08/31/17 FARRAKHAN, THE JUDAS GOAT OF NOI

08/31/17 FARRAKHAN, THE JUDAS GOAT OF NOI

(Louis Farrakhan made a speech, to mislead people away from the Christian message to the message of Islam)

Louis Farrakhan's Christian conversion is real (a real ruse). In other words, Louis Farrakhan is trying to convert "Christians" to Islam by deceiving people into thinking he believes in the same Jesus.

Louis Farrakhan, leader of Nation of Islam (NOI), i.e. Black Muslims, proclaims...
Liberation Theology (deliverance for American blacks through violent overthrow and killing white people),
Anti-Christian and Anti-Bible message,
Allah of the Quran is God, not the God of the Bible,
Islam is the true religion and Christianity is not true,

You must understand...
There is nothing Christian in the message of Islam.
The Jesus of Islam is not the Jesus of the Bible.
Farrakhan and Islam present a convoluted message (spinning Islamic and Christian concepts together in double speak) when trying to appeal to people in the Christian tradition, in order to lead them away from the Bible, the God of the Bible, the salvation of the Bible and the message of the Bible.

08/30/17 DEALING WITH GREENER GRASS SYNDROME

08/30/17 DEALING WITH GREENER GRASS SYNDROME

There are reasons why people think "the grass is always greener" somewhere else.

WHY IT SEEMS SO
Sometimes it is because it is.
Sometimes it is because it has been painted green by the neighbor.
Sometimes it is because the "green eyed monster of jealousy" sees it that way....
Sometimes it is because negativity blinds a person to the realities of life.
Sometimes it is because, spiritually speaking, green bile rises up from a dysfunctional relationship with God and colors the person's view of life.
Sometimes it is because a person refuses to trust God fully.

ON THE OTHER HAND
There are some people who have a more positive outlook on life because of their natural temperment (even unsaved people).
There are some people who have a more positive outlook on life in spite of their natural temperament (even unsaved people).
There are some people who have had life shaking events (tragedies, losses, near death or windfalls), which also changed their outlook on life (even unsaved people).
There are some people who get saved, and their view of life changes because of grace and because of faith.
There are some people who get saved and then filled with the Holy Spirit, and their view of life springs from a holy disposition.

I MADE AND MAKE MY CHOICE
I realize that some people have things in life that I don't have.
I realize that some other ministers and ministries have things that I don't have.
HOWEVER, I believe the word of God and I have chosen not to have a negative, "woe is me" point of view because I really do believe God does all things well and I trust Him with my whole life.

TWO WAYS TO RESPOND
There are people who would quickly respond to the offer of a Spirit filled life of trust, joy, strength, love and victory if they only had the opportunity to hear it.
There are people who reject the offer of a Spirit filled life of trust, joy, strength, love and victory when they do hear it.

CHOOSE VICTORY
Let God give you the single eye that looks only to Jesus and will not be fashioned by this world, whether the enticements or the threats.
REMEMBER, do this because it is God's will and for His glory.
REMEMBER, doing this is to your benefit.
REMEMBER, doing this is the kind of witness you should be, rather than a stumbling block to others.

08/29/17 WATCH YOUR STEP

08/29/17 WATCH YOUR STEP

I like, WHERE ARE THEY NOW? stories, until I see old photos of certain loved ones.

Sometimes the people who are the closest to us drift so far away that it is as if they don't exist or, the memory is like a fading dream. They are no longer the loving, sensitive, caring, humble people they were. It is not the miles that cause this kind of separation, but the spiritual road that they have taken.

DON'T ALLOW THIS TO HAPPEN TO YOU. STAY ON THE OLD PATHS.

Jeremiah 6:16
(16) Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.

08/29/17 CHOOSE GRACE OVER RACE

08/29/17 CHOOSE GRACE OVER RACE

IF YOU CHOOSE ANY RACE OVER GOD'S GRACE, YOUR HEART IS IN THE WRONG PLACE.

08/29/17 TRUSTING GOD IS OBEYING GOD

08/29/17 TRUSTING GOD IS OBEYING GOD

EVEN IF God had arbitrarily decided to save some people and to leave others in their sins without the hope of salvation (the erroneous belief in the false doctrine of unilateral, double election or double predestination), then that would have to do with His choice and we cannot do anything about that. However, we can, and must do something about the things He requires from us.

The truth is we cannot determine the sovereign will of God, but we can either receive it or reject it. The will of God is for sinners to believe, repent, follow Jesus. To presume on the false doctrines of unconditional election and irresistible grace is to neglect salvation, and those who neglect salvation are lost.
Hebrews 2:1-4
(1) Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.
(2) For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward;
(3) How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;
(4) God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?

