Wonderful Peace!

I Believe!

2009-06-02T21:00:00.000-04:00

I Believe !

Acts 16: 25And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. 26And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed. 27And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled. 28But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here. 29Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, 30And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? 31And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. 32And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. 33And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. 34And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.

30And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? 31And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

There are many things that I don’t believe in but there is ONE Who I do believe!

To Him I believe and every Word He has spoken is truth unto me!

Belief is such a powerful statement but also a misunderstood statement.

There is more to belief than just saying it.

To say you believe someone is to say that you trust them, that you have faith in them.

Belief is a word that means a lot to all of us weather we understand that or not.

“Believe me” is something that we have all said and that is what we want people to do.

Children want their parents to believe in them.

Parents want their children to believe in them.

Husbands want their wives to believe in them and wives want their husbands to believe in them.

We want our boss to believe in us.

Old folks want younger folks to believe their advice.

We want people to believe in us no matter what age we are.

So the word belief means a little more than we realize to all of us.

And to our God belief means more than we will probably ever understand.

Hebrews 11: 6But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

I want to look at this as it relates to the Lost as well as to the Saved.

Do you believe God?

If you do then why don’t you live like it?

Why do you continue in sin?

Why will you not work for God my friend?

Why do you constantly worry about everything?

I believe saved folk are peculiar people that are marked with a seal of God!

A believing Christian will not have to worry:

Philippians 4: 6Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

If you can’t rely on Him for the temporal needs in life then how can you trust Him for the spiritual and the eternal?

Oh Christian do you find yourself worrying about everything?

If He can save and seal you for eternity then He is well able to take care of you here on Earth!

I believe, and since I believe God I have no reason to worry.

How about it Christian? Are you going to believe that He can carry your burdens or will you insult the Power of God?

Will you trust Him or insult Him?

Showing your belief by Obeying

A person who believes God will obey Him.

Acts 5: 29Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

Do you think that you really show belief when you disobey?

Do you not believe that God will reward you accordingly?

Do you not believe in the chastening hand of God?

Revelation 3: 19As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

Hebrews 12: 6For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.

Christian if you are really a believer in God then you ought to show your belief.

A person that attends church but lives openly in sin does not appear to anyone as a real believer.

If you believe God will chasten you as He said He would then you would have a fear of continuing in sin.

He meant what He said, believe Him!

Belief means so much to God that if you don’t have your faith placed in Him then you are already going to Hell.

If you were to tell someone how to be saved what would you tell them?

Here are some of the common things that we as Christians say:

*Ask God to save you

*Confess all your sin to Him

*Give up your sin

All of these answers have significance but are they alone correct by God’s Word.

There is a deeper move that is made than words spoken from your mouth.

Not by works or deeds but by faith!

Before we even begin I want to make clear that I believe in crying out to God with your mouth, asking for forgiveness, calling upon His Name, and confessing your faults to Him.

I believe in falling down at an old fashion alter and crying out to Him for Salvation.

Having said that, I also believe that there is something deeper than that which happens right before that kind of move is made.

There can’t be a true prayer prayed without first believing!

Your belief in Him brings you to your knees before Him in prayer.

This is what is so scary, that so many people have prayed a prayer, maybe even a repeated prayer, but if they did not believe in Jesus then the prayer they prayed did not save them.

It is more than just saying some words my friend.

Anybody, that is believers and at the same time non-believers, can say some words.

You must believe in Jesus to be saved!

*To say that you believe in Jesus is to say that you fully trust Him.

*That you are trusting His shed Blood to get you to Heaven.

*You are believing that Through Him alone salvation is given.

How can you really mean “Lord save Me” if you don’t really believe that He can do it?

I believe that we have many with a professing faith and not a saving faith.

We need to separate “professing faith” from “saving faith”

2 Corinthians 13: 5Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.

Let’s start right here from the book of John:

John 1: 1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2The same was in the beginning with God. 3All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
5And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. 6There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. 8He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 9That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. 10He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. 11He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 12But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. 14And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

To ALL men:

7The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. 8He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 9That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.

Note that His light has shown upon All men, nobody has been left without an opportunity to believe.

12But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

I am glad that I am one of the “As many” spoken of in this Scripture and you can be also.

More importantly notice that receiving Him is through Belief.

John 2: 23Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did. 24But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men, 25And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.

There is a difference between a proffesing faith and a believing faith.

Just because someone goes to church and does all the right things doesn’t mean that they are going to Heaven.

Just because you sing in the choir and pray at the alter doesn’t mean that you are saved!

These folk in this passage of Scripture do not have a believing faith my friend, they believe in His Name at this point only because the miracles that they have seen him perform.

They did not have their Trust placed in Him and He knew it:

24But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men, 25And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.

You might be able to fool me and everybody else in your church but God looks at your heart and He knows what’s in you!

1 Samuel 16: 7But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.

What kind of faith do you have?

This Scripture goes right into the next chapter:

Here we have people that are following and their heart is not really in it, Jesus knows it and so He does not commit himself unto these folk.

These people are not genuine but we are now coming up on a man in chapter 3 who I believe is a genuine man looking for a genuine hope.

John 3: 1There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: 2The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. 3Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

First of all Nicodemus didn’t understand everything he needed to know just yet, but He speaks to Jesus out of reverence.

we know that thou art a teacher come from God

Nicodemus spoke of His miracles but he realized they were of God.

Because God looks upon the heart I believe that Nicodemus had a greater question in his heart than what he was speaking with his mouth because of how Jesus answered him.

I believe that this man was looking for a way to get to the Kingdom of God.

3Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God

They have a discussion about being “Born Again” and then Jesus gives him the definition.

John 3: 14And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: 15That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 21But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

Could we make it any plainer than Jesus has put it?

John 3: 36He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

John 5: 24Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

John 6: 35And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.

John 6: 40And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.

John 6: 47Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.

John 7: 38He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. 39(But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

John 8: 24I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.

John 11: 25Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: 26And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? 27She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.

Was Martha a saved lady?

27She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.

Is this really all it takes to become a Christian?

What about works, what about attending church, what about giving to the needy, what about witnessing, do they not also have a part in this salvation? ….. NO! these are things that come after salvation!!!!

Lets keep on reading….

John 20: 24But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. 25The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.
26And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. 27Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. 28And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. 29Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. 30And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: 31But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

How about the blind man that Jesus healed in chapter 9…..

After Jesus told him to “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam”

He could see for the first time in his life

The Pharisees questioned him and then cast him out….

John 9:35Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God? 36He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him? 37And Jesus said unto him, Thou hast both seen him, and it is he that talketh with thee. 38And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him.

Did the blind man get saved?

The blind man didn’t say a sinner’s prayer of repentance as I did, is he really saved?

The Word of God has recorded a record of this man believing in Jesus, yes he is saved!

We can go on and on with examples out of God’s Word.

We need to read more….

Acts 10: 34Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: 35But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. 36The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:) 37That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; 38How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. 39And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: 40Him God raised up the third day, and showed him openly; 41Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead. 42And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. 43To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
44While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. 45And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. 46For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, 47Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? 48And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

Did these who Peter was preaching to get saved?

Did Peter call for an invitation?

These people got saved as Peter was preaching…

44While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.

What are we saying here…….

Is it really just believing on Jesus that saves us?

You better believe it!

Plus nothing, minus nothing

Acts 16:30And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?

Here we have the most important question in the world.

And this is the answer to it….

31And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

They didn’t say give a tithe or go to church.

They didn’t say go to confession.

They told him to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.

This makes me wonder how many people have really accepted Jesus as their Saviour.

How many people have said a prayer but yet has not believed.

The words alone you say don’t save you, it is the Believing on Jesus that brings salvation!

The words of your repentance prayer don’t mean a thing unless they are back up with true Belief!

I do believe in calling on him with your mouth in prayer.

Romans 10: 9That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
12For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. 13For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 14How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

I believe that when a person reaches the point that they are ready to pray then they are now confessing that they believe on Jesus.

Could it be that when a person confesses with their mouth that the belief has already taken place?

When I called out to God that night of my Salvation I accepted the fact that He was exactly Who He said He was and I Believed on Him!

There are no words that save you, it is the believing on Him.

I believe that prayer is the evidence of our belief.

God wants us to talk to Him, to confess our faults to Him, to ask Him for help.

I believe in calling upon Him as Romans 10 tells us to do.

I believe that it is a Godly sorrow that leads us to this point of repentance where we turn away from sin unto God.

It is through belief that we call upon Him!

14How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed?

Romans 1: 16For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

John 1: 12But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

When a person wants to get saved it is because they are under conviction from God, in other words, He is drawing them.

We must not imply to them in any way that they must do anything outside of believing in the Death, Burial, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ to be saved.

It is the belief in Jesus Christ according to His Own Word that saves us.

It is not because you said a certain prayer or you came to the alter, although I believe that you will immediately humble yourself before Him in prayer as a result of your belief and Call upon His Name.

Now many people will not believe because they can’t reason in their own mind that it is that easy.

Some people say that they will not believe because they can’t see how a loving God would allow people to starve to death or be abused.

I say unto those people that they don’t see the whole picture and it doesn’t matter if they do or not they better believe God!

When you stand before God some day will you say “I just didn’t understand”

It does matter if you fully understand everything but you better believe God!

1 Corinthians 1: 21For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

Let me ask you a question, Do you really believe God?

Do you believe that Jesus really is God in the flesh?

Do you believe that Jesus lived a sin-less life?

Do you believe that Jesus died on the Cross and shed His Blood to wash your sin away?

Do you believe that Jesus was buried and three days later arose from the grave?

Do you believe that Jesus is all you need to be saved?

Do you believe that Jesus is big enough to carry all your burdens?

If you truly believe all this and you have let Him know that you believe by calling upon Him and repenting from your sin then you are on your way to Heaven.

But if you have any doubt about the things I just mentioned then if I were you I would make sure that Salvation has really taken place in your life.

I don’t really like to use the phrase “easy believism”, and I know what people are meaning when they say this, I just am not to fond of putting it that way and I am not preaching what they are meaning when they say that…. I do believe that there is more to it than just raising your hand! The more to it comes from true believing.

So does true belief in Jesus save us? Of Course!

My friend it is that simple…. If you can come to the point that you are willing to place 100% faith in Jesus Christ then you my friend are ready to be saved.

I don’t believe in this raise your hand and your in kind of stuff, or shake the preachers hand and your on your way stuff…… When a person gets saved they are letting go of the reigns of their life and giving them to Jesus!

I believe that when you come to the point of placing your faith in Jesus that you will be so humbled by salvation that true repentance will at the exact same time take place.

I believe that the repentance is a step in your belief, in other words, when you can get to the point that you will trust Him, then you are at the point of repenting.

Always remember that there is always a change made at the moment of salvation, Salvation is evident in the fruits of one’s life after their conversion.

