Month: December 2016

Living Foolproof (Proverbs 26)

“Living Foolproof”

An exegetical paraphrase by Bishop Sean Teal, Th.D.

The Book of Proverbs provides the practical application of The Truth. I highly recommend that you read a chapter of Proverbs that corresponds with the day. Every 30-31 days you will complete the Book of Wisdom and you will be the wiser.

Vs. 1 – As strange as it is to see snow in the summer and as problematic as rain can be during harvest, so also is the promotion of a fool.

Vs. 2 – Birds that wander and swallows that fly migrate. They have a place of departure and a season of arrival. Curses are the same way. Curses come for a reason and arrive in a season.

Vs. 3 – To motivate a horse you need a whip. To direct a donkey you need a bridle. To correct a fool you need a walking stick.

Vs. 4 – Don’t debate with someone who has proven to have and to hold inferior moral and intellectual merits. You will look like the fool.

Vs. 5 – Answer with the truth, but don’t argue with someone who refuses to acknowledge the truth.

Vs. 6 – Anytime you give an assignment to someone lacking in character and competency you are asking for trouble.

Vs. 7 – Even the truth in the mouth of someone who is morally disabled should not be trusted.

Vs. 8 – If you give recognition and promotion to a person of low character it will come back to hurt you later.

Vs. 9 – People who are undisciplined hurt themselves by the words that come out of their own mouths.

Vs. 10 – God, not you, will handle those who are against His purpose and against His people.

Vs. 11 – The person without spiritual direction and moral discipline will remain attached to old appetites and addictions.

Vs. 12 – When you meet someone who is a self taught know it all, don’t waste your time trying to teach them.

Vs. 13 – A lazy person always has a lie to avoid an opportunity.

Vs. 14 – Hinges support doors and beds support lazy people.

Vs. 15 – Lazy people will start a project that they will not finish.

Vs. 16 – You cannot come up with more reasons to work than a lazy person can come up with excuses not to work.

Vs. 17 – Don’t take sides in other people’s arguments and disagreements. You will be bit by what you bother with.

Vss. 18 – Like an insane person running down the street doing all they can to hurt people,

Vs. 19 – So is the person who carries around a lie about you and when they are caught with the lie, they then excuse it by saying, “I was just playing?”

Vs. 20 – If you are serious about ridding your company of confusion and contention you must confront the person at the center of the controversy.

Vs. 21 – Any person with a negative attitude can energize other people with negative attitudes.

Vs. 22 – False accusations and assumptions are the words that hurt the worst.

Vs. 23 – A person who has a big vocabulary and little virtue are all shine and no substance.

Vs. 24 – Negative people use gossip and innuendo to divide people against other people,

Vs. 25 – Listen and then discern what is being said to you for it could be in complete opposition to God’s word and will.

Vs. 26 – You can’t hide your heart or your hatred. Every evil intention will eventually be exposed.

Vs. 27 – What you do to bring down others will become your downfall.
Vs. 28 – Liars are haters and people who inflate the truth and ignore the facts are very dangerous.

U N S H A C K L E D FAQs

Unshackled: 21 Days of Deliverance and Destiny will help you break out and break free from what causes every captivity.

“U N S H A C K L E D”

21  Day  Spiritual Campaign

Servant Sean Teal, Visionary

What?  “Unshackled” is a spiritual campaign designed to provide an opportunity for believers to focus and follow through on deliverance in every dimension of destiny.

Why?  The Bible proclaims in Ephesians 4:8 that Jesus has triumphantly overcome every spiritual impediment, interference and incarceration. “When He ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men”.

We are expecting God! In twenty-one days or less, to unshackle the captives. We can only receive after we are released. 21 is the biblical number that represents the completion of one order and the beginning of a better.

When?  We kick-off Sunday, January 1 – Saturday, January 21st. Sunday, January 22nd @ 8am & 11:00am, “Unshackled Sunday” .

We will gather on the National Prayer Call at 6:33pm nightly. (712) 432-6112. PIN: 100417#. Prayer Everywhere Dream Team and NHBC will gather moderate and provide intercession. Servant Sean Teal will exhort nightly on the NPC, except on Wednesdays.

NHBC will gather in the main sanctuary Wednesdays @ 6:33pm. NPC will simultaneously host “Unshackled Intercession”. We will feature “The Unshackled Fast” on Thursdays 6:33pm- Fridays 6:33am.