After we believe and receive Christ we are expected to follow Christ in faith, to live by faith, to walk in faith.
Galatians 3:26
(26) For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

When we follow we have a part in our salvation. God did unilaterally choose to provide salvation through Christ, but He also chose to require people to have faith in Christ in order to be saved.
Philippians 2:12-15
(12) Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
(13) For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
(14) Do all things without murmurings and disputings:
(15) That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

08/29/17 IF YOU'RE NOT FOLLOWIG JESUS DAILY

08/29/17 IF YOU'RE NOT FOLLOWIG JESUS DAILY, PLEASE READ THIS SHORT REPOST.

10/24/11 HEAR AND HEED
We sat behind another vehicle at an intersection, waiting for the traffic to clear, when to our horror the man in front of us pulled right in front of a semi, which was probably traveling 50 mph or more. No matter how loud we would have yelled or how much we wanted to help, the wreck was inevitable. We prayed, the man survived and recovered. But sometimes we watch and pray, and the wreck...s of life take their eternal toll.

WHY?
There are various reasons people do not heed the warnings raised for them.

They are too focused on their own destinations.
They are too absorbed with their current problems.
They are tuned into frivolous and noisy interference.
They are too proud to listen to others.
They are too angry with those who are trying to help them.
They are beyond the reach of a warning cry.
They will not take the time to see if they are missing the warnings.

A word of advice, “Stop, Look and Listen,” the soul you save may be your own.

08/28/17 END TIMES NEWS

08/28/17 END TIMES NEWS

Those who deny the accuracy of the WORD also deny the reality of our world.

END TIMES NEWS
God's word tells us the truth, and the Liberal media spins world events (PAST AND PRESENT).

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.

08/28/17 NOT JUST WORDS. BUT TRUTH.

08/28/17 NOT JUST WORDS. BUT TRUTH.

(one of my reposts)

10/17/11 I CANNOT OVEREMPHASIZE... TEAMWORK.

Recently there were a couple of stories in the news about people being pinned beneath wrecked vehicles (some vehicles were on fire). Several people (risking their own lives) joined together and lifted the weight of the vehicle, allowing the victims to be rescued.

When believers are willing to risk their own comfort and safety, by helping others, we will rescue more people from peril.

CONSIDER...
It did not take the strongest person in town, but it did take teamwork. In fact, the strongest person, by himself might not have been any help to the victim.

The rescuers focused on the need of the victim, not their own glory.

The rescuers did not have time to take a course in rescuing or "car lifting" or teamwork. They needed to give themselves to one another in accomplishing the task.

The rescuers did not have to know the victim, like the victim, agree with the views of the victim.

The rescuers were not caught up in a pity party, because of their own "tragic" lives.

The rescuers did not have "more pressing" things in their lives at that moment.

The rescuers did not choose to be in that situation, but they chose to act in that situation.

08/27/17 AM SERVICE

08/27/17 AM SERVICE

The Lord willing, this morning I am addressing the need for people to be in an up-to-date relationship with God. This came from an article I wrote about 6 years ago. Still true.
10/10/11 GET A NEW START.

A person is far more likely to grow spiritually if he chooses to spend time with the spiritually mature. As bad company corrupts good morals, so good company strengthens weak morals. We choose what we prefer.

Proverbs 13:20 NKJV
He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will be destroyed.

CONSIDER...
A New Beginning Anytime.
God is the God of new beginnings.

There is a new beginning for the sinner, through the new birth.

There is the opportunity for a yearly new beginning every January 1.

There is a new beginning every Lord's Day, where Bible preachers offer a new encounter with God.

But if you missed it, Monday is the first day of the new work week. Let it be a new beginning for you.

Whenever you need it, and you want it, there is a new beginning for you.

But the heart can harden to the point that it will not yield to God.

God can come to a point where He no longer calls you back to Himself.

Don't wait 'till it's too late. There is no promise of another moment.

08/25/17 JUST A LITTLE REMINDER TO MYSELF

08/25/17 JUST A LITTLE REMINDER TO MYSELF

This post is more for my own remembrance than it is for anyone else. Since it is personal it will be of little interest to others, though I hope it will minister to someone.

Why I Write
I have three reasons for ministry articles on FB and my blogs.
1. Ministry to others.
2. Self motivation and accountability.
3. A record of my teaching, preaching and ministry for my grandchildren. This is because I want them to have access to the wonderful truths that God has helped me discover during my six and a half decades of salvation and one half century plus of studying His word and ministering to His people.

Reminded Of A Struggle
As I have been updating my writing archives, I found that during the first half of 2011 my respiratory problems flared up, and I also suffered greatly from chronic and excessive fatigue. This took a toll on my physical and mental strength. It kept me from weight training for four months and hindered my writing ministry for a few months also. I still forced myself into kayaking and Pball, as an essential therapy, more than an extracurricular activity, otherwise my inactivity would have exacerbated my condition and debilitated me completely.

