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Why the Children of God Should not Observe Lent? 4-2-2021

Grace and peace to the saints of the Most-High God. I thought the message on how the children of God are not to celebrate Easter and that Good Friday is not three days before the “Resurrection of Christ”, would be the last message about the events occurring during that time period. 


But the Spirit reminded me of something very crucial that is also connected with the celebrations prior to the time of year we commemorate the “Resurrection of Christ”. This is called Lent.


Do not think this to be strange when all these festivals/feasts are being celebrated around the same time of the Lord’s resurrection. Our enemy, the devil does everything he can to discredit what our wonderful Savior did for us.


Let’s find out how Lent originated, or who the devil influenced to bring it about. I am going to use one of the best sources known to expose the devil and it is in the book by Alexander Hislop, titled: The Two Babylon’s, which goes all the way back to the days of Nimrod where there is a connection with the Roman Catholic church.


I do not agree with everything about Alexander Hislop, but he was quite knowledgeable when it comes to idol worship. This is what I do not agree with; he titled himself as Reverend. And many who know me also know that I am not a title person especially when the title that belongs to God only – Holy and reverend is His name (Psalm 111:9). Respecting people is wonderful, but the highest respect belongs to God only.


Let’s go to the Roman Catholic church and just some of its ungodly beliefs, since there are many. Remember how the Romans worshipped the goddess Estra and many other Greek gods? They are especially known for worshipping Mary. There are many places where the statue of Mary is located.


Their worship to Mary, includes reciting the rosary and saying she is the mother of God. People go to various cities at a special time of the year to see apparitions (ghostly appearances) of Mary; this is demonic! Certain areas in Ohio and New Jersey are widely known for people going to see the apparition of the virgin Mary; they travel far and near. However, Europe is more widely known.


During all my years of traveling back and forth from the south to the north and especially from the north to the south, it was about four years ago after going through the toll booth at the Delaware Memorial bridge, I saw this giant stainless steel statue (34 feet tall ) of Mary. It was dedicated in 2007. Wow! How did I miss it? Being in the driver’s seat, there’s a lot missed; have to keep my eyes on the road, plus it a highly congested area.


Let’s talk a little bit more about the statue. According to the campaign’s organizers, supporters contributed $500, 000 and prayed more than 800, 000 roseries. The Roman Catholic church is known to be one of the richest religious organizations in the world. This false religion’s system beliefs have more followers than any other religious organization.


Mind you: I did not say Christian beliefs; many Roman Catholics do not say they are Christians. I believe that some of them say they are Christians to draw more people into their false beliefs, just another trick of the enemy.


This message is to be continued.


Tomorrow: The Easter and Lent Connection


Unshackled (celebrating Jesus Christ) ~ Betty A. Burnett

Children of God Should Not Celebrate Easter 4-1-2021

Now that you know that children of God should not celebrate Passover and that Passover, Easter and the “Resurrection” of Christ fall on the same week, let’s move forward and find out why we are not to celebrate Easter, which is a Roman (pagan) festival. This is the only time the word Easter is in the Bible. Easter is associated with the rabbit and bunny bringing new life (spring of the year).


I purchased a book by Alexander Hislop in the nineteen nineties, titled the “Two Babylons”, and in it was the history of the Easter egg and the Easter bunny and how they are associated with the goddess Estra (Greek for Easter). The history of the goddess Astarte, different names depending on the location and what era it was; yet it is the same spirit that has been operating throughout history.


Some Christians claim that they make Easter about Jesus, but at its roots, it is a pagan holiday. It is about Ishtar, the goddess of fertility. Since rabbits multiply at a rapid rate, they are considered to spring forth, which means new life. Do you see how Satan uses all this ungodliness to counterfeit Christ? Whatever God does, Satan imitates Him and, he even works with signs and lying wonders (2 Thessalonians 2:9). As born-again believers we should know the difference as to what is from God and what is from the devil (Hebrews 5:14).


One of the churches I was a member of stopped having Easter egg hunts, once they had an idea of what it meant. Even though they did not know the full meaning, they stopped, and that was commendable. What they did that I agreed with was on “Resurrection” Sunday morning they had Sunrise service. I was accustomed to going to Sunrise service commemorating that the Son (Jesus Christ) had risen early in the morning on the first day of the week.


Some Christians do not agree with that, because they believe that this is about the sun god……I do not see a thing wrong with Sunrise (Sonrise) service; to the Christian it symbolizes that “Christ rose from the dead”. Whoever does not agree, should not tell someone it is wrong to have Sunrise (Sonrise) services. The Word of God tells us to not to judge each other about days, but we are to be persuaded in our own minds (Romans 14:4-6).


However, I do not celebrate Good Friday, because Jesus did not die on a Friday (every Friday and all days are good).


Jesus said as Jonah was in the belly of 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 12:4). Some have said that in the biblical times the days were shorter which stands to reason why Jesus died on “Good Friday” and rose on the first day of the week. Let’s clear that up right now. When it comes to how many hours are in a day, what God made from the beginning of time still stands today.


Jesus even asked the question: Are there not twelve hours in the day [daylight]? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world (John 11:9). Jesus was saying that there were twelve hours of daylight.


We celebrate Jesus Christ’s Resurrection on Sunday, the first day of the week. If you calculate three full days and three full nights, this is what you will come up with. 6PM was the end of the day and a new day began.


Let’s start with Wednesday at 6PM to Thursday at 6PM (one full day),


Thursday at 6PM to Friday at 6PM (two full days),


Friday at 6PM to Saturday at 6PM (three full days). 6AM was the dawn of Sunday, the first day of the week. 


At the end of the sabbath as it began to dawn (light enough to see) toward the first day of the week (Sunday), Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to the sepulchre…..empty tomb…. Jesus was not there; He had risen (Matthew 28:1-6).


Take notice of this: Jesus Christ could have risen any time after 6:00PM and sunrise. He went into hell and preached to the spirits in prison/hell (1 Peter 3:19). Jesus also told one of the criminals who was hanging on the cross: This day you will be with Me is paradise (Luke 23:39-43). 


Remember the two compartments in the lower part of the earth – torment side and the comfort side (called Abraham’s bosom, which was paradise) with a big gulf  (wide space) in between the two (Luke 16:19-26).


Next: Why are Some of God’s Children Celebrating Lent?


Unshackled (set free) Betty A. Burnett   

Are You Willing to Wait on Your Ministry? ~ Epistle (letter) of Peter 3-18-2021

After reading today’s message, you will see how important it is to wait on your ministry, this could also help you to assess (evaluate) where you are and if you have taken a leap into ministry too soon.


If need be you have been grieved by various trials -That the trial (test) of your faith being more precious than gold that perish, though it is tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor (1 Peter 1:6b-7).


When you know there is a reason for everything that happens in your life and that it builds your character, it should bring much encouragement and joy. James said: Count it all joy when you fall into different temptations; knowing that the trying of your faith works patience, let patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfect [perfect means mature] and entire [complete]- (James 1:2-4).


Shortly after I was born-again, trials came my way and I had a conversation with someone and told them that I thought once Jesus became my Savior, everything was going to be great! At that point no one had told me about the trials and persecutions that came with the “New Life”.


Once there is an understanding, which comes through spiritual growth, we should consider the joy that comes on this side of eternity. Jesus said to the disciples: These things I have spoken to you, that My joy would remain in you and that your joy may be full (John 15:11). John also wrote: And these things I write to you, that your joy may be full (1 John 1:4).


Remember the song: “This joy I have, the world didn’t give it and the world can’t take it away”?


How can one experience joy when it seems like all hell is breaking loose? Jesus’ joy remains and is full when there is an understanding of what God is doing in our lives. He is helping us to be patient, strengthening us, and our character is being built, which works for our good (Romans 8:28), and for the good of those we minister to.


How will we able to minister to someone else if we have not experienced those tests? Not only that, but we must also pass the tests in order to minister effectively. By the way, every child of God is a minister, but there are different aspects of the ministry.


It is painful when you do not see anything happening and you know God has called you to ministry, even though the Word of God tells us to wait on our ministry (Romans 12:7). That the trial of our faith being more precious than gold that perish, though it is tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor (1 Peter 1:6-7).


How in the world can the trial of our faith be found unto praise and honor? Patience strengthens us: They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint (Isaiah 40:31). Some added “Teach me Lord, teach me how to wait” to the song “They that Wait Upon the Lord” that was written years ago. That is befitting because we learn how to be patient through the Word of God.


Every child of God must be tested in one way or the other, this happens to build our faith, which strengthen us.


Tomorrow: Testimonies of Those Who Were Tested, and They had Great Ministries


Unshackled (set free) ~ Betty A. Burnett


Are You Willing to Suffer for God’s Glory? The (Epistle) of Peter (Part 2) 3-17-2021

As I continue with the letters written by Peter, more will be brought to the reader’s attention as to what happens to those who are born-again, how/why we suffer, how to grow by adding to our faith, how we should conduct ourselves as Christians, (submitting to God), and Peter ends by encouraging the children of God to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory, both now and forever. Amen (2 Peter 3:18).


Now that you have read how the letter ends, let’s jump back to our wonderful heritage and the sufferings that come with our walk.


Peter starts off with encouraging words, telling us about our inheritance that is incorruptible and will not fade away; it is reserved in heaven for us. Peter tells us we are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood that we should show forth praises to Him who brought us out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9).


If you only knew how important we are to God and how He has given us a rich and eternal inheritance, and we are His priests, interceding/praying on behalf others. We do not need a priest like they had in the Old Testament. After Christ died and rose from the dead, He became the High Priest (Hebrews, chapter 7- key verse 17), whoever makes intercession for us (Hebrews 7:25), and now we are also priests, a royal priesthood.


Peter talked about this inheritance incorruptible, undefiled and does not fade away reserved in heaven for you. He gives further confirmation of being kept by the power of God (1 Peter 1:5). Jesus said that those the Father gave to Him, no man could pluck them out His hands and His Father is greater than all (John 10:28-29).


He tells us this. Do not think it is strange when fiery darts are thrown your way (1 Peter 4:12-19). When we know how awesomely incredible our future will be, it should make us thankful for any suffering that we go through, nothing that we go through can be compared to the glory that will be revealed in us (Romans 8:18).


For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all (2 Corinthians 4:17). When we peep into our future through spiritual lenses, the temporary troubles are worth whatever we go through, compared to the eternal glory that never ends.


We should rejoice to the extent that we are partakers of Christ’s suffering, that when His glory is revealed, we will also be glad, with exceeding joy! If we are reproached [defamed or disgraced] for the name of Christ, we are blessed… on their part He is blasphemed, but on our part He is glorified.


But may the God of all grace who called us into His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, make you perfect (mature), establish, strengthen, and settle you (1 Peter 5:10). When we are going through our suffering, it seems like it will never end; we must hold on a little while longer.


If Jesus had to suffer, what about us? These are some of the many scriptures pertaining to suffering:

Take up your cross - a cross is heavy, but Jesus helps us to bear it (Matthew 16:24, Luke 9:23). If we suffer with Him, we will also reign with Him (2 Timothy 2:12). God told Ananias that He would show Paul many things that he would suffer for His name’s sake (Acts 9:10-16).


Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile [abuse] you and persecute you and say all manner of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you (Matthew 5:10-12).


Remember this: “No pain, no gain” and “Trials come our way to make us stronger”


Unshackled and bearing my cross ~ Betty A Burnett

The Letters (Epistles) of Peter (Part 1) 3-16-2021

I am basically giving certain points about Peter’s epistles (letters). Also, the messages may not be in sequence (a particular order).


Peter knew and understood that he was an apostle (not a pope); it was on the day of Pentecost that the church was established through Peter and other apostles and prophets (Acts, chapter 2), which confirms that the church was founded on the apostles and prophets with Jesus Christ Himself being the Chief Cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20).


Peter was one of those imperfect children of God who was used in an awesome way to glorify God. Jason and others cried out that Peter and some others who turned the world upside down, had come where they were also (Acts 17:6b).


When you read about Peter’s history and his letters, there was a major transformation; not saying he had reached perfection. Peter as well as everybody else has flesh problems: There is nothing good about our flesh (Romans 7:15-25) and our souls are still being worked (Philippians 2:12). For by one offering He has perfected every one of them that are sanctified (Hebrews 10:14).


Who are the sanctified? Everybody who is born-again has been set apart by God. Have you ever heard someone say? “I am saved, sanctified and filled with the Holy Ghost”? If one is saved, they are sanctified, and they are filled with the Holy Spirit.


They have been placed into positional holiness or righteousness, meaning they have been sanctified (set apart, consecrated, purified). However, our walk is called practical holiness or practical righteousness, which means we are walking (practicing) this process of sanctification daily.


God has perfected us who are sanctified, which makes us perfect in His eyes. The word perfect also means mature, which is determined by our walk. 


Peter told us this: 

As new-born babes, desire the sincere milk of the Word (1 Peter 2:2). What does sincere milk of the Word mean? The sincere [pure, uncontaminated] milk of the Word should be desired like a baby who is hungry for the bottle of milk. 


Just as the pure (not sower), milk helps the baby to grow, the children of God should have an earnest desire to grow in the pure Word. This is a gradual process, but the Word of God should be a part of our daily lives.

Peter did not stop there, he said: Grow in grace and the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18).


Our level of maturity affects our destiny. Example: Peter talked about the gifts, even though he did not name them – As every man [woman] has received, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God (1 Peter 4:10). 


What does good steward mean? Whatever our Lord has given us to manage. What is manifold? It means a great variety of gifts to serve (edify, encourage) each other. The gifts are listed in Ephesians 4:11, Romans 12:6-8, and 1 Corinthians 12:8-10.


I am going to start with, Christian suffering and conduct.


Peter starts off encouraging the saints to rejoice when going through trials: Wherefore greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, you are in heaviness [a different kinds of temptations]. That the trial of our faith being more precious than gold that perish, though it is tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor (1 Peter 1:6-7).


When you know there is a reason for everything that happens in your life and that it builds your character, by strengthening you in your walk with Christ, this should bring much encouragement and joy. It brought joy to me; I was about ready to shout when I read these verses. I had read them before, but this time there was a revelation.


It reminded me of James when he wrote: 

Count it all joy when you fall into different temptations; knowing that the trying of your faith works patience, let patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfect [perfect means mature] and entire [complete]- James 1:2-4).


See you tomorrow, Lord willing to tell you more about our Christian walk.


Unshackled and excited ~ Betty A Burnett

“My New Life” 3-15-1982 ~ 3-15-2021

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he or she is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold all things are made new (2 Corinthians 5:17).


It was on a Monday morning, March 15, 1982 thirty-nine years ago that I had a born-again experience (John 3:5-7). That is when Jesus came into my heart and I have not been the same. Despite my imperfections, in Him I am complete.


Jesus Christ took away my heavy burdens that I was loaded down with because His yoke was easy, and His burden was light (Matthew 11:28-30).


There was a song written back in the day titled: “Heavy Load” - God lightened my heavy load, and I am forever grateful!


In 2011, I was led to write a book about “The New Life”. The reason being, there was a funeral service that I participated in, and at the end of the service, the preacher had what is called an altar call, which means extending salvation to the lost. Several young people went to the altar and the plan of salvation was given.


To my amazement some of the people and I were members of the same church and I thought they were already born-again. This is what was said inwardly: “I am going to write a book”. From that experience my passion to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ became greater, to re-enforce if the people were truly born-again and to give them an understanding of what it means to be born-again.


Back to a few things that happened in my life as my journey continued. I was so “sold-out” in my walk with Christ, that some labeled me as being: “Miss Holy Roly” or “Holier than Thou”. If that was what they thought and may still think, then so be it and shame on them.


I am so thankful to God my Father that He gave me the opportunity to do a new cover page on “The New Life” and it was finished in time to celebrate thirty-nine of my new life in Christ Jesus. My spiritual life is getting better day by day and year by year.


Celebrating thirty-nine years of a “New Life” and giving The Lord God Almighty all the praises, honor, and glory!


Joyfully Serving Him ~ Betty A Burnett

A Unified Church is Powerful ~ Communion (Part 4) 3-14-2021

As I continue about Communion and the significance of it from the previous messages in 1 Corinthians 11:17-34, there will be several scriptures pertaining to the anointing, the power of agreement, the power of unity and most importantly, how LOVE supersedes all (1 Corinthians, chapter 13).


These scriptures reveal to us how important it is to be in oneness and the powerful results that stem from oneness. As I wrote on yesterday, Satan does not want the children of God to know this. Why?


Satan wants to keep us ignorant to keep us from living a victorious life. He came to steal our testimony of not being in oneness, which also hinders our lights from shining; to kill your body because it is divided. Satan will cause us not to walk in victory because of lack of knowledge (John 10:10). 


But Jesus came that we might have life more abundantly. What is the abundant life? It is flowing in the blessings of God, spiritually and in the natural.


I will start with Psalm 133 – Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity. Unity is so powerful that yokes are destroyed because of the anointing. What are yokes? Whatever someone is yoked to, he or she is in submission to that person or thing.


Breaking a yoke often symbolized freedom from oppressors. Our oppressor is the enemy. Jesus makes our yokes easy (Matthew 11:28-30).


For your information, when we say born-again believers cannot be possessed by demons, this means the Spirit of God and demons cannot take up residence in the same temple. we are the temple of God (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). But born-again believers can be oppressed by demons if they are not submitting to God (1 Peter 5:8).


This is the principle of being in unity or on one accord: One can put a thousand to flight (they will flee), two can put ten thousand to flight (cause to flee - Deuteronomy 32:20). The greater the number of God’s children being on one accord, the more power we have.


I am sharing an example of how much power people (including the unsaved) have when they are on one accord and with the same mindset. The principle is, whether saved or unsaved it works. And the whole earth was of one language and one speech. And it came to pass as they journeyed they found a plain in the land of Shinar and they dwelt there.


And they said to one another, go let us make brick and burn them thoroughly….. And they said, let us go build a city and a tower, whose top may reach to heaven, and let us make us a name lest we will be scattered abroad upon the whole face of the earth. And the Lord came down to see the city.


He said, these people are one and they have one language, and this they will begin to do, and nothing will be restrained from them that they have imagined to do. He confounded (to throw into disorder-confuse) their language and scattered them upon all the face of the earth. Therefore, the name of it was called Babel because the Lord confounded their language and scattered them (Genesis 11:1-9). If the Lord had not stopped them, they would have been able do whatever they agreed upon.


Back to the power we have when we are in oneness with one another. Prayer of unity - If two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything they shall ask, it shall be done for them of My Father which is in heaven (Matthew 18:19-20). Remember how one can put a thousand to flight and two can put ten thousand to flight? There is power in agreement! Whatever is prayed, must be prayed according to God’s will (1 John 5:14-15).


Many do not know that John, chapter 17 is the Lord’s prayer, Jesus was praying for the disciples and all those who would be born-again throughout the ages. The prayer in Matthew, chapter 6:9-13, is the model prayer that Jesus taught His disciples to pray to the Father. Why would Jesus ask for forgiveness when He never sinned? Also, when Jesus prayed to God the Father, He prayed we would be one as He and the Father are One (John 17:20-23).


Jesus said: Then, all men will know that you are My disciples by the Love you have for one another (John 13:35). Love is not in speech only; Love is an action word.


Someone may ask: “How is the church affected today, since we do not have fellowship meals on Communion Sunday? The underlying principle is about the body of Christ being divided because some think they are better than others - this is called church clique.


Unshackled (set free) ~ Betty A Burnett

Communion – the Principle of Oneness (Part 3) 3-13-2021

I am going to pick up with verse 23 of 1 Corinthians, chapter 11 and go to the end of the chapter. Now to the order and meaning of the Lord’s supper.


Verse 23:

 For I received of the Lord what I also delivered to you. 


Pause: 

Paul did not walk with Jesus as the other disciples/apostles did; so, he received these revelations when he was in the desert of Arabia for three years as he was being taught by Jesus in the spirit realm Galatians 1:11-18).


Let’s continue with verses 23b-26: That the Lord Jesus the same night that He was betrayed took bread. And when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, take eat, this is My body which is broken for you, do this in remembrance of Me. After the same manner, He also took the cup and when He had drank saying, this is the cup new testament in my blood, do this as often as you remember Me.


Pause: 

There is no specific time, like Sunday that Communion has to be taken or a specific date. Jesus said as often as we take Communion, we are doing it in remembrance of Him, because we show forth His death until He comes. 


When Jesus said this cup is the new testament in my blood, He meant that once He died a new and better covenant would begin. The church age began not many days after Jesus rose from the dead, which started the time period of grace.


Verse 27:

 Therefore, whoever eats this bread and drinks this cup unworthily shall be guilty of the body and blood of Christ. So, what does it mean when Paul is talking about the church being divided, and what them unworthy? He meant in an unsuitable, unfit, or unbecoming manner. 


He was not talking about your daily walk and how you miss the mark; we ask God to forgive us for that (1 John 1:9). It is evident that Paul is talking about the church being divided, and that makes them unworthy.

With that being so, what are we doing to Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior when we are divided? It desecrates (treat with disrespect) the meaning of what He did for us.


Verse 28: 

But let a man examine himself (male and female)…… for he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment (damnation) on himself, not discerning (understanding) the Lord’s body. Pause: That is the reason the children of God should be taught and get an understanding of the true meaning of Communion and how serious it is.


Verse 29:

 For this reason, many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep (die). This is a strong statement! There are many people in church who are sick and do not know why. Please absorb this word, let it sink in. To top it off, Paul said many have died. That is so sad that some of the children of God are not in unity with one another are subject of sickness and death for sure.


Verses 30-34:

Paul tells us to judge ourselves, so we won’t be chastened (disciplined) by the Lord. Paul told the brothers and sisters when they come together, they are to wait for each other. But if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home, unless you come together for judgment.


After reading the messages about Communion and how they were taking the Lord’s supper unworthily, someone may ask: “How does that affect the church today, since we do not have fellowship meals on Communion Sunday?” The underlying principle is about the body of Christ being divided because some think they are better than others - this is called a clique.


Tomorrow, Lord willing, I will start with the scriptures related to Communion, and the power of being in oneness with each other.


Unshackled (set free) ~ Betty A Burnett

Communion – the Principle of Oneness (Part 2) 3-12-2021

Yesterday’s message was more like an introduction to Communion, today I am writing a breakdown of what Paul wrote to the church at Corinth and to us. He rebuked disorder at the Lord’s table (1 Corinthians 11:17-29).


Verse 17 - Paul heard they came together for the worse rather than the better, their motives were wrong.


Verse 18 - Paul continued with: First of all, when you come together in the church, I hear there is division among you and I partly believe it – meaning he already knew some things, but other things he did not know. The church had problems with envy, strife, and division prior to this chapter, so Paul does not stop correcting and rebuking them.


Verse 19 - Paul tells the church that there must also be heresies (sects) among them- meaning they have moved away from sound doctrine, bringing into the church a different interpretation. The church at Thessalonica was told that the rapture had already happened.


Paul warned the church: Now we beseech you brothers by the coming of our Lord and the gathering together unto Him. That you not soon be shaken in mind or be troubled by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter from us, that the day of the Lord is at hand.


Let no man deceive you by any means, for that day shall not come except there is a falling away first and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition (2 Thessalonians 2:1-3).


In our time-period the church has drifted away from sound doctrine, and this is heresy. Examples: Saying the gifts are not for today, new Bible translations that are not even close to the original language, some say people can lose their salvation. As you search the Word of God for yourself, you will find many doctrines that do not line up with the Word of God.


Verses 20, 21 – When you come together in one place, this is not to eat the Lord’s supper. Woah! That is some rebuke! I am going to paraphrase verse 21- In the church at Corinth as well as many churches today, people have various backgrounds and status. These people who were served first. They ate all the food when they had food at home; they also drank all the wine to the point of getting drunk.


Verse 22 - So, the people of lower status did not have anything to eat and drink. Can you imagine somebody being so selfish in the church, only thinking of themselves? I can imagine that they thought they were privileged to get the best because of their status. 


 And to top it off, there was no shame in their wicked acts. These same people could influence the leaders into agreeing to make other changes in the church that would cause it to move further away from sound doctrine.


Note: For those of you who say wine was not fermented in the Bible days, how can anybody get drunk if the wine is not fermented. Not only that, another verse says: Be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess, but filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18).


Communion – the Principle of Oneness (Part 3)


Unshackled (set free) Betty A Burnett

Communion – the Principle of Oneness (Unity) 3-11-2021

This message will be in at least three parts, because I am taking my time so it can be made plain and clear. There are many principles in the Word of God, and today I will share the underlying principle of “Communion”. Of all the principles in the Bible, Communion is the most sacred. Why is that so?


The principle of faith, the principle of tithing, sowing, and reaping (called the law of reciprocity) are personal principles that effect just that individual only. However, communion is corporate, and others can be affected both ways, either in a good way or in a negative way. Satan tries to undermine the body of Christ by making them think they are okay the way they are.


Let’s look at the word Communion and see what it means. The Latin root of communion is commonionem meaning fellowship, mutual participation or sharing. It is the same as a community of people sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals, coming together in unity and on one accord.


The opposite of communion is division; just as there are so many denominations which means a divided people. So, when there is division in the body of Christ, there is no anointing and when there is no anointing, no yokes are destroyed. That is exactly what the devil planned, and it is happening in the lives of many of those in the body of Christ.


Now to communion and what we perceived or understood it to be. Most of us learned that whatever we did the night before, like hanging out in a nightclub or partying, drinking, smoking, gambling and so on, we needed to ask for forgiveness before taking communion on Sunday. Now, tell me this, why would a born-again believer be doing these things in the first place?


The other way we were told to do was, if we had offended anyone (in the church), we needed to ask for forgiveness before taking communion. This was done with the wrong motive, not from the purity of the heart. 


Why? If you needed to make things right with a brother or sister, you had plenty of time to make things right before communion Sunday. In actuality, you were only making things right just to take Communion - wrong motive.


When we get to the scriptures Paul was inspired to write, you will understand more clearly what communion it is about, and why it is so important to take it the right way. Today I want to share how Jesus instituted communion or the last supper.


This was going to be the last supper (Communion) that Jesus would have with the disciples before He went to the cross to die for our sins.


And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed, and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, “Take eat, this is My body” and He took the cup and gave thanks, and gave it to them saying, “Drink from it all of you, for this is My blood of the new covenant which is shed for many for the remission of sins. But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom (Matthew 26:26-29).


The apostle Paul went more in depth about the significance of Communion that you do not hear about and it is not explained what it means in most churches. I believe once the readers learn the real meaning of Communion and how serious it is, it will change some mindsets and it will cause them to draw closer to God and to each other.


In the next message there will be several scriptures pertaining to the anointing, the power of agreement, the power of unity and most importantly, LOVE supersedes all.


Unshackled (sat free) ~ Betty A Burnett

From Slavery to Freedom ~ The Book of Philemon 3-10-2021

The book of Philemon only consists of one chapter, but this is a powerful book pertaining to forgiveness, reconciliation, and LOVE.


