02/28/22 #1 NO ONE HAS THE RIGHT TO SUBVERT THE RULE OF GOD.

02/28/22 #1 NO ONE HAS THE RIGHT TO SUBVERT THE RULE OF GOD. NO ONE.

02/28/22 NO ONE HAS A RIGHT TO DISOBEY GOD

02/28/22 NO ONE HAS A RIGHT TO DISOBEY GOD.
(so obvious, yet so rejected by some who call themselves Christian)

02/28/22 LOOSE CANNON ALERT

02/28/22 LOOSE CANNON ALERT

I have been thinking about this for a while.

Loose Cannons. We all know people like this.

Sometimes a person makes a thoughtless and unfortunate statement, without any ill intent. That happens.

 

Sometimes people live in a state of thoughtlessness, not maliciously intending to be offensive, but also not taking the steps to change. Over a period of time, if that person is a Christian, he or she will come to realize that he or she is offensive and will seek God's forgiveness and will humbly, and obediently allow God to deliver him from unkindness and insensitivity.

 

THEN THERE ARE THOSE who don't care. Life revolves around them. They don't care what hurtful or harmful things they say. In fact, even as they are being corrected or reproved for saying mean spirited things, they continue and they don't change over the years. They don't care who they hurt or how deeply they hurt them

 

Even if the lack of Christian grace causes that selfish person to think those ugly things in his heart, he can still have enough civility, social grace to keep his nasty, mean mouth shut. These people do not care that they are actually violating God's word and they don't care that they are leading children away from God, the Bible and salvation.

 

We, as Christians often suffer at the words and actions of others, because we want to be kind, loving, forgiving. We choose not to engage, especially if the confrontation will hurt others nearby.

 

BUT IT IS TIME (past time) for those who call themselves Christians to STOP their evil words and deeds; SEEK and SUBMIT to God's grace, making things right with those you have injured. It is time to honor God, heal broken relationships, be of one mind with the Lord and His people.

 

No one has the right to set their own standards when their standards oppose the word of God. No one has the right to lead children away from Biblical truth because they don't like the Biblical standards.

 

Face it, being a loose cannon is actually a deliberate offense against God, His word and His people.

02/27/22 SOMETIMES PLACEBO, OFTEN TIMES POISON

02/27/22 SOMETIMES PLACEBO, OFTEN TIMES POISON

Secular Humanism's counsel.

Don't confuse Biblical counseling with humanistic counseling. Humanistic counseling, which is taught in colleges (secular, religious and "Christian") is based on Secular Humanism and most of it is detrimental to the mental, emotional, social, personal, relational and moral well being. Beware also of those who package Secular Humanism's counseling in Christian terminology. There are some truths in modern psychology, but they are based on something other than, "Psychology."

 

The tenets of Psychology, which are not based on Biblical truths, are varieties of snake oil treatments (in the truest sense of SNAKE). I am not denying that God sometimes helps people, even though they are seeking and accepting fallacious "help." But often the case is summarized by saying, the operation was a success, but the patient died.

 

Sadly, people will rush to and pay for, worldly advice, written or spoken, whether "expert" or otherwise. HOWEVER, most people, including Christians, will avoid Biblical counsel as though it is avoid the plague.

 

No wonder our society and most churches are a mess.

02/27/22 IT IS MORE THAN YOU MIGHT THINK

02/27/22 IT IS MORE THAN YOU MIGHT THINK

God provides and requires believers to seek out and follow Biblical, Christian, Spiritual, Pastoral counsel. This provision of God is a constant, continuous, consistent, and a life long reality.

 

Personal Biblical counsel isn't just about getting Saved or Entirely Sanctified; it is about growing in grace and knowledge, it is about finding and walking in new light, it is about keeping the victory, it is about personal spiritual training, it is about family dynamics and interaction, it is about ministry, it is about relationships, it is about body life, it is about setting and maintaining the course, it is about making personal corrections, it is about .receiving reproof, it is about training in righteousness, it is about every area of Christian life (personal, family, church, economics, morality, social, civil, habits, speech, attitude.

02/26/22 DON'T BE AN AMAZEMENT OF SPIRITUAL EMPTINESS

02/26/22 DON'T BE AN AMAZEMENT OF SPIRITUAL EMPTINESS

God hid the glorious truths of salvation from His children in the Old Testament, including the Old Testament prophets.

 

When you consider how much the Old Testament men of God knew, concerning secrets, hidden mysteries, future events, principles of godliness, insights into the natural realm, the human nature, Divine wisdom, extra-historical knowledge, then it makes New Testament revelation, given to New Testament Apostles and Prophets, and passed on to anyone who is willing to listen and learn from God's word and His Spirit, so much more astounding.

