12/31/22 HAPPINESS IS TO KNOW THE SAVIOR

12/31/22 HAPPINESS IS TO KNOW THE SAVIOR

Happy New Year.

God loves you, Christ died for you, He wants you, He'll save, keep, cleanse and empower you.

12/31/22 DON'T PLAY WITH YOUR SOUL

12/31/22 DON'T PLAY WITH YOUR SOUL

Serendipity may happen in the affairs of this life, but success in the spiritual is no accident.

It takes total dedication.

12/31/22 SUCCESS IS NO ACCIDENT

12/31/22 SUCCESS IS NO ACCIDENT

As in the natural, so in the spiritual, "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail."

Self discipline is the Holy Spirit at work in us.

12/31/22 TOTAL COMMITMENT REQUIRED

12/31/22 TOTAL COMMITMENT REQUIRED

The serious athlete, student, musician does not just give lip service or limited service to his pursuit.

Likewise the Christian.

12/31/22 NOTHING LESS WILL DO

12/31/22 NOTHING LESS WILL DO

Give your first, your best, your all to God.

It is His requirement and it is the commitment of the truly serious Christian.

12/31/22 DELIBERATELY DEDICATED

12/31/22 DELIBERATELY DEDICATED

Don't just FIND time or TAKE time for God and the wellbeing of your inner man; MAKE TIME.

12/30/22 THE INTEGRITY OF A LIFE

12/30/22 THE INTEGRITY OF A LIFE

Sound doctrine is needed for a firm foundation, which is needed for godliness, which is proof of salvation.

12/30/22 GOD HAS A PURPOSE

12/30/22 GOD HAS A PURPOSE

Personal trials are not always judgments or punishments or chastisements from God. They also come to make us strong and minister to others and to glorify God.

Remember, life is short, at best.
God is always good to His people.
All things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose.
God is the giver of every good and perfect gift.
God gives us everything that pertains to life and godliness.
God does all things well.
God never fails.
God never leaves nor forsakes those who trust Him.

Don't miss your opportunity to draw closer to God and to minister to others and to glorify God.

PLEASE READ, MEDITATE ON THIS PASSAGE.
2 Corinthians 4:7-18
7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;
9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;
10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.
11 For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.
12 So then death worketh in us, but life in you.
13 We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;
14 Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.
15 For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.
16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

12/30/22 NOW IS THE TIME

12/30/22 NOW IS THE TIME

Commit as fully to God as soon as you can because you will need all the grace you can get when major trials come your way.

12/30/22 DO NOT CANNIBALIZE YOUR NEIGHBOR

12/30/22 DO NOT CANNIBALIZE YOUR NEIGHBOR

Not all cannibalism is practiced by primitive aborigines.

Galatians 5:14-16
14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
15 But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.
16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

12/29/22 BE CAREFUL WHERE YOU PLACE YOUR TRUST

12/29/22 BE CAREFUL WHERE YOU PLACE YOUR TRUST

Is our Feelings or Facts the victory that overcomes the world?

NO! It is our FAITH.

12/29/22 IT REALLY IS THIS SIMPLE

12/29/22 IT REALLY IS THIS SIMPLE

Sinning religionists say we do not know or understand their systematic, but actually they don't know or understand the Bible.

They didn't listen, now see what you've got.

12/29/22 THEY SHOULD HAVE LISTENED THEN

THAT WAS THEN
They didn't listen, now see what you've got.

I told Politicians who were Christian friendly. They said it was not their jurisdiction.

I told the media (TV, Newspapers) that America was under attack.

I told parents that they were losing their children to Secular Humanism in the "Public School." They thought I was over reactive. 

I told Lawyers in Christian legal services. They said we needed to obey the State.

I told leading Christian pastors and National ministry organizations. Some of the agreed, but said they could not stand with us.

I told my own Congregation. Some stood with me but some distanced themselves, turned their backs, blasphemed me and my ministry, claimed I was not a Bible preacher but an, Issues Preacher.

ALMOST FORTY YEARS LATER
(and after our nation has abandoned its roots)

THIS IS NOW
Some Politicians are decrying the decaying of America and realizing what I warned them about.

Today there are news companies and journalist and reporters admitting that the USA disappeared.

Today the perversity and the futility of Public Education is readily acknowledged as corrupt, anti-Freedom, anti-Faith, anti-Family

Christian legal organizations are now overwhelmed with the oppression of believers across the nation and acknowledging the very things I spoke against, which they ignored.

Christian pastors and ministry leaders are now admitting that the State is the new god on the block (as I told them).

Some of my former parishioners, who abandoned and blasphemed me and falsely accused me of having a different gospel, are now aware that the "issues" I addressed has destroyed children, ministries and our own country.

12/29/22 THEY OPPOSE THEMSELVES

12/29/22 THEY OPPOSE THEMSELVES

I copied this from an FB GROUP. I have personally encountered folks who try to reconcile these contradictory positions, in defense of sinning religion. They also deny that their "systematic" teaches these absurdities, in spite of the abundant proof to the contrary.

QUOTE
"Someone here hit the nail on the head. They always want it BOTH WAYS. A clear sign of weak foundation. Here are some proofs.
1. They claim God unchangeably ordained all things, including all sin, yet they also claim He is not the author of sin and man is responsible for sin.
2. They insist on "some, many, few" (e.g. Mark 10:45, Matt. 1:21) but they also want to claim they believe in "all, world, whole, world, whoever" (John 3:16, 1:29, 1 John 2:2, Heb 2:9, 1 Tim 2:4) (of course, with different definitions)
3. They claim election unto salvation has nothing to do with faith, future or foreseen, yet they insist that salvation is by faith alone.
4. They quote their favorite Reformers and theologians more than they quote the Bible, yet they claim sola scriptura.
5. They claim Acts 16:31 (believe and be saved) yet they also claim "saved to believe."
6. They claim meticulous Determinism yet they reject robotics or puppetry. (although I am surprised some like Divine robotics/puppetry)
7. They claim God is author, source, creator, responsible for all sin - yet they claim they have high view of God and we have low view of God (for believing otherwise.)
8. They keep opposing freewill yet they keep trying to convince us to their TULIP. (How can we, if we have been ordained to reject it???)
9. They claim monergism, yet they also preach "come, believe and repent."
10. And many more....
Just like the strong willed boy in the nursery who likes all the toys for himself. How can you win against them???"

2 Timothy 2:23-26
23  But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.
24  And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
25  In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
26  And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

12/28/22 THEY HATE THE WHOLE TEXT

12/28/22 THEY HATE THE WHOLE TEXT

Early in my studies and street ministries I understood why pagans did not like for believers to use Scripture as, "proof texts." Pagans admit to not believing the Bible to be the infallible and inerrant word of God. They simply disbelieved and discounted revealed truth.

As time passed I occasionally encountered a person claiming to be a believer, but they did not like my proof texting. This was strange to me. However, it was the exception rather than the rule for a professed believer to reject proof texting.

