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On several occasions I have had the opportunity to witness and participate in "authentic" revival services that occurred right here in Brownsville Florida in the mid-1990s, and at a local church named "Upper Room Assembly of God" in Kendall, Florida. At first, these experiences were a bit astonishing and almost surreal. These public manifestations of the Holy Spirit, for those who were participants, were life-changing and authentically real. As one of the thousands of spectators, and a roughly new Christian (3 to 4 years in the Lord), I felt that the speaking in tongues, the falling on the floor, the foaming in the mouth, the goosebumps in the neck, the crying out to God, and the silence was all part of a big spectacle (or show). Eventually, these experiences would literally become real, and my life would be completely changed. An outpouring of the Holy Spirit lead my life to repentance, love, trust, and fellowship to Christ, and eventually a new Creature (person) in the Lord. I am not one who is completely "sold out" for these public manifestations, but when they are authentic and God-inspired, I lay down my personal understanding and accept that the God (I AM), is the same yesterday, today, and forever and those supernatural manifestations of God are real but are not the reason or authoritative reason why we gather. Some of these experiences can unfortunately become the spectacle of services, and have been treated and used as a hoax by many denominations and movements of God (Charismatic Movement, Jimmy Jones, etc......) and have eventually misled thousands. So it is important to respect authentic movements of God through the Holy Spirit, but also not allow these experiences to become the center-point of your fellowship, commitment, and service to God. #soundsofmywritings #andyfernandez #iamministries

"The element that distinguishes faith from fear is love!" #andyfernandez #iamministries

1 John 1:6-7 (New International Version) 6If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. 7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. Questions: I have asked these questions simply on the pretext of this verse and not the complete context of the entire scripture, book, or paragraph. Who is the author talking to when he says "We", is he speaking to an exclusive group (believers) or non- believers, or both. Is this individual group or persons (broad) claiming to have something that others do not have, "fellowship", or something that everyone has? What does it mean to have "fellowship"? When the author writes "fellowship with him", who is "him"? When using the word "yet", is the author clearly trying to distinguish a difference in concept or provoking the readers or those who claim to have "fellowship" to conscience consider where are they in the issue of "fellowship". When the author makes comments or references to the word "walk", is this a physical walk or a spiritual walk, or both. Is there a difference between what is spiritual or physical? Are there similarities between spiritual or physical? In what context is this word being written, in a spiritual context, physical context, or both? What does "darkness" mean? Does it mean that all of a sudden, there is no physical light (the sun decided not to shine), or is the author referring to something obscure, dirty, void, unknown, lost, blind, evil, etc......, or both. What is darkness? In view of our "fellowship" with "him" can we make a conscious effort to consider whether we are lying? What does it mean to "lie"? If we lie, how do I know that I am lying? What is the truth? How do I know the truth? What does it mean to "walk in the light" What is light? Is the author referring to the sun, sunlight, artificial light, what? Is this light physical, spiritual, or both? And who is "he"? Is the author desiring the reader(s) to conscience consider or make a contrast or connection between who "we" are and who "he/him" is? Is the author desiring the reader(s) to conscience consider, make a contrast, or connection between darkness and light, and where are we in the spectrum of this difference? Who do we have "fellowship" with, "each other", "him" or the author "himself" Why is the author making reference to "blood"? Is the author weird, crazy, or a cannibal? What is so significant about "blood"? Did someone die? Is their possession of this "blood" somewhere? Where is this blood, that the author would make reference to it in the present tense? Who is Jesus? Why is the blood of "Jesus" so important? What does Jesus mean? When the author refers to "his" son, who is "his", who is the author referring to? When the author refers to " his Son", is there a family we should know about? Who is the "Sons" father? How can, "Jesus blood" purify? Why does the blood of "Jesus" purify? What does it mean to purify? Purify from what? Am I, or can I be contaminated? What does the author mean by "all sin"? Is there more than one "sin" What is "sin"? Do we need to be purified from "sin"? Why do we need to be purified from "sin"? Should I want fellowship with "him"? What is the importance of all this? Who is the author? What is his name? What does his name mean? Why should I value this scripture? What makes this scripture anymore different or important from any other form of literature? #soundsofmywritings #andyfernandez #iamministries