 

Remember, God enabled Adam to name the animals; God enabled men to read the signs of God in the stars. There were no prehistoric, ape men. God enabled early mankind to master the natural sciences and to develop technological advancements. God taught early man how to navigate, build, set up needed services for communities. Early, very early, in human history, Job knew that the coming redeemer would die and rise again.

 

As amazing as all of this is, God reserved the hidden secrets, mysteries, of salvation, unity with God, having the same mind as God, being one humanity through the redemptive work of Christ in His death and resurrection. The Bible says that God has given us the unsearchable riches in Christ and the fellowship of the mystery of Christ, and spiritual power to conquer Satan. Divine wisdom to live in unity and victory with Christ and other believers.

 

Yet, with all of this Divine provision for grace, knowledge, wisdom, understanding, faith, enlightenment, deliverance, most Christians know almost nothing, spend almost no time seeking truth by searching God's word and refuse to receive Divine truths that God has prepared for those who love Him.

 

Wake up. Pursue God, Allow God to transform you from light to light. Do not be an amazement of darkness, confusion, worldliness, ignorance, foolishness.

02/26/22 #1 DON'T BE PULLED INTO THE WAKE OF WORLDLY APOSTASY

02/26/22 #1 DON'T BE PULLED INTO THE WAKE OF WORLDLY APOSTASY

(apostasy that follows after worldliness) 

God's Spirit will not strive with man always.

Don't judge by your own standards.

Don't mistake God's blessings, as luck or personal achievement.

Don't resist or reject or God when He tries to drive you to safe harbor, in the storms of life.

Don't rebel against you only hope of salvation.

God will cut off His enemies, and that without remedy.

Don't walk in the counsel of the ungodly.

Don't take your stand with sinners.

Don't sit in the seat of the scornful.

God will cause His enemies to become victims of strong delusion, because they will not obey the truth.

It is happening before our very eyes.

02/25/22 #1A QUICK INTRO TO THEOLOGY

02/25/22 #1A QUICK INTRO TO THEOLOGY 

This is a two part TALK ABOUT.

BE SURE TO GO TO VIDEO 02/25/22 #1B FOR THE REST OF THIS TALK ABOUT.

 

I divided my video into two parts because of posting problems on FB. In my second video, I recap the very last thought from this video and continue with my TALK ABOUT.

THE OUTLINE covers both parts #1A and #1B.

#1A takes you to the book of Genesis as an example of Biblical Theology.

OUTLINE

30 Minute Intro to Christian Theology

Including:

Theology,

Christology,

Pneumatology,

Anthropology,

Hamartiology,

Soteriogy,

Eschatology,

Ecclesiology.

Describing:

Natural Theology,

Biblical Theology,

Systematic Theology,

Historical Theology,

Dogmatic Theology,

Doctrine.

Overview of:

Biblical Prophets and Apostles,

Development of early Church,

The Rise of Liturgical Religion,

The appearance of "Back to the Bible" groups,

The Reformation.

Fasten your seat belt.

02/24/22 #2 PROBLEMS WITH CHURCH TODAY

02/24/22 #2 PROBLEMS WITH CHURCH TODAY

02/24/22 #1 MY MOTTO AT JWC

02/24/22 #1 WALK N TALK ABOUT

MY MOTTO AT JWC

I have had Biblical MOTTOES throughout my ministry. In this video, I tell about my motto in Bible College days.

 

When I quoted Matthew 5:6 I misquoted the end of the verse. I should have said, "...for they shall be filled." Instead, I said, "for their's is the kingdom of God." The principle is in keeping with the Beatitudes, but I am sorry I misquoted.

I hope you find something here that blesses you.

02/24/22 ANNOUNCE WALK N TALK ABOUT

02/24/22 ANNOUNCE WALK N TALK ABOUT

For those who might be interested, I have added a new FB Group: PASTOR DAVID'S WALK N TALK ABOUT.

 

I have started walking for my health and since I like to use my time wisely, and I like to make videos, I hope to make videos as I walk. These will be impromptu and extemporaneous in nature. Even the extemporaneous will be a bare-bones outline since it is a very informal setting and I am a very informal kind of guy.

 

They will also be informative, educational and I hope, edifying. The topics will be Bible, doctrinal, theological, practical, church history, Christian life issues.

 

I disable the comment section usually because it makes it easier for folks to find and follow specific videos. Sometimes I will probably have a series but they will also be presented in an informal fashion.

 

I may share the videos on my Timeline. As I said, the reason for the Group is that it will be easier to find and follow than on my Timeline.

02/24/22 TRAIN THEM UP AS HEAVENLY CITIZENS

02/24/22 TRAIN THEM UP AS HEAVENLY CITIZENS

Do you teach your children to spend their lives for God's kingdom or for this world?

