Without a doubt the Devil and those wicked spirits that serve and follow him are very real. These are the last days and Satan knows that his time is short so he is working day and night to control nations and shut the light of the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ out so people will not hear the truth of salvation through Jesus Christ.   He is working hard to destroy the morals of nations, cities, communities, families, and individuals.

I want to briefly address the subject of ‘DEMONIC DOORWAYS’ that affect many Christians unknowingly.   Many Christians do not understand that evil spirits can work havoc in their lives in many different ways and through many different avenues.

Not a few of us, though living for God find some things that are not right and are not going well for us, even though we have given our hearts to Jesus Christ.   We read our Bibles, pray, attend church, and still things in our lives, childrens lives, marriages, finances, and health, often continue to deteriorate because we are unaware of ‘DEMONIC DOORWAYS’ in our lives.

I do not intend to give a complete list or complete explanation of these doorways, but some things that are pertinent to the subject and things which will help to free you.  Remember this, that your salvation and deliverance are all wrapped up in the person of ‘Jesus Christ’.  Jesus defeated Satan when he shed His blood, died on the cross for our sins, and rose again the third day. Paul gives us important information of what Jesus did in Col 2:14,15 — “Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; [And] having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.”

Jesus defeated Satan, but that victory for us  is not automatic. We must enforce the victory that Jesus won on Calvary for us by faith. We must put on the whole armor of God, and bind, rebuke, and resist, any spirits that are standing in our way to complete freedom in Christ.   People will find that their freedom will come, when they recognize and take the authority that Christ has given them in His name, to close demonic doors, and command hindering spirits to stop harassing them in Jesus name.

Christians need to understand that our family blood-lines, and lines of inheritance can carry curses from our parents, and grandparents down three or four generations (ten generations when illegitimacy is concerned).  Listen to what God’s Word says about sin, and idol worship - “Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God [am] a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth [generation] of them that hate me.   Whenever our ancestors have sinned whether it be idolatry, adultery, the occult, or any other trespass, and haven’t repented of their iniquities, it is passed down to us, as a curse. Even a Christian may be plagued by these iniquitous and sinful patterns and deeds. I have seen Christians who were set free because they acted on this knowledge and it broke the curse coming down the family line.

If one is to be free from these curses on one’s blood-line, they need to make sure that they have repented from every known sin of their own, and then they can break these curses, simply, in the mighty name of Jesus. If a Christian’s life is right before God, these curses of inheritance are very easy to break.

Briefly, I want to mention a few things, beside generational curses, that will cause trouble for you.

1..Going to a séance.
2..Going to a fortune teller.
3..Reading your horoscope.
4..Visiting a palm reader.
5..Playing with a Ouija board.
6..Trying ESP.
7..Psychic experiences,
8..Astral projection
9..Prayers with the use of candles,
10..Spells of any kind.
11..Levitation,
12..Moving objects without touching the objects physically.
13..Consulting a medium or spiritist.
14..involvement in the occult through college sororities and fraternities.
(most of the oaths and pledges taken – are occultic rituals – opening
students to the entrance of demons.
15..White Witchcraft — and many other such things.

If you have been involved with any of these things, confess them as sin, renounce them, and then command the demons that work with these things to depart from your life and family in Jesus name. Then ask God to seal your life with His Holy Spirit, and read, study, and memorize God’s Word.
Memorize key Scriptures that pertain to your condition and stand firmly upon them resisting the devil and his demons. Ask God for His angels of protection and He will surely send them. Get involved in a good ‘Full Gospel, Bible believing Church where people can encourage and pray for you. If you do not have a church home, - PLEASE CONSIDER FIRST ASSEMBLY OF GOD – OF PINELLAS PARK, FL. 6380 62ND Ave. N. Pinellas Park.

From the Pastor’s Pen

Ray Leonard

The true church is greatly beloved of the Lord. They are those who are redeemed and love and follow Him in all things. Doing the will of God is more important to them then doing their own will. As Jesus’ ministry drew to a close on earth, be began to teach His disciples important truths about relationships. “As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine, no more can ye, except ye abide in Me” (John 15$). This is my commandment, that ye love me, as I have loved you” (John 15:12).