This is some historical background pertaining to three men, one a slave, one a slaveowner and the other a minister/apostle, none other than Paul. Paul and Philemon were brothers in Christ, and it was obvious that the two of them had great love and respect for one another.


Philemon was a wealthy slaveowner and his slave Onesimus ran away to Rome because he had stolen from his master. In most cultures, a runaway slave was punished severely or could be put to death.


Even though Paul was in prison, the Lord used him to extend salvation to Onesimus. Paul wanted to use him in the ministry, but he sent Onesimus back to Philemon with a letter. Paul also stated in the letter that if Onesimus had wronged Philemon or if he owed him anything, to put it on Paul’s account.


This is something to think about: Paul wanted to make sure Onesimus got things right with Philemon. Lesson to be learned: As born-again believers, we should want to make amends with anyone we have harmed.


I want the readers to see something of utmost importance about this message and its similarity. Paul was willing to pay a physical debt on behalf of Onesimus, a runaway slave. Jesus Christ was willing to, and He did pay the sin debt for us; He went all the way to the cross, suffered died and rose from the dead for us to be free from being enslaved to sin (Romans 6:18).


And it was Paul who wrote that all those who belong to Christ are free and there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, there is neither male nor female, but we who are born-again are one in Christ (Galatians 3:27-28). The footnote from NKJV – In Christ, distinctions of race, rank, and sex neither hinder fellowship, nor grant special privileges.


Special qualities in these three men (brothers in Christ):


Paul – set up the reconciliation (he was the go between)

Onesimus - asked for forgiveness (he humbly surrendered) – It is not written, but it is inferred.

Philemon – exemplified Agape Love, or unconditional Love – Paul had confidence Philemon would do what he said about reconciling with Onesimus.


Now that Onesimus was saved, these three brothers were one in Christ, and since oneness (unity) plays a major role in our spiritual lives, let’s read the conclusion of the matter and see what you can take away with it. God had Jesus Christ to pay the debt that we owed. Years ago, I heard the choir singing “The debt I owe, the I owe, somebody paid the debt I owe”. Brother and sisters, that somebody was none other than Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord.


Since He paid the debt we owed, we should be forever grateful to Him, and the greatest way we can show our appreciation for what He did for us is by loving up on each other, which make us unified. 


After writing and posting this message, it is appropriate for the next message to be about “Communion and the Principle of Oneness”.


Unshackled (set free) Betty A Burnett

What is Godly Living? 3-9-2021​

Before I go to the book of Philemon, there are a few words of caution I want to address or bring to the readers’ attention. The timing is perfect since yesterday’s message was pertaining to order in God’s house.


In one of my previous messages, I wrote about people who professed to be born-again posting ungodly or worldly things on Facebook. What is worse, their leaders were not addressing it - this is shameful!


Then I wrote about music that is being used or played in some churches that have been produced by a few churches that are embracing bad doctrine or occult practices. That is compromising, and it is sending mixed messages which cause confusion. 


This also indicates that the pastor who is allowing this, is not called, and he is in ministry for self-gain. A morally upstanding unsaved person would see that something is wrong with the picture.


A few days ago, I was talking to someone who was going to watch a movie. I thought because of certain characters and the language that was used in previous movies, that this movie would be similar. 


I told her that I was apprehensive about this movie, but she said it was okay. A friend looked it up and said it was rated PG, which does not mean anything these days. I saw PG ratings before and dirty (course, vulgar) words were still in the movie.


I loved watching Criminal Minds, Blue Bloods, NCIS, but each of them is famous for using SOB. God does not want me to let vulgar words filter through my mind. If you had known me when I was not saved, curse words were a part of my everyday language.


And God has dealt with me about my temper, and I can honestly say I have come a long way. Yet, I will never say that the old man would not rise up again in a given situation. That temper and the curse words would most likely manifest. That is the reason I choose to stay away from anything that would take me back into bondage.


The Word of God says to stand firm in liberty which you have been set free and be not again entangled with the yoke of bondage (Galatians 5:1). I stopped watching these shows because the Word of God talks against course jesting (language) whether it is in a book, a movie, TV serial and so on.


Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving thanks (Ephesians 5:4). What’s course jesting? It involves vulgar expressions and indecent content – vulgar speech. Strong’s concordance uses the word in a vulgar sense. In the KJV, says jesting, the NKJV says course jesting.


This is the worse yet! A few years ago, one of my friends gave me a book written by a pastor. The book had many pages with vulgar words in it. I read the entire book and highlighted the words. I heard that the man is sick and maybe it is because he played on the devil’s turf. The Bible says: “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for edifying that it may impart grace to the hearer (Ephesians 4:29).


God is not just talking about vulgar words coming out of your mouths, He means anything that is said, read, looked at on TV and at the movies. Maybe you have never seen or read this in the Bible. Well, if you are reading this message today, and you are guilty of doing these things, it is time for a change and ask God to forgive you (1 John 1:9).


Unshackled (set free) ~ Betty A Burnett

Order in the House ~ The Book of Titus 3-8-2021

My dear brother and sisters, I skipped two books, but never got to the book of Peter; only wrote about his profile. Some of that will be reiterated when I get to that book.


Our God is amazing! As I was sitting at the computer preparing to post the message, the Spirit of God brought to my remembrance the books of Titus and Philemon. While reading about Titus, I discovered that his book and the book of Timothy are similar.


Three of us have discussions on Thursday evening to get fined tuned in the Word of God. We discussed how the more we study the Word of God, that more scriptures connect, support, and confirm. What is even more amazing is, the Spirit of God inspired different men to write, and their writings were similar.


Order in the house of God

Let’s start with God’s divine order in the church: For this cause I left in Crete, that you should set in order things that are lacking and appoint elders (five ministry office of the apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, teacher, also called bishops, elders and overseers) in every city as I commanded you (Titus 1:5). They were made overseers by the Holy Spirit (Acts 20:28); the Holy Spirit also reveals to certain others who these qualified ministers are.


This letter (epistle) is written as to how churches had grown careless as to the order in God’s house. Scofield footnotes are showing how Titus is putting great emphasis (expressing something forcibly and clearly) in that the test by which true elders and deacons may be known (Titus 2:-3:15). Whatever the Word of says, is still the same today. It is apparent that Titus knew that the church was out of order because of his letter.


Titus gives the qualifications of bishops (elders) and deacons in chapter 1: 6-9, just as Timothy did (1 Timothy 3:1-7). However, Titus takes it a little further than Timothy did: Holding fast the faithful word that he has been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convict (convince) those who contradict. For there are many and unruly, vain talkers and deceivers, especially they of the circumcision (Jews).


The pastors are urged to speak sound doctrine; he goes on to say how the aged men and women are to behave in a holy manner, live a life in a way that that they can minister to the younger people. In this chapter Titus speaks to the older and younger and he gives specific instructions on how to live a godly life (Titus, chapter 2).


How is the church out of order today? Many are not functioning as pastors, either they are not called, or they are still babies. Is there any justification for one being a baby (novice) in ministry? Of course, there isn’t! The Word of God warns about those who are not qualified. Not being trained is a major issue. The call can be there, but it takes training to perfect the call or be matured in the call (1 Timothy 3:1-7).


Some churches have become a money-making business, rather than being about our Father’s business, like Jesus our example and role model was (Luke 2:49). To some it is a vocation: These peoples’ mouths must be stopped; they subvert (undermine/weaken) whole households, teaching things that are not, for the sake of dishonest gain. For the sake filthy lucre, they are teaching wrong for the sake of money.


Example: They could be saying some truth, but their motive is like the devil’s; he puts enough truth out there to lure them in, and then the person is hooked.


I pray that you see why the Lord did not want this book to be overlooked.


Unshackled (set free) Betty A Burnett

The Prophets of Old and the Prophets of Today 3-7-2021

I am sharing how important it is for God’s children to avoid sin. It not only grieves the Lord, but sin also grieves those who are totally committed (sold out) to God. Not just the prophets, but all the children of God should feel the same way when it comes to sin.


Isaiah walked naked and barefoot for three years because he was grieving over the sins of God’s people (Isaiah 20:3). Even though Isaiah had on inner garments, it was considered to be naked. Therefore, it was shameful to walk around naked. David also danced naked before the Lord (he had on inner garment on (2 Samuel 6:14-22) and his wife was ashamed of him for dancing with his outer garment off.


Jeremiah wept (lamented) over the sins of Judah (Jeremiah 4:19-6:14, 8:18-11:23). He was called the weeping prophet (Jeremiah 13:17). He wept over Judah’s rebellion (Jeremiah 9:1, 10). The Lord sent His prophet to warn the people of their disobedience. The warnings were difficult because false prophets were telling them that God was with His people.


Jeremiah’s message was opposite what the false prophets were saying. As it is today, many people want to hear something that sounds good to their ears and they will not listen when God is sending warnings through His prophets.


There has not been a change; God still has prophets today to warn, correct and protect His children. Most of the time the prophet is sent to the leader since he is in charge of the congregation.


The reason I brought this up is, some say I write strong messages. That may be true, but most people who know me also know that my love and passion is so strong for others because I want to see God’s children doing His will.


Many of those who profess to be born-again believers just glide through life not taking the Word of God seriously. God wants our body, soul, and spirit to be blameless (1 Thessalonians 5:23). Let’s start off with the body which is the flesh. Although there is no good thing in the flesh (Romans 7:18), we are told to put our flesh under subjection; when we walk in the Spirit, we will not fulfill the lust of the flesh (Galatians 5:16).


The soul (mind, will, emotions) is being worked on daily (Philippians 2:12) to overcome those things that captivate our mind (2 Corinthians 10:3-4). We are to let our minds be like Christ Jesus (Philippians 2:5). What about our spirit? Since we have a new and perfect spirit, only the other two parts of our three parts (tripartite) need to be worked on. For by one offering He has perfected every one of them that are sanctified (Hebrews 10:14).


If God did not love His children, He would not send correction. So, if any of the readers have a problem with my messages, go to God about it. This is what He called me to, and I am going to be obedient. My logo is: “Send me Lord, I’ll go” (Isaiah 6:8). When Isaiah asked the Lord how long he was to give words to the people, God said until…. (Isaiah 6:- That is me, I will go and say until the cities be wasted without habitation…!


The truth is, you need to know more about the principles of God’s Word in order to grow. If anyone thinks he or she is okay where they are in their walk without learning the principles, they are fooling themselves. If anyone thinks he or she is being judged, one day we will have to stand before Christ, the Judge at the Judgement Seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10).


As a reminder, God used Paul, Peter, Timothy, and James to warn and correct the church. And, for the true prophets of today, I encourage you to Go and Say what the Lord tells you.


Unshackled (set free) ~ Betty A. Burnett

Have You Been with Jesus? 3-6-2021

Before I go into the book of Peter, it is necessary to know and understand the proof of someone being with Jesus. I wrote about Peter and the other disciples being taught by Jesus Christ, who was the Best and He still is the Best. 


Paul was taught by Gamaliel, a man held in great esteem by all Jews and as a Jewish law teacher (Acts 22:3), but His greatest Scholar was Jesus Christ. He had an encounter that was totally different from the other disciples/apostles. Paul was in the deserts of Arabia for three years being trained by Jesus Christ (Galatians 1:10-18).


But what about today? The five ministry office of apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, and teacher (Ephesians 4:11) would be called the best when it comes to the children of God being taught. Jesus Christ gave the church great ministers to carry on His work to mature the body of Christ.


It was God who made us His workmanship/masterpiece, created in Christ Jesus unto good works (Ephesians 2:10). This is not to be lifted up with pride but with praise to the Lord God Almighty who instilled greatness in us.

Those who serve humbly in whatever God has called them to do will be greatly rewarded. 


The problem is many people do not know what they are called to do. Everyone who is born-again has at least one gift. Some are operating in gifts but not with the effectiveness that is required build others up and encourage them; this sets them free.


Why aren’t they effective? One cannot walk in the fulness of the call unless he or she understands the Word of God. That is one of the major reasons so many churches are out of order. Why do I know this? I have been operating in the prophetic for a long time, I have been studying and searching out more truths about the Word, and the Spirit of God gives me prophetic insight.


Example of a prophet who does not understand the Word of God: Many of the prophets I know think they are the only ones who hear from God; that they are God’s mouthpiece. Whatever they say they get from God, they are quick to tell it without being in tune to the Spirit of God about the timing. Waiting is important, and if not done properly, more harm will be done, than good. If the person is seasoned in their walk, the gift will flow.


Example of a person who is functioning in the office of a pastor and is not called: Since the pastors (prophet, apostle, evangelist, pastor, teacher) are the administrative leaders, whatever is done or not done makes a difference as to how the church will or will not grow/mature. 


A called pastor will abide by the Word of God. Notice that I said pastors. A church is not pleasing to God if one person tries to lead the church without the other four ministry office pastors. The lead pastor cannot function in all the offices. The prophet protects corrects and warns about things that could be harmful to the church, this ends up being encouraging (edifying).


The reason I used pastors is because many churches do not function in the five ministry offices. Reminder: The church was founded on the prophets, apostles, with Jesus Christ being the Chief Cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20). We only read about the prophets and apostles at the onset of the church age, but the other ministry offices were added as the churches developed more.


Since that is the way God’s church was established, who says it ended? Didn’t the Word say that the work God started He will complete until the day of Christ (Philippians 1:6). The church will exist until Jesus Christ comes and take His bride (the church) to be with Him (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).


Anyone who does not accept the truth of God’s Word is saying that they know more than God does. When the church does what God has called it to do, then people will know that the church has been with Jesus. When you have really been with Jesus, others will be able to see it and they will be blessed (Acts 4:13).


Unshackled (set free) Betty A Burnett

The Apostle Peter 3-5-2021

I am going give you some history about Peter who was one of Jesus Christ’s disciples (learners), who later became an apostle (sent out, established). Peter was one of the original twelve disciples, whose brother Andrew introduced him to Christ (John 1:41).


Peter, whose surname was Simon meaning Petra/stone, or little rock- Jesus said to Peter: Upon this rock I will build My Church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it (Matthew 16:17-19), which also is indicative of the church being founded on the prophets and apostles with Christ Himself being the chief Cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20). I am reminding you that Peter was not a pope, he was an apostle along with others who established the church.


It was on the day of Pentecost that Peter preached the gospel and God added to the church those who would be saved (Acts 2:47). This same Peter was the impetuous one who was outspoken, who also denied Christ out of fear (Luke 22:59-62). He was the one who told the Lord he would never deny Him (Matthew 26:31-35).


Even though Peter, James, and John were the inner circle disciples, they were not better than the other disciples.

 The three of them were more committed, therefore they had greater opportunities. The same opportunities are for us if we fully commit, sell out!


After the church age began Peter was told to go to Cornelius, a Gentile, but he did not think Gentiles were supposed to receive the Gospel. He thought the Gentiles were unclean (Acts 10:9-16), they were referred to as dogs (Matthew 15:21-28). Is this something we see in the world and some churches today? Looking down on some others as if they were unclean (dogs)?


On this particular occasion, Peter compromised his spiritual values. He had been sitting with Christians, and he separated himself, not wanting the Jews to see that he was associated with Gentiles (Galatians 2:11-14). Have you been ashamed to associate with a certain group of people, because of what others may feel about you? Are you willing to go to another brother or sister of a different nationality in fear of being ostracized by your own race?


Peter and some other apostles were considered to be ignorant and unlearned because they had no formal education. After all, Peter was just a fisherman. Yet, he was taught the best, by the Best!


From that, I want to say this, many people who go to some seminaries or school of theology ended up coming out worse than they were when they started taking the courses. This came from reputable sources; some godly professors teach some of the classes. Tell me this, how can an unsaved person teach the Word of God when the Bible clearly tells us the natural/unsaved person does not understand the things of God (1 Corinthians 2:14)?


That is compromising, and bad doctrine results from being taught by those who do not understand the Word of God. This is as bad or worse than us passing on errors that we heard from others. The reason it is worse is, these people are supposed to be taught by biblical scholars who are trained in the Word.


If you want to be taught by the best, allow the five ministry office of the apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, and teacher who are truly called teach you. Then others will say like they did in the book of Acts: “They have been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13).


I want to caution those who just go to seminary to get a title (handle) on your name; this is not pleasing to God. But, if God tells you to go, that is different. There is a reason for everything. You may be there to challenge the professors, to learn how worldly some of the professors are, or to expose the evil influence. I did not say all seminaries are bad, or that all professors were not saved. I received my information from ministers who had attended seminary and the source was reputable.


I understand why I was stopped when it was suggested several times that I would go to seminary. Years ago, the Lord used a friend who was a prophet to warn me not to go and I took heed to the warning. I found out later the man who was in charge of the prophetic school was a false prophet. 


Then another friend encouraged me to go to a school of demonology of all things; nobody had to warn me about that one. Who wants to study demons? That is a trap! We need to study God's Word, not demons.


Unshackled (set free) ~ Betty A Burnett

Fired (lit) up and Ready to Evangelize ~ Commissioned to Take the Gospel (Part 2)

3-4-2021

I really did not want to shorten the previous message and felt it was necessary to write it in two parts. The reason being, witnessing is what Jesus Christ commissioned the born-again believers to do (Matthew 28:19-20). It is called “The Great Commission”


We should be bold, confident, and enabled (know what we are talking about) and led by the Spirit of God because God has a set number of people He wants each of His children to reach. So, as being just one person, do not think you can save everybody.


When I used the words bold and confident, it reminds me of Paul the apostle when he wrote: For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation to all who believe, to the Jew first and to the Greek (Romans 1:16).


Paul wrote many scriptures pertaining to salvation for us to use as guidelines. Paul also wrote as if he was a lawyer in a courtroom presenting his case. In his closing argument, he let the jury know that the whole world was guilty before God. No one person or group of people were better that the other.


The Jews who claimed to be law-keepers did not keep the law, even if they kept the law, the law could not save them, it pointed them to their sins. Therefore, it took salvation which came by Jesus Christ. The Gentiles may have been morally upright and good standing citizens, but that could not make them righteous; it took the righteousness of Jesus Christ who shed His precious blood to make them and us righteous.


Since everybody is different, each born-again experience is different, even though we are given the same measure of faith (Romans 12:3). That is the reason no one have the right to think they are better than someone else. When the Word of God says the measure, it means that we all started off at the same place in our new life. Nobody is more saved than anybody else.


And it is not a must for anyone to be in a specific place to get saved; I was in a house on a Monday morning, March 15, 1982 when Jesus came into my heart. I confessed it at church the next Sunday.


Wherever you are when witnessing to someone, please do not tell them to come or go to church Sunday and they can get saved. You should extend the Gospel of Jesus Christ right where you and the person/people are if they are open to it. I was with another person who asked the people to come to church on Sunday and they could be saved.


I could hardly wait until we left to ask the person this: “Why didn’t you extend salvation to the people while you were talking to them?” I went on to say: “Who said they have to be in a church to get saved?”. Did I ever have sanctified anger! God can save anybody, anywhere and at any time.


On another occasion I was with some others and a man came in, pulled his little testament out of his back pocket and, like the Ethiopian eunuch, he was seeking for answers about salvation. The group of people were looking at each other and asking whose church the man could go to. 


I went there again with: “Why doesn’t someone give him the plan of salvation right now?” It happened, the man received Jesus Christ as his Savior and he ended up joining the same church I was a member of praise God! I continued to follow-up and to keep him accountable and motivated to stay on course.


This is a word of caution: 

Please do not say: “That person needs Jesus” or “You need Jesus”- the whole world stood in the need of a Savior therefore, everybody is guilty before God. No one is righteous whether by law or by moral up standing. You and I also need Jesus, even though we are born-again, we can do nothing without Him (John 15:5).


The whole world stood guilty before God - in witnessing to others, you must never give the impression that because you are born-again that you are better. Remember that it is by God’s grace that we are saved, and we did nothing to get it, and we didn’t even deserve it, so we cannot brag about this wonderful gift that God gave us (Ephesians 2:1-9). It is by God’s grace that we are what we are (1 Corinthians 15:10).


Unshackled (set free) ~ Betty A Burnett

Lighted (fired) up and Ready to Evangelize ~ Commissioned to Take the Gospel 3-3-2021

In the last message, guidelines were given to make us more effective believers. We are commissioned to evangelize the world and to win lost souls, as we share the love of God.


Shining lights - Jesus was the Light of the world, but since He is no longer on the earth we are the light of the world. Let’s talk about the light. There is a song that was published years ago called: “This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine”. That is not scripturally correct.


If you have been saved for a reasonable amount of time, your light should be shining bright. The Word of God says: Let your light so shine [not just shine] – think about it! Why would the Word say so shine if it was a little light? In this sense I believe so means to such a great extent. 


Jesus said: You are the light of the world a city that is sat on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick and it gives light to all that are in the house (Matthew 5:14-16).


Many people still say: “Jesus is the light of the world”. If that were true, why did Jesus say to His disciples: As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world (John 9:5). Since Jesus Christ is no longer on the earth, He told us to let our lights so shine that men may see our good works and glorify our Father who is in heaven (Matthew 5:13-16).


Witnessing Effectively - We are to be lights as we to take the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the world (Matthew 28:19-20), we also need to know how to present the Gospel to others:


Philip the evangelist was told to go to Gaza, and he met a eunuch from Egypt who was in his chariot reading the Bible. And the Spirit told Philip to go to the eunuch. Philip ran to him and heard him reading from the prophet Isaiah and Philip asked the man if he understood what he was reading. And he said, how can I unless some man guides me?


The eunuch asked Philip to come up and sit with him. This is the place in the scripture that he was reading: He was led as a sheep to the slaughter and like a lamb dumb before His shearer, so He did not open His mouth. In His humiliation, His judgment was taken away, and who shall declare His generation? For His life is taken away from Him (Isaiah 53:7-8).


Philip knew the scripture and he understood what it meant; otherwise, how would he have been able to explain it to the eunuch. As they went on their way, they came unto a certain water and the eunuch asked Philip what prevented him from being baptized. Philip said, if you believe with all your heart, you may.


The eunuch said: I believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God. They both went into the water and Philip baptized him…. and when they came up out of the water he went on his way rejoicing (Acts 8:26-39). I believe Philip explained (broke it down) everything that was read in order for the eunuch to understand. This was about Christ and what Isaiah prophesied would happen when He was arrested, accused and His death on the cross.


That is why it is so important for us to know enough about the Word of God so we can give an answer to all those who have questions. Born-again believers must understand what they believe and why they are Christians and be able to share it, humbly, simply, and biblically (1 Peter 3:15). The focus of the salvation message should always be about Jesus first and then you can tell the unbeliever your testimony of salvation.


It is also necessary to let others know that the sin of one man fell upon all people when he (Adam) disobeyed God (Romans 5:12). If Adam had not sinned, we would not be going through all the chaos in this fallen world. But! There is hope; God sent His Son, Jesus Christ to save that which was lost (Luke 19:10). Jesus Christ is also called the last Adam because the first Adam sinned and caused all people to die, but Christ who is the last Adam, died and rose from the dead to give eternal life (1 Corinthians 15:22).


To be continued:

Lighted (fired) up and Ready to Evangelize ~ Commissioned to Take the Gospel (Part 2) 3-4-2021


Unshackled (set free) ~ Betty A Burnett

Is Healing for Today? 3-2-2021

I am piggy-backing on yesterday’s message just in case someone did not understand the part of the message pertaining to healing and how it is God’s will for His children to be healthy and prosper as our souls prosper. There are key words that are significant; soul and prosper are what I am putting emphasis on.


Is every Word of God true? Of course, it is! Whether someone believes it or not, God’s Word is always true. If there are readers who do not believe every Word of God is true, they will not walk in victory (in their promise land of blessings). Do you want to be like the Israelites who were right at the promise land, but because they let what they saw over-rule their faith, they missed entering the promise land?


What do I mean? You can have the Bible right before your eyes and still miss your blessings because of doubt. The Bible is full of promises; as a matter of fact, every promise of God is yes and amen….(2 Corinthians 1:20). But some promises are conditional. Example: One must believe and do not doubt, wavering and being double-minded will stop the blessings.


How do our souls prosper? This happens by reading, studying, and being taught God’s Word and believing it, even when we do understand it. As we grow in Christ, the more we will see His Word unfolding and manifesting.

What I believe according to the Word of God. 


Jesus said some did not get healed for certain reasons:

It was not because the healing was not available – He was a prophet who was not honored in His own country. Therefore, Jesus could not do many miracles in in His own country (Matthew 13:53-58). They were offended by Jesus. Some people do not want to receive the truth- it could be for various reasons. They could have been jealous of seeing Jesus work miracles. They could have said: “Who does he think He is?”.


To be perfectly honest with you, I have no doubt that some feel the same way about me and perhaps it is the same with some of you. None of us can help the way God made us; He made each of us different to complement one another, not to be jealous of each other. One person’s abilities are no greater than the others. Yet some look at what can be seen or stand out as more important; not true.


In the United States many of us depend on the medical staff more than we depend on God. He works through medicine and the medical staff. Therefore, we should not limit Him as to how the healing manifests. We just need to believe; for without faith, God is not pleased (Hebrews 11:6).


In third world countries where medical means are sparse, the people are open to whomever God sends to help bring about the healings and miracles.


Healing will not manifest for those who do not believe. Although God is Sovereign and He can do heal if He chooses to, however, that is not the norm. Please do not say healing is not for today. Just because you don’t believe it, the Word of God still is true, and it does not change (Malachi 3:6).


For those who do not believe that healing is for every child of God, what does the Word say? God has no respect of persons mean (Romans 2:11). And what does many are the afflictions of the righteous mean? God delivers us out of all our afflictions (Psalm 34:19). Afflictions mean physical pain and suffering, mental distress.


Our bodies will have problems because we live in a fallen world, but whatever comes upon us should not stop us from functioning permanently. I want to put emphasis on this again, if someone is not being delivered, God is not to be blamed.


Tomorrow, I plan to pick back up from Sunday’s message – “Guidelines for Born-again Believers to Follow” (Part 2) titled - Fired up and Ready to Evangelize ~ Commissioned to Take the Gospel


Unshackled (set free) ~ Betty A Burnett

Guidelines for the Born-again Believers to Follow 3-1-2021

I am deviating again because I sense these messages should be prioritized. There are so many in the body of Christ who have opportunities to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And the internet is an awesome tool the Lord uses to get His Word out.


We are told to go into all the world and carry the Gospel. There was a time we witnessed and ministered wherever we were physically. Example: On the job, on the streets, in the grocery store, doctors’ offices, bus, train, airplane and so on. God has also given man technology that helps us to reach those around the world.


Since every born-again believer is called to witness, I am going to use Jesus Christ as our role-model and example. With God is a God of order, I will write these wonderful biblical nuggets in an orderly fashion; first things first.


1) Being trained through the Word: Can you imagine the Word (Jesus) teaching the Word? Jesus began to teach His disciples: He taught so a child could understand, so to me He must have taught on a child-like level for all to understand. There are times when people can be taught on whatever level they are in the faith. 


There are other times when some people may not understand. Sometimes when Jesus taught the disciples, they did not understand until later. It can be the same way with us, some may not catch on right away, but at some point they are able to grasp it.


