreshadows of things to come (Colossians 1:16-17).

He is the only One who has a name above all names. One day, every knee is going to bow and every tongue will confess that He is LORD (Philippians 2:10-11).

It is better to confess Jesus Christ I AM now.

If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart a person believes unto righteousness and with the mouth confession is to salvation (Romans 10:9-10).

Next: I AM He Who Lives and Was Dead and Behold, I AM Alive Forevermore (Revelation 1:18)

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

“An Hour of Bible Sharing With Betty” “Overview” 4-8-2020

Last night, we recaptured a scripture that some denominations use in Hebrews 6:4-6, saying people can lose their salvation. One must know the history, who it was being referred to and why.

In order to go to the next level, people must understand salvation and grow thereby. If they are not rooted and grounded on the foundation of Christ, they will never experience a victorious life in Christ.

That’s why we must get the fundamental (first) principles, meaning the ABC’s or elementary principles in order to progress in our spiritual walk.

So many people get salvation mixed up with “Kingdom Principles”.

Example: the Kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called His own servants and delivered to them His goods (Matthew 25:24-30).

Two of His servants fully invested in what was given to them. In other words, they were faithful. The servant that was given one talent, buried it and after a long time the Lord of those servants came back, and settled accounts with them.

1) The Man coming from a far country represented Jesus who left heaven to come to earth; He distributed to His servants talents; meaning the talents belonged to Jesus. The servants were symbolic of us; Jesus gave us gifts to use for His glory.

2) One day Jesus is coming for us (1 Thessalonian 4:13-18), and we must give account of what He entrusted us with; this is called the Judgment Seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10).

3) The servant that buried his gift was cast into outer darkness, a dim place. This has nothing to do with hell; it has to do with us ruling with Christ. The faithful will be closer to Jesus in the eternal realm; although the unfaithful will be in the Kingdom, they will be farther away.

Example: Only the ones who are close to the bride and groom are in the wedding party. Other invited guests are farther away and it is not as bright where they are.

We also discussed how Paul could only feed the people milk because they were still babies; they were divided and put emphasis on who they thought was the best leader. Paul told them that Jesus was the foundation that they were built on, not a person.

He went on to tell them what building on their own foundation, rather than building on the foundation of Christ would result in. What Christ did not tell them to do will be burned, even though they will make it to heaven (1 Corinthians 3:1-15).

This is the same for us, so it is important that we take heed to what the Word of God is saying.

Don’t forget, same time, same place - Tuesday, April 14, 2020 @ 8 PM

Next: I AM Alpha and Omega, the Beginning (First) and the Ending (Last) - Revelation 1:8, 11

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

“An Hour of Bible Sharing With Betty” ~ “Preview” 4-7-2020

Tonight, we will recapture our previous sharing, and on to how the result of our lives on this earth will be revealed at the Judgment Seat of Christ.

This includes not doing what we were called to do, or trying to function in what has not been given to us.

Some could have a big ministry, but if they are not called, there is no anointing that comes with the grace call, which results in no deliverance.

We will also discuss the two judgments that are supported, connected, relate to and confirm both judgments.

I have a passion for the Word of God and it is of uttermost importance that the children of God learn what their purpose is, so the can fulfill their destiny.

I’m looking forward with great expectation to see how Father God will move by His Spirit!

As usual, I am always excited about sharing the “Overview” about tonight’s lesson.

"An Hour of Bible Sharing With Betty" is open to all; the conference call information is on Burnett Ministries website.

I’ll be back tomorrow, Lord willing.

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

Jesus Christ - I AM the Light of the World (John 8:12)

The scriptures for this message are in John 8:1-19. Jesus was in the temple teaching; the scribes and Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery to Him; sat her in the midst of the people, saying they had caught her in the very act.

These same hypocrites were trying to trap Jesus, as usual. They told Him Moses’ law said that anyone caught in adultery was to be stoned, but what do you say? I hear sarcasm and wrong motives.

They were trying to find a way to accuse Jesus, but Jesus stooped down, wrote on the ground as if He did not hear them. So, when they continued asking, Jesus raised up and said: he who is without sin among you, be the first to cast a stone at her.

And again, He stooped down and wrote on the ground. Those who heard it, being convicted by their conscience they left one by one. Jesus was left alone with the woman. He asked the woman where her accusers were and had anyone condemned her. She said no one condemned her. Jesus said, neither did he condemn her, go and sin no more.

There are three key points that the readers need to know.

1) How did her accusers know she was committing adultery unless they were where she was, and what were they doing there?

2) Each of them walked away, when Jesus said, He without sin, cast the first stone. This means he who was without the same sin, because there was and there is not one sinless person.

3) Jesus told the woman to go and sin no more; meaning to leave that life of sin.

Now Jesus is speaking to the hypocrites again, saying: I AM the Light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life, meaning salvation.

Here they go again with their sarcasm: You bear witness of yourself and your witness is not true. Jesus said even if I bear witness of Myself, My witness is true; I know where I came from and where I am going. You judge according to the flesh and I judge no one ….. It is written in your law that a testimony of two men is true.

I am One who bear witness of Myself and the Father who sent Me bears witness of Me. Then they said: “Where is your Father”? Jesus answered: You don’t know Me or My Father. If you had known Me, you should have known My Father also. The only way to know God is to know Jesus Christ.

Summary: These experts of the law thought they had it going on, so smart they knew more than Jesus Christ - I AM. Jesus told them later in the chapter that they were of their father the devil, who was a liar and the father of lies (John 8:44).

Back to Jesus Christ -I AM, being the Light of the world. While I am in the world, I AM the Light of the world (John 9:5). Since He is no longer physically on this earth, is His Light shining through you? How much do you illuminate, or do you let your little light shine? We are called to shine bright!

Jesus said: You are the light of the world, a city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a bushel…. Let your light so shine before men that they will see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:14-16).

If you don’t believe that Jesus Christ -I AM, is the Light of the world, you are still in your sins (John 8:24). This Light brings salvation to those who accept Jesus Christ and follow Him.

Thursday: I AM Alpha and Omega, the Beginning (First) and the Ending (Last) - Revelation 1:8, 11

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

Jesus Christ - I AM the True Vine (John 15:1, 5)

It is known by now that Jesus Christ is, I AM along with other titles such as the Bread, Living Water, the Way, the Truth and the Life, the Door and the Good Shepherd.

Today’s concentration is on Jesus Christ - I AM the True Vine; our connection with Him as the branches, and what it means to abide - the key word is ABIDE.

Abide means to be united to Jesus, to remain in Jesus and to depend on Jesus; without Him we can do nothing. Abiding (continuing) is the fruitful life of born-again believers (Galatians 5:22-23), which can only be done through total dependence on Christ (John 15:5).

Let’s see how this whole thing started. Look at it like this: God had a plan; He sent Jesus the Vine; whose branches (we) were attached to Him through salvation.

Form a mental picture in your mind of a vine and the branches being intertwined and cannot be separated. Yet, the branches can die and they must be pruned or cut away for new shoots to produce more fruit.

The farmer removes anything on the branches that keep them from bearing the maximum amount of fruit (Hebrews 12:3-11). In other words, whatever is in our lives that prevents us from bearing fruit, God cuts it away.

I have been associated with many people whose fruit is not visible in their lives because of their lifestyle. Example: a person called into ministry and it is evident that they are saved; ministers to a point, but their fleshly desires keep them from maximizing their potential – that is similar to a thirty-fold fruit bearing (Matthew 13:8).

There are degrees of fruitfulness: Jesus told the disciples and us to bear fruit, more fruit and much fruit. The more fruit one bears, the more intimate he or she is with Christ. We are expected to maximize our fruit bearing, by producing much fruit.

Thirty-fold = fruit; Sixty-fold = more fruit; One-hundred-fold = much fruit (Matthew 13:8).

I’ve shared what is expected of God’s children when it comes to abiding in Christ. In these verses, Jesus is talking about two types of people when it comes to abiding - those who do not bear fruit are the unsaved. Example: Judas walked with Jesus during His entire ministry, but he was not saved.

Going to church does not mean that a person is saved and we may not be able to recognize it. The disciples did not know that Judas wasn’t saved, only Jesus knew it. These types of people are going to hell through the church.

If you have been going to church; working in the church and if you are not truly born-again, I am asking you to receive Jesus as your Savior. It is by God’s grace that you are saved through faith and not the works you have been doing (Ephesians 2:8-9).

This is about coming into a relationship with Jesus Christ. If you confess the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved (Romans 10:9-10).

I pray that you will allow the Spirit of God to lead you to a church where you can be taught how to walk in your new life with Jesus. You may also contact me through my ministry website.

Conclusion: The only way to abide in Jesus and become more fruitful is to believe that Jesus Christ – I AM, died and rose for you to have a new life. If you don’t believe this, you are still in your sins.

Next: I AM the Light of the World (John 8:12)

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

Jesus Christ – I AM the Door and I AM the Good Shepherd (John 10:1-16)

Truly, truly I say to you, whoever does not enter the door through the sheepfold, but climbs some other way, the same is a thief and robber (John 10:1)

I AM the door of the sheep; all that came before (prior to) Me are thieves and robbers.

Notice how Jesus said I AM the Good Shepherd. Since He said He was the Good shepherd, there must have been and still are some bad shepherds. Jesus Himself said no one was good except God (Mark 10:18, Luke 18:19).

Jesus Christ said He was/is I AM, and now He says He is the GOOD Shepherd. What does that tell us? It is revealed, understood and confirmed over and over that Jesus Christ is I AM and He is the GOOD Shepherd - HE is GOD!

History –Israel had shepherds who were not called. The Pharisees (religious leaders/hypocrites) and Sadducees, appointed themselves to be over the people. With this being so, they entered in the door another way, because they were not called to lead the people.

This is happening in the body of Christ today; many so-called or self- proclaimed leaders are misleading many people. False prophets and teachers are the ones who came in another way, because they are not of God.

Woe to the shepherds/pastors who are scattering the sheep of My pasture (Jeremiah 23:113).

These leaders ruled harshly over God’s people (Ezekiel 34:2). They were not attending to them. God was not pleased with these pastors; the sheep they were scattering belonged to Him, and He was going to raise up shepherds who would care for His flock.

The warning is constantly being given for people to beware of false prophets who come to them in sheep’s clothes, but on the inside, they are ravening (robbers) wolves (Matthew 7:15).

Paul talked about grievous wolves coming after his departure and they would not spare the flock (Acts 20:29). This has been going on for hundreds of years.

Let’s go to the characteristics of the Good Shepherd

Jesus laid down His life for His sheep, and other sheep He had that were not in that fold, He will bring so they can hear …... He was speaking of all those, including us, who would come into a relationship with Him.

Jesus knew His sheep and they knew Him; a stranger they would not follow. This is not to be looked at negatively, but sheep are dumb and they must be led. That means they have to be protected from the wolves who mislead them.

Jesus guarded and protected His sheep; He kept them away from the wolves.

Jesus taught (nurtured) His sheep principles so they could grow.

This is what spiritual growth does: Strong meat belongs to them that are mature, so they will be able to discern who and what is good and evil (Hebrews 5:14).

I pray that you believe Jesus is I AM, and that He is the Good Shepherd who wants you to be included in His sheepfold, so you won’t die in your sins (John 8:24).

Next: Jesus Christ - I AM the True Vine (John 15:1, 5)

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

Jesus Christ- I AM the Way, the Truth and the Life

No one comes to the Father, unless they come through Me (John 14:6).

Let’s break down the words

THE WAY

Jesus is the Way: He is the author and medium of access to God and eternal life.

THE TRUTH

Jesus is Truth: He speaks of what is truth within itself; purity from all error or falsehood. Jesus Christ was the Teacher of divine truth.

THE LIFE

Jesus is the Life: He not only is the Creator of physical Life (Colossians 1:16-17); He gives eternal life (John 3:16). In other words, all life was/is in Him.

THE GOD-MAN- 100% GOD and 100% MAN

And no one comes to the Father, except they come through Him; God’s only begotten Son. How did Jesus become God’s Son? A body was prepared for God to be manifest in the flesh (Hebrews 10:5), for Him to identify with humans and die for their sins (1 John 2:2); therefore, Jesus Christ is the Perfect God-Man who brought salvation – Jesus Christ was God in the flesh (John 1:1, 14).

NO OTHER NAME: ONLY ONE NAME

Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is no other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:12). In other words, He is the ONLY One; there is no one else, this is solely and exclusively His.

ONLY ONE GOD AND ONE MEDIATOR

For there and one God and one Mediator between God men, the Man Christ Jesus (1 Timothy 2:5).

RECENT EXPERIENCE

I was having dinner and had a conversation with a young lady who told me that she was born-again, but she also fellowshipped with another religious group who do not believe that Jesus Christ is the only way to the Father.

I told her if she was truly born-again, that we have to separate ourselves from unbelievers when it comes to fellowshipping. We are to be lights wherever God places us (Matthew 5:13-16), and we don’t embrace their beliefs or join them in the facilities where they worship. What kind of fellowship does a child of God have with the unsaved (2 Corinthians 6:14-16)?

The bottom line is this: The young lady could have been saved; but didn’t understand. I thank God my Father for every door of opportunity that He opens for me to witness and minister.

ONLY ONE GOSPEL

If anyone comes with any other Gospel, let him be cursed (Galatians 1:6-8).

You see, I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, because it is the power of salvation to those believe, to the Jew first and to the Greek (Romans 1:16). I also thank the Lord that He didn’t leave anyone out.

Next: Jesus Christ – I AM the Door (John 10:7-10)

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

Jesus Christ – I AM the Bread of Life (John 6:35)

There are many scriptures written defining and confirming that Jesus Christ is I AM. Some are titles and some are inferring who He is.

Example: I AM the breath of life- Isaiah 42:5, Acts 17:25) is inferred, but it means that Jesus Christ is I AM.

Title: Who do men say that I AM? - John 8:24 Jesus Christ calls Himself I AM.

Title is mentioned seventeen times:

John 4:26; John 6:35, 48, 51; John 8:12, 18, 24, 28, 58; John 10:7, 11, 14; John 11:25; John 13:19; John 14:6; John 15:1, 5

Each of these scriptures is relating to salvation, the only way to receive it, is to believe that Jesus Christ is I AM.

This is a comparison between the physical and the spiritual bread and water, of which both are life sustaining.

Let’s go to the Water: Generally, a person can live without water for three days, this depends on certain factors.

One can live forever, if he or she drinks water from the well that never runs dry; this living water is a permanent thirst quencher (John 4:10, John 7:37).

Food is necessary: One can live up to three weeks without natural food. Yet, if they don’t have the spiritual food, they will perish.

The shortness of life: It is not determined how long one will live before they leave this earth, because everybody’s days are numbered and we need to number our days (Psalm 90:12).

We do not know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist for a little while, then it vanishes. Life is like a vapor; we could be here one minute and gone the next (James 4:14).

The Bread manna: God rained down sweet manna (bread) from heaven when the children of Israel did not have food (Exodus 16:14-15). He fed them physically day by day, and eventually they died, but there is a spiritual principle that is being conveyed.

Bread, the eternal substance: Those who are without God need some spiritual bread (the Word of God), which will keep them from ever being hungry again (John 6:35).

Something happened to the Bread of Life: He gave His flesh for the life of the world, when He suffered and died.

Bread (Christ’s body) and Wine (Christ shed blood): When we take communion, we are taking it in remembrance of what He did for us: And as they were eating, Jesus took bread and blessed it, and broke it and gave it to the disciples and said take and eat; this is My body….. and He put emphasis on the wine and that it represented His blood that He shed for us (Matthew 26:26-28).

Now how did they eat His body? They were to remember how Jesus sacrificed His body and shed His precious blood for us. Christ went on to say: As often as you partake of this communion, do it in remembrance of Me (Luke 22:19).

It is so important for the children of God to have communion; it is a reminder of what Jesus Christ did for us.

If you don’t believe what Jesus Christ, I AM did for us, you are still in your sins.

Next: Jesus Christ- I AM the Way, the Truth and the Life (John 14:6)

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

“An Hour of Bible Sharing With Betty” ~ “Overview” of Who Will be Rewarded 4-1-2020

Last night, as usual, the group was asked to share what they got out of the scriptures that were assigned for them to read. Each of them had very good answers.

Even though I have been called to lead the class, the Holy Spirit directed me to allow this to be a sharing session. It is good to pull out whatever is in them; many people do not realize how much they have.

Sometimes it could be that they are afraid they might have the wrong answers. They are told that no one is to feel like they are dumb. Plus, I believe their confidence is built up when they are able to share what they believe the scripture is saying.

We finished the scriptures in Matthew 25:14-30, even though our concentration was on verses 26-30. I am reemphasizing that Jesus was talking about the kingdom and those who will rule with Him.

He came and gave talents; after a long while, Jesus (the Master) came back for His servants to give account of what He had given them to invest.

Even though this was talking about talents, the principle is the same for the church (body of Christ), and Jesus is coming back for us to give account of what was given to us to manage (our gifts/talents, etc.), when we stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ.

This will determine our positions in ruling with Christ. Those who are faithful will be rewarded; those who are not faithful will lose rewards. Why will those who are not faithful lose rewards? Because every child of God has been given something to do to encourage others and to glorify God.

Isn’t it wonderful to know that God loves each of us so much that He gave us those awesome gifts?

Wow! I am loving this more and more! And I am waiting to receive my reward, glory to God!

Don’t forget! Same time, same place

Next Tuesday: “An Hour of Bible Sharing With Betty”

In the meantime, tomorrow we are going back to the series

Jesus Christ/I AM the Bread of Life (John 6:35) and the Living Water (John 4:20)

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

Would You Rather Obey God or People? (Acts 5:28-29)

Yesterday, I posted a short message: This is for all leaders who think they are above the law.

I have praying that these defiant leaders would obey the laws of the land, which are ordained by God.

The Word of God says: Let every soul be subject to the higher powers, for there is no power but of God; these powers are ordained by God.

Whoever resists the power, resists the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation (Roman 13:1-3).

I am going a step further, which is in conjunction with the Word of God.

The reason we are in such a chaotic state is because of Adam; when he disobeyed (sinned) God (Genesis 2:15), he caused every human being to suffer (Romans 5:12). It the same with anybody who does anything contrary to the Word of God.

Leaders who are being defiant when it comes to the Word of God are no better the religious hypocritical Pharisees and Sadducees who shut up the kingdom by keeping people in bondage, with their made-mad rules. They were not doing what they tell the people to do.

What was really worse, they appeared to be righteous, but on the inside they were wicked. They had these people believing in them because they thought the religious leaders were righteous. Not only that, they put stipulations on people that they didn’t do themselves. I’ve heard it said: “Don’t do as I do; do as I say do”. That is taking hypocrisy to the max.

Some national leaders had church service and the congregation’s well-being was risked; another leader encouraged the students at his university to come to on campus. It was said that several of them had symptoms of the coronavirus. Like the Pharisees and Sadducees, there is a greater condemnation for people like this (Matthew 23:14, James 3:1).

Be sure your sins will expose you (Numbers 32:23).

Warning to the children of the Most-High God: There was a situation I the Jerusalem when Peter and other Apostles were told not to preach. Do you think Peter obeyed them? He really preached and said: We’d rather obey God than man (Acts 5:28-29).

The principle here is that Peter didn’t obey the people; therefore, we are not to listen and agree with anybody who does not line up with the Word of God.

Didn’t the Apostle Paul tell God’s children to follow him as he followed Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1)? Whatever any of us do, we are to model Jesus.

One of these charismatic leaders started a movement called the “Holy Laughter” in the nineties and many leaders embraced this absurd and senseless so-called Third Wave of the Holy Spirit that occurred in revivals throughout history.

I had traveled to Greensboro and during my stay, I attended a church and actually saw people in the Holy Laughter mode, and it totally appalled me. Worse yet, when the minister was bringing forth the word, some were still in that mode. Anything that takes away from the Word of God, is not from God!

Remember this: Every born-again believer must stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ to give account for his deeds, whether good or bad (2 Corinthians 5:10).

You are responsible and accountable for studying the Word of God for yourselves to see is what is being said is true (Acts 17:11), even though these leaders will receive a greater condemnation.

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

“An Hour of Bible Sharing With Betty” ~ “Preview” 3-31-2020

Tonight, we are continuing with the “Kingdom Principles”

Reminder: In studying, don’t forget to use the proper tools, like key words and what the verses mean in the original languages (Aramaic, Hebrew and Greek).