Jesus was about to complete His purpose for coming to the earth, and He shared with His disciples very important truths that they would need after He ascended back to His Father. He was about to entrust to them ‘THE GREATEST COMMISSION MANKIND HAS EVER BEEN GIVEN’.

Relationships are of primary importance and that is how Jesus designed it to function. There needs to be a deepening practice of body relationship and ministry among Spirit filled believers. The church will never enjoy a fuller measure of the graces and gifts of the Spirit until there is ’spiritual affinity’ among the believers of our congregations.

This Spirit filled relationships of believers does not come about because we talk about it. Nor is it something that can be mandated. It is only as we abide as believers in Christ that we can be one. Our keen desire is to be an answer to the prayer of Jesus (in John 17:21):

That they all may be one, as Thou, Father, art in me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one, even as We are one: (The Body of Christ / Robert Ashcroft). Let us see how important the Church is, first to our head. ‘THE LORD JESUS CHRIST’, - AND TO US AS MEMBERS OF HIS CHURCH.

From the Pastor’s pen;
Ray Leonard

Maybe First Assembly of God of Pinellas Park, Fl - is that church. You see, as Pastor, I also have been praying that God would send people like you into our church. Our church, I’m sure, is not for everyone, even though everybody is ‘welcome’. I have been praying for people who are of ‘humble heart’ - and who have a ‘teachable spirit. You see, if people come in who can not be taught - their pride will break the ‘UNITY OF THE SPIRIT - IN THE BONDS OF PEACE’.

Our people are good people, - godly people, - who love and pray for one another. They also welcome and love those who come into our fellowship, and support them also with their prayers. We are learning to worship God and praise Him with more and more of our hearts and energies. The Holy Spirit’s presence is with us in an awesome way. I, as Pastor, preach the Word of God without fear or favor.

Our worship music is varied. We blend some of the old gospel songs with some of the newer more modern - yet Christ honoring songs. We seek to please God and honor Him in everything we do. We allow the Holy Spirit to move by singing unto the Lord and praising Him with un-lifted hands. We give room for the Holy Spirit to move in our services through the gifts of the Holy Spirit. But I must tell you we follow the Scripture that tells us - TO KNOW THEM WHO LABOR AMONG YOU - I Th. 5:12. We want to use people, but they must attend long enough for us to get to know thm. We want people to be used in the gifts of the Spirit, or teach a class, or be an intercessor, but we must get to know them first. We must see that theyare in agreement with what we believe, and how we conduct our services etc. When we get to know you and sense a kindred spirit in you and you are desiring to be used in some capacity in the Church, we will welcome you and use your talent. However, you will be loved and welcomed the very first time you attend our services. I have been very honest with you. I hope we are an answer to your prayer. Come ‘Grow with Us’.

We have children’s Church during our Woship Hour, at 10:45 am, - and Sunday School before our main Church service begins. We have Wednesday night prayer and Bible study at 7:00 pm.

COME AND VISIT US - AND SEE WHETHER WE ARE YOU’RE ANSWER TO PRAYER?

Welcome from the Pastor;
Ray Leonard

Have you seen ‘Repentance’ around recently?   Where has he gone?   The poor fellow hasn’t been welcome in these parts for a long time.  It seems that ‘Deception’ has taken his place and is much more popular than he ever was.  Besides ‘Repentance was such a spoilsport and we just couldn’t have any fun with him around.

We’re much more enlightened now, and have carefully worked with Scripture  (it’s called twisting it)  and have come up with a ‘Salvation’ that’s much more convenient without Repentance, and we don’t ever have to deal with ‘real guilt’, -  or be concerned with leaving behind those little besettingi sins  (or even the big ones).  They were all taken care of when we asked Jesus Christ into our hearts as our personal Savior. None of us are perfect, and we’re all going to sin in word, thought, and deed every day, right?  So don’t give me that ‘More Holy than Thou’ stuff.

I have just painted for you a word picture of a very serious departure from the plain teachings of the Word of God.  Some preachers and teachers wrongly dispensationalize the teachings and practice of repentance to another time, and teach that it has no place in our modern day, and with our more perfect understanding of Scripture.  Please base you faith and practice upon the plain teachings of the Gospels, and the Apostles.  Note two Scriptures that tell us of the necessity of repentance.