As I met more of these people and as I studied more of their doctrine, I came to understand that there were whole portions of Scripture that they discounted and rejected. They even rejected the words of Jesus, such as the Sermon on the Mount, claiming that His words did not apply to Christians. As I continued to witness to the sinning religion cult I learned that they had only a limited portions of the New Testament, which they accepted as being applicable to Christians.

Yes, I know that people sometimes misuse, misrepresent, misinterpret, misapply Scripture in their proof texting. But I was finding out that those who follow after Augustine, Calvin and the Reformed theologians disallow major portions of the New Testament from Christian faith and practice. I also found out that they follow a systematic that rejects the clear teachings if the New Testament.

Therefore, it is not unusual to have these folks deny such basic Biblical truths as the Love of God for the whole world and to deny that Christ died for the sins of the whole world. These people are very authoritative as they quote the fathers of false doctrine, but they falter when Scripture clearly teaches that Christ died for the whole world, that mankind is given the opportunity and responsibility to receive and believe on Christ in order to be saved, that sin separates from God and God separates from sin, that the blood of Christ cleanses from all sin (in this present world), that Christians are enabled and expected to be obedient to God.

Thousands of verses which declare these truths are sloughed off in the name of man made religion.

12/28/22 GO YE AND TELL THE GOOD NEWS

12/28/22 GO YE AND TELL THE GOOD NEWS

It is fair to say that some folks would never trust in Christ as Savior, and God knows who they are. It is reasonable to say that entire families, entire communities and probably entire regions would never trust in Christ as Savior.

This is not because God did not love them or because Christ did not die for them or because the Spirit did not call or invite them or because they did not have a preacher tell them the Good News. It is because they would not yield, receive, believe, surrender, choose Christ regardless of the opportunity or the lack of opportunity.

The Christian is commanded to take the Gospel to them. It is not our responsibility to determine who will and who will not accept the Good News. We know God wants them to be saved, but we do not know who will believe on Christ.

As I recently pointed out, we must not blame God for man's rejection of Christ. But we are responsible for getting the Good News to those in darkness.

Do you pray for opportunity to witness while you are out and about? Do you carry tools (tracts, booklets, Scripture portions) when you leave the house? Do you look for opportunities to share with other people? Do you have an objective in your witnessing?

I recently posted an image that resembles the popular likeness of Christ, as He is presented in various paintings. Obviously these are just human concepts. However, I posted the "Christ image" because I use it as a witnessing tool. I show the photo (even as a photo on my phone) and ask the person to let me know when they see the image. While they are looking at this simple image I explain how people are told about Jesus, but they fail to grasp the importance of His life and work. I point out that some folks see the photo immediately while others do not see it for some time, and some people never see the likeness.

The Image is only a tool and it is not important, but the message of Christ is more than a tool. Catching the vision of the crucified and resurrected Christ can mean the difference in eternal life and eternal suffering. Catching the vision of Christ is the result of believing the Good News and receiving Christ as personal Savior.

12/28/22 DON'T BLAME GOD

12/28/22 DON'T BLAME GOD

If Christians had continued to have the same concern for a lost world that Jesus and the apostles had, the world would have the gospel today. 

Matthew 28:18-20
18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. 

1 Corinthians 15:34
34 Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame. 

1 Timothy 2:3-6
3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. 

2 Peter 3:9
9 The 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. 

1 John 2:1-2
1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

DON'T BLAME GOD WITH SINNING RELIGIONS FALSE NARRATIVE THAT GOD UNILATERALLY, UNCONDITIONALLY ELECTS SOME TO SALVATION AND SOME TO REPROBATION.

This is a short explanation concerning the doctrine of REPROBATION, by Richard Blaylock, a PhD candidate in Biblical Theology at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky.

DLG note... notices point number one (1). 

"Reprobation is the Augustinian/Reformed doctrine that God has eternally decreed (1) to refrain from extending saving grace to particular individuals and (2) to judge them according to the strict standards of divine justice. Though there are debates over finer points of theological nuance, all within the Augustinian/Reformed tradition agree that God decrees that certain individuals will be justly punished for the purpose of magnifying God’s justice and grace and that this punishment is (in some aspects) according to his good pleasure."

DLG response... The doctrine of REPROBATION is the false teaching that God deliberately withholds the offer of salvation through grace from specific individuals, in order that they may be punished for the glory of God.

This is a false doctrine. Instead, the Bible clearly and repeatedly teaches God's merciful provision of salvation for all, conditioned upon human faith in Christ's sacrificial death. 

John 3:16
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 

Romans 5:18-19
18 Therefore 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.
19 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. 

Hebrews 2:9
9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.

12/28/22 GOD IS NOT THE PROBLEM

12/28/22 GOD IS NOT THE PROBLEM

God neither lacks the ability nor the will to save every sinner, but He will not save anyone who refuses to come to Him.

12/28/22 CHECK YOUR ARMOR AND WEAPONS

12/28/22 CHECK YOUR ARMOR AND WEAPONS

If you are trusting the Government, the Courts, the Military, Law Enforcement, the Process, Society, Patriots, the Constitution, Article 2 Advocates to protect you, your family, your freedoms, your faith, you are a fool, because the Arm of Flesh will fail you. Do not trust in horses or chariots, the sword of steel, human efforts or endeavors.

Only God can deliver us from our moral, legal, political, academic, spiritual, social, familial, economic enemy. Only your own personal relationship with Christ will see you through your troubles and trials. Victory belongs only to the faithful, and victory does not come cheap.

We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual powers and our weapons are not fleshly, but spiritual. Only the spiritually violent, aggressive, determined will enter the kingdom of God, and we must enter it by a show of spiritual force. We must wield the Sword of the Spirit and stand behind the Shield of Faith, we must be clad in the Armor of God.

Ephesians 6:10-18
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

12/28/22 WHAT IS YOUR RESPONSE TO FULL SALVATION?

12/28/22 WHAT IS YOUR RESPONSE TO FULL SALVATION?

When someone extols righteousness, purity, holiness, then people usually attack the messenger as being self righteous, hypocritical, judgmental, arrogant, rather than confess their own uncleanness and turn to God. This is a trick of the devil. Satan wants to redirect human attention away from God, godliness, accountability, salvation.

The fact is that the message is more important than the messenger. The message of faithfulness, obedience, godliness should be readily embraced as the truth of God. When a person recognizes any infidelity, sin, rebellion, perversity in his or her own life, he should run to the foot of the cross and cry out to God for His mercy, grace, forgiveness, cleansing.

Don't excuse yourself or blame others or claim ignorance or claim inability. God has provided sufficient grace to cover any short coming we have. God will not accept empty excuses. He wants, He expects, He demands repentance, faith, confession, surrender. He calls us to be saved from our sins; He provides us with all we need to be saved; He enables us to be saved.

God will not only save you from the penalty of your sin (through forgiveness), He will save you from the pollution and the power of sin. When you truly trust Christ He will save you to the uttermost, transforming you into a new creation.