There will be a change!

2 Corinthians 5:17

DOUBLE PORTION OF THY SPIRIT

2007-11-07T23:02:00.001-05:00

“Double portion of thy spirit”

2 Kings 2: 1And it came to pass, when the LORD would take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal. 2And Elijah said unto Elisha, Tarry here, I pray thee; for the LORD hath sent me to Bethel. And Elisha said unto him, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they went down to Bethel. 3And the sons of the prophets that were at Bethel came forth to Elisha, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the LORD will take away thy master from thy head to day? And he said, Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace. 4And Elijah said unto him, Elisha, tarry here, I pray thee; for the LORD hath sent me to Jericho. And he said, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they came to Jericho. 5And the sons of the prophets that were at Jericho came to Elisha, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the LORD will take away thy master from thy head to day? And he answered, Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace. 6And Elijah said unto him, Tarry, I pray thee, here; for the LORD hath sent me to Jordan. And he said, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. And they two went on. 7And fifty men of the sons of the prophets went, and stood to view afar off: and they two stood by Jordan. 8And Elijah took his mantle, and wrapped it together, and smote the waters, and they were divided hither and thither, so that they two went over on dry ground.
9And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me. 10And he said, Thou hast asked a hard thing: nevertheless, if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee; but if not, it shall not be so. 11And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. 12And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof. And he saw him no more: and he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces.
13He took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and went back, and stood by the bank of Jordan; 14And he took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and smote the waters, and said, Where is the LORD God of Elijah? and when he also had smitten the waters, they parted hither and thither: and Elisha went over. 15And when the sons of the prophets which were to view at Jericho saw him, they said, The spirit of Elijah doth rest on Elisha. And they came to meet him, and bowed themselves to the ground before him.

I would to God today that we could have the same desire that Elisha had to thrive and live in the fullness of the Spirit of God.

Many say that this has to do with an inheritance of the first born.

Elisha wants what Elijah had and a double portion at that!

I want to present this with three different types of Christians:

Saved yet so as by Fire type of Christian

1 Corinthians 3: 11For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; 13Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. 14If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. 15If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
16Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? 17If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.

I believe that the multitude of Christians today have no experience in the more abundant life that is there for their taking.

These are they that have done what is needed for entrance into Heaven, that is that they have believed upon Jesus Christ for salvation.

They truly have experienced salvation and their life has been changed….. these are those who know that they are saved but that is as far as they went with God.

They are still on the milk, they do nothing in service for God.

Hebrews 5: 12For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. 13For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. 14But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

You might find these Christians at church on Sunday morning, and then again you might not.

Hebrews 10: 25Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

These are generally the ones who just blend in wherever there at.

These only pray on occasion and that is mostly just to ask God for provisions.

These are they that can not handle the Truth of God’s Word because it cuts into the activity in their life.

They are carnal in their ways and have a hard time separating themselves from the secular world.

The Apostle Paul preached to many of these in his day.

1 Corinthians 3: 1And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. 2I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. 3For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?

These are they who, when they do come to church the do it only because they know it is the right thing to do.

Coming to God’s House is more like a chore to them than a blessing.

These are they who will complain about long services, and strong preaching.

They are the ones who like to rub their temples as if to say “Quiet down, your giving me a headache” or look at their watch as if to say “hurry up”.

These would only open God’s Word to read if they were in trouble.

This is not just limited to the church pews but sometimes even those that once thrived upon God’s Word and have been placed in areas of service have backslidden and went back to the baby bottle and stopped growing.

I personally believe that there will always be some kind of fruit in every believer’s life at least at some time after their conversion that proves their salvation to those around them.

Galatians 5: 7Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? 8This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you. 9A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.

Cumbered about much serving type of Christian

Luke 10: 38Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. 39And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. 40But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. 41And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: 42But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

Now Mary was at the Feet of Jesus but what about Martha?

The Martha-type Christians are a big help to the church.

They faithfully serve God in all areas and are always found in God’s House whenever the doors are open.

If it were not for these type of Christians they operation of the physical building would not work.

These are they who probably pray and ask God to bless every meal.

They witness sometimes, at least when they are around those in obvious need.

They will always identify themselves with other Christians.

They know what it means to feel conviction from God and they are even faithful to obey Him.

They read their Bible and maybe even faithfully on a routine basis.

And that is pretty much it…… All a routine to them.

These have fashioned their lives around good habits and good routines and have committed themselves to service.

These are those that serve God out of loyalty and obedience.

Acts 5: 29Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

They understand sacrifice and they understand obedience.

1 Samuel 5: 22And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.

These are they that go through the motions of Christianity and have learned how to look devoted in front of everyone but are still missing out on the more abundant life that Jesus wants them to have.

In Martha’s service she forgot to worship!

The Spirit filled Christian living the more abundant life.

John 10: 10The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

This is where Elisha desires to be in our text.

2 Kings 2: 8And Elijah took his mantle, and wrapped it together, and smote the waters, and they were divided hither and thither, so that they two went over on dry ground.
9And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me.

It is sad to say, but in today’s society it is a rare thing to find a person such as Elisha.

These are they who witness at every opportunity given to them, not just to those that look like they need it.

They are in a constant state of prayer and communication to God.

Ephesians 6: 18Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

1 Thessalonians 5: 17Pray without ceasing.

Not only are they faithful in service but they love to do God’s Work and desire it in their life!

These are the ones who want to be called upon for service.

These are they who thrive upon God’s Word.

These are those who we would call on to pray for us for it is an obvious thing that they are in direct communication with God…..

We know that they can get in touch with God at any given moment for they have, with God’s Help, kept their sins confessed and their life clean.

They are not on a dial-up service with God but are in constant contact with Him.

The Power of Almighty God rests upon these.

They never, never compromise with sin in any situation.

These are not perfect people I am speaking about, but are led by the Spirit of God, and have committed themselves to walk in His Spirit and love Him.

These are they that have a desire to follow God and His Spirit’s every conviction as if they are a puppet and they have given God the strings.

These are the ones who have made themselves to be clay in the Potters Hands.

They have become a blank canvas and desire God to hold the Artist’s brush.

When the Holy Ghost brings conviction or instruction their way they are ready to move at His command.

1 Thessalonians 5: 19Quench not the Spirit.

Galatians 5: 25If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

These are they with an overwhelming burden to love Christ and bring others to Him.

These know how to answer every man because it is the Spirit that is feeding them the answers.

1 Corinthians 2: 9But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. 10But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. 11For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.

1 Peter 3: 15But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

They not only read God’s Word, but they have studied and are on strong meat!

2 Timothy 2: 15Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

These can be men, women, boys or girls and can be of any race, or nationality.

By the way, these are the ones that get made fun of by the world because they are so different.

1 Peter 2: 9But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

These are of those who serve God, not just out of loyalty and obedience, but out of Love for Him.

Back To Elisha now….

He wasn’t asking for a better ministry than Elijah, He just wanted more of Elijah’s God!

Was his ministry greater than that of Elijah’s, well if you are miracle counting then Elisha’s was double than that of Elijah’s.

2 Kings 2: 9And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me. 10And he said, Thou hast asked a hard thing: nevertheless, if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee; but if not, it shall not be so.

Elijah seen the request of Elisha as a hard thing…..

Maybe it seemed as such a hard thing to Elijah because God was so near him, and the Holy Spirit’s presence was so real that he couldn’t imagine a double portion.

We need to remember that nothing is impossible with God!

May we see the light in the Scriptures that we too can have this walk with God.

13He took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and went back, and stood by the bank of Jordan; 14And he took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and smote the waters, and said, Where is the LORD God of Elijah? and when he also had smitten the waters, they parted hither and thither: and Elisha went over. 15And when the sons of the prophets which were to view at Jericho saw him, they said, The spirit of Elijah doth rest on Elisha. And they came to meet him, and bowed themselves to the ground before him.

It was evident to the sons of the prophets that Elisha had received the double portion that he had asked for.

May I say that it will be evident if you are filled with the Spirit of God!

No, you will not perform miracles but if you will submit the way God wants you to and Love Him then you will have a glow about you that shines from Heaven above!

It will be evident that you also have been with Christ.

If you haven’t noticed yet, this Scripture is also a picture of Christ and His Church.

Elisha did not receive the double portion of the Spirit until Elijah left.

While Elijah was here, he was the man for the moment, but now that he is gone the mantle, and the double portion has been given to Elisha.

John 16: 7Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.

Also did you notice that greater works did Elisha than that of Elijah…. And this is not because Elisha was any greater of a man.

John 14: 12Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.

What does all this mean to us?

Well, are you happy being a bottle fed Christian?

Are you happy being a routine Christian?

Wouldn’t you rather live the life of a Spirit filled Christian?

John 14: 13And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.

Luke 11: 9And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. 10For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

Matthew 5: 6Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

Ephesians 5: 18And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

Should we celebrate halloween?

2007-10-12T18:40:00.000-04:00

Should we celebrate Halloween?

I believe this is a question that every parent that is thinking about letting their kids trick or treat should ask themselves.

It is quite obvious that this event did not come from anything Christ-like.

I know many have their views on this, and that those many views differ greatly.

To many the fears of Halloween are just myths and fictional characters that just are nothing more than a little scare for fun.

After all, the stuff that has been shown on "Nightmare on Elmstreet" and "Friday 13th" etc...
are just in the movies, right?

Is witches, vampires, and the occult real?

Does it really make a difference if we set out a jack-o-lantern and hang some spooky spider webs and skelotens around our house?

Does it really make a difference if we celebrate this so-called holiday?

Besides people really don't drink other's blood, and sacrifice people for the dead, and try to cast spells today do they? THINK AGAIN!!!!!!

I believe that the Bible, God's Holy Word is VERY specific about these things!

We would all have to agree that Withes, Vampires, headless horsemen, ghost, and goblins are not about GOOD things and we might as well say that they are things of EVIL, mainly with a pull and theme of DEATH to them.

1 Thessalonians 5: 22Abstain from all appearance of evil.

Please read the following scriptures and make a judgment about halloween based upon what God's Word says.

1 Timothy 4: 1Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

What does the Bible say about witches?
WITCHES are the reigning Queen of Halloween. If you’ve been lullabied by the gospel of Halloween that witches are harmless folks, wake up, witches worship the devil:
In many instances, according to the confessions of the witches, besides their direct worship of the devil, they were obliged to show their abhorrence of the faith they had deserted by trampling on the cross, and blaspheming the saints, and by other profanations. (Spence, Lewis. An Encyclopedia of Occultism, p. 433)
The witches held a party at Hallowe’en and the women . . . sold their soul to the devil, would put a stick in their beds anointed with the fat of murdered babies. . .(Douglas, George William. The American Book of Days, p. 569)
Although witches vigorously protest they have no dealings with the devil, under the heading, "A Witch’s God," the popular witch’s training manual, Witchcraft: Theory and Practice, plainly states:
A Witch’s God. . . He is . . . Lord of the Underworld [Hell] . . . He is named . . . Baphomet . . . Lucifer . . . Baal. . . (Angeles, Ly de. Witchcraft: Theory and Practice, p. 60)
The Lord God’s judgment upon witches should not be taken lightly.
Exodus 22: 18Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live.
I don’t at all agree with any parent that pushes their children into this worship, just as the bible says:

Deuteronomy 18: 10There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, 11Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. 12For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee. 13Thou shalt be perfect with the LORD thy God. 14For these nations, which thou shalt possess, hearkened unto observers of times, and unto diviners: but as for thee, the LORD thy God hath not suffered thee so to do.