How?  We will host a 21 hour non-stop “The Unshackled Prayer Call”: Friday, January 20th @ 6:33pm – Saturday, January 21st @ 3:33pm (PST). NHBC Servant Leaders and Prayer Everywhere Dream Team will moderate.

Who?  You and every willing believer are invited and urged to seize the moment, receive what Christ has done and unshackle your life!

The  U N S H A C K L E D  Fast

To consecrate each Thursday evening

“Unshackled: 21 days of Deliverance and Destiny”

A spiritual campaign with unified fasting and prayers.

Servant Sean Teal, Visionary

The Vision: To hold a normal fast. Water and necessary liquids only. Fast all solid foods from 6:33pm – 7:14am (Friday).

The Mission: To release and receive spiritual deliverances in every dimension of our divine destiny.

The Strategy:

  • Commit to fasting and praying with during Unshackled.
  • Read Isaiah 58:6-12 out loud.
  • Pray the Word and declare your deliverance and destiny.

The Implementation: Thursday, January 5, 12, 19, 2017.

The Win: To see saints and souls delivered from what destroys and dilutes their destiny.

U N S H A C K L E D

The Isaiah 58 Blessing

Deliverance and Destiny!

Servant Sean Teal, Visionary

During the Unshackled Fast claim and command in prayer the promises that come with fasting God’s way. This is the “chosen fast”. See verses six through twelve. This is the fasting that gets God’s attention and approval. When we fast biblically we will see the benefits of deliverance and the blessings of destiny.

The Benefits of Deliverance

  1. To loose the bands of wickedness – Deliverance from deceptions
  2. To undo the heavy burdens – Deliverance from addictions
  3. To let the oppressed go free – Deliverance from mental depression
  4. To deal bread to the poor – Deliverance from financial poverty
  5. To bring in the poor – Deliverance from loneliness and abandonment
  6. To cover the naked – Deliverance from exposure and abuse
  7. To not hide thyself – Deliverance from guilt and shame

The Blessings of Destiny

  1. Personal Favor (vs. 8)
  2. Physical Favor (vs. 8)
  3. Social Favor (vs. 8)
  4. Supernatural Favor (vs. 8)
  5. Spiritual Favor (vs. 9)
  6. Perpetual Favor (vs. 9)
  7. Financial Favor (vs. 11)
  8. Generational Favor (vs. 12).

The 21 Captivities of the Culture

1 You should know this, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. 2 For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. 3 They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. 4 They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. 5 They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!  (II Timothy 3). (New Living Translation)

We live in the “last” and “difficult” days. We are called to “lead captivity captive”. The list that the Apostle Paul outlines has no less than twenty-one cases of captivity. These characteristics reveal the condition of our culture. Unshackled: 21 Days of Deliverance and Destiny will help you break out and break free from what causes every captivity.

  1. “Lovers of them own selves.”

Be more than what you wear and how you look. Resist bringing attention to your shape or prominent physical features. Let others praise you and not yourself.

  1. “Covetous”

Overcome fleshly debt. Control your tendencies to spend on things you don’t need. Use cash, checks, money orders and debit cards only. Record your spending.

  1. “Boasters”

Bragging and boasting on God, not ourselves, is what we do. Do less posting “selfies” and guard against self-congratulations. Stay away from hip-hop music and reality shows that feature and glorify “flesh” and “self”.

  1. “Proud”

Take captive the thought that you always have the best idea on everything. Give others an opportunity to help you discover better answers. Ask for help. Be willing to change.

  1. “Blasphemers”

Overthrow cussing and speaking ill of others. Don’t abuse people with your words. Do not recite any secret or secular oaths or vows. Refuse to say anything that does not agree with the Word of God.

  1. “Disobedient”

Stay away from disrespectful attitudes and tones with parents and elders. Do what you are asked. Show honor to age. Spend more time listening.

  1. “Unthankful”

Praise more and complain less. Refuse to discuss issues and ideas that make you feel ungrateful. Every morning list seven (7) things you thank God for.

  1. “Unholy”

Cast out anything in your lifestyle that is unhealthy. If it is unhealthy, it is unholy. Don’t risk your health or your success in life anymore.