02/24/22 CHECK YOUR CITIZENSHIP

02/24/22 CHECK YOUR CITIZENSHIP

Anyone who promotes the defense of a country more than the defense of God's word and way is not a citizen of heaven.

02/24/22 LIVE BY THE SWORD, DIE BY THE SWORD

02/24/22 LIVE BY THE SWORD, DIE BY THE SWORD

Are you preparing your child to bear the sword of steel for the State or the sword of the Spirit for God's kingdom?

02/24/22 SOMETHING WRONG HERE

02/24/22 SOMETHING WRONG HERE
 

Notice how readily folks prepare their children to be slaughtered for the world but mock training for spiritual warfare.

02/24/22 ANY OLD EXCUSE

02/24/22 ANY OLD EXCUSE

 

Love and hatred, wealth and poverty, red and blue: all are "reasons" people resist and reject Christ.

Any old excuse will do.

02/24/22 FACE THE FACTS

02/24/22 FACE THE FACTS

USA will not be invaded or fall to our greatest enemy.

IT ALREADY HAS.

TURN TO JESUS NOW.

02/24/22 NO TIME TO WASTE

02/24/22 NO TIME TO WASTE

Wait no longer. Be concerned for culture and country, but be committed to Christ.
 

Only Jesus saves.

02/24/22 YOU CAN'T AFFORD IT

02/24/22 YOU CAN'T AFFORD IT

Don't compromise integrity and honesty in order to please anyone.

02/24/22 DON'T ROB THE CHILDREN

02/24/22 DON'T ROB THE CHILDREN

When families won't have the mind of Christ and won't live in unity with one another, they are teaching their children to reject the Head and the Body of Christ.

02/23/22 RIGHTLY DIVIDING

02/23/22 RIGHTLY DIVIDING

I am thankful for the spiritual and academic expertise that has gone into providing and teaching God's word. But remember, even in well intentioned Bible study, it is possible to be, "ever learning, but never able to come to the knowledge of the truth."

 

Some Scriptural truths are clear and self evident, while some portions are difficult and only become clear to the believer who searches God’s word.

 

Some portions are easily comprehended, while others are not explained completely. In many cases the unexplained and the clear passages are presented in theological studies as theories. The Atonement is a fact, but there are particulars not explained, therefore there are theories of the Atonement. Likewise there are theories concerning other great truths of the Bible.

Sometimes the truth of a passage or Bible subject is found in various theories, rather than in only one theory (such as the Atonement).

God told us that the the study of many books can produce weariness.

02/23/22 JUST GOING BY WHAT IT SAYS

02/23/22 JUST GOING BY WHAT IT SAYS

I believe the Biblical account of creation, therefore I believe in an Old Universe (Genesis 1:1).

I also believe the Biblical account of a Young Earth (Genesis 1:3-3:25), which was the handy work of God after God defeated Satan's bid for God's throne and then cast Satan down to a world in chaos.

I totally reject evolution because it contradicts God's word; and as a sidelight, it contradicts reason.

With that being said, I believe that God created the stars,, the planets, the solar systems (with all of their collateral moons, comets, asteroids, meteors), the Milky Way Galaxy, the millions of galaxies beyond our own galaxy, and the universe, or universes.

I don't doubt that planets and solar systems are light years away and I don't doubt that galaxies exist beyond man's awareness.

I have no problem believing these things because I believe in and I know the God of the Bible

02/21/22 WHATEVER NAME IT HAS

02/21/22 WHATEVER NAME IT HAS

Below is a post that quotes a Biblical truth with an attending comment, which denies God's word. The comment is based on a Deformed Theological point of view. I saw this in a group, which is focused on eschatology, not focused on soteriology.

This exemplifies the insanity of Deformed Theology. When Deformed "Christianity" does not like God's revelation (such as the fact that God requires and enables believers to be good and to do good; God requires and enables believers to obey His commands; God requires and enables believers to be righteous, pure of heart, godly), they falsely claim those passages do not apply to Christians.

It is true that there are Old Testament passages, which Christians are not required to follow; such as Jewish laws of sacrifice, ceremony, diet. God has reasons for those laws. But the moral law of God stands, and God's salvation saves us from all sin.

Remember, holiness of heart and life is not an Old Testament or legalistic issue. It is a whole Bible reality provided through the death and resurrection of Christ.

I reformatted the POST AND COMMENT. It makes it easier to navigate and respond. I removed the SCREENSHOTS and replaced them with a text. It says the same thing as the original.

POST...

FOR I AM THE LORD YOUR GOD. YOU SHALL THEREFORE CONSECRATE YOURSELVES, AND YOU SHALL BE HOLY; FOR I AM HOLY. LEVITICUS 11:44

BECAUSE IT IS WRITTEN, "BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY,." 1 PETER 1:16

COMMENT...