What about vampires that drink their own or others blood?

Leviticus 19: 26Ye shall not eat any thing with the blood: neither shall ye use enchantment, nor observe times. 27Ye shall not round the corners of your heads, neither shalt thou mar the corners of thy beard. 28Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD. 29Do not prostitute thy daughter, to cause her to be a whore; lest the land fall to whoredom, and the land become full of wickedness.
30Ye shall keep my sabbaths, and reverence my sanctuary: I am the LORD. 31Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the LORD your God.

Micah 5: 10And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the LORD, that I will cut off thy horses out of the midst of thee, and I will destroy thy chariots: 11And I will cut off the cities of thy land, and throw down all thy strong holds: 12And I will cut off witchcrafts out of thine hand; and thou shalt have no more soothsayers: 13Thy graven images also will I cut off, and thy standing images out of the midst of thee; and thou shalt no more worship the work of thine hands. 14And I will pluck up thy groves out of the midst of thee: so will I destroy thy cities. 15And I will execute vengeance in anger and fury upon the heathen, such as they have not heard.

2 Corinthians 6: 17Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 18And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

• HALLOWEEN: BAAL WORSHIP •
The original Halloween was a hellish night of Baal worship and child sacrifice. And most of our current Halloween customs derived directly from Baal rituals!
On November first was Samhain [Halloween] . . . Fires were built as a thanksgiving to Baal. . . (Kelley, Ruth Edna, The Book of Hallowe'en, Lothrop, Lee and Shepard Co. Boston, 1919)
The mystic rites and ceremonies with which Hallow’en was originally observed had their origin among the Druids . . . ancient Baal festivals from which many of the Hallow’en customs are derived. (Douglas, George William. The American Book of Days, p. 569)
Baal is also a synonym for the devil. (Burns, Cathy. Masonic and Occult Symbols Illustrated, p. 327)
Halloween glorifies death in worship to Baal or the devil!
The Druid festival of Samhain was a celebration of death. Strutting its hellish death images of skulls, skeletons, ghosts, demons, devils and incarnate evil – today’s Halloween glorifies Death. David Skal titled his history of Halloween—Death Makes a Holiday:
The grand marshal of the Halloween parade is, and always has been, Death. (Skal, David J. Death Makes a Holiday: The Cultural History of Halloween, p. 18)
Halloween can be traced directly back to Samhain, the ancient Celtic harvest festival honoring the Lord of the Dead. (Thompson, Sue Ellen. Holiday Symbols and Customs, p. 251)
The Devil glorifies death. Hebrews 2:14 says, ". . . that through death he [Jesus] might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;" Proverbs 8:36 says all they that hate the Lord ". . . love death." Revelation 6:8 says the rider of the antichrist’s pale horse, ". . . and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him."

There is one for sure truth about this morbid holiday that that our country has adapted to, and that is that in it’s origination it was a type of celebration of death.

What does the Word of God have to say about such things?

Proverbs 8: 36But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.

Hebrews 2: 14Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; 15And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

JACK-O’-LANTERN: If Witches are the Queen of Halloween, the smiling jack-o’-lantern is the King. The demonic jack-o’-lantern leaves most historians baffled tracing its spooky origin. One popular tale, tells of Jack who tricked the devil in a deal for his soul. But the origin of the jack-o’-lantern is much more sinister. It arrives from the Druid’s ghastly reverence of the severed human head! They proudly decorated their houses and temples with bloody severed heads. The Druids believed the head housed the soul, hence the light or candle in the skull. The original jack-o’-lantern was not a pumpkin or turnip, but a severed human head!
Trophy, charm, or ornament, the human head figured prominently in Celtic life. Warriors hung enemy heads on their houses as a show of prowess, and Druids, believing that the head harbored the soul, placed skulls in sanctuaries to ward off evil. (National Geographic, May 1977, p. 603)
. . . they hang the heads of their enemies from the necks of their horses, and, when they have brought them home, nail the spectacle to the entrances of their homes. . .(Strabo, Geography)
It is believed that faces, rather than other images or symbols, were originally carved onto the pumpkin because they gave the jack-o’-lantern the look of a head. The Celts of ancient times believed that the head was the most sacred part of the human body, for it housed a person’s immortal soul. (Dunwich, Gerina. The Pagan Book of Halloween, p. 32)
. . . the jack-o’-lantern is generally presented in its traditional form as a festive euphemism for the death’s-head, the triangular nose hole and rictus grin being the "dead" giveaways. (Skal, David J. Death Makes a Holiday: The Cultural History of Halloween, p. 38)
Carved and illuminated by a candle, they are symbolic of death and the spirit world. (Thompson, Sue Ellen. Holiday Symbols and Customs, p. 256)
TRICK OR TREAT is another Druid inspired custom.
Every year on Halloween, many children throughout the world dress up in costumes and go door to door in a ritual known as trick or treating . . . unaware that their innocent masquerade is actually the remnants of a Druidic religious practice from times most ancient. (Dunwich, Gerina. The Pagan Book of Halloween, p. 11)
Whatever the wrinkles, the root assumption is the same: trick or treat had its beginning in the Celtic dawn. (Santino, Jack. Halloween and Other Festivals of Death and Life, p. 82)
MASKS & COSTUMES: Masks and costumes carry a long history in the occult and demon possession. Masks are contacts to the spirit world to invite the spirit to "possess" them.
In rituals, a person wearing a mask of a god or spirit often feels possessed by the supernatural being. . . (World Book 2005, p. 263)
The person wearing the mask feels internally transformed and takes on temporarily the qualities of the god or demon represented by the mask. (Biedermann, Hans. Dictionary of Symbolism, p. 218)
BAT: "One of the animal shapes commonly used by these demons (or "familiars," as they were often called) was the bat. Bats and their blood were also used in the casting of spells (especially those of black magick), the brewing of potions. . ." (Dunwich, Gerina. The Pagan Book of Halloween, p. 29)
OWL: "On Halloween night, demons in the form of owls were said to have traveled with Witches and their cats . . . some were even believed to be Witches in disguise. . . (Interestingly, the owl was called a strix by the Romans—a word that means "Witch.")" (Dunwich, Gerina. The Pagan Book of Halloween, p. 43)
"BLACK CATS were associated with darkness and death . . . they embodied demons who performed the witches’ task of maleficia against their neighbors. . . Black cats are said to be the devil himself." (Guiley, Rosemary Ellen. The Encyclopedia of Witches and Witchcraft, p. 49)
APPLES: "The practice of bobbing for apples at a Halloween party comes form our Pagan ancestors, who highly valued apple magick." (RavenWolf, Silver. Teen Witch, p. 42)
SKULL: "An interesting symbol, the skull . . . It is prominent in Witchcraft and Demon worship as a celebration of death." (Burns, Cathy. Masonic and Occult Symbols Illustrated, p. 388)

Listen …. If you feel it is your duty to wear the garb this Halloween then the devil would have you go ahead and wear it proud in honor of these satanic worshipers because that is exactly what you are doing, Honoring the devil himself! …… every believer in Christ knows better!

So what do you think? Should Christians celebrate Halloween?

Is Halloween really just a harmless and fun event?

1 Corinthians 10: 15I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say. 16The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? 17For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread. 18Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar? 19What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing? 20But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. 21Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils. 22Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?

Ephesians 5: 3But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; 4Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. 5For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. 7Be not ye therefore partakers with them. 8For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: 9(For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) 10Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. 11And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. 12For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. 13But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. 14Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. 15See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 16Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

Note: Some of the information from this blog was taken from the Dial The Truth Ministries Website

God has not changed about His Word!

2007-09-17T17:58:00.000-04:00

God has preserved His Word..... if there are differences in the many translations then which one is the real preserved Word of God?

Only One can be 100% right!

I stand upon the Word of God, and that is for the English speaking people the King James Bible!

Here are a few examples:

King James Bible- Proverbs 23: 20Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh:

NKJV 20 Do not mix with winebibbers, Or with gluttonous eaters of meat;
NIV 20 Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat,
NASB 20Do not be with (A)heavy drinkers of wine, Or with (B)gluttonous eaters of meat;
CEV (Contemporary) 20Don't be a heavy drinker or stuff yourself with food.

There is a clear difference!

The KJV tells us to “be not among winebibbers” the perversions has watered down the Truth and instructs to not be with heavy drinkers or those that drink too much, or even the watered down NKJV that tells us not to mix with them.

The KJV is far stricter in that it gives instruction to not be among them at all!

You tell me, which one of these translations would you want your child to follow?

KJV 1 Corinthians 1:21For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

NKJV 21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe.

NIV 21For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.

NASB 21For since in the wisdom of God (A)the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, (B)God was well-pleased through the (C)foolishness of the message preached to (D)save those who believe.
CEV 21God was wise and decided not to let the people of this world use their wisdom to learn about him. Instead, God chose to save only those who believe the foolish message we preach.

Here is one of the many examples that shows the perversion in the other so-called translations.

Notice that the King James Bible speaks of the foolishness of preaching while the other translations call the message foolish.

MAJOR DIFFERENCE!!!!!!

Luke 16:23
KJV: "And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.

"NKJV: "And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.

In the NKJV:"Hell is removed in 2 Sam. 22:6, Job 11:8, 26:6, Psalm 16:10, 18:5, 86:13, 116:3, Isaiah 5:14, 14:15, 28:15,18, 57:9, Jonah 2:2, Matt. 11:23, 16:18, Luke 10:15, 16:23, Acts 2:27, 31, Rev. 1:18, 6:8, 20:13,14.

Have you ever read "go to Hades" written on the bathroom stall? or have you been told that?

The major public would not even know what you were talking about if you said hades...... that is because it comes from Greek Mythology!

I have listed some references for you to view.....

Remember that the King James Bible is not owned by anybody.... It is owned by the Lord God Almighty!

There is no copyright upon the text of the King James, it is available to be copied and distributed everywhere.... AMEN, just the way God intended His Word to be!

2 Timothy 2: 8Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel: 9Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.