Remember, God promised to give us all we need for life and godliness. He knows the innermost part of man and His judgment is fair and thorough. If we reject the salvation of God that delivers us from all sin, we will not escape the searchlight of heaven that will expose every sin.

12/27/22 NO, IT'S NOT PRETTY

12/27/22 NO, IT'S NOT PRETTY

Game players and open enemies of the cross fill the churches and our communities. Haters of God that consider themselves Christians, though they have rejected His sacrifice and Lordship over their lives take pride in spewing filth into our society as never before.

Once upon a time in our community the worldly people as well as the church people would not openly use profanity and they certainly would not wear it on their shirts. To a great extent, except for the lowest life forms on two legs, they respected women and children. Today even the lawyers, doctors, law enforcement, educators and government leaders and preachers boldly blaspheme God, offend children and decent adults, then they mock us for being too narrow and too touchy. Leaders and ministry people in churches are openly hostile, crude, obscene and offensive.

Until church people turn from their evil ways and call on Jesus for a miraculous change in their lives, we should not expect the world to quit their wickedness by turning to Jesus.

Not only should those who claim the name and salvation of Christ turn from all sin, they should be totally transformed and completely consecrated to Christ and their local church, because this is what God planned and what He requires.

Those who profess salvation must stop throwing the scraps of their lives to God as if He is a hungry dog. Yes, that is what I said. many people who claim to be saved throw the scraps of their lives to God as if He is a hungry dog, then they call Him in to clean up their vomited filth, as drunken Romans use to call in their dogs to lick up their filth.

Not a pretty sight, but don't blame me. I am only telling it like it is.

12/27/22 ON THE SLATE FOR 2023

12/27/22 ON THE SLATE FOR 2023

As we wrap up 2022 I am excited about 2023, as I line up Youth Meetings, Ladies Home Bible Study, Men's Fellowship, Study Groups, Property Management, Music Ministry, Ministry Training Program, online as well as in person opportunities.

Be prepared to jump in, heart first.

12/27/22 START NOW

12/27/22 START NOW

Don't wait for the New Year to get here before you start with a better agenda.

If it is worth doing, you need to do it now.

12/27/22 GOD PROVIDES PERSONAL LIFE COACH

12/27/22 GOD PROVIDES PERSONAL LIFE COACH

If you are clinging to personal idiosyncrasies, views, habits, attitudes, actions, relationships, which are not Christlike, you are obviously not heeding God's word. In fact, you may not be aware of your problem. This is why seeking pastoral counsel is important to personal growth in grace and knowledge. Think of your pastor as your, Spiritual Life Coach.

12/27/22 STILL GOOD NEWS OF GREAT JOY

12/27/22 STILL GOOD NEWS OF GREAT JOY

This message was given at the time of Christ's birth, but it is just as true today as it was when the angel told the shepherds.

"Good news of great joy to all people," is a Divine truth.

Every sinner can be saved, which is the good news to all people. 

Great joy is found in Jesus.

Christ died as a satisfaction for the sins of the whole world.

Those who refuse or reject this good news will not have joy, though the good news is provided for them.

The good news is for every man, the great joy is for those who believe on Christ as their Savior.

Be sure to pass the GOOD NEWS on to others.

12/27/22 BE PREPARED

12/27/22 BE PREPARED

I AM A PREPPER.

I help folks prepare for future needs (personal, natural, social, national), but primarily eternal.

12/26/22 DIFFERENT REASONS FOR SUFFERING

12/26/22 DIFFERENT REASONS FOR SUFFERING

Sometimes Christians suffer because of demonic attacks.
Sometimes Christians suffer because of faulty decisions.
Sometimes Christians suffer because of Divine judgment, due to personal sin.
Sometimes Christians suffer because of Divine judgment, due to community sins (local, regional, national, international).

We may suffer trials, testing, rebuking, chastisement, correction, reproof, or judgment. Not all suffering is due to personal failure. Remember Job.

God sometimes sends and sometimes allows difficulties to come our way to perfect us, to teach us, to demonstrate His glory through us. This is why the obedient, victorious believer gives thanks for everything. We know that God works everything (even the dark moments of our lives) for our good and His glory.

12/26/22 TROUBLES WILL COME

12/26/22 TROUBLES WILL COME

When a person or a group of people (family, church, community, nation) focuses more intently on Jesus or folks begin to seek the Lord, the attack of Darkness intensifies. We are seeing this in our own family, our own church, our own community and our own nation.

I am not saying our nation is in a revival state of mind, but there are some people who are taking their relationship with God more seriously now than they have in recent times. It is not a national majority, but it is a significantly high number that is suffering spiritual attacks. As a result, spiritual attacks take place. These attacks come in the form of physical ailments, economic difficulty, natural phenomena, civil breakdown, international upheaval, personal conflicts with other people. While these are normally part of life, they intensify when we are being attacked personally by Satan.

Don't think it strange and don't think that you have necessarily done anything to incur the displeasure of God. Remember Job. He did not come under attack because he was out of step with God, but rather, because he was pleasing God. 

God tells us...
Romans 8:28
28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 

1 Corinthians 10:13
13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. 

1 Peter 1:6-7
6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:
7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: 

1 Thessalonians 5:18
18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 

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

Ephesians 6:10-18
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

12/26/22 VIDEO STROLL AROUND NET HOUSE

12/26/22 VIDEO STROLL AROUND NET HOUSE

Just strolling and dreaming. Might not seem like much, but Little Is Much When God Is In it.

12/26/22 SOME FOLKS NEVER SEE HIM

12/26/22 SOME FOLKS NEVER SEE HIM

Most people don't see this supposed visual representation of Christ in this photo immediately, but then it suddenly dawns on them.

I have shown this to people and asked them if they see a "Jesus like" image. Usually they do not. Eventually they see it and they are surprised and pleased. The longer it takes them to see it, the more excited they are. Some people never see it and get mad or say I am lying about it.

This is a great illustration concerning the way people do and do not spiritually see Jesus.
Some perceive Him early.
Some only "see Him" over a period of time.
Some never see the truth of Christ.
Those who seek Him will find Him.
Those who harden their hearts will be hardened to the point of denial and scorn.

Do you see the supposed "image of Christ" in this picture?

NOT EVERYONE SEES IT RIGHT AWAY.
This picture started circulating in the 1950's. I first saw it in the 1960's. I won't tell the story behind the picture, but the image of Jesus can be perceived in the shadowy image.

Obviously it is just a perceived image of Christ, at least as He is usually depicted in Christian art. Don't worry about the accuracy. That is not the point of this post.

I have asked individuals and groups if they could see the image. Some people see it immediately, while some see it eventually, and some never see it. I use this as an object lesson. Even though the same information is made available to a group of people, different people respond to the picture in various ways, just as different people respond to the true revelation of the true Christ.