Both scriptures were written to Israel, why" Because the Mystery had not been revealed YET....they are not for the Body of Christ...we are not under the Law...Peter could only repeat the Law of the Prophets...

After I posted this, a friend commented to me, saying that he thought the comment reflected Dispensational Theology, to which I responded.

My response...

Again, thank you ... for your comment.

I do not wholeheartedly endorse every point in any theological camp. This is why I refer to certain teachings that come out of the Reformed movement as Deformed Theology. There are great truths that were rediscovered by some Reformationists. But some of the teachings that came out of that movement are totally Deformed.

I would apply the same view to branches that came from the Reformation, such as Arminian, Wesleyan, or Dispensational. Though I align with certain groups rather than other groups, I don't subscribe to all of the views held by any group. In fact, I don't even know all of the views held by any group.

Therefore, I would refer to any position which splinters the word of God, in order to fit a doctrinal or theological position, as holding to a deformed position, whether Reformed, Calvinistic, Dispensational, Arminian, or Wesleyan.

Though I do believe that salvific human history can better be understood in Dispensational terms, I have never been a "hyper-Dispensationalist," nor subscribed to the various views of the various "brands" on the Theological market.

However, since the mid-1960's I have had countless discussions and read many writings, which deny that large portions of New Testament are applicable to Christians (such as Sermon on the Mount). Most, if not all of them, were proffered by those who hold to a Reformed or Calvinistic position; denying the ability, the opportunity, or the responsibility to obey God, keep His commandments, be holy, be pure, be righteous, or do good.

Therefore, I would consider this other person's comment, "not for the Body of Christ," to be deformed doctrine. We can be holy, according to God's work of salvation and God's clear revelation.

02/20/22 WHAT REALLY MAKES YOUR WORLD GO-'ROUND?

02/20/22 WHAT REALLY MAKES YOUR WORLD GO-'ROUND?

The song says,

"It's love, it's love that makes the world go-'round."

Another line says, (while pointing out people in the group)

"It's you, it's you, it's you that makes the world go round."

This verse can be repeated, allowing for folks to point out others in the group.

The song ends with,

"It's God, it's God, it's God that makes the world go-'round."

Sadly, I know people who are constantly singing (outwardly or inwardly),

"IT'S ME, IT'S ME, IT'S ME THAT MAKES THE WORLD GO-'ROUND."

POINTS TO PONDER

Even when a self-centered person does not verbalize their self-worship, others see it.

Self-aggrandizement robs God.

Self-service robs God.

Self-praise robs God.

Escape from selfish actions can be learned, even by a hardened sinner.

Deliverance from selfish thinking needs the miraculous work of God.

God won't conform anyone to the image of His Son, if they aren't willing to be transformed and if they are not hungering and thirsting to be conformed to the image of Jesus.

02/20/22 SOVEREIGNTY DOES NOT SANCTIFY SIN

02/20/22 SOVEREIGNTY DOES NOT SANCTIFY SIN

A sovereignty that requires sin in believers, but does not provide or allow righteousness, purity, godliness, goodness, obedience to God is contrary to the word of God, the nature of God, the redemption of God.

We know this is true because the Bible clearly says and reiterates it over and over again. Yet folks will deny it because they have believed the fancy theological footwork of other deceived men.

To believe that God does not actually save us from sin in this present evil world condemns us to a life of sin and bondage.

God designed us for obedience, God redeems us for faithful obedience, God equips us for faithful obedience, God enables us for faithful obedience, God requires faithful obedience, God condemns those who do not live in faithful obedience.

Faithful obedience is the outcome of God's indwelling.

Faithful obedience is not self righteousness, but it is grace in action.

Ephesians 2:10

10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

02/20/22 THE GLITCH

02/20/22 THE GLITCH

The glitch for most people living the victorious life is God's requirement that we receive, according to our faith.

02/20/22 FULL TIME FAITH REQUIRED

02/20/22 FULL TIME FAITH REQUIRED

I preach and teach the Biblical truth that God enables humble, faithful, fully dedicated believers to live consistent, victorious, obedient lives in perfect love, joy unspeakable, and peace that passes understanding.

I don't preach that it's cheap.

It requires walking in the light, growing in grace and knowledge, following closely, fully and constantly, as well as hungering and thirsting after righteousness.

Part time, nonchalant, convenient commitment is the path of losers.

02/19/22 SHINE THE LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS

02/19/22 SHINE THE LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS

This is a photo of a new NEBO flashlight Mark gave me.

I came out to my Net House building, to close up for the night and I saw a few deer running from my open field to the backside of our fire pit area. The flashlight is super bright and spreads a very wide beam. I would not have seen the deer without this light.