Please look at these and talk to God about it, There is only One Word of God and He has preserved it for us through the KING JAMES BIBLE!

http://www.av1611.org/nkjv.html

http://www.av1611.org/niv.html

http://www.av1611.org/vance/hcsb.html

http://www.av1611.org/vance/hcsb2.html

http://brotherjosh.blogspot.com/2006/01/bible-versions-and-perversions.html

God has NEVER changed!

2007-09-17T17:35:00.000-04:00

God has not Changed!

Malachi 3: 6For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.

As time has taken it’s toll upon this country we have come a far cry from what we used to be.

Sin has crept in, and Righteousness has been shoved aside.

God has not changed about Christian Obedience!

I am convinced that God has never changed His mind one bit about sin.

Deuteronomy 4: 23Take heed unto yourselves, lest ye forget the covenant of the LORD your God, which he made with you, and make you a graven image, or the likeness of any thing, which the LORD thy God hath forbidden thee. 24For the LORD thy God is a consuming fire, even a jealous God.

How would you feel if your child ignored your instruction but followed some other adult’s advice?

God is Jealous of His children, He will not allow his children to have little gods in their lives….. He will chasten them!

Hebrews 12: 4Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. 5And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: 6For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. 7If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? 8But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. 9Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? 10For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. 11Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.

God has not changed His Mind about keeping you straight.

I am here to tell you that when you willfully sin, God convicts you and then you do it anyway, then you are in for a whipping!

Just as a shepherd will break the leg of a lamb to keep it from running away again, God will break the Christian who can’t seem to quit going astray!

Know this! That if you are really a believer in Christ and you are sinning then you will be chastened by your heavenly Father to bring you back into submission.

If you are not a believer then your father is the devil and why would he care if you were living in sin? that’s right were he wants you.

Genesis 6
1And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them, 2That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose.
3And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.
4There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown. 5And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
6And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. 7And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them.

Notice how God feels about the sons of God marrying the daughters of men.

Have you ever wondered why God sent the flood? ……..

Yes it is because………. 5And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.

And look what ushered in that wickedness! “when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown.”

I say unto you today that God has not changed His Mind concerning the matter of Christians cuddling up with sin!
If only the sons of God would have kept their eyes upon the daughters of God and not looked unto the daughters of men!

2 Corinthians 6: 14Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 16And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 18And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

God has reminded us of this principle many times in the Scripture.

This Scripture is just as relevant today. There has never been a time when God has lowered this standard nor given authority to cut corners about this.

Why do we have so many that want to overlook this?
2 Samuel 6:1Again, David gathered together all the chosen men of Israel, thirty thousand. 2And David arose, and went with all the people that were with him from Baale of Judah, to bring up from thence the ark of God, whose name is called by the name of the LORD of hosts that dwelleth between the cherubims. 3And they set the ark of God upon a new cart, and brought it out of the house of Abinadab that was in Gibeah: and Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, drave the new cart. 4And they brought it out of the house of Abinadab which was at Gibeah, accompanying the ark of God: and Ahio went before the ark. 5And David and all the house of Israel played before the LORD on all manner of instruments made of fir wood, even on harps, and on psalteries, and on timbrels, and on cornets, and on cymbals.
6And when they came to Nachon’s threshingfloor, Uzzah put forth his hand to the ark of God, and took hold of it; for the oxen shook it. 7And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah; and God smote him there for his error; and there he died by the ark of God.

Notice that they put the Ark in a new cart. And when it became unstable because the oxen shook it Uzzah touched it the wrong way!

God still feels the same about profaning the Holy!

God has not changed His standards about what goes on in the Holy place (our Church)

God has not changed His Mind about what goes on in the Holy Temple (our body).

We are His and we are bought with a price!

1 Corinthians 6: 19What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

We all know that Preachers and especially Pastors are expected to live to a higher standard, that is, expected to by people….. But God expects all His Children to live to a higher standard.

It seems to me that people today think that God has become more lenient and more relaxed concerning His commandments.

People think that since sin is more accepted today by people that God will somehow also accept their transgression.

Do you think that God requires less of His Children today than He did 2000 years ago?

Why would He require anything different? He has not changed!

1 Corinthians 4: 2Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

People today are like a frog in the kettle…. Satan has lured them into this sin kettle where they are faced with small changes that doesn’t alarm them because they are spiritually discerned.

As the devil introduces these changes at a gradual pace they are easily accepted.

I believe America is the frog in the kettle, not realizing that the sin kettle is getting hotter and hotter one homosexual at a time! One abortionist, one liberal preacher, one liberal politician, one adulterer, one drunkard, one Tv show, one corrupt school teacher, and one unfaithful Christian at a time!

The name Christian is not just a title, it is a faithful life-long commitment to the Loving Saviour of mankind!

When we the children loose the standards that God has given us to lead with then we begin to see a great falling away….. and it is already in action today!

God has not changed concerning the obedience of His Children…. He expects it!

God has not changed concerning Worship:

Psalm 22: 22 I will declare thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee.
23 Ye that fear the LORD, praise him; all ye the seed of Jacob, glorify him; and fear him, all ye the seed of Israel.

Matthew 5: 14Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

I believe in going to church and gathering together to worship the Lord!

Hebrews 10: 23Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) 24And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

And I believe when we get at church we are to worship together!

Romans 15: 5Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: 6That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Are we too reserved with our worship?

I believe it pleases God for us to loose our pride and our programming and worship Him!

I am not talking about loosing control, but why don’t we just let God take control?

I would to God that we would open up and let God Almighty paint the picture of worship on us!

I beg His Holy Spirit to sweep over us and take control.

I would to God that our little ones would see real worship to God! …. Worship at least the way I remember seeing it at their age!

Psalm 105: 1 O give thanks unto the LORD; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people.
2 Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him: talk ye of all his wondrous works.
3 Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD.

Every once and a while testify of his grace and lift up His Holy Name!

Your move of worship may help someone else move to worship Him!

I believe in Public worship and from the Scripture we have already read I know that God loves it!

GOD HAS NOT CHANGED….. He still desires worship from His children!

Not just a made up worship, but a holy worship!

We have a grave responsibility to pass this on to the next generation.

This next generation needs to see a little fire from God themselves!

When did God change concerning this matter of Praise?
Was it in the mid 80’s ?
Was it when your trial was over with?
Was it when prayer was kicked out of schools?
Was it when your kids grew up?
Was it when the majority of the congregation left?

I say unto you that God Did Not Change! And He still desires your worship!

God has not changed about Preaching the Gospel:

The Lord Preaches of Himself:

Luke 4: 18The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, 19To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.

Jesus teaches us what to preach:

Matthew 4: 17From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Jesus calls His Disciples, of whom would become preachers of the Gospel:

18And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. 19And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.

1 Corinthians 1: 17For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. 18For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 19For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. 20Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

It does matter what is being preached in the pulpits!

Today, all across America there are messages ringing out of pulpits……

Thank God that some preach the Gospel without compromise!

But some preach a watered-down gospel pleasing to the ears, light on the congregation’s toes……. Giving a smooth sound… giving men what they want to hear.

Isaiah 30: 8Now go, write it before them in a table, and note it in a book, that it may be for the time to come for ever and ever: 9That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the LORD: 10Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits: 11Get you out of the way, turn aside out of the path, cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us.

Some don’t even try to preach the Gospel at all, they constantly teach upon nothing but marriage, family, and relationships…….

These things can not be what they should be without Christ being the center! So PREACH THE GOSPEL!

Preaching and teaching on these other things have there place to be taught in God’s house but the Gospel is God’s Message and should not ever be ignored!

Colossians 1: 25Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; 26Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: 27To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: 28Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: 29Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.

God has not changed, He still uses the preached Word!

2 Timothy 4: 2Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 3For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

God inspired Paul to write this unto Timothy.

He did not say to speak softly and make sure you don’t offend, but he did say to reprove!

He did not say to accept homosexuals and liberals into the membership of your congregations and be sure not to step on their toes, NO, BUT HE SAID TO REBUKE!

He did not say to rule over them with a rod of iron, but he did say to exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine, YES DOCTRINE!

God has not changed even though many preachers have.

If a preacher is truly called of God then God will show forth in the message!

Preaching the Gospel is still God’s ordained way of getting the Gospel out!

God has not changed about sinners:

He loves them!

1 Timothy 1: 15This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

Mark 2: 15And it came to pass, that, as Jesus sat at meat in his house, many publicans and sinners sat also together with Jesus and his disciples: for there were many, and they followed him. 16And when the scribes and Pharisees saw him eat with publicans and sinners, they said unto his disciples, How is it that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners? 17When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

John 6: 37All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. 38For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. 39And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. 40And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.

Just because someone has been involved in filthy sin doesn’t mean that there is no hope for him.

Just because someone has committed fornication, adultery, thievery, or idolatry doesn’t mean that they can’t be saved.

It is still the Blood of Christ that makes one justified.

Just because you are lost in sin and have even mocked God doesn’t mean that He has changed toward you.

You still breath, therefore there is still hope!

Repentance is needed! Believe and be saved!

Acts 16: 29Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, 30And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? 31And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

Become clay in His Hands! And let God do His perfect work in you!

Wonderful, Victorious, Mighty, Risen Saviour!

2007-09-03T23:12:00.000-04:00

Wonderful, Victorious, Mighty, Risen Saviour!

John 11: 14Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead. 15And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him. 16Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellowdisciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him.

17Then when Jesus came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already. 18Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off: 19And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother. 20Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house. 21Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. 22But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee. 23Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. 24Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.

Martha does not understand so Jesus expounds further…..

25Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: 26And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?

My friend, if the Creator says that Lazarus shall rise again then that is exactly what He meant!
Martha had a sister by the all-familiar name of Mary, but I see a difference between the two women.
They both have the same thing to say to Jesus "Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died." But it seems that they say it differently…..

32Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.

Martha went and met Him but Mary fell down at His feet and wept!

32Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.
33When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled, 34And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see. 35Jesus wept.

The humble attitude of Mary of Bethany touched the Heart of Jesus!

36Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him! 37And some of them said, Could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died?

They believed that Jesus could have kept Lazarus from dying but now that he is already dead, and now for four days what could Jesus do?
What could the Resurrection and the Life Himself do for Lazarus?

38Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it. 39Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days.

We see here that Martha still didn’t understand….. she could get passed logic reasoning.
Martha didn’t want the crowd to smell the stench of her dead brother.
Martha may have thought why bother now, it’s too late, if you were going to do something then you should have come before.
If we could only get passed the skepticism, get passed what others think, get passed the opinion of the crowd, get passed our own logical reasoning then we could really Trust Jesus!

40Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God? 41Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. 42And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me. 43And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. 44And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.

Talk about resurrection power!
Notice that Lazarus did not raise himself, he also could not loose himself from the graveclothes but was still bound hand and foot.
Lazarus did not leave his graveclothes in the tomb but someone else had to remove them.
Jesus had brought people back to life before, but this was a little more intense seeing that Lazarus was dead 4 days…… this leaves no questions of doubt weather or not Lazarus had really died.