  1. “Without Natural Affection”

Wrestle and win over sexual urges that are deviant and outside of the covenant of marriage. Refuse to normalize same-sex marriage. Guard your eyes from all forms of pornography.

  1. “Trucebreakers”

Pray before you promise! Fulfill promises and commitments as best you can. Keep your words few. Ask yourself, “Am I really ready for this responsibility?”

  1. “False Accusers”

Guard against gossiping and evil speaking. Listen more than you talk. Know what to hear. Know what to share.

  1. “Incontinent”

Take captive your emotions. Live above what you “feel”. Do not consult horoscopes or psychics. Refuse suicidal thoughts. Command your thoughts.

  1. “Fierce”

You have no reason to be so defensive. No one can hurt you or take your place. Watch your tone and facial expressions. Speak kindly and smile often.

  1. “Despisers”

You are too gifted to be neutral. Speak up for what is right in a world. Stand against those that don’t believe in right or wrong. Begin to study the Bible seriously. Develop a greater appreciation for the Word.

  1. “Traitors”

Be loyal to the people God brings into your life. Don’t betray any righteous relationships. Refuse to use people in order to have your way or to get what you want.

  1. “Heady”

Watch your attitude. Be approachable. Overcome the tendency to be rash and reckless. Count to ten (10) before you speak. Think of the consequences of your actions and attitude. Is your reaction reasonable?

  1. “High Minded”

Refuse to be lead by pride. Don’t believe your own press. Humble yourself. Refuse to compare yourself to others. Compare yourself to Jesus Christ. That will keep you humble.

  1. “Lovers of Pleasures”

Discipline your entertainment. Guard what you see and hear on television, music, movies, social media, video games, fantasy games, or etc. Reading, listening to Scriptures, meditating on the Word and quiet time with the Father will deepen your spirituality and empower your soul.

  1. “Forms of Godliness”

Stop trying to impress Church people. It’s not about what they see. It’s never about the form. Form is what’s on the outside. Faith in God’s power is the real substance (Hebrews 11:1).

  1. “Deniers of God’s Power”

Overcome doubting God’s absolute power and awesome plan over your life. The Holy Spirit in you makes you supernatural. If you have the faith, God has the power in you to do exceeding, abundantly above all you can ask or think (Ephesians 3:20).

  1. “No Knowledge of Truth”

Take captive the lies and myths about Jesus. “If you’re wrong on Jesus, you’re wrong on everything!”. Do not listen to or consider any teachings that do not teach the truth about Jesus Christ as revealed in the Bible. Think on this: Jesus Christ is God come in the flesh to take away man’s sins through His death on the Cross. On the third day Jesus was raised from the dead verifying and validating that He is indeed whom He claimed to be and is now seated in the place of all power ruling over history, humanity and eternity.

 

 

From Ashes To Answers

The Holy Ghost Ministers to Ghost Ship Sorrow

A Resolution of Intercession

Having gathered the night of December 11th, 2016 to pray for those most deeply and closely affected and connected to the tragedy of the Ghost Ship Fire we humbly again honor the memory and families of all the souls that are forever linked together in time and eternity.

Whereas we value all the lives of those lost we continue to make progress by prayerfully giving greater voice and offering a clearer vision for those who are the most susceptible in our city,

Whereas we are compelled by the call of God and love we will lead and host more prayer and hope events that aim for the healing of our city and citizens,

Whereas we are moved by the comfort of the Spirit of God and His compassion we offer our most heartfelt condolences and consolation to all the families and friends of their 36 loved ones.

Whereas we know that there are matters and issues of equity, equality and economy that will be brought into later conversations we will launch and lead a prayer coalition in order to combine prayer with public policy.

“Father God, we praise You for your great love! We know that hopelessness, unforgiveness and bitterness is not of You. You are the Father of faith, hope and love. You are the God of all grace. Restore Your peace within Us. Teach Us to forgive and resolve any conflicts which may arise. Let authority and political power conduct itself with humility and honesty. Bless those who have been burdened. Grant strategies and recovery. Help Us to envision a positive outcome. May we begin to heal and make progress immediately and peacefully. Give our city leaders the conscience that fights for the poor and oppressed. Let their conflicts be with systems that are unfair and unjust. Help all of Us to love one another. In Jesus name, Amen.”

Oakland Prays and Hopes

The priority of the Ghost Ship Prayer Vigil is to offer the hope of Jesus Christ through prayer, generosity and evangelism.