Jesus said, “Except ye repent ye shall all likewise perish.” (Lk 13:5.   He told them this after saying to the people, - you think because this tower fell on 18 men that they were greater sinners that you.  But you are mistaken.
“The time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent ye and believe the gospel.”  (Mk 1:15)

REPENTANCE AND  BELIEVING ALWAYS GO TOGETHER.  If you separate them you destroy the work of the Holy Spirit who uses conviction of the conscience to make us powerfully aware that we are sinners, lost and doomed to hell.  Then when we realize we have offended a holy God -we turn to Him in repentance - that is turning away from all our sin. We agree with God and come to hate our sin.  Before we repent, our purpose in life is to please ourselves, and plan our lives accordingly.  But when we truly repent, we do a complete turn around, and then our hearts purpose and desire is only to please God and glorify Him.

If the church does not understand that Salvation involves more than ‘Only Believe’, she will be lost in her deception and ‘go to hell’. Remember the bible says, “Repent and belive the gospel. Jesus didn’t come to save us  ’IN OUR SINS,” - BUT ‘FROM OUR SINS.’  And repentance is an attitude change that separates us from sin - to live unto righteousness when we receive Jesus Christ into our hearts and live by faith.”

Salvation is really the life of Christ in us. And that life and fellowship is wonderful beyond description. When we repent and receive Christ - there will be a change in our lives.  Old things are passed away, and all things become New. Don’t take a chance with your salvation by thinking you don’t have to repent.  We must be ready every day to repent of things that displease the Lord.  We are chaging all the time into the very nature and character of God through repentance, and the renewing of our minds - by the Word, and through living out the Word of God in the actual and real sitautions of life. It is accomplished through faith in Christ and reliance on the Holy Spirit.  When we obey God and his Word, and seek His face, we come to know Him as the wonderful marvelous God that He really is.  It is then that we can’t help but love the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.

From the Pastor’s pen;
Ray Leonard

‘Climb, up sunshine mountain is a children’s song that I sang along with other kids when I was growing up and simply loved it.

Scripture reads - “After six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus” (Mark 9:2-4).

The words to this song are, - “Climb, climb up sunshine mountain heavenly breezes blow, climb, climb up sunshine mountain faces all aglow, Turn, turn from sin and doubting, look up to the sky, climb, climb sunshine mountain you and I.”

It’s such a cheery children’s song, but if you haven’t noticed, life has two sides to it and not everything is sunshine. As Christians we are climbing up sunshine mountain. But there are many thunder-storms, dark clouds, and dangerous lightning along the way.

If there was no devil to tempt us, and no demons to attack us then it would be sunshine mountain all the way. True, we have joy, peace, and assurance of Salvation in Jesus Christ, but Satan who is the ‘thief’ comes around to ’steal, kill and destroy. So we have to be watchful and alert, just as Peter tells us in IPeter 5:8, - “Be sober, be vigiilant because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” We are to resist the devil, and Scripture tells us that he will run from us. We are to submit our lives to God and follow Jesus. We are to resist the devil by quoting appropriate Scriptures aimed at him, and in the mighty name of Jesus command him to cease and desist. In simple terms we command him to leave.

Yes, we are climbing up sunshine mountain, but through faith, obedience, and perseverance we will survive the storms and climb to new levels where the sun shines even brighter. I would like to leave you with this Scripture, - “But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day” (Prov 4:18)

From the Pastor’s pen;
Ray Leonard

Ray Leonard is Pastor of First Assembly of God Church in Pinellas Park, Fl. His heart beat is for God and His people. He desires to see each one who attends First Assembly saved, and living close to God. He prays fervently for his people and their families. The love he has for the people is also seen and demonstrated by those of his congregation. He preaches the Word of God with a strong anointing of the Holy Spirit. When the Holy Spirit wills, the gifts of the Spirit come into operation. He has been praying for a Spirit of prayer to take hold upon the congregation for some time, and now God is answering and people are coming out on Saturday evening at 7:00 pm. The fire of God is beginning to touch more and more hearts, We are praying for a great harvest of souls, and for a mighty revival.