2) Spending quality time in Word of God - We also commanded to study the Word to show ourselves approved unto God, a workman who is not ashamed, one who can rightly divide the Word of truth – this is our personal time (2 Timothy 2:15). Do not say you don’t have the time, because 24/7 belongs to God and He knows about the things you have to do, but if you put Him first (Matthew 6:33), everything will fall into place.


3) Prayer life - Jesus not only taught the disciples how to pray. Examples: He spent quality time alone with the Father (Mark 1:35); He prayed an agonizing prayer in the garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-46); Jesus prayed for His disciples and all those who receive salvation throughout the ages (John, chapter 17). Effective prayer comes from knowing the Word and the will of God.


Example: Effective praying is praying what lines up with the Word of God. For instance, suppose someone was sick. Would you just say: Lord, I ask you to heal so and so in Jesus name? Or would you pray 1 Peter 2:24 and believe by faith (Hebrews 11:1) that the person’s healing will manifest? Please do not pray: If it is Your will Lord, please heal so and so.


It is God’s will for us to have good health (3 John 2). Why did Jesus bear thirty-nine stripes? It was for our healing, of course! If someone does not receive their healing, it is not God’s fault. I tell people regularly that I believe in healing (it has happened to me over and over again). Since it is not God’s fault, it has to be the person. Jesus said: Let it be done according to your faith (Matthew 9:29).


I am going to back up and give a testimony of how blessed it is to be obedient when it comes to 24/7 belonging to God. This is about sacrificing my time: Many years ago, while working at a financial institution, the Spirit of God prompted me go to a 5:30AM prayer room five days a week to intercede with others. My friend was a member of the church and she asked me to go.


At first I was hesitant because I did not know the other people. I got up the first morning and had second thoughts and when I went to read the Word, guess what the verse was? I beseech you therefore by the mercies of God that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God which is your reasonable service (Romans 12:1).


Do I have to say anymore? I got myself together and went in the prayer room and continued for approximately three years. This was further confirmation that God had called me to be an intercessor. Despite long working hours, having to cook and so on, I was obedient and have been interceding ever since.


Unshackled (set free) ~ Betty A Burnett

Being Open to the Truth ~ Testing Humbleness (James, chapter 5) 2-28-2021

Being open to the truthYou read about James and how he brought correction to the church because they were acting like worldly people. They were not humble and people who are not humble are not open to the truth. Many people think they know more than what they actually know and when these type people are shown the truth rightly divided, they are still not open.


People who are not open to the truth will not prosper or progress in their spiritual walk. Today I am going to concentrate on the anointing oil, what it means for the church, how it is to be used and who is to use it.


The anointing oil is symbolic of the Holy Spirit - The power is not in the oil; the power is the supernatural move of the Holy Spirit to bring about the healing. Just as Moses’ rod did not have any power, God used it to manifest His supernatural power (Exodus 7:10-12).


The anointing oil is used for the sick - Is there any sick among you?


The anointing oil is to be used by the elders - Call for the elders of the church and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.


Who are the elders? They are the five ministry offices of apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, and teacher.

And the prayer of faith will save the sick and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Sin in someone’s life can be a holdback to the healing manifesting.


The anointing oil was used in the Old Testament: Aaron and his sons were being anointed as priests (Exodus 30:29); Samuel anointed Saul as king (1 Samuel 10:1). There are some things in the Old Testament that can still be used today. When people are ordained for ministry, hands are laid on them and they are anointed with oil. Why not? We are the prophets, priests and soon coming kings.


Years ago, I was caught up in a movement where all the people in that particular denomination were using the anointing oil for several purposes that were not biblical like anointing peoples’ houses. I was putting oil on my doors and windows to ward off evil spirits (the demons). We are commanded to take authority over demons (Luke 10:19, Acts 16:16-18).


Many of the people I was close to in another denomination were using the oil too, I ordered it and was giving it to others to use. But what does the Word of God say about it? To know to do right and don’t do it is sin. When you learn better, you do better.


There was a time when I was not open to the truth. Example: When someone told me something different than what I had learned, I would say: “That is not the way my pastor taught me”. Eventually, I became open to the truth because shortly after my relationship with Christ began, this is the scripture that captured my heart, and it was so meaningful to me that I still clung to it: Blessed are they who hunger and thirst after righteousness for they shall be filled (Matthew 5:6).


Even when I have gotten off track, and got caught up in some wild doctrine, the hunger and thirst was still there. That is the reason why I have such a passion for others to know the truth of God’s Word rightly divided. Why do I call it wild doctrine? Because it is extreme. It reminds me of a wild, untamed animal. You had better get out of his way, or you will either get hurt or killed.


How do I compare the wild animal with the extremists? They have not been properly trained, and because of it, many people are spiritually wounded.


Now that you know the truth, are you going to accept what the Word of God says, or will you continue to do what you have been doing and thinking it is okay? To him to know to do right and do wrong is sin. Anyone who does not accept the truth is prideful. God resists the proud and He gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). How do you think proper use of the anointing oil was effective? It could never meet the desired need without doing it God’s way.


I want to give you something to glean on. If you have been studying the Word of God diligently, when you hear someone preaching or teaching, ask yourself this: Does this sound right? Is it lining up with the Word of God? Also check the source, that is, who it came from.


Unshackled (set free) ~ Betty A Burnett

Testing Humbleness ~ (James, chapter 4) 2-27-2021

The message yesterday was about a test and we were being graded by God. Today, the challenge is to look at ourselves and see where we fit in this message. Everything in God’s Word is for a reason and He wants us to see where we really are in the faith.


It is amazing to see how the more I study, nothing has really changed in the church. What James was talking about was what Paul addressed to the church at Corinth. The people were cliquish and worldly (carnal). They were warring against each other; speaking evil of each other. There goes that tongue again!


They asked but it was out of the lust of their hearts, asking for the wrong things and for selfish reasons. Where did God fit in?


James went on to tell them to: Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Stop! Did you just read what James said? Some people leave half of that verse out. They say: Resist the devil and he will flee. The only way the devil will flee is to submit ourselves to God. That is why so many people do not walk in victory, and sadly they don’t even know it.


James told them to draw near to God…..to clean their hands, he even called them sinners and told them this: Purify your hearts you doubleminded (this word is a repeat from chapter one). Why did he call them sinners? Because they were acting like sinners.


James did not stop there. After correcting them, he told the people to humble themselves in the sight of the Lord and He would lift them up. They were warned before about speaking evil against one another. That tongue is a dangerous little part of the body that causes big problems.


They made plans as if they are going to live on and on, instead of praying if it was the Lord’s will. They were not looking at it properly; they were not thinking about the brevity of life and how the next moment was not promised.

They were also rejoicing in their boastings which was evil. Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is a sin. This tells us that they knew better.


Do any of these things sound like someone who was humble? Of course not!


Did today’s message speak to you? We all need to examine ourselves (2 Corinthians 13:5), because many times we are not as far along as we think we are (1 Corinthians 10:12). And that is pride. What does pride do? It causes us to have blinders on our spiritual eyes. Not being open to the truth also causes people to suffer loss, because they reject the truth (Hosea 4:6).


The next message will test how humble the children of God are. People are revealed for who they really are. Remember this, God knows everything; everything is naked and exposed before His eyes (Hebrews 4:13).


Tomorrow: Testing Humbleness ~ Being Open to the Truth


Unshackled (set free) ~ Betty A Burnett

The Test of “Godly Living” ~ the Book of James 2-26-2021

This is a test to challenge the readers to see where they are in their walk with Christ.


Our Omniscient all-knowing God is grading these tests.

The testing of faith is to develop our character, to make us mature people - One way to develop our character is to seek God for wisdom in handling our daily experiences. Seeking God keeps us steadfast; it increases our faith. Therefore, when the tests come, we will be able to endure the trials. Instability, wavering, and doublemindedness are all marks of immaturity.


How often do you fall into temptation?

Remember this, there will be temptations, but they will not come from God, but He will allow the temptation that He knows we can endure it (1 Corinthians 10:31). However, God does test His children. There is a difference between the two; tests come to mature us, whereas temptations come to draw us into sin.


Are you a doer of the Word of God and not a hearer only? If you say you have faith, where is your works? What about that person who is hungry and destitute? Will you tell him or her to depart in peace without helping that person? You say you have faith, then where is your works? You cannot have one without the other.


Are there certain (special) people that you show favoritism to? Is it because of their status? Do you look down on the poor? That is called a clique! 


Are you teaching others and you yourself need more training to teach effectively?


Is that dangerous, deadly poisonous, and unruly tongue spewing evil things out of your mouth?


I do a spell check on a regular basis to make sure all the words are spelled correctly. It is similar with the tongue; we need the Holy Spirit to correct us when the wrong words are coming out of our mouths. These words are damaging and cannot be taken back once they are spoken.


I do not know about you, but I am guilty. Thank God for conviction from the Holy Spirit; this leads me to repentance.


After answering all the questions honestly, what was your grade?


Unshackled (set free) ~ Betty A Burnett

God Corrects Those Who Belong to Him 2-25-2021

It was such a blessing to learn and understand more about the patriarchs in the Hebrews “Hall of Fame” and how those people were strengthened in their faith walk. Their testing made them stronger and through the help of the Lord they endured. They overcame fears and doubts that caused them to be victorious and the Lord was pleased.


You also read about the consequences of those who did not believe. The writer is encouraging us to run our race as the saints who have gone on before us. 


The chapter starts off with: 

Wherefore seeing that we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily besets us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. 


Even though we do not see or hear them, the saints are rooting for us to continue pressing forward because they too endured whatever they experienced in this life.


When the Word talks about laying aside every weight, it does not mean that the weight is a sin. Notice he uses both words. So, let’s talk about the weight first and what it is. A weight is anything that will hold you back.


Example: An athlete can eat whatever he or she chooses to, but is that helpful? Of course not! Eating unhealthy foods causes the body to slow down and eventually other health problems will develop from bad eating habits.


What about the sin? Whatever sin that we continue to fall into, will take our focus off Jesus, who is the Author and finisher of our faith. Sins will keep us from reaching the desired plan God has for us. We need to be careful with the company we keep; if someone is having a bad influence on us, we should not continue to be involved with them.


When the children of the Most-High God continue to fall into sin, we are chastised (disciplined) by our Father. Discipline is necessary in order to get back on track. It is like this, spare the rod and hate or spoil the child (Proverbs 13:24). 


A good earthly father would discipline his child. None of us like to be disciplined because it hurts, but it is good for us. We become better children and we learn from those experiences that caused major problems in our lives. If we were not disciplined, our lives would be a mess.


We should ever be praising our loving Father God for taking whatever disciplinary actions that are necessary to keep us on track. Amen, and to God be the glory for training us well.


Unshackled (set free) ~ Betty A. Burnett

The Consequences of Not Walking by Faith 2-24-2021

You have read how there were many people in the biblical times who overcame fears and were victorious because their faith was stronger than their fears. They understood that without faith it was impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6).


Why am I saying that? Jesus said to His disciples: “O you of little faith,” which displeased Him. They had been told their faith could move whatever mountain they faced, yet because of fear and sometimes doubt they lost their focus.


I want to take you back to some situations in the Old Testament where the Israelites, who were God’s people allowed doubts and fear to stop them from entering into the promise land.


They experienced God’s miraculous power and provisions:

God delivered them from being in bondage in Egypt for four-hundred and thirty years (Exodus 12:37-40). God divided the Red Sea for them to cross (Exodus 14:21-22); then the Lord told Moses to stretch out His hand over the sea so that the waters would come upon the Egyptians who were pursuing them.


Pharaoh and his army drowned as they crossed the sea (Exodus 14:23-28); God rained manna from heaven, and in the midst of their murmuring and complaining, He also sent quail (Exodus 16:1-13); He was a pillar of cloud by day, and a pillar of fire by night (Exodus 13:21-22); God provided water from a rock when they were thirsty (Exodus 17:1-7).


They could have made it to the promise land (Kadesh-barnea) in eleven days (Deuteronomy 1:2), but their continual complaints and lack of faith caused them to travel through the wilderness for forty years (Joshua 5:6). In spite of the way they treated God, He kept their shoes and clothes from wearing out for forty-years (Deuteronomy 29:5)). God’s provision was there in spite of them being stiff-necked (Exodus 32:9).


When the spies were sent to check out the promise land, only two out of the twelve came back with a good report. But Israel believed the negative report from the ten spies, and it kept them from entering into the promise land. From that time, anyone from twenty years and up died (Numbers 13:26- Numbers 14:1-35). God had already told them He was giving them the promise land flowing with milk and honey (Exodus 3:17), but they would not believe.


When the scripture talks about them dying off in the wilderness from the age of twenty years and up, that is what Moses wrote about in Psalm ninety: the days of our years are three score and ten (70), if by reason of strength fourscore (80). Their life span was shortened because of their unbelief. God said that the lifespan of humans would be one hundred and twenty years (Genesis 6:3).


This is the lesson to be learned from the consequences of the Israelites not walking by faith:

Do not let a negative person or evil report influence you and get you side-tracked to cause you to miss all the wonderful blessings God has stored up for you.


I want to bring to your attention how Abraham did not fully trust God, yet he got back on track. Abraham went to Egypt because he allowed a severe famine to sidetrack him (Genesis 12:10). You would have thought that Abraham learned from the first bad choice (not a mistake), but years later, he did a repeat (Genesis, chapter 20). Maybe that is why some people say God is a God of a second chance.


If that were true, what about the many other times we make wrong choices? You may have missed God but be encouraged. Ask Him to forgive you and get back on track so when you come to the end of your earthly journey, you can say like Paul the Apostle. The time of my departure is at hand, I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith… (2 Timothy 4:6-8).


The entire message is really about God calling people to fulfill their assignment on this side, which will have eternal benefits. Just as the Israelites promise land was on this earth, our promise land is to fulfill God’s will on this earth. We cannot fulfill our destiny if we are not doing what God has called us to do.


Next: God Corrects Those He Loves


Unshackled (set free) ~ Betty A Burnett


What is Mustard Seed Faith? (Matthew 17:14-21) 2-23-2021

You have read about the “Hall of Fame” Patriarchs in Hebrews, chapter eleven, and how their faith moved mountains. I am not talking about a literal mountain. The mountains could be anything that prevent something awesome from being accomplished.


Although there were situations with the saints in the Bible that could have caused fear to hinder whatever needed to be accomplished, their faith was bigger than their fears. These people knew that they had to trust God who would give them the ability to overcome any obstacle and rise up mightily through the power of God’s Spirit.


I am sure the former saints did not have instantaneous faith, as with everything else it is a process. The Word of God and experiences are what develop our faith.


Let’s see what Mustard Seed faith is. It is an exceedingly small seed that grows into the largest tree. And when they came to the multitude, there was a man kneeling down to Him and saying, Lord have mercy on my son, for he is a lunatic and sore vexed for he falls into the fire often, and into the water. And I brought him to Your disciples, and they could not cure him.


Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him here to Me. And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him and the child was cured from that very hour.


The disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?” And Jesus said to them “Because of your unbelief [lack of faith], for assuredly I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, “Move from here to there, and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you. However, this kind does not come out except by prayer and fasting (Matthew 17:14-21).


Jesus taught the disciples principles to build their faith. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God (Romans 10:17). Jesus Christ was the Word!


After Jesus and the disciples left the multitude, they went on a boat. A great storm rose, and the waves beat the boat; so that it was filling with water. Jesus was in the stern on a pillar sleeping and they woke Him saying “Teacher do You not care that we are perishing”? He rose and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “peace be still”. And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. But He said to them “why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” (Mark 4:35-41)


The disciples were focusing on the natural situation rather than the spiritual. Remember, Jesus had said let us go to the other side. They should have trusted Jesus, regardless of what came up. Faith does not allow a natural situation to keep you from fulfilling what you were told to do. Jesus had told them previously that they could say to the mountain to be removed and nothing would be impossible for them. At that point, the mountain was the wind and the waves.


When a mustard seed is planted in the ground, it grows and grows. It is the same with our faith, it has to be activated for it to grow.


Some think that if you just have the faith the size [grain] of a mustard seed, you can move mountains. That is the starting point, a mustard seed does not remain a little seed in the ground. It is the smallest of all seeds, but it grows to be the largest tree.


When Jesus spoke the parable about the mustard seed, even though He was speaking of the kingdom of heaven and it being enlarged - when the mustard seed is grown, it is greatest among herbs and becomes a tree… (Matthew 13:31-32). But there is a principle about growing faith.


 Just as the mustard seed grows, our faith should be increasing (growing). So, the mustard seed faith should be an ever increasing faith. God does not want His children to remain babies. Our faith level is equal to our level of maturity.


Consequences of Not Walking by Faith


Unshackled (set free) ~ Betty A Burnett

How BIG is Your Faith? Hebrews, Chapter Eleven (Part 2) 2-22-2021

In continuing with the “Faith Hall of Fame” Patriarchs, let’s talk about Moses. His parents put him in the Nile river by faith [they had to believe God was going to take care of him]. 


By faith when Moses became of age, he refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin …esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt, for he looked for the reward.


This is amazing! How much are we willing to suffer with someone else who is going through afflictions?

By faith Moses forsook Egypt not fearing the wrath of the king. By faith he kept the Passover…By faith they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land, whereas the Egyptians attempting to do so, were drowned (Exodus Hebrews 11:24-29).


Are you willing to go against all odds? Or are you willing to compromise your spiritual values? I look at Moses doing as Charles Stanley says: “Obey God and leave the consequences to Him”.


Wait! What about Moses’ weakness? He killed an Egyptian who had beaten a Hebrew and he buried him in the sand and Moses fled Egypt (Exodus 2:11-15). In a couple of paragraphs above, you read that Moses did not fear the wrath of the king.


But when God sent him to back to Egypt to tell the king to let His people go, Moses used an excuse. Why? It is possible he felt inadequate because of fear. How would you feel if you went before someone that you knew would probably kill you? Even when Moses used an excuse not to go to Pharaoh (now the man Moses was the humblest (meekest) above all the men who are on the face of the earth - Numbers 12:3).


Now, in the natural, we might say that was far-fetched, especially when Moses had an anger problem. He was so angry with the children of Israel, when God told him to speak to the rock, he struck it! (Numbers 20:8-12). The first time God told Him to strike the rock, he obeyed (Exodus 17:1-7).


What about Gideon? The Angel of the Lord called this scared man a mighty man of valor (Judges 6:12), meaning he was courageous and had strength to fight the enemies. In the natural, Gideon was a weak man, and he was fearful. God uses people who are weak and fearful, so they will depend on Him. Again, God called those things that were not as if they were (Romans 4:17). Although it was a process, God saw it already done.


Paul was example of being fearful: Trouble came against Paul and others when they were in Asia. Paul said: that we are burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life. Yes we had the sentence of death that we should no trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead…….(2 Corinthians 1:8-9).


Have you ever felt inadequate or fearful when the Spirit prompted you to do something? It could have been a lack of faith; not trusting God. Faith over fear does not mean that you do not feel afraid, it means you will not let fear consume you or your actions. Faith over fear means you will be able to accomplish whatever you set out to do with the power of the Holy Spirit.


Why do you think God told Joshua not to fear or be dismayed (Joshua 1:9)? Joshua was going to experience some things that only the Lord could deliver him from.


Some more patriarchs are listed in the “Faith Hall of Fame” (Hebrews, chapter 11) who through faith subdued kingdoms. It was through faith that they overcame. And all these having obtained a good testimony did not receive the promise.


As Abraham looked for that city (the New Jerusalem) through the eyes of faith, we need to have faith to believe that every Word of God is true. Thank God that every promise of His is yes and amen to the glory and honor of Him by us (2 Corinthians 1:20).


What is so amazing is they were looking for the same city we are waiting to live in one day soon, the New Jerusalem.


Unshackled (set free) ~ Betty A Burnett

How Big Is Your Faith? Hebrews, Chapter Eleven (Part 1) 2-21-2021

Up until this point several topics from different chapters have been written from the book of Hebrews. Now we are going to the faith chapter, called the “The Faith Hall of Fame” Patriarchs.


A previous message about “Tithing to Jesus Christ Our King”, had to take a whole lot of faith for many of us to trust God and be obedient to honoring and worshipping Jesus with our tithes.


If you do not understand the entire concept of tithing, it does not matter as long as you trust God. None of us are going to understand everything about God or anything else. That is why we walk by faith and not by sight - faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1).


What is substance? It is the guarantee of fulfillment for that we desire according to Gods’ will. Faith has to be activated - faith is not only belief, but also action. Since it is God who gives us everything we need, He is displeased when we do not activate our faith (Hebrews 11:6).


Now to the “Faith Hall of Famers”

By faith, Abel offered a more excellent sacrifice than Cain [his brother] – (Genesis 4:4-5, Hebrews 11:4). By faith Enoch was taken away, he did not see death and was not found because God had taken him. For before he was taken, he had this testimony that he pleased God. 


But without faith it is impossible to please God, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Genesis 5:22-24, Hebrews 11:5-6).


By faith Noah being divinely warned of things not seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the safety of his household, by which he condemned the world and became the heir of righteousness which is according to faith (Genesis, chapters 6-7, Hebrews 11:7).


Did you get that? Noah could not and nobody else can become righteous without faith. They all died in faith, not having received the promises, but seeing them afar off they were assured of them, embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth (Hebrews 11:13).


They desired a better, that is, a heavenly country [the New Jerusalem]. Therefore, God was not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them [and us]- (John 14:1-3, Hebrews 11:16).


By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go… he went not knowing …. By faith he dwelt in tents, Isaac, and Jacob the heirs with him of the same promise, for he waited for the city which foundations, whose builder and maker are God (Hebrews 11:8-10).


By faith Abraham was tested to offer his only son Isaac, concluding that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead (Hebrews 11:17-19). After all, nothing is impossible with God and it is impossible for Him to lie (Numbers 23:19).


By faith Sarah also received strength to conceive seed and she bore a child when she was half the age because she judged Him [God] faithful who had promised (Hebrews 11:11).


None of these people were perfect, they had problems just as we have. Each of them wavered at some point, but God saw them, and He sees us as the finished product. Example: God told Abram to go to a land that He would show him. 


A famine came and Abram got sidetracked and went into Egypt, which caused a major problem. Sarah was an absolutely beautiful woman, even in her older age. Out of fear, Abram told Sarah to tell the King she was his sister. Actually, Sarah was Abram’s half-sister (Genesis 20:12).


This was a repeat of a similar situation. When the lie was told, the king was going to take Sarah to be his, but the Lord plagued Pharaoh’s house. This put fear in the king; he released Abram and his family (Genesis, chapter 12, paraphrased).


I said that to say this, regardless of what Abram did, the Word of God says: Abraham believed God and it was accounted to him for righteousness. And he was called the friend of God (James 2:23).


Next: How Big Is Your Faith? Hebrews, Chapter Eleven (Part 2)


Unshackled (set free) ~ Betty A Burnett

“Now and Later” ~ Comparing the Here and Now to the Eternal Realm in the New Jerusalem 2-20-2921

Do not fret because you do not have what seems like the best things in life on this side of eternity; we will have the greatest of all when we reach our eternal destination.


Sickness was in your body because of Adam’s sin. There will be no sickness and pain in the eternal realm (Revelation 21:4).


We will need a glorified bodies to exist in the eternal realm, because the glory is so magnificent, we could not live. Remember how God only allowed Moses to look at His backside because Moses could not look at God's face and live (Exodus 33:18-23).


No upscale neighborhood or lavish mansions on this earth can compare to the mansions Jesus prepared for us (John 14:1-3); not even the Taj-Mahal.


Some of those who are rich in this world cannot compare to the riches in we will have throughout eternity. Plus, their riches are limited, whereas we will be rich forever.


Some of us may not be attractive or beautiful to others, we may have body defects, some fat, some short, but we will be so beautiful and young throughout eternity.


We do not have to worry if we are not as smart (bright) as others and did not get a great education; in the eternal realm we will have amazing knowledge and abilities.


We are looking up at people now, but all people will be looking up to us in the eternal realm. Why? Because we are going to be rulers in the eternal realm.


We will not need vehicles, all we have to do is just think of a place we want to be and in a snap, we will be there.

To go through all these temporary circumstances, will be worth it compared to what we will experience throughout eternity.


 Remember these encouraging words:

Yes, and all those that live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution (2 Timothy 3:12), and if we suffer we shall also reign with Him (2 Timothy 2:12).


Wherefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to the faithful Creator while doing good (1 Peter 4:19).


Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when men shall revile you and say all manner of evil against you falsely for My sake, rejoice and be exceeding glad, for great is your reward in heaven. For so they persecuted the prophets which were before you (Matthew 5:10-12).


I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us….. Because the creation itself shall also be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God….. they are groaning and travailing in pain together until now.


Not only they, but we ourselves who have the first fruits of the Spirit., even we ourselves groan within ourselves waiting for the adoption, the redemption (deliverance) of our bodies (Romans 8:18-23). The reason the creation and the children of God groan is because this chaos was never meant to happen. It was what Adam did.


God is so good; He had a plan for us despite what Adam did. And God is not going to let us remain in this chaos, that is why we are to keep looking up because our redemption (deliverance) draws nigh (near) - (Luke 21:28).

When we understand that whatever we go through here, will not compare to the incredible benefits throughout eternity, we should be thankful and content.


Finally, if anybody says your best life is now, that is not true! According to the scriptures you just read, our best life is the New Jerusalem. We can live a blessed and fruitful life now, but it can never be compared to the eternal realm.


Now that you know the truth, you can experience joy!


Unshackled (set free) ~ Betty A Burnett

Ruling and Reigning with Christ on the New Earth  2-19-2021​ 

I am so excited about the glorious blessings God has in store for us. John said he saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away.


There are three heavens: the third heaven is where God resides (2 Corinthians 12:2). The second heaven is the universe (solar system-sun, moon, stars), the first heaven is our atmosphere (the earth).


According to astronomers, our universe is expanding at an ever increasing rate until it rips apart at the atomic level and life will be destroyed. So, the old earth has to be made new because the first earth became cursed when Adam ate the forbidden fruit (Genesis 2:16-17). After Adam sinned, everything went spiraling out of control.


Who will live on the new earth? The Jews, and those who helped the Jews during the tribulation period; they were called the sheep nation (Matthew 25:31-46). The King [Jesus] shall answer and say to them, in as much as you have this to the least of My brothers [the Jews], you have done it to Me (Matthew 25:40).


Although we, the church will have our mansions in the New Jerusalem, we will rule and reign on earth with Jesus Christ our King (Revelation 20:4-6). People will continue to be born, and they will be capable of breaking the laws and we will make sure those laws are enforced. We will be the governmental officials keeping things in order.


You may not understand this, but if Adam had never sinned, the multiplication of life would have continued without ending (Genesis 1:28). Adam had rulership over everything. Jesus Christ the last Adam will be King of the new earth, He will reign on the throne of His father David and His kingdom will have no end (Luke 1:26-33).


What does this mean? Jesus was one hundred percent God, and He was one hundred percent human. In His humanness Jesus came from the ancestry line of David (Matthew 1:6).