When discussing “Kingdom Principles”, there has to be an understanding of what these principles are, and why Jesus talked so much about them, which adds up to being how important they must be.

It is absolutely necessary to understand that Jesus was talking about us ruling with Him; He was not talking about a loss of salvation in the scriptures that I have been sharing. I am writing and posting messages about Jesus

Christ/I AM; they are about salvation.

It is important to know the difference in “Kingdom Principles” and salvation; not knowing the difference makes it impossible to carry the Gospel effectively.

We will pick up where we left off, in Matthew 25:14-30; starting with verses 26-30.

It is a blessing to know that God has given principles for us to grow by, whereas we can rightly divide His Word (2 Timothy 2:15).

There is so much to learn and understand when it comes to the foundational principles. Sometimes it is necessary to start over again, because some steps were missing or skipped.

Since there has been such a misunderstanding about the Word of God, we want to take it slow and easy in order to digest all of this nutritional food that nourishes our soul.

I truly understand how difficult it may be to admit we are wrong or even had erroneous teaching, but we need to be open and yielded to the Spirit of God. Otherwise, we will continue passing erroneous doctrine to others.

Many people have been encouraged by sermons, reading certain books and music, but those things only edify to a point; it’s the teaching that sticks and it is the ONLY way to grow (2 Peter 3:18).

As usual, I am always excited about sharing the “Overview” from tonight’s lesson.

Grace and Peace!

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

Before Abraham was, I AM (Part 2)

Continuation of the religious leaders’ argument and false accusation (John 8:37-58)

Jesus went on to tell them that they were of their father, the devil who was a liar from the beginning and he was the father of lies. They said Jesus had a demon and He was a Samaritan (they meant He was mixed with Gentile; not a full Jew). Jesus told them He did not have a demon, nor did He seek His own glory. Jesus said, any man seeks My saying shall not see death.

The Jews said to Jesus: Now we know you have a demon. Abraham is dead and the prophets are. And you say if anyone keeps my words, they will never taste death? Are you greater than our father Abraham who is dead and the prophets who are dead? Who do make yourself out to be?

They took it to the limits with their arguments, as if they knew it all! They were not only hypocrites, but in Matthew, chapter 23, Jesus called them fools and blind. This shows how upset Jesus was with these religious hypocrites who did not care about anybody but themselves.

As Jesus continues in John, chapter 8, He said: Abraham rejoiced to see my day, and he saw it and was glad. How did Abraham see Jesus’ day?

Abraham saw the Lord when God told Abraham to sacrifice his only son Isaac on the altar, and he obeyed God believing by faith that his son would live, and if he died, God would raise him up. God told Abraham that his seed would continue through Isaac’s descendants, therefore, if Isaac died, his seed would have been cut off.

When Abraham sacrificed his son (put Isaac on the altar), a substitute was provided. God provided a ram out of the thicket of briers, brambles and thorns. Abraham put the ram on the altar as a sacrifice (Genesis 22:1-19). This was symbolic of Jesus, the Lamb of God going to the cross with a crown of thorns on His head to die for our sins. Abraham understood that this was foreshadowing the sacrifice.

Abraham had several personal encounters with the Lord. I want to put emphasis on Hebrews 11:8-10, about Abraham and his journeys. In all his travels, Abraham knew that a much greater day was coming when he and all the saints would be with the Lord. Therefore, he looked for a city which had foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

Wait a minute! Didn’t Jesus say He was going to prepare a place for us and where He was, that He was coming back for us to be with Him (John 14:1-3)? Well, the place has to be the same one Abraham was talking about. Since that place is the same place, then Jesus Christ and God are the same -I AM.

It has been revealed to us throughout history that those who are born-again (have a relationship with Christ) will have our eternal home, praise God! Thanks be to God for the blessed hope.

Closure: Then the Jews said to Him, you are not fifty years old, and you have seen Abraham? If they would receive what Jesus was saying, they would understand why Jesus said; before Abraham was, I AM.

How could Jesus say: Before Abraham was, I AM? Jesus Christ has always been and He will always be. Remember, Jesus Christ was the Creator (Colossians 1:16).

Jesus Christ is not only God the Creator; He is God our Savior (Jude 1:25). Jesus said: Unless you believe that I AM He, you will die in your sins (John 8:24).

Next: Jesus Christ/I AM the Bread of Life (John 6:35)

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

Jesus said – Before Abraham was, I AM (Part 1)

I was trying my best to make this message in one part, but while studying about these particular scriptures, more was revealed. I certainly don’t want anybody to feel like they have been left hanging like an incomplete sentence that doesn’t give the full meaning of what is being conveyed.

As I move forward with Jesus Christ- I AM, this is to caution anyone who thinks their head knowledge, education or their social status is more important than allowing the Spirit of God to be dominant in your lives.

The religious leaders thought they were smarter than Jesus Christ/I AM. Some people feel that way today; they allow their intellect to get in the way when it comes to being yielded to the Holy Spirit.

John 8:37-58: Jesus was having a conversation with a group of religious leaders, telling them He knew they were Abraham’s descendants, but they were seeking to kill Him.

Jesus told them if they were Abraham’s children, they would do the works of Abraham.

The religious hypocrites had the people in bondage and kept them under their control.

Example:

Jesus said woe (trouble) to you scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You shut up the kingdom of heaven against men, you are not going yourself and you are preventing others from going.

In other words, they were putting rules on others that they didn't keep themselves.

Woe to you scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You devour widows’ houses and make pretenses with your long prayer; therefore, you will receive the greater condemnation (Matthew 23:13-14).

Jesus went on to say: Even so, you appear to be righteous, but on the inside, you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness (Matthew 23:28).

Jesus was exposing their motives and they were upset, because they wanted to keep the people under their control, but Jesus came to set them free (Isaiah 61:1, Luke 4:18).

These hypocrites followed Jesus and every time He ministered healing, deliverance and miracles, they sought ways to kill Him (Matthew 12:14).

Remember in John 8:40? Jesus told the religious that they were seeking to kill Him.

They told Jesus that God was their Father, and Jesus told them if God was their Father, they would love Him and believe that God had sent Him, because He came from God.

Jesus told them they did not understand His speech, because they were not able to listen to His Word, revealing that they were not of God.

In other words, they did not want to listen to Jesus.

The disciples didn’t understand what Jesus was saying (Luke 18:34), but they understood after He was glorified and they remembered (John 12:16).

Yet, others left Him: But some of you don’t believe, for Jesus knew from the beginning those who would not believe, and who would betray Him. And He said, therefore I said to you, no man can come to Me unless My Father gives him to Me.

From that time, many of His disciples went back and did not walk with Him anymore (John 6:64-66). Yet Peter knew that Jesus was the One who had the words of eternal life (John 6:67).

Abraham knew that Jesus Christ, I AM had the words of life. Why? Because He saw Jesus Christ as the sacrificial Lamb who would take away the sins of the world Genesis 22:13, John 1:29).

Part 2 is coming tomorrow, you don’t want to miss it.

Jesus said – Before Abraham was, I AM (Part 2)

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

Jesus Christ, I AM the Breath of Life (Isaiah 42:5, Acts 17:24-25)

In continuing this this series, I want to bring this to all born-again readers’ attention. We are commissioned to take the Gospel of Jesus into whatever part of the world we are in, and by whatever means necessary.

Since lost souls are of the utmost important, that should be our number one focus. Having Facebook and other means of mass communication at our disposal, we should do everything possible to glorify God by using the Awesome tool (His Word) to witness.

Now to Jesus Christ, who is the breath of life. Why is He called the breath of life? Because all things were created for Jesus Christ who is the invisible God and by all Him things exists, and it pleased God the Father that in God the Son (Jesus Christ), all fullness should dwell (Colossians 1:15-18)- (paraphrased).

This is further proof of who Jesus Christ is: This is what God, the Lord said – the Creator of the heavens and stretched them out, who spreads out the earth and what comes from it, who gives breath to the people on it and spirit (life) to those who walk in it (Isaiah 42:5). Who was the Creator? Jesus Christ, the invisible God! (Colossians 1:15)

The God who made the world and everything in it, is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. And He is not served by human hands, as if He needed anything. Rather, He Himself gives life and breath and everything else (Acts 17:24-25).

The Athenians believed in supernatural powers; they even acknowledged that someone beyond their ability who they were not able to understand, made all things. Paul used this opportunity to introduce them to the Creator-God who could be known to them.

Paul let them know that God the Creator was too vast to dwell in a temple. God was greater than the gods they were accustomed to.

With that being so, how big is your God, and do you believe that Jesus Christ is the Creator God who breathed life into everything, including you?

Jesus said: Unless you believe that I AM He, you will die in your sins (John 8:24).

Next: Jesus said – Before Abraham was, I AM

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

Jesus Christ/I AM ~ Introduction

This series is about our Savior and Lord, Jesus the Christ, who is the I AM, and there is no greater time that is shaking the world, than right now for people to know the truth about Jesus Christ. This is also a time the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ can be spread globally with effectiveness, by way of the media.

I have been led to write this because many people don’t believe that Jesus Christ is, I AM, just as God is I AM. These scriptures are proof, and anyone who does not believe that Jesus Christ is I AM is still in their sins, meaning they are not born-again.

I have been around many people who profess to be born-again and they are not able to share who Jesus Christ is. He is the only way that anyone can have eternal life. I am sharing this series to help the readers understand who Jesus Christ really is, being confirmed by His many titles of I AM.

From that, I am going to share with you the results of my personal search. During my sharing, there will be a continuation, being that all that is written will not be in one message.

Since our very life, both physical and spiritual is all because of Jesus Christ, I am going to start with Jesus Christ being the breath of life. You will not see it written that Jesus Christ as the I AM who caused everything to happen, but the Bible supports, connects, relates to and confirm He is the I AM.

This is a list of scriptures that will be explained in the messages:

Jesus Christ, I AM is the breath of life (Isaiah 42:5, Acts 17:25)

Jesus used I AM when the Jewish rulers how could He say before Abraham was, I AM. (John 8:57-58)?

I AM the Bread of Life (John 6:35)

I AM the Resurrection (John 11:25-26)

I Am Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the Ending (Revelation 1:8)

I AM Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last (Revelation 1:11)

I AM He that was dead and is alive forever more (Revelation 1:18)

I AM the Way the Truth and the Life (John 14:6)

I AM the True Vine (John 15:1, 5)

I AM the Good Shepherd (John 10:11-18)

I AM the Door (John 10:9-16)

I AM the Light of the World (John 8:12) - Jesus Christ caused the darkness to become light (Genesis 1:1-5, John 1:4-5)

Jesus asked His disciples, who do men say I am (Matthew 16:15)- not titled, but a question

Thomas declared Jesus to be his Lord and his God (John 20:29)

Jesus said: Unless you believe that I AM He, you are still in your sins (John 8:24).

Next: A Breakdown of the Scriptures About Jesus Christ, I AM

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

Intercessory Prayer Warriors – Standing in the Gap!

A situation arose that had me in real warfare with demons. About five years ago the Lord placed me in a dark area where many evil spirits have been dominate for years.

Information about the evil history behind this area was told to me and I personally encountered some of these spirits that tried to intimidate and harass me; initially I was fearful. As time went on, I took authority over them and I still walk in the power that Jesus gave me.

The demons did not give up, and neither did I. Within the last week, the devil thought he had the advantage over me and I had begun to get weak.

I had a talk with Father God and said: “I know You have given me authority over these demons, but it does not seem to be working, and You have the highest authority. I need You to take care of this situation.”

A few days later, the demonic attacks heightened and I picked up my sword (Bible), started walking, speaking the Word of God, had on my war (combat) boots and as I was speaking in my known English language, and the unknown language began to come forth from my lips. I was speaking these languages back and forth for about forty minutes.

Then, I went into a total praise, building myself up in my most holy faith, continually praying in in the Holy Spirit (Jude, verse 20). When I tried to stop, it was like fire shut up in my bones. It had been years since I felt anything like that.

To top it off, when I was alone at the onset of the attack, and even though I was empowered and strengthened by the Spirit of the Lord, God was with me and He was involved. The Word of God says: When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him (Isaiah 59:19b).

I believe the Lord allowed the devil to do what he did, to show me how much authority I had over him and his demons (Luke 10:19).

Then I thought about continuing this war when I got on the phone with my prayer partners.

I started speaking the Word again: Can one put a thousand to flight? - the one was me. Then I said to my Father: “If it is Your will for me to see tomorrow, I am going to get reinforcement”.

Even though the Word says: How can one put a thousand to flight and two put ten thousand to flight unless their Rock had sold them and the Lord had shut (surrendered) them up?

For their rock is not like our Rock (Deuteronomy 32:30-31). That Rock was Jesus Christ who was and still is there to take care of the enemies. It is to be understood that we can do nothing on our own (John 15:5).

Ultimately, the Spirit of the Lord takes care of our enemies, even though we have all power over the devil. Being that we are limited as humans, we always have back-up, whether it is the Spirit or those who have been put in our lives to help in the time of need.

I have been with some of my sister intercessors for almost eighteen years, on the phone line around 5 AM several days a week. We are passionate about our gift of Intercession; we are on one accord and there is power in agreement; there is most definitely strength in the right kind of numbers.

I want to thank God for my five Intercessory Prayer Warrior sisters, who are regularly interceding and standing in the gap on behalf of others to glorify God.

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

“An Hour of Bible Sharing With Betty” “Overview” 3-25-2020

Last night we were blessed to have more people joining the conference call. The sharing and insightfulness really built us up in our faith. Learning about “Kingdom Principles” was somewhat challenging, but it was also motivational.

Learning and understanding about rulership with Jesus in the eternal realm and what we do here will determine that, really gave us something to think about.

Although all born-again believers will be with Jesus Christ throughout eternity, some will have greater positions than others, because of what was done with the abilities (gifts and talents) given to them to be of service while they were on this earth.

We did not finish Matthew 25:14-30; got to verse 25 and will continue next week with verses 26-30.

There is no hurry; questions, input and sharing are important as we grow more gracefully together in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Regardless of the level each of us is on, we can still learn from each other; no one person knows it all.

I have no doubt that God is pleased with us desiring to become more intimate with Him, and at this point, He wants us to learn about ruling with Jesus in His Kingdom and what it takes for that to happen.

Not only is the Word of God an eye-opener, we get excited about exploring all these awesome golden nuggets God has in His sixty-six books, and it is most enjoyable.

You are welcome to join us!

Next Tuesday: “An Hour of Bible Sharing With Betty”

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

“An Hour of Bible Sharing With Betty” ~ “Preview” The Ultimate Test 3-24-2020

Tonight, we are continuing with the “Kingdom Principles” that Jesus taught His disciples, which also include us.

Reminder: In studying, don’t forget to use the proper tools, like key words and what the verses mean in the original languages (Aramaic, Hebrew and Greek).

When discussing “Kingdom Principles”, there has to be an understanding of what these principles are and why Jesus talked so much about them, which adds up to being how important they must be.

Tonight, we will be coming from Matthew 25:14-30; these verses are about the Lord’s return to test His servants. In other words, Jesus Christ is going to judge those who belong to Him about how well they invested into His Kingdom. The Bible calls this particular judgement, “The Judgement Seat of Christ”.

Studying these principles will be an eye opener to many of God’s children. Reason being “The Kingdom Principles” have been misunderstood and because of such a lack of knowledge, much has been misinterpreted and passed on erroneously.

I am fully excited about sharing the “Overview” from tonight’s lesson on tomorrow.

Growing continually in Grace!

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

Can’t Find No Peace?

During this most critical time in our history, people all over the world have been shaken by the coronavirus. The initial onset was shocking and many people were caught off-guard, which led to this chaotic situation.

It is not unusual to feel that way when something chaotic happens. But what happens after the initial shock?

Let’s see what the Word of God says pertaining to those who belong to Him, and how we are to deal with this situation:

You will keep him/her in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he/she trusts in You (Isaiah 26:3). A lack of faith is displeasing to God (Hebrews 11:6); therefore, there is no peace.

How do we have peace? By trusting Him despite what is going on around us.

When Job went through the different calamities that came upon him, he seemed to be asking a question: If a man dies will he live again. But at the same time, it was a statement. Job knew that even if his life came to an end, he would live again (Job (14:14).

How in the world did Job know that? He had a divine connection with God. For I know that my Redeemer lives, and He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth. And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God. Whom I shall see for myself, and my eyes shall behold and not another, though my reins be consumed within me (Job 19:25-27).

Isn’t it amazing to know how people in the Old Testament had a divine connection? God spoke to Adam and Eve, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, and many others.

My point is this: None of us know what is going to befall us in this life, yet when we have a relationship with Christ, He assures us that there is peace in the midst of any stormy situation. He spoke peace and stilled the choppy waves on the sea (Matthew 8:23-27).

Jesus said in the world we will have tribulation, yet He gives us peace - He overcame the world and so can we (John 16:33). When we understand the Word of God, we will experience the peace that comes only through Jesus.

Jesus also said: Do not let your hearts be troubled, you who believe in God, believe also in Me. He went to prepare a place for us and He is coming back to get us. Jesus has prepared an awesome place for those who belong to Him (John 14:1-3).

Anxiety and fear will cause us to take our eyes off Jesus: Do not be anxious about your life, about food and other necessities…. (Matthew 6:25-33). God certainly takes care of every need that we have (Psalm 23, Philippians 4:19). Yet, without faith it cannot happen.

Although this pandemic is real, I am encouraging you to keep your mind stayed on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).

Grace and Peace,

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

Consolation for the Bereaved Families

Many people have lost loved ones during this crisis that has affected families across the globe. Even though this rapid spreading virus has affected people in different cultures and of various beliefs; God loves each one of you and so do we.

Our most sympathetic condolences are extended to you and prayers are being lifted to God our Father on your behalf. We want to offer you comfort and encouragement and let all of you know that our hearts go out to you. What you are experiencing also affects us.

This has to be a difficult time for you, especially to those of you who are not able to have the traditional funeral services and burials that you have been accustomed to.

Although this experience is unusual and may have sprung upon you suddenly, be comforted in knowing that even though the end of your loved ones earthly life is over, there is the blessed hope in believing that your dearly beloveds transitioned from this life into eternity with God our Savior.

We pray that the wonderful memories of your loved ones will be lasting, and as days, months and perhaps years go on, the loss will become easier for you.

Our prayers are also being lifted to God on behalf of all those who are assisting these families in whatever capacity you are being of service, as you minister to their needs.

God bless you,

Lovingly Submitted by Betty A. Burnett

On behalf of the children of the Most-High God

Angels - Part II

Angels were assigned to the believers before they were born again: Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for them who will be the heirs of (inherit) salvation? (Hebrews 1:14).

When I look back over my life and remember all the danger I was in and that Satan was trying to take me out of this world, I now realize God had His divine protection (angels) over me.

Angels are our protection: After we became born again, the divine protection of angels is still there (Psalm 91:10-12).

Example: Have you ever come so close to having an automobile accident that scared you so bad, your heart was racing really fast and it felt like your heart was going to jump out of your body?

Well, that was God using His angels to protect you!

Each of us has our own special angels assigned by God to protect us. Just because we have God’s protection, doesn’t mean things will not happen to us. Demonic forces do everything they can to harm us any way they can. But ultimately, they cannot take our lives.

Satan caused Job to lose everything he had, including his health; but he could not take his life (Job 2:6).

Angels usher God’s children into His presence when they die: Since the name Lazarus is used in these scriptures, this is not a parable, but it illustrates an instructive lesson or principle to bring about a truth (Luke 16:19-31).

Verse 22: So, it was that the beggar (Lazarus) died and was carried by the angels (more than one) to Abraham’s bosom in paradise, which was in the lower part of the earth, where the Old Testament saints were until Jesus rose from the dead.

The rich man also died and was buried. And in hell he lifted up his eyes being in torments and saw Abraham far away (from a distance) - (Luke 16:22b-23).

Paradise is now in the third heaven where God is (2 Corinthians 12:1-4). All born-again believers who die are in the presence of the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8).

No one becomes angels when they die. We are a little lower than the angels at this time,

however, in the eternal realm we will judge the angels (1 Corinthians 6:3).

God never created angels and human beings to be alike. And, when a person dies, he or she does not receive wings- angels have wings, not humans.