I have posted it on a chalk board at the front of the sanctuary, then asked if anyone could see the image. Since some folks do not see the image immediately, I proceed to bring a gospel message and point out that some people take more time to come to spiritual insight, just as it takes more time for some people to come to visual comprehension of this picture. I tell the people in the congregation to raise their hands or speak out when they finally see the image, even if I am preaching.

As I have preached, people throughout the congregation begin to see the image and they excitedly respond, some to the point of jumping up and shouting it out. Those who do not see it become frustrated and some even deny that there is an image to be seen. They accuse those who claim to see it, of pranking them. Some people actually become agitated.

This is just a picture, which I use as a tool. Obviously spiritual understanding is not attained or obtained in the same way as "seeing" this picture. But people respond to the idea of faith in a similar way. If they cannot see it, they deny it, for themselves and everyone else.

Once I saw the image, I could always see the image from that point on. There are several good lessons in this presentation.

I walked up to the counter of a fast food restaurant in Smithfield, North Carolina and saw this picture hanging on the wall. I said, "Oh, cool, you have a picture of Jesus." The server behind the counter became flustered and complained, "That's what people tell me, but I can't see it." I then gave a quick witness for Christ.

12/26/22 SOME REJECT TRUTH

12/26/22 SOME REJECT TRUTH

It is also clear that anyone who TEACHES AGAINST A HOLY HEART AND LIFE is a false teacher.

12/26/22 SOME NEGLECT TRUTH

12/26/22 SOME NEGLECT TRUTH

It is clear to Bible believers that those who DO NOT TEACH HOLINESS OF HEART AND LIFE, are false teachers.

12/25/22 MERRY CHRISTMAS

12/25/22 MERRY CHRISTMAS

The Gift of Christmas brings life, light, love, forgiveness, newness, cleansing, comfort, hope, joy, peace among other Divine blessings. What more could we want.

(I know you know this passage, but please read it again, as a loving reminder. Read it and believe what it says.)

Luke 2:8-14
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Merry Christmas, yall.

12/23/22 BLINDED BY SANTA AND PETER COTTONTAIL

12/23/22 BLINDED BY SANTA AND PETER COTTONTAIL

Am I supposed to be surprised that Americans believe BLM, CRT, SJW, liberal politicians and teachers and Bible denying "preachers," after they were raised with the focus on Santa and the "Easter Bunny" rather than virgin born Immanuel and the resurrection of the Lamb of God, Who takes away the sin of the world?

12/23/22 CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION ENDANGERED

12/23/22 CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION ENDANGERED

Even more evident today than 8 years ago.
(Watch, there is nothing wrong with the video).

I hope this video is wrong.

12/23/22 BEWARE THE PIED PIPERS

12/23/22 BEWARE THE PIED PIPERS

The Pied Piper led children to destruction.

Religious and political pipers are leading the gullible to destruction.

12/23/22 LEGALISM OF ACTION AND BELIEFS

12/23/22 LEGALISM OF ACTION AND BELIEFS

Beware legalism of behavior and legalism of beliefs.

Both of these enslave to a false salvation.

12/23/22 NO SALVATION WITHOUT FAITH

12/23/22 NO SALVATION WITHOUT FAITH

God is very clear concerning the importance of knowing and obeying His word. 

1 Timothy 6:3-6
3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;
4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,
5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.

2 Corinthians 11:1-4
1 Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me.
2 For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.
3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
4 For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.

Galatians 1:6-9
6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

2 John 1:9-11
9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.
10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:
11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.

Not only should our beliefs result in godliness, we should withdraw from those who teach a false gospel.

12/22/22 WHOEVER CHOOSES CHRIST

12/22/22 WHOEVER CHOOSES CHRIST

Having a free will saves no one.

Choosing faith in Christ saves, "whosoever will."

12/21/22 DON'T TRUST THE LABEL

12/21/22 DON'T TRUST THE LABEL

There are a lot of "churches" and popular "Bible teachers" that teach false and blasphemous doctrines. Some churches have many beliefs that are Biblical, but also hold to doctrines that are opposed to basic Biblical revelation. I wouldn't be part of a church that teaches doctrines that deny truths of salvation, the rule of God and the nature of God.

Heretical doctrines are dangerous to everyone, including those who attend, their children, their friends and family and to the people they are seeking to bring to Jesus.

1 Timothy 6:3-6
3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;
4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,
5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.

2 John 1:9-11
9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.
10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:
11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.

Obviously a church must teach the basics, including:
The Authority, Divine and Infallible Inspiration of the Bible,
The Deity of Christ,
The Virgin Birth,
The Tri-Unity of God,
The Physical Death and Resurrection of Christ,
and many other fundamentals of the faith.

But there are other important doctrines that are being taught by many churches today, which contradict Biblical truth, including:
Sin does not separate us from God.
God does not separate us from sin.
God does not love sinners.
Christ did not die for all sinners.
God does not purify believers from all sin with the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.
Believers cannot live victoriously over the world, the flesh and the devil.
Believers cannot turn away from salvation.
Speaking in tongues is the evidence of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.
Health and prosperity in this life are a guaranteed part of salvation.
Men are not the earthly head of their homes.
Women have authority over men in the church.
The Church is not essential to New Testament Christian living.
The Bible is supposed to be interpreted and understood by the views and understanding according to the time period, culture, location, prevailing moral, social and political standards (such as homosexuality, trans-gendering, suicide, divorce, obedience to parents, submission to spiritual authority, Christians taking up arms, Christian violence, the use of tobacco and alcohol as well as other drugs), BLM and CRT and Social Justice and Evolution, and Secular Humanism.

There are other great truths being accosted by churches which not only omit vital doctrines, but they even attack God’s revelation.

It is one thing to ignorantly align with a church that rejects God’s word, it is another to knowingly align with such a group.

This is why it behooves us to have a thorough knowledge of the word of God.

Remember, in the last days many will be led away from God by deception.

12/21/22 SAVED TO RIGHTEOUSNESS

12/21/22 SAVED TO RIGHTEOUSNESS

The Bible tells us we should walk in the steps of Jesus, who did not sin. THAT IS WHAT IT SAYS.

The problem is that most folks have been falsely taught that the salvation of God, the power of God, the blood of Christ the fullness of the Holy Spirit and the power of the word of God cannot deliver Christians from the power and pollution of sin and that Christians cannot walk with and walk in the steps of Jesus.

Remember, Jesus told those who would be His disciples that they should "follow" Him; keep His commands; teach others to obey the words of Jesus.

12/21/22 THE DEVILISH DOMINO EFFECT

12/21/22 THE DEVILISH DOMINO EFFECT

I was reminiscing previous ministries when I came across this photo.

For one year, I was pastor of a Bible believing, Christian church in this Greensboro building.

We used this building for less than a year, and when we left the building eventually became an Islamic Mosque (notice the crescent moon and star).

As a Bible believer and Christ follower I taught my church folks to obey the law (as long as it did not conflict with with rule of God), but we recognized ONLY Jesus as Head of the Church, and we refused to compromise Biblical standards.