The divine order that was planned from the beginning of time did not change, it was interrupted by Satan, but he could not stop God’s plan. This is God’s divine order: 1) God, the Father, Son and God the Spirit 2) the church (God’s children) 3) the angels 4) natural man 5) animals 6) plant life.


We will judge angels - in the present time we are a little lower than angels (Psalm 8:5); God has given them charge over us (Psalm 91:11), but in the eternal realm, we will judge the angels (1 Corinthians 6:3). Not that the angels will be doing something wrong; that is part of God’s divine plan.


We will be glorified above the angels. When Jesus resurrected from the dead, He rose with all power in heaven and in earth (Matthew 28:18), and in our glorified bodies we will not be the same as Jesus, but we will be like Jesus (1 John 3:2-3).


Some of us will rule over cities (Luke 19:17), and so on. How much rulership one will have, depends on how faithful they are.


Next: “Now And Later” ~ Comparing the Here and Now to the Eternal Realm


Unshackled (set free) ~ Betty A Burnett

The Dazzling New Jerusalem and the New Earth (The Grand Finale) 2-18-2021

The message today is a description of the New Jerusalem. This is the awesome satellite city that Jesus Christ went away and prepared for us (John 14:1-3). Why is it called a satellite city? New Jerusalem will be hovering over the earth like satellites do.


And I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away and there was no more sea. And I, John saw the holy city, New Jerusalem coming down from God out of heaven prepared as a bride adorned for her husband…..


Who is the bride adorned for her husband? The bride is the church (the children of God). Who is her husband? Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God.


And there came to me one of the seven angels… and talked to me saying, come here, I will show you the bride and the Lamb’s wife. And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God.


Having the glory of God, her light was like a most precious stone, like a jasper stone clear as crystal. She had a great and high wall with twelve gates, and twelve angels at the gate and names were written on them, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: three gates on the east, three gates on the north, three gates on the south and three gates on the west.


Now the wall of the city had twelve foundations and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb (Revelation, chapter 21).


This is the description of this most incredibly dazzling city that Jesus went away and prepared for us:

There is no longer a sea (21:17); [there will be a river of water - Revelation 22:1]. All things have been made new (21:1); God the Father will dwell among His people (21:3); No longer any death, crying or pain (21:4); All believers will inherit the blessings of the New Jerusalem (21:7).


The New Jerusalem will have a brilliance like a very costly stone as clear as jasper (21:11); The city has a great and high wall with twelve gates guarded by an angel at each one (21:12); The names of the twelve tribes of Israel will appear on the gates (21:12); There are three gates on each of the sides of the city (21:13); The wall of the city has twelve foundation stones, and on them are the names of the 12 apostles of the Lamb (21:14).


The city is a cube measuring 1,500 miles wide and 1,500 miles high (21:15-17). Can you imagine a city about half the size of the entire United States? The wall is made out of jasper (21:18); The foundation stones of the city wall are made from the precious stones…. (21:19-20).


The 12 gates are 12 pearls, each one of the gates is a single pearl (21:21); The is no Temple in the city, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its Temple (21:22). The gates shall not be shut at all by day for there shall be no night there. And they shall bring the glory and honor of the nations into it – this is also in Isaiah 66:22-23.


What is so amazing, we will see His face and His name will be on our foreheads (Revelation 22:4).


There is so much to this city called the New Jerusalem, that it is a must for the readers to read Revelation, chapters 21-22. It would be helpful to be taught by someone who understands the book of Revelation.


God wants you to be encouraged and excited about our new home He has prepared for us. Therefore, let not your heart be troubled, and do not go around with your heads hung down, but be rejoicing as you look forward to living in the New Jerusalem.


The New Jerusalem is different from the city of Jerusalem where Jesus will reign on His throne in the new earth.


Next: Ruling and Reigning with Christ on the New Earth


Unshackled (set free) ~ Betty A Burnett

I am on My Way to New Jerusalem 2-17-2021

When I first started writing about the New Jerusalem a couple of weeks ago, the song: “I am on my way to New Jerusalem” came up. I loved what the artist wrote: “I am on my way to New Jerusalem, where the sun never go down; every day I’m making preparations, gettin’ ready to go, gettin’ ready to go; I’m packing up, gettin’ ready to go. - Dorothy Norwood


Saints of the Most-High God, we should be packing up getting ready to go every day of our lives, because we must stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ before we get to New Jerusalem.


Until then, we are on a journey and our suitcases should be fully packed with our good deeds when we reach heaven where we will be judged for our stewardship (if we fulfilled our call, if we were faithful). The more of the Word that is packed into our spirit, and the more obedient and faithful we are, the greater our rule and reign will be with Jesus Christ on the New Earth.


I have traveled many years to different places, either on vacations or on missions. I knew exactly what was needed for each trip, therefore, I packed accordingly.


Examples:

When we went to Europe in the middle of the winter, heavier clothes were more for suitable for the climate. When one dresses properly, regardless of the type of weather, they adapt to the climate. In our preparations on this journey, we should have the Word of God packed properly and rightly divided (2 Timothy 2:15).


When we traveled to the islands, no matter what time of the year it was, we wore much lighter weight clothes because they were necessary for the warmer climate. Make sure to have the proper Word that is suitable for the situation. Always be ready to give an answer to every man who asks you for the reason of hope that is in you, with gentleness.. (1 Peter 3:15).


On the other hand, traveling to Southern California in the winter months, two sets of clothing were needed, lighter weight clothing during the day and a little heavier clothes at night. In other words, wherever one is traveling, they are packing clothes that are conducive for the trip. Be ready (prepared) regardless of the season - Be instant in season and out of season (2 Timothy 4:2).


When I think about packing up for the trip that will eventually take me to New Jerusalem, there will not be a physical suitcase. I am going to use this analysis. My suitcase (spiritual) is filled with the deeds I have done ever since Jesus Christ became my Savior and Lord. And, until my journey is over I am still “packing up gettin’ ready to go.”


How is that so? The more I learn the Word of God, more and more is being packed into my spiritual suitcase. And the more I understand why and what is being packed in my suitcase, the more excited I get, while waiting to reach my destination.


My brothers and my sisters, I just want to encourage you to do as the artist Dorothy Norwood wrote: “I am on my way to New Jerusalem where the sun never go down. Every day I every day I’m making preparations, gettin’ ready to go, gettin’ ready to go; I’m packing up, gettin’ ready to go.”


The truth is, we will not need the sun because the Lord God will give them (us) light (Revelation 22:5). However, I understood what Dorothy Norwood meant. I just wish we could go back to some of those meaningful songs of yesteryear.


This is the process on life’s journey: Salvation, then our service (works or deeds done) - Judgment seat of Christ (lose or receive rewards) – New Jerusalem (our new home) – Rule and reign with Jesus Christ on the New Earth.


In a previous message, it was written that once one accepts Christ as Savior, eternal life is guaranteed. However, we must fulfill whatever Christ called us to do. How faithful we are will determines the level of our rulership on the New Earth. Some will have a greater ruler-ship, and some will have a lesser rulership (Matthew 25:14-30).


Next: The Dazzling New Jerusalem and the New Earth (The Grand Finale)


Unshackled (set free) ~ Betty A Burnett

The Great White Throne Judgment 2-16-2021

We are getting close to the end of things that will take place on this existing earth, and time is getting near for the final judgment. John wrote: And I saw a great white throne, and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heavens fled away. And no place was found for them.


And I saw the dead, small, and great standing before God and books were opened. And another book was opened which was the book of life and the dead were judged according to their works by the things which were written in the books. The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and death and hades delivered up the dead who were in them.


And they were judged each one according to his works. Then death and hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death (resurrection). And anyone not found in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:11-15). Now that you read about the second death or resurrection, let’s talk about the first resurrection.


There are two parts to the first death or resurrection:

1) The dead will precede or go before all those who are still living when the Rapture takes place (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).


2) Those who were beheaded during the tribulation period will resurrect at the end of the tribulation period - they did not worship the beast, neither the image and they did not receive the mark on their fore-heads, or their hands and they ruled and reigned with Christ a thousand years. (Revelation 20:4).


I am going to explain some of the verses:

What do small and great mean? It does not matter how much one achieved in this life or how little was achieved in this life; all who did not receive Christ as Lord and Savior will be tormented forever. In other words, eternal torment is for all unbelievers.


They will be judged by what was written in the books; everything done in this life is recorded, and they will be judged according to their deeds. The more of a wicked life people live on the earth will cause their suffering to be more extreme. Example: If someone lusted for sex in in this life, their lust will be maximized in the lake of fire; this is what it means to be tormented.


Someone who had a drug habit will crave for that dope and will not be able to get it, they will be tormented. Can you imagine someone jonesing (having a strong desire for) for drugs and they cannot get it? I have seen it happen to people who were jonesing and they get irritable because they cannot get a fix. Some even commit crimes to fulfill their crave. Well, it is going to be the worst kind of craving in the lake of fire.


The sea gave up the dead, death and hades gave up the dead - whoever died, and their bodies or ashes were in the water will become alive again, and they will be judged. I want to say that some people believe in annihilation, meaning that life ceases to exist after one dies. The Word of God is proof that people will be raised, and they will be judged.


Also, there is no all-inclusive doctrine meaning that everyone will be saved. The devil is a liar! And he is the father of lies; he was a liar from the beginning (John 8:44). Didn’t he deceive Eve (Genesis 3:1-4)?


Christian family, I pray that you will be able to witness more effectively about hell and how real it is, as you share the gospel of Jesus Christ to a lost and dying world. And that you will share how wonderful life is being a child of God, despite the struggles and challenges. I pray that you will share with others that regardless of the obstacles that life brings, nothing can compare to what God has in store for His children.


Next: The New Jerusalem


Unshackled (set free) ~ Betty A Burnett

What is the Seven Year Tribulation? 2-15-2021

The tribulation is the seven-year time period that will precede Jesus’ return. There are some people who not believe there will not be a seven-year tribulation, but what does the Word of God say? 


The tribulation is going to be the time when the anti-Christ will be revealed, and God will pour out His judgment upon the earth. Jesus said: For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be (Matthew 24:21).


The Great Tribulation

Jesus said: When you see the abomination of desolation spoken by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place (whoever reads, let him understand), then let them who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Do not let him that is on the housetop come down to take anything out of his house.


Neither let him that is in the field return back to take his clothes. But woe to those who are pregnant and nursing babies in those days. And pray that your flight might not be in the winter or on the Sabbath (Matthew 24:15-20). People, those are going to be some terrible times.


Daniel said: He will confirm a covenant with many for one week [meaning seven years]. In the middle of the week, he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on a wing [of the temple] he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out upon the desolate (Daniel 9:27).


Excerpt from Knowing Jesus: This counterfeit Christ will claim that He is God and will desecrate [violate, disrespect] God’s holy temple with what Jesus calls the abomination [disgusting] that causes desolation [destruction, ruin, waste].


This is a reminder from the previous message pertaining to the “Rapture” (2 Thessalonians 2:2-3). The anti-Christ will not be revealed until after these two things happen - the falling away and the rapture.


The antichrist who will be the one world leader will come into power and people will see him as a great leader. He will sit in the holy of holies in the temple and he will make a peace treaty with Israel for seven years. In the middle of the seven years, he will demand to be worshipped as God. The Jews will reject him, and the anti-Christ will seek to destroy them.


God will protect the Jews and give them a place to flee. At the end of the tribulation, Jesus returns, and he will destroy all of the anti-Christ’s army. This is called the war of Armageddon (Revelation 16:13-16; 19:11-21).


After the war of Armageddon, when the Jews see Jesus Christ: And one will say to Him, what are these wounds in Your hands? Then He will answer, those with which I was wounded in the house of My friends (Zechariah 13:6). That is when the nation of Israel (the Jews) will recognize that Jesus Christ is the Messiah.


My brothers and sisters, I am truly joyous to be born-again, and to know that God our Father will not allow His children to go through the most terrible time in the history of mankind.


Next: The Great White Throne Judgment


Unshackled (set free) ~ Betty A Burnett

“Men of God” and Full-Proof of Their Call (Part 2) 2-14-2021

Our God is amazing; He’s awesome and He is incredible! The Spirit of God prompted me to start writing about the falling away or how the church is moving further away from the Word of God (from doctrinal truths). A friend who had not read my messages, sent a link while I was on the prayer line around 5:30AM on February 10, 2021.


It was link to David Wilkerson’s sermon “The Gospel According to Satan” (sermon jam) on YouTube. This was in line with what I had been writing about. So, from that, I started searching the internet for more information pertaining to David Wilkerson and I came up with the prophecy about a Plague (Pandemic) that the prophet prophesied in 1986. As a reminder, David Wilkerson passed in 2011.


Several men have been very influential in my life including my personal trainer, but these two men, Fred Price and David Wilkerson have been more like my spiritual mentors. The reason I am using both of these men today, instead of Fred Price only, is to show a comparison between the two of them. With the comparison, you will see that both were totally different, but both of their ministries were significant for my spiritual welfare.


I want to back up to how awesome and amazingly incredible God is. I had no clue when the Spirit prompted me to write about David Wilkerson that Fred Price was going to be included in the message. And, I had no knowledge that Fred Price had contracted the deadly Covid-19 virus until it was broadcast on the CBS evening news on February 11, 2021.


While I was writing, it was posted on Facebook that Apostle Price had passed (untrue), so I started changing my message because the message was being written as if Fred Price was still alive. As I was posting the message on my ministry blog yesterday, a text came through that indeed Apostle Price has passed, it was confirmed.


Now to the comparison of these two great men of God (both deceased). It is amazing how God made these two men so different, yet both were necessary for me to be encouraged and it motivated me to do the work of the ministry when my season came.


I started listening to these men in the early nineteen nineties. I did not have a problem with David Wilkerson; I took an interest to his ministry right away. Maybe it had to do with his call, since I too operate in the prophetic. David Wilkerson was mild-mannered and soft spoken, but his messages were strong and convicting, he was not a screaming preacher. Whereas Fred Price was completely different.


The very first time I heard Fred Price (around 1985) was when we took some youth from the church on a trip to Washington, DC. As our group was preparing to leave and head back home, someone turned on the TV and there was this man different from what we had been used to hearing, but he was interesting.


It was approximately ten years later as I was watching Fred Price, he seemed to be so arrogant to me that I did not want to hear anything he was saying. But! The Spirit said: “Listen to the whole message”. It was revealed to me that this man was not arrogant; but that was the way God had made him. If we all were the same, how much help could we be to each other? 


I was obedient to what the Spirit said and from that time on, he became one of my favorite ministers. In a sense Fred Price was like a mentor to me. Just as I needed the appointed man in my life in the prophetic, it was also necessary for my faith walk, of which Apostle Price was blessed to teach so eloquently. And his teaching was balanced. Was he a perfect man? No! When he made mistakes, he publicly admitted it. Now, that is humility!


That EVER INCREASING FAITH that Fred Price taught, was digested. God knows who and what to place in His children’s lives that will benefit them and motivate/encourage them to continue being built up in the Faith. I learned that it is absolutely necessary to walk by faith and not by sight.


If I had walked by sight, I would have sunk many years ago. I thank God for all the wonderful people He placed in my life then and now.


A Salute to David Wilkerson and Fred Price who fought the good fight of faith (2 Timothy 4:6-8); they are resting from their labors and their rewards certainly followed them (Revelation 14:13).


What kind of legacy will you leave? Every child of God should make a difference in someone's life.


Unshackled (set free) Betty A Burnett

“Men of God” and Full-Proof of Their Call (Part 1) 2-13-2021

After seeing so much going on in the body of Christ and how there is a falling away from the true doctrine, I am writing about men who were truly called by God. 


There are several whom I agree with when it comes to their doctrinal beliefs. Although none of us are perfect, they are rated high as men of caliber and when it comes to being closer to the truth.


These ministers are men that I have admired, and it is almost as if I know them personally. They have been criticized for some of their beliefs, but I certainly agree with most of what they say. As with anyone, the more we grow, the more mature we become in the Word of God.


I am providing a short history of what I have experienced and read about David Wilkerson and Fred Price. I never met these men personally, but I attended Fred Price’s Crenshaw Christian Center in NYC, and I was at Teen Challenge in Rehrersburg, PA. where David was key speaker at one of their annual “Celebrations”; David Wilkerson founded Teen Challenge. 


A couple of times I visited Times Square Church in New York where David Wilkerson was pastor. David Wilkerson’s ministry sent out newsletters and I was on their mailing list and read the newsletters regularly for years.


There have been some negative things about David Wilkerson circulating by way of the internet (social media), saying he was a false prophet and a heretic. I want to say when people are doing the will of God, the enemy will come against them/us every which way (1 Corinthians 16:9). 


David Wilkerson’s persona was that of a gentle and caring person. Yet he preached truths that some did not want to hear. A few days ago, a friend sent me a link pertaining to a sermon by David Wilkerson. Although he died in an automobile accident in 2011, David Wilkerson’s work is still being broadcasted.


The sermon was titled“The Gospel According to Satan” (sermon jam) on YouTube.This video is about the contemporary churches today and it connects with the falling away. As I did further research about David Wilkerson’s ministry, this is what I came across.


It was a prophetic word spoken by David Wilkerson on video in 1986: “I see a plague coming on the world and the bars and church and government will shut down. The plague will hit New York City and shake it like it has never been shaken. The plague is going to force prayerless believers into radical prayer and into their Bibles and repentance will be the cry from the man of God in the pulpit. And out of it will come a third great awakening that will sweep America and the world. I believe the third awakening (eye-opener) is in reference to racism being exposed like never before.


A prophecy attributed to the late Rev. David Wilkerson regarding a plague in New York City has gone viral on social media and on Christian websites – but a Wilkerson family member is warning believers to check their sources.


It would be difficult to not believe this if you knew the kind of man David Wilkerson was. David Wilkerson was a pastor and a prophet. His gift was full proof. The Link to David Wilkerson’s prophecy on theGlobal Pandemic 2020, on YouTube-


There is also full proof that Fred Price was called by God. As I was posting this message on my blog page, a text message came through that Fred Price had passed and it was verified. I started writing the message February 11, 2021.


Tomorrow: a continuation of “Men of God” and Full-Proof of Their Call (Part 2)


Unshackled (set free) Betty A Burnett

Only What You do for Christ will Last. Really? Christ Determines What You do!

(1 Corinthians 3:1-15) 2-12-2021

Paul starts off telling the church at Corinth about their baby state and he listed the things to prove they were immature. They were carnal (acting out of the flesh like unsaved people) because there was envying (being jealous of someone else’s gifts), strife (arguing among each other over petty things) and division (one group may have thought they were better than the other (cliques) among them. They were taught better, but they refused to change (grow into maturity).


He goes on to tell them that he nor Apollos should be their focus, but God is the One who could bring increase that was greater than Paul or Apollos were capable of doing. Paul and Apollos were equally ministering the Word, one was not better than the other.


Now we are where Paul is telling these carnal (baby) Christians about building on the right foundation and the only foundation to be built is on Christ. Because these people in the church of Corinth were gifted, they were focusing on what they could do to be seen; it was all about bringing attention to themselves.


You must understand that salvation was a present possession, and the rewards are a future attainment for being faithful for your service [good works]. Scofield footnotes


What happens to those who are doing what they want to rather than doing what they have been called to do? Paul is describing a building and how the foundation was to be laid. We know that Christ is the foundation, and we are to build on the foundation that has been laid by Him. We are to build on the foundation with gold, silver and precious stones that are quality materials, compared to wood, hay and straw (cheap materials).


Example: A house built with quality materials certainly will last longer than a house built with cheap materials. Actually, it is like cutting corners, but in the end the house will reveal the true materials. For instance, things will start falling apart. God wants our best and He will accept no less.


I was in a huge house and it looked absolutely beautiful on the outside. Once I was inside and started looking around, it was half put together. Some people can look like they are prospering in ministry, but because they were not called, eventually it will reveal itself.


Also, there is a saying “Only what you do for Christ will last”. That is not a true statement. “Only what Christ tells you to do will last” which means gold, silver and precious stones are what we are building on the foundation. And there are great rewards for doing whatever Christ tells us to do.


Now, you can do like the church of Corinth and build wood stubble and hay, but all that will be burned. Yes, you have already received eternal life, but you will not receive rewards because you did what you wanted to do.


Little do people know that we will be judged for everything we have done in our bodies, whether good or bad (2 Corinthians 5:10). This is not talking about sins, since Jesus’ blood took care of our past, present, and future sins, although we still must confess our sins that we fall into in order to remain in fellowship with God (1 John 1:5-10).


 The Word is talking about the service we have been called to, by ministering to others.


Coming this week-end “Men of God” and Full-Proof of Their Call


Unshackled (set free) Betty A Burnett

Judgement Seat of Christ  (Part 2) ~ Fulfilling Your Call   2-11-2021

I will continue with the Judgement Seat of Christ and how the children of God should know how needful it is to be trained and conditioned for service because rewards follow our service (Revelation 14:13).


When athletes are finished with a marathon race the judges determine if they stayed in their lane; if they did not take steroids to enhance their performance, or cheat in any other way.


To make sure we stay in our lanes, we need to find out what we are called to do and to walk in our own calling, and not just trying to do what we want to do. The Holy Spirit gives each of God’s children what He knows they can handle (1 Corinthians 12:11), and the gifts need to be handled with care because they are precious and fragile (easily damaged) if they are mishandled (misused).


It has already been stated that people should not jump into ministry right after they are called; that is dangerous. If one is not equipped, they could do more harm than good to themselves and to others.


That is why people who believe they have the call of a preacher or a teacher is not only responsible for themselves, but they are responsible for those they teach the Word of God to. There is a greater condemnation (James 3:1). Be careful what you are teaching and make sure it lines up with the Word of God.


Conditioned for ministry: Do’s and Don’ts

Do remember to stay in your lane to keep from doing things that will disqualify you.

Do continue in the Word of God daily, Do pray regularly, Do fast often as you can. Do remain in fellowship with people who are going in the right direction.


Do avoid the appearance of evil – there are things that are not evil within themselves, but the appearance can be evil (1 Thessalonians 5:22-24).

Example: You have the liberty to drink a little wine (do not get drunk- Ephesians 5:18), but if it offends someone, Do not let your good be evil spoken of (Romans 14:16).


Do keep your body under subjection, (a proper diet is particularly important). Do not place yourself in a compromising situation – Example: a male and female who are single could put themselves in a compromising situation if they are alone. They could have no thoughts of doing anything out of character, and along comes Satan with the temptation. Satan is seeking those he can devour (1 Peter 5:8).


Conditioning oneself is not easy at first, but the more it is done, the easier it becomes to focus on good things and to take captive anything that is unhealthy, of course with the help of Jesus Christ (John 15:5).


How is anyone going to be an effective minister of God if he or she is still has not been able to avoid certain things that are holdbacks and will cause others to stumble?


What happens if one does not complete their assignment or fulfill their call? These people will be like the unjust steward who buried his talent. Jesus called the man a wicked and lazy servant; if the man would have invested what was given to him to manage, he would have received a good return for his investment; because the man did not do what he was called to do, he was cast into outer darkness (Matthew 25:24-30). 


The outer darkness where the man was cast into did not mean hell; it is a place of shame.

Example: Those who are invited to a wedding are known to the bride and groom, but the ones who have a closer relationship are in the wedding party. They also stand out because the lights (lit candles) are on the ones who standing close to the bride and groom.


Back to the man who did not fulfill his call. The man was a servant of the master who was symbolic of Christ who came from a far country (heaven) and distributed the talents and He left. After a long time, He came back for the three servants to give account of their stewardship; what Jesus (the master) had given them to manage. The unjust servant who did not do his master’s will was cast into outer darkness which is not hell. 


Why? Only born-again believers stand before the Judgement Seat of Christ.


This is why we need to study the Word of God……2 Timothy 2:15). Loss of rewards is like being disqualified because the assignment was not complete.


Unshackled (set free) Betty A Burnett

What is the Judgement Seat and Who is it for? 2-10-2021

The Judgement Seat of Christ is about the children of God receiving and losing rewards. Those who are faithful will receive rewards, and those who are unfaithful will lose rewards. 


The message about the Judgement Seat of Christ is going to take a little longer; because the readers need to know how important it is to be a good steward of what God has given us to manage.


I want to reiterate that there are going to be two judgements only: The Judgment Seat of Christ is for the children of God (2 Corinthians 5:10), and the Great White Throne Judgement is for the unsaved (Revelation 20:11-15). These two events will occur at different times.


Let’s start with this, every child of God will go to heaven, they will not just make it in because God called them into salvation (new life) and they had nothing to do with it, it was and is all God’s doing (Ephesians 2:8-9). However, we will be judged for our service and we must give account of what Christ told us to do (1 Corinthians 3:11-15).


Our rewards will be determined by how obedient and faithful we were on earth (Matthew 25:21,23). This is called stewardship, meaning what we were given to manage. Included in stewardship is how we used our finances, how we took care of our family, how we ministered in our gifts, how we invested our time and so on.


Example of stewardship: Suppose you were a tenant in a house or apartment; your landlord would expect you to take good care of his property, to manage it well. This is the same with Jesus Christ our Lord, we are responsible for what our Lord has given us to manage.


This may sound silly to some people, but you would be surprised at how many professed born-again believers do not understand the Judgement Seat of Christ. This is also called the “Bema”.


Example: When Paul the apostle wrote about running a race, he referred to the marathon runner. It is the same with any sports. There are two things that are a must when it comes to sports.


Training and Conditioning – As with everything in life, whether it is sports, jobs, ministry and so on, training is necessary. When it comes to sports, one has to learn the ends and outs of what it is about. After understanding what you need to know when it comes to training, there is another step and that is conditioning the body.


The body has to be conditioned to become effective in whatever sports one is involved in. One cannot be overweight, must maintain a proper diet, avoid a lot of partying and night life. Not doing what is required can disqualify the person. Many have been disqualified for taking steroids.


When it comes to ministry, the same analogy is used. After all Paul was using a natural situation to bring out a spiritual meaning. Many people think because they have the call on their life that they can jump right into ministry. Training for ministry is absolutely necessary; Jesus trained His disciples (Matthew, chapters 7 through 26). Paul trained Timothy (1 and 2 Timothy).


I am not telling anybody to go to Seminary; let the Spirit of God lead you. Whether a person goes or not, there is a reason. Although I did take classes under my pastor to be licensed into ministry and additional classes later so I could be ordained. Each time I desired to go for further learning, the Spirit blocked it, thank the Lord. That would have been a big mistake because I would have been out of God’s will. 


Regardless of how one is to be trained, it is necessary. We need spiritual training one way or the other. I was blessed to have a personal trainer and I am still getting additional training that is required for continued success. It is a lifetime experience. The athletes have spring training every year and other people in different professions are required to get specific training that is needed for the field that they in.


Tomorrow, I will continue with the Christian aspect of being trained and conditioned.


Unshackled (set free) Betty A Burnett

The Rapture 2-9-2021

- Jesus said: For then shall there be great tribulation such as not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be (Matthew 24:21).I am continuing with the sequence of events that will take place very soon. Why is that so? As we look at the time frame and chaos that is going on in the world today, Jesus could come back anytime. 