David said: If I had wings like a dove, then I would fly away to be at rest (Psalm 55:6). David was going through some trying times and he wanted to flee.

I Have known people who were experiencing difficulties and said that they would be better off if they could leave this world.

The Apostle Paul said this: For I am hard pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ which is far better. Nevertheless, to remain in the flesh it was more needful for you (Philippians 1:23-24). Paul knew his time was not up and when his time was up, he was ready to go (2 Timothy 4:6-8).

It has been established that humans are different than angels. However, the messengers/pastors/leaders are called angels of the seven churches (Revelation 2:1, 8, 12, 18; chapter 3:1, 7, 14).

Many have suffered loss for lack of knowledge because they rejected knowledge (Hosea 4:6). And, passing that ignorance on to others, cause them to suffer.

Now that you know the truth about angels, you are responsible for what you know.

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

Staying on Path - Avoiding Pitfalls

Greetings to my wonderful family and friends!

First of all, I want to thank you for being obedient to what we've been asked to do in our country pertaining to this critical situation that places many, many people in jeopardy.

I also want to warn those who profess to born-again, not to take this lightly by doing and saying what you please; that is, disregarding (being defiant) what has been asked of you.

Most importantly, it is dangerous to post things that God said, that are not true. Throughout the Bible, God spoke a woe or trouble to those who prophesy lies in His name.

This is what the Word of God says about anyone who prophesies lies against God: For they prophesy falsely to you in My name: I have not sent them says the Lord (Jeremiah 29:9).

Jeremiah 29:9 is just one of the many scriptures giving warnings about prophesying or speaking lies that God said this or God said that.

He does not take that lightly; , and there are consequences to every lying word that is spoken, and there is going to come a time of accountability about any actions, whether they are good or bad (2 Corinthians 5:10).

This is what the Word of God says: I tell you in the judgment, people will give account of every careless word they speak (Matthew 12:36).

I am giving this warning for you to repent of any ungodly word you have spoken against God.

If you confess your sin, God is faithful and just to forgive you of all your sins and cleanse you from unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). He is waiting with His outstretched, loving arms.

Concerned,

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

Angels – Part I

Since there has been so much controversy about angels and who they are, I am posting this message again. Please study the Word of God, rather than putting something on the media that you have not seen in the Bible.

I see angels (figurines, statues, etc.) in many places, in different shapes and sizes, male and female. As children of God, He wants us to know the truth about angels. Every place I searched in the Bible showed that angels manifest in the male gender.

Although there are a host of angels, the Bible only gives the names of three - Gabriel (announcer; messenger), Michael (the warring angel), and Lucifer the fallen angel (Satan).

Gabriel, the messenger was sent to Daniel (Daniel 8:16, 9:21-27); Gabriel the messenger was sent to Zacharias to announce the birth of his son, John the Baptist (Luke 1:11-20).

Angels are strong and sometimes they have a majestic glow; perhaps that was a reason they said, fear not. Example: When Gabriel made an announcement to Mary, he said: “Fear not” (Luke 1:26-38).

Michael, the warring angel was sent to help Daniel (Daniel 10:13, 21; Daniel 12:1). Michael and his angels fought against the great dragon, that old serpent called the devil and Satan during the war in heaven (Revelation 12:7-9). It was Michael, the warring angel who was contending against Satan when he disputed about the body of Moses (Jude 9).

Fallen angels: Satan (Lucifer-cherub) was an angel with the highest rank, he and his followers (one third) were kicked out of heaven (Isaiah 14:12, Revelation 12:7-10) for rebelling against the Creator God, and they became devils or demons (adversaries; enemies). Jesus Christ saw Satan fall from heaven as lightning (Luke 10:18).

Chained angels: Angels have been given the ability to take on human form but certain angels went against the very nature of God. The act was so detestable (married the daughters of men- Genesis 6:2), that God had to chain these angels in darkness to be reserved until judgment (2 Peter 2:4).

Size of angels: Some people think angels are huge because they say: “fear not”. Remember that they have been given the ability to change their appearance. Reason being, they had to appear as normal sized men when they married the daughters of men (Genesis 6:2), and the men (Homosexuals) in Sodom and Gomorrah, were trying to get into Lot’s house to have sex with them (Genesis 19:1-11).

God had to destroy the earth and every living thing on the earth except Noah and his family, because of increased wickedness (2 Peter 2:5). If God had not destroyed all those evil people, the earth would have been full of unlimited sin and out of control (Genesis, chapters 6-7).

At least there are limits to what the demons can do to us; especially when we know who we are in Christ; we have been given power over the demonic forces (Luke 10:19).

Angels were called sons of God: (Genesis 6:2; Job 1:6; 2:1). Since Lucifer had already been kicked out of heaven; he was not referred to as son of God. Job 1:6 tells us that the sons of God presented themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them.

Next: Angels – Part II

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

“An Hour of Bible Sharing With Betty” “Overview” 3-18-2020

Last night, I wanted to know if there were any concerns pertaining to the coronavirus and if everyone understood what is going on and what Jesus said must come to pass.

Those who are overlooking what Jesus said, are foolish and just as the Pharisees witnessed Jesus’ awesome ministry, they still didn’t believe. Some people will not believe Jesus if He was standing right in their face talking to them.

We discussed the verses in Luke 9:57-62, as to what it meant when Jesus said: No man having put his hand to the plow and looking back was fit for the kingdom.

Some said they would go with Him wherever He went, but when the rubber met the road, they were not willing to let some things go and they used excuses for not following Jesus. For instance, one said: Lord I will follow You, but let me say farewell to those at home (Luke 9:61).

These types of people are called halfhearted, they are not committed, they want to follow Jesus on their terms. they think it cost too much and they don’t want to pay the price to follow Jesus. There is a cost following Jesus, but there is also a reward for being His disciples.

Jesus said, Truly I tell you that no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for My sake and the Gospel will receive a hundredfold in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and fields- along with persecutions and in the age to come eternal life (Mark 10:29-30).

This means to follow Jesus is costly, but the rewards will be great in heaven – in the kingdom, where the faithful will reign with Jesus (Matthew 5:11-12, Revelation 20:4-6).

The devil has some people thinking they are okay, and as long as they make it in, that is what matters. What about when Jesus said to His disciples, whoever wants to be My disciples (follower) must deny themselves, take up their cross and follow Me (Matthew 16:24).

What are you willing to give up for being a disciple of Jesus?

Join us next Tuesday for a Preview of “An Hour of Sharing With Betty”

Grace and Peace

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

“An Hour of Bible Sharing With Betty” “Preview” 3-17-2020

Tonight, we are continuing with “Kingdom Principles” that Jesus taught His disciples, which also include us. There are many scriptures that appear to some people that Jesus is talking to everyone.

So many people who profess to be born-again do not understand the “Kingdom Principles” that Jesus taught. The reason is, they don’t look at the key words, they don’t search the history and they don’t understand what words mean in the original languages (Aramaic, Hebrew and Greek).

Example: When they see the word destruction, they think it means hell. Not true. The word means to suffer loss. Destruction used in this context pertaining to the wide road in Matthew 7:13 has nothing to do with hell. This means that the people are born-again, but they are living their lives the way they please; they will have no position in the eternal realm when it comes to ruling with Jesus Christ.

We are going slow and easy since much of this is new to most of us. I don’t believe in moving forward until the group fully understands what is being discussed.

This Bible sharing includes input and questions, and it helps the group to feel like they are included. We are tight-knitted and no one feels inferior or superior to the other. We are comfortable enough with each other to be transparent.

Because someone did not know certain things pertaining to the Bible after being born-again many years, they don’t feel ashamed to say so. That is humbling, and it brings freedom.

In times like these, when most of the world is shut down, I don’t know anything better than to have resources like the internet and for me, “An Hour of Bible Sharing With Betty” was so timely.

In October 2019, the Spirit of God confirmed that I was to have a conference call Bible sharing. He told me to start it in January 2020; in the meantime, I continued to prepare for that date.

Being still, listening to God, obeying Him by stepping out on faith, is very crucial as to how God will take us places and do things through us that are absolutely amazing.

I am looking forward to sharing the “Overview” tomorrow.

Grace and Peace!

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

“Celebrating” Thirty-Eight Years of a Changed Life

Have all these years been what they call “Peaches and Cream”?

Of course not!

Why? The Word of God says: If we suffer with Him, we shall also reign with Him (2 Timothy 2:12)

I have gone through the school of hard knocks – learned from my downs to keep looking up.

Did I dot every eye and cross every T?

Certainly not!

For I know that nothing good is in my flesh. When I want to do good, evil is present (Romans 7:18, 21)

Did I sometimes press forward and fell back?

You better believe I did!

The steps of a good man or woman are ordered by the Lord, even though he or she falls, the Lord picks him or her up (Psalm 37:23-24); not only that, if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us … (1 John 1:9)

Through it all, my heart’s desire was and is to continue pressing forward – people look at the outer appearance, but God is the only One who knows the heart (1 Samuel 16:7); regardless of what my life may have appeared to be to some, I just “Kept on Pushing” (Philippians 3:14)

Thank God for His all-sufficient grace that was my strength in times of weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9)

I thank the Lord that His grace goes beyond any sin I may fall into (Romans 5:20)

Thank God for His saving Grace – It was on a Monday morning, March 15, 1982, Jesus reached way down and picked me up (Ephesians 2:8-9)

I truly thank the Lord for His “Amazing Grace” that saved a wretch like me; I once was blind but now I see!

I thank God for allowing me to see another year to glorify Him

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

Will You Pass the Test?

In the educational system, we are taught from various books that will help us to function more successfully in society. God created the tools for learning in the world system and the spiritual realm.

I am going to the old school basics, that all the others derived from.

Science – Knowledge obtained through study or practice, especially when it comes to the physical world. Are you able to openly expound on the Word of God because you studied and practiced through the knowledge you obtained?

Language - Whatever the language is, it needs to be learned properly; that’s what teaching is for. Example: How well can you speak the language, so that it is understandable to others? Do you know the Bible well enough to give answers correctly?

Do you know how to put scriptures together in the proper context, or do you use dangling sentences that have no meaning and leave the listener confused? Example: God confounded (confused) the peoples’ language (Genesis 11:1-9).

History – Learning world, national, local and so on; being able to distinguish different time periods. For instance, when God created Adam and Eve, It was the time period of innocence; it is called time period number one (Genesis 1:28). No one has been innocent since then, because of Adam’s sin (Romans 5:12).

From that came Time Period Two called Consciousness; Adam and Eve became aware of their sins (Genesis 3:23).

On to Time Period Three - Human Government was for humans to be able to restrain evil (Genesis 8:20), by giving them the responsibility to protect the sanctity (value) of human life (Genesis 9:20). Capital punishment was instituted.

Time Period Four – promise. God called Abraham to be the father of many nations (Genesis 12:1).

Time Period Five – the law (Exodus 19:8). Moses wrote the 10 commandments (Exodus, chapter 20).

Time Period Six - Grace is where we are at the present time. The law of Moses could not save us, because people did not keep the law. But the law was the teacher (schoolmaster)- (Galatians 3:24), until Jesus came to give us grace (John 1:16-17, Ephesians 2:8-9). Glory to God!

There is one more Time Period and that is number seven, which will usher in the kingdom age. This is what Jesus taught the disciples and it is also for us; meaning how to live a life sold out to Him, that will benefit us throughout eternity. And Jesus warned about doing what we want to do, which causes eternal consequences.

Notice that one time period ended before another started. This is a lot of History, but one day you be tested to see how much you know.

Now to the last part of your exam:

Math – Are you numbering your days (Psalm 90:12)? That is, are you living your life to please God? Will you be ready to meet Christ (2 Timothy 4:6-8, 1 Corinthians 15:51-58, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)? Or, will you be ashamed (1 John 2:28)?

He is coming soon! The signs of the times are evident (Matthew 24:3-7). Prepare to meet Him!

This is to help you in your walk with Christ and it indicates whether you are ready to go to the next phase of your spiritual walk.

Grow in Grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18).

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

Be Still and Know That I Am God!

We are living in some crucial times; the entire world is affected by this deadly pestilence. God still is our refuge and our strength, a very present help in trouble, therefore we will not fear (whatever happens) … (Psalm 46:1-2).

In the midst of all the shutdowns, there is a reason and God is still going to receive glory, honor and praises. It is in the stillness that gives people time to think, reevaluate, meditate, speak (pray-communicate) to God and hear from Him. He said: Be still and know that I AM God; I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth (Psalm 46:10).

It was through my injury and spending much more time with my Father, I was able to be still and hear clearly, receive instructions from Him and when the Holy Spirit prompted, I complied. It was through the Spirit’s guidance "An Hour of Bible Sharing With Betty" via conference call was brought into fruition.

Even though it has already been prophesied in His Word about what is taking place at this present time (Matthew 24:3-7), God will allow whatever it takes to get people’s attention and let them know their limitations; that He is the only One who is in total control. He is the Lord God and besides Him there is no other (Isaiah 45:5).

Now to what is happening world-wide, and how some leaders are handling this situation. I want to commend Governor Roy Cooper’s recommendation for events of more than 100 people be postponed, including church services to help combat the coronavirus.

I will say “hats off” to all leaders whether it is on a state or national level, who have a concern for the peoples’ safety.

Why am I writing this? Because the Word of God says to let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God…. Therefore, whoever resists the authorities resist what God has appointed, and whoever resists will receive judgment (Romans 13:1-2).

We are to obey as long as what these leaders are telling us to do, is not contrary to the Word of God.

This includes spiritual leaders!

The Word of God tells us to pray for all men (people), for kings and all those who are in high positions, that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in godliness and honesty. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior (2 Timothy 2:1-3). When we do as God says with the right attitude, things change. Our prayers should also be for their souls, because every leader is not born-again.

As you spend time alone with God this time of being partially confined, I pray that you will allow the Holy Spirit to direct you as to who, how and what you are to be involved with when it comes to sharing the Word of God and encouraging one another to be built up in the faith. It is so exciting to connect with people by means of all the resources our great and mighty Father has made for us.

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

Wide-Spread Pandemic! What About Wide-Spread Gospel?

This is the greatest time in history to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ, instead of having anxieties, fears, tensions and worries about the coronavirus.

If you are born-again, I suggest that you go to the Word of God and see what Jesus said about pestilences, which include the coronavirus.

I posted a message recently pertaining to someone asking me how I knew the Bible was true. Having previous knowledge about the end-times, I was able to share from Matthew 24:4, 6-7.

This is one of the questions the disciples asked Jesus.

Verse 4 - What shall be the sign of Your coming and the end of the world?

Jesus answered: Verse 6 – And you shall hear of wars and rumors of wars; don’t be troubled (alarmed), for these things must come to pass.

Verse 7 – For nation (different races of people) shall rise against nation and kingdoms (countries) shall rise against kingdoms, and there shall be famines (people starving) and pestilences (various kinds of diseases) ….

Unsaved people don’t know what you are talking about when you use Psalm 91- nothing evil shall come near your dwelling place, which is true, or no weapon formed against you shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17). Stop being selfish and letting it be all about you; think about the souls (welfare) of others.

They need to hear and understand that the Bible is true and how Jesus Himself prophesied (spoke of) these events. They need to hear why these things are and will happen, and that they will get progressively worse until Jesus returns.

People need to know when Adam disobeyed God, sin came upon all people (Romans 5:12). They need to know that God loves them and He has a plan for their lives, and if they receive Christ as Lord and Savior, they will live eternally with Him (John 3:16).

They need to hear that things will not be easy in their walk with Christ, that trials, struggles, tribulations and sickness come with this life because we live in a fallen world caused by Adam.

They also need to know that as a child of God, all this chaos will end and we will live in a perfect state forever. They need to know that hell is real and those who do not receive Christ are damned (John 3:18) and will be tormented forever (Revelation 20:11-15).

Maybe, just maybe, you don’t understand what salvation really is. I urge you to go to the Word of God, or get some proper teaching, so you will grow out of being fearful, anxious and full of tension. However, I do caution the readers to walk in wisdom.

If you are born-again and are fearful (2 Timothy 1:7), you are not mature. How can you give someone else hope when you are not sure of that blessed hope of knowing you will live Jesus throughout eternity?

I want to challenge you to get into the Word of God for yourself (2 Timothy 2:15), this is what pleases Him. Please stop posting all that silly stuff on Social Media that does not line up with the Word of God.

Finally, regardless of how much scriptures are quoted, we are not exempt from the sufferings this life brings. I pray for protection and good health but my body gets stricken. Yet, that does not stop me from standing on the Word of God.

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

“An Hour of Bible Sharing With Betty” ~ Overview (Matthew 7:13-4) 3-11-2020

I am so grateful to the Lord God Almighty for the great things He is doing with the conference call Bible sharing. When one’s foundation is built on Christ the King, he or she begins to understand Kingdom principles. The starting point was being fed milk, to gradually digesting meat or solid foods.

Jesus taught His disciples and He is teaching others who want to be taught about His Kingdom. You really will not understand Christ our King, until you understand the principles of His kingdom.

There is so much wealth in knowing and understanding about the Kingdom. Jesus Christ taught kingdom principles because He is the King. Nobody else could teach kingdom principles like the King Himself. He teaches about His Kingdom and how those who are faithful will rule and reign with Him.

We started off with the narrow/strait road and the wide/broad way, and how Jesus in teaching His disciples, wanted them to choose the narrow road. Many people don’t understand what these two roads mean. Born-again believers can take either road.

You may think that is absurd! Wasn’t Jesus talking to His disciples? They were born-again.

The wide road indicates carnal Christians who act like unsaved people; they want to do their own thing; just make it to heaven by the skin of their teeth. They are not intimate with Christ; it is revealed by their actions. The less intimate one is with Jesus Christ on this earth lessens their ruler-ship with Him in the eternal kingdom.

This is not about just making it in; God has a plan for us to rule and reign with Jesus. How can anyone rule and reign when they have no clue as to what it means?

The strait and narrow Christians are sold out; they go through hard trials and tribulations, yet their reward is great, therefore their position is greater in the eternal realm; they will outshine those do-nothing Christians.

I was so excited when we finished the call, I was beside myself. To see the excitement and eagerness the beloved of Christ were, had me jumping with joy on the inside.

Reminder: This is only an “Overview”

I truly look forward to sharing “Previews” and “Overviews” from “An Hour of Bible Sharing With Betty” next week.

God bless You!

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

“An Hour of Bible Sharing With Betty” ~ “Preview” 3-10-2020

Tonight, we are going to re-emphasize how important it is to know the history and culture/customs of people; then we can interpret the Word of God properly.

Last week we discussed how the author of Hebrews was writing to the Jews/Hebrews. In Hebrews 6:1-6, two groups of Jews were being addressed; the saved and unsaved. The saved were being influenced by the unsaved and this caused them to be dull of hearing and they veered further away from the Word of God.

With that being so, they were admonished to go back and start over because they were not as far along as they thought they were. In that sense, the message applies to us; we are not to allow ungodly influence to affect us and get us off course. And, we too can think we are further along than we are.

Tonight, we are going to discuss verses from Matthew 7:13-14. These scriptures are talking about the two ways. We will find out what these scriptures mean and who they are referring to. With that being said, I want to remind the readers that it is necessary to understand the key words in their original language (Aramaic, Hebrew and Greek) and use them in the proper context.

For instance, the same word can mean one thing in one sentence and something else in a different sentence. Example: Prophecy could mean foretelling in one sentence and forth-telling in another sentence; depending on how the sentence is constructed.

Also, I want to go to scriptures in Acts 18:24-27, Acts 19:1-5 and share who Luke is writing about and why. Again, it is important the we know the history of people and places. As it was in the scriptures in Hebrews, the author was talking about Jews.

When we learn the culture and language of the people, they are more readily understood and we won’t be confused and accept everything that comes along. Of course, we are commanded to study the Word of God to show ourselves approved to Him and be able to rightly divide the Word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15).

It is impossible to minister and witness effectively without proper understanding. Proper training equals effectiveness.

Tomorrow, I will share an “Overview” of what was discussed tonight.

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

Questions to Test Your Faith (how spiritual you are) and See How Knowledgeable You are of the Word of God.

Males and females: Are you working to please people, or are you serving to please God?

Works will not bring salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9), however, after we are born-again, we are called to serve with the abilities (gifts) that are given to us (Romans 12:1-8, 1 Corinthians 12:6-10, Ephesians 4:11).