We had outreach programs for our community and offered a free Christian education to all children. We provided quality Christian education without cost because the Secular Humanism in the Public Schools was becoming more perverse.

This made us the enemy of the State. Biblical education opposes Statist religion and anti-Christian propaganda, which is a threat to State supported schools and the anti-Christian breakdown of morality. The State and local Government opposed our ministry and took steps to oppress, threaten and close us down.

I sought support from other pastors, churches, Government officials (Local, State and Federal), nationally known ministers, lawyers (Christian and secular). We were on TV news, in the newspapers and even took our cause to the streets of Greensboro, under threat of arrest, but no one stood with us. No one.

Our meeting facility was shut down, our electricity was cut off in order to end our ministry.

The State threatened to take away our children and put me in jail. Since no one would stand with us, we eventually left the State, rather than surrender our children to the State.

Did I mention that NO ONE STOOD WITH US?

Soon after we moved out of this building, the Muslims moved in, with State approval and support. They apparently have used this building for over 30 years. Look at what has happened to our country in these 30 years.

Ministries, pastors, Government leaders, lawyers all stood against us 36 years ago. As pastors, Christians, churches and ministries have compromised and abandoned the Lordship of Christ and the revelation of God, our country has fallen and further from God.

Our country has sown the wind and now reaps the whirlwind.

12/20/22 BEWARE THE PSEUDO INTELLECTUAL COUNTERFEIT

12/20/22 BEWARE THE PSEUDO INTELLECTUAL COUNTERFEIT

Don't fall for the fleshly, worldly appeal of the pseudo intellectual counterfeit of sinning Christianity.

12/20/22 IN THE HEAD, NOT IN THE HEART

12/20/22 IN THE HEAD, NOT IN THE HEART

One problem with sinning religion is that it is a head conversion and not a heart conversion, appealing to intellectual pride.

12/20/22 THE LIE GROWS

12/20/22 THE LIE GROWS

First, Satan taught we can't turn from God.

Now he is teaching that we can't turn to God by faith.

BEWARE THE LIE.

12/20/22 SATANIC TEACHING

12/20/22 SATANIC TEACHING

Teachers of sinning religion flood the internet.

Satan's lie concerning sin, "You won't die," is a plague on the church.

12/20/22 FAITH IS NOT PRESUMPTION

12/20/22 FAITH IS NOT PRESUMPTION

Jesus died and arose for your salvation.

He died so that you would believe, not presume on Him.

Presumption is not faith.

12/20/22 GOD GIVES THE RIGHT, WE GIVE THE OPPORTUNITY

12/20/22 GOD GIVES THE RIGHT, WE GIVE THE OPPORTUNITY

Do not fall for the lie that you have no choice in your salvation.

It will be eternally devastating.

God wants everyone to hear the gospel because He does not want anyone to perish. He wants them to have the opportunity to choose to believe on Christ. Folks have the power of choice but they may not have the opportunity to make a choice. God has assigned Christians to make the gospel known.

Having the power or the right of choice is not the same as having the opportunity of choice.
God gives the right, the power of choice; witnesses give the opportunity of choice; the Holy Spirit calls the evangelized to make a choice; the unsaved decides what choice to make with his opportunity.

12/20/22 OUR HOME

12/20/22 OUR HOME

This is my home. Martha and I are blessed to live near 14 family members, children and grandchildren. The house is too small for large functions involving family, friends, feasting, fun and faith events (such as group gatherings, group meals, group Bible studies and music celebrations), so I use my out-building, which I call The Net House, for these gatherings.

12/20/22 GATHERING AT THE NET HOUSE

12/20/22 GATHERING AT THE NET HOUSE

We gathered this past Sunday, as we are continuing our celebration of the birth of Jesus, with prayer, singing, testimony and preaching of the word. Along with in-person gathering I am also sharing with other folks through live streaming.

God's plan is to redeem and restore people to Himself, which will also restore families and convert the lost, a plan that transcends human history but became possible through the birth, life, death and resurrection of God's Son, Jesus Christ.

God sent Gabriel to prepare Zacharias and Elizabeth for His incarnation;

God sent an angel to prepare Mary and Joseph for the coming of Jesus;

God sent a multitude of heavenly host to announce the birth of His Son to the shepherds;

God sent Simeon to declare the mission of Jesus to Mary and Joseph and sent Anna to announce the arrival of God's promised "redemption;"

God sent John the Baptizer to prepare the people for the coming of the Lord God (Jesus).

Today God sends truly converted Christians to proclaim the coming of the incarnate God (Jesus), Who redeems and restores the lost, Who turns the hearts of the fathers to their children, Who turns the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous. We proclaim the coming of the Lamb and the Lion, the Savior and the Judge, the Servant and the King.

We celebrated with congregational songs, special music from a duet, a trio, a soloist and our Net House youth. The Lord willing, I expect even more good music, including other Net House singers next week.

12/20/22 TRUE MEASUREMENT

12/20/22 TRUE MEASUREMENT

Biblical preaching is not measured by loudness, antics or charisma, but by life changing truth proclaimed.

12/18/22 TURNING TO DARKNESS IS TRAGIC

12/18/22 TURNING TO DARKNESS IS TRAGIC

A terrible truth.
(old video)
TURNING TO DARKNESS IS TRAGIC FOR EVERYONE

It is a terrible thing when the child of a Christ rejector or the child of a false prophet grows up to become a Christ rejector or a false prophet. It happens.
It is at least as terrible, if not more terrible, for the child of a Christ follower or the child of a truth preacher to turn from Biblical truth and Christian family. It happens.
It even happened when Adam turned from God.

12/17/22 SATAN'S END GAME

12/17/22 SATAN'S END GAME

Satan causes the unsaved to resist being Born Again and the saved to resist being Crucified With Christ.

12/16/22 THE MISSING FACTOR

12/16/22 THE MISSING FACTOR

The Carnal Mind (Old Man, Double Mindedness, Sin Nature, Evil Heart of Unbelief, Root of Bitterness), not only loves sin, but loves The World and the things of the world. It is this Carnal love of the world (worldliness) that deceives and draws Carnal Christians away from God and godliness. 

This is why Christians must come to realize that they have this remaining impurity and they need to have their heart purified by dying to the world (through the crucifixion of the "self").

Worldliness is the backdoor of sin, whereas bold disobedience is the front door.

Worldliness is the god of carnality, the kingdom of darkness posing as Christian liberty. This is why Jesus directed us to have the "Single Eye."

Remember:
The Bible refers to three different mindsets; the natural man (unsaved man), the carnal man (double minded Christian) and the spiritual man (the Spirit Filled Christian).

Love of the world and the things of the world is hatred for God. 

Sinners must be Born of God and Christians must be crucified with Christ. 

Seemingly innocent acceptance of worldliness leads to rejection of Divine rule, and we must have only One Lord.

God delivers sinners from blindness and believers from double vision.