I had forgotten about this period until I started reworking my 2011 writings. I did not actually report on my condition in those days. It was from the few articles and communications from other people that I was able to remember how difficult those months were. I remember that there were times I did not know if I was going to make it through. I held on and pressed on, looking to Jesus as my strength, and He was always faithful, merciful and kind.

I continued to teach, preach, counsel and interact as much as possible with family and friends. I did not allow my personal struggles to define me, but they did impact me. I continued to spend time with the grandchildren (as always, one of my great joys), and I went to Crabtree gym on a regular basis, playing Pball and interacting with my friends and fellow players. I also kayaked, alone, with friends and family. In fact, it might not have been obvious to some that I was struggling as much as I was.

A New Focus
It was during this time that I started a new phase of writing ministry. Though I had been active on FB, I was falling behind in my updating. However, I started a blog that I tried to update on a regular basis. This first attempt eventuated in organizing my ministry articles from FB and putting them in a blog format, beginning with 2009 and continuing until today.
My 2009 blog has almost 200 ministry articles (though I was not on FB the entire year);
my 2010 blog has almost 500 ministry articles;
I am presently working on the 2011 collection, which should include over 400 articles;
I still need to do 2012, 2013 and 2014, which I expect will total about 1500 articles;
I have over 725 ministry articles in my 2015 blog;
I have over 530 articles in my 2016 blog;
my 2017 blog, which is current to August 24 of this year, has 357 articles.
My guestimate is (if God allows me to finish this project) that this will give me over 4000 ministry articles.

Moving On
Anyway, this is just another update in my life. God is good, all the time. I look forward to continued service in His kingdom. I hope I do a better job today than I did yesterday, and if Jesus tarries, I hope I do a better job tomorrow than I do today.

Launch Out and Hold Fast.

08/24/17 A REPOST

08/24/17 A REPOST

I thought some of you might enjoy this post from March 17, 2011. It is a midweek service with me teaching Entire Sanctification to the children.

03/17/11 WEDNESDAY SERVICE... TEACHING CHILDREN HOLINESS
Wow, you should have been here.

After I gave short update on personal witnessing, the children (4-7 year olds) asked questions and made observations.
Their thoughts were more intelligent, insightful and challenging than most adults.
God helps me explain theological/practical/doctrinal concepts in terms they understand.
Vocabulary, not concepts are complicated.

FOR INSTANCE...
The 7 year old asked what Sanctification is.

I made a fist with right hand and covered it with my left hand.

I said that the fist was the evil seed we all had in our hearts when we were born.

I extended index finger on right hand, between index and middle fingers of my left hand. This was the outgrowth of the sinful attitude representing anger.

I did the same with the other fingers, naming each one for a sinful behavior (stealing, lying).

The children added DISOBEYING PARENTS.

I said we need to have those bad things taken away (at which time I withdrew my extended fingers).

I asked them who takes away sin; they said Jesus/God.

I pointed out that we still have the bad seed (sinful attitude) called the Old Man. I asked what would happen if the bad seed stayed in us after we get saved. They said we would do bad things/sin again.

A six year old asked if we have a good seed.

I explained that the Old Seed (nature/attitude) stays, but God gives us a New Seed (nature/attitude) when we get saved.
I told them that these two attitudes are at war with each other.

I told them that God wants to remove the Bad Seed and that is what we mean by Entire Sanctification.

One of them asked if that meant we would never sin again.

I explained that we can still sin after God takes away the bad attitude, but we will not have desire to sin on the inside.

I explained that Adam did not have an evil seed, but he had a free will. When we are Sanctified we do not have the evil attitude, but we can still sin.

I built a little fort with books on the floor. I said the fort is us.
I put an object that represented the bad seed in the fort.

I asked, Who Is Trying to Attack Your Fort?

They said, the Devil.

I took the "bad seed" out and said the Devil is still attacking their fort.

I said the devil gets into us through different doors, EYES AND EARS... at which time one of them blurted out MOUTH.
Anyway, this is how it went for about an hour. I finally had to draw it to a close. 

It was GREAT.

I ended with a challenge for everyone to let Christ fill them and to share the Good News with other people

08/24/17 NO MISTAKEN IDENTITY

08/24/17 NO MISTAKEN IDENTITY

Sometimes I have suffered from "mistaken identity."
I have been called...
Jim Jones,
Muammar Gaddafi,
David Koresh.

But God calls me His child.

Luke 6:26
(26) Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.

1 John 3:1-3
(1) Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
(2) Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
(3) And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

Matthew 5:43-48
(43) Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
(44) But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
(45) That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
(46) For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?
(47) And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?
(48) Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Ephesians 5:1-11
(1) Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;
(2) And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
(3) But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;
(4) Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.
(5) For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
(6) Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.
(7) Be not ye therefore partakers with them.
(8) For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:
(9) (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)
(10) Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.
(11) And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.