After writing about the things that are occurring at the end of the age (the time period we are in now), we need to understand where we are in time and be ready when our time is up, whether it is through passing on to be with the Lord through physical death or when we are raptured to be with the Lord.


In the book of Revelation, the first three chapters are relating to the church; in verse one of the fourth chapter; Jesus says to John: “Come up here”, meaning the church is caught up to be with Jesus.


The rapture is an event that has been misunderstood by some people as to when it will take place. Some say some of God’s children will go through the tribulation period because they were not fully committed. That cannot be true; if that were so, wouldn’t there be two Judgement Seats of Christ? You will learn more about the Judgement Seat of Christ tomorrow.


This is further proof that all of God’s children, both dead and alive will be taken up to be with Christ (1 Corinthians 15:51-58, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). God has not appointed His children to wrath, but they have obtained salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:9).


God delivered Noah and his family and two of every kind of animals from the wrath He was going to bring on the world (Genesis, chapter 7). And the proof that we will be snatched away, caught up or raptured is recorded in scripture about two other people: Enoch walked with God and he was no longer here (Genesis 5:22-24). Also, Elijah was caught up as well in a whirlwind (2 Kings 2:1-11).


As soon as we are taken away from this earth, the tribulation will begin, and the Antichrist will reveal himself (2 Thessalonians 2:1-4). He is a man whom Satan will possess. The first half (three and one half years) will be easy and the second three and one years, all hell will break loose. Jesus said: For then shall there be great tribulation such as not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be (Matthew 24:21). (Matthew 24:21).   The antichrist will sit on the throne of David in Jerusalem and claim to be God. The Jews eyes will be open to who the antichrist is.


While the seven-year tribulation is going on down here, we will be in heaven with Jesus. We will meet all the other saints who went on before us, and we will be rejoicing, and we will feast at the marriage supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:6-9). Can you image having a table long enough for billions of God’s children to feast at?


Until the tribulation period ends, and God makes the new heaven and new earth and the New Jerusalem, which will be our home, comes down out from heaven, we will be having a Hallelujah time! That is going to be incredible!!!


We also will be judged for our works while we were on earth (2 Corinthians 5:10), coming tomorrow.


There is a song that was published years ago: “When we all get to heaven, what a great day of rejoicing that will be - When we all see Jesus, we will sing and shout the victory”


Although we were victorious as born-again believers, when we see Jesus, that will be the ultimate victory. Why? Because we still have struggles while we are traveling through this land, but one day we “Soon-a will be done with the troubles of this world.”


Unshackled (set free) ~ Betty A Burnett

Who is Arousing Emotions Through Music? 2-8-2021

I am going to share with the readers another way Satan influences the church, and it is through music. This is some history on Satan when he was still in heaven as Lucifer, known as the morning star, light bearer, or daystar.


Music is awesome! God created it to be pure, enjoyable and as a way of praising and worshipping Him. Psalms is a book of prayer, poetry, and praise book. But Satan has brought false praise into some churches. The devil uses music to draw crowds, more Christians are drawn to music than the Word of God. Most Christian is composed of biblically sound praise songs taken from Psalms.


The church is not the place for people to come and get their groove on through music, nor is it a place for entertainment. The church is for spiritual growth and edification for God’s glory!


However, some of these churches are teaching false doctrine like grave soaking, different kinds of angels: messenger angels, healing angels, fiery angels who have fallen asleep. Stop! That is enough- angels do not fall asleep, they are spirits.


They also practice laughing in the “spirit” (drunken like laughter attributed to the Holy Spirit). These are only a few of their many erroneous teachings. The sad thing is many people are so into the music that they go along with the bad doctrine; they do not know it is bad doctrine because they have not searched the Word of God to see if what they are saying is true (Acts 17:11). Satan is doing this intentionally for the people to dishonor God, fall away and make a mockery of Him.


These scriptures are similar to those claiming to be Christ in a previous message: I am going to Ezekiel, chapter 28. The man who Satan either highly influenced or possessed was the king of Tyre. This chapter compares the king with Satan, who was Lucifer before he fell from heaven. Lucifer also influenced one-third of the angels and they fell with him (Revelation 12:4).


The language goes beyond the king of Tyre to Satan, inspirer, and unseen ruler of all such pomp and pride as that of Tyre. Footnotes: NKJV Spirit Filled Life Bible


This is the word that came to Ezekiel from the Lord: “Son of man take up a lamentation for the king of Tyre, and say to him, thus says the Lord God”: You were the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty [this is referring to who Lucifer was]. You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone was your covering: the Sardis, topaz, and diamond; beryl, onyx and jasper, sapphire, turquoise and emerald with gold. The workmanship of your timbrels (tambourines) and pipes was prepared for you on the day you were created.


You were the anointed cherub who covers; I established you, you were on the holy mountain of God; you walked back and forth in the midst of fiery stones. You were perfect in your ways from the day you were created till iniquity was found in you…..your heart was lifted up because of your beauty (Ezekiel 28:11-19).


Anointed cherub [Lucifer] who covers indicates high office of authority and responsibility to protect and defend (cover) the holy mountain of God, an allusion to God’s throne. The high order and specific placement of Lucifer prior to his fall afforded unique opportunity to bring glory to God. (Some see in verse 13 musical reference that suggests his role included leading heaven’s choirs in the worship of the Most-High). His fall was occasioned by seeking to have glory for himself (Isaiah 14:12-14). Footnotes: NKJV Spirit Filled Life Bible


So, you see how the devil uses the music to bring glory to himself in the church and he also is subtle in deceiving ignorant people who do not study the Word of God. He uses music to hype their emotions and they are blinded to the truth.


I was a member of a church years ago and this is what someone who worked in the church office said, people would call the church to see which choir was going to sing on a particular Sunday.


If this does not apply to you, then be thankful that the eyes of many are being opened to this truth. These are some things that should be taught while people are young in Christ, then they will not be deceived.


I am admonishing you to search out these ministries and see what their beliefs are before you dive into their music which is very harmful. This is especially for leaders who are making their ministries look bad because they have compromised and allowed music to have preeminence over false teachings, rather than letting God’s pure Word have first place (Proverbs 30:5).


Unshackled (set free) ~ Betty A Burnett

Perilous Times  (2 Timothy 3:1-7)  2-7-2021

We are approaching the end of the events that will take place before Jesus takes us out of here prior to the most devastating occurrence in the history of mankind. This is still referring to the “the falling away” or apostasy. 


I will share one more message pertaining to Satan’s influence of music in the church. The reason being music is more important than the Word of God in many churches. This should open the eyes of God’s children to another means the enemy uses to influence the church.


The scriptures in today’s message are pertaining to the “falling away” that connects with yesterday’s message: Some will depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons forbidding marriage and abstaining from foods (1 Timothy 4:1-5).


Know this, that in the last days, perilous times will come. The last days are the present age that we are living in. What does perilous times mean? It means troublesome, hard to bear, dangerous and grievious. These perilous times can affect some Christians and cause them to be overwhelmed because of the widespread of evil. Jesus told us not to be troubled by these (Matthew 24:6).


These are dangerous times because some people who profess to be Christians will deliberately reject revealed truth:


1) as to the deity of Jesus Christ and,

2) as redemption through His atoning sacrifice (my words: what Jesus did on the cross - His death was to bring salvation). Apostasy differs from the error concerning truth, which may be the result of ignorance, or heresy (belief that is contrary to the Christian doctrine), which may be due to the snare of Satan [Scofield footnotes]. My words: If one is truly born-again, their salvation is secure.


People will be characterized by all kinds of self-centered and unnatural perversions. Some will maintain an outward pretense, speaking the vocabulary of Christianity, but refusing the reality that Christian faith expresses (they look clean on the outside, but dirty on the inside… Matthew 23:25, They profess to know God…. Titus 1:16). [Footnotes - NKJV Spirit Filled life Bible]


This is what these people will be like: Men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. From such turn away!


Denying the power refers to outward shape or appearance, like the unbelieving scribes and pharisees, false teachers and their followers are concerned with mere external appearances [footnotes from John McArthur ESV Bible]. I am using several footnotes today because they explain very clearly what these scriptures mean.


For this sort (hypocritical men) are those who creep into the households and make captive gullible women (weaker vessels), loaded down by sins, led away by various lusts, always learning, and never coming into the knowledge of the truth.


My words: From the very beginning Satan deceived the woman (1 Timothy 2:14) who was the weaker vessel (1 Peter 3:7), and he has not stopped. Remember this, I did not write the scriptures, holy men of God wrote as the Holy Spirit led them (2 Peter 1:20).


Example: We know that the essence of every human being (male and female) came from God, but the masculine gender is used when it comes to God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, and angels. God made man (male) in His image (the Trinity – Let us…. Genesis 1:26) and the woman came from man (Genesis 2:21-22).


I will end this message by saying this to all you female masterpieces of God, you are just as important to God as the males. Do not allow males to use their charming deceitfulness to entice you into doing something ungodly. Although we are the weaker vessels, God will sustain us as we yield to His Spirit. We have our place in ministry and when we are doing what God has called us to do, our rewards will be as great as the men who are faithful.


Unshackled (set free) ~ Betty A Burnett

Apostasy ~ The Falling Away 2-6-2021

These are some other things the Bible talks about that are signs of the end-times. There are two meanings of falling away. 1) Those who are born-again who are moving further and further away from the truth.


2) Those who act like they are saved and do what saved people do, but they never were born-again. Judas Iscariot is an example of an apostate. He walked with Jesus and the disciples and he was the treasurer; the disciples did not know that Judas was not saved. When Jesus told them that one of them was going to betray Him, each asked, is it I Lord? (Matthew 26:20-23)


Even though we do not know who they are, there are people in the church who are apostates falling away from the truth, or the apostate living like a Christian but was never saved. This is different from those who claimed to be Christ (Matthew 24:5).


These things “must” also take place before we go to be with Jesus Christ.

Now, the Spirit expressly says that in the last days some will depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy having their conscience seared with a hot iron. Forbidding to marry and commanding to abstain from foods which God has created to be received with thanksgiving to those who know the truth (1 Timothy 4:1-5). To those who understand, this is what it means.


Depart from the faith – moving farther and farther away from the truth of God’s Word, that is widespread in many churches today. The Word of God does not have preeminence (first place); I will share about that in a later message.


Forbidding to marry – The Roman Catholic clergy forbids marriage. If a person can remain celibate, that is good because he or she has more time to give to the Lord (1 Corinthians 7:25-32). If the person cannot remain celibate, it is better to marry than to burn [burn with lust] (1 Corinthians 7:7-9). With that being said, why do you think Roman Catholics are being exposed for having sex?


Abstaining from foods - In the Old Testament, there were dietary laws (Leviticus, chapter 11; Deuteronomy, chapter 14). The Israelites were forbidden to eat certain meats. This was to show the nations around them they were different and had been set apart by God. Today, we have been set apart by God and the Holy Spirit is living in us. Our lights are shining to make a difference in the lives of ungodly people (Matthew 5:13-16).


For every creature of God is good and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is sanctified by the Word and by prayer. I heard some people say they could eat anything they wanted to because the Bible said it was sanctified by prayer…… That is not rightly dividing the word of truth.


Example: Suppose you had hypertension and you were told by your doctor to only eat bacon or other pork twice a week. But you say: “I can eat all the pork I want to eat; the Lord will keep me healthy”. The Bible also said we should not tempt the Lord (Deuteronomy 6:16, Matthew 4:7, James 1:13).


No one has the right to judge another in food or drink (Colossians 2:16). If you believe it is wrong to eat certain foods, please do not judge another brother or sister who believes it is okay to eat whatever they choose to eat. I will say this, if you have a health issue, certain foods may not be good for you. Therefore, I advise you to do whatever possible to keep your body healthy.


Giving heed to seducing spirits (spirit of error) and doctrines of demons (inspired by Satan) – the holy laughter that was a trend in the nineteen nineties among many charismatics certainly was not from God. Any time anything takes away from the Word of God, it is inspired by Satan, just as the grave-soaking that I mentioned in a previous message is from Satan. The anointing does not come from the dead. The anointing comes from Christ who is the anointed One.


Lying in hypocrisy (pretending) – the religious pharisees were pretentious; they said one thing and did another. They told others about the law, but they did not keep the law (Matthew 23:13-14).


Having their own conscience seared with a hot iron – As people move further away from the doctrine, their hearts become hardened to the truth.


Unshackled (set free) ~ Betty A Burnett

Signs of the End-Times (Matthew 24:3-8) 2-5-2021

We are going to New Jerusalem, but first there are some chronological events that will take place before we get there. So, just hold tight, because this is especially important. 


Jesus continued to tell the disciples about the end-times: And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled, for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet (verse 5).


When Jesus was talking to the disciples, it was meant us also, because we are His disciples. For instance, when Jesus prayed the prayer of intercession in John, chapter 17, and particularly verse 20, He prayed for all those who would become believers throughout the future years.


Let’s look at some key words: “See that you are not troubled” or shaken, moved, stirred up or agitated by these things.

“Must” meaning that it is absolutely necessary. There is no way for it not to happen.


When we understand that Jesus Himself said these things must come to pass, it is a sure thing that they will, and we are not to be overwhelmed or shaken by the things that must take place before Jesus returns to take us to be with Him. “The end is not yet”. This was stated more than two-thousand years ago and when Jesus talked to the disciples He told them these things must come to pass.


What things?

These things are nations, kingdoms, famines, pestilences, earthquakes, and other destructive weather patterns in various places. These things were happening way before Jesus Christ physically came on the scene. So, this means that the closer we get to the end of the age, things will get worse and we know that the demonic activity is more on the rise than ever before. That is why there is an escalation (rapid increase) of nation against nation, along with everything else that Jesus said.


Nation against nation - these are different races or nationalities. Experiencing racism is a part of what is taking place according to the Word of God. But what do we do as the church (body of Christ)? These things should not be heard of in the house of God. Our message to the world should be “ Love” (1 Corinthians, chapter 13), not division - a divided house cannot stand (Mark 3:25).


Kingdom against kingdom – these are countries ruled by government officials; there have been wars and rumors of wars in some countries. There have been wars and threats of wars from one country to another.


Famines – a lack of food; this is happening in different places globally. When I see those pitiful starving and dying young children, it hurts my heart. But the good side of it is, these young innocent ones who die go to heaven to with God.


Pestilences – We are experiencing a pandemic that is affecting people world-wide and many have died. This is what I want to say to each reader: Many people have prayed for God to stop this pandemic. That is not going to happen.


If and when this one disease leaves at some point some other deadly disease will come. My point is this, why are so many people praying for God to take this pandemic away?


 Didn’t Jesus say these things must come to pass? I have been writing about these scriptures pertaining to the end-times for quite a while in different messages. Some are not taking heed for whatever the reason may be. I believe it is because these people do not read or understand the Word of God.


 Who has the right to tell God to change something that cannot be stopped? You can pray for protection for yourself and others to adhere to the guidelines (the three W's).


Weather patterns are very severe and sometimes before one catastrophe is over, another one comes. There have been mass fires, earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes and so on. Many people lost their lives, while others lost their possessions. From this message today, you should know what time it is.


Unshackled (set free) ~ Betty A Burnett

Where We are in History 2-4-2021

When I started the messages with Jesus telling the disciples about the many false Christ who would come in His name, it did not dawn on me as to how many men have been claiming to be Christ for centuries. Now to the matter at hand.


Jim Jones was founder of the People’s Temple which started off as an offshoot of a mainstream Protestant sect before becoming a personality cult as time went on. He claimed to be the reincarnation Jesus, Father Divine and others.


It appears that Jim Jones was on the right path, but he was full of deception; Jim Jones was an apostate, like Judas was. Neither one was saved. Apostates acts like they are saved, but have they were never born-again, or had a relationship with Christ. This is my concern about so many churches today, many of them are compromising their spiritual values and becoming more like the world.


David Koresh, born Vernon Wayne Howell was the leader of a Branch Davidian religious sect in Waco, Texas. Though he never directly claimed to be Jesus Himself, he proclaimed that he was the final prophet and “the Son of God, the Lamb”. Tell me what the difference is, Jesus Christ was the Son of God and the Lamb of God. David Koresh, like Jim Jones deceived many people and it caused them their lives.


This is the “Biggie’ that is most dangerous.

Sun Myung Moon was believed by members of the Unification Church to be the Messiah and the Second Coming of Christ, fulfilling Jesus’ unfinished mission. What about Jesus saying: It is finished (John 19:28-30). Church members (“Unificationalists”) considered Sun Myung Moon and his wife Hak Ja Han, to be the True Parents of humankind as the restored Adam and Eve. There is nowhere in the Word of God where anybody can restore someone else.


He also performed masses of wedding ceremonies with two thousand people at Madison Square Garden and masses of weddings in South Korea.


Sun Myung Moon’s followers were called the “Moonies”. Several years ago, a group of people rang the church door-bell and I answered, so glad I did. I had heard of these people over the years, but never thought they would have the gall to try and influence the church into their beliefs.


It is documented that Sun Myung Moon sent seven-thousand ministers from the United States on all expense trips to Korea (He was a very wealthy man - $900 million). They were trying to promote understanding of what they teach. From what I understand and have experienced, they say one thing to outsiders to get them hooked, but they say something altogether different to the insiders. Isn’t that just like Satan?


They were so convincing to a well-known church in California, at least the one they showed a film of. This was quite embarrassing to see. These people were trained to use a love message to bring unity. In the seventies, they were called the “Moonies” or the flower people. In my experience, I have never seen a cult trying to influence the church.


I am going back to when Jesus said to the disciples the time was not yet, the church age and other things in the future must take place before He returns. Jesus also said: But the end is not yet. More than 2,000 years later the prophecy is rapidly fulfilling and since that time, many claiming to be Christ have surfaced and they are still surfacing.


I pray that your eyes have been opened to where we are in time and how things are getting worse in the world. This should provoke us to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ more than ever before.


I do not want to break the flow of the end times and what Jesus said told His disciples must come to pass. With that being so, I plan to come back with a message pertaining to music and Satan’s influence.


Unshackled (set free) ~ Betty A Burnett 

The Imminent Return of Jesus Christ – Where We are in History (Matthew 24:3-8) 2-3-2021

If you do not know what the Word of God says, you will not have an awareness of what time it is when it comes to what is going on in the world today. According to the Bible, this is where we are.


Jesus talked to His disciples about the end-times. The disciples asked Jesus what the sign of His was coming, and when the end of the age would be. Jesus said: “Take heed that no one deceives you, for many will come in My name saying I am the Christ, and they will deceive many.


Take heed – pay careful attention to! Why? These people are full of deception.


Many will come in My name - who are these people? They have to be charming and charismatic in order to deceive people. They will do like Satan, put enough truth to lure or suck people in, and they are hooked.


It is like someone going fishing. They know exactly what kind of bait to use to catch the fish. Once they put the bait on the hook and throw the line out, they are incredibly quiet so the fish will not detect their presence. Satan is the same way, he is subtle. Once the fish is on the hook, it is too late.


For centuries Satan influenced some men to make them think they are Christ. These are a few of the many men who claimed that they were Christ in the 20th century. Some of you may have heard of these men:


Louis Farrakhan claimed he was the Messiah on February 20, 2019. In this live recording from a Fox News broadcast, Louis Farrakhan stated that two Jewish rabbis gave him a decorative silver plate with the inscription: To the honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, you are the messiah of the world. And you are the messiah to every human who wants to be civilized.


Father Divine claimed to be God. This information was obtained from Wikipedia. Notice the two words Father Divine: Jesus said call no man father …. (Matthew 23:9) and using the name divine within itself sends the wrong signals. It means like God or a god. Father Divine’s original name was George Baker. 


I went to a home in Hempstead Long Island, NY many years ago and when the guests went to dinner, at the head of one end of the table was a place setting for Father Divine. This was long after his death. From what I was told, they were expecting him to resurrect from the dead.


Daddy Grace (Sweet Daddy Grace) claimed to be an emissary of God to grant or withhold salvation; he was a person on a special mission. Another article stated that salvation was by Daddy Grace only, if you sin against God, Grace can save you, but if you sin against Grace, God cannot save you. Daddy Grace birth name was Marcelino Manuel da Graca. He took the name Daddy Grace, equalizing himself with God.


About fifteen years ago a friend of mine kept asking me to go to one of the House of Prayer’s yearly convocation; he knew something was wrong and he wanted me to see what they were doing.


God set it up because this certainly was not planned by another sister and me. We went to view a body at the funeral home across the street from the House of Prayer. Lo and behold, they were having their convocation. What I saw was unimaginable! They had red carpet rolled out for the bishop from the sidewalk all the way to the entrance of the front door.


When the body-guards escorted the bishop in, people were reaching across each other to give him money. And the people were singing “O how I love Sweet Daddy”. I was done; blown away. From that experience, I went to the library and researched what this cult was about.


Tomorrow is going to be the biggie! One of these cult leaders had his followers going to churches to pull them into their false beliefs.


Unshackled (set free) ~ Betty A Burnett

Introduction of The New Jerusalem and the New Earth 2-2-2021

After being away from the eternal realm for a few days, I am continuing with the New Jerusalem and the New Earth. I will start with the topics that are listed below and the climax will be when we rule and reign with Christ in the eternal realm. The icing on the cake is the amenities that God has in store for His children.


Hint: The New Jerusalem is the awesome satellite city that Jesus Christ went away and prepared for us (John 14:1-3). But first, I want to share what will take place before the new heaven and the new earth (Revelation 21:1-3).


What is leading up to the imminent return of Jesus Christ – Where we are in history at the present time (Matthew 24:4-8).


The line of events that will take place according to the Word of God.


1)The Rapture


2)What is the Judgment Seat of Christ and who is it for?

3)What is the Tribulation?


4)Who are the 144,000 and what will they be doing?


5)Where will the church (body of Christ) be during the tribulation?


6)What is the Great White Throne Judgment?


7)Description of the New Jerusalem


8)Who will live on the New Earth where Christ will reign on the throne of David?


9)Who will rule over the New Earth with Christ our King?


10)Who are the twelve apostles and what will their position be?


Unshackled (set free) Betty A Burnett

How to be Led by the Spirit of God (Part 2) 2-1-2021

I want to share with you why all of God’s children should allow the Spirit of God to lead them. This message is pertaining to hypocrisy in the body of Christ. Someone may say, how can I know the Spirit of God is leading me?


If you are studying the Word of God daily and seeking for directions and understanding, you will know when the Holy Spirit is speaking. He will reveal the truth to you and not error, because He is called the Spirit of truth (John 16:13).


I have had conversations with some people who said when the church doors open they do not know where to go. I was thinking the same thing, but I also remember saying that God always have a ram in the bush. Just obey God like Abraham did (Genesis, chapter 22) and He will provide a place for you.


My point is, there are so many churches that are not functioning according to the Word of God. Do not get me wrong, there is no perfect church, if so, we would no longer be here. If you have been going to a church whose doctrinal beliefs are contrary to the Word, run. 


It does not matter how large a church is; that does not make it a church that has been called by God. It does matter how many programs they have, or so called ministries the church may have. Unless it was established by God, all those ministries and their hard labor are in vain (Psalm 127:1).


This is my point, if you do not allow the Spirit of God to lead you, you will find yourself discouraged and confused. No child of God can feel good if they are not surrendering to the Holy Spirit. We are told to walk in the Spirit, and we will not fulfill the lust of the flesh (Galatians 5:16); not leaning on our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6). God knows the path we are to take in our walk with Christ (Psalm 119:105), that is why we should allow His Spirit to lead us.


The reason I am going this way with the message is to bring awareness to how important it is to be led by the Spirit of God. Now, to the situation that has been going for almost a year, which has almost brought the world to a standstill. This also caused most churches to shut down and many have not reopened.


There are several mega churches I have read about that are functioning contrary to the Word of God. You need to be aware of their beliefs. I am going to name one of many extrabiblical doctrinal beliefs that are dangerous: Grave soaking, which means to lay on someone’s grave and get their anointing. Children of God, that is communicating with the dead, which is demonic; it is called necromancy, and that is an abomination (Deuteronomy 18:9-12).


God has already anointed those who are in Christ the Anointed One. If you believe in grave soaking or any of the abominations in Deuteronomy 18:9-12, then you are saying that you are not anointed by Christ, or that Christ’s anointing was not good enough. 


When we received Christ as Savior, we became anointed because we are now children of God. There is another anointing that comes with our grace gifts which enables us to minister in a way to encourage each other so yokes can be broken.


Please be careful who you follow and connect with. If what they are doing does not line up with the Word of God, run from it. Satan will lure you into his evils with something that sounds or look good to get you off course.


Even if you get off course, you will be able to get back on track if you are truly born-again. A just person falls, but God helps him or her back up (Psalm 37:23-24). By allowing the Spirit of God to have control, you will not fall into these traps; somehow you will sense something is wrong.


For your information, as much as I am in the Word of God, I can still miss hearing from God because my flesh wants to take over (Romans, chapter 7).


Please seek God as to what church He wants you in and allow the Spirit of God to lead you.


Unshackled (set free) ~ Betty A Burnett

Being Led by the Spirit of God 1-31-2021

Whoever is God’s masterpiece should allow the Spirit of God to lead them. First I would like to piggy-back on me getting offended when I am called black. Regardless of how dark your skin color may be, or how pale the complexion is, calling someone black or white is not what either one is. They may have turned darker or lighter because of their locality, but to use the word black in a demeaning way is evil.


Just in case some of you do not know the history of the human race, I am going to remind you that all of us came from one man’s blood (Acts 17:26), and his name was Adam our forefather, the first man God created.

After yesterday’s message was posted, I was reminded of how the Pharisees called Jesus Christ Beelzebub (meaning the prince of the devils) - (Matthew 12:24-27).


In another scripture Jesus said: Get behind me Satan, you are an offence to Me…... Why did Jesus say that? Because Peter allowed the devil to influence him and speak through him (Matthew 16:23). Ordinarily anything that arouses prejudices becomes a stumbling block to others.


My point being is, there a many people who profess to be children of God who have allowed the devil to influence them to speak evil against others. The truth is, we all came from the same blood line of Adam who was made from the red dirt of the earth.


Adam’s name means to be red and he was created in Africa, so where does the word black come from? It came from the devil! I thank God for knowing who I am and for the all the beautifully blended people of color that came from red Adam.


This time, Peter is speaking from the Spirit rather than the flesh. Peter told Jesus who He was, Jesus said: Flesh and blood did not reveal that to you, but My Father who is in heaven (Matthew 16:17). In other words, it was God who revealed who Jesus really was through His Spirit. Prior to this, the disciples did not know the fulness of Christ’s identity.


On that note, some may be saved or born-again and still do not understand who Christ is fully. The reason I am saying that is, if you understood Christ, you would be loving up on people and especially your brothers and sisters in Christ. Jesus said: By this will men know you are My disciples, by the love you have for each other (John 13:35).