Some people are burnt out, overworked and miserable; it is because you are not spending time with the Lord like you should. It is highly likely because you don’t know what God has called you to do. Eventually you will throw the towel in and some even jump ship.

Females: Do you dress inappropriately - cleavage revealed, skin-tight clothes; struggled to get them on, dress length so short, can practically see your know what? The Word of God tells us to dress modestly; not showmanship (1 Timothy 2:9-10).

Females and Males: Do you wear anything that is for the opposite sex? The Word of God says a woman must not wear men’s clothing, nor a man wear women’s clothing (Deuteronomy 22:5). There should always be a distinction between a male and a female.

Females: Looking for a man or searching more after God? The Word of God says a man who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor with the Lord (Proverbs 18:22). In other words, a man allows the Lord to show him who is to be his bride.

Males: Looking at every woman that passes by or dating just to have sex? Whoever looks at a woman to lust after her, commits adultery in her heart (Matthew 5:28).

Both genders: Are you letting a book replace the Word of God, or are you being taught principles to help you grow? You can only grow through being taught the Word of God (Ephesians 4:11-16, Hebrews 5:12-14, 1 Peter 2:2). Books are not bad as long as you know they are not the source for growth, just like sermons are encouraging, but you cannot grow from a sermon, it takes proper teaching.

If any of these things are happening in your lives, this is to help you know what God expects, so do not take it lightly. You will stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ to give account of all the things done in your bodies, whether they are good or bad (2 Corinthians 5:10).

Some of you may be thinking this: “How can a born-again believer do bad works?” When you are not doing what God requires, it is bad works. In other words, you either didn’t do anything, or you chose to do what you wanted to do (Matthew 25:24-30, 1 Corinthians 3:11-15).

Warning! The physical house of God is not to be a social club; nor should your spiritual house look like you are in a night club. Yes, times change, but the standards that God has in His Word never change.

I challenge you to do a self-examination: Examine yourselves to see if you are in the faith, prove your own selves (2 Corinthians 13:5). The challenges are solid proofs.

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

Knowing Who Jesus Is and What it Means to Have a Relationship With Him – Part I

This series of messages are for the born-again believers who do not understand or have assurance of truly knowing Jesus and having a relationship with Him. Also, it is for the unsaved to know how to have a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Today, we are starting from the beginning of time so you will see who Jesus Christ was, is and who He will always be. In Genesis, God said let us make man in our image? Who is God talking about? He is speaking of Himself, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.

This proves that God Almighty exists in three personalities of the Godhead, God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. Further proof of the Triune God or the Trinity is the entire Godhead was involved in creation.

Let’s see how Jesus was involved. In Colossians 1:17-19, Jesus Christ was the Creator. The Holy Spirit’s was involved in creation in Genesis 1:2; not only that, this is further proof of the Trinity (God in three persons).

I will give one verse from 1 John 5:1-13, let’s concentrate on verse seven: For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one. I want to reemphasize that the scripture about the Trinity in Genesis 1:2 connected, related and supported to 1 John 5:7.

Now that you understand that part, let’s move on and see and see Jesus Christ as the I AM, which makes Him equal with God, although being in the form of God, He thought it not robbery to be equal with God, He humbled Himself and took on the form of a servant and was made like men… (Philippians 2:6-8). He did this for us!

There are two scriptures that will not say Jesus Christ is I AM, but they have the same meaning. I am starting with Jesus Christ is the breath of life (Genesis 1:26-27, Genesis 2:7). The Lord God/Christ formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life and he became a living soul (Genesis 2:7).

Jesus Christ caused everything to have life (Colossians 1:16-17). It is because of Jesus Christ that we live, move and have our being (Acts 17:28).

At the end of each of this series of messages, I am going to emphasize this: Jesus said, if you don’t believe that I AM He, you are still in your sins (John 8:24).

Coming soon: Doubting Thomas Declared That Jesus Christ Was His Lord and His God (John 20:28).

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

Xtra - Xtra! End-Times - Read all about it!

Brothers and Sisters!

Please read the Word of God about the signs of the times (Matthew 24:3-8). We are on the verge of Jesus’ return and have been for a long time. As we get closer to the end of this age; called the church-age or dispensation (time period) of grace, things will escalate or get progressively worse (2 Timothy 3:13).

When the disciples asked Jesus, what would be the sign of His coming and when would the end of the world be. Jesus answered them, see that no one deceives or leads you astray. For many will come in my name saying I am Christ and they will deceive many. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars, see that you are not troubled or alarmed because these things must come to past, but the end is not yet.

Do you see what the Bible book says? These things must come to pass. These things are destined to happen because we live in a fallen (sinful) world. We are not cursed because Jesus was the One who hung on the tree and became cursed for us.

However, we are affected by our environment, so certain things will happen to us. For instance, I don’t know anyone who has not been afflicted in some way or another.

For nation (different races of people) will rise against nation and kingdom (countries) against kingdom and there will be famines (scarcity of food) and earthquakes in various places. These are the beginning of many sorrows or birth pains. It is like a pregnant woman who is about to deliver the baby; the pain intensifies, the closer the time gets for the baby to come out of her womb.

All of these things will take place before the tribulation period, and then the seven-year tribulation period will begin. We will not be here praise God (1 Corinthians 15:51-54, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).

I want to put emphasis on the coronavirus and another recent catastrophe in Nashville; these are just a few of the many pandemics (pestilences or diseases), tornadoes, mass fires and earthquakes that had wide-spread effects, including people starving in many places. Since Jesus Himself said these things must be, we as children cannot get around being affected.

Let’s pray for people who are being affected, and let’s continue to stand on the Word of God for protection and if any of these things befall us, we have a better place that has been prepared for us by Jesus (John 14:1-3).

I don’t know a better place to be than to be with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:6-7). After all, this world is not our home, we are pilgrims traveling through and with that being so, do you love this present world so much that you don’t want to give it up (1 John 2:15-17)? Are you prepared to leave or are you trying to stay here forever?

PS. This was one of the scriptures I used to witness to an atheist. He asked me how I knew the Bible was true. I told him these events in Matthew 24:3-8 are occurring now; he couldn’t deny this truth.

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

“An Hour of Bible Sharing With Betty” (Overview) Hebrews 5:12-14; Hebrews 6:1-6

Last night was amazing, praise God our Father that the eyes of our understanding were enlightened more about salvation and how it can never be lost. We must understand the book of Hebrews was written to the Jews, who were Hebrews or Israelites.

Even though these particular verses were written specifically to the Jews, we learned that ungodly influence can affect us too.

We shared when it came to Hebrews 6:4-6, that these verses had nothing to do with losing salvation. There were two groups of Jews - one group was saved and the other group was not saved.

The saved group was being influenced by the unsaved group and the author was warning the saved about being dull of hearing the Word of God because they were listening to the unsaved Jews.

They needed to move from the rudimentary or elementary of being on milk to eating meat. When they thought they were teachers, they needed to be taught all over again, because they were still babies.

These unsaved Jews had experienced the goodness of God, had knowledge of who Jesus was, witnessed Him working miracles, raising the dead, feeding five thousand and on and on. Yet they rejected Him, would not believe by faith and because of it, there remained no room for repentance.

We did not experience what they did, therefore we believe by faith. Jesus told Thomas because you have seen Me you believe, blessed are those who have not seen and yet believed (John 20:29). That’s us!

Even though these unsaved Jews had tasted the powers and turned away, they were like the people in Kadesh-Bernea who saw the land and the very fruit of it in their hands, yet they turned back (Deuteronomy 1:19-26).

Some leaders were saying they tasted the heavenly gift, which meant to them, they were saved and lost their salvation, because they turned back after they tasted the heavenly gift. Tasted in the Greek means to experience the goodness of God. O taste and see that the Lord is good (Psalm 34:8) - Taste means to perceive in the Hebrew language.

We know that the nation of Israel really experienced the goodness of God; they were His chosen (treasured) people (Deuteronomy 14:2). But they rejected Christ who came to His own and they did not receive Him (John 1:11).

If you believe you can lose your salvation, the spirit of fear as to not knowing if you are going to live eternally with Jesus Christ keeps you in bondage. And, how can you share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with others is you don't have assurance of salvation? Jesus came to set you free (Isaiah 61:1).

Remember, this was an “Overview”!

I’m looking forward to next week’s “An Hour of Bible Sharing With Betty”

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

“An Hour of Bible Sharing With Betty” (Preview) 3-3-2020

Tonight, we will be learning more about starting off on the foundation of Christ and who the writer is speaking to and what He is speaking about, in Hebrews 6:1-9.

In order to understand the Bible, it is necessary to know the culture, customs and language of the people. Throughout the Old Testament God was speaking to His people, the Jews/Hebrews/Israelites.

God spoke in various ways; through the prophets, types and figures, and foreshadowing of things to come, which was relating to Jesus fulfilling the law and prophets.

For many years, during my connection with various denominational churches, some of their beliefs were different. I learned in one denominational church that once people are saved, salvation is secure and they can never be lost.

However, another denomination said saved people could lose their salvation, based on what they did. Hebrews, chapter 6, verses 4-6 have been used by some denominations, indicating that people can lose their salvation.

Be sure to check us out tomorrow to see what the Word of God says about salvation being secure. Remember what was told to you before; the Word of God validates itself with relating, supporting and connecting scriptures.

Caution: It is dangerous to isolate a scripture without any support, because the full meaning is not conveyed. It is also important to read the verses before and after a particular scripture.

Stay tuned for tomorrow’s “Overview” of “An Hour of Bible Sharing With Betty”

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

Who is Jesus the Christ?

Dearly beloved brothers and sisters of the Most-High God, many of you have observed through my writings, that I have a deep love for God’s Word.

I admire those of you who are posting godly material, yet I have a concern for some things pertaining to the scriptures that are being posted on Facebook, when they are incorrect. Many people search for something encouraging to post, and that is good, as long as it is correct.

Remember this, not everything that is posted is correct. I caution you to stop looking for scriptures with certain images that could be deceptive. Watch out for images of Jesus. Why? As children of God, there is only one Jesus the Christ. There may be others who are using the name Jesus, but their Jesus (god) didn’t shed his blood for their sins; and he certainly did not rise from the dead.

This Jesus the Christ is not the color of each race, if there was true, He would be multi-colored. So why are we trying to make a distinction? The answer is many children of God have been deceived by the devil’s influence to keep us divided.

Let’s concentrate on Jesus and how He purchased us through His precious blood that redeemed (cleansed) us from our sins which brought salvation (Ephesians 1:7), and His blood continues to cleanse us when we fall into sin (1 John 1:9).

The devil is making a mockery of some born-again believers because of their ignorance. He came to steal testimonies because there is no light is not shining (Matthew 5:16), kill (destroy), because of ignorance of the Word of God (Hosea 4:6).

Lastly: Please stop trying to prophesy (give a word) for somebody’s future. For instance, “God is going to do this or that, or God told me to tell you this or that.” Unless you’re in the proper setting, that is not prophecy. Prophecy is a gift and it is to be used properly. What I observed is, these people don’t have an understanding and they read what someone else writes and run with it.

And, what is even worse: Do something in a certain period of time and you will receive such and such, or you will receive so and so blessings. Since each of us is different, God deals with us differently. He does what He wants to do when He wants to. Also, the Word of God tells us not to despise prophecy, but to test it (1 Thessalonians 5:20-21).

Be careful what you post that is anti-biblical (contradicting). When all this craziness is posted, it reveals that you are not in the Word of God. Furthermore, if I am grieved, how much do think the Spirit of God is grieved (Ephesians 4:30).

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

Knowing Who Jesus Is and What it Means to Have a Relationship With Him

I am starting a new series; making amendments to what was done last year. The reason being, so many children of God do not understand the basics of their walk with Christ.

What this really means is, I skipped a step and had to go back and make the messages more simplified.

Seeing Jesus throughout the entire Bible is absolutely necessary to understand who He is and what it means to have a relationship with Him.

The series will be somewhat different from “An Hour of Bible Sharing With Betty”, but they are connected. Two days a week you will read about one and the other will be posted the same week. If there are any changes, I will post them; the Holy Spirit may lead a different way.

The main emphasis is that you get all the Lord wants you to have in order to draw closer to Him.

This what to expect in addition to “An Hour of Bible Sharing With Betty”:

The foundational truths that will take us back to the beginning of time; that there is no distinction when it comes to race, culture, customs and language; we are all one in Christ (Galatians 3:8, Colossians 3:11); that these should not be barriers to hinder our walk with Christ; that allowing this to happen causes eternal consequences.

If anyone is guilty of racism, prejudices or have denominational differences, you can be set free (John 8:32, 36); you will know Jesus in a way that you have never known Him before. You will not see Him by a certain complexion but He will be seen as the One who loved all of us so that He lived, suffered, died and rose to give us a new life with a new mindset.

My prayer is, if the children of God have allowed these barriers to take root in their lives, they will allow the prideful blinders (scales) to be removed.

I am looking forward indeed to be one of the messengers to help set the captives free (Isaiah 61:1).

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

Black History (People of Color) from the Biblical Perspective ~ “Lest We Forget”

As the United States comes to the end of celebrating “Black History Month”, let’s not forget how the Lord has blessed us with such a wonderful “HERITAGE TO BE PROUD OF”. As African Americans, we give thanks to God Almighty every day for the great things He has done.

This is to encourage the readers to not forget, so you will not fall back into that old mindset.

The Apostle Paul wrote this: Stand fast with the liberty which Christ has set you free and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage (Galatians 5:1).

Please do not forget that you are not cursed; you are blessed. Nobody can curse what God has blessed (Numbers 23:8), but if you allow people to define who you are, you cannot walk in freedom. Chains cannot be broken unless you know the truth as to who you are – Jesus came to set the captives free (Isaiah 61:1).

Each of Noah’s three sons had darker skin tones. Noah’s sons, Shem and Ham intermingled with each other and they stayed in the same region where they were exposed to more sun. A period of time after Japheth and his descendants spread to the isles of the Gentiles and were exposed to the colder climate and less sunlight, their complexion, changed and they began to have keener features. The Isles of the Gentiles are the European countries, where the Caucus Mountains are (Genesis 10:2-5). That’s where the name Caucasian originated.

I believe Caucasians changed their name to white people because white means purity and it gives a sense of superiority.

Regardless of your complexion, we all are people of color. And everybody is somebody.

I want to leave this nugget with you: No matter what part of the world you are from, you have African “Motherland” roots. Everybody came from our forefather Adam (1 Corinthians 15:45), and his wife Eve was the mother of all living (Genesis 3:20).

If you profess to be born-again, you should realize that there is one and the same Father of us all (Ephesians 4:6). Just as brothers and sisters in the natural may have different skin complexions, does that make one better than the other? No!

We shall know the truth and the truth will make us free (John 8:32).

“Lest We Forget”

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

Blessed to Share Regularly

You may wonder why I am posting messages more frequently than before.

The reason: Since my injury, November 12, 2019, I still have limited mobility.

However, as I press to continue penning these messages, despite the challenges, God is using the injury for His glory.

After this first phase of therapy on my shoulder is done, the second therapy is for the knee; both from the fall.

I am also scheduled to see a podiatrist; a large toenail is partially gone.

Everything happens for a reason; as I look at what God my Father is allowing to happen; it is for my good and for the good of others. From the onset of the injury, some things were not understood, but my trust/faith in God propelled me to press forward, despite the struggles (Philippians 3:14) and some painfully sleepless nights.

During this mainly quiet time of being still, I hear more form God; the Holy Spirit led me to start “An Hour of Bible Sharing With Betty”, an addition to Burnett Ministries. He also directed me to make a transition and concentrate more fully on the ministry He has given me. To whom much is given, much is required; studying is WORK (2 Timothy 2:15).

If you are in school, study is required for you to become more knowledgeable and effective in society. Studying the Word of God is a requirement that helps us to be more effective as children of God; it also has eternal benefits.

This is to encourage the readers; spend quality time with the Lord and He will show you great and mighty things that you do not know (Jeremiah 33:3). The Spirit of God will direct you (Psalm 32:8); every child of God has ministry in him or her. Find your place, by learning what your gifts are; operate in your call and you will greatly rewarded (Matthew 25:21, 23).

However, I do encourage you to learn and understand the basics of your life with Christ, then you will understand your gifts and calling.

Additionally, it takes time, so don’t be in a hurry and move ahead of God. The disciples were taught and prepared by Jesus for three years.

God gave me my ministry in 2005, which slowly but progressively increased as I faithfully trusted and walked in obedience to Him.

Caution: Don’t let others influence you, unless God is using them to confirm.

Example: Some people will tell you have been called to preach because of your powerful testimony. Also, others may ask you to join a ministry. Most of the time these people are babies, themselves. How can a baby know what is best for someone else?

Jesus has equipped the five-fold ministry to help you (Ephesians 4:11-16). The sad part is, not many churches operate in these gifts; that’s the main reason why so many churches do not grow.

After you have followed biblical guidelines, go forth with the empowerment given to you by the Holy Spirit, and you will accomplish what God has called you to do.

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

Did God Really Tell You This or That?

This is an addition to “Saying God told me this or that”. Many people desire to do this or that, but did the Spirit of God lead them? I am sharing my experience when it comes to be led by the Spirit of God to do the work of the ministry.

I had a conversation with Father God and told Him if I had to solicit funding, I didn’t want a ministry. Although Burnett Ministries has a donation page, it is on a voluntary basis. When the ministry was first organized, money was needed to get approval for a Non-Profit, as well as other necessities.

I did not have the money, but some of my dearly beloved sisters and brothers pitched in without me asking and every need was supplied (Philippians 4:19). Why? Because God ordained Burnett Ministries to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and He said “Global”! Not only that, the people who were on the board of directors believed in the vision God gave me.

I thought He had plans for me to travel world-wide; found out that His ways and thoughts are so much different and higher than mine (Isaiah 55:9-11), and whatever He purposed for me to do is still fruitful. I do travel globally, but it’s by way of the internet, and it’s much, much less costly. The only money that is spent is for spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

I want to encourage and warn or caution those who feel the call to do the work of the ministry.

God supplies every need (Philippians 4:19) – He opens and close doors (Revelation 3:8) - I have never asked for anything (Psalm 37:25), because I trust God (Proverbs 3:5-6), who is my Source (Psalm 24:1, Psalm 50:10).

I was a follower of David Wilkerson who was the founder of Teen-Challenge, an addiction recovery program in Rehrersburg, PA, and he was also founding pastor of Times Square church in NYC.

I had a connection with Teen Challenge through Miquel Torres, founder of My Brother’s Keeper in Camden, NJ. Some of the men in MBK, a four-month program, chose to continue on to what we called “God’s Mountain” to stay for eight months at Teen Challenge.

Every year in July, Teen Challenge would have “Celebrate” from Friday – Sunday. I was blessed to have gone to “Celebrate” a few times. But this particular weekend David Wilkerson was there. He gave a testimony of how Times Square Church was quite costly and it was paid off in five years. David could not remember all the details how the Lord blessed him to pay off the debt in such a short period of time, because it was amazing what God did. David Wilkerson has passed, but Times Square Church is still in existence.

Here is my point; when God calls someone to do something, He makes all the provisions.

God gave me a ministry years ago and everything I needed for the ministry was supplied. He placed people in my path whom the Spirit led them to support me financially. I am being faithful to what God called me to, even when things get tight. Actually, that’s where faith really comes in.

God also has allowed me to go many places on this globe beyond my own means; He worked through others to be a blessing to me, because this was His plan for my life. What God calls, He finishes; what God calls, He makes provision; what God calls in my life, He gets praises, honor and glory.

If God has called you: Go!

Next: Knowing Who Jesus Is and What it Means to Have a Relationship With Him

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

“An Hour of Bible Sharing With Betty” (Overview) 2-26-2020

Last night we shared how God has commanded us to grow, which means to increase in our knowledge and understanding of His Word to become more intimate with Him. We should desire the sincere milk of the Word that helps us to grow. Sincere milk means a strong desire or craving for, like a baby who is hungry and craves for milk.

The baby will even cry if it doesn’t get milk. The same should be with the children of God; we should be so hungry for the Word that it is painful (hunger pains) when we don’t get it. The sincere Word is also the pure, genuine doctrine without deceit.

From there, the Holy Spirit had something else that was important to be discussed. How to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ was brought up, and what if we would ask someone if they were saved or born-again, and they say they were baptized.