Philippians 2:12-16
(12) Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
(13) For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
(14) Do all things without murmurings and disputings:
(15) That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
(16) Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.

08/24/17 NO CHERRY PICKING

08/24/17 NO CHERRY PICKING

DO NOT "CHERRY PICK" YOUR CHRISTIAN BELIEFS AND RESPONSIBILITIES. FOLLOW CHRIST FULLY.

08/24/17 FOR THE RECORD

08/24/17 FOR THE RECORD

Freedom of Speech is not absolute.
Christian Resistance is not physical violence.
Lawlessness is not Civil Disobedience.
Fleshly Force is not Christian.
Social Injustice is no excuse for arrogance and anarchy.

Today's so-called "Christian- Civil" upheaval is not Christian or civil. kwitcherlie'n

08/24/17 IT AIN'T CIVIL

Today's so-called "Christian-Civil" upheaval is not Christian or civil. kwitcherlie'n

08/23/17 THEIR LIGHT IS DARKNESS

08/23/17 THEIR LIGHT IS DARKNESS

SOME FOLKS ARE DETERMINED TO GET YOU TO WALK IN THEIR LIGHT, SO THEY LEAD YOU INTO THEIR DARKNESS.

08/23/17 IT IS EASY TO UNDERSTAND,

08/23/17 IT IS EASY TO UNDERSTAND,

because the Bible clearly reveals...

Salvation saves from sin.
Faith works the works of God.

Through faith in Christ, God's miraculous power delivers us from darkness to light, from sin to righteousness, from the flesh to the Spirit.

If you do not see this, let God enlighten your mind by believing what God says.

08/21/17 LOVE OR PRIDE

08/21/17 LOVE OR PRIDE

We will either be fashioned by love or pride.

We make the choice and others see it.

08/21/10 EVEN IF...

08/21/10 EVEN IF...

(a song by Mercy Me)

There is a great truth in this song. It addresses God with, "Even if you don't..."

We all have obstacles in life that don't seem to go away, and some people have REAL obstacles, that won't go away, but the REAL CHRISTIAN is not derailed by the obstacles of life, because FAITH IS THE VICTORY.

Even when I don't feel the power, THE POWER IS THERE to get me though. God has the power, but God has a plan that might be greater than we understand.

A friend of mine shared this song with me and other friends, and I want to share it with you. The place that this song addresses is a place I am familiar with personally.
Our trials, our obstacles, our burdens are different, but our answer is the same. JESUS DOES ALL THINGS WELL and because I know this, IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL.

08/20/17 MY GUIDING PRINCIPLE IN MINISTRY

08/20/17 MY GUIDING PRINCIPLE IN MINISTRY

As I have been working on my writings, I constantly see that I have endeavored to perfect my people in the ways and the will of God.

Colossians 1:27-29
(27) ...Christ in you, the hope of glory:...
(28) Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:
(29) Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.

08/19/17 A COUPLE OF THE COMPONENTS OF AN ON FIRE CHURCH.

08/19/17 A COUPLE OF THE COMPONENTS OF AN ON FIRE CHURCH.

An ON FIRE church is a made up of people who want the preacher to tell them the truth about themselves, no matter how much it hurts, because they are willing to make whatever changes need to be made for the One Who gave Himself completely to save them the twists and corruption of their self orientation..

This kind of congregation also realizes that their straight shooting preacher is also a compassionate lover of their souls, a...nd he is not seeking to perfect them for his own glory, but for the glory of God and their own good.

Very few congregations have a vision of becoming a community of firebrands for Jesus, and very few congregants really want a preacher who will tell them the truth about their flaws and short comings.

Think what kind of service we would have this Sunday if each parishioner came to service crying out for the mercy and grace of God instead of standing in their own "worthiness."

08/19/17 SELF DESTRUCTION

08/19/17 SELF DESTRUCTION

PRIDE RESISTS LIGHT. RESISTING LIGHT KEEPS YOU IN THE DARK. DON'T VICTIMIZE YOURSELF.

08/19/17 WELCOME TO LAODICEA I might be leaving soon

08/19/17 WELCOME TO LAODICEA

I might be leaving soon

POINT BY POINT
Laodicea, the last of the seven churches addressed by Jesus in the book of Revelation.
The seven churches of Revelation 2 and 3 actually existed and actually received letters from John, dictated by Jesus.
The seven churches represent the entire history of the Church Period, the Church Age, the Church Dispensation.
Each church represents a specific period of Church history.
Laodicea represents the last period of Church history, the last period of the Church Age (the Church Dispensation).
After the seven periods (after chapters 2 and 3) the rapture takes place and the Tribulation begins.
The words "church" and "churches" are mentioned a total of 20 times in the book of Revelation.
Four times in chapter one (the introduction to the book and the portion that addresses "that which was" (the past).
Fifteen times in chapters two and three "that which is"portion (the Now or Church age).
Zero times in chapters 4-21, the "that which is to come" portion.
One time in chapter 22, the closing remarks of Jesus to the churches

The Laodicean Church is the worldwide church that will exist in the last days of the Church Age.
The Laodicean believers who are living at the very end of this period will be raptured away.