You do not understand what Agape love means (1 Corinthians, chapter 13). It is unconditional, meaning you do not show respect (partiality) of persons, you realize and accept that God created all people to be equal, regardless of the color of their skin, whether they are rich or poor (Romans 2:11). One who walks in the Spirit does not see color.


No one has a right to look down on another person unless they are pulling them up. Jesus stooped down to wash the disciples’ feet (John 13:1-17), which meant they were dirty because they wore sandals, walked a lot and dirt got on their feet. Whoever does not stoop down and help someone else, is full of pride!


This is another situation where Peter thought the Gentiles were unclean (dirty); they were referred to as dogs. God gave Peter a vision pertaining to eating meats, and Peter said: No Lord, for I have never eaten anything common or unclean. Peter did just like some people do today when it comes to a different race of people.


A voice said to Peter: What God has cleansed, do not call it common (Acts 10:9-15). God was sending Peter to carry the Gospel of Jesus Christ to Cornelius who was a Gentile (Acts 10:23-33).


Peter was still under the Old Testament Levitical dietary laws of not eating certain meats (Leviticus, chapter 11). This was the way God used for His people to be different from ungodly nations around them. God used something physical to make them different. That changed after Jesus died and rose from the dead. We now have the Holy Spirit living in us and we are shining lights (God’s masterpieces) who make the difference.


Unshackled (set free) Betty A Burnett

Are You God’s Masterpiece? 1-30-2021

Greetings children of the Most-High God! Before I get into the message about the New Jerusalem and the New earth, I want to share with you who we are in Christ and how we are expected to do good works. This message is pertaining to all the hypocrisy in the body of Christ.


Several things have transpired in the last year that should be an eye-opener to the children of God. However, if you do not know what the Word of God says, you are missing what time it is. We are so close to our Savior’s return (1 Corinthians 15:51-58, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).


I believe God is speaking specifically to the churches, especially when it comes to racism in the house of God. I believe the churches have been exposed for its evils during the pandemic and the recent election, more than ever before. Boy, did the devil ever raise his ugly head!


I have been a member of two different churches that are predominately Caucasian. The first church I experienced racism in was in the nineteen eighties. As many years passed by, the Spirit of God led me to another church and instead of the church being better when it came to racism, it was worse.


This is not surprising to those who know the truth. The signs of the times are so evident because the Word of God says what will happen near the end times; nation (races of people) against nation; diseases…. Many will even say they are Christ…. (Matthew 24:4-8). The love of many shall grow cold (Matthew 24:12), but it should not be so with the children of God.


I am not saying that all Caucasians are racists, but some feel superior to certain people, especially African Americans. I have brothers and sisters in Christ who are Caucasians, and we are good friends.


Why are people being called white when they are Caucasian? It is because white means or represents purity, virginity, innocence, goodness, brilliance, illumination, spirituality and more. I do not understand how anybody can do so much evil and think they are okay.


I get offended if someone calls me black; that is a curse word. Black represents evil, darkness, night, and despair. I am a beautiful brown skin African American masterpiece of God. After this message I may lose more readership, but it does not matter who gets offended at the truth, because I am doing what God has called me to do.


The church needs to repent. How in the world are we, God’s masterpieces created for good works, are displaying the wrong image (Ephesians 2:10)? Do you know what masterpiece means? I am going to compare it with an art gallery where expensive and beautiful artwork is put on display and people admire the beauty of the paintings. What kind of display are we?


Are we doing good works which means we are being admired because people see our beauty, or are we turning people away from God because of ungodly display? That is what the Word says: Woe to you Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven against men, for you neither go yourselves, neither do you allow them to enter in (Matthew 23:13).


How can anyone say they love God who they have never seen and hate their brothers and sisters? They are a liar, and the truth is not in them (1 John 4:20).


The Word of God says: For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us; what is the outcome for those who do not obey the Gospel of God? (1 Peter 4:17)


Footnotes from John McArthur study Bible: 

Not condemnation, but the purging, chastening , and purifying the church by the loving hand of God. It is far better and more important for kingdom work to endure suffering as the Lord purges and strengthens the church than to endure the eternal suffering of the unbeliever in the lake of fire. And if God so strongly and painfully judges His church, which He loves, what will be His fury on the ungodly?


Unshackled (set free) ~ Betty A Burnett

The Eternal Realm 1-29-2021

Yesterday, at the end of the message, the question was asked if I did a Bible challenge about the eternal realm, how many could answer the question. Today, the challenge is to learn more about the eternal realm. As I continue, my prayer is for you to get a glimpse of all the awesome things God has in store for His children.


I am reiterating what was written yesterday pertaining to what some people think heaven will be like. Although we will not live in heaven in the eternal realm, still nothing can be compared to it. The saints are in the third heaven, which is called paradise (a place of happiness). Since paradise means a place of happiness, the saints are rejoicing in heaven, and there is nothing boring about it.


In the eternal realm, everything will be made new: And I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, New Jerusalem (it is a satellite city) coming down from God out of heaven prepared as a bride adorned for her husband (Revelation 21:1-2). The saints will live in The New Jerusalem, a place that Jesus Christ went away and prepared for us (John 14:1-3).


There is a difference between New Jerusalem (our satellite home) and Jerusalem, where Christ will reign on the earth.


Jesus Christ will sit on the throne of David in Jerusalem, and the saints of God will have their mansions in the New Jerusalem (John 14:1-3). But we will rule and reign over the people on the earth (Revelation 5:9-10), depending on how faithful we are as to how our rulership will be. Some will reign over cities (Luke 19:17 – more about that later). Why will some of the saints’ rule over cities? Or what is the need for them to rule over anything?


Because there will be a continual reproduction of life – people will have jobs, and they will enjoy working, just as Adam did. And the saints will make sure the laws will be obeyed. Laws? Yes, God gave a command/law to Adam: “Do not touch” (in the day eat of this fruit, you will surely die). Another command/law was to be fruitful and multiply…..


God placed Adam in the Garden of Eden to take care of it (Genesis 2:15), and the work was pleasurable. Then God blessed them, and God said to them, be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.


Adam was king (he was ruler) of the earth, until he disobeyed God. Adam did a real bad thing, he ate from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, that was off limits to him. He actually took what belonged to God, which is equal to a tenth. Even though this is inferred, it makes sense that God gave Adam ninety percent since that has been a principle from the beginning of time.


God gave Adam ninety percent, but that was not good enough for him. Think about it, some people do not want to give God ten percent. How would you feel if He kept the ninety percent and only gave you ten percent? This should put someone to shame. Why is it a shame? Because God owns everything (Psalm 24:1, Psalm 50:10) and He is so gracious and loving to bless us with ninety percent.


You will learn more about ruling with Christ, what the glorious New Jerusalem is like and much more. Once you learn about the eternal realm, I have all assurance you will not think about heaven being a boring place, because heaven is not where you will be; New Jerusalem will be your home. Now that your eyes are open to the truth about heaven, you should look forward to how exciting the eternal realm is going to be. Additionally, we will have access to the entire universe.


After this message, I will share in a step by step process about the Eternal Realm and how nations will be worshipping and praising Christ our King in various ways, including tithing.


Unshackled (set free) Betty A. Burnett

Is Heaven Going to be Your Home? 1-28-2021

I do not know how long these specific messages will be posted, but it’s necessary for you get an understanding about the eternal realm. If you don’t know where you came from, how in the world do you know where you’re going”. 


I know without a doubt that many professed children of God do not know anything about the eternal realm. Since many do not know some biblical history, they have no idea what God has in store for them.


This is the reason:

I heard people say and sing: “When I get to heaven, I’m going to sing and shout; nobody will be able to put me out”. That is so sad. Once you are in heaven, there is no way possible to be put out. Your eternal status was already ordained by God. There are two places one can go if they would die, either to heaven (eternal life), or hell which will be cast into the lake of fire (eternal death/damnation).


Another erroneous song is “Walk around heaven all day”….I’ll do nothing but walk around heaven all day”. If this is all it is to the eternal realm, that will be boring! This is how the devil wants people to think and believe. Until all of us children of God are with Jesus, those who have gone on before are resting from their labors and their rewards follow them (Revelation 14:13).


They are rejoicing and having an exciting time together. Not only that, but they are the cloud of witnesses that we are surrounded by (Hebrews 12:1), and though we cannot see or communicate with them, they are rooting for us. They see what we are going through and how we are pressing forward to reach that prize (Philippians 3:14). They are saying: “Keep on Pushing”!


What about “Tell Jesus about my troubles of how I made it over”? Do you think Jesus did not know about your troubles? That’s absolutely absurd and how do you think Jesus Christ, the One who caused you to make it over would feel? These are not biblical truths.


With all the erroneous beliefs, it would be easy for some Christians to think heaven is going to be boring. Now, let’s talk about heaven and who will be there in the eternal realm. I want to back up and say that every child of God who has passed on, is in the presence of God (2 Corinthians 5:8), in the third heaven (2 Corinthians 12:2). There are three heavens: the first heaven is the clouds, and the second heaven is the stars.


Wait! The devil does not want you to know how awesome the eternal realm is going to be. For instance, he paints an erroneous view of hell being exciting and he makes people think it is fun and a whole lot of partying is going on.


The truth is, whatever people did on earth, they will have a greater desire to do it in hell, but they cannot have it; that is where part the torment comes in. Whatever a person has done in this life, it will be worse in hell. 


Example: Those who were on drugs will have a stronger desire than ever. Can you imagine how someone has an addiction and that urge comes on? They will do almost anything to fulfill the crave; steal, kill and so on. Those who are addicted to whatever it may be, will suffer immense torment forever.


Even though we will not live in heaven in the eternal realm, I want you to look at what you think heaven is like. From the perspective that some see it as, nothing can be compared to it. In other words, all the enjoyment we experience on this earth cannot compare to what God has in store for us. 


Example: People go on vacations; they flock to the beaches for enjoyment; they go to islands, big cities with a lot of things happening and much more. Wouldn’t it stand to reason that God who gives us all things to richly enjoy in a sinful world, would give us something so much better in the eternal realm?


If I did a Bible challenge right now about the eternal realm, I wonder how many of those who have been saved for at least five years could answer the questions correctly.


To be continued


Unshackled (set free) ~ Betty A. Burnett

Tithes Belong to Christ Our King 1-27-2021

This is the last message on Jesus Christ being foreshadowed through types and figures. The reason I used the different types of how Christ was foreshadowed, was to show the readers how each of the foreshadows was manifested or revealed itself at a certain time in history. It also revealed how Christ was our Passover Lamb, our Deliverer, our Savior, and our King.


Now to how important it is to tithe to Christ our King. It is especially important to know and understand that tithes were different due to whatever time period people were living in. In the Old Testament, tithes were from sources like fruit or grain and etc. from the land. But whatever the case, tithing is an eternal principle.


With that being so, I feel the readers will learn and understand the eternal principle of tithing and how important it is to be obedient to the Word of God. I am going to take you back to Genesis account with Abraham and Melchizedek (Genesis 14:17). Melchizedek was a type of Christ, being both Priest and King as Christ was, and He still is (Hebrews 7:17).


Melchizedek was eternal in that the Word of God says He had no beginning, and no end (Hebrews7:3). Jesus Christ is eternal; He has always been, and He will always be (Isaiah 9:6).


Not only did Melchizedek receive tithe from Abram, but He also blessed Abram. When we tithe to Christ our King, doesn’t God bless us? Do you think you should be blessed if you do not honor the King?


Whether people know it or not, tithing is a test of obedience to see how much we love the Lord, especially when it comes to giving up those “Quote on Quote” almighty dollar bills. Please do not get angry; those dollar bills have become gods to some people. Jesus said if you love Me, keep My commandments (John 14:15, 21). We are commanded to tithe to the Lord; not to man, but to Jesus Christ our King.


Another reason so many people who profess to be born-again want to argue about the Word of God when it comes to many things and especially tithing, is this: They do not understand the Word of God when they think they do. A sermon is to edify and encourage but being taught principles is what causes spiritual growth. What I see posted on Facebook shows where some people are in their walk with Christ.


No one can read the Word of God and interpret it properly; the Word has to be studied and searched out like the biology students who dissect (cut up, analyze, examine) a frog which help them to learn about the internal structure of the animal. It helps the students to learn how the tissues and organs are interrelated. It gives students an appreciation of the complexity of organs.


Although we do not cut the Word up, we are to rightly divide it, which means to divide it into parts. That means to make sure scriptures connect, interrelate, support, and confirm. It may be difficult to do at first, but the more we study the Word of God, it no longer seems complex. Actually, every time new nuggets are revealed to me, I get excited.


These are more scripture readings pertaining to Melchizedek and the Jesus Christ connection: Genesis 14:18-24, Psalm 110:4, Hebrews 5:9-10, Hebrews, chapter 7.


You are going to learn about Tithing to Christ Our King in the Eternal Realm and how God’s plan was interrupted by Satan, but His plan was never stopped. God always finishes what He starts.


Unshackled (set free) Betty A. Burnett

The Big Deception 1-26-2021

Before going into “Tithes Belong to Christ Our King”, there is something that needs to be corrected and also an addition to something that was left out when it comes to tithes. I want to say again that many of God’s children believe that tithing was for the Old Testament only. The devil does not want God’s children to know that they are robbing God.


He whispers in the ears of some and tell them like he told Eve: “Did God say you shall not eat of every tree of the garden”? He planted doubt in her mind. When the woman told the devil that God said if she ate of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil she would surely die, the devil told her she would not die (Genesis 3:1-4). The devil told Eve a lie; remember how Jesus called him a liar and that he was the father of lies (John 8:44)?


If you want to continue believing Satan’s lies, that’s on you, but I must tell the truth. So, for argument sake, let’s forget about the Malachi scripture in the Old Testament. What about Paul writing to the church of Corinth?


Before going any further, I would like to clear something up pertaining to that scripture. When Paul wrote about the collections on the first day of the week, let everyone of you lay in store [put aside] as God has prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come. The correction is AS God has prospered him, meaning a percent. A specific percent is tithes (a tenth).


Additionally, the offerings are over and above the tithes- give and it shall be given to you.....(Luke 6:38); the liberal soul shall be made fat (Proverbs 12:25); God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:6-15).


I wrote in a previous message that the church was the storehouse that supported the orphans, widows and the strangers. There were many poor Christians who had lost everything for the sake of the gospel, some had to live in caves. So, Paul told the church at Corinth to help these people (1 Corinthians 16:1-3).


The reason he said lay in store was because Paul did not know when he would be able to visit them, but when the time came, they would have enough to take care of the needs of the people.


And there are scriptures in Hebrews about Abraham tithing to Melchizedek, the king of Salem, who was a type of Christ (Christophany). This will expose the devil for all the lies he has told many of God’s children, especially when it comes to tithing to Christ our King.


For your information, the devil has always tried to discredit Christ; he did not get the victory because Christ rose from the dead with all power given to Him in heaven and in earth (Matthew 28:18). However, the devil still tries to discredit God by telling His children lies.


This is something to hold on to for a future message. In the eternal realm people who are on the earth (new earth) will have responsibilities, income and enjoy the work of their hands, which will be pleasurable. This is the reason tithing is an eternal principle that will continue throughout eternity.


Unshackled (set free) Betty A. Burnett  

The Gospel of Jesus Christ Foreshadowed 1-25-2021

The reason for certain examples of Jesus Christ being foreshadowed through types and figures is this, it is almost impossible to understand the eternal principle of tithing. The Gospel of Jesus Christ was prophesied (preached/proclaimed) by God Himself. God prophesied to the serpent and to Eve about Christ’s virgin birth and Christ’s death (Genesis 3:14-16).


This is what God told the serpent: Because you have done this [deceived Eve], you are cursed more than all the cattle and more than every beast of the field; and on you belly you shall go, and you shall eat dust all the days of your life. The serpent was no longer standing upright, he was reduced to slither on the ground.

And I will put enmity (to be at odds) between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed, and He shall bruise your head and you shall bruise His heel.


Three things are to be mentioned - the woman’s Seed: Number one, a woman’s seed cannot produce a child; it has to be the sperm from the man. So, what does this mean? It meant the woman was a virgin as was prophesied in Isaiah 7:14 and Luke 1:26-31: A virgin shall bring forth a Son…. Jesus Christ was the Son.

Number two, Satan’s seed: All those who are not born-again are Satan’s seed (John 8:44).


Number three, Satan’s seed shall bruise the woman’s Seed [Jesus] heel, meaning the devil would temporarily disable Jesus by having Him put to death on the cross. BUT Jesus took authority over Satan when He rose from the dead and He said: All power is given to me in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18).


And God said this to the woman [Eve[: I will greatly multiply your sorrow and your conception; in pain you shall bring forth children; your desire shall be for your husband and he shall rule over you. One of the major things Satan wanted to do was to reverse the headship of the home.


Although Adam and Eve were equal, their positions were different. It was ordained by God for the woman to raise the children and take care of the home, whereas the man who is the head is responsible for the livelihood of the family.


God told Adam: Because you listened to your wife and ate of the tree that I commanded you not to eat, cursed is the ground, in toil you shall eat of it all the days of your life. In other words, Adam was going to do some hard work.


In searching out to see other scholars view on the woman having a desire to be dominate over her husband makes sense, since it has happened throughout history. Example: King Ahab allowed his wife Jezebel to persuade him to do evil (1 Kings 21:17-29). Jezebel was an evil, selfish, immoral, and manipulative queen who incited her husband King Ahab to follow after her gods.


Jezebel used her charming and controlling spirit, which was witchcraft to manipulate people and especially her husband. That same Jezebel spirit has been influencing others for thousands of years. She is even mentioned in the book of Revelation (Revelation 2:20 ).


God has it laid out in His Word who is supposed to be in certain areas of ministry (1 Corinthians 11:3). God is no respect of persons Romans 2:11, Galatians 3:26-29).


 I want to say this to all you awesome women of God. You are such blessings whom God has given to society to give birth to children and to raise them well. By the grace of God, you will cause greatness in your children. And to those like me, God has also instilled greatness in us (Ephesians 2:10).


Tomorrow, Lord willing, the message will be about the pinnacle of the gospel in John 3:16. From the time Jesus Christ was manifested in the physical, there is no need for shadows (Colossians 2:14-17). He is the Substance that came through the womb of a woman who was overshadowed by the Holy Spirit to bring forth the Son of God, Jesus Christ (Luke 1:35).


Unshackled (set free) Betty A. Burnett

Foreshadow of Things to Come (Part 2) 1-24-2021

I am continuing with Christ being foreshadowed in types and figures in the Old Testament and He was confirmed as our Deliverer, Savior and King. Christ was foreshadowed as our Passover Lamb who would take away our sins (Exodus 12:1-22). Moses was a type of Christ, who delivered the Hebrews out of bondage in Egypt.


Egypt represents the world system and Pharaoh is symbolic of the devil who had the people in bondage. Similarly, we were in bondage to sin (John 8:34, Romans 6:20). Jesus Christ was the Ultimate Deliverer because He was the only One who could free us from sin by shedding His blood (Ephesians 1:7, Hebrews 9:7).

I am going to share two more types and figures of Jesus being foreshadowed. 


The serpent of brass was a type of Christ:

As the Israelites journeyed around the land of Edom, the souls of the people became very discouraged on the way. And the people spoke against God and against Moses.


“Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness?” For there is no food and no water and our souls loathe this worthless bread. So, the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people and they bit the people and many of them died.


Therefore, the people came to Moses and said, “We have sinned, for we have spoken against the Lord and against you; pray to the Lord that He may take the serpents from us”. So, Moses prayed for the people.


Then the Lord said to Moses, “Make a fiery serpent and set it on a pole, and it shall be when everyone that is bitten, when he looks at it he shall live.” Moses made a bronze serpent and put it on a pole and whoever had been bitten, looked at the serpent and lived (Numbers 21:4-9).


This was symbolic of Jesus Christ being hung on a tree: As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so the Son of Man [Christ] shall be lifted up and whoever believes in Him shall not perish but shall have eternal life.


God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son and whoever believes in Him shall not perish but shall have eternal life (John 3:14-16). The pole was symbolic of the tree that Jesus hung upon: Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law having become the curse for us; for it is written, cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree (Galatians 3:13).


A word of caution: Please stop telling people you have a generational curse. That is not what the Word of God says. Jesus Christ became the curse for us. Because we live in a sinful environment, we are affected by the curse, but we are not cursed.


The same One (Jesus Christ) who became the curse for us, also provided healing by His stripes (Isaiah 53:3-7, 1 Peter 2:24), and it is God’s desire for His children to walk in health and prosper, even as our souls prosper (3 John 2).


It is up to you as to how many abundant blessings will manifest in your life. I am not saying that people do not get sick, but they do not have to remain sick. I am not saying that the aches and pain will not come, but we can still walk in victory and do the work we have been called to do despite the afflictions (Psalm 34:19).


Coming tomorrow, the second of the types and figures foreshadowing Jesus Christ:


The Pinnacle of the Gospel of Jesus Christ Foreshadowed


Unshackled (set free) Betty A. Burnett

Foreshadow of Things to Come ~ Christ Our King 1-23-2021

Throughout the years there has been so much disagreement about tithing and many have said that it is an Old Testament scripture, and it does not apply to us.


In order to understand the Word of God, it is important to connect the Old Testament with the New Testament. For instance, even though Christ has always been, and He will always be, He was physically revealed near the end of the Old Testament. Christ was seen through types and figures and foreshadowing.


Let me back up to Christ being physically revealed at the end of the Old Testament; the four gospels could not have been the beginning of the New Testament, although the four gospels were a part of the New Testament. I am going to slow walk through this step by step to make sure you have a clear understanding.


Example: Your father had a will (called last will and testament), but the will could never be valid until your father died. Jesus Christ, the Testator or will owner did not die until the last few chapters in each of the four gospels, then the New Testament began. The New testament is also called a new and better covenant; Jesus Christ is the Mediator of a better covenant (Hebrews 8:6). 


This is the heading at verse sixteen in my Bible : The New Covenant is also the last will and testament of Christ, sealed by His blood


For where a testament is, there must also be necessary for the testator to die. For a testament [will] is in force after men are dead. There is no power in the will while the will owner is alive (Hebrews 9:16-22). When it comes to Christ, blood had to be shed. This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins (Matthew 26:26-28).


At the last supper Jesus and the disciples had communion which is one of ordinances the church observes today. The bread represented His body being broken and the wine represented His blood being shed. Jesus said: As often as you do this, do it in remembrance of Me. In other words, without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sin (Hebrews 9:22).


When Jesus Christ hung on the cross and died, the veil in the temple was torn from top to bottom (Matthew 27:51); the New Testament (a new and better covenant) began.


Now to the types, figures and foreshadowing of things to come. Moses was a type of Christ: He was a deliverer of God’s people; He led the Hebrews out of Egypt where they had been in bondage (Exodus 14:13-23). But Christ was greater than Moses in that Moses could not deliver the people from their sins. It took the perfect Christ to permanently take away of our sins (Hebrews 3:1-6).


The Passover was a foreshadowing of Christ which meant redemption by blood: An animal had to be killed and the blood was put on the doorpost so that the destroyer would pass over them and they would live (Exodus 12:12-13). This was symbolic of Jesus the Passover Lamb who took away our sins (1 Corinthians 5:7). All those who accept Christ as Savior are redeemed (cleansed, made new) by His blood (Ephesians 1:7).


Next: Foreshadow of Things to Come ~ Christ Our King (Part 2)


Unshackled (set free) Betty A. Burnett

God Loves a Cheerful Giver (2 Corinthians 9:6-12) ​1-22-2021

You have learned the difference in tithes and offerings and how both are to benefit others and to glorify God. Remember, some of the tithes are supposed to go to the strangers, widows, and orphans through the church. The offerings are to go to the ones with needs, and as the Spirit of God leads you. Whatever way it is done, is between you and the Lord.


The scripture in verse six starts off with: But I say this; whoever sows sparingly [stingily] will also reap sparingly and whoever sows bountifully [largely] shall also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he or she decides in their own heart, not grudgingly [reluctantly] nor under compulsion [to do by force], for God loves a cheerful giver.


Even though God loves everybody, He has a unique, special love for those who are happily committed to generous giving. The Greek word for “cheerful’ is the word we get for “hilarious”, which suggests that God loves a heart that is enthusiastically thrilled with the pleasure of giving.

Footnotes from John MacArthur’s ESV study Bible


My words. To give by force or to feel obligated is not coming from the heart. Therefore, one should not give, because it is not acceptable. And we should never tell others what we did unless it is to benefit others and not for the attention to be drawn to us.


And God is able to make all grace abound toward you that you always having all sufficiency in all things [God gives generously to those who are generous givers].


As it is written, he that distributes freely, he has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever [God rewards the righteous giver in this time period and in eternity]. Now may He [God] who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness.


It does not matter how much or how little one may have; it is the attitudes of the heart that matters. Generous giving not only meet the physical need of people, but it also produces spiritual results. God is interested and concerned about the whole person.


These are scriptural examples of giving:

There is one who scatters yet increases more. And there is one who withholds more than is right (this is like a person who has the tight-fist, is giving out nothing and gets nothing in return - Proverbs 11:24-28)

He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, and whatever he has given, the Lord will repay him (Proverbs 19:17). Give and it shall be given to you…..(Luke 6:38). It is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35).


Sowing and reaping is a principle that was established by God when He told Adam and Eve to be fruitful , multiply and replenish the earth and subdue it and have dominion over it (Genesis 1:28). Be not deceived, God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows that also shall he reap (Galatians 6:7-8).


Foreshadow of Things to Come ~ Christ Our King


Unshackled (set free) Betty A. Burnett

The Blessings that Result from Being Obedient to God 1-21-2021

I am presenting a scenario to you as to what happened to Jesus Christ prior to His death and how He was humiliated. They mocked Jesus Christ and plaited a crown of thorns on His head …. And they bowed before Him and mocked Him saying: “Hail, King of the Jews.”


In the eternal realm, this will be completely reversed. Nations will continually pay homage to Christ the King. You have read some things about tithing. I am not finished with it yet and you may see this again in the last message which will be about tithing to Christ our King.


We will give honor to Jesus Christ our King, whom God has elevated to the place of highest honor and has given Him a name above all names…. That every knee shall bow, and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is LORD (Philippians 2:9-11). That is going to be the greatest kind of honor anyone has ever received or ever will receive.


Until it is time for us to meet Jesus Christ, as a reminder, we are still commanded to present our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God which is our reasonable service. With that being so, I want to share another aspect as to how we (our bodies) are the living sacrifices who have been called to worship and honor God.


We show our love, worship, and honor to God when we are assembling with the saints; when we are studying the Word of God; when we pray regularly, when we are being taught and by being accountable to God and to others. All these things keep us in check and help us to draw closer to God.


We are called to be givers. Jesus Christ gave His life for us therefore we are to give whatever we are capable of giving. This is another aspect of giving offerings.


If you are in a local church, that is where your tithes should go. If you are not a member of a local church, you are expected to pay tithes to a ministry that is blessing you with the Word of God. Some people call it sowing on good ground, which is really offerings. I appreciate all the offerings that are donated to this ministry .