John 12:1Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead. 2There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him. 3Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment. 4Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, which should betray him, 5Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor? 6This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein. 7Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this. 8For the poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always.

It seems that through this amazing miracle there is at least one who has caught a glimpse of the coming days.
This Mary of Bethany, this humble friend of Jesus must have been moved by the Holy Spirit to anoint Him for burial.
We know that anointing a body was nothing new, but it was done after that a body had already died.
What makes this so special is that Jesus was still alive when she did this.
Judas Iscariot has a logical question if you are looking at the world’s point of view.

5Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?

A penny being about a days wage x 300
Why would someone spend almost a years worth of wages for just one anointing?
If Jesus means as much to you as He did to Mary it would seem a small token of appreciation.

3Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.

In order for us to understand fully what Mary did here we need to look at another Scripture.

1 Corinthians 11: 14Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him? 15But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.

By using her hair to wipe His Feet we see that Mary of Bethany used her glory to give Him glory!

7Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this.

As we know in the Scriptures, the coming days would bring much change in the lives of these close knit friends.
We see as Jesus was taken captive a led away to be crucified.
We have a picture of Calvary drawn unto us in the Gospel.
And we are reminded of what Jesus said beforehand:

John 12: 24Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.

John 12: 32And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. 33This he said, signifying what death he should die.

I believe that the event of His Crucifixion is still drawing men today.

John 19:25Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. 26When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! 27Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home. 28After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst. 29Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a sponge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth. 30When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.
31The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. 32Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him. 33But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs: 34But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. 35And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe. 36For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken. 37And again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced.
38And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus. 39And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight. 40Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury. 41Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new sepulchre, wherein was never man yet laid. 42There laid they Jesus therefore because of the Jews’ preparation day; for the sepulchre was nigh at hand.

Here we have a couple of men that desired to follow Jesus, both of them secretly, but now they are willing to go to Pilate asking for His Body.

Have you ever really pondered this event?
Have you ever really tried to place yourself in the Disciples shoes?
Here we have a group of friends and followers that have just seen their Leader Crucified.

John 20:1The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre.

We looked at Mary of Bethany, but now here is another Mary, that is, Mary Magdalene.
Mary Magdalene came to anoint the Body of the Lord with spices.
She came looking for a dead body but what she found was an empty tomb.
If Jesus’ dead Body was going to be anointed then they would have to be quicker than this.
Mary Magdalene would not get the chance to anoint Him, in fact the proper anointing had already been taken care of by Mary of Bethany.

2Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him.

Not yet understanding what has taken place she runs back to tell Peter and John.
Mary believes that the Body of Jesus has been stolen.
If Jesus would have left it this way and Ascended back to the Father right here then the lying Roman guards would have been able to tell their lie and people accept it, but the event is not over….

3Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre. 4So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre. 5And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in. 6Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie, 7And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself.

I want to emphasize the significance in the wrapped napkin and in the graveclothes left behind.
This was a sign that he would come back. I have heard that in that time when a man of a house would leave the table he would fold his napkin to signal to the servants that he was coming back to the table (because he wasn’t finished yet).

John 14: 1Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

Not only was this a sign that He was coming back but this also gave evidence that His Body was not stolen……
What thief would take the time to leave the graveclothes behind, much less take the time to wrap the napkin?

8Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed. 9For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead. 10Then the disciples went away again unto their own home.
11But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre, 12And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. 13And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him.

Mary is in a sad condition…..
Here is one who knows the bondage of satan, and knows the redeeming power of peace found in her friend Jesus.
I believe that Mary Magdalene was at the most sorrowful point in her life.
It seems that when we are at our lowest, I mean really at the point when we realize we are nothing without Him…. .it seems that is when He comes the closest.

14And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus. 15Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.
He speaks and the sound of His Voice, is so sweet the birds hush their singing, and the melody that He gave to me within my heart is ringing!
16Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.

My mind quickly goes here to John chapter 10….

John 10: 3To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. 4And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. 5And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.

It was when He calls her by name that this sheep recognizes her Chief Shepherd!
She came looking for a dead body but found an empty tomb,
She saw in her own reasoning an ordinary gardener, but at the sound of His Voice found a Wonderful, Victorious, Mighty, Risen Saviour!

I believe the disciples could remember back to the Words He spoke before hand to them:

John 6: 35And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.
John 6: 51I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.
John 8: 12Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
John 8: 58Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.
John 10: 7Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.
John 10: 11I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
John 11: 25Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: 26And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?
John 14: 6Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
John 15: 1I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.

Paul said …..
Philippians 3: 7But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. 8Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
9And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: 10That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; 11If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.

John received a good look at the risen Saviour….

Revelation 1: 17And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: 18I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

Although it’s cute my friend, it’s not about a colored egg, it’s about an empty tomb.
It’s not about an enchanted bunny, it’s about a supernatural Saviour!
What the Resurrection mean to us?
It means that we have hope my friend, and it means that we serve a Risen Saviour Who holds victory in His Hands and cannot be defeated!

Not Bound!

2007-03-30T21:51:00.000-04:00

Not bound!

Matthew 27:1When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death: 2And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor.

2 Timothy 2: 8Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel: 9Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.

They bound Jesus, but 2000 years later and the Word of God still stands!

They bound Jesus, but over 13 years ago it was Jesus that set me free!

They bound Jesus, but the fact is that although they bound Him they could not hold Him down, not even with the chains of death!

The desire of the Jews carried out by the Romans was to finish Him off, and they thought that by their own might that they would place Him on the Cross.

I have always been amazed at the fact that just one week before the multitudes yelled crucify Him, that the multitudes were yelling “Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest”

How can the feeling in the air change that drastic in that short of time?

They yelled, “crucify Him”

As if by their own power and might they placed Him upon that Cross……

They did bind Him, but only because they were being used as instruments to carry out the Will of God.

I wish that I could stand and proclaim to every government official, to every school board, to every Hollywood film maker, to every liberal skeptic, and to every so-called atheist that Jesus Christ is not bound! He will never be bound again!

Matthew 27: 11And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest. 12And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing. 13Then said Pilate unto him, Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee? 14And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly.

Pilate wasn’t the last governor to put the Name of Jesus to the trial, The Name of Jesus goes to trial it seems like on a daily basis in this country.

I heard the other day that a military chaplain is held to certain laws that forbid him to be in uniform and speak the name of Jesus Christ in prayer unless it is during a church service.

The same thing was also forbidden of Daniel!

I would hope that our whole military realizes that unless God fights our battles we will not prevail!

Jesus stands there bound before Pilate, fulfilling Scripture, and carrying out the Will of Almighty God!

It wasn’t the physical bonds of man that held Him before Pilate, but it was the perfect bond of Love that He had for us before the foundation of this world!

Matthew 27: 19When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him. 20But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus. 21The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas. 22Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified.

I believe as this event was taking place that all Heaven was looking on, all of the fallen angles and their leader the devil was also seeing this event unfold…….

It seems at this point that Fate of Jesus was in the hands of Pilate.

Did Pilate, a man that was bound himself to the opinion of the crowd, really think that He could hold the Fate of Jesus in his own hands?

I say to you the people that were really bound here was every Roman soldier that beat, spit, and mocked, bound was every Jew that cried out “crucify Him”, bound was Pilate all to God’s perfect plan that would lead our Saviour to His Cross!

23And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified. 24When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it. 25Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children.

I can’t help but think that as these people died off one by one when their appointed time had come… that they remembered saying this and wishing that His Blood really was upon them and their children!

I would like to say to every liberalistic, modern preacher out there that if you can’t preach The Blood of Jesus Christ then you have nothing important to say!

It is the Blood covering that redeems us!

This is what my Salvation is held to and this is what I was called to preach my friend!

26Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified. 27Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers. 28And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe. 29And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews! 30And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head. 31And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him.

There in Pilate’s Judgment Hall they thought that they had finished this Man called Jesus.

They thought that with their little government that they could stop the convicting Words from His Mouth.

They thought that they had sealed his fate………

But what they did not realize is that from the foundations of the world there was a Holy Destiny calling Jesus to a hill called Mount Calvary!

They could have done nothing to set this event in motion!

They could have done nothing to hinder it, stop it, or alter it in any way at all.

This day had been prophesied from centuries before.

The Trinity had planned this day out before there was ever an Adam or an Eve!

Revelation 13: 8And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

There is a lot of controversy today over the word “predestined” but my friend there was One Who was predestined to go to a Cross on Mount Calvary’s Hill, and men had absolutely nothing to do with it!

They thought as He hung there upon the Cross that He was finished, not believing His Words concerning this…

John 2: 19Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. 20Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days? 21But he spake of the temple of his body. 22When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.
They thought that they had finished Him, but then came Sunday!

A few weeks ago aired a presentation on TV that poked and proded at the Precious Doctrine that we hold fast to.

They tried in their weakness to prove that Jesus never arose, but I rejoice in my heart that I have the risen Saviour in my soul today!

They say that they have now found the bones of Jesus……. I’ve got news for them NOT MY JESUS!!!!!!

My Jesus arose and took His Body with Him!!!!!

You may have the same heart of skepticism about the Risen Saviour.

We could spend hours defending this truth, but look at the false evidence itself!

You can’t tell me that all of the controversy after His Resurrection that led to the death of so many Christians during that time would have happened had it not been for an EMPTY TOMB!

If the disciples had taken the Body of Jesus and hid Him, then tell me why they died for faith in a dead Jesus!

Tell me why that Peter wasn’t afraid anymore to be associated with Jesus and began to preach His Name everywhere!

Tell me why Paul stopped his persecution and began to Preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

Tell me Who this is that has answered my prayers, solved my problems, carried my burdens, and watched over my family!

Tell me Who is This that moved into my soul in late 1993 and fills me with an everlasting peace that has never left!

If this Hollywood film-maker be right, then why do we bother gathering together at Church?
If the Skeptics are right then what is the purpose of Christianity my friend, there would be no hope!

1 Corinthians 15: 12Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: 14And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. 15Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. 16For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: 17And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. 18Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. 19If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.

If you don’t believe that Jesus Christ is risen and alive today then you are lost and on your way to hell!

Romans 10: 9That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

This brings us back to our text in 2 Timothy…

2 Timothy 2: 8Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel: 9Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.

Jesus Christ was bound into that hands of men and slain upon Calvary’s Cross, His Blood flowed from His Body and has covered my sin!

His Blood is not bound….

His Blood has flowed through the pages of this written Word and is laid in my hands for the presentation of the Gospel!

It has been laid into my hands and into yours and despite all the skeptics IT IS NOT BOUND!

Hollywood can produce all of the deception that they can muster up that they might bind up the truth but it will never happen!

In the heart of every Blood bought, Born again Believer the Word of God has penetrated to the depths of the soul where the hell bound skeptics can not reach!

You can go as far as you can, but the Word of God will still find you!