The Laodicean period is a transition period from the Church Age to the Tribulation. After the rapture the Church is not on the earth at all during the Tribulation or Great Tribulation.

Thus...
WELCOME TO LAODICEA with a dragon, representing the coming antiChrist.
I MIGHT BE LEAVING SOON with an arrow pointing up.

I don't claim to know how long before the rapture, but I am fully persuaded we live in the Laodicean Period.

Revelation 3:14-22
(14) And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;
(15) I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
(16) So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
(17) Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
(18) I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
(19) As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
(20) Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
(21) To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
(22) He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

08/18/17 DO YOU GET IT?

08/18/17 DO YOU GET IT?

At the dawn of the Christian period of history (the Church age or Church dispensation) we find a REALLY important revelation from God, which may appear to be something far less than it is.
Acts 10:11-15...
(11) And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth:
(12) Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.
(13) And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat.
(14) But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean.
(15) And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.

Yes, it did made it possible for me to have bacon with my cheeseburger. But there is more, much more to the meaning of this passage.

I am afraid very few Christians understand the import of this passage. This passage addresses...

Dietary law and

Racial distinctions

It goes to the heart of understanding the entire Bible.

08/18/17 TODAY'S CHRISTIANITY

08/18/17 TODAY'S CHRISTIANITY
NAMBY PAMBY BELIEF THAT DOES NOT TURN US FROM SIN AND SINNING IS TODAY'S CHRISTIANITY.

08/17/17 SIN REFUSES TO YIELD

08/17/17 SIN REFUSES TO YIELD

IT IS NOT THAT THERE IS NO ANSWER. IT IS THAT PEOPLE DON'T WANT TO YIELD TO JESUS.

08/17/17 CRYING AND DENYING

08/17/17 CRYING AND DENYING

A LOT OF CRYING ABOUT THE MESS WE'RE IN, BUT FOLKS STILL REJECT THE ONLY ANSWER. ✝️

08/17/17 CHOOSE YOUR SIDE

08/17/17 CHOOSE YOUR SIDE

Remember "choosing up sides." CHOOSE YE THIS DAY WHOM YOU WILL SERVE (while you can).

08/17/17 THE WAY OUT OF OUR MESS

08/17/17 THE WAY OUT OF OUR MESS

Time to realize that human effort will not save any nation.

Turn loose of your futile partisanships, platforms, politics.

Total and exclusive allegiance belongs to God alone.

The kingdoms of this world will become the Kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever.

Turn now, while you can.

08/17/17 THIS TOO SHALL PASS

08/17/17 THIS TOO SHALL PASS

All this mess will end...
After Jesus returns.
Ready...
Set...
Repent.

08/16/17 GOD CALLS US TO SEND US

08/16/17 GOD CALLS US TO SEND US

Ministry ops in local church. There is plenty to do, regardless of the size of your church.

The problem is not
lack of need, or lack of opportunity, or lack of resources,
but
lack of vision, lack of commitment, lack of workers.

Matthew 9:36-38
(36) But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.
(37) Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;
(38) Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

Music. Teaching. Youth. Children. Seniors. Evangelism. Publications. Food pantry. Missions. Singles. Helps. Office. Broadcasting. Social media. IT support. Property management. Cross cultural. Sports. And many other areas of need, waiting for sacrificial volunteers.

I have had the privilege to pastor larger and smaller churches, richer and poorer congregations, established and transient ministries. But a common component to successful ministry is that no matter how busy life may be, the true worker of God does not put ministry on the back burner. Serving God and His body and reaching the world is a priority for the totally dedicated follower of Christ.

If we don't do the work in our own local church, but instead we look to have our needs met by a larger congregation, the problem is not the size of our church but the size of the vision and faith and commitment in our church.

If we wait until a more convenient time, we will never serve God.
If we wait until personal affairs are all lined up, we will never serve God.
If we wait until there is enough time, money, energy, we will never serve God.

08/16/17 REFLECT HIM

08/16/17 REFLECT HIM

REFLECT THE SON, DON'T ECLIPSE HIM.

08/16/17 BE REAL

08/16/17 BE REAL

Isn't it odd,
When we wear a facade,
We fool ourselves,
Rather than others or God?

BE REAL...
Recently I addressed the fact that reality is in God. Anything other than truth, other than the will and way of God is an alternate reality.

When people seek to be something other than the person God intended for them to be, they live a lie.