As passionate students of the Word of God, there are resources but also viable techniques that should be applied to the study of the Word in order to avoid misapplication or misinterpretation of scripture. As we continue to work out our salvation with "fear and trembling", it is also important to know that God holds every individual who teaches the Word of God responsible for what they teach others. There are respectable techniques that can be found in the art of "hermeneutics" which will safeguard us from such folly, and which will help us deliver an inductive and objective interpretation of Holy Scripture. In this art of study, we learn that "hermeneutics" teaches us that there is a strong ally between truth and reason. "Overstanding" or "overstating" scripture could be dangerous as we seek the quest of becoming mature teachers of God's Word. These "overstanding" or "overstatement" can involve warped biases or prejudices which will mislead the teacher as well as the student. But, respectfully "understanding" scripture allows us the opportunity to "stand under" scripture, reverence it, study it, humbly reason through the gaps found (cultural, linguistics, time, geography, etc) and give our readers, students, and any individual sound guidance to the truth that bears God's fruit. #soundsofmywritings #andyfernandez #iamministries

In view and respect to culture, time, language, history, and even authors there are fundamental precepts that do not change in God's Word. The inspired Word of God can be applied to all generations, but the Spiritual message remains intact and eternal. Conforming the Word of God to our likeness, biases, conformities, culture or feelings may be dangerous if our views are warped, immature, or insensitive. It is important to respect the inspired Word of God and thoroughly simulate through study how does it apply to me, this, in turn, should be biblically supported and in correlation produce the same fruit of righteousness, peace and joy (the Kingdom of God) in our culture, society, and persona. For it is not so much the importance of who wrote it, rather what is the ultimate message God (the author of life) wants to impart and fulfill in our lives. This does not change, or should never change. For thus "by their fruit, you shall know them". The messengers may change, but not the message! #soundsofmywritings #andyfernandez #iamministries

A very basic fact of translation is that whenever translation occurs, at some level interpretation will also follow. This is because much of the work of translation involves the translator making syntactical choices regarding the meaning of a given word as it is found in a particular context. Many questions of syntax are relatively straightforward, but at other times scholarly opinion can become quite varied. Because of the flexible nature of Greek and Hebrew vocabulary, grammar, and syntax, translations will at times differ based upon the exegetical choices that translators have made. To some extent, the readers of any given translation are subjecting themselves to the exegetical choices made by translation committees, and thus to study out of a variety of translations will always be preferred. The First immediate observation which provoked me to "thought" was, the verbal difference between "witness", "testify", and "record". These verbal differences can analytically mean a different action that was (is) taken by the Godhead. To be a "witness" could simply be interpreted to be an observant or one who is present during an act or event.. To "testify" could be interpreted as a one who verbally or written(ly) gives an account of what was seen or observed. To "record" can also be interpreted as one who already has or is in the process of giving an account. This individual interpretation clearly shows the "exegetical" differences found in the writers (scribes) translation. Thus it is wonderful to consider but not completely precise or accurate. The Second observation of the above interpretations which greatly concerned me was the complete elimination of the Godhead and only giving emphasis to the "Spirit" as a witness (ie: American standard version, Bible in Basic English, English revised Version). This elimination or compression of scripture can cause great doctrinal mis-interpretations. The God-head is all in the same "one" but each with a different function. By interpreting, eliminating, and translating scripture in this way we need to be very careful, for the Word of God says "do not add or take away any word or syllable from his Word for woe unto them.........". As students and teachers, we need to understand, be careful, and frugal. #soundsofmywritings #andyfernandez #iamministries

In the process of interpreting, discerning, and translating Holy Scripture it is imperative that we understand the importance of each of these three in the study of the Word of God. Throughout this mentoring program, we have learned that using authentic sources or resources will help accurately determine the literal precept which the scripture was written in. The more insight we have regarding the bases, origin, language, and history of the Scripture the more prepared we are to discern the literal context in which it applies, to who it applies to, and what it applies. Respecting various commentary resources does not weaken us as students of the Word, but strengthens us with the knowledge and understanding that different viewpoints and interpretations may render us in determining the accurate message of Holy Scripture. PS: It is my contention that Commentaries are a vital resource in studying the Word, and should be written more frequently then Bible interpretations or translation. At least it removes the stigma and possible repercussions for mistreating and handling scripture. Just food for thought. #soundsofmywritings #andyfernandez #iamministries