Water baptism cannot and will not save anybody. Water baptism is an outward show to let others know that you have been identified with Christ’s death, burial and resurrection through being born-again.

Water does not have anything to do with salvation; but we are commanded by Jesus Christ to be baptized in water after we are born-again.

Scriptures to verify:

Jesus told His disciples/apostles to go into the world and teach (proclaim, preach) what He commanded them, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19-20).

The thief on the cross was not baptized; he asked the Lord to remember him when He came into His kingdom. Jesus said to him: Truly I say to you, today you will be with Me in paradise (Luke 23:42-43).

Philip, the Evangelist met an Ethiopian Eunuch in the desert who was sitting in his chariot reading about Isaiah the prophet. The eunuch did not understand what he was reading and Philip got in the chariot with him and explained the scriptures. Philip used those scripture and preached Jesus to him.

Notice that Philip knew the Word, and the unsaved man did not understand the things of God; they were foolish to him (1 Corinthians 2:14). If you don’t know and understand the Word of God, it is impossible to witness effectively.

As they went on their way, they came upon some water and the eunuch asked Philip what prevented him from being baptized. Philip said: If you believe with all your heart that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. The chariot stood still, they went down into the water, and he baptized him (Acts 8:26-39).

Romans 10:9-17 and Ephesians 2:8-9 are appropriate for offering salvation, but the person that had been baptized thought she was okay, and she needed to know and understand that water baptism cannot save anybody.

Actually, it depends on the situation as to how you witness. For instance: Some people say I go to church, my mother, grandmother and so on, went to church. You can’t use what someone else did; it’s a personal relationship (Romans 10:9-10). Some say: I don’t treat people wrong; I am a good person. The Word of God says no one is good (Romans 3:10).

If you don’t know and understand the Word of God, it is impossible to witness effectively.

I pray that you will take this nugget and treasure it! That’s what we do in “An Hour of Bible Sharing With Betty”.

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

An Hour of Bible Sharing With Betty” – The New Walk With Christ (Preview) 2/25/2020

Tonight, our lesson will be coming from 1 Peter 2:2 - As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the Word, that you may grow up in your salvation, and 2 Peter 3:18 – But grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever. Amen.

It is important to start from the ground and work our way up as we build on the foundation of Christ. There always has to be a foundation, which keeps the building or our spiritual house from shifting, swaying or caving in.

So, we are going to start as if we just got born-again because the truth is, most of us have skipped some steps in our walk with Christ. That is the reason we are not living victoriously.

How can we minister or witness to someone if we don’t have the assurance of who we are, defend the Gospel of Jesus Christ, or give an answer to whatever is asked of us?

It is sad to say that I was at a wedding and a young lady was skimpily dressed. A couple of older ladies said: “She needs Jesus”. I was thinking, if someone told me I needed Jesus before I was born-again, I would have used some of those made-up cursed words on them.

Here is the point: You must tell someone why they need Jesus and what He did in your life and how you have a relationship with Him and that you will live with Jesus throughout eternity. This is just an example and it is not complicated. It is also necessary to share the scriptures to whomever you are talking to.

I have been around many people over the years who profess to be born-again and yet, they don’t know how to witness. Actually, many of them think they are okay if they go to church and work in or on whatever ministry they choose to.

There are many who believe they can lose their salvation; how can one witness effectively to the lost if they are not sure of their salvation.

In “An Hour of Bible Sharing With Betty”, we will learn how to properly interpret scriptures; the history, culture and customs make a big difference in understanding the Word of God.

I got news for you: Jesus told us to go into the world and teach and then baptize (Matthew 28:19-20). How in the world can anyone share what they don’t know or understand? We learn and we teach/preach/proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We model Jesus who taught the disciples and then He sent them to carry His Gospel.

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

Things to Beware of That are Not From God, like Grave Soaking (Part 3) – Absolutely Absurd

As I was searching for more truths about things that are not from God, some of the information was an eye-opener and a few of the people that I really felt were solid in their understanding, were listed in the group that were doctrinally incorrect; they either supported or embraced “Holy Laughter” that was a trend in the 90’s.

“Holy Laughter” was one of the silliest things I observed in the body of Christ. I was visiting a church on a Sunday morning and many people broke out hilariously into a holy laughter. After the message was coming forth, some were still laughing, which took away from the message. That was confusion and an out of order situation (1 Corinthians 14:33, 40).

Anything that takes away from the Word, is not of God. With that being so, where did it come from? The people were operating in the flesh and being influenced by the devil.

There are other doctrinally beliefs that I do not agree with, but grave soaking is absolutely and ridiculously absurd. The previous message stated that no one receives someone else’s mantle/anointing. That is not what the church or body of Christ holds as a doctrinal belief. The Word of God says it is an abomination (detestable) to communicate with the dead (Deuteronomy 18:10-13). This is called necromancy.

In searching out a particular group (mega church), their doctrine is cultish. This is what I saw about grave soaking and their beliefs pertaining to it. They go wherever a well-known preacher is buried; lay on the person’s grave or touch it. Some of the deceased are C.S. Lewis (buried in Holy Trinity Headington Quarry, Oxford, England), Charles Finney (Westwood Cemetery, Oberlin, Ohio), Smith Wigglesworth (Nab Wood Cemetery, Shipley, United Kingdom).

You must know from reading so far, they had to be nuts to travel from the US, all the way to the United Kingdom to get someone’s mantle. Grave soaking/mantle grabbing, to get some famous person’s anointing is demonic. In fact, it is demonic regardless of what their status in life was.

Some have called the Charismatics, Charis-maniacs and I certainly agree, when it comes to things like “Holy Laughter”. The grave sucker (soaker) is considered charismatic and occultic practice. They are called crazy Christians, by many.

A Video recording of a spokesperson who was at the grave of C.S. Lewis with some students said, they had the gift of faith and they felt the raising of the dead power. He went on to say the Holy Spirit was on the dead person and He still exists there.

That is absolutely contrary to scripture which says to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:10). People’s bodies are considered the house that the soul and the spirit live in. Therefore, the body is not the real person and when the person passes on, that dead body will return to dust (Genesis 3:19).

Some of these ministries have beautiful praise songs, but I caution you to be careful with that. Lucifer was the leader of the choir in heaven (Ezekiel 28:13-15).

My point being, the devil can and will use music in the church to play on emotions; from that he will use anti-biblical means that are accepted, because people are so into music. Some people are more interested in music than they are the Word of God.

However, the Apostle Paul wrote that even though some had wrong motives, as long as it is not biblically incorrect, don’t reject it (Philippians 1:8).

Since we have a doctrinal belief according to the Word of God. If anyone comes to you with any other doctrine, let him be accursed (Galatians 1:8).

Brothers and sisters keep your spiritual eyes open (discernment), because Mass deception is on the rise and it is infiltrating the churches.

Next: Did God Really Say This or That?

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

Black History (People of Color) from the Biblical Perspective

Simeon, Called Niger

Somebody has not searched the scriptures to see clearly what the Word of God is saying about people of color, throughout the Bible.

Acts, chapter 2, clearly states that the men who had gathered in Jerusalem were devout Jews from many nations. It is also known that Peter was also Jewish; he didn’t want to carry the Gospel of Jesus Christ to a Gentile/Caucasian (Acts 10:9-48).

As we journey toward Acts 13:1, it is clearly shown that Simeon who was called Niger was one of the teachers or prophets at the church in Antioch. Some people say Simeon was called Niger because Niger means black.

People were often referred to by the place where they lived. For instance, Jesus was called Jesus of Nazareth because he spent most of His life in Nazareth. Simon of Cyrene, Africa was the person who carried the cross for Jesus.

For your information, nigger derives from Niger (black); that’s a negative derogatory word that should never be used among God’s children, chink for Asians, crackers (poor whites) for Caucasians (Gentiles). These terms are contemptuous.

Let’s go to certain prophets and teachers: Simeon called Niger, Barnabas, Lucius of Cyrene and Manaen who were people of color and the awesome ministry they were assigned to do (Acts 13:1).

I thank God my Father and the prompting of the Holy Spirit to search the scriptures and historical accounts to open my eyes and the eyes of people, regardless of their nationality. It is important to know that all of us are God’s workmanship (His masterpieces) – (Psalm 139:13-17, Ephesians 2:10).

On the other hand, as African Americans, we should be thankful to know that we have a rich heritage.

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

Things to Beware of That are Not From God and are Not Doctrinal Principles (Part 2)

There are some who start movements, or a system of beliefs that are devoted (to reverence) toward a figure or object. Example: Jim Jones (a person); Buddha (a statue).

In the Bible days, many worshipped statues like the goddess Diana of Ephesus/Artemis (Acts 19:28).

Some worshipped Paul when God used him to heal a man who was impotent from birth. Paul said with a loud voice: Stand up on your feet.

The man leaped and walked. When the people saw this, they thought the gods had come down in the likeness of men, and they called Barnabas Jupiter and Paul Mercurius (Acts 14:12).

Things or people to watch out for:

Watch out for someone who says we can receive someone else’s anointing or mantle. Each of God’s children is anointed because we belong to Christ the Anointed One. Someone receiving another person’s mantle/anointing was a one-time occurrence; the true meaning of mantle in the Hebrew language is to take the role of leadership that someone else once held.

Elijah was Elisha’s leader and mentor, therefore, when Elijah died, the role of leadership was passed to Elisha (1 Kings 19:19). A mantle was used symbolically in the Bible as the righteous call and covering of God to fulfill one’s destiny. The anointing comes with the grace call to fulfill our destiny.

Be careful when using an occurrence in the Old Testament that is not doctrinal, or in the New Testament like Paul’s handkerchief/apron? The apron/handkerchief that touched Paul’s skin was taken to the people and they were healed (Acts 19:12).

There are ministries today that use a prayer cloth. I believe they are using it in reference to what was happened with Paul. They say the prayer cloth will bring healing; but this is not a doctrinal principle.

What about the woman who touched the hem of Jesus’ garment and was made whole (Mark 5:25-34)? Do you hear of that happening today? The woman wanted to be made whole so badly that she pressed through the crowd unnoticed to receive her healing. Because of her physical condition the woman had to separate herself from the public (Leviticus 15:25-27).

Have you heard of anyone other than Peter walking on water and not drowning (Matthew 14:22-31)? We cannot use this as a doctrinal principle, which is a set of beliefs taught by the church. I read about a minister in Africa who attempted to walk on water. I guess you know what happened to him.

As I was writing about Peter walking on water, I feel that is encouraging us, so our faith can be built up, believing that nothing is impossible with Him (Luke 1:37). Yet, we should not presume that it will happen. Faith is acting on what God said in His Word.

For instance, Peter and the other disciples were in a boat; they saw Jesus and thought He was a ghost. So, Peter asked Jesus if that was really Him, to command him to come out on the water and Jesus said come.

Peter walked on the water and became afraid because of the wind and he began to sink. But Peter cried out: Lord save me, and the Lord rescued him. Notice that Peter was not foolish enough to go out the water on His own; he asked Jesus to command him. At that point Peter had faith to walk on the water, but he became overcome with fear. The man from Africa drowned, because he was foolish.

We are responsible and accountable to God for learning, understanding, and sharing truths.

Next: Things to Beware of That are Not From God like Grave Soaking (Part 3)

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

Things to Beware of That are Not From God (Part I)

With so much going on in the body of Christ, it is imperative that the children of God have an awareness of the devil’s deception. I am writing to you because God loves you so much and He cares about your well-being.

Be careful of those who say “God told me this or that” –

I too have been guilty of this: Years ago, I wanted to leave a place so bad that I really thought God gave me a specific date as to where I was going and when it would happen. That is from a Christian perspective, to show you how those who really love the Lord can miss Him.

How do we miss God? Leaning on our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6) and operating in our carnal (fleshy) senses is displeasing to God (Romans 8:8, 1 Corinthians 3:1-3).

Example:

Someone starting a church for a certain group of people. God’s church (body of Christ), consists of born-again believers of all ages, male and female. The body of Christ are those who receive Jesus as Savior and Lord; He is no longer on earth, but His Spirit lives in us (Romans 8:9). Therefore, we should be able to discern that it is not from God, when someone says God told him to start a church for a specific group of people.

Similarly, some cult leaders have started movements for certain groups of people based on their status (money, famous, etc.). Others say they had a special encounter with God.

Example: This particular leader started a religious movement: “In the early 1800’s, Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ restored the Gospel to the earth through the prophet Joseph Smith. This restoration included the restoration of the priesthood power and authority.”

Every child of God is holy and of royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9). The priesthood ended when Christ rose from the dead; He is the great and most excellent High Priest, who appears in the presence of God for us (Hebrews 9:24).

Yet, while we are on the earth, we also intercede on behalf of others. We have been given power and authority as children of the Most-High God (Luke 10:19). And Christ completed everything, therefore, nothing needs to be restored. When Jesus hung on the cross, He said: It is finished (John 19:28-30).

Back to Joseph Smith. That was just one of the encounters Joseph Smith claimed that he had with God. But the Word of God says this: There are some who trouble you and want to pervert the Gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven preach any other Gospel than we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we said before, I say again, if anyone preaches any other doctrine than what you received, let him be accursed (Galatians 1:7b--9)

Paul is saying that God’s judgement will fall on anyone including himself, if he distorts the Gospel of Jesus Christ. These Judaizers or Jews were trying to persuade the Gentiles to accept Jewish religious customs, by keeping ceremonial laws that were not to be practiced in the New Testament church.

Example: Being a true Jew was to be circumcised in the flesh (Romans 2:28 - a physical sign); however, Jesus’ resurrection caused a circumcision of the heart, which is spiritual (Romans 2:25-29).

Many cults, false teachers and apostles are more on the rise the closer we get closer to the end of time.

Next: Things to Beware of That are Not From God (Part 2)

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

“An Hour of Bible Sharing With Betty” 2-19-20

I was so happy to know that the group was obedient in doing what was asked of them (looking up scriptures), and the answers given were a blessing. They really desire to become more intimate with God.

Since basic training is necessary to be in the military, what do you think about God’s army; there is no way you can win a battle if there is no basic training. Sad to say, many profess to be born-again and cannot answer simple questions about some scriptures.

Last night we learned how important it is to know the history, language and culture in order to understand who God is talking to and how relevant it is for us.

There was definitely a similarity in comparing the Jews/Hebrews with the church. There were three groups of Jews: 1) believers; 2) unbelievers who were intellectually convinced of the Gospel (head knowledge only); 3) unbelievers who were attracted by the Gospel and the person of Christ, but who had reached no final conviction about Him.

Emphasis was put on connecting the Old and New Testament; how we use principles from the OT, but everything is not for us. God was specifically talking to the Hebrews/Jews.

We also shared about the Old Testament; when it ended and when the New Testament began. Many people think the New Testament begins with the four Gospels. That is not true.

The Old Testament or old covenant ended when Jesus hung on the cross and the curtain/veil in the temple was ripped or torn in two, from top to bottom (Mark 15:37-38). This indicated that the old covenant was no longer effective, where the priests were the only ones who could go into the holy of holies on behalf of the peoples sins (Hebrews 9:7).

The ripped veil made it possible for us to go into God’s presence because of the death of His Son. A new and better covenant became effective.

A will is not effective until the owner of the will dies. Jesus was the owner of the will (old covenant), and when He died the will became effective.

You have heard of a person’s last will and testament and how those whose names were in the will received whatever was specified in the will. Well Jesus was the Testator who left us a great inheritance of a new and better covenant (Hebrews 9:16).

Our next time of sharing is a continuation of learning the basics of our foundation in Christ (1 Peter 2:2, 2 Peter 3:18).

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

“An Hour of Bible Sharing With Betty”

When?

Tuesday, 2/18/2020

Time:

8-9 PM

If you want to have 2020 clarity of the Bible pertaining to your spiritual walk, we welcome you.

The Spirit of God has directed me to start with the elementary or first principles. Since God is all-knowing (Omnipresent), He alone knows where each of His children is. Therefore, in obedience to Him, we are starting at the beginning.

Why is that so? Many of God’s children never went through basic training. You may think you are further along than you are. I gave three scriptures last week: Hebrews 5:12, 1 Peter 2:2, 2 Peter 3:18 for the group to read. I also told the group to look at the scriptures before and after. These scriptures are pertaining to how to grow and what is needed.

Some of you may not be on the conference call with us, but I will post certain nuggets, so you will be able to follow “An Hour of Bible Sharing With Betty”, and with all assurance, I know you're going to learn what is takes to grow in your faith which equals spiritual maturity.

Tonight, we will have an entrance exam to see where we are in our walk. This will also determine what is needed in order to proceed further.

There is nothing to be ashamed of, because everybody had to start somewhere. However, we want to grow the way God has ordered and ordained in His Word.

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

"Harriet" Tubman ~ Moses

If you have not seen the movie “Harriet”, I encourage you to watch it. I saw how she allowed God to lead her to bring so many slaves out of bondage into freedom.

Her life was so biblically connected that I was amazed. After all the years of learning about our heritage, it did not dawn on me how she was so closely connected to God.

In a recent conversation, another sister and I were discussing how the people way back in the day were not educated, yet they had a God connection. My grandmother could not read, but she was a praying woman; she was the greatest light to me than anyone I ever knew; it was a fact that Harriet had a God connection..

Harriet and other slaves were made to think they were indebted to their masters, who abused a scripture in Colossians 3:22 that says: Slaves, obey your earthy masters in all things according to the flesh, not with eye-service as men pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. Master can mean your employer, that you serve with respect, as long as it lines up with the Word of God.

No man is to have ownership of another person, if that was true, why did God send Moses to Egypt to set His people free from harsh treatments by their slave-drivers (Exodus 3:7)? Children of the Most-High God, we need to study the Word of God for ourselves so it can be rightly divided (2 Timothy 2:15).

Back to Harriet and her God connection - this woman’s light, boldness and courage was absolutely amazing. She humbly and unselfishly served God and people; to the point that she would give up her life for others to be free. Ain’t that what Jesus did?

Harriet reminded me of Jesus who came to set us free from being enslaved to sin (Isaiah 61:1, Luke 4:18). She also was called Moses, whom God sent to Egypt to set His people free.

Harriet went through hard trials, tribulations, being tortured and called all kinds of bad names. Jesus went through hard trials, tribulations, persecutions, He was even called a devil, or beelzebub (Luke 11:15) and He was tortured on the way to the cross and when He was on the cross (Mark 15:16-32).

Harriet Tubman modeled Jesus in that her light shined so that as others watched her, they were drawn to Christ (Matthew 5:16).

I say hallelujah and glory to God for the writers and producers of such an awesome and realistic movie that was truly and eye-opener to me.

To God our Father be all praises, honor and glory. And, if God has called you to do something, stick to it; He will always be you just, as He was with Harriet throughout her assignment (Hebrews 13:5).

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

Black History ~ People of Color From the Biblical Perspective

Some Women of Color Whom God Used Mightily

I am going to pause and say this; some people have already said that since they know who they are in Christ, it doesn’t matter how others look down on them or call them derogatory names.

Jesus was called bad names (Beelzebub); the Pharisees (religious leaders) said Jesus only cast out demons by Beelzebub, the prince of demons (Matthew 12:24).

The question was asked referring to Jesus: Can any good thing come out of Nazareth? This was considered a bad city (John 1:46).

Jesus knew who He was and what He had to suffer through on this earth, so I agree. I don’t agree with those who don’t know who they are in Christ and have allowed the devil to make them feel inferior to others.

The people who really know who they are in Christ will stand for truth and walk in freedom. You have rights, so don’t let the devil use others to make you think you are lesser.

Peter, a Jew and a person of color did not want to take the Gospel to the Gentiles (Caucasians) (Acts, chapter 10). He called them unclean; God said to Peter: Don’t called what I have cleaned, unclean (Acts 10:14-15). The Jews thought they were superior to other nations.

What gives us the right to think we are superior or to call someone ugly names? God does not approve of people looking down on others or calling them names that are derogatory.

Now to some women of color. You read how God used some women of color in the Old Testament; now you will see how He used women in Jesus’ time, and after the church age begin in the new Testament.

Mary Magdalene ~ Jesus cast seven demons out of her (Luke 8:2). Some say Mary Magdalene was a Jewish woman who was a prostitute. However, there is no evidence in the Word of God that she was a prostitute.