This is true for the sinner who pretends to be righteous and for the person who exchanges a loving, tender, sensitive, caring life for a life of self assertion, self satisfaction, self rule.

When people play a part rather than being the person God wants them to be, they are "play acting," they are hypocrites.

Pride rejects God's will, plan, reality of life.
Pride wears a face, plays a part that primarily fools the person who is playing the part. But many who watch the "play acting," see past the mask and the greasepaint, and know that the person is living a sham. And, God is never fooled.

When the final curtain drops, the play is over and the dark reality of Divine judgment begins.

08/16/17 STARVING BUT SATISFIED

08/16/17 STARVING BUT SATISFIED

Starving people reach a point that they are no longer hungry, but satisfied.
This is true physically and spiritually.

I posted earlier that a famine of God's word is coming.
But sadly, the people will not even care, because they are living in a false sense of well being.

08/16/17 THE KEY TO UNDERSTANDING

08/16/17 THE KEY TO UNDERSTANDING

To understand life,

To understand the past and the present,

To understand self and others,

We must understand the Bible.

08/15/17 A FAMINE IS COMING

08/15/17 A FAMINE IS COMING

If things are like this now, what will it be like when God's word is even rarer?

1 Samuel 3:1
(1) And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision.

Psalms 2:1-4
(1) Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?
(2) The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying,
(3) Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.
(4) He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.

Amos 8:11-12
(11) Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD:
(12) And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and shall not find it.

08/15/17 REALITY AND ALTERNATIVE REALITY

08/15/17 REALITY AND ALTERNATIVE REALITY
BACKGROUND, EXPLANATION, APPLICATION
(not everyone will find this interesting)

BACKGROUND
Alternative History, whether literary or theatrical, is a popular mythological medium. Without getting too heady or philosophical, and without endorsing either C. S. Lewis or the Myth/Fact concept, let me say that I believe myth sometimes does present truth. The problem with myth is not primarily that it addresses truth, but rather that it replaces or corrupts truth. Myth becomes an alternative reality to Divine reality.

EXPLANATION
Alternative History is popular, as seen in books, television and movies, such as,
It's A Wonderful Life,
Back To The Future (series),
Frequency,
The Time Machine,
The Terminator (series),
Groundhog Day,
Indiana Jones,
The Kid,
and a recent TV series, The Man In The High Castle along with many more.

Sometimes Alternative History serves as a myth. It teaches us something about truth and reality, whether it is positive or negative.

APPLICATION
God is truth.
God is reality.
God is life.
God is light.
This does not mean that deceit, falsehood, death and darkness do not exist. It means that the absence of God is the presence of that which is without God, it is an Alternative Reality.

That being said, in the creation, God had a will for this world. When anyone or any group of people choose to live outside of the plan of God, outside of the reality of God's will, then an "alternative reality" replaces Divine Reality, replaces the perfect will of God. This happens because God allows the exercise of human free will, within certain parameters. Man cannot devise or create a better reality and he cannot improve on the reality of God, but he can corrupt his own way,

The world as we know it is an alternative to the world God had planned. Still, God is active in the redemption of lost people and the restoration of a failed world. God has always been active in providing a way of escape for fallen men. God has always had a plan to eventually have the world He designed. He is still working that plan into existence.

We can never be a willing part of Divine reality, Divine redemption, Divine restoration until we recognize our own rebellion to God's plan to regenerate and restore us to His will.

All of life, when it is without God, is a failed alternative to Divine reality. All of the attempts of man to improve and save his own society has failed and will fail. Each new alternative takes man further away from Divine reality.

God's standard is Reality. Whenever a person lives by any standard other than God's standard, they are living in an alternative reality.
God's reality is love but selfishness is man's failed alternative reality.
God's reality is truth but deceit is man's failed alternative reality.
God's reality is peace but upheaval and torment are man's failed alternative realities.
God's reality is joy but misery is man's failed alternative reality.
God's reality is fulness but emptiness is man's failed alternative reality.
God's reality is unity but discord and division are man's failed alternative realities.

God's reality is salvation, holiness, faithfulness, brotherhood, Biblical submission, self sacrifice, family values, Divine revelation. To the degree that anyone resists or rejects these realities, they are seeking to establish another reality, an alternative reality to the will of God.

God not only sets the standard, He calls us to follow the standard and by His saving grace, He enables us to keep the standard of His Divine and redemptive reality.

08/15/17 MISPLACED TRUST

08/15/17 MISPLACED TRUST

From Adam to ZZ TOP (alphabetically/chronologically, metaphorically) men have wrongly trusted SELF.

08/15/17 PERSONAL CLOSENESS TO GOD

08/15/17 PERSONAL CLOSENESS TO GOD IS BASED ON FAITH, NOT TIME OR SPACE

I shared with a friend,
"It is not our proximity to God and spiritual opportunities in time or space that determines our spiritual success. It is our proximity in saving faith."