I share gospel light with folks everyday, hoping that they will use it to find their way through the darkness.

Blessings go unseen without Divine enlightenment, and ferocious beasts lurk in the darkness, but they become evident as we shine the light of truth and drive back the pitch.

At least that is my hope.

02/19/22 OBVIOUS SIGNS OF HYPOCRISY

02/19/22 OBVIOUS SIGNS OF HYPOCRISY

If your life is not transformed from self exaltation to total submission to Christ in every area of your life, and if you are not conformed to the self effacing, redemptive likeness of Jesus inwardly as well as outwardly, then you are not saved. You are deceived. You are yet in your sins.

God's children are known because they love one another. If you don't love your brother whom you have seen, then you don't love God, whom you have not seen.

If you can't sit down to openly and humbly share lovingly with other church folks, You need to get saved.

This hypocrisy happens all the time.

 

02/19/22 CHURCH CONFLICTS MAY BE PERSONAL, THEY ARE NOT PRIVATE

02/19/22 CHURCH CONFLICTS MAY BE PERSONAL, THEY ARE NOT PRIVATE

FIRST... If you cannot address an issue with another believer, in the spirit of love, humility, grace, 0R if you cannot deal with another believer in the same way that you want to be dealt (or would have a loved one dealt with), then you should not deal with or address a problem until you are in a spiritual and Biblical position to confront another person, AND, you should not even allow negative thoughts about other people until you align with Biblical standards. Your first responsibility is to make your own relationship with God certain and examine your own spiritual condition before you attempt to confront anyone else.

SECOND... If you are confronted by another believer who is addressing a Biblical or spiritual flaw he sees in your life, then you should be able to receive it in humility, without any blame shifting to anyone. If what the other believer says is based on faulty information then that can be rectified easily by sincere believers.

THIRD... Brothers and sisters should be able to work out disagreements with each other without anger, suspicion or retaliation, and they should be able to do it without mom and dad having to get involved in every little issue. However, mom and dad will need to know about the confrontation. Sometimes differences are not (or should not be) confrontational, such as "was it a ball or a strike." To argue and be in conflict over somethings is simply immature and absurd. There are Biblical directives on how to deal with such conflict. Remember, these principles are applicable to local church disagreements and conflicts.

When the problem is more significant than a minor disagreement, then pastor needs to be involved immediately. I won't go into a teaching on church discipline at this point, since I am talking about minor and easily reconcilable problems. Of course, the lowest level issue is monumental when the parties are not thinking Biblically, lovingly and spiritually. The issue still needs to be resolved, but it takes on a vary serious tone when there is angst between church folks.

FOURTH... Jesus took extreme steps to reconcile us to God. Jesus took some steps we cannot take. But humility, self denial, suffering in order to reach others are steps that God expects from us.

This is why pastor should be involved (at varying levels) in church conflicts. God planned it this way. It is not optional. It is not up to the parties involved to change God's plan. It takes humility, self denial, love, honesty and active submission to keep peace between believers and peace in the church. Peace, love and unity between believers and peace in the church is essential. To sidestep God's directives is to show pride, rebellion, contempt, hypocrisy and active disobedience to the know will of God, the revelation of His word, faith in Christ's blood and agreement with the leading of the Holy Spirit.

To disobey God's directive is a declaration of self assertion and setting a path for others to follow, including children. Carnal, anti-Biblical behavior and disposition is anarchy against God. God as our heavenly Father, grieves over division between His children. It isn't that people don't know the will of God, concerning unity and submission, it is that they will not yield to the will, word and work of God in their own lives.

02/19/22 PRIDE IS A KILLER

It kills, destroys lives, relationships, ministries.

Pride is a prehistoric destroyer: remember Lucifer's five steps to becoming Satan, found in Isaiah?

Isaiah 14:12-15

12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!

13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:

14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.

15 Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.

Pride led to the end of one-third of the angelic order and introduced the entire demonic realm, leading to the evil and hostile enemy forces against humanity, in turn destroying untold billions of human lives corrupted by pride.

There is Pride of Face,

Psalms 12:3-4

3 The LORD shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things:

4 Who have said, With our tongue will we prevail; our lips are our own: who is lord over us?

Psalms 31:23-24

23 O love the LORD, all ye his saints: for the LORD preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer.

24 Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.

Psalms 101:5

5 Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer.

Proverbs 6:16-19

16 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:

17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,

18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,

19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

Proverbs 8:13-14

13 The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.

14 Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength.

Proverbs 11:2

2 When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.

Proverbs 13:10

10 Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.

Proverbs 14:3

3 In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride: but the lips of the wise shall preserve them.

Proverbs 16:5-6

5 Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.

6 By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.

Proverbs 16:18

18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

Proverbs 21:23-24

23 Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.