12/16/22 LIVING IN REVIVAL

12/16/22 LIVING IN REVIVAL

When a local body of believers has a hunger and thirst for righteousness and many, if not all, are submitting to Biblical truth and Holy Spirit power in their own personal lives, there will be no need for, "scheduled revival meetings."

In fact, the pastor of such a church is running just to oversee a thriving flock. When the church is ablaze with life, love truth, they don't need, "reviving," they need deeper training in righteousness, ministry and missions. 

The, "on-fire" congregation loves the word and they have an unquenchable desire for the Person, work and grace of God.

Those who form a blockade against Divine rule are needing renewal, restoration, redemption.

12/16/22 STILL TIME TO TURN AROUND

12/16/22 STILL TIME TO TURN AROUND

Our land needs the old time Biblical preaching and teaching of the fullness of the Holy Spirit, total commitment, death to the self life, separation from the world.

We need Holy Spirit fire. I am not talking about wild fire, I am talking about holy fire; the fire of God burning in our hearts. Remember, God is a consuming fire. The more of God we have in our life, the more holy fire we will have. We need God's word filling us, leading us, reaching others.

The fire of God burns out the dross, making us pure, even as He is pure. It enlightens our hearts and ignites our zeal.

12/16/22 DELIVERED IN ORDER TO DELIVER

12/16/22 DELIVERED IN ORDER TO DELIVER

Now is a great time for Methodist preachers who still believe the Biblical doctrine of Entire Sanctification (aka perfect love, heart purity, holiness of heart and life, victorious living, the fullness of the Holy Spirit) to align with other preachers of full salvation and raise a revival of Biblical holiness in our communities.

12/15/22 HOW FIRM IS YOUR FOUNDATION?

12/15/22 HOW FIRM IS YOUR FOUNDATION?

Do you get your beliefs, guide your behavior based on sound Biblical truth or popular and personal views?

12/15/22 IS YOUR INVENTORY SHORT?

12/15/22 IS YOUR INVENTORY SHORT?

How much time, effort have you put into serious Biblical studies this week (aside from scheduled services)?

12/15/22 NO MORE PRETENDING

12/15/22 NO MORE PRETENDING

When parishioners take Bible doctrine seriously there will be more revival than a pastor can imagine.

12/15/22 WOW, JUST, WOW

12/15/22 WOW, JUST, WOW

Praise the Lord and congratulations to local Methodist Churches that have cut their ties with the United Methodist Church, (including my home church, several churches that I have pastored in the past, along with other local congregation in the Downeast area. It was a bold and wise choice. May you experience what God wants for you.

12/14/22 BOOK PASSAGE ON THE OLD SHIP OF ZION

12/14/22 BOOK PASSAGE ON THE OLD SHIP OF ZION

Plainly stated, the world is going nuttier and more overtly wicked by the day, and modern "Christianity" is keeping step with it.

The modern "Church" is abandoning sound doctrine and basic common sense at an ever increasing rate. It is not enough for the preacher, the church, the teachers, the songs and singers to have a rich heritage or popular appeal, they must proclaim, through practice and precept, a commitment to the God and the teachings of the Bible.

Don't be trapped aboard a sinking ship. Beware the claims of the S.S. Laodicea. She looks good and gets great publicity, but she is a ship of death.

The Old Ship of Zion (the New Testament Church) does not always have all the advantages of the S.S. Laodicea, but it has a Compass and Chart, and a Captain Who can get you safely past the enemies and storms that seek to destroy your soul.

12/14/22 BE ALIGNED, TO BE PREPARED

12/14/22 BE ALIGNED, TO BE PREPARED

It is essential to be part of a strong Bible believing church if you want to be saved from the end times deception that is engulfing the world today.

12/14/22 DON'T REPEAT HISTORY

12/14/22 DON'T REPEAT HISTORY

Signs of the times include, "Every thought of the heart was evil continually," (as in the days of Noah), along with constant lying, and, the love of money, which is the root of all evil.

Now we are being led into the Metaverse, which is possibly linked to the tool which will captivate and control a deceived world.

This is why it is essential to know the Bible and to know Christ. Only truth will set you free from the worldwide bondage that will enslave men.

12/13/22 PUSHING BIBLE STUDY

12/13/22 PUSHING BIBLE STUDY

How much more would you know and how much better off would you be if you had done this before?

(re-post from 2015 with picture of HOLY BIBLE)

Without a program you won't know who the players are. The Author (God, the Holy Spirit) will gladly explain the back story and the plot.

Be sure to get your copy while it is still available.

.12/13/22 WE ARE NOT OUR OWN

12/13/22 WE ARE NOT OUR OWN

If your journey (adventure) is focused on you and yours, you are on the wrong journey (adventure).

12/13/22 NOT FOR SLACKARDS

12/13/22 NOT FOR SLACKARDS

Those who are intent on doing God's will, do not lack spiritual adventure in their journey.

12/07/22 LOOKING UNTO JESUS

12/07/22 LOOKING UNTO JESUS

The world may clamor for ministry "stars," but only God's truth can save from hell.

12/05/22 CHOOSE THE MERRY HEART

12/05/22 CHOOSE THE MERRY HEART

As a "merry heart" does good like a medicine, so an afflicted heart brings evil like a poison.

12/05/22 AUTHENTICITY, NOT PRETENSE

12/05/22 AUTHENTICITY, NOT PRETENSE

Pretense has no place in the life of a Christ follower, ever.

12/05/22 CHRISTIAN APPEAL

12/05/22 CHRISTIAN APPEAL

The best way for a Christian to draw a Christian of the opposite sex is by manifesting the grace, beauty, wisdom of Jesus.

12/05/22 GOD HAS THE PERFECT PERFECTION FOR BELIEVERS

12/05/22 GOD HAS THE PERFECT PERFECTION FOR BELIEVERS

Those who hate Atonement Perfection (aka Believer's Perfection, Biblical Perfection, Christian Perfection) claim that it is the same as Absolute Perfection, Adamic Perfection or Angelic Perfection, which we know are unattainable.

To misrepresent the Perfection, which God provides, requires and enables in the believer, is like misrepresenting the New Birth as unobtainable because man cannot regenerate himself.

Man cannot regenerate himself, but God can, therefore regeneration is possible. Regeneration is not the same as transforming humans into actual God or gods.
Man cannot Perfect himself in Love (aka Atonement Perfection, Believer's Perfection, Bible Perfection, Christian Perfection), but God can. Perfect Love is not inherent or attainable by any human endeavor. It is the gift of God to the Christian who trusts Christ alone for the purifying of his heart through the fullness of the Holy Spirit.

To rob a sinner of Salvation (Regeneration and Justification) is to condemn him to sin and hell.
To rob the believer of Perfect Love is to rob him of a pure heart and life of holiness, which also robs him of salvation and heaven.

12/04/22 ALL SIN DESTROYS

12/04/22 ALL SIN DESTROYS

Whether sins of the spirit or the flesh, it is just as tragic and heart wrenching for the family.