God breathed into Adam's nostrils, the breath of life.
God gave Adam worldly power and possession beyond measure.
God visited with Adam in the Garden.
Yet Adam turned from God.

Cain and Abel were raised in a home with every blessing possible.
Yet Cain hated and killed his brother and turned from the God of mercy, kindness, grace and restoration.

The world of Noah lived at the dawn of history and experienced Divine presence and salvation and the greatest of prophetic ministries through Enoch and Noah.
Yet the world in Noah's day continued to resist and reject the God of justice and judgment.

The sons of Noah were delivered from the world wide flood and given an opportunity to begin anew, leading a new world into faith, peace, joy, love and truth.
Yet Ham was quick to mock and defame his godly father, and Shem and Japheth begat nations, which quickly and determinedly turned from God to the gods of their own making.

Abraham's son's saw the mighty hand of God; and fell heir to the glorious beneficence of God; being the only heirs to a title deed to the land of Israel; and being promised by God to bring forth the Anointed and Appointed Messiah of God, Who is the Divine Sacrifice for sin, the Resurrected Conqueror of death, the King of kings and Lord of lords, the One Who would sit on the throne of David and reign over His people in an earthly kingdom for one thousand years, the One Who will judge all men according to the deeds they have done in the flesh, the One who will rule over the New Heaven and New Earth and New Jerusalem, forever.
Yet Israel turned from God, time and again and ultimately have been cut off for a period of time.

God used Joseph, the despised brother of Jacob's sons to miraculously deliver his family from famine, by bringing them to Egypt. They became comfortable in a foreign land and eventually became ensnared by political intrigue. After being enslaved for some time, God provided Moses to lead them out of bondage and return them to their homeland. God conquered Egypt and other enemies and God miraculously provided food, water, guidance, healing, protection throughout their 40 year sojourn in the wilderness.
Yet Israel turned to a golden calf and to the gods of Canaan.

The people of Israel benefited from the leadership of God through various "judges," which eventuated in Israel taking its place among the nations. God gave Israel extraordinary leadership through Kings Saul, David and Solomon, extending its borders, fortifying its strength, increasing its wealth, establishing its position.
Yet the nation of Israel rebelled against God and suffered a civil war, which led to the rise and fall of two great nations, Israel and Judah.

God continued to call His people back to Himself through the prophets, allowing them to repent time after time.
Yet Israel and eventually Judah both turned from the God of their fathers, until God stopped speaking to them for 400 years.

God took steps toward renewing His people by fulfilling His promise to send a Sacrifice, in the person of His only begotten Son. God's gift was heralded by angels, attested by miracles, authenticated by Old Testament laws, types and prophecies, ultimately dying and raising Himself from the dead.
Yet Israel chose to receive Him not.

The followers of Christ watched His daily life, heard His Divine proclamations, witnessed His glorious power, experienced His marvelous mercy.
Yet Judas turned from following, the other disciples denied Him and His friends and family sought to save their own lives, after He died according to His own words.

The people of Israel were witnesses to His victory over death and they were the recipients of Divine revelation and intervention.
Yet the early church soon turned away from the truths that Christ had revealed.

THEREFORE, it does not matter how close people are to God in time or space, it is the presence of saving faith that draws people close to God. We determine our own closeness or distance from the Person of Christ, based on our love, faith, submission.

08/14/17 GOD PROVIDES

08/14/17 GOD PROVIDES

Need counsel? Seek a godly Bible teacher, leader, pastor.

08/14/17 "DISTURBING-ER"

08/14/17 "DISTURBING-ER"

It is not nearly as disturbing that people do violence in the name of Christ and Christianity, as it is that so few Christians understand and must explain the Biblical error and absurdity of such a claim.

08/13/17 SECONDS PLEASE

08/13/17 SECONDS PLEASE

In a negative response to the phrases, "Second Blessing Holiness," or, "A Second Work of Grace," Calvinists tell me that they don't stop with the SECOND BLESSING, and they have had more than TWO WORKS OF GRACE in their lives.

When they say this, they give evidence that they have no idea about the INFILLING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT THAT CLEANSES FROM ALL SIN, SUBSEQUENT TO THE INITIAL WORK OF SALVATION (including justification, regeneration, adoption).

In fact, they must have never reached Entire Sanctification or they would not ridicule the SECOND BLESSING, the FULNESS OF THE BLESSING, the DOUBLE PORTION.

Holiness of heart and life is not just a doctrinal distinctive, it is the goal of salvation.

08/13/17 WHEN - THEN

08/13/17 WHEN - THEN

When the Church is the Church,

Then the gates of hell will not prevail against it.