Mary Magdalene and another Mary were the first go to tomb where Jesus was buried. When they saw that Jesus was not in the tomb, the angel told them go and tell the disciples that Jesus had risen from the dead. Two women were the first ones to carry the good news; they ran and told the good news (Matthew 28:1-8).

Philip’s Daughters ~ These women prophesied; they were endowed with the gift from the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:19, 1 Corinthians 12:10).

Timothy’s Mother and Grandmother ~ These Jewish, women of color taught him the scriptures during his child-hood years (2 Timothy 1:5); this contributed to his success in ministry. They were the pillars that Timothy needed.

God also used others to mentor and train Timothy, especially Paul, the Apostle.

Paul also referred to Timothy as his son (1 Timothy 1:2), which of course meant that Timothy was his spiritual son.

Timothy’s biological father was Greek (Acts 16:1-3), meaning that Timothy was of Greek and Jewish descendant. Timothy was circumcised a Jew.

I am overjoyed that the Word of God says: There is no difference in Jew or Greek (Gentiles); we are all one in Christ (Romans 10:12, Galatians 3:28).

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

Who or What Do You Worship? Challenge for Those Who Profess to Be Born-Again (Part 2)

This message is a continuation to challenge the children of the Most-High God as to who or what they worship. Things and people can be worshipped; this is to let you know what some more are, just in case you don’t realize who or what you are worshipping.

God wants His children to be set free from being enslaved to things and people that the devil uses to keep them in bondage.

It could be that you are looking to your pastor as a fatherly figure, your spiritual guide, or perhaps some other way. It has been known that many do this, especially females. This is dangerous; you end up putting more emphasis on the leader than you do on God, and it is highly likely to lead to something else.

When some leaders find out how vulnerable people are, they can abuse this by taking advantage of them. For instance, there were/are leaders like Jim Jones, David Koresh and so many others who use their charismatic charm to persuade and manipulate.

Spiritual manipulation is used to have others under their control and it is evil. God wants us to respect leaders, but they also are to respect. As a matter of fact, leaders have been called to serve their congregation; the congregation of people are not called to serve the leaders.

Jesus modeled the greatest leader and the greatest servant (Matthew 20:28, Matthew 23:11). I am sure this will open your eyes, praise God!

I knew a pastor who would take some of his members grocery shopping. I witnessed this with my own eyes; he was also known for giving people money, and other good deeds. He said: “We have to love everybody, because everybody is somebody”. He preached regularly about "Love".

This man definitely had the heart of a true servant. I have no doubt that his family would not mind me mentioning his name – the late Pastor Samuel L Fogle. While visiting Greensboro in 1994, I became deathly ill and was hospitalized.

Who walked in my room after 11:30 PM and prayed for me, and there was a tremendous break-through? That prayer of a righteous and faithful man availed much (James 5:14-16). What an awesome legacy Pastor Fogle left.

Let’s go to material things: If you spend more time focusing on things than you do on God, you are materialistic – been there and done that too. I had big eyes and a small pocketbook. The Word of God tells us to seek Him first and things will be added (Matthew 6:33). He also tells us not to be like the Gentiles (unsaved) - (Matthew 6:32).

What about people who have big bucks and do not honor God with their money? God tells them that they are to share with those who don’t have (1 Timothy 6:16-18); I am not talking about charitable write-offs. The love of money is the root of all evil and has become their god (1 Timothy 6:10).

Some people put more emphasis on their bodies and are profiling on a regular basis; some get up in the early hours to go to the gym, and they forget to spend quality time with God. The Word of God says this: For physical exercise is of limited value, but godliness is valuable in every way (1 Timothy 4:8).

God want us to have material things but things should not have us; God allows many of His children to be rich in this world, but He does not want them to love money to the point that it becomes their god.

God wants our bodies to be fit, but He does not want us to worship our bodies. He wonderfully and marvelously made each of us and each of us is His masterpiece, so think good about yourself and be thankful that God made you to glorify Him and not to glorify yourselves.

Next: Things to Beware of That are Not From God

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

"An Hour of Bible Sharing With Betty"

Greetings!

The first session:

"An Hour of Bible Sharing With Betty"

was an introduction to what the ministry is about and what to expect.

I was blessed to hear how open and humble the group was in wanting to become more intimate with God through knowledge and understanding His Word.

Some who have been saved for years are yearning to become more intimate with God.

They shared what topics they need more knowledge and understanding of, which will come in the future.

If basics are not understood, they will not be able understand something that is beyond their comprehension.

Regardless of how long any of us have been born-again, if we skipped steps, there is no growth.

Some may think they are okay, but unless they start off with the basics of their foundation in Christ, they will remain stagnant, and this displeases God.

Our home work assignment is, as how we are to grow (Hebrews 5:12, 1 Peter 2:2, 2 Peter 3:18).

PS. Surprise!!!

We were also privileged to have my Five-Fold ministry teacher of almost 29 years with us.

God is certainly doing a new thing in Burnett Ministries!!!

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

“An Hour of Bible Sharing With Betty”

Greetings Brothers, Sisters, Family and Friends!

REMINDER

Tonight, is the first conference call!

Hallelujah and Glory to God for the New Thing He is doing in Burnett Ministries.

This is the information that is necessary for those who would like to join us, so we can grow in God's Word and become more intimate with Him. Those of you who are interested, please hold on to this information:

Day: Every Tuesday

Initial Date: February 11, 2020

Time: 8:00 to 9:00 PM

Conference number: 1- 612 - 746 - 7362

Conference code: 623509

I am excited about what the Lord is doing, and I am looking forward to sharing the Word of God and being involved in this aspect of my Father’s business.

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

Who or What Do You Worship? Challenge for Those Who Profess to Be Born-Again (Part 1)

When you read the last message pertaining to “Fallen From Grace”, I pray that you considered why you are on this earth and the wonderful plan God has for your life; to worship Him is spirit and in truth.(John 4:23). I pray that you understand how worship is a lifestyle, and everything we do should be an act of worship to glorify God.

I also pray that you will have a strong desire to worship God with the abilities He has given you. The Word of God tells to present our bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to Him and the verses below this one tells what some of the gifts are (Romans 12:1-8). God has given us these awesome abilities to encourage each other and it glorifies Him.

God deserves to be worshipped therefore He is seeking those who will worship Him in spirit and in truth (John 4:23).

Now, I am going to challenge the children of God to examine yourselves so you can determine whether you are worshiping God is spirit and in truth.

There are many people that I have come in contact with, who are either not born-again, or they don’t understand what salvation is. For the ones who do not have an assurance of salvation and for those who understand, I feel prompted to write this message about the dangers of whatever is not godly that we allow to be a part of our lives.

These are some of the things that hinder or keep us from drawing closer to God:

Works mentality is dangerous - for it is by grace that we have been saved and not by works that anyone can boast (Ephesians 2:8-9). Works will not and cannot bring salvation; it is God’s grace and the faith He gave you; however, we are commanded to do good works after we are saved.

There are good works and there are evil works. The difference is good works result in the children of God doing what He has called us to do; like the two servants who fully invested in what was assigned to them (Matthew 25:21-23). Example of evil works is the opposite of doing what God called us to do (Matthew 25:24-30). The evil works can also be doing what someone else tells you to do, or that you are just doing what you want to do (1 Corinthians 3:11-15).

Works mentality is also work, work, work in the church and not spending quality time with the Lord; I believe no one should be involved in more than two ministries in a church. You may think it is pleasing to God to work, work, work in the church, but that is not true. Anything or anybody that gets more of your attention than God does, becomes your idol.

You could be working on a job/s to keep up with the Jones’, if so, you are being materialistic. I have been there and done that (competing); got me head over heels in debt.

You may be following the world’s way by trying to climb the latter of success, or spending more time pursuing a career than spending time with God. In all that you do, remember this, God owns everything, including you and He’s jealous when you not doing whatever He tells you to do (Exodus 20:3, 5).

You may not realize it, but these things become your god. My brothers and sisters, this is to help you evaluate yourselves and get a closer walk with God.

Next: Who or What Do You Worship? Challenge for Those Who Profess to Be Born-Again (Part 2)

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

Fallen From Grace

I am sharing what happens to the born-again believers who do not fulfill their assignment, which is an aspect of fallen from grace.

There are some children of God who are functioning in gifts that they have not been called to do. For instance, a person may be functioning as a pastor, but God did not call them to be a pastor. I say: “They are in the wrong lane;” they are hurting themselves and others.

These people will lose their rewards because they did not do what they were called to do. The good thing is, they are born-again, which gives them eternal life. The sad thing is, Jesus suffered, died and rose for them to have eternal life. And it will be like a slap in His face to disrespect Jesus by not doing what He called you to do.

This is why I want to help God’s children to know and understand what their gifts are, and to serve effectively. I am using the pastor as an example, because many churches don’t function in the gifts or the five-fold ministry. The pastor is not the only functioning member (part) of the body in the church.

The body of Christ consists of many parts, just as the human body does; in fact, they are classified as the eye, ear, hand, toe and so on.

Every part of the body is necessary to make the body complete and one is as important as the other. It is impossible for one person to function in all parts (1 Corinthians, chapter 12).

Jesus is coming back and He is going to judge us born-again believers for all we did in our bodies, whether it was good or bad (2 Corinthians 5:10); this is called the Judgement Seat of Christ. We will not be judged for sins because Jesus took care of that, but we will be judged for evil works. It means we didn’t do what we were told to do (1 Corinthians 3:11-15).

This is symbolic of Jesus coming from a far country (heaven) and distributed talents (gifts) to His servants (born-again believers). He left and after a long time Jesus returned for His servants to give account of their stewardship (what He gave them to manage). This represents the Judgement Seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10).

Two of the servants invested fully in what was given to them. The servant with one talent buried his in the ground; he didn’t do a thing with what was given to him. Jesus judged the servant harshly, and he was cast into outer darkness, meaning obscurity (not as visible) in the eternal kingdom. The ones who made full use of their abilities will stand out because they were faithful (Matthew 25:14-30).

Many scholars say that the person was cast into hell. Watch out for words when studying. They can change the entire meaning of the sentence. For instance, when the Master told them to cast the wicked, slothful (lazy) servant into outer darkness, which is a place of obscurity (Matthew 8:12, 22:13, 25:30), where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth.

People will be absolutely sorrowful that they did not complete their assignment when they see Jesus’ nail-scarred hands; what He went through for them: They asked Jesus where He got these wounds – Jesus said: from His friends… (Zechariah 13:6). Remember, He came to His own, the Jews and they did not receive Him (John 1:11). It was the Jews who had Him crucified (Matthew 27:1-2).

I pray that you will have a strong desire to worship God with the abilities He has given you. Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to Him and the verses below this one tells what some of the gifts are (Romans 12:1-8). God has given us these awesome abilities to encourage each other and it glorifies Him.

Next: Who Do You Worship?

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

Apostasy

I am picking up from the last message about apostasy which means to turn away from the truth; actually, they were never born-again.

There are several verses written pertaining to a person’s actions and whether they were truly born-again. We know that the Word of God does not contradict itself, therefore it must be rightly divided (2 Timothy 2:15).

This verse says: They went out from us, but they not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt continued with us (1 John 2:19). Judas is an example of an apostate; he walked with Jesus and the disciples for three years, and none of the disciples knew he was not saved; only Jesus knew. The Word of God said Judas was not saved; Jesus called him a devil (John 6:70). He was also called the son of perdition - he was lost (John 17:12).

It is questionable whether Carlton Pearson, who abandoned the faith was saved. He went as far as to start a new doctrine which is cultish; just like some other leaders who said they had some extraordinary encounter with God and from that they started a movement.

They were influenced by demons; God would never tell anyone something that is contrary to His Word. But though we or an angel from heaven, preach any other Gospel to you than what we have preached, let him be cursed (Galatians 1:8).

There are so many books and different translations of the Bible that one has to really be careful when reading them. Why? Some have added extras that are confusing and don’t line up with the original translations. Some Bibles have deleted certain scriptures. Be careful! One Bible even uses SOB; wherein another uses luck. This is totally contrary to the Word of God.

Careful study will help us to stay on course. I believe it is possible to get off course or be deceived. I also believe if a person is truly born-again, they will get back on path because the Holy Spirit lives in all born-again believers, and since we are sealed by Him, we should not grieve or make the Holy Spirit sad (Ephesians 4:30).

Let’s be careful about judging un-righteously, because God is the only One who knows the heart of every person. Jesus even said to let the wheat and the tare grow together. In our humanness, we can pluck out the wrong people (Matthew 13:24-30).

Next: Fallen From Grace

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

Fallen From Grace/Apostasy – Part I

This message is a continuation of “Someone Who Defected (left) From the Faith”. I will explain the difference between fallen from grace and apostasy.

In the Old Testament when the children of Israel would turn from God to follow idols; it means to back-slide (Jeremiah 3:6-22).

In the New Testament, which is under the time-period of or dispensation of grace, it means to fall back into one’s old ways. There are two aspects to falling from grace: it means to revert back to the law (Galatians 5:1-4) or someone going back to his or her old ways.

Demas was one of Paul’s fellow-laborers in ministry (Colossians 4:14, Philemon 1:24). Demas forsook Paul because he loved the things of this world (2 Timothy 4:10). It seems questionable as to whether Demas was born-again, but the Word of God never says he was not saved.

Therefore, we must be careful how we tend to say someone is not saved, because of their actions. Only God knows the heart of every person (1 Samuel 16:7).

Someone told me I was not born again because of my addiction to cigarettes; this had nothing to do with my salvation. Although I could have shortened my life because cigarettes are known to cause certain diseases, and my purpose would not have been fulfilled. Thanks be to God my Father, I was delivered.

Born-again believers have the right to judge another believer’s actions according to the Word of God (1 Corinthians, chapter 5). Only if the person is not guilty of the same thing (Matthew 7:1-6).

Falling from grace hinders our witness and the effectiveness of ministry, because the anointing is diminished at that period of time, due to ungodly actions.

A brother or sister whose life has been evidenced that they are born-again, and the call is seen on their lives, could fall from grace due to weaknesses and strongholds that had a grip on them.

These are examples of someone falling from grace:

Johnny Cash was a professed born-again believer; because of his struggles with temptations, he would fall back into his alcohol/drug addiction.

A. A. Allen, a well-known minister of God who had a healing ministry, died at the age of fifty-nine after struggling with alcohol for many years. I believe he shortened his life due to his addiction.

There are several verses written pertaining to a person’s actions, questioning if they were truly born-again. We know that that the Word of God does not contradict itself, therefore it must be rightly divided.

We will go to these scriptures in the next message: Matthew 25:14-30, 1 Corinthians 3:11-15

Fallen From Grace/Apostasy – Part 2

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

“An Hour of Bible Sharing With Betty” - Salutation

Greeting Family and Friends!

What an awesome day the Lord has made, let’s rejoice and be glad (Psalm 118:24).

I am rejoicing in what the Lord has ordained to take place next week, when “An Hour of Bible Sharing With Betty” starts by way of Conference call.

Day: Tuesdays

Date: February 11, 2020

Time: 8:00 to 9:00 PM

Conference number: 1- 612 - 746 - 7362

Conference code: 623509

I am excited about what the Lord is doing, and I am looking forward to sharing the Word of God and being involved in this aspect of my Father’s business.

Tomorrow's message: “Fallen From Grace/Apostasy - Part 1

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

Someone Who Defected (left) From the Faith

This message is to bring an awareness to the children of God, as to how the devil is a master deceiver. He does not come like the man on the red devil lye can, with a tail, horns and a pitchfork. The devil comes as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:4).

Isn’t it something how the inventor of the Red Devil lye put pictures the devil on a lye can; there is something on the lye can that is true, lye/lie.

I will share with you what I am called to do. The Lord Jesus has blessed me with a dual-fold office as a Prophetess and Evangelist (Ephesians 4:11).

For instance, the office of the evangelist has the grace call with the anointing to bring salvation to the lost in a different way than all of us born-again believers who are commissioned by Jesus Christ to carry the Gospel (Matthew 28:19-20).

Although Jesus gave all of God’s children power over the devil (Luke 10:19), the evangelist has the anointing to operate in the miraculous with signs and wonders.

The office of the Prophet/Prophetess has the grace call with the anointing to bring correction, protect and warn the children of God, which includes exposing lies the devil uses to deceive so many people.

I am going to start with a person who was definitely deceived by the devil. This person was one of the most beloved Pentecostal Christian personalities in his generation. Thousands would fill arenas and churches to hear him sing, preach and inspire. He preached about salvation (eternal security) and about hell (eternal damnation).

Something happened! He defected from or abandoned the faith. Things dramatically changed when he stood in his mega church pulpit to proclaim a new doctrine, that no one would spend eternity in hell because of Christ. It is called the “Doctrine of Inclusion.” This man said Christ told him everybody was saved and nobody was going to hell. When his leaders and mentors addressed this and asked him to change his mind, he refused and continued to say God told him no one was going to hell.

In a short period of time he went from hero to zero and became the prominently titled heretic in his generation; that is, a person who differs in opinion from established religious principles laid down by an authority that cannot be denied or be disputed. How sad! After losing everything, he stuck to his belief which is called the doctrine of inclusion - that everybody is saved.

He must have lost his mind! Jesus Himself talked about hell and heaven. What about John 3:16? For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, and whoever believes Him shall not perish but have eternal life. Those who are not born-again, along with the devil and his demons, will be cast into hell, and hell will be cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:10-15).

This person never retracted his statement about what he heard. We know that God does not contradict His Word, so who did the man hear from? The Word of God says there are many spirits (demons/devils), there is only one Holy Spirit-(paraphrased). You should test the spirits to see if they are of God; many false prophets have gone out into the world (1 John 4:1-2).

These messages are to warn the children of the Most-High God to study for yourselves (2 Timothy 2:15) to see if what is being said lines up with the Word of God (Acts 17:11).

Next: Fallen From Grace/Apostasy

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

“An Hour of Bible Sharing with Betty”
What You will learn and more…

I’ve been prompted by the Holy Spirit to share some of the blessings through the Word of God as to what you will learn to enhance your spiritual growth to glorify God. More spiritual nuggets have and are being revealed to me due to the result of the injury, which causes me to spend more time with God my Father.

This is not book sharing, it is BIBLE sharing!

A few days ago, I read the first paragraph from Charles Stanley’s daily devotion. The title was “Knowing God”

It is possible for a husband to live with his wife for 50 years, eat at the same table and share the same routine but never really understand her. In the same way, we can attend church and read books about the Lord without really knowing our Creator. We get to know God by spending time in His presence and reading what He reveals about Himself in His Word.

The scripture used was from Philippians 3:8-14, which had a direct correlation (connection) with Charles Stanley’s devotion pertaining to knowing God.

Children of the Most-High God, I say this on a regular basis: “You cannot grow from a book”. Spiritual growth comes through the Word of God, learning and understanding His principles, which is a fundamental truth (the elementary or rudiment) that serves as the foundation of our belief (Hebrews 5:12).

Spiritual growth is a process that takes time; it is not like playing hopscotch (to skip from place to place erratically). This definitely is a sign of immaturity; the same as being unstable, double minded and being tossed to and fro with every wind of doctrine (Ephesians 4:11-16, James 1:8). BABIES CERTAINLY CANNOT GROW FROM TRYING TO TEACH EACH OTHER! It is like the blind leading the blind and they both fall into a pit (Matthew 15:14).

When the time is right to move forward with “An Hour of Bible Sharing With Betty”, you will learn how to discern what is not a full course meal of the Word of God, and that too much sweets will make you sick, how to chew the meat and throw out the bones, and to make sure you are not eating rotten meat that will also make you sick (Hebrews 5:12-13).

You will learn to discern if a church and its leaders are called by God. In other words, if there is no evidence of fruit, something is wrong. You will also learn about the signs of the end-times. These are just a few things that will be added to your faith (2 Peter 1:5-7).

If you don’t grow in God’s Word (1 Peter 2:2, 2 Peter 3:18), you will still be acting and talking like a baby; when you stand before the Judgement Seat of Christ, He will not accept any excuse for why you never grew in His Word (2 Corinthians 5:10).

“An Hour of Bible Sharing with Betty”

Coming soon, share your interest via [email protected] or text at (336) 681-2973.

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett (Setting the Captives Free)

“An Hour of Bible Sharing with Betty”

Grace and Peace from God my Father and the Lord Jesus Christ my Savior.