There are two immediate cultural ingredients that come to mind when considering what we should or should not uphold in today's culture in regards to scripture. Please understand that not upholding it physically (culturally) does not mean that is should not be upheld spiritually. The sacrificial offering of animals for the forgiveness of sin was a command or ordinance of God which was upheld by the nation of Israel which may have been culturally influenced, therefore commanded by God. This act was transcended and spiritually adjusted through the sacrifice of the Lamb of God (Jesus Christ), we understand as believers that the ultimate sacrifice and price paid was that of the Beloved Son of God. The sacrificial offering of animals in today's culture or spiritual climate can easily be viewed as apostasy as to the sacrificial redemption plan of God. A second cultural ingredient may be that of tithing commodities. In North American Culture, there is a limited group of individuals or communities which practice agriculture. Tithing goods such as fruits, or lambs are very rarely seen in today's churches. For we understand that monetary tithing or offering is equally respected and received by the Lord because it is the means by which he provides for his people in different cultures like our own. #soundsofmywritings #andyfernandez #iamministries

The Exegetical Principle is vital to the understanding of all Scripture as a whole. As a student and teacher of the Word of God, it is important to humble one's own prejudices, philosophies, presumptions, fantasies, and/or personal views and avoids this error, when studying and teaching the Word of God. Understanding God's sovereignty and the infallible characteristic of the Word of God is vital in teaching truth (gospel) rather than opinion or spiritual "Ad hominem". The Word of God states that the "Word is Spirit." Understanding the spiritual significance in God's Word from simply a physical point of view without taking into consideration its spiritual significance could have some eternal repercussions called "deception", or limitations that can veil deeper truths and revelations of God's message to you or to God's people. We understand that our experiences, academic studies or opinions can have influence as to how we view and teach God's Word, but all of these must take residence that God's Word is Sovereign, final and perfect. For even John the Apostle also known as the "Beloved" in his great experience, labor and quest to know Jesus Christ was chosen to share the mysteries and secrets of the Book of Revelations (apocalypse = revelation) which clearly revealed his growing knowledge of the Savior, his purpose and his reign. How could such a man with limited knowledge of the future be entrusted to share some of the most profound prophetic revelations awaiting God's people centuries after the resurrection of Christ? Let's reverence God's Word and let it teach us, instruct us, correct us, and speak to us. For the Word of God "is a double-edged sword" and it will help us all to understand that we are not owners of God's Word but Stewards of God's Word! #soundsofmywritings #andyfernandez #iamministries

Ad hominem: an argument that attacks the person who holds a view or advances an argument, rather than commenting on the view or responding to the argument. One of the most controversial topics of the Church or Kingdom today is whether homosexuals or individuals who are attracted to the same sex should be welcomed or outcasted by the Church. For many years, I have seen denominations, brothers in Christ, and even Clergymen argue their viewpoints on this issue. Some take an aggressive stand against allowing homosexuals to even enter the Church premises yet others are inspired to consider "What would Jesus do" or rather "What did Jesus do". I am sure I can list hundreds of verses that defend both reasoning and arguments yet I have learned that the Word of God is both gracious and lawful, it is perfect and infallible, the Word of God is used for correction as well as edification. Submitting personal opinions to a matter, and exalting the Wisdom and life of the Word of God above all reproach is a clear mandate in the Fear of God (Wisdom). We can sit for thousands of years and argue back and forth about this matter, but I have witnessed with my own eyes the Power of God transform the most wretched of sinners into a Saint of God. Reverencing God's sovereignty, mercy, and love and leaving room for the Holy Spirit to convict, to work, and to sanctify are critical in the process of Salvation and Sanctification. Let's all be responsible for our walk, for our purpose, and for our own Salvation and in the midst help others in the process. Oops did I just commit "Ad hominem". :) #soundsofmywritings #andyfernandez #iamministries

1. Semantics Question: What is truth? 2. Epistemology Question: How will I "know" the truth? 3. Ethics Question: Will knowing the truth set me free? 4. Axiology Question: If knowing the truth sets me free, then should I accept the truth? 5. Philosophical Question: If I accept the truth and it sets me free, how will I know I am free? #soundsofmywritings #andyfernandez #iamministries

"Ruach. As a man needs oxygen to breathe, so the soul needs worship to live." The tender heart of worship is a heart that embraces the Lord Almighty and enthrones him at the seat of one's soul. Giving homage to the Lord in spirit and in truth is a believer's ultimate expression of love, humility, and respect. There is absolutely nothing that replaces the heart that yearns for his presence and literally experiences it. For worship are the reason we serve, minister, fellowship, and sing. Worship is it!!! Worship will turn the heart of a sinner to God, and an old saint into a child. We at I AM Ministries International are passionate about pursuing worship in everything we do and preach. For the songs, praise and moving lyrics of our worship team is a simple expression of something deeper that is birthed at the core of our heart and soul. #soundsofmywritings #andyfernandez #iamministries