A few people who are not members of a local church are tithing to Burnett Ministries. Why? Because they are learning biblical principles and growing spiritually. As a matter of fact, I tithe to Burnett Ministries because the ministry not only blesses others with spiritual growth; we donate to others in whatever way the Holy Spirit is leading us, or if we see a need.


Are we using the scripture in Malachi 3:10 to confirm that it lines up with the Word of God about bringing our tithes to the storehouse? Of course, we are! The proof is whatever comes into the ministry is used to build the Kingdom of God, which also includes whatever is needed to keep the ministry going.


Aquila and Priscilla are an example of someone having their own ministry and it was out of their home (Acts 18:2-3,18, 26; Romans 16:31; Corinthians 16:19; 2 Timothy 4:19). They were a blessing to others with the Word and in other ways. I am sure their ministry was being supported, just as Paul commended the church at Philippi for supporting him (Philippians 4:14-19).


This is how amazing our Father is. When He gave me a vision in 2019 to start “An Hour of Bible Sharing with Betty”, a few months prior to the Covid-19 pandemic. l did not know what was going to take place.


While others were saying that the year 2020 was the worst year ever, it was the best for me personally and the best year ever for the ministry. to start in January 2020, I was obedient. We are celebrating our first year anniversary Bible class.


Aquila and Priscilla are an example of someone having their own ministry and it was out of their home (Acts 18:2-3,18, 26; Romans 16:31; Corinthians 16:19; 2 Timothy 4:19). They were a blessing to others with the Word and in other ways. I am sure their ministry was being supported, just as Paul commended the church at Philippi for supporting him (Philippians 4:14-19).


Coming tomorrow, Lord willing: “God Loves a Cheerful Giver”!


Unshackled (set free) ~ Betty A. Burnett

Honoring God With Our Offerings 1-20-2021

It is important to know that everything we do should be done with the right attitude. This will come up again in “God Loves a Cheerful Giver”. Sometimes repeats help us to instill things in our minds.


Here are the conditions on our giving:

Right attitude is number one, because sowing grudgingly does not bring forth blessings. In fact, even when tithing, attitudes need to be right. Example: “I am giving, but I sure could use this money for something else”. You may as well keep it with that kind of attitude.


If you see someone who has a need, and it is in your power to help someone, do not withhold it (Proverbs 3:27). Give to him who asks, and if he wants to borrow do not turn away (Matthew 5:42). Be kindly affectionately with brotherly love…..Distributing to the needs of the saints (Romans 12:13). But do not to forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased (Hebrews 13:16). 

Love gives; God gave/give, and He never stops!


I did not intend for this to be a part two message. However, I made a mistake by leaving out an important element that is necessary for the readers to see how honoring God with our tithes brings abundance of blessings. But even more so, to give over and above our tithes with our offerings is even greater. Why? Most people find it difficult to pay tithes, but to give offerings is truly a sacrifice.


There may be a time or times that the Spirit of God will lead or prompt you to bless someone. Example: The Spirit might speak to you and tell you to go to someone and He will tell you to give specifics on how much or what to bless the person with. You were obedient even though you did not know the person’s circumstances. 


The person was blessed and was encouraged; when you know you did the right thing it also encourages you.

In my research I found about five pages on giving offerings, but these are the ones I will use today. Giving is a principle of sowing and reaping. 


Although it is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:34-34), the Word of God says: Give and it shall be given to you; good measure pressed down, shaken together, and running over shall men give to your bosom, for the same way you extend your giving, it shall return to you (6:38).


Some people may think Paul was talking about tithes, but this verse is talking about offerings. Tithe is a specific amount (ten percent); whereas offering is whatever you can give generously as God has prospered you (1 Corinthians 16:2). I want to say this; the Word says the collections are to be on the first day of the week. You figure that one out. My message is about honoring God with our offerings.


Some translations are different than others when it comes to this verse: On the first day of the week, let each one of you lay by him in storing up as he may prosper (KJV); lay something aside as he prospers…. (ECV, NKJV); set aside a sum of money (NIV); set aside some income and save it (NET); set something aside and save (CSB); put aside something and save it (Amplified).


This offering is over and above the tithes that is to be used for a different reason in the church Example: Missions, charitable offerings and so on. Paul told them to set the money aside so when he came the money would already be in place to give to poor Christians in Jerusalem.


Unshackled (set free) Betty A. Burnett

Saints, it is Praying Time! We Certainly Need Intercession Like Never Before 1-19-2021

Many of you have posted and asked others to join in prayer for our Nation. I certainly agree with you and I am profoundly grateful for all of you who are praying for our Nation and with the right attitudes.


Today I am sharing a method in which we should pray according to the Word of God.

The reason I am sharing with you is because I believe many born-again believers do not know or understand how serious prayers are.


How do you think Elijah was able to make things happen through his prayer? Elijah’s prayer was so serious and effective that it did not rain for three and one half years. After the three and one half years, he prayed again, and the heavens gave rain (James 16-18).


Even though verse 16 is talking about confessing our faults to one another so we can be healed, the point is, the right kind of prayers are effective. There is power to accomplish much if one is passionately concerned and have faith to believe their prayers are effective.


Examine your hearts and see if there are any ill feelings about someone, especially our leaders, even if they are evil- so we will live a peaceful and quiet life (1 Timothy 2:1-4). How can that happen? Jesus said He leaves peace with us, not the kind the world gives. We have peace within our hearts regardless of what is going on around us (John 16:33).


1)Have you been saying evil things about evil people? If so, you are no better than they are. Example: Two men went up to the temple to pray; one a Pharisee and the other a publican. The pharisee stood and prayed within himself, God I thank You that I am not as other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican…


2)And the publican standing far off would not lift his eyes up to heaven but smote himself on his breast and said God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you this man went down to his house more justified than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be abased; and he who humbles himself shall be exalted (Luke 18:10-14). Question: Which one of these two people fit you?


3)Have you been asking the Lord to do something to them? If so, your prayers are not going anywhere. Some may think Paul was praying that God would do something to His enemies. That is not what is being implied.


If you connect scriptures, Paul said, do not repay evil for evil, because God would take care of our enemies (Romans 12:17-21), or do not think evil; cast down imagination.. (2 Corinthians 10:4-5). As a matter of fact, Paul said do not lay this to their charge, although he wrote that everyone must reap what they sow (Galatians 6:7-8). So, have the kind of attitude that Paul had: Do not lay this to their charge (2 Timothy 4:16).


4)Have a Stephen kind of attitude when he was being stoned to death: And falling to his knees he cried with a loud voice, Lord do not hold this sin against them (Acts 7:60)


5)Most of all, have a Jesus kind of attitude; He asked the Father to forgive all of us (Luke 23:34). You may say: I thought it was the Jews who had the Romans to kill Jesus. We all are guilty because all of us were sinners (Romans 3:9).


But this is a scripture that most of us have not really looked at: Yes, it was the will of the Lord to crush Him, to put Him to grief. Why? Jesus Christ, God’s only Son had to bear the sins of many (Isiah 53:10, 12). Who are the many? Us!


Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord (Psalm 33:12). A nation without God’s guidance is a nation without order. This is what our country reminds me of: For they are a nation void of counsel, nor is there any understanding in them (Deuteronomy 32:28). In knowing this, it certainly stands within reason that we are to pray more fervently.


Unshackled (set free) ~ Betty A. Burnett

Offerings - Jesus Christ Was the Ultimate Sacrifice 1-17-2021

In the Old Testament there were various types of offerings for different reasons. The one I am concentrating on is the burnt offering that drew people closer to God in whatever way a situation happened. For instance, when God delivered Noah out of the flood (Genesis 8:20), that was enough to cause him to draw close to God, therefore, he built an altar as a way of showing God how much he appreciated Him.


It was the same with Abraham, he left the place he was supposed to be because of a famine, and he went to Egypt. This got Abraham in some real trouble, but God delivered him and his family (Genesis 13:1-4). After that scare, it caused Abraham to be grateful to God and he showed his appreciation by building an altar and offered up a sacrifice to honor God which also indicates he wanted to draw closer to God.


But this is going to be the ultimate sacrificial offering. You read in yesterday’s message how Abraham who was called to be the father of many nations, sacrificed His only son, which was a foreshadow of how God was going to sacrifice His only Son (Genesis, chapter 22).


Prior to Jesus coming to the earth physically, different types of sacrifices were made to cover the sins of the people temporarily until the set time for Jesus to come forth and completely cover sins once and for all.

The sacrificial offering that I am going to share today is Jesus Christ the Ultimate Sacrifice who paid the for the price that no animal or human could pay. The sacrifices in the Old Testament were made every year… for it was not possible for blood of goats and bulls to take away sins (Hebrews 10:1-10).


But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come… Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Holy Place once and for all, having obtained eternal redemption (Hebrews 9:11-12).


Now that Christ has become the Ultimate Sacrifice for us, God sees us as being righteous through His Son Jesus Christ who did not know sin, but He became sin for us (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Now that the Ultimate Sacrifice has been offered and the price was paid for us, what is our responsibility to God? Remember what was written about Noah and Abraham and how they showed their appreciation for what God did for them?


We are required to be those living sacrifices; no more animals because Jesus became the Ultimate Sacrifice. So, in appreciation of what God has done for us through His Son’s perfect sacrificial offering, we certainly are to present our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to Him, which our reasonable [desired] service.


That’s not all! In being the sacrifices to God, we are not to be conformed to this world, but we are to be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:1-2). So, what does that mean? Conformed means to hold on to the values and beliefs of the world’s system. Okay, what about Transformed? Answer – To change!


What about Renewed minds? It means different or new mindset; we do not think the way we used to, which also means we will not act the way we used to. How does that happen? Bible study, prayer, fellowship with the saints, assembling in a local church, be taught and developed in the Word of God. In other words, whatever it takes to continue to walk in holiness and become more and more intimate with God our Father.


The animals that were sacrificed on the altar were unblemished. We are called to be holy, blameless and without blemish. But now He has reconciled in His physical body of flesh through death, to present you holy and unblemished and blameless before Him (Colossians 1:22 - Berean Literal Bible).


Unshackled (set free) Betty A. Burnett

The Difference in Tithing and Offerings 1-16-2021

Many people were giving offerings to the church. Today, you will learn the difference between tithes and offerings. In yesterday’s post some of tithing was explained, but that will not be posted until you understand what offerings are for. Don’t forget the spoon feeding. In order for you to understand about the offerings, there is a need to give you some information that will bring more clarity.


For many years, as I attended different churches, prior to the collection of tithes and offerings, this is a major scripture that was quoted:


Bring the tithes and offerings into the storehouse that there may be food in My house (Malachi 3:10). Because of the way it was stated, many people were giving offerings to the church. This is what God said in Malachi 3:8-9- Will a man rob God? Yet, you have robbed Me. But you say, in what way have we robbed You? In tithes and offerings. You are cursed with a curse.


I want you to pay close attention to these scriptures. Did God say, bring all the tithes and offerings to the storehouse? No! That is not the way it is written in the Word of God. Since there a difference between the two, let’s see what the scripture is not saying. It certainly is not saying to bring all the tithes and offerings to the storehouse. Now let’s look at what the scripture is saying. It definitely is saying to bring all the tithes to the storehouse. 


 Since that is true, where do the offerings go and what are the offerings for? It has been established that tithes are paid to honor God which is a form of worship. Well, sacrificial offerings are made to come closer to God. As a tribute or dedication to God, a burnt offering (animal) was entirely burnt on the altar.


The first account of a burnt offering was done by Noah after the flood: Noah built an altar to the Lord…(Genesis 8:20). I believe it was to show his appreciation to God for delivering them from the flood.


Abraham (Abram) built an altar after they came out of Egypt, and that was where he called on the name of the Lord (Genesis 13:1-4). It is within reason to say that Abraham was worshipping God by showing God how much he appreciated Him for delivering them out of Egypt. This was the place Abraham went when he because of a famine; he was out of the will of God.


Please read Genesis 12:10-20. God said to Abraham: Take your only son Isaac whom you love and go to the land of Moriah and offer him there as a burnt offering on the mountains that I will tell you.


So, Abraham (Abram - his name had not been changed to Abraham yet) went up to worship and he told Isaac to stay there until he came back to get him. Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac….. Isaac asked his father Abraham where was the lamb for the burnt offering?


He told his son that the Lord [Jehovah-Jireh] would provide the lamb for Himself as a burnt offering. Abraham bound Isaac, laid him on the wood. He stretched out his hand and took the knife to slay his son.


An angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said: Do not lay your hand on the lad …. Abraham was commended for his faith (Genesis, chapter 22). What an act of faith it was! Remember how God called Isaac Abraham’s only son. Why was Abraham commended for his act of faith? Abraham believed that God would either provide a ram in the bush, or if he killed his son, God would raise Isaac from the dead.


Why? Because God told Abraham that through his seed all nations would be blessed (Genesis 22:18). Abraham’s seed was Isaac therefore God was going to provide a ram, or He would raise Isaac from the dead.

This is the symbolism of a foreshadowing of and a type of Christ. 


You will read about the Ultimate Sacrificial Offering tomorrow, Lord willing.


Unshackled (set free) Betty A. Burnett

The Eternal Principle of Tithing (Part 2) 1-15-2021

The Blessings of Obedience

Greetings to all the readers! I had no clue as to where the Spirit of God was taking me when I was writing about certain chapters in Hebrews. Actually, when I said Snippets, my intention was to give a brief overview of certain chapters. When I got to chapter seven, it was totally different; much more was revealed to be written that I could imagine.


I want to start off by saying there is a difference between tithing and offerings which will be posted later. Since this may be something that many readers have not heard, I am going to spoon food by giving the readers a little bit at a time.


When people eat natural food in small portions and eat slowly, the food digests better. The principle is the same with the Word of God, we grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18). In sharing these messages this way, it will avoid confusion.


This is my experience of bits and pieces when it comes to the Word of God: I learned, knew about, and understood that the principle of tithing was in several books – Genesis 41-5…., Genesis 14:17-24, Hebrews, chapter 7, and I learned, knew about, and understood that in the eternal realm nations will be required to pay homage to Christ our King (Revelation 21:24).


During my research, a couple of days ago, I discovered the same scripture how nations will be required to pay homage to Christ our King (Psalm 72:11). When studying the Word of God, many scriptures connect, support, relate and are confirmed.


Also, in my experience with eating a certain dish I never had before, my taste-buds must adjust to the new taste. Sometimes I like a particular food item and sometimes I do not like the food. Yet, when it comes to the Word of God, whether we like some things in it or not, it is good for us (Psalm 32:8).


There are certain foods we may not like that causes us to be healthy. If those healthy foods are not eaten, our health begins to deteriorate. It is the same thing with the Word of God, if we do not ingest it, our growth is stunted.


Tithing is essential to what our blessings will be, this is not just something that one chooses to walk in obedience to; it is absolutely necessary to know why tithing is eternal.


Please do not say you cannot afford to tithe. The truth is, you cannot afford not to tithe; obedience is better than sacrifice, blessings of obedience still stand today. All the promises of God are yes and amen to the glory and honor of Him (2 Corinthians 1:20), but the promises are conditional. For instance, the Word of God says IF, which is conditional.


The blessings that were written in the book of Deuteronomy, chapter 28 are still for today. Although God was speaking to the Nation of Israel, the principle is the same.


If this is Old Testament only, why have I been blessed abundantly all these years? In essence, the principle of tithing is in the Old and New Testaments.


Tithing is a command; the Word of God says BRING all the tithes to the storehouse, which is the church that one usually is a member of. I want to pause on that one. It has been said in some churches that the Word says bring the tithes and offerings to the storehouse. Let’s go back and see what the scripture says: Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, there may be meat in My house….(Malachi 3:10).


Now I going to back to the verses before that: Will a man rob God. Yet, you have robbed Me. But you say, in what way have we robbed you? In tithes and offerings. You are cursed with a curse (Malachi 3:8-9).


If the tithes are for the storehouse, what are the offerings for? Come back tomorrow and you will get the answer.


Unshackled (set free) ~ Betty A. Burnett

The Eternal Principle of Tithing (Part 1) 1-14-2021

Tithing is a principle that every born-again believer has been commanded to do. There have been so many interpretations, and some people have challenged whether or not tithing is for today, or what percent are we supposed to tithe. When you learn and understand that tithing is an eternal principle, hopefully you will repent if you have not been tithing.


The main force behind all this controversy is the devil. He does not want us to receive all the wonderful blessings God has for us; the devil wants to keep the children of God ignorant. The Word of God says: My people are destroyed [suffer loss]for lack of knowledge (Hosea 4:6).


Many people have given different reasons for not paying tithes: “I am not giving my money to the preacher” or to the church, because I do not know what they are doing with my money”. Did God not say you are robbing Him, and we are told to honor the Lord with the first fruits of our increase, which is off the top (Proverbs 3:9-10)? It is shameful for any child of God not to pay tithes.


To be honest with you, I did not understand the principle of tithing for many years, yet I have remained faithful in honoring God with my tithes for almost forty years (missed one time). Yesterday, I was more enlightened to how the principle of tithing is eternal.


I am going to slow walk you through this. First of all, tithing came before the law; Abraham gave tithes to Melchizedek, King of Salem – This will be explained when we get to the Hebrews, chapter seven connection (Genesis 14:17-24).


The number one purpose of tithing is to honor God. The first account of tithing started with Adam’s sons; they were to give God off the top of what was produced, which was their best (Genesis 4:4-5). Whatever the reason God rejected Cain’s sacrifice is not stated, but God always wants us to give Him our best. 


One scholar calls tithing an eternal sacrifice. I agree because tithing will never end; in the eternal realm, nations will be required to pay homage to Christ our King (Psalm 72:11, Revelation 21:24).


After the law, tithing God had Moses to institute tithing for the Israelites to pay whatever was used in that culture, which was a tenth of the harvest from the land, animals and so on. Ten percent was for the livelihood of the priest and the ninety percent was to care for the needs of the strangers, orphans, and widows (Deuteronomy 26:12).


When Israel failed to pay their tithes, this was an act of disobedience. Therefore, in Malachi, God told the Israelites they had robbed Him of tithes and offerings.


When we get to Hebrews, chapter seven, you will see the Genesis 14:17-24 connection between Abraham and Melchizedek, the king of Salem. The reason I am slow walking is for the readers to see the importance of tithing and how God is honored. Tithing is an act of worship. Abraham honored Melchizedek, the king of Salem, who was symbolic of Jesus Christ; God in the flesh (John 1:1, 14).


For many years, as I attended different churches, prior to the collection of tithes and offerings, this is a major scripture that was quoted: Bring all the tithes into the storehouse that there may be food in My house (Malachi 3:10).


The scripture goes on to say: And try Me now in this says the Lord of hosts if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such a blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sake, so that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field said the Lord of hosts (Malachi 3:10-11). 


Those who walk in obedience to God will receive showers of blessings, and the enemy (devourer) cannot touch what God blesses you with.


To be continued


Unshackled (set free) Betty A. Burnett

Witnessing - Sending the Wrong Message ​

Proper Training Equals Effectiveness 1-13-2021

If you are witnessing to someone about the Gospel of Jesus Christ and tell them that they can lose their salvation or that once saved always saved is not true, that is sending the wrong message. Suppose someone would ask: “What if I sin after I am saved”? Would you tell them they would have to confess Christ all over again?


Let’s reason this out. What is the use in getting saved or being born-again if you can lose your salvation? How can anyone not understand that Jesus Christ said: I give them (His sheep) eternal life and they will never perish, and no one will snatch [can pluck] 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.


I and the Father are One. The Jews picked up stones again to stone Him. … They called Jesus Christ a blasphemer (John 10:28-31). This was not the first time the Jews were trying to stone Jesus Christ. They followed Jesus and were continually seeking ways to get rid of Him.


I heard others say that you can pluck yourself out of God’s hand. That is absolutely absurd! Here we go again with that power thing! If someone can pluck themselves out of God’s hands, that means they are more powerful that God!


Salvation is a gift and the Gift Giver never takes the gift back, but the ones who receive gift of salvation should appreciate the gift; it is precious and whereas all other gifts will fade away, the gift of salvation is imperishable. Glory to God!


Why would God give the gift and take it back? The gifts and calling of God are without repentance (irrevocable), which means He does not take back what He has given (Romans 11:29). Not only that, but the Word also says it is impossible for God to lie (Hebrews 6:18). Therefore, whoever says born-again believers can lose their salvation is calling God a liar.


Nothing you or I could do will change the Love God has for us. His Love is not based on our actions, but there are consequences to our sinful actions, because God loves us (Hebrews 12:6-11).


No good parent would allow his or her son or daughter to do wrong without discipling them. The Word says: Whoever spares the rod hates the child (Proverbs 13:24), discipline the child when he is young (Proverbs 19:18), foolishness is bound in his heart, but the rod will drive him away from his foolishness (Proverbs 22:15).


Do not hold back from correcting the child, if you beat him he will not die (Proverbs 23:13), the rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings his mother to shame (Provers 29:15). These verses are saying if you love your child/children, you will raise them properly by correcting them.


Do you see how the devil used the courts to go against the Word of God? However, as a parent, you are required to stick to the Word of God, whatever the situation may be, because there is always something in the Word about every situation, even when it comes to witnessing.


I am concerned for my brothers and sisters who do not know how to witness effectively. You cannot witness what you do not know or do not understand. Jesus said: Go you therefore and teach all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Teaching them to observe all things I have commanded you and I am with you always to the end of the world. Amen (Matthew 28:19-20).


Teach- Jesus taught His disciples, they were well trained and equipped to go to whatever part of the world they would be sent to. On the day of Pentecost those who were disciples (learners/followers) had become apostles (they were sent). Peter preached, and God added three thousand souls to the church (Acts 2:41, 47). That is powerful?


Unshackled (set free) ~ Betty A. Burnett

What About Eternal Security? Hebrews 6:4-6 ~ 1-12-2021

Some people think people can lose their salvation because the scriptures in Hebrews, but this is not about whether one can lose his or her salvation. These scriptures are referring to the Hebrews’ knowledge and experience and how they rejected Christ.


Mature Christians understand eternal security because they have studied the Word of God and they know what the scripture is not saying and what the scripture is saying. The scripture is not talking about a loss of salvation, it is talking about what was known and experienced by the Hebrews.


These verses are about and addressed to the Hebrews. It cannot be talking about born-again believers since it has already been written that we are sealed by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30). Jesus Himself said: No one can pluck us out His Father’s hand (John 10:27-29).


And we know that the written Word of God does not contract itself. Example: Before I came to a clearer understanding, I said God’s written Word contradicted itself. Why? I had not matured to that level of understanding in my faith walk. As I developed more in my walk with Christ, the eyes of my understanding became more enlightened (Ephesians 1:17-18).


On the other hand, some people have learned about scriptures and when it is brought to their attention that certain teachings were erroneous, they would still stick to their old mind-set. That is so sad that they choose to remain ignorant, which causes their growth to be stunted. It is the same as the natural, without proper nutrition, the body is not healthy.


There is a difference in someone being ignorant of the Word and the Hebrews who were knowledgeable, knew how the Lord led them as a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by day (Exodus 13:21-22),

Many years later some even witnessed to Jesus Christ casting out demons, raising the dead, as well as eating food that Christ miraculously provided for them.


They tasted, which is figurative of experiencing God’s goodness. God is good to all people, but that that does not mean they are saved – He makes the sun to rise on the good and evil and He sends rain on the just and unjust (Matthew 5:45).


The Hebrews received instructions about the Word of God, which means they were enlightened or well informed; but being enlightened or well informed about something does not mean that they accepted it. The Hebrews knew about types and figures of Christ and foreshadowing of things to come and that the Passover was symbolic of Christ becoming the Passover Lamb, yet they rejected Jesus Christ as their Messiah. That is the reason unbelieving Jews still celebrate the Passover.


They had full knowledge of and about Christ; because they rejected Him there was no room for repentance. Jesus Christ died once for salvation and He was not going to die a second time; they would have crucified Him afresh (once more, again). That would not be possible any way; once Christ died for our salvation, it was complete, taken care of and finished (John 19:28-30).


Think about it! Let’s just suppose that this same Jesus Christ the Messiah who came to suffer, die, and resurrect for our sins, would die again. Wouldn’t that be foolish? The people who rejected Him the first time would reject Him again.


There are some people who will not believe or receive fully, no matter what they see or are told. The Israelites/Jews/Hebrews saw the land and had the very fruit of it in their hands, yet they turned back (Deuteronomy, chapter 1- the focus is on verses 19-26).


If people could lose their salvation, they can never get it back again. These are some scriptures relating to eternal security: John 10:27-29; Romans 8:35, 38-39; Philippians 1:6; Ephesians 4:30; 1 Peter 1:4-5.


Some excerpts are from John McArthur and Scofield footnotes


Thank God for the Jews who have received Jesus Christ as Messiah; they are called the Messianic Jews.


Unshackled (set free) ~ Betty A. Burnett

Snippets  (Extracts) From the Book of Hebrews, Chapter 5 ~ 1-11-2021

In continuing in the book of Hebrews, I am going to reemphasize that this book was written to the Hebrew. However, there are principles in this book that can apply to all of our lives.


Spiritual Immaturity

Measure your walk, are you dull of hearing? When you ought to be teachers, you need that someone teach you again the first principles of the foundation of Christ (Hebrews 5:14). How can anyone grow if their ears are dull of hearing? What does this mean? The person either has lost his or her interest in the Word of God, or they may think they have all that is needed in the Word.


Whatever the reason, the person has not grown and have need of learning the first principles of the oracles (words and admonition of God in the sacred scriptures) of God. Pride could be a factor when some people think they are further along than they are.


Examples of Spiritual Immaturity

Posting things on Facebook that do line up with the Word of God, which is evidence of improper training or a person who does not study, this is also evident that the person is not intimate with the Lord. The more intimate, the more knowledge and understanding one has.


This is what Jesus Christ said: If you love Me, keep My commandments (John 14:15). One of the many commandments is study the Word of God (2 Timothy 2:15).


Are you one of those who honor God with your lips, but your heart is far from Him (Isaiah 29:13, Matthew 15:8)?


Are you in a clique? This means to have your own private circle of people. Example: This clique is a group of people who have a higher status, better educated, live in upscale neighborhood, materially prosperous and so on.


Are you working in the church to receive props (credit for what you do); if so you are getting your rewards on earth and you will not receive that reward in heaven (Matthew 6:1), or are you serving not to be seen, but to glorify God (Colossians 3:23-24)?


From this message, can you measure yourself and honestly say that you have or have not grown? Some of you may think you are more mature than you are. I do not believe it is a pride thing with most people; perhaps it is because they have been saved so long until they feel they are at certain level of maturity.


I have thought that I was further along than I was, but the more studying the Word of God and being taught, made me realize I have not even reached the tip of the iceberg – there is so much more to learn.


Unshackled (set free) ~ Betty A. Burnett

What Happens to Those Who Take God’s Glory (Part 2) 1-10-2021

Since there was not enough space to finish the message yesterday, this is the continuation of some people who have taken God’s glory. Any time someone is worshipped as a god or, any time someone tries to equal him or herself with God, that is taking God’s glory. Also, these people want to be worshipped by others.