The Word of God can reach into the jail cells as well as the churches, It is not bound!

You can stop the mouth of this preacher, but you can’t stop the Word that is preached!

Your outlook on your church may not be good, but you see the Word of God is not bound.

Your outlook on a certain individual may not be so good, but His Word is not bound.

Hebrews 4: 12For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 13Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

The Gospel call has went out loud and clear from country to country, from town to town, from house to house, and from pulpit to church pew.

The Lord has made it possible for all to be saved, none left without opportunity.

I have watched as people have passed up opportunity time and time again.

I would like to ask you…. How do you respond to this unbound Word, the Gospel of Jesus Christ?

This Word of God, This Gospel that I present unto you is reaching your eyes by reading, but is It reaching your heart?

Are you really heeding God's Word?

2 Corinthians 4: 3But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. 5For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 1: 18For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

It’s not an easy thing for a preacher to preach week after week and see no moves made toward Christ.

Although it seems sometimes as if nobody is applying the sermon to their life we must remember that God’s Word penetrates the heart and convicts in ways unexplainable.

Isaiah 55: 6Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: 7Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. 8For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. 9For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. 10For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: 11So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

1 Corinthians 1:21For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

One of the greatest preachers this world has ever known was the Apostle Paul.

I see in this man’s preaching that there was a boldness given from God.

Paul preached the Gospel without compromise.

I want to look at a few people that he preached to and their reaction to the unbound Gospel:

The Jews:

Acts 22: 22And they gave him audience unto this word, and then lifted up their voices, and said, Away with such a fellow from the earth: for it is not fit that he should live.

The Word of God was just too strong for the Jews and so the Jews wanted Paul dead because he preached IT.

Felix:

Acts 24: 24And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. 25And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.

First of all, look what Paul was preaching….. verse 25

“righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come”

Felix trembled and wanted Paul to go…..he said “when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee”

Festus:

Acts 26: 22Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come: 23That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should show light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.
24And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad. 25But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness. 26For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner.

Festus thought Paul was mad….

Notice that Paul said that the Crucifixion was not done in a corner!

Neither is this Gospel hid in a corner! It is not bound!!!!

Neither is this Bible, God’s Holy Word hid in a corner!

2 Timothy 2: 9Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.

Agrippa:

Acts 26: 28Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.

How about you?

Does this Gospel that we preach make you angry?

Hey, Felix, are you still awaiting that convenient day? Do you think that you will get saved at your own convenience?

Hey Festus, do you really think were crazy, do you really think we are mad, you call us Jesus fanatics and rightfully so, but I am wondering what are you crazy about?

I am wondering oh king Agrippa if you realize that being almost saved is still entirely lost!

I am glad that I am not almost a Jones, I am a Jones.

I am glad that I am more than almost going to Heaven.

I am bound to Heaven because the unbound Word of God told me of the Saviour Who was once bound to a Cross to unbind my destiny with hell, whereof I am bound eternally to His Side through His precious Blood!

I have watched as people try to wiggle out of a conversation about our Lord and Saviour.

I have watched as they try to ignore the preached Word, but because Jesus was bound to an old rugged Cross, He left behind His Spirit.

His Spirit is not bound!

John 16: 7Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. 8And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9Of sin, because they believe not on me; 10Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; 11Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.

Where you and I can’t go the Spirit can go.

The Spirit of God is not bound by any means, sometimes we see evidence in our church service that He has been here.

Capital Hill can make all the laws they want regulating our outward witness of faith but they will never be able to regulate and bind up the convicting power of the Holy Spirit!

This world offers all kind of religions but if they are not trusting in Jesus Christ they are yet bound in their own sin!

They are bound to a false belief in their works.

Some say that you must confess to the priest, eat the cookie, count the beads, and pray to Mary.

Some say that you must go door to door handing out watch towers.

Some say that you must follow the teachings of Joseph Smith and follow his “new” revelation.

Some think that you have to kill, such as running planes into buildings, and blowing people up in order to get to Heaven.

Some say that you must say a creed.

Some say that your salvation is based also upon baptism.

Here in America I believe is one of the most dangerous deceptions yet….. that is that all you must do to get to Heaven is to be good and follow the golden rule.

I want to know what Jesus has to say in His Word concerning the matter of getting to Heaven.

May I remind you as we read these Scriptures that His Word is not bound by any denomination.

Not bound by any religion.

Not bound by any government or country.

Not bound by any document or creed!

May I present unto you for a few moments the unbound Gospel…

John 3: 14And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: 15That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

John 5: 24Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

John 6: 35And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.

John 6: 40And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.

John 6: 47Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.

John 7: 38He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. 39(But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

John 8: 24I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.

John 11: 25Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: 26And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?

My question to you Christian is what are you doing with this unbound Gospel that has been laid in your hands, that has been laid to your responsibility?

Thank God today that He was once bound to the Cross for us, resurrected and then gave us the unbound, perfect Word of God!

My understanding of John 1:1-4

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John 1:1-4

John 1: 1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2The same was in the beginning with God. 3All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

1In the beginning was the Word

Have you ever thought on this subject before?

In the beginning He was there, already there.

How long has Jesus been there?

Longer than we can imagine.

This may be the very excuse that an atheist uses when arguing against the truth……

That they do not believe because they can not find a beginning to God as everything else has a beginning…….

We are talking about God my friends, not a created being, nor like anything that our mortal bodies have been associated with.

I believe that we can go back about 6000 years to this earth’s creation but If we could travel back a trillion years I believe the Lord Jesus would be there.

We will celebrate this next month Christmas, but do we really understand that the baby in the manger is far older than anything this earth has ever seen?

In the beginning was the Word!

and the Word was with God

Where was Jesus? He was with God!

Where is Jesus today? He is with God!

This Scripture clearly signifies that God the Father and the Word (Jesus) are distinct in Their Person.

But what many fail to realize is that Jesus is still God!

God is Triune, Three Persons of God…. The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit.

This is probably one of the most misunderstood Truths in God’s Word.

and the Word was God.

The Word (Jesus) was God.

This is simple for me to understand, I can’t believe that people have so much trouble with it.

2The same was in the beginning with God.

The Scripture has declared strongly now that Jesus was with God and was in the beginning.

What was Jesus (The Word) doing at the beginning?

3All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

I like this verse…..

Although critics and skeptics from all times have doubted the deity of Jesus, the Word of God declares that Jesus made everything that we see!

There are many that hate even the mention of His Name but yet they themselves were created by Him.

Colossians 1: 12Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 13Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 14In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: 15Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 16For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. 18And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. 19For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; 20And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

Revelation 4: 11Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

John 1: 4In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

We could stay on this verse a long time.

I can probably best describe this by saying that I was dead (spiritually) but now I’m acquainted with Christ the King!

When I accepted Him as my personal Saviour I found with Him new life that He gave me.

I now have life!

John 10: 9I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. 10The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

"and the life was the light of men."

I can sometimes be around a total stranger for a few minutes and see the light of Jesus sparkle thru their eyes without ever hearing them confess that they are a Christian.

How can I do that?

Because He is the light of men.

I have been asked before after talking with an individual for less than a minute if I was a preacher, why because Jesus is the light of men.

When Jesus is in you, and you are submitting to his Will, then His Light will be evident in you!

MY RECENT STEP OF FAITH

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An explanation of my recent Step of Faith

Hebrews 11: 8By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. 9By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: 10For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

What if someone would have said “brother Abraham, I don’t think you should leave here until you know where you are going!”

If that was the case, and if Abraham would have taken advice like that then, my friend, his move would not be mentioned in Hebrews chapter 11

But his move was by FAITH!

I have been told by some people, whom I deeply respect and love, that I should not leave a church to find another one, but that I should know where I am going before I leave.

This is not the first time I have been told this, I was told the same thing several years ago when I made a similar move to search for the church I am now leaving.

I understand how one would want to say this, but it just isn't Biblical...... every move we make ought to be by faith (not in the dark) but simply by faith, trusting in God.

I know when God has dealt with me about something, I have served Him long enough that I recognize when it is time to give up my own desires and follow Him even when I don't understand what He is doing.

I am finding it hard to explain the details of my departure but I will say this, that what we want is not always what God wants for us.

Isaiah 55: 8For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. 9For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

I have taken a step of faith, just as I have done in time past.

I would hope that those whom I have grown to love in Christ would respect that step of faith that I have taken and not criticize it.

I have great trust in my God, and He knows best even when it hurts so bad to take the first few steps of this move of faith.

If I did not think that it was God’s Will that I move on and look for another church then I would not have done it.

I have left behind a wonderful Sunday School Class of Teens with a lot of potential maybe in order that another could water where I have planted, just as I have watered where brother Josh planted before.

There is also a work with the youngsters on Wed nights that I have left, and here again, maybe in order that another could water a little deeper into their hearts the mighty Word of God.

Here are the facts:

I have NOT COMPROMISED!

I will continue to Preach!

I will follow God’s Will for my life!

I will be apt to teach where God places my Family and I!

I will be active in Visitation!

I deeply miss my Brothers and Sisters of the church that I have just left, and will continue to love each and every member.

I am not out to spread rumors, bring or cause harm in anyway to the church that I have given 5 years of my life to.

I have chosen to walk by faith in this.

I desire your prayers as I seek what is the Lord's Will at this time for my Family and I.

I know that many of my brothers and sisters are wondering why we left and maybe this article would somewhat explain, please feel free to share this.

Hebrews 11: 1Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

ENDURING THE HARDNESS!

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Enduring the hardness

2 Timothy 2: 1Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. 3Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

Sometimes it seems that the hardness that we have to endure is unbearable, but then we are reminded that God will not put upon us more than we can bear.

I want to be a good soldier for Him, and yes in order to get there sometimes the hardness comes, and sometimes it appears at a surprise to us.

I don’t want to see hard times, I don’t have the slightest desire in me to see the valleys of life…. I like the mountaintop, and would rather stay up there, However His Ways are much higher than mine.

I don’t always know why things happen the way that they do, but He does. I don’t ever know the outcome, but He always does.

I see a commandment in this Scripture concerning hardness…… Endure It! And be a good solider of Jesus Christ.

3Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

This may seem to some as a harsh command to some but has the Lord not already equipped us with what we need to face such times?

I keep reminding myself that the Lord knows what He is doing, I don’t, but He does.

4No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.

We would be a better soldier if we were not so attached to things of this world.

I believe that a man must purge himself from the things of this world, whether it be from temptations of sin, feelings of pride, or even away from so-called Christians living in habitual sin who won’t repent…. Get away from the things of this world!

I want to be pleasing to my Father, and how can I please him if I have entangled myself with the world?

On the thought of being entangled with the affairs of this life and the sin of this world, I believe that we should also quit worrying about things of this world that we can’t change, like “what will people think about me if I do this or that” , “what will people think about me if I stand up against sin”

I wonder how much of our time is spent worrying about things that we can’t do anything about!