6:00pm – 7:00pm

Enter and Gather (Lovingly and Quietly)

Personal Consecration and Meditations.

7:00pm -8:00pm

The Power of Hope  (Isaiah 61:1-7)

Sacred Songs

Sacred Scripture – (Psalms 145:8-18)

The Prayers of Hope

“Help Us Holy Spirit” (Romans 8:22-28)

“Comfort Us Holy Spirit” (John 14:14-18; 27)

“Unite Us Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:1-7)

The Proclamations of Hope  

“We believe in rebuilding the city” (Jeremiah 29:7)

“We believe in reclaiming the future (Jeremiah 29:11)

“We believe in restoring hope” (Jeremiah 29:12-15).

8:00 – 8:36pm

The Promises of Hope

36 Souls and Scriptures

The Privilege of Hope

Seekers and Salvation

Small Group Prayers

9:00pm

The Plan of Hope – A Resolution of Prayer Convictions

 

 

 

The Value of The Vigil

“God will never trust His kingdom in the hands of prayerless people”.

The Ghost Ship Prayer Vigil is a powerful and practical expression of our faith in God’s power to heal the worst hurt. People of faith and prayer are necessary for the strategy of healing our families and our city. If you want to care and share in prayer, please join us at Patten University Prayer Chapel. 2433 Coolidge Ave, Oakland, CA.

Doors open Sunday at 6:00pm. Meditation. Music. Messages. Ministry.

9:00pm –  Benediction

Public Prayer Vigil at Patten University

Ghost Ship Prayer Vigil

“From Ashes To Answers”  (Isaiah 61:3).

December 11th @ 6:00pm  Patten University Prayer Chapel  Oakland, Ca.

The Vision: To provide a welcoming and comforting atmosphere for the community directly affected by Ghost Ship Fire.

The Mission: To offer prayers and spiritual applications that will assist in the healing of the grieving and unbelieving.

The Strategy: Assemble at 2433 Coolidge Ave, Oakland, CA

  • Provide quiet and solace time
  • Present a printed program
  • Posthumous recognition of victims and families
  • Pray for the fire survivors and first responders
  • Pastoral leadership in grief recovery and evangelism

The Implementation: Sunday, December 11th, 2016 @ 6pm.

The Win: To be a positive and prayerful presence in response to a city tragedy.

Bishop Sean Teal, Visionary

The Ghost Ship: Ashes and Answers?

Oakland – The members of New Hope Baptist Church prior to receiving the Holy Communion are clasping hands with bowed heads and praying aloud for the families and friends of those who lost loved ones in the Ghost Ship fire this past Friday.This was the first time the congregation had assembled since the news of the tragic fire. Most of the members did not personally know of anyone who lived, worked or partied at the Ghost Ship. You would not have known this from the sounds of heartfelt prayers that filled the sanctuary.

Their pastor, Bishop Sean Teal, also Moderator of the Home and Foreign Mission District Association of Bay Area Churches, is calling for a cooperative effort with all churches and pastors to provide prayer, material needs and offer grief counseling to those affected by Oakland’s worst fire in over two decades. A teleconference for pastors is set for today at 12:00pm in order to rally a response to the emergency and to also begin shaping a strategy for the conditions that created the Ghost Ship and caused such destruction.

The death toll rose to 36 Monday and will surely still climb after a massive weekend fire roared through Oakland’s “Ghost Ship”. The warehouse sits in Fruitvale, a neighborhood with a large Latino population a few miles southeast of downtown. This warehouse was turned into an artist collective and popular party space. The city has reported that eight victims, all under 35 years old, have been identified. One was a 17-year-old whose name has not released.

The Ghost Ship is symptomatic of Oakland’s gentrifying landscape of skyrocketing rents disappearing artist spaces and the total failure of any city strategy for the homeless. The Ghost Ship became a fiery grave because of need and negligence. The “starving artists” need a space and place to live and work. The city is negligent for not holding the owner and landlord accountable and responsible for the safety of those who worked and had to live in the “Ghost Ship”.

Our most sincere condolences goes out to the families and the friends of those who lost their lives, Our prayers also go out to the survivors and the burden they must be carrying. You are not alone!. Our support and prayers to all the firefighters and first responders who have sacrificed so much to save lives and to spare more heartbreak. Thank you all!