Elaine Leonard is Pastor Ray Leonard’s wife and is co-pastor with him. She has worked with him in Churches for many years, and has worked hand in glove with Pastor on the evangelistic field for 12 years. She is a godly woman - with an even temperament. God has anointed her and used her to counsel and mentor a number of ladies.

She teaches as a substitute teacher in the Pinellas County school system. I have heard such good reports about her teaching, story telling, and excellent rapport with students, teachers, and parents. The kids love her.

She has just written a great book entitled “I CAN SMILE” a children’s book published by - ‘Xlibris and can be found here on Amazon.com

Elaine is our Adult Sunday School teacher at First Assembly of God in Pinellas Park. She is a very good teacher and her students feel blessed to be in her class.

Pastor Ray Leonard and Elaine invite you to attend Sunday School at 9:45 am and Church at 10:45 am. Elaine would be thrilled and honored, if any of her students, parents, or teachers surprised her with their attendance.

Our services, music and sermons can be heard on our website.

Pastor welcomes you;
Ray Leonard

We see a man in the Bible who wasn’t a saved man yet - BUT HE GOT GOD’S ATTENTION. In the book of Acts the 10th chapter we read, “There was a certain man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God always. He saw in a vision about the ninth hour of the day an ‘Angel of God’ coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius. And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, - THY PRAYERS AND THINE ALMS ARE COME UP FOR A MEMORIAL BEFORE GOD.” Cornelius was told to send for the Apostle Peter, - and he would tell him words , which he could be saved by. (Acts 11:14)

Cornelius prayed always, - gave a lot of alms, had a good report among the whole nation of the Jews, and had a vision of an angel. He wasn’t even saved yet and did all these things. BUT GOD TOOK NOTICE AND A MEMORIAL IN HEAVEN WAS MADE FOR HIM. As a result God visited him - and he and his household were saved, - and the Holy Spirit came upon them and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues.

Are you getting God’s attention? Is anything in your life coming up for recognition - before the throne of God?
Again these are not merits that earn you salvation. They are simply things done - because they are right and because you love God.

Prayer gets God’s attention. Fasting gets God’s attention. Faithfulfulness gets God’s attention, - Tithing gets God’s attention. Love Gets God’s attention. Obeying the commandments gets God’s attention. Through it all make sure you are saved and washed in Jesus precious blood, the all these other things done because we love God - GET’S GOD’S ATTENTION, - AND HIS APPROVAL.

Pastor;
Ray Leonard:

Many, many items. Articles of all kinds. Come and buy to your heart’s content. Who knows,  you may find the very thing you couldn’t find anywhere else. You’ll be glad you came.

Ray Leonard

The prayers of True Believers have been seen at various times streaming through the blackness of infinite space like laser beams programed to reach the ‘Throne of God, & Grace’ - by the ‘Name of Jesus Christ’. These prayers are prayed according to the will of God. It’s profitable to note that praying according to the Word of God is praying the ‘WILL OF GOD’. HIS wORD IS hIS WILL, - and - HIS WILL IS HIS WORD. Once you recognize what the will of God is in your particular situation, then direct that prayer to ‘THE THRONE OF GRACE’, by FAITH. Then be persistent and persevere until the answer comes.

Many prayers never reach the throne of God where God receives our prayers. When Christians start to gossip, and complain, and doubt, and live unholy, their ‘fire goes out’, and the light of their prayers are extinguished. The only way to reignite the fire in our lives and prayers is to ‘REPENT’ - that means to turn away from all sin and disobedience, and return to God with obedience and trust.

Now when you pray, your prayers will be energized by the Holy Spirit and seen as laser beams of light headed for the throne room. Be patient and in His time the answer will come. The Apostle James tells us in the book of James Chapter five, verse 16, that - “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

There’s so much to pray for. You have children to pray for, a husband, a wife, and they need help. Many need to be set free from addictions of alcohol, drugs, illicit sex, and the many manifestations of the ‘Powers of Darkness’ IN JESUS NAME DEMONS HAVE TO FLEE.

From the Pastor’s pen;
Ray Leonard