24 Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath.

Proverbs 28:25

25 He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.

Proverbs 29:22-23

22 An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.

23 A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.

Mark 7:20-23

20 And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man.

21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,

22 Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:

23 All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.

2 Timothy 3:1-5

1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,

4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

James 4:6-12

6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.

10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

11 Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.

12 There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?

1 John 2:15-17

15 Love 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.

16 For 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.

17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

THIS IS A LONGER PASSAGE, but there is much to see here.

Romans 1:20-32

20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.

24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:

25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.

26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:

27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.

28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;

29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,

30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,

31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:

32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

03/17/22

IT'S NOT JUST A CLUB

Here is where people make a major mistake.
The Church is not a club.
Though it is a voluntary body, it is not is not a "do as you please, self fulfillment group."
It is not based on personal preferences or man-made rules and regulations.
It is not a democracy or a majority rule government.

It is the body of Christ, of which we are members, together with other believers.
We are accountable to God if we violate His standards and directives.
We are also answerable to each other and we are answerable to God's chosen leadership.

Come as you are, but expect total transformation and relational realignment.
God chooses the leadership and you are expected to be of one mind with the body, submitted to the leadership, and putting others before yourself.
You must deny yourself, humble yourself, and love others as you love yourself.

I know this sounds strict, but when you narrow yourself down to loving God with your whole heart, it is not a burden or grievous.

The reason people have a problem with Biblical churchmanship is because they don't love God or trust God.

Some people try to live up to God's standard, but soon tire of the self denial because it demands too much from their unsurrendered hearts.

However, those who die to self, die to this world and die to sin, find joy in walking in the steps of Jesus, walking in the light of God’s word, walking in the Spirit, fighting against temptation, agonizingly contending against the devil and diligently fighting the good fight of faith.

Paul said,
Philippians 3:8-14
8 Yea 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,
9 And 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:
10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.
12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

02/17/22 GOD IS NOT CONFUSED

02/17/22 GOD IS NOT CONFUSED

Sometimes there are females that are better speakers than some males.
Sometimes there are smarter females than some males.
Sometimes there are better female teachers than some males.

None of these reasons alone, nor all of them together, qualify a female to pastor or lead men in the church.

Neither does her depth of commitment, Bible knowledge, or personal charisma qualify her.

In very rare situations, when there is no man of God available, God may use an humble woman of God in some capacity, but God's directive is for men to be the head of the home and leaders in the church.

I have seen churches, and families suffer terrible setbacks because the leadership was given to women. It contributes to broken homes, gender confusion, spiritual weakness in home and church.

With the plethora of women preachers today, not only standing in the place of male leadership, but taking on a masculine persona.

Females and males are becoming androgynous.
Females are not only turning from their God given roles, their mockery and disdain for males is contributing to the emasculating of our society.

God created us, male and female, and He assigned gender roles. To abandon God's plan is to usher in chaos.

02/17/22 NO MATTER WHAT THEY SAY

02/17/22 NO MATTER WHAT THEY SAY

The will of God IS FOR US to live in holiness and glorify His Name.

The will of God IS NOT FOR US to live in sin and create a trail of destruction.

02/17/22 DO IT NOW, OR ELSE

02/17/22 DO IT NOW, OR ELSE

The longer people try to figure out how to live the Christian life while rejecting God's truth, God's grace, and God's means of grace and truth, the more they entangle themselves in sin, chaos, darkness, and the more difficult it is to surrender to God's will.

The sooner God's way is accepted and followed, the sooner and the more thorough will be God's deliverance, which is the only deliverance available.

03/17/22 PEOPLE WHO DO NOT TAKE BIBLICAL PREACHING AND TEACHING SERIOUSLY

03/17/22 PEOPLE WHO DO NOT TAKE BIBLICAL PREACHING AND TEACHING SERIOUSLY...

Do not take sin seriously.

Do not take salvation seriously.

Do not take righteousness seriously.

Do not take relationships seriously.

Do not take God's word seriously.

Do not take Holy Spirit enlightenment seriously.

Do not take God seriously.

02/17/22 SIN IS A KILLER

02/17/22 SIN IS A KILLER

 
Sin kills the sinner.

Sin may kill those who are hated by the sinner.

Sin may kill those who are loved by the sinner.

Sin kills individually, corporately, physically, relationally, spiritually, eternally.

Sin is communicated (transmitted) to the person who is not protected by the blood of Christ, the Spirit of God, and the Word of God.

Sin overcomes the person who does not overcome sin.

Sin infects and affects the unsuspecting

Sin erupts from the defiled, disrupts the community, and corrupts relationships.

Sin is a silent killer and a raucous killer.

Sin is an insatiable killer.

Sin is an indiscriminate killer.