We ought to be more concerned with what our Father thinks about what we are doing!

Troubles come, and when they do then we must work through them the best way we know how with help from the Lord, trusting in Him.

When the problems and troubles come we must follow the Lord, it may not be understandable while we go through it but we must keep trusting.

Get through it, somehow get over it, learn from it, and move on.

Time is too valuable to waste worrying about problems that we can’t do anything about.

Our Lord could come back at any moment, we must be about His business, we must continue without letting the cares of this life weight us down.

As I write these thoughts, I am convicted myself to move on and go forward for Jesus my Saviour!

I will continue to Preach! I will continue to fight the compromising ways of this world! I will continue to daily seek His Precious Will for my every move! ….. All by His Marvelous Grace!

Quit the worrying, endure the hardness, and be a good soldier for Jesus Christ!

How have you responded to the Gospel?

2006-10-31T22:04:00.000-05:00

How have you responded to the Gospel?

Luke 19: 1And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. 2And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich. 3And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. 4And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way. 5And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house. 6And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully. 7And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner. 8And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. 9And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham. 10For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

I want to notice in this how that when Jesus came, conviction also came.

8And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.

Zacchaeus began to repent at the appearance of Jesus.

I would like to say at the beginning that in order for Salvation to come you must first realize that you are a sinner in need of forgiveness…… this only comes from the Saviour!

And so conviction came to Zacchaeus when Jesus arrived.

Zacchaeus did well in that He repented.

9And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham. 10For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

Your eternal destiny is between you and God my friend, and if you are unsaved then realize that this is another precious opportunity to be saved.

Luke 3: 6And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.

Acts 2: 21And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

John 1: 5And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. 6There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. 8He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 9That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.

Romans 5: 18Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.

Romans 10: 13For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

1 Timothy 2: 4Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

Titus 2: 11For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

2 Peter 3: 9The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

The Gospel call has went out loud and clear from country to country, from town to town, from house to house, and from pulpit to church pew.

The Lord has made it possible for all to be saved, none left without opportunity.

I have watched as people have passed up opportunity time and time again.

How do you respond to the Gospel of Jesus Christ?

2 Corinthians 4: 3But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. 5For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 1: 18For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

I feel for Pastors because it’s not an easy thing to preach week after week and see people constantly rejecting Jesus Christ!

1 Corinthians 1:21For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

One of the greatest preachers this world has ever had was the Apostle Paul.

I see in this man’s preaching that there was no ear tickling going on.

Paul preached the Gospel without compromise.

I want to look at a few people that he preached to and their reaction to the Gospel:

The Jews:

Acts 22: 22And they gave him audience unto this word, and then lifted up their voices, and said, Away with such a fellow from the earth: for it is not fit that he should live.

The Jews wanted him dead

Felix:

Acts 24: 24And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. 25And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.

Look at what Paul was preaching in verse 25 (righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come)

Felix trembled and wanted Paul to go…..he said “when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee”

Festus:

Acts 26: 22Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come: 23That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should show light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.
24And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad. 25But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness. 26For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner.

Festus thought Paul was mad….

Notice that Paul said that the Crucifixion was not done in a corner!

Neither is this Gospel hid in a corner!

Neither is this Bible, God’s Holy Word hid in a corner!

2 Timothy 2: 9Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.

Agrippa:

Acts 26: 28Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.

How about you?

Does this Gospel that we preach make you angry?

Hey, Felix, are you still awaiting that convenient day? Do you think that you will get saved at your own convenience?

Hey Festus, do you really think were crazy, do you really think we are mad, you call us Jesus fanatics and rightfully so, but I am wondering what are you crazy about?

I am wondering oh king Agrippa if you realize that being almost saved is still entirely lost!

I am glad that I am not almost a Jones, I am a Jones….. but more so I am glad that I know I am a child of God and on my way to Heaven!

Woman with an issue of Blood

Mark 5: 24And Jesus went with him; and much people followed him, and thronged him. 25And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years, 26And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse, 27When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment. 28For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole. 29And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague. 30And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes? 31And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? 32And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing. 33But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth. 34And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.

The Woman had lost faith in all else and placed all faith in Jesus!

This brings me to an interesting question….

How much faith does it take to be saved?

Some people might say… just put a little trust in Jesus

I believe in 100% faith
100% Trust
100% Belief in the Lord Jesus Christ

The young rich ruler went away sorrowful because he could not continue trusting in his riches plus trust in Jesus.

I believe in a total sell-out to the Lord!

Let go of the reigns of your life and give them to Jesus!

Philippians 2: 3Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 5Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
12Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

I believe that He is a more sure foundation than the ground I am standing upon right now!

Psalm 46: 1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
3 Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof.

2 Corinthians 6: 2(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)

Hebrews 4:14Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.15For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Proverbs 14: 12There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

Romans 3:10&23

Romans 5:8,9

Romans 6: 23For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 10: 8But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
12For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. 13For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

The Voice of God

2006-10-28T00:48:00.000-04:00

The Voice of God

Psalm 29: 1 Give unto the LORD, O ye mighty, give unto the LORD glory and strength.
2 Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.
3 The voice of the LORD is upon the waters: the God of glory thundereth: the LORD is upon many waters.
4 The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is full of majesty.
5 The voice of the LORD breaketh the cedars; yea, the LORD breaketh the cedars of Lebanon.
6 He maketh them also to skip like a calf; Lebanon and Sirion like a young unicorn.
7 The voice of the LORD divideth the flames of fire.
8 The voice of the LORD shaketh the wilderness; the LORD shaketh the wilderness of Kadesh.
9 The voice of the LORD maketh the hinds to calve, and discovereth the forests: and in his temple doth every one speak of his glory.
10 The LORD sitteth upon the flood; yea, the LORD sitteth King for ever.
11 The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace.

There are some questions I hope we can answer in this, such as……

How do we know that we have heard God’s Voice?

How do we hear His Voice?

Do you personally recognize His Voice?

First of all I want to look at one verse especially out of our text:

8The voice of the LORD shaketh the wilderness; the LORD shaketh the wilderness of Kadesh.

I want you to picture this world as it really is (a wilderness)….

The winds and the sea obey Him…..

Matthew 8: 26And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. 27But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!

The Lord speaks and the very winds and sea obey, He shakes them and His Voice is heard in many mighty ways…..

I read a poll taken in our country not so long ago that most people in our country don’t think that God had anything at all to do with the hurricanes last year on the Gulf Coast,….

Most of your insurance agents have better sense than that when they call it an “Act of God”.

We ought to acknowledge this as an “Act of God” and my friend there is absolutely NOTHING you can do to stop it!!!!!

He can shake this wilderness anytime He wants to and no amount of our effort can stop it at all.

At any given time that God wants to He can speak and the wind and sea will obey…… by the way they do not have their own will like God has given mankind.

He speaks and the wind and sea obey, it’s that simple.

Does people hear His Voice in this? Some do, some don’t.

Not only does his Voice speak and make the storms appear but He also speaks and calms the wind and sea.

I have always been amazed at storms, to hear the thunder and see the flames of lightening divided in the sky, and to feel the static from the lightning, and feel the thunder rumble the earth below my feet.

These storms remind me of God’s mighty power, and to know that it is merely a very small part of His majesty shown unto us.

I am not saying that we should go outside and listen for God’s Voice in the wind, but I do however think that we need to give God the Glory for it is due His Name….. the scripture is speaking here of the Power wrapped up in the Voice of the Lord.

Speaking of the Power wrapped up in His Voice let’s look at the very beginning:

Genesis 1: 3And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.

6And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters. 7And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so.

9And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so.

11And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so.

14And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years: 15And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so.

20And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven.

24And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind: and it was so.

26And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

I have never heard of anyone who could create the smallest bit of anything by speaking with their voice, but yet God spoke and everything that we see with our eyes and much more was created in just six days!

Understanding now the Power of His Voice let’s see who hears His Voice….

I personally believe that every person on the face of this earth has felt the effects of His Voice.

I know that I heard His Voice for many years calling out to me and compelling me to be part of His sheepfold.

I believe that God Voice is heard by all, but only recognized and regarded by a few.

God’s Voice is heard but most reject the call.

Proverbs 1: 20Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets: 21She crieth in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates: in the city she uttereth her words, saying, 22How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge? 23Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you. 24Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; 25But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof: 26I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh; 27When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you. 28Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me: 29For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD: 30They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof. 31Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices. 32For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them. 33But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.

John 6:44No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. 45It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.

I believe that God speaks to all with a call from the Holy Spirit to come unto Him and be saved.

God speaks through the calm, sweet Voice of His Holy Spirit.

God’s Voice thru His Holy Spirit

Romans 8: 9But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

Romans 8: 14For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

1 Corinthians 2: 9But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. 10But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. 11For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. 12Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 13Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

John 14: 16And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

John 16: 12I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. 13Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come. 14He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you. 15All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall show it unto you.

So you see God does speak unto us thru His Spirit.

Don’t label me as a modern day Pentecostal, but we need to realize what it means to really be led of His Spirit.

We must listen to Him and take heed to His every call…. If we are not listening then how can we know what He is leading us to do in a certain decision, or how to perform a certain task that He is wanting us to do?

How can you know for sure about that new job, or buying that new house, or going to college, or taking on another ministry in the church.

How does a man know he has been called to preach?

How can a preacher know for sure what sermon to bring without the Holy Spirit?

How can a song leader know for sure what song to sing for the moment?

When we ignore the Holy Spirit we are ignoring the very Voice of God.

If we will please God then we must follow, and listen to, and obey His Spirit!!!

God’s Voice thru His Son, Jesus

Hebrews 1: 1God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, 2Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; 3Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;

Matthew 17: 5While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.

There are many things that our Lord Jesus Christ has spoken in His Word, many Words of comfort, and many Words rebuking evil.

We have received instruction from every thing that He spoke, but what about now?

Can we still hear Him?

John 10: 1Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. 2But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. 4And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. 5And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.

14I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.

I am sure that when the Voice of Jesus began to speak here on this earth that the wilderness of men’s hearts was shaken, in fact still today reading these Words that He spoke shakes the wilderness of my own soul.

The devil would have like to have stopped His Voice.

I believe that when His time come to go to the old rugged cross that all Heaven and all the evil angles of Hell were aware of the moment.

On the Cross He spoke:

Luke 23:44And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. 45And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst. 46And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.

The devil and all his fallen angles must have thought this was victory for them, in their ignorance they must have thought that the Voice was finally stopped, and the mouth of God was shut.

John 20: 11But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre, 12And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. 13And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him. 14And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus. 15Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away. 16Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master. 17Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.

God’s Children know His Voice!

John 10: 1Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. 2But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. 4And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. 5And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.

I know the Voice of my Saviour!