I had an injury on November 12, 2019, that caused me to be partially home-bound with limited mobility; was finally diagnosed this week with tendinosis - a partial tear in the rotator cuff. I am scheduled to start physical therapy soon.

God is doing something through this situation that is amazing! Two doors were closed (sealed) and a new door has opened for me to be more involved with my personal ministry. I am listening as the Holy Spirit speaks.

This is where He’s taking me through one of the new doors:

During the latter part of 2019, and prior to the injury, I was asked by a few people about a Bible Study. Prophecy was spoken to me a few years ago pertaining to me having a Bible Study and it has been on my ministry website for years about certain teachings through Burnett Ministries.

From that, I feel the Lord has confirmed that the time is right.

What I need from you who are interested, is to either text me: (336) 681-2973, or send me your interest by email to: [email protected], and I will send the number and the access code to you.

Theme: “An Hour of Bible Sharing with Betty” via Conference Call (Acts 2:46)

Tuesdays from 8 PM – 9 PM

Whatever you want to discuss or learn, I will do everything possible to share the truth of God’s Word. What I don’t know, will be searched out and provided the next week.

I certainly look forward to our fellowship and sharing together. They broke bread (shared the Word) together from house to house (Acts 2:46). We will break bread together by way of the phone, still house to house.

This is in the beginning stages, just letting it be known what will take place in a few weeks. And the sooner you respond, the sooner we will be able to get started with this God-given Bible hour.

In Service to God our Savior and to you

PS. I will post this on my story, my Facebook page and my website for the next few days.

Afterward, the regular messages will resume.

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

What Jesus Will Give the Churches (Individuals) that Overcome (Revelation, chapters 2-3) – Part 2

I am continuing with the rewards/crowns Jesus will give to the churches that overcome. We are the church as a whole but we also are personal when it comes to our individual relationship with Jesus Christ. Let’s see what the next and last crown is.

5) Crown of Rejoicing – Soul Winner’s Crown (Daniel 12:3, 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20)

And the ones who are wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament (heavenly bodies), and they who turn many to righteousness (salvation) shall shine as the stars forever.

We have been commissioned by Jesus to carry the Gospel into the world; that is, wherever we are situated in a particular place in the world. Example: on the bus, job, grocery store and so on (Matthew 28:19:20).

Different crowns are Rewards for those who are faithful. Jesus commended the church of Philadelphia for keeping His Word, not denying His name even though they had little strength, He would keep them…..Jesus went on to say that He was coming quickly and to hold fast to what they had, that no man take their crown (Revelation 3:8-11).

Example: There may some people who see you going in the right direction, but they are not right themselves and will everything they can to pull you down or try to influence you to compromise.

Don’t you want to hear the Lord say: “Well done, good and faithful servant?” (Matthew 25:21, 23)

Jesus also said near the end of the book: Behold I come quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give every man according to his works (Revelation 22:12).

Do what Christ tells you, instead of doing what you want to do. In other words, stay in your lane; know what you have been called to do and walk in it. Otherwise your works will be burned and you will lose your rewards (1 Corinthians 3:11-15).

We will cast our crowns (not literal) before our great King. He gave us eternal life, along with specific assignments (gifts) to glorify Him. This is just how much God loved us. At that given time in heaven we will cast our crowns at His feet, honoring what He did for us.

They cast their thrones before the throne saying, Worthy are you our Lord and God, to receive glory, honor and power, for you created all things and for your pleasure they were and are created (Revelation 4:10b-11).

Next: Someone Who Defected (left) From the Faith

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

What Jesus Will Give the Churches that Overcome (Revelation, chapter 2-3) – Part 1

When the messages were written about the seven churches, I said that what they would be given by Jesus would come later. Although each church is given a different message, the same message applies to all the churches. This hinges on what a particular church is doing, and the strong message is for the born-again believers and the unsaved in each church.

I wrote that there are unsaved people in all churches, including Smyrna and Philadelphia, who were given a commendation for being faithful. God is going to reward all the faithful ones.

Jesus said this to all seven churches:

“To him that overcomes…..”,

Who is he that overcomes?

For everyone who is born of God overcomes the world. And this the victory that overcomes the world - our faith. The ones who believe that Jesus is the Son of God overcomes the world (1 John 5:4-13).

And Jesus said this to all seven churches:

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches”

The Five Crowns are not literal but was symbolic of the wreaths put on the victor’s heads after Greek athletic events.

1) Incorruptible Crown – The Victor’s Crown (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)

Paul compared this crown to a marathon race; the person had to be fit and trim; wore very light clothing. This certainly helped the runner to be the first one to make it to the finish line. Likewise, in order to run this Christian race, it is necessary to shed ourselves of anything that will keep us from making it to the finish line. Everyone has his or her own race to run.

2) Crown of life – Martyrs’ Crown (James 1:12, Revelation 2:10)

Some people have given up their lives for the sake of the Gospel. They did not compromise regardless of what they went through. They were faithful until death.

3) Crown of Glory – Elder’s/Shepherd’s Crown (1 Peter 5:2-4)

Pastors are to feed the flock of God…. Exercising oversight, not under compulsion (by force), but willingly as God would have you, not for shameful gain, but eagerly, not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.

4) Crown of Righteousness – For those who love His appearing (2 Timothy 4:8)

This crown is for everyone who receives Christ as Lord and Savior. And we should keep living as if Jesus is going to appear the next second, so we won’t be ashamed when He appears (1 John 2:28).

Next: What Jesus Will Give the Churches that Overcome (Revelation, chapters 2-3) – Part 2

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

Is it Proper to Call Earthly Men Father?

Is it Proper to Call Earthly Men Father? #1

This question was asked recently, and I felt that many others may not understand what Jesus is saying in Matthew 23:8-12. There is another scripture that says something quite different, which will be shared after the first part, in the next couple of paragraphs.

Let’s get started with Jesus speaking of Pharisees, who wanted to be the big wheels; they wanted a place of honor. They did their deeds to be seen of others.

The Pharisees were legalistic hypocrites and they told others to do what they did not do themselves. In other words, they had the people burdened down.

They wore phylacteries (a small case with scriptures in it) and fringes (tassels) on the border of their garments (robes) to make themselves look more spiritual. It was not the clothes that Jesus was displeased with; it was their high-minded mentality. They used the names as spiritual titles to exert spiritual authority over people.

This is a word of caution to those who have certain positions; no one is better than the other. All of us brothers/sisters in Christ are called to serve with humility (1 Peter 5:1-8). Those who exalt themselves will be humbled (to be brought down or low).

Is it Proper to Call Earthly Men Father? #2

The Word of God never contradicts itself. That is the reason I say scripture needs to relate to another scripture/s; one scripture is supported by another. It is also good to know the history, look at the verses before and after the scriptures you are reading.

These are scriptures where Paul called Timothy his son (1 Corinthians 4:15-17, 1 Timothy 1:2, 1 Timothy 1:18, 2 Timothy 2:1).

Even though Paul was old enough to be Timothy’s father, he could not have been, because Timothy’s biological father was Greek (Acts 16:1).

We are allowed to call different people father in the ministry (spiritual father or mother), we can call them mentors, etc., who have biblical and life experiences which definitely means they are further along in their walk (more mature) than we are.

God/Christ is the only One who have the right to titles. God is the Father of us born-again believers (Matthew 5:16, Matthew 6:9); holy and reverend is His name (Psalm 111:9). So, anyone who call the pope father, is equating him with God.

Since titles should not be used for people in ministry, the five-fold ministry gifts which consist of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers are also synonymous with overseers, elders or bishops, and they are the administrative offices (Ephesians 4:11, Acts 14:23, 1 Timothy 3:1).

Christ is the only One who is head of the church (Ephesians 2:20, Colossians 1:18). Although the church was founded on the apostles and prophets, with Christ being the Chief Cornerstone (Ephesians (2:20).

Therefore, religious lordship or domination over another human being has no place in the body of Christ.

Coming next week - Back to the Revival and What Jesus Will Give the Churches that are Obedient (some scriptures from Revelation, chapters 2-3)

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

Fasting the Biblical Way (Part 4) Health Issues and Consensual Fasting for Those Who are Married

This is the last of a four-part series pertaining to prayer and fasting.

Health Issues

It is known that there could be a danger in fasting for those with health issues. Example: a diabetic has a regimented diet, and he or she also takes medicines at certain times during the day. Therefore, wisdom is necessary. I encourage people who really desire to fast, to do it in-between meals. God is looking at your motives.

There are some in the medical field who will tell you to fast before taking certain tests (no food after midnight prior to the test and very minimal amount of water with RX, if it must be taken). These people know what fasting means; to do without food for a certain time. The results from the tests are more effective; this helps them to identify with the problem.

Example: Personal fasts will reveal to us what needs to be changed in our lives.

Consensual Fasting for the Married (1 Corinthians 7:2-5).

This is a type of fast that is rarely brought up, yet it is important and should never be ignored.

If one spouse does not consent to a fast, it should not be done. The husband has power over his wife’s body and the wife has power over her husband’s body. Therefore, if one does not respect the other’s wish, the fasting is of no effect.

Why does Paul talk about consensual fast? Food is an absolute necessity for the human body, even though water is necessary, it is not as desirable as the food. Guess what else is desirable among married couples? Sex! God created a marriage between a male and female to be enjoyable and sex is an awesome blessing for those God calls into marriage.

Paul words it like this: Do not deprive one another except by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer and fasting. There definitely has to be an agreement until the number of days the fast is over. After you have agreed upon a time for the fast to end, sex should be resumed, so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.

What happens if the husband and wife have mutual consent and fast together for seven full days (24/7)? Can you contain yourselves for seven days? What if you are fasting each day for X number of days from 6 AM - 6 PM?

You should be able to contain yourselves during those twelve hours.

What happens when you get weak and feel as though you cannot endure for that time period?

This is my experience: The devil will do everything possible to keep you from fasting, because he knows it is going to make a difference in your life and the life of someone else. Once you have committed yourself to fast because you are wanting a change, God is your helper; His all-sufficient grace is available.

When Satan starts tempting you, use the Word of God, just as Jesus did (Matthew 4:1-11).

Next: “Is it Proper to Call an Earthly Man Father?”

Coming next week - Back to the Revival and What Jesus Will Give the Churches that are Obedient (some scriptures from Revelation, chapters 2-3)

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

Fasting the Biblical Way (Part 3)

I want to remind the readers that prayer and fasting are for different reasons. Listed below are instances of prayer and fasting.

Examples of Fasting

Moses was with the Lord forty days and forty nights; he did not eat bread or drink water. And he wrote on the tables the words of the covenant, the ten commandments (Exodus 34:28)

Result: Moses received instructions from the Lord for the children of Israel to abide by (Exodus, chapter 35).

King Jehoshaphat had a made a bad decision that displeased the Lord; he repented. An alliance (to unite) of nations decided to march against Judah. Jehoshaphat sought the Lord and asked all Judah to fast. A word was sent that the Lord would deliver Judah without a fight.

Result: Jehoshaphat went out with the praise singers leading the way, singing praise to the Lord. The alliance of nations turned against each other and began to kill each other. The men of Judah spent three days collecting the spoils that were abandoned by their enemies (2 Chronicles 20:1-25).

This great victory over the enemy came through prayer and fasting.

Esther: The Jews were on the verge of destruction, because of the evil conspiracy of Haman, one of the King’s advisors. Esther would have to literally risk her life, it was dangerous for her to approach the king without being summoned first, so she called a fast (prayer was not mentioned). Esther told someone to gather all the Jews who were in Shushan, to fast for her; neither eat nor drink for three days and three nights, and that she and her maids would also fast. Since it was not appropriate for her to go to the king, according to the law, Esther was going to risk going to the king even if she perished (Esther 4:16).

Result: Esther found favor with her husband the king, and when she went to him on behalf of her people, the Jews, the king also gave them favor and Mordecai, Esther’s cousin, had a place of honor. Haman, the king’s advisor had gallows built to have Mordecai hung on, but Haman was hung on the same gallows.

Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil forty days and forty nights (Luke 4:1-13).

Result: When Jesus came from the wilderness, He was empowered by the Holy Spirit for public ministry (Luke 4:14- chapter 5).

Paul and Barnabas: As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, separate Paul and Barnabas for the work which I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away (Acts 13:2-3).

Result: So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they departed to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus (Acts 13:4).

The Word of God does not specify how long anyone should fast unless they are led by the Holy Spirit. For those who have a desire to fast to draw closer to the Lord, or if they have a specific need, you have the freedom to make the choice.

Results of Fasting

Fasting helps to build (strengthens) one’s faith (Matthew 17:14-21), there is empowerment. It breaks yokes, undo heavy burdens, loose the bands of wickedness, that the oppressed will go free (Isaiah 58:6).

Next: Fasting the Biblical Way (Part 4) Health Issues and Consensual Fasting in Marriage

You really don’t want to miss this one!

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

Fasting the Biblical Way (Part 1)

This message was posted four years ago, and because the question has come up as to what a true fast is, I did some more searching and revised the original message. I am sure that those of you who have matured in your walk understand that none of us have arrived, and there is so much more to learn. That is why we are commanded to study regularly to learn about all the wonderful nuggets that are in the Word of God.

Since there has been a lot of controversy about fasting, let’s see what the Word of God says about it.

Fasting is not a trend through the traditions of men, nor should it be done ritualistically.

What is a Fast?

The Greek word -nesteuo means to abstain from (do without) food. The Hebrew word -tsuwm means to cover over (the mouth). In any case, both Hebrew and Greek meanings are the same.

Length of Time

It depends on how long the person or persons are led to fast or have a desire to fast.

Reasons for Fasting

Can be individually or corporately, to see a change (deliverance, healing, etc.) in the lives of others and ourselves.

One can have a desire to pray and fast to become more intimate with Christ; it builds our faith, strengthens us and keep us from being fearful of, or intimidated by demons.

When Jesus cast a demon out of a child, the disciples asked Him why they were not able to cast out demons. Jesus answered and said, because of your lack of faith (unbelief)…He told them this could only happen through prayer and fasting (Matthew 17:14-21).

As I pray and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal things to me when I am studying; I also read what some trusted scholars are writing. From these particular verses, I paraphrased some of John McArthur’s footnotes that were in line with what I was thinking. I don’t depend on a book, but it can be a helpful tool to use if it lines up with the Word of God.

Called by God, with the right motive: (Isaiah 58:6-8)

Israel was going through the motions; their appearance of righteousness was pretense. Their fasting was only half-hearted. It was an outward ritual and a false pretense. Penitence (sorrow) over sin and consequent humility, disconnecting from sin and oppression of others, feeding the hungry and acting humanely toward those in need.

God was telling Israel about their state of being, including their wrong motives; it is referenced, connected, and support the scripture about the Pharisees fasting and praying to be seen of others (Matthew 6:16-18).

When Israel learned the proper way to fast, she would enjoy the blessings of salvation. The New Testament principle is the same: When the church learns how to fast properly, many people will be blessed; this is a major way of letting our lights so shine that people will see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16).

Next: Fasting the Biblical Way Part – 2

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

Fasting the Biblical Way (Part 2)

I was going another way with this message but was led to continue writing about what happens when the church fasts properly, from Isaiah 58:6-12. Is this not the fast that I have chosen? To loose the bands of wickedness, to undo heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free, that you break every yoke?

It is to share bread with the hungry, help the homeless not to be homeless, by bringing them into your house (same as church), clothe the naked. This is how our lights so shine (Matthew 5:16). When people are being ministered to, they are freed from those heavy yokes and God is glorified.

I know we are living in modern times, but does that change the Word of God? The principle of helping those without is still the same. How can we fast and pray, and think we are pleasing God if we are not being obedient to His Word? How do we think God is going to answer our prayers?

Although there are many, many outreach ministries that minister in various ways to meet the needs of others, and although many churches have outreach ministries, what about those inside the house of God who are suffering lack?

The Word of God tells us to do good to all people, especially to those of the household of faith (Galatians 6:10). The Word of God talks about the sin of partiality in the church by disregarding those who have less (James 2:1-8).

The Word of God commands those who are rich in this world not to be arrogant (conceited), nor put their hope in wealth, which is uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.

That they do good, be rich in good works, ready to distribute, ….. laying up for themselves a good foundation…(1 Timothy 6:17-19). This does not mean just for the rich to enjoy, but also for others to enjoy. Verse 10 says the love of money is the root of all evil. The truth is, if they can’t give it up, this exposes their heart.

Perhaps this was happening in five of the churches in Revelation, chapters 2-3. The people had left their first love. At the beginning of the church age, no one was lacking. All the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had with the others (Acts 2:44).

This is one of the major reasons, there is very little evidence of a dynamic supernatural movement in the body of Christ. How can the Holy Spirit move dynamically when the church is grieving and quenching Him (Ephesians 4:30, 1 Thessalonians 5:19)?

Let’s balance the scales: There are people who live above their means (been there and done that) and need to learn how to budget their money. I thank God for His grace and mercy, and how He helped me, without having to beg.

What about those who didn’t cause themselves to get in that predicament? According to the Word of God, the church is commanded by God to take on that responsibility and with the right motives.

Jesus cautioned the disciples about wrong motives: don’t do for others and sound your horn; do it in secret and God will reward you openly; don’t pray like hypocrites to be seen of others; don’t use vain repetitions as the heathen do, for they think they will be heard for their much speaking (Matthew 6:1-7). In other words, they had the wrong motives; they were trying to impress people.

Jesus tells the disciples and us to fast – He said when you fast, not if you fast, do not be like the Pharisees (Matthew 6:16-18). He told the disciples and us not to be as hypocrites, having sad countenances and disfigured their faces, to give of appearance to others that they were/are fasting. They have their rewards. Jesus told them to anoint their heads and wash their faces (Matthew 6:16-18). The whole point is not to appear unto others that you are fasting.

If fasting and prayer are not being done according to the Word of God, the entire purpose is defeated. The church certainly needs a revival!

Next: Fasting the Biblical Way (Part 3)

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

Laodicea ~ the Lukewarm Church (Revelation 3:14-22)

Brief history of Laodicea: It was known to be the wealthiest of the seven cities; known for its banking industry; manufacturer of wool; and a medical school that produced eye-salve. But the city always had a problem with its water supply.

To the angel/messenger/pastor of the church of Laodicea write:

These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s creation. I know your deeds and you are neither hot nor cold. I wish you were one or the other.

Because you are lukewarm, I will spit (vomit) you out of My mouth (that’s how distasteful they were). Hot is to have a fervor for the Lord; cold means to have no fervor for Him. Being lukewarm was the in between, or halfhearted efforts. Jesus said they needed to be either hot or cold.

You say, ‘I am rich, I have no need of anything’. But you do not realize you are wretched, pitiful, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from Me, gold refined in the fire, so that you may be rich (this means doing business with God on His terms)

and white clothes to wear so you can cover your shameful nakedness (the city was wealthy and had a prosperous textile industry, but the people needed to have on righteous garments (Revelation 19:7-8)

and salve to put on your eyes so you can see. They had a Medical school of Ophthalmology; were able to help others to see physically, but they needed spiritual eye-salve so they could see themselves.

Example: A doctor trying to help someone else regain their health and he needs to regain his own health. Self-Examination is needed (2 Corinthians 13:5). A saying back in the day: “Physician, heal yourself”. Even still, it was like some used to say: “Don’t do as I do, do as I say do”. That is hypocrisy!

The Apostle Paul said “Be followers of me, even as I follow Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1).

The people were self-sufficient or self-reliable and self-conceited, which was dangerous; they left Christ out of the picture. He was not where their focus was (Proverbs 3:5-6).

They were well educated, therefore, their knowledge puffed them up with pride (1 Corinthians 8:1)

The church considered herself spiritually rich, when indeed she was spiritually bankrupt.

Jesus was telling them how much He loved them and desired to have the right kind of relationship and fellowship with the church of Laodicea. He loved them and us so much that He chastens them/us (Hebrews 12:5-8).

I don’t know about you, but I would rather be in a church like Smyrna, who was in poverty physically, but they were spiritually rich (Revelation 2:9-10), than to be in a church like Laodicea who thought they were rich, but were spiritually poor, wretched and miserable.

Most importantly, is being where the Holy Spirit leads us. We are in different places to make a difference, or to help change things for the better.