Sin is a "friendly" killer and sin is a cruel killer.

02/15/22 LIVE CAM CALLED TO AGONIZE

People struggle with their faith because they won't struggle for their faith.

Jesus said believers must strive (agonize) to enter by the strait gate.
Jesus agonized against the devil and death in the garden.
Paul agonized in his walk with Jesus and his service to Christ.
We are told to agonize (struggle, strive, contend) in our spiritual walk and warfare.

02/15/22 TRUE PENTECOSTAL EXPERIENCE IS A HEART THING, NOT A TONGUES THING

02/15/22 TRUE PENTECOSTAL EXPERIENCE IS A HEART THING, NOT A TONGUES THING

Biblically, the Pentecostal experience is not speaking in a heavenly, angelic, or God language. It is not raising the dead, healing the sick, casting out demons, "having visions," "dreaming dreams," giving prophecies, getting a word from the Lord, receiving new light or apostolic authority.

Yes, there was the sound of a rushing mighty wind that filled the room, and cloven tongues as of fire sat upon each of the 120 gathered and they did speak in other human languages, which were understood by visitors from other countries. It was a miraculous and defining moment in the birth of the Church. And yes, God does sometimes do miracles and mighty works through and for His people. But that is not an evidence, since pagans often have the same kinds of manifestations. God does miracles, but He is not a Miracle Monger or Miracle Merchant.

However, as amazing as these signs were, they were not the promised result of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Throughout the time of God's dealing with and revealing His will to mankind, His promise and His work of salvation were not about these three events. The lasting and continued evidence of His coming, His outpouring, His infilling, and His empowering was the purifying of the heart from all sin, which would conform His children to the image of Jesus and qualify them to be witnesses to the ends of the earth.

I have met folks who lauded their "Pentecostal" experience as the greatest event in their lives, NOT BECAUSE THEIR HEARTS WERE PURIFIED, but because they spoke in an unknown tongue, or because they have spoken in an unknown tongue for many years. 

The Bible does recognize a gift of tongues (not to be confused with the so-called glossolalia so popular today), but it was a human language given as a tool to share the gospel with foreigners. I have met people who divide themselves from other believers because they do not have the so-called evidence of "speaking in tongues." This is ironic for several reasons.

It is ironic because the tongues speakers use it to bring division, though the work of the Holy Spirit is to bring unity; or it brings pride, where the Holy Spirit would bring humility, it brings confusion where the Holy Spirit would bring understanding. It is also ironic because the New Testament clearly teaches that as a gift, speaking in tongues IS NOT FOR EVERY CHRISTIAN, and in fact is AT THE BOTTOM OF THE LIST OF GIFTS.

I have also been told that the great blessing was for that person to "speak in tongues" at the time of their "Baptism," though they have never spoken in that tongue since. HOW SAD for a person to get the fullness of the Holy Spirit but only experience the "evidence" one time. Of course, some folks claim to "speak in tongues" often in church services. Still, what a shame that is so limited in its usefulness, not to mention that they violate Biblical directive when they, "speak in tongues." And How sad that it is considered so important, yet God does not intend it for all of God's children. (Yes, I realize that some folks separate the gift of tongues in Acts 2 with that which is spoken of in 1 Corinthians 12 and 14. But then those people fall back into confusing the two at other points in their testimony.)

However, the purifying of the heart by the Baptism with the Holy Spirit cleanses from all sin, qualifies, enables, and empowers believers for holy living and for holy service.

The confusion concerning the true Pentecostal experience came when some very emotional, and easily misled people claimed that their own speaking in tongues was the Divine plan for all men. This is why I call it Bentecostalism. It is twisted theology that omits Biblical truth and admits human imagination.

02/15/22 IT IS NOT SEMANTICS, IT IS DEMON-ANTICS

02/15/22 IT IS NOT SEMANTICS, IT IS DEMON-ANTICS

Many years ago I heard some "Christians" say that various parts of the New Testament did not apply to the Christian experience and therefore were not essential for believers to follow. I realized that is true in a limited way in specific cases. However, I kept hearing people exempt Christians from more and more of Biblical revelation (repenting, believing, obeying, confessing, following, Lordship of Christ) until they were actually narrowing down the parts that apply to Christians as a few portions in only a few books of the New Testament.

As I continued to learn, I found out that Reformed Theology not only discards large portions of the New Testament as being irrelevant to Christian salvation, and they redefined and reinterpreted fundamental truths contrary to God's revelation; such as,
God did not and does not love all sinners,
Jesus did not die sacrificially for everyone,
God unilaterally chose the elect unconditionally,
the order of salvation was changed from believe and be saved to being saved and then believing,
God sovereignly decreed sin and sovereignly chose not to offer salvation to those who had no choice but to sin.