12/04/22 SIN AND SALVATION ARE MUTUALLY EXCLUSIVE

12/04/22 SIN AND SALVATION ARE MUTUALLY EXCLUSIVE

If you've been saved but now have sin in your life, you don't have Christ.

12/04/22 SALVATION IS NOT A SECRET TO BE KEPT

12/04/22 SALVATION IS NOT A SECRET TO BE KEPT

I can't imagine knowing the escape route from sin and judgement, but withholding it from my "friends."

12/04/22 CONFORMITY THROUGH SUBTRACTION AND ADDITION

12/04/22 CONFORMITY THROUGH SUBTRACTION AND ADDITION

Salvation conforms believers to the image of Jesus, both through removal and impartation.

12/04/22 WHAT HAPPENS HERE SHOULD NOT STAY HERE

12/04/22 WHAT HAPPENS HERE SHOULD NOT STAY HERE

Church Meeting:
Come as you are, then be transformed by the renewing of your mind, whoever you are.

12/03/22 ESSENTIALLY FOR CHRISTIANS

12/03/22 ESSENTIALLY FOR CHRISTIANS

Church meeting is when new creatures gather to worship, praise, love, grow and fellowship.

12/03/22 DON'T MISTAKE MISTAKES FOR SIN

12/03/22 DON'T MISTAKE MISTAKES FOR SIN

It is wrong to call sins, "mistakes."
However it is also wrong to call actual mistakes, "sins."
True mistakes are not related to resistance, rebellion or rejection of God's will.
There can be mistakes in judgment, understanding, communication, intent.
Whatever a true mistake is, it is not willful disobedience to the known will of God.

Some people want their sins ignored, while they fault, criticize, judge, condemn others for honest mistakes, errors, frailties, failures, infirmities, weaknesses.

12/02/22 GOD PROVIDES ALL WE NEED

12/02/22 GOD PROVIDES ALL WE NEED

You can't help that when you were born, you had the Carnal Mind.
You can't help that after you were born again, you still had the Carnal Mind.
But as a believer, you can ask God and He will purify you from the Carnal Mind.
And through faithful obedience, God will give you continued purity of heart.

12/01/22 WE ARE NOT CALLED TO JUDGE

12/01/22 WE ARE NOT CALLED TO JUDGE

Just because we don't understand a person's action does not mean we have a right to judge it as sin.

Remember, God tells us not to judge someone else's servant or to speak evil of our brother or judge our brother. Such action puts us in opposition to God.

The answer to these issues is love.
Galatians 5:14-16
14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
15 But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.
16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

12/01/22 SINNER OR SAINT?

12/01/22 SINNER OR SAINT?

There is a distinct and definite line of separation between being a sinner and a believer.

The sinner produces the works of the flesh:
Galatians 5:19-21
19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
21 Envyings, 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.

The believer produces the Fruit of the Spirit:
Galatians 5:22-26
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

But there are various levels of growth and development for sinners and saints (the Biblical term for believers, which means holy ones).

Simply, and Biblically, stated sinners sin and saints live righteously (1 John 3:4-10).

The sinner will go deeper into sin and the saint will increase in grace and knowledge, if they stay on their present path.

Don't confuse the presence of the Carnal Mind in a Christian with the act of sinning. Our Old Man is an inherent predisposition to sin (thus called the Adamic Nature). This Double Mindedness is imposed on every child of Adam, and continues with the person, even after conversion. We cannot be forgiven of the Carnal Mind since we are not responsible for its presence in our lives. However, God does not want us to struggle with this rebellious attitude, therefore He provides the faithful Christian with deliverance (cleansing) from this inbred corruption when we receive the fulness of the Holy Spirit.

Until a Christian's heart is purified from this sinful propensity, he will have an internal struggle (between the New Man and the Old Man). This internal battle is not sin. Yielding to the Old man is sin. As I said, the purified heart will save you from the condition described in Romans chapter seven.

God saves the sinner from his sins and sinning through conversion.
God saves the saints from internal strife (brought about by the Double Mind), through the fullness of the Spirit.
God enables faithful followers to grow in grace and knowledge as they continue to walk in victory.

12/01/22 SHEPHERD, NOT LAPDOG

12/01/22 SHEPHERD, NOT LAPDOG

Shepherds are gentle, caring, self denying, self sacrificing, but they must not be thought of as wimpy, lapdogs or personal hand servants. Shepherds not only lead and feed their sheep, they protect and correct them. Shepherds guard against the dangers and enemies of their flock, whether within, or outside of the flock. We see this clearly when he fights the wolf, the lion, the hawk, the thief. The competent shepherd is a formidable fighter as well as a loving leader.

Some folks prefer the paid hireling rather than the Divinely appointed shepherd because they don't want to be led or corrected and they would rather lead a lapdog than be led by shepherd.

12/01/22 SOMETHING WRONG HERE

12/01/22 SOMETHING WRONG HERE

Have you ever noticed parishioners who totally support the pastor in reproving, rebuking correcting and training in righteousness, as long as he is dealing with other people but not themselves or their family?

11/30/22 SHEPHERD, NOT LION TAMER

11/30/22 SHEPHERD, NOT LION TAMER

The church is a gathering of God's sheep (Blood redeemed people, Spirit regenerated and led people, righteous people seeking to obey God's word and fit into God's family). Christians gather to worship, praise, learn, fellowship, grow.

There are enough obstacles to deal with when the body is healthy and in a right relationship, but when the enemy finds weakness, then division comes. By the way, unity, joy, peace, love, tenderness is the Divinely expected norm for the body of Christ, however God equips pastors to reprove, rebuke, correct those who are out of step.

But the problem of upheaval and divisiveness is highly intensified when the outside influences of sin are viewed as normal, expected standards.

Remember, the local church is where sheep gather. The local church is not a training center for wolves wanting to be like sheep, or snakes wanting to be like sheep, or hawks wanting to be like sheep, or swine wanting to be like sheep. No amount of acculturation, education, training will make a sinner into a believer. No matter how much instruction is given to a goat, it will not be a sheep.

Believers, God's sheep, come to Christ and are transformed, from the inside out. They need to learn and grow, but they realize that they need the truth of Scripture, the leading of the Holy Spirit and the ministry of a God called pastor. They come with open minds, open hearts, open lives, not dictating their own ideas but submitting to Biblical authority. They come with the attitude of self denial and submission, hungering and thirsting for righteousness, eager to shake off the shackles of the old life and put on the likeness of Jesus. God's provision for this growth comes through the pastor's, training in righteousness.

Pastor is not called to be a lion tamer, but a shepherd. A leopard cannot change his spots or an Ethiopian change his skin, anymore than a sinner can change his ways (Jeremiah 13:23). In fact, the shepherd is called to fight against the lions and wolves and other dangers, which threaten the life, joy, peace, love and safety of the flock.

These principles are Biblical and they are not debatable.

11/30/22 PERFECT LOVE IS HOW WE LOVE OTHERS

11/30/22 PERFECT LOVE IS HOW WE LOVE OTHERS

Throughout the Bible, God has made it clear that love, perfect love is the fulfilling of the law.