Jim Jones and David Koresh are examples of men having people worship them. Their charisma and charm were deceptive, and their followers fell for it. The lives of these two men came to a horrible end and sadly others lost their lives because they followed them.


Popes – Some things about these men that reveal why they hold themselves to be equal with God: They use names that belong to God only - Holy Father. This is what the Word of God meant when He said call no man your father upon the earth, for One is your Father which is in heaven (Matthew 23:9).


We know that this did not mean our biological father, nor could it have meant someone being a spiritual father in the ministry. Paul called Timothy his son (1 Timothy 1:2). But when it comes to the pope, he is being elevated.


The Roman Catholics confess their sins to the priests, whom they call father. We confess our sins to God (1 John 1:9), and we can confess our faults to each other and pray for one another that we may be healed (James 5:16). Jesus Christ is our High Priest who is our Advocate (Intercessor/Helper) between us and God our Father (1 John 2:1-2).


I am sure some of you and I have wondered how God allow these people to get away with evil and how they do it so long and nothing happens to them. I trust God when He says He will have mercy on whom He will have mercy… (Romans 9:15). Our Sovereign God never does anything wrong, whether we understand it or not.


We may never hear of some people being reduced for taking God’s glory, but their torment in the lake of fire will be greater, if they do not repent and receive Jesus as Savior. The greater the sin, the greater the torment (some people are more wicked than others). For instance, those who are born-again and are not good stewards (manages what God gave them), their rewards will not be as great as those who fulfilled their calling (Matthew 25:21, 23).


Eventually, Satan will be cast into the lake of fire and all those who follow Satan will be cast into the lake of fire with him and they will be tormented (Revelation 19:20; 20:1-15).


I believe this is said out because of ignorance of God' Word, and my skin crawls every time I hear somebody saying: “I speak those things into existence”. Nobody can speak anything into existence, except God Almighty! Who gives anyone that much power? Making a statement like that is dangerous. Can you speak a baby into existence, and cause a woman to get pregnant that is beyond age?


God was talking about Abraham and the promise granted through faith: As it is written, “I have made you a father of many nations” in the presence of God whom he believed who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist (Romans 4:17-18). Only God could do that!


Sarah’s womb was dead, and she was beyond childbearing age, yet whatever God speaks comes into existence. From the very beginning God spoke, and things became whatever He spoke them to be – God said “Let” and it was (Genesis, chapter 1).


Abraham did not waver, he was strong in faith, he believed what God said and it was counted to him as righteousness (Romans 4:19-22).


If you are born-again and you are using a title or saying anything that belongs to God only, please stop! That is exaltation! Please study the Word of God and rightly divide it (2 Timothy 2:15).


Unshackled (set free) ~ Betty A. Burnett

What Happens to Those who Take God’s Glory (Part 1) 1-9-2021

What Happens to Those who Takes God’s Glory (Part 1) 1-9-2021


Today, I want to share with the readers what happened to those who tried to be equal with God. God said He would not give His glory to another, neither His praise to graven images (Isaiah 42:8). For My own sake, even for My own sake will I do it, for how should My name be polluted? And I will not give My glory to another (Isaiah 48:11). This cannot happen because God is mightier and greater than anyone or anything.


I am going to write in sequence about those who took God’s glory:


Lucifer fell from heaven (Isaiah 14:12-14, Ezekiel 28:1-19); Jesus said to them [His disciples], I saw Satan fall like lightening from heaven (Luke 10:18). Not only did Lucifer fall, but he took one third of the angels with him (Revelation 12:4).


Pharaoh – Brief History: This is enough for the readers to see how others took God’s glory. The Pharaoh was considered a god of the earth, the intermediary between the gods and the people.


When Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh to tell him that I AM said to let His people go, Aaron threw down his rod and it became a serpent. Pharaoh’s sorcerers, magicians, and the wise men and every man cast down his rod and they became serpents, but Aaron’s rod swallowed up their rod (Exodus 7:10-14).


Apparently, Pharaoh thought he had more power than God. Pharaoh, like any prideful person would not want others to challenge him. Remember, the people worshipped him and he thought he was a god. After Pharaoh released the Israelites, God hardened his heart (Exodus 13:17-19), and he pursued the Israelites in hopes of destroying them. In his pursuit he and his people drowned in the Red Sea (Exodus, chapter 14).


King Nebuchadnezzar; his pride and his punishment: Daniel interpreted the king’s dream, and it came to pass: The kingdom was taken from the king - he fell and was reduced [abased]; he was driven from men; he ate grass as oxen, his body was wet with the dew of heaven, till his hairs were grown like eagles’ feathers, and his nails like birds’ claws.


This is a powerful statement from the king after his fall was over and his kingdom was restored.


When a certain time period had ended, Nebuchadnezzar said: I lifted my eyes to heaven and my understanding returned to me, and I blessed the Most-High and I praised and honored Him who lives forever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and His Kingdom is from generation to generation: and all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing. He does according to His will…. And no one can restrain His hand and say what have You done?


At the same time my reason returned to me; and for the glory of my kingdom, my honor and splendor returned to me……I was restored to my kingdom and excellent majesty was added to me. Now, I Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, all of whose works are truth, and His ways are justice. And those who walk in pride, He is able to abase them; to put them down (Daniel 4:24-37). My words: “God will bring them down!”


The Word of God says: Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall (Proverbs 16:18). Surely, he scorns the scornful, but gives grace to the humble (Proverbs 3:34). Jesus was talking to the disciples about being a servant: “And whoever exalts himself shall be humbled [brought down], and he who humbles himself will be exalted [lifted up] (Matthew 23:12).


God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God and He will lift [exalt] you up (James 4:6, 10). Therefore, humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God and He will exalt you in due time (1 Peter 5:6).


God has many scriptures in His Word about humility and pride that speak volumes. He knew the devil would influence people with pride because that was how he fell, and he wants others to lift themselves up. It is easy to get puffed up, therefore, it is important that we stay focused and walk humbly before our God.


Unshackled (set free) ~ Betty A. Burnett

God versus Satan - Who is the Greatest? 1-8-2021

Years ago, I wrote a play called “The Grip”. In the first scene Jesus and Satan were in a boxing ring and Satan threw some hard punches and heavy blows, yet Satan was no match for Jesus. Today, I am going to prove to you through the Word of God how Satan is no match when it comes to the Lord God Almighty.


As I listened to some newscasters pertaining to horrific situation that happened at the United States Capitol, one of them was talking about those people trying to dismantle our government. They attacked the constitution, the electoral system, our democratic process and humiliated the United States before the world, but they did not win.


Lucifer whose name meant light bearer persuaded one third of the angels to follow him, because of pride, he wanted to exalt himself to the throne of God and be like Him (Isaiah 14:12-14). Can you image that? The one who was created wanted to be like his Creator. After Lucifer committed that atrocious act, his name was changed to Satan, which means, enemy or adversary. In other words, he became the enemy. From that time up until now and it will continue to get worse until Satan is finally dismantled.


Several things will take place before that happens, but we are certainly witnessing what the Word of God says in Matthew 24:; wars and rumors of wars, nation (nationality) against nation, kingdom (countries) against countries, earthquakes in different places and pestilences (all types of diseases) until Jesus returns.


Getting back to Satan and how his influence was so powerful that one third of the angels to followed him. In actuality, they were as crazy as he was; it is with all certainty that Satan had to be mad. I call him a mad dog! I do not like name calling, but when it comes to Satan, the worse that he could be called would not be bad enough.


When I say God versus Satan and that there is no match, the two are completely opposite of each other. God is the All- Powerful One, whereas Satan has limited power. When Adam sinned, he handed his rulership over to Satan.


That is why Satan is called the god of this world (2 Corinthians 4:4). But he is not the owner of this world, he is limited in what he can do and where he can go, but his fallen angels (demons/devils) are everywhere. God is the only One who is everywhere at the same time.


Satan does not know everything, only God is the All-knowing One. Although Satan is the god of this world and the prince of the power of the air (Ephesians 2;2), he is not the owner. God owns everything (Psalm 24:1, Psalm 50:10-11).


Since Satan hates God, he is doing everything he can to use his influence and limited power on people. Satan certainly influenced the people to dismantle our government. Some damage was done, but he did not accomplish what he has set out to do. Why? Because our Amazing God had someone in place to take care of the papers. See, I told you Satan was limited; go back to Jesus and Satan in the boxing ring; he was and is no match for our God.


Regardless of what happens, our God prevails. He is the same God who had a ram in the bush when Abraham was going to slay his son Isaac. He is an on time God and He intervened right on time in that room at the capital. For those of you who have a relationship with Jesus Christ, you should be giving God the glory for the incredibly amazing act He performed.


This is something the children of God should always remember: Satan interrupted God’s plan when he deceived (tricked) Eve into eating the forbidden fruit. One of the things he said to her was: You shall not surely die (lie), your eyes shall be opened, and you shall be as gods, knowing good and evil (Genesis 3:1-6). 


However, Satan could not stop God’s plan because God’s Son was coming to clean up what Adam messed up (Genesis 3:15).


The devil will influence and persuade people, then he leaves them dangling on a limb so they can hang themselves. I hope you readers know what I mean. We saw evidence of that.


I want to emphasize that God prevailed, and He always will, regardless of the influence Satan had on the rioters and some leaders, they did not accomplish what they set out to do; their plan was dismantled. Glory to God!


Unshackled (set free) Betty A. Burnett

Dark/Gloomy Day - The God Who Prevails 1-7-2021

Yesterday was one of the most unbelievable situations that I have ever witnessed to. God allowed the evil hearts of people to be exposed, and the hypocrisy of our country which is called the United States of America was revealed to the world.


I traveled but was back at my destination in time to watch a chaotic situation as it continued to unfold; it was unreal! Before going any further, some prayer partners and I were on the phone praying around 4:45 AM yesterday, and as another sister was leading the prayer, I kept hearing: Pray for the nation and for what was told by the media what was projected to take place at our nation’s capital.


I certainly understand what the Word of God means to pray without ceasing; it is not a 24/7 continual prayer because that is not realistic, but a couple of times while traveling there was a need to pray. After arriving back to my residence, and as the chaotic situation continued to unfold, prayers were continually being lifted up. 


Thank the Lord for all of His children who prayed and interceded on behalf of that situation. Our prayers were not in vain; if it were not for the prayers of the righteous the chaotic situation could have been much worse. Keep on praying!


What I saw unfold through television was something that would have been in a movie that had to be rehearsed over and over again until the producers felt it was ready for the public to see. It was un beknown to many that this situation had been thoroughly planned out. The proof was the way it unfolded. And all of this has to do with some people favoring one party over the other and being influenced in a negative way.


This message is not about a specific party you favor, this has to do with good and evil, right, and wrong, and a truth versus a lie. Whoever professes to be a child of God and agrees with, partake of, or participate in anything that is evil, then your heart is evil.


Anyone who professes to be a child of God and fight against the government in any manner, has an evil heart. Anyone who holds up a flag of the United States of America and is going against the government at the same time, is a hypocrite and that is evil.


For all those who broke into the capital building and violated the laws of the land, justice will prevail and the morally upright will be vindicated (Psalm 94:15).


This is the straw that broke the camel’s back: Someone was carrying a flag with Jesus on it and was coming against the government; that was an atrociously (horrifying) evil act and whoever it may be, made a mockery out of God - Shameful! The Word of God says: Be not deceived, God is not mocked. For whatever a man sows he shall reap. For he who sows to the flesh shall reap corruption… (Galatians 6:7-8).


This is an example of someone coming against another person. After Haman was appointed the principal minister of the king, all of the king’s servants were required to bow down to Haman, but Mordecai who was a Jew refused to bow to Haman convinced the king to have all the Jews killed. 


Haman had gallows built to hang Mordecai on and he ended up being hung on the same gallows (Esther 7:10). This is a scripture that relates and connect with building gallows for someone else; anyone who digs a pit for some else shall fall into (Proverbs 26:27). Please read the book of Esther and see how God used her to set her people free.


Because of all the evil that was done, some people were injured, and some lost their lives when all this evil happened. Look at the big picture and see that some results were necessary for something good to happen.

What do I mean? If the evil hearts had not been exposed prior to yesterday, others would not have changed their way of thinking, especially to those in Georgia.


My dear brothers and sisters let us wake up out of our sleep and see what time it is. It is time to be about our Father’s like never before. Surely, Jesus is coming soon!


Unshackled (set free) ~ Betty A. Burnett

Since We are Protected by God and His Angels, Where Does the Blood Fit in? 1-6-2021

Hi everyone! Here I go again; just writing the way the Spirit of God is leading me. While I was posting the message yesterday about God’s divine protection in His children’s lives, this is what I got: Since we are protected by God and His angels, where does the blood fit in?


Paul, the apostle was taught by renowned scholars and most of all, he was taught by Jesus Christ. He had an amazing three year experience with Jesus Christ. So, here is my point: When there is no scriptural basis for pleading the blood of Jesus, why are some children of God allowing erroneous teaching/doctrine to affect their belief. For instance, it could be a well-known person saying: “I plead the blood of Jesus” for different reasons. But the number one reason is for protection.


I challenged someone about pleading the blood of Jesus, and this is what she said: “I plead the blood of Jesus around my property for protection”. She even brought books that others had written about the blood. There was more to this off and on conversation; the last conversation was when I said grace makes space for any differences we have, and love covers it all. In other words, you or I may not agree with each other about certain things, but we still love one another.


I was blown when she said the blood came before love. People, I could not say one word after that! God is eternal and so is His Love (Jeremiah 31:3), so how in the world could the blood come before Love? If God did not love, there would not have been any shed blood.


This is how and why blood had to be shed. A body (Jesus Christ/God in the flesh) was prepared (Hebrews 10:5). It is known that Jesus Christ had to come into the world as a human being, and He had to die for our sins. He hung on the cross and they pieced Him (Psalm 22:16-17, Zechariah 12:10, John 19:34-37, Revelation 1:7). The blood was shed so people could be saved/born-again. Without the shedding of blood, there is no remission (forgiveness) of sin (Hebrews 9:22).


God is not pleased when His children accept whatever has been told them without searching it out to see if there is truth in what is said. As much as Paul the apostle knew and understood, some of the people he taught searched the scriptures to see if what he taught was true.


These people were called the Bereans and they were called more noble than those in Thessalonica (they received the Word with all eagerness), examining the scriptures daily to see if those things were so (Acts 17:10-11).


Please stop slinging the precious blood of Jesus all over the place. You may think it works, but whatever does not line up with the Word of does not work. And O, Satan is so full of deception that he makes you think it works and he is laughing at how silly you are for believing him.


Just because nothing has happened to you, does not justify that what you are doing is alright. God has not allowed something to happen because He has mercy on He will have mercy (Romans 9:15).

I caution you to be careful who you follow. The precious blood of Jesus is for sin only, which is two-fold. For the unregenerate person, the blood of Jesus is for salvation (Hebrews 9:12). For the children of God who fall into sin, the blood of Jesus cleanses us when we confess our sins (1 John 1:8-9).


Word search- cleanses mean to purify or make pure (this is spiritual).


Protection - is physical (police can be called angels in the sense that they are to protect people).


Now that you know the truth, what are you going to do with it? There is a saying: “When you learn better, you do better”.


Unshackled (set free) ~ Betty A. Burnett

God’s Protection in His Children’s Lives 1-5-2021

Yesterday the message was about the angels and how Jesus Christ is God. As I was meditating about the next message, it came to me from the Holy Spirit that an important element was left out.


When I received the illumination, it was not by chance, or by happen stance; it was given by the Spirit of God. I believe this part of the message was not included in yesterday’s message because this is a message within itself. This is how awesome God!


The message today is about our Father’s divine protection in the lives of His children.


Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth for those who will inherit salvation (Hebrews 1:14)? We have been under God’s divine protection all our lives. There have been times in all our lives when we came close to death because the devil wanted to destroy us. But God!!!


Moses and Jesus are examples; the situation was similar for both of them. Pharaoh charged all the people saying every son that is born, you shall cast him into the river two years and under (Exodus 1:22). God certainly had His protection on Moses.


Herod was upset because the wise men did not tell him where the baby Jesus was, so he had all the babies that two years and under killed (Matthew 2:16). There again, God had Jesus protected because Satan wanted to destroy Him.


He who dwells in the shelter of the Most-High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. We are constantly being protected, especially if we are abiding under His shadow (continue to stay intimate with Him)- (Psalm 91:1-4). Those who are not abiding under His shadow are not guaranteed that protection, however God is Sovereign, and He will have mercy on whom He will have mercy (Romans 9:15).


I have been positioned by God in an area that is drug infested, witchcraft and Santeria (both mean the same thing, different nationality), and the area is known for pedophilia. It is now going into the sixth year that I have been living here.


Whatever the call on one’s life is, determines what they must go through. It has been rough and even though things have eased up, I am still going through, yet I am being strengthened by His all-sufficient grace. Someone will be delivered, and God will be glorified.


God had someone who did not know my situation to prophesy to me a few times. The person told me that God had me protected and the house where I live was covered. When God says nothing evil shall not come near our dwelling place, absolutely nothing that I had was destroyed or damaged.


This does not mean the enemy will not come after us one way or another, but God does not want any of us to live in fear. So, the prophecy encouraged me. Additionally, it was prophesied by the same person that someone would try to do physical harm to me, but it would not work. I am here to tell you that both of those prophesies were truly from God. I love to see the gifts in operation; they are to encourage and build our faith.


Extra Protection

Some of you may or may not remember when you came close to having an accident. The vehicle was so close to yours that it felt like your heart dropped in your belly. There are many other situations that had us in danger; God had His angels there to protect you. We cannot understand with our finite (limited) minds how great and loving our Father is.


We have double protection. God said He would never leave or forsake us, and we are under His shadow. And He also has His angels with us at all times (Hebrews 13:5, Psalm 91:1, 11).


Our departure or the great escape will be awesome! When it is our time to leave this earth and be with the Lord, the angels will carry us into His presence (Luke 16:22). Amen, and glory to God!


Unshackled (set free) ~ Betty A. Burnett

 Angels and Who Jesus Christ is - Hebrews, Chapter One 1-4-2021

In the Old Testament, God spoke directly to, or through prophets to His people, the Jews, Nation of Israel, twelve tribes of Israel, or the Hebrews; each was the same; simply different names.


After Jesus Christ suffered, died, rose from the dead and went back to be with God the Father, God was speaking to the church through His Word, His Spirit, through His children and so on. The entire Word of God is to benefit us. However, some things were meant for the nation of Israel only.


Certain parts of the book of Hebrews have been misunderstood and this will be explained when we get to those scriptures. I am going to touch on some verses from several chapters, pertaining to scriptures that are misunderstood.


There are two scriptures in Chapter one that I want to bring to the readers’ attention. You may not believe me, and I cannot change that, but if you do not believe the Word of God rightly divided, that is shameful and it is a sin.


Number One: Angels – They are always referred to in the masculine gender, just as the Godhead is always referred to in the masculine gender.


I heard people command angels to go to the north, south, east, and west to bring in money. Who gives any human being the right to command angels to do anything? They are assigned by God to protect and minister to us whatever way God tells them to.


After Jesus prayed in the garden, an angel appeared to Him from heaven and strengthened Him (Luke 22:42-43).


Jesus did not command angels. The soldiers came and laid their hands on him and took Him. And suddenly, one of those who was with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword, struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear. But Jesus said to him, put your sword back…..Could I not pray to My Father and He would provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels (Matthew 26:50-53). One legion is about five-thousand, which amounts to sixty thousand.


According to the Word of God there are only two names of angels mentioned – Michael the warring angel (Daniel 6:22), and Gabriel, who spoke on behalf of God (Daniel 8:16, Luke 1:19, 26-38).


The Ministry of angels


Elijah was fed by an angel (1 Kings 19:5); God has given His angels charge over us (Psalm 34:7, Psalm 91:11); God sent His angel to shut the lion’s mouth (Daniel 6:22). After the devil finished tempting Jesus, the angels came and ministered to Him (Matthew 4:11).


Number Two: This is just one scripture that reveals the Deity of Jesus Christ as God. Deity is derived from the word Theos, “God”. This is what God said: And to the Son He said, Your throne O God is forever and ever; a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your Kingdom (Hebrews 1:8, Psalm 45:6). Scepter means a ruler’s staff - to rule 


These are more reference scriptures for your personal reading to let you know that Jesus Christ is God: Mighty God (Isaiah 9:6); The Word was with God and the Word was God, and the Word became flesh and dwelt among men (John 1:1,14).


Before Abraham was, I AM (John 8:58); Thomas said, my Lord and my God (John 20:28); He did not think it robbery to be equal with God (Philippians 2:6); For by Him were all things created that are in heaven, and are in the earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones or dominions or principalities, or powers, all these things were created by Him and for Him (Colossians 1:15-17).


What I love about the Word of God is, scriptures relate, support, connect and confirm.


Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

The Awesome and Powerful Work of the Holy Spirit 1-3-2021

I am writing this message to reveal the plan of God, so the readers will have a clearer understanding of God the Father, God the Son and God the Spirit.


God the Father initiated the plan – God said let Us make man in our image (Genesis 1:26), Jesus Christ carried out the plan (He died and rose for us to have eternal life- (Romans 4:25), and the Holy Spirit was and is the power behind it all.


Jesus Christ our Lord gave the administrative office gifts to men/women (1 Corinthians 12:5, Ephesians 4:11). God the Father gave the motivational gifts which causes us to do things, He is the same God who works all in all – He works all things (1 Corinthians 12:6, Romans 12:6-8).


There are different gifts, but the same Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:4). The Holy Spirit is involved in all three sets of gifts, because He is the Dunamis power (like dynamite) that causes us to be effective in whatever aspect of ministry we are called into. Although there are three sets of gifts, the Holy Spirit is the power behind all the gifts.


It was the Holy Spirit who came upon Mary and the power of the Highest overshadowed Mary and the Holy One that was to be born would be called the Son of God (Luke 1:26-38- key verse:35).

That what was conceived in her was of the Holy Spirit …. She would bring forth a Son and she would call His name Jesus, for He would save His people from their sins (Matthew 1:20-23).


It was the Holy Spirit who led Jesus Christ into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil (Matthew 4:1).

Christ our Messiah was the Anointed One; God also anointed Christ with the Holy Spirit and with power (Acts 10:38).


There is a scripture that refers to the Holy Spirit as It (Romans 8:16). That is a misprint in the King James Version. The New King James Version call the Holy Spirit He (Romans 8:16). Other Bibles also say He.


If someone would mention the scripture in the KJV, I would show them all the scriptures that call the Holy Spirit Him, He, Comforter, the Spirit of Truth, Spirit of God, Spirit of Christ, Helper (He helps us when we do not know what to pray for (Romans 8:26-27); not it, but He. How can it make intercession for us?


The Spirit Himself (not Itself) bears witness that we are the children of God (Romans 8:16). How can It bear witness with anything?


What can it do for you? Would you call Jesus Christ It or Something? Would you God call It or Something?


Back in the day, some people would call others “that thing”. It was usually was said if someone was mad at another person. Guilty! I called them “that thang”. I felt guilty once I said it as a child of God and said: “That was wrong”. Repentance was next.


How would any of us feel if somebody would call us a “thang”? That is belittling (it makes someone seem unimportant). Everybody is important because God made each person. Therefore, one is not more or less important than the other. The difference is those who are born-again are in a relationship with Christ and we have greater benefits. Eternal life is the greatest benefit anyone can have.


The Word of God says: Do not grieve the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30); that is to make Him sad, by not doing what we are called to do. God’s Word also says: Do not quench the Holy Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:19). Remember all that fiery Dunamis (dynamite) power that is accessible to us? When we quench or extinguish His power, He is not important in our lives.


Think about it: This could be  the same way you feel about God the Father and God the Son. After all, He is the same God in three Persons (The Trinity).


Unshackled (set free) ~ Betty A. Burnett

Who is the Holy Spirit? 1-2-2021

Some of the children of God do not understand who the Holy Spirit is. How do I know that? They have been calling the Holy Spirit IT. After having several discussions with others, I feel the Holy Spirit would have me to tell the readers about Him. Some people who profess to be born-again call the Holy Spirit IT.


Some people even say Something told me this or that. If someone would call me It, I would be insulted. How much more would it be to call the Holy Spirit IT or Something. It is a pronoun used to refer to a thing previously mentioned or easily identified. You can it to refer to an object, animal, or other thing that has already been mentioned. You can use it to refer to a child or baby whose sex is not known.


The Holy Spirit is the Third Person of the Godhead, which is God the Father, God the Son and God the Spirit, being equal with the Father and the Son; the Three are One and One is always in harmony with the other (1 John 5:5-8).


The Holy Spirit was involved in creation Genesis – The earth was without form, and void ….and the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters (Genesis 1:2). The Holy Spirit is the Power that moves throughout the earth.


He moves in the lives of people, He guides us into all truths (John 16:13), He reveals things to us (John 16:14), He brings things to our remembrance (John 14:26), He convinces (convicts) people about their sin (John 16:8), He gives gifts to the children of God (1 Corinthians, chapter 12); The Holy Spirit empowers the children of God to do great works (Acts 1:8). We are sealed by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30).


The Holy Spirit could not come and abide with us until Jesus left; Jesus called the Holy Spirit the Comforter who would abide with us forever (John 14:16). Jesus was sending the Comforter from the Father … who would testify of Jesus Christ (John 15:26). This did not mean that the Holy Spirit was not already here, His work, presence and power could not take place in the lives of people until Jesus Christ left the earth.


No one can be born-again without the Holy Spirit – we are baptized into Christ by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:13). In fact, the Word says all manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven. People can say all manner of evil against the Son (Jesus), but anyone who blasphemes (rejects) the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven… (Matthew 12:31-32).


Without the Holy Spirit, it would not be possible for anyone to be born-again. An it is powerless. Therefore, if anyone calls the Holy Spirit It, they are equating Him to being powerless (1 Thessalonians 1:5).


Tomorrow: The Awesome and Powerful Work of the Holy Spirit


Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

"Happy New Year" 2021

A Year of Greater Blessings!


Are you going to be content or are you going to complain?


Nobody has a right to complain. If you think your situation is bad, you do not have to look far; somebody is worse off than you.


If you have clothes on your back, food on your table and a roof over your head, you ought to be thanking God! Complaining will not help; it will only make the situation worse.


That is what happened to the Israelites; they complained and wandered in the wilderness for forty years, when they could have reached the promise land in eleven days (Deuteronomy 1:2).


Even with them complaining, their clothes and shoes did not wear out those forty years of wandering in the wilderness (Deuteronomy 29:5). God still showed His love to them in many ways; the Lord went before them in a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire led them by night (Exodus 13:20-22). His divine protection was upon them.


Can you believe that? God was still blessing them despite their rebellion. But the greater (abundant) blessings come when we walk in obedience to Him (Deuteronomy, chapter 28; blessings of obedience and curses of disobedience - the principle is still the same today.


I am preparing to do greater works this year as the Lord broadens my ministry. He had me on hold for more than a year, preparing me to do greater exploits for His glory.


Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

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