This is the theological position I refer to as, Deformed and Misinformed. They can convince people because of fancy theological footwork and a false claim to spiritual and intellectual superiority.

The problem with their false doctrine is not only that they misrepresent what God's word actually says concerning these fundamental truths, they deliberately misrepresent what others believe about heart purity, deliverance from sinful actions, and sinful nature, the Biblical view of perfection.

I don't believe all of those involved with Deformed Theology are intentionally hostile toward truth. However, they have allowed false teachers, like Sproul, MacArthur, Begg, Baucham, Piper, among a plethora of others to explain away major portions of Scripture, based on a few passages, which they twist and handle in a very crafty way.

2 Corinthians 4:1-2
1 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;
2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.

02/15/22 I'D RATHER SAIL THAN BAIL

02/15/22 I'D RATHER SAIL THAN BAIL

If you have a leaky, dilapidated boat, you have to spend time bailing instead of fishing or transporting. Bailing is not a waste of time. If you don't bail, you sink. If you sink, you drown. Not keeping your boat ship shape is a waste of time.

Bailing is a self-saving action. Bailing is not productive in feeding yourself or accomplishing your goals.

When an individual or a family or a church is required to bail instead of sail, then the real purpose, the real job, the real mission is set aside.

Live in such a way that you don't have to spend your time, your life, BAILING.
Live in such a way that your family does not have to spend its time, BAILING.
Live in such a way that your church does not have to spend its time, BAILING.

Some people are committed to a life of bailing. Many times there are holes, bad planks, or rotten timbers that need fixing, and therefore time is taken away from sailing or fishing. Souls are dying because the rescue vessel is either on the rails or being bailed.

Ministries are crippled because the energy is spent on bailing rather than serving.
Responding to urgent issues (bailing) is not so much about broken or damaged equipment as it is about lives that are not fit for service, and time needs to be spent rescuing the careless, the self-centered, the uncommitted ship-mate.

This is why we often see Captains who are very demanding, rigid, exacting of their crew. They know that slack hands lead to disaster.

A rescue vessel is expected to have wounded, disabled people aboard, but the crew ought not to be the ones who are constantly in need of rescuing, mending, or instructing. The more efficient and more effective a rescue vessel will be is determined by the readiness and capabilities of the crew.

02/14/22 WE KEEPS WATCH OVER YOUR SOUL

02/14/22 WE KEEPS WATCH OVER YOUR SOUL 

There is Agape love, which is perfect love, sacrificial love, redemptive love.

There is also temporal love, twisted love, selfish love, destructive love.

Even Christians can confuse Divine love with worldly love. In fact, Christians can get confused about anything. This is one of the main reasons God called, trained, gifted, enabled, equipped, and assigned men to shepherd His people. 

Shepherds feed, lead, shear, tend, protect the sheep.
Sheep without a shepherd are scattered, lost, endangered, attacked, vulnerable.
The shepherd cares, loves, provides for his sheep. Sheep that shepherd themselves are bound for failure.

God planned, prepared, provided, promoted the ministry of shepherding. To refuse, resist, reject, repudiate Biblical shepherding is to renounce the wisdom, love, and will of God.

Pastors preach their hearts out and then watch helplessly as parishioners arrogantly choose paths of danger and destruction, leading children away from the truth and safety of God's narrow path.

Hebrews 13:17
17 Obey them that have the rule over you and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

This is not a suggestion.
This is not simply good advice.
This is God's directive.

Don't be surprised at your failures if you treat God's plan and provision with disdain.
Choose your family pastor very carefully.

02/14/22 DON'T FALL INTO EITHER TRAP

02/14/22 DON'T FALL INTO EITHER TRAP

On one far side of the supposed Christendom Continuum we have the Bentecostals and the Crazymatics. This movement is the keeper of the Wild Fire, whose false apostels and false prophets are constantanly claiming to add to the actual, authoritative, infallible word of God, which was once for all given to the early Apostles and Prophets. This group imagines revelation and interpretation where there is actually chaos. This group is more focused on feeling and experience. They erroneously see themselves aligned with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost and the Gifts of the Spirit in the New Testament.

 

On the other far side of the supposed Christendom Continuum we have the Deformed and Misinformed. This movement is the keeper of the Dying Embers and is committed to extinguishing the true fire of God's Spirit, making God's word a lifeless, powerless literary work, removing its personal application and active, transforming power. This group is more focused on tradition and supposed intellectual comprehension of the Christian religion. They erroneous see themselves as protectors of Historic Christianity.

 

There are sincere believers in both camps but they are being led away from the truth of God, and they are misleading others. Both groups have mistakenly followed the errors of fallible men, instead of God's revelation.

 

If you want or need Biblical examples of these two errant views, let me know.