However, people err in focusing on other people's love rather than their own love. If we love with God's love we are going to love others whether they love us or not. We will love with forgiving love accepting love, undemanding love, selfless love.

The person who is always worried about being loved needs to read and heed this passage.

1 Corinthians 13:1-13
1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not love, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not love, I am nothing.
3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not love, it profiteth me nothing.
4 Love suffereth long, and is kind; love envieth not; love vaunteth (promotes) not itself, is not puffed up (proud, boastful),
5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
8 Love never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
13 And now abideth faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

This passage is intended to serve as a mirror, for self examination, not as probe to examine and analyze other people.

11/30/22 SALVATION IS TRANSFORMATION

11/30/22 SALVATION IS TRANSFORMATION

The offer of salvation is to all men, but the provision is only made to those who come to Christ in obedient faith.

Coming to Christ, "as I am," is the offer, but it must be according to His standards and we must be qualified according to His plan.

I hope to give other passages concerning this in the near future, but here is one of God's provisions and expectations for a true convert.

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

When a person becomes a new creation, when old things are passed away and when all things become new, then the church is not plagued with the sinful, carnal, worldly conflicts that are part of the sinner's life. There is no room in your life for the old life.

Salvation is powerful. If your salvation has not transformed you into this new creation your salvation is not Biblical or it is not current.

11/30/22 DOING AND KNOWING GO TOGETHER

11/30/22 DOING AND KNOWING GO TOGETHER

If you give mental ascent and verbal confirmation concerning every doctrine in the Bible, but willfully refuse to submit to Divine Authority, you are as lost a bewildered beast and as unclean as a sow in the wallow.
On the other hand, if you obey every Biblical rule and regulation to your best ability but do not trust Christ alone for your salvation, you are not saved.

11/30/22 HERE IS THE PROBLEM

11/30/22 HERE IS THE PROBLEM

Some folks are not willing for God to PRESS the world out of them and PRESS them into the image of Jesus.

11/30/22 SUCCESS IS PLEASING GOD

11/30/22 SUCCESS IS PLEASING GOD

Success and victory in the Christian life are sure and simple, for the truly converted and fully faithful.

11/29/22 BOTH ARE EVENTS OF SALVATION

11/29/22 BOTH ARE EVENTS OF SALVATION

Cleansing from inherent sin, subsequent to regeneration, is as definite, blessed and essential as justification.

11/28/22 THE NORMAL LIFE CYCLE

11/28/22 THE NORMAL LIFE CYCLE

THE NORMAL LIFE CYCLE OF TRUE FOLLOWER OF CHRIST.

Sought
Saved
Sanctified
Sent

11/28/22 QUALIFICATION FOR MINISTRY

11/28/22 QUALIFICATION FOR MINISTRY

Entire Sanctification is not for the purpose of making you qualified for the ministry on the A team.

Entire Sanctification is for the purpose of making you qualified for the ministry team.

This is Biblically clear and irrefutable.

11/26/22 DON'T HARDEN YOUR OWN HEART

11/26/22 DON'T HARDEN YOUR OWN HEART

The ways of God are inscrutable, but His word reveals His nature, His will, His power to a person, based on the individual's willingness to trust God. Therefore, we know God loves us, God calls us and provides everything we need that pertains to life and godliness.

DO NOT harden your heart, do not deliberately dull (numb, close) your eyes, ears, mind to God's enlightenment.

People do this because they do not want to obey God. Resisting truth, which is preached, taught, counseled is not rejecting the messenger, it is rejecting God and His grace.

11/26/22 WORSHIP COMES FROM WITHIN

11/26/22  WORSHIP COMES FROM WITHIN

Referring to a paragraph I recently wrote, let me offer a different view.

I mentioned some of the possible responses, which early Church believers may have had to the reading of one of Paul's circular epistles.

Let me focus on the positive responses, asking how they fit into your personal worship experience during a church service.

Here is my sample paragraph and some of the possible responses.
"The overseer stood before his fellow believers and read the latest circular letter from Paul.

Some were moved to tears, others were moved to prayer, others were moved to confession, others were moved to songs of praise, others were moved to steps of reconciliation, others were moved to deeper commitment and some surrendered to carry the gospel to the unreached."

Obviously you need to be in a church that is New Testament in its beliefs and practice. The preaching, teaching, music does not have to be entertaining or exceptional but the message and messenger must be authentic. Remember, it is not the human instruments but the Divine presence, message and work that should move us.

Are you moved to tears (of joy wonder, compassion, contrition)?
Are you moved to prayer (for yourself or others)?
Are you moved to confession (testimony, personal need of God)?
Are you moved to songs of praise?
Are you moved to steps of reconciliation (with God, with fellow believers, with your enemy)?
Are you moved to deeper commitment (sacrifice, service, support)?
Are you moved to total dedication, including a life committed to reach the unreached (in your Jerusalem, your Judea, your Samaria or your uttermost part of the world)?

If not, why not? Isn't the presence of God and the power of His message enough to ignite you into a raging and holy inferno and your church into an incendiary fellowship?

Quit blaming "church trappings" and others in the church for your own meagerness.
Don't depend on superstars or entertainers or extravaganzas on the platform.
Often that is of the flesh.

Bring your dry wood and throw it on the altar of sacrifice. In fact, come to service expecting God to move in your life and He will consume the green wood though it is drowned in water, then the fire of God will lick up the puddles of water, which remain.

We either come with deaf ears or ears to hear.

11/25/22 SELF INFLICTED NUMBNESS

11/25/22 SELF INFLICTED NUMBNESS

People dull their own hearts because they don't want to know what God requires; because they don't want to obey.

11/25/22 WITHOUT A DOUBT

11/25/22 WITHOUT A DOUBT

I woke up this morning knowing the sun would rise in the east.

Even more certain that the Son died for all sinners.

11/25/22 GOD'S SAFEGUARDS

11/25/22 GOD'S SAFEGUARDS

God's word and God's Spirit will definitely lead the obedient believer away from temptation, deception, darkness.

Still, God provides other safeguards and spiritual counsel to protect and deliver from spiritual failure.

Sometimes we are weak or tired or physically overtaxed and we need the support of Caleb and Joshua.
Sometimes our faith is carrying us but our vision is blurred, or possibly we are facing new and unfamiliar challenges.

God has ordained and gifted pastors, shepherds to feed, lead, protect and correct His sheep. Make certain your shepherd is Divinely called, appointed, gifted, led and anointed to do the work of ministry, as God's co-laborer.

As a pastor I read, pray, study and write truths throughout the week which serve God's plan to keep each believer in the light and on the path of victory.

When folks do not align with the Holy Spirit and God's word, and when they ignore God's shepherds, the disaster is inevitable. All things considered there is no excuse for spiritual failure or breakdown.

If you think you stand, beware, you are probably presuming and you are probably trusting in your own strength, and therefore you will fall.