I will come back with what Jesus will give the churches who are obedient, after the message about the church being revived through praying, fasting, and repentance.

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

The Church at Philadelphia ~ The True/Faithful Church (Revelation 3:7-13)

Up until this point you have read about five of the seven churches Jesus told John to write to. So far Jesus had something against three of them and He condemned them, or He commended them; but to the church of Philadelphia, there was only commendation.

I am giving an overview of the church at Philadelphia

Jesus said this to the angel/pastor/messenger: I know your works; behold I have set before you an open door and no man can shut it, for you have little strength, and have kept my Word and have not denied My name.

Because the church was pleasing to Christ, He would make those who said they were Jews, but they really were of the synagogue of Satan to worship at their feet, so the ungodly ones would know that He loved His saints.

Although there were unsaved people in all the churches, this pastor was faithful and so was the congregation of born-again believers, regardless if there were some unsaved people in the church. Jesus even said some were them were of the synagogue of Satan. Some of the people among them pretended to be saved. God knows who is who.

I believe the born-again believers lived according to Jesus’ standard; they walked the walk and talked the talk; they were different from the worldly people (2 Corinthians 6:14-18); they did not let corrupt (vulgar) communication come from their mouths (Ephesians 4:29); they dressed in an appropriate manner. (1 Timothy 2:9-10) and so on.

Because you had kept the word of My patience, I will also keep you from the hour of temptation which shall come upon all the world to try them that dwell on the earth. The hour of temptation is the seven-year tribulation time period.

The children of God will not go through the seven-year tribulation period (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, 1 Corinthians 15:53-58). However, the ones in the church who were not born-again will go through the seven-year tribulation.

Even though they only had a little strength, they were faithful, and were told (encouraged) to hold to what little strength you they had.

This is to encourage you. Model the church of Philadelphia and you will hear Jesus say: “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21, 23). God is requiring our faithfulness; to be reliable and trustworthy of what He has given us to manage on this earth, which is our stewardship.

Next: Laodicea ~ The Lukewarm Church (Revelation 3:14-22).

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

The Church at Philadelphia ~ The True Church (Revelation 3:7-13) - Prerequisite (Requirement)

As we move forward into 2020, there are some things that are crucial for spiritual growth pertaining to the children of God. When Jesus told John to write to the churches, the message to most of them were dual fold. John was writing to the saved and the lost, because everybody in the church was and is not saved/born-again. Therefore, the messages are written to benefit the saved and the lost.

For one to grow in the Word of God, there has to be intensive study about the principles. For instance, if you are not maturing, then you are shifting on the foundation of Christ. In my many years of walking with the Lord and becoming more intimate with Him, I have not seen much spiritual growth in the body of Christ. It is shameful for any child of God to remain on milk.

It is also pride that makes one think they are further along in their walk than they are.

Let’s talk about principles and how important they are. When you were born, you had a full body, but it was small and had to be developed; you started off on milk, as you grew you were able to digest soft food and eventually you were strong enough to eat meat, which belongs to them who have been developed in their walk (Hebrews 5:14). By the way, you had to crawl before you walked.

When you were old enough to get some education, there was a process. No skipping grades unless you were a genius and even with that, something was missing. Materials used in school were books pertaining to whatever grade you were in. Seventh grade material is not used for first grade students.

The same is with the spiritual growth; babies in Christ cannot handle the Word of God effectively. On that note, the Bible is the basis of growth. Even when other books are used, one cannot grow. Books can encourage us just as preaching the Word of God is encouraging and edifying, but it takes the principles being taught for one to grow; principles are sustaining.

Jesus preached repentance (Matthew 4:17) and He taught principles -The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12) or the blessed attitudes.

Example: Blessed are they who hunger and thirst after righteous, for they shall be filled. Hungering means a desire to do what is pleasing to God; this results in tremendous blessings. When you have a hunger to draw closer to God, your life will benefit many others and they too will want to draw closer God.

The necessity of writing this first, is for you to know what a true church consists of.

Some scriptures that relate to spiritual growth:

Desire the sincere milk of the Word – 1 Peter 2:2

Grow in grace and knowledge – 2 Peter 3:18

Learn the first principles (elementary) Hebrews - 5:14

The Five-Fold Ministry Elders help with spiritual growth (Ephesians 4:11-16)

Search the scriptures for yourself, not just take what someone else is saying as the truth – Acts 17:11

Study to show yourself approved to God – 2 Timothy 2:15

Trust God and do not lean to your own understanding - Proverbs 3:5-6

Next: The Church at Philadelphia ~ The True/Faithful Church (Revelation 3:7-13)

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

The Body of Christ (Church) Needs a REVIVAL

A revival is an awesome way to start the year 2020. The churches need to be revived and focus on their first LOVE.

Many of you read my messages about what Jesus told John to write to the seven churches in Asia, which is also for the churches today.

So far, I wrote about five of the seven churches; four of those five churches had in one way or the other compromised their spiritual values and Jesus was telling them that they had lost their first LOVE. In other words, these churches needed a revival.

Before going to the next two churches, there is a need to explain what a revival is and how it should be repeated at certain intervals.

Because we as children of God are creatures of habit, we sometimes revert back into our old ways; this is why we need to get back on course, and a revival is one of the ways to help us.

What is a revival?

A revival is for the children of God to come out of any situation they were involved in that kept them from having intimacy with God; to turn away from or to have a change of heart. This also means they have fallen from grace; it could be for a short period of time or it could last a long time. From my own experience, the longer one does not deal with sin, the longer it takes to get back on track.

The revival can be for an individual, or it can be for the entire church who may have compromised. When John wrote to the church, the pastor was addressed first and then then the church as a whole was addressed. Jesus told them to repent (Revelation, chapters 2-3).

These scriptures are the results of repentance:

If my people who are called by My name shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and forgive their sins and heal their land (2 Chronicles 7:14). Even though this is an Old Testament scripture relating to the Jews, the principle is the same.

The New Testament supports, connect and relate to the Old Testament; God is talking to the church (His children). If you confess your sins, He is faithful and just to forgive you and cleanse you from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).

A desire for and the urgency of a revival was placed in my spirit after I was led to write about false gods and idol worship in the Old Testament with God’s people.

The Holy Spirit prompted me to continue to write messages pertaining to false gods and idol worship in the New Testament, which is the church age, beginning in the books of Acts.

The Holy Spirit led me to the book of Revelation about the churches in the first three chapters, where I am now.

I am overjoyed that the revival is beginning to take place globally. The first of the year is an awesome time to start a REVIVAL!!!

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

Clear Vision in 2020

2019 has been an awesome year; I don’t have to wait until 2020 for Father God to do a new thing. He does it over and over. As a matter of fact, each morning there are new mercies (Lamentations 3:22-23), just as the Israelites had new (fresh) manna each day (Exodus 16:4).

In the Apostle Paul’s writing, he said to forget those things that were behind and press toward the mark of the high call of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:13-14). This does not mean to forget everything, but whatever was holding you back, let it go.

One cannot receive fresh manna and so on, by holding on to the old. It does not mean the experience cannot be used to help someone else; there is a reason for everything we go through in life. It not only benefit us (helps with growth - 1 Peter 5:10), but it also benefits whoever the Lord places in our lives. To have a testimony, one must go through tests (trials, persecutions, etc.) – (2 Timothy 3:12).

It is written in Isaiah 43:18-19: Behold I will do a new thing…..Who is the new thing being done to? In the Old Testament, it was for the Israelites who had struggled and were oppressed, God told them He was doing a new thing; bring them to new places (make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert).

The principle is the same for us. There is nothing new to God/Jesus (Ecclesiastes 1:9), who created all things (Genesis, chapter 1, Colossians 1:16-17), but He wants to do something new/different in our lives.

As we approach the year of 2020, let’s ask God to help us to be open to see with 2020 vision, a Rhema (personal) Word He is revealing for us. The new thing in one person’s life may be different from what is new in another person’s life. Yet, He does something new in each of His children’s lives; our relationship with Jesus Christ is personal.

Example of a new thing in my life: I could not see clearly, even with eyeglasses and needed cataract surgery, now I don’t need to wear glasses at all. Spiritual concept: When we don’t see (read) the Word of God with a clear understanding, it gets distorted (a false perception or it is twisted). With that being said, it takes supernatural lens to remove whatever is clouding our understanding.

No resolutions for me, since God is the only One who knows what will take place in my life in 2020.

No predictions or declarations for me. I just want to continue to speak life to the vision (Proverbs 18:21) He gave me in 2019 and wait for it to come to pass in 2020 (Habakkuk 2:2-4), as I co-labor with God to accomplish His will for His glory (1 Corinthians 3:9).

I pray that you will see clearly the new thing that God will do in your lives daily as you purpose in your heart to do His will (Romans 12:1-2).

May you have 2020 insight and eyesight!

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

Gifts and Calling - Can the Gifts Be Lost?

In Romans, chapter 11, Paul was writing to the Jews who had rejected Christ as their Messiah (John 1:11); but God never rejected them; even so, salvation was given to the Gentiles (Acts 28:28, Romans 1:16, Romans 10:12, Galatians 3:28). Therefore, this chapter applies to all who are born-again.

Many Jews have received Christ the Messiah as their Savior. However, as a nation they rejected Him, and in the great tribulation, their eyes will be opened to who the Antichrist is. He will sit on the throne in Jerusalem and declare himself to be God (2 Thessalonians 2:4), and they will realize who the true Messiah is (Revelation 7:4-14).

Now to the question “Can the Gifts Be Lost?

God did not save us to go straight to heaven; He left us on this earth to build His Kingdom. How do we build the Kingdom of God? We are to let our lights so shine that people will see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven (Matthew 5:13-16).

We have been given gifts to build His Kingdom to edify/encourage each other (1 Peter 4:10), and God will be glorified by our good works (Ephesians 2:10).

I have heard this statement for many years: “If you don’t use it, you will lose it”

That is contrary to what the Word of God says. He said the gifts and calling are without repentance or irrevocable; meaning whatever God gives, He does not take back (Romans 11:29). God does not change His mind (Numbers 23:19, Hebrews 13:8, James 1:17).

It is impossible for the gifts to be lost; if that was true, then people can lose their salvation (Ephesians 4:30).

The spiritual gifts accompany salvation. This is what will happen if the gifts are not functioning; they will lie dormant (not being used), just as a person who has fallen from grace is of no effect to the Kingdom of God (Galatians 5:4), so it is with the gifts.

When a gift is lying dormant, it is being buried. Every child of God must give account of his or her stewardship, which means what and how we have managed what God has entrusted to us (Matthew 25:14-30, 2 Corinthians 5:10).

It is so sad that many born-again believers do not know what their gifts are. The gifts come with salvation. In other words, once you became born-again, the gift was there whether it was recognized or not. It is important for every child of God to discover their gift/s, learn and understand them, and flow in the gifts.

The devil does not want the children of the Most-High God to know that, so he keeps them in ignorance, which is bondage or enslavement.

I am called to help others to know what their specific assignment (gift/s) is, either by way of the internet, telephone, text message and so on.

There are many who know what their gift/s are, but because of improper training, they are out of balance. Others think they know, but there is no evidence of the gift/s. The right kind of knowledge is powerful and proper training equals effectiveness.

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

Was Christ in Your Christmas?

Now that Christmas is over to some people, Christ who should be the real reason for every season, was left out by many people according to what I saw. This is grievous to the Holy Spirit and to me.

Why?

When Xmas is used, who is being acknowledged? It means that CHRIST is not the One being celebrated. That is deception from the devil or Satan/Santa.

Any time anyone who considers themselves to be born-again and uses Santa Claus in any way form or fashion to represent Christmas, that’s the same as those who X Jesus Christ out of Christmas.

I noticed so many people sending Christmas greetings out in various ways. I will not give specifics and single any one person out. Even though Jesus spoke to the pastor/messenger, also called angel who are God’s messengers, He also addressed the church.

I am asking you to study the history about Santa Claus/Satan. The Spirit of God prompted me to write messages pertaining to the churches of today, what John wrote to the churches then and for now. There were commendations, but also warnings about compromising; more is coming in 2020.

One of the ways a specific church named Pergamos compromised, was by embracing the doctrine of the Nicolaitans who followed Nicolas, who is also called by different names of Satan Claus, depending on the location.

When Jesus said: “Listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches”. Jesus also told them what the consequences would be if they didn’t repent. It was a serious warning given to stop embracing anything that is connected with Satan/Santa.

Prior to the churches being addressed individually, Jesus said: Blessed are those who read the book of this prophecy (Revelation 1:3).

My brothers and sisters, this is not coming from me, it is coming from Jesus Christ, the One you profess to be your Savior and Lord. I am just writing what I am led to write to help others to be set free from the bondage of ignorance, as to who this Santa/Satan really is. Evidently many don’t know how to be set free, because so many don’t know the truth (John 8:32, 36).

I am not trying to belittle anyone, because I once was where some of you are. But I wanted to know more truths so I could become more intimate with Jesus. There is proof as to where people are in their walk with the Lord, by their actions, what they wear, and what comes out of their mouths.

Jesus said if you love Me, keep My commandments (John 14:15). His commandments are in His Word, which is His will (Romans 12:1-2). The Word of God tells us to have no other gods before Him (Exodus 20:3).

I am not advising you to make New Year resolutions, but I am encouraging you to purpose in your heart to learn more truths and become more intimate with God.

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

Christmas

When I consider my life and how awesome it is to be a child of God, my mind goes back to March 15, 1982, when Jesus Christ became my Savior and Lord.

Even though the birth of Christ is being celebrated during this holiday season, the real reason I celebrate Christmas is in remembrance of Christ being born in my heart.

To those who are not born-again, will you receive this wonderful Gift of Salvation? This Gift is not wrapped in a package with bows; it is wrapped in LOVE!

God sent His only begotten Son packaged and wrapped in so much LOVE, that eventually He would die for the sins of the world and give eternal life (John 3:16).

Many people spend various amounts of money on all kinds of gifts, for just a one-day celebration; the Gift that God gives is free with no strings attached (Ephesians 2:8-9). And it does not end in a day; it lasts forever.

Usually there is an exchange of gifts; Jesus also exchanged Himself for us; He is The Gift (2 Corinthians 5:21).

How did that happen? We were lost and without hope (Ephesians 2:12); He took on our sins and gave us a new life (2 Corinthians 5:17). What an awesome exchange!

How can Jesus exchange this beautiful gift with you today? Receive it by confessing with your mouth that He is the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that He not only was born, but that He died and God raised Him from the dead so you can live eternally with Him (Romans 10:9-10).

For those of you who are born-again, you can rekindle your fire in Jesus by worshipping and praising Him for giving you the wonderful gift of Salvation.

Have a blessed day celebrating with you family and friends! And, don’t forget to celebrate Jesus!!!

Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

Serving With a Grateful Heart to Help Set the Captives Free

My service and accountability are to the Most-High God and to all those He connects me with, whether physically, by text messages, phone conversations, emails, social media and through my ministry blog – BURNETTMINISTRIES.ORG

I feel privileged to share what the Holy Spirit leads me to write. Years ago, a vision with three words came to me: Mirage, Pseudo and Rudiments.

Mirage is an optical illusion (wrongly perceived or interpreted); you see a puddle of water a little distance in front of you; once you get close to what appeared to be water, it is no longer there.

What you see is not what it is; it is thought to be one thing, but it is altogether different than what was perceived. That’s the reason we are required to study so we can rightly divide the word of truth and see spiritual truths clearly (proper interpretation) from the right translation of the Bible.

Pseudo is something false; a pretentious person. There are many false prophets and teachers (2 Peter 2:1-3), and many are being deceived (Matthew 24:11); also, false apostles (Revelation 2:1-7). If you don’t know and understand the Word of God, you can be deceived (Galatians 3:1).

Rudiments mean the first principle of a subject; the fundamental or elementary truth that is a foundation for one’s beliefs. Principle is a law that tells you how to operate under that law to bring about a desired result. Principles need to be taught in the early stages of our walk with Christ.

These are some Biblical Truths pertaining to Principles, which is called the law of sowing and reaping: Whatever a person sows, that shall he also reap (Galatians 6:7).

When one sows bountifully, he or she will reap bountifully; if one sows sparingly (being stingy), they will reap little (2 Corinthians 9:6-11). What about giving and receiving? Whatever a person gives, it shall be given to him or her. (Luke 6:38). God will use people to bless you in an extraordinary way.

Tithing is also a principle of giving and receiving (Malachi 3:8-11; Hebrews, chapter 7). The principle in Hebrews really has to be taught. Tithing in this chapter is the proof that support, connect and relate to the Old Testament principle.

The principle of sowing and reaping started with Adam and Eve. God told them to be fruitful and multiply and replenish the earth and subdue it ….. (Genesis 1:28).

Do unto others as you would have them do to you (Luke 6:31). Think about how you treat others in an ungodly way; would you want someone to treat you that way? Also, if you are friendly to others, they will be friendly to you (Proverbs 18:24).

The principle of longevity is obedience: The Word of God tells children to obey their parents, so their days will be long upon the earth (Ephesians 6:1-3).

These examples are a part of our stewardship, that we are accountable to God for; it takes faith (Hebrews 11:1, 6) and obedience (Isaiah 1:19).

One pastor said: “If you work God’s principles, they will work for you”. Working the principles produce great r

Receive the Good News of the Lord

Our BlogBurnett MinistriesP.O. Box 20643Greensboro, NC 27420USAPhone: 336-681-2973Email: [email protected]New: "An Hour of Bible Sharing With Betty"Tuesdays8-9 PMPlease connect with us by way of Facebook Messenger, or Conference call: 1-612-746-7362Conference code: 623509

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“An Hour of Bible Sharing With Betty” ~ “Preview” of Ruling in the Eternal Kingdom 5-19-2020

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Names Given For Some Gifts That are Incorrect ~ Introduction

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Being Content

Celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ - I AM He is Jesus Christ -I AM, Who Rose From the Dead!

I AM the Resurrection and the Life (John 11:25-26)

I AM He Who Lives and Was Dead and Behold, I AM Alive Forevermore (Revelation 1:18)

I AM Alpha and Omega, the Beginning (First) and the Ending (Last) - Revelation 1:8, 11

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Jesus Christ - I AM the True Vine (John 15:1, 5)

Jesus Christ – I AM the Door and I AM the Good Shepherd (John 10:1-16)

Jesus Christ- I AM the Way, the Truth and the Life

Jesus Christ – I AM the Bread of Life (John 6:35)

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Be Still and Know That I Am God!

Our Blog
Burnett Ministries
P.O. Box 20643
Greensboro, NC 27420
USA
Phone: 336-681-2973
Email: [email protected]
New: "An Hour of Bible Sharing With Betty"
Tuesdays
8-9 PM
Please connect with us by way of Facebook Messenger, or Conference call: 1-612-746-7362
Conference code: 623509

“An Hour of Bible Sharing With Betty” ~ “Overview” 5-27-2020
The Qualifications for Ruling and Reigning with Christ (2 Timothy 2:1-12)

“An Hour of Bible Sharing With Betty” ~ “Preview” 5-26-2020
Ruling and Reigning with Christ

In Memory of the First Responders ~ Your Service is not Forgotten 5-24-2020
Honoring those who gave up their lives to help someone else live.

Prophecy ~ The Vocal or Speaking Gift (Part 2) – My Experience 5-23-2020

“An Hour of Bible Sharing With Betty” ~ “Overview” The Books Were Opened (Judgment Day)
5-20-2020

My Personal Experience With Healing ~ Power Gift (Part 3) 5-17-2020
Gifts are Important; They Add More Life to the Church

Gifts and Their Value to the Body of Christ and to God

Spiritual Gifts ~ Discerning of Spirits (Part 3)
More Examples of the Holy Spirit, the Human spirit and Demonic spirits

“An Hour of Bible Sharing With Betty” ~ “Overview” of the “Kingdom”
The Faithful, the Unfaithful Children of God and the Unsaved 4-29-2020

Spiritual Gifts ~ The Word of Wisdom

“An Hour of Bible Sharing With Betty” ~ “Overview” of a Review 4-15-2020
Our God is an Awesome God!

Celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ - I AM
He is Jesus Christ -I AM, Who Rose From the Dead!

Consolation for the Bereaved Families

"An Hour of Bible Sharing With Betty"

“An Hour of Bible Sharing with Betty”
What You will learn and more…

Was Christ in Your Christmas?