I recognize when He speaks to me through His Spirit!

Some people who call themselves Christian would not know God’s Voice when He speaks because they are not really Christian at all.

All true Christians have heard from the Voice of God!

John 6:44No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. 45It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.

Do you hear God’s Voice thru His Son?

John 1: 1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2The same was in the beginning with God. 3All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

14And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

God’s Voice in His Word (scripture)

Job 22: 22Receive, I pray thee, the law from his mouth, and lay up his words in thine heart.

Our source for knowing how to live is found in His Word, yes the BIBLE ...... where all of life's questions are answered.

God speaks thru “God called” preachers

Titus 1: 1Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness; 2In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; 3But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour;

1 Corinthians 1: 18For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

1 Corinthians 1: 21For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

Let’s look at John the Baptist:

Matthew 3: 1In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, 2And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. 3For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.

The wilderness around John the Baptist was truly shaken up by preaching repentance!

I want us to notice something special here:

John was the voice of one crying in the wilderness.

Also John was preaching “Prepare ye the way of the Lord”

We know that John was preparing people for the ministry of Jesus Christ, Who John looked to and said “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.”

Now we know that a preacher is no different than anybody else in the sense that we are all sinners and stand in need of the Saviour!

However a truly God-called preacher has a very important responsibility on his hands…… He is to be the voice of one crying out in this wilderness!

I stand in awe sometimes of the great task that preachers in our day have.

A preacher is only the voice of one, but God has called him to be a voice for Him.

We are to be crying out in this wilderness, and if this is not a wilderness then I don’t know what you would call it!

As John the Baptist prepared people for the ministry of Jesus on this earth, preachers today are to be compelling all to prepare themselves for He is coming back again!

When I begin to think that the same Spirit that empowered John the Baptist, Paul, Peter, and the others is the same exact Spirit that is empowering me I am greatly humbled and at the same time excited that God has called me to be the voice of one crying out in the wilderness of this world!

We Hear God’s Voice thru His Son (The Word)

We hear God’s Voice thru His Holy Spirit

We hear God’s Voice in God-called preaching

If you are not hearing God’s Voice then what’s wrong?

With all this in mind, are you now heeding to God and what he wants YOU to do?

If you say “I don’t know what He wants me to do” then I believe it is time that you begin listening to Him.

This takes giving Him your undivided attention, and making Him priority in your life.

By the way, If you think that God is speaking to you about something, remember His Voice will always line up with His Word!

Sin In The Camp

2006-10-28T00:10:00.000-04:00

Joshua 7: 1But the children of Israel committed a trespass in the accursed thing: for Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took of the accursed thing: and the anger of the LORD was kindled against the children of Israel. 2And Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is beside Bethaven, on the east side of Bethel, and spake unto them, saying, Go up and view the country. And the men went up and viewed Ai. 3And they returned to Joshua, and said unto him, Let not all the people go up; but let about two or three thousand men go up and smite Ai; and make not all the people to labour thither; for they are but few. 4So there went up thither of the people about three thousand men: and they fled before the men of Ai. 5And the men of Ai smote of them about thirty and six men: for they chased them from before the gate even unto Shebarim, and smote them in the going down: wherefore the hearts of the people melted, and became as water.
6And Joshua rent his clothes, and fell to the earth upon his face before the ark of the LORD until the eventide, he and the elders of Israel, and put dust upon their heads. 7And Joshua said, Alas, O Lord GOD, wherefore hast thou at all brought this people over Jordan, to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us? would to God we had been content, and dwelt on the other side Jordan! 8O Lord, what shall I say, when Israel turneth their backs before their enemies! 9For the Canaanites and all the inhabitants of the land shall hear of it, and shall environ us round, and cut off our name from the earth: and what wilt thou do unto thy great name?
10And the LORD said unto Joshua, Get thee up; wherefore liest thou thus upon thy face? 11Israel hath sinned, and they have also transgressed my covenant which I commanded them: for they have even taken of the accursed thing, and have also stolen, and dissembled also, and they have put it even among their own stuff. 12Therefore the children of Israel could not stand before their enemies, but turned their backs before their enemies, because they were accursed: neither will I be with you any more, except ye destroy the accursed from among you. 13Up, sanctify the people, and say, Sanctify yourselves against to morrow: for thus saith the LORD God of Israel, There is an accursed thing in the midst of thee, O Israel: thou canst not stand before thine enemies, until ye take away the accursed thing from among you. 14In the morning therefore ye shall be brought according to your tribes: and it shall be, that the tribe which the LORD taketh shall come according to the families thereof; and the family which the LORD shall take shall come by households; and the household which the LORD shall take shall come man by man. 15And it shall be, that he that is taken with the accursed thing shall be burnt with fire, he and all that he hath: because he hath transgressed the covenant of the LORD, and because he hath wrought folly in Israel.

We see here because of this one man’s sin, others had to die.

What did Achan do that was so bad?

Joshua 6: 16And it came to pass at the seventh time, when the priests blew with the trumpets, Joshua said unto the people, Shout; for the LORD hath given you the city.
17And the city shall be accursed, even it, and all that are therein, to the LORD: only Rahab the harlot shall live, she and all that are with her in the house, because she hid the messengers that we sent. 18And ye, in any wise keep yourselves from the accursed thing, lest ye make yourselves accursed, when ye take of the accursed thing, and make the camp of Israel a curse, and trouble it. 19But all the silver, and gold, and vessels of brass and iron, are consecrated unto the LORD: they shall come into the treasury of the LORD.

Achan took the accursed thing.

5And the men of Ai smote of them about thirty and six men: for they chased them from before the gate even unto Shebarim, and smote them in the going down: wherefore the hearts of the people melted, and became as water.
6And Joshua rent his clothes, and fell to the earth upon his face before the ark of the LORD until the eventide, he and the elders of Israel, and put dust upon their heads. 7And Joshua said, Alas, O Lord GOD, wherefore hast thou at all brought this people over Jordan, to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us? would to God we had been content, and dwelt on the other side Jordan! 8O Lord, what shall I say, when Israel turneth their backs before their enemies! 9For the Canaanites and all the inhabitants of the land shall hear of it, and shall environ us round, and cut off our name from the earth: and what wilt thou do unto thy great name?
10And the LORD said unto Joshua, Get thee up; wherefore liest thou thus upon thy face? 11Israel hath sinned, and they have also transgressed my covenant which I commanded them: for they have even taken of the accursed thing, and have also stolen, and dissembled also, and they have put it even among their own stuff.

I noticed here that when one member sinned it affected Israel.

I would like us to look at this and relate it to our own local church.

I often wonder why we don’t see more souls saved than we do.

Could it be because we don’t keep ourselves close to God?

Along with members out of fellowship with God is that they bring sin in the camp, or in our case “sin in the Church”

I believe it would do us a world of good to take a look at our own life and search for sin, better yet just to be still and listen to God as He reveals it to us.

I wonder, how many Achans we have in the midst of us.

I am in no manner saying that we should start looking for bad in people, but I am saying that I believe it would do us good to search our own life and bring the sin to the alter, and leave it there!

I have searched for reasons why it seems that people will not move forward, and the more I search I see that sin is the reason.

I believe that there is people right in the midst of the local body that God would use if they would repent.

I just wonder, Have you taken of the accursed thing?

Since we seem to have a problem determining what sin really is, we need to look at God’s Word and find the answer.

So we will name a few sins to help remind us what they are.

Galatians 5: 19Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

We could look at each one of these and spend hours explaining them.

I would like to comment and say that when I became a child of God, I was given a wonderful gift called “spiritual discernment”

That is that God shows me through his Holy Spirit what is right and what is wrong, all I have to do is just obey!

There are a few sins that I believe trouble our churches today, and I would like to mention them in particular:

Uncleanness:

Genesis 35: 1And God said unto Jacob, Arise, go up to Bethel, and dwell there: and make there an altar unto God, that appeared unto thee when thou fleddest from the face of Esau thy brother. 2Then Jacob said unto his household, and to all that were with him, Put away the strange gods that are among you, and be clean, and change your garments: 3And let us arise, and go up to Bethel; and I will make there an altar unto God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me in the way which I went.

How many have dirty garments today?

Are you willing to put away the strange gods?

Let me ask you a Question Adults…..

Will you push away the TV, will you give up the Country Music?

Teenager, how about you, will you give up your secular rock music to get closer to God?

These are sin-addictions that you have in your life that need to be taken care of.

If it is not an addiction then make a vow to go one week without any of it and see if you can follow thru.

And after that week is over just go ahead and continue fighting the addiction and let it go completely so that our Church can be closer to God.

We should follow Christ, not the crowd!

James 1: 27Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

Jude 1: 20But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, 21Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. 22And of some have compassion, making a difference: 23And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.

2 Corinthians 5: 17Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Fornication: (becoming intimate with someone before you are married to them)

1 Corinthians 6: 12All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. 13Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body. 14And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power. 15Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid. 16What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh. 17But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. 18Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. 19What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

I am glad to see all people come to church, but I know that this is a problem when we have church members living in this lifestyle and especially when they just keep sugarcoating their sin.

If the shoe fits then it’s time to come clean!

Corrupt communication:

Ephesians 4: 29Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. 30And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. 31Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 32And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

I just wonder how many Achans are among us.

Let me just say that when you just “say what you think”, that is without thinking about what you are about to say you might be hurting your church…. And to some I do believe that is their intention.

By the way there are those who like to gossip, and before long that is exactly what they will be known for!

Romans 5: 19For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. 20Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: 21That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 6: 1What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 2God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? 3Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 6Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

How does God feel about this sin problem?

Jonah brought sin on the boat and God sent a storm, Jonah was cast off, and the wind stopped!

How about Achan?
Joshua 7: 15And it shall be, that he that is taken with the accursed thing shall be burnt with fire, he and all that he hath: because he hath transgressed the covenant of the LORD, and because he hath wrought folly in Israel.

Could the Lord withhold certain blessings from our Church because of one person’s sin?

My Dad has told me all my life that you can be as close to the Lord as you want to be, I have found that to be true.

You say “that is not scripture” …. It actually goes like this:

James 4: 7Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. 9Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. 10Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

Luke 22: 39And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him. 40And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation. 41And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, 42Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. 43And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him. 44And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.

Colossians 2: 13And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; 14Blotting 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; 15And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

Hebrews 1: 1God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, 2Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; 3Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;

He died alone so you and I would not have to die alone!

He nailed our sin to the cross!

Because of what He did for us, it is our reasonable service to shun evil from our life:

Romans 12: 1I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Why would we desire to go back to the bondage as the Israelites desired to do?

Exodus 16: 3And the children of Israel said unto them, Would to God we had died by the hand of the LORD in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the flesh pots, and when we did eat bread to the full; for ye have brought us forth into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger.

I never want to see that bondage again!

1 John 2: 15Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

Romans 13: 11And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. 12The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.