Matthew 16:18-19

(18)  And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

(19)  And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

08/13/17 YOU REALLY SHOULD READ THIS

08/13/17 YOU REALLY SHOULD READ THIS
(a post in response to a video that was re-posted from four years earlier, showing my young grandsons singing, Ain't It Grand)

Children And Praise
I was unable to have service this morning, so this video of the boys singing, "Ain't It Grand," was a special blessing. I like the way they would get into the singing. Don't think that it was just smoke without fire. Notice how Timothy was always thinking about another verse to add. The other children did the same, but it would be easy to dismiss the value and sincerity because he was so young and because he seemed to be disconnected from any semblance of worship.

We Need Fire
I say, "We need fire in the services."
Someone may say, "We don't need wildfire."
I say, "I would rather have wildfire than no fire."

Correction And Direction
Listen,
I would rather control wildfire than have to confront hell fired attitudes, words and actions during a gathering of the body.
I would rather fight hellfire with wildfire than to try to start a fire from a block of ice.

I would rather guide a moving vessel than have to move a stuck vessel.

Enthusiasm
I could only hope that the children would retain the enthusiasm they showed that day.
I have watched them grow up and excitement about worship, fellowship, the Bible, preaching, prayer and praise has not hurt them at all.
Think about the word ENTHUSIASM. It has its roots in the Greek language, referring to GOD WITHIN.
Controlled wildfire can be directed to Holy Spirit fire, like they enjoyed on the day of Pentecost, because it is the FIRE OF GOD WITHIN.

The Norm Between Two Extremes
Some adults need to get caught up in the joy of worship, in the thrill of praise, in spiritual exercises. (While some need to be still and know that He is God). God ain't deaf and He ain't nervous.

It has been said, "It ain't how high you jump or how loud you shout, but how straight you walk." This is true. But don't forget, the dead don't jump or shout.

Are we teaching our children to come to service with a scowl on their faces, a barrier in their lives (between themselves and other people as well as between themselves and God), a quietness that is more self righteous than holy, a heart focused on the problems of life than on the deliverance of God, a fear of men rather than a fear of God, a desire for man approval rather than God approval?

Are we leading our children in self oriented praise and worship rather than God oriented praise and worship?

Just because you have never been reduced to tears of joy and humility does not mean that they should miss the blessing.
Just because you have never been lifted to joy unspeakable and full of glory does not mean that they should miss the blessing.
Just because you have settled into a routine of either emotional screaming or dumb silence does not meant that the children should not enjoy and experience the wide range of praise and worship.

I am not calling for carnal displays of excitement any more than I am calling for carnal displays of dignity. I am saying, SOME PEOPLE NEED TO LET THE INNOCENCE AND HONESTY OF CHILDREN LEAD THEM IN WORSHIP.

This isn't all, but it is enough to get the blood circulating.

08/12/17 NON-NEGOTIABLE

08/12/17 NON-NEGOTIABLE

Luke 17:33
(33) Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it.

Matthew 10:32-33
(32) Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.
(33) But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.

CONSIDER THESE DIFFERENT VIEWS OF THE SAME TRUTH.

* He who is willing to die for Christ in this life shall save his life forever.
* He who seeks to save his life in this world, by denying * Christ, shall lose his life forever.
* He who seeks to take the life of a Christian in this world, will lose his own life forever.

* You either will submit to being persecuted or you are separated from God forever.
* If you seek to save, to preserve, to keep your life from persecution in this world, you will be lost forever.
* If you persecute others in this world, you will be lost forever

* The only exception for being lost is repentance, turning from the sin of denial.

08/11/17 FAMILY CONVERSATIONS

08/11/17 FAMILY CONVERSATIONS

Have you ever listened to someone, as they spoke a foreign language, and you just could not get the meaning of the words?

Have you ever spoken to someone in your own language, but watched them as their faces went blank, because they did not understand your words

I have even known families, with husband and wife from two different countries (ie Scotland and Mexico, living in Warez), and the father could barely communicate with his own children.

This is what happens when I speak the words of faith to people who are either totally void of faith or limited in understanding because of their own dullness of hearing.

Their dullness of hearing is the result of various problems, such as...
They have not learned because they do not listen with their hearts.
They have not learned because they have not studied the word of God in depth and applied themselves to understand the language of God in the soul.
They have not learned because they believe that their belief in the temporal is sufficient for understanding the eternal.
They have not learned because they fill their mind and soul on the husks of the world's pigsty rather than feasting at the table which God sets before us in the presence of our enemies.
They have not learned because they feel more at home in this present evil world than they do sitting together in heavenly places.
They have not learned because they do not have a clear view of heaven in their warped view of life.

They have ears, but they hear not.

How sad it must make the Father to have people He loves, but they refuse to listen to Him and hear Him and seek Him.

08/11/17 BE REASONABLE

08/11/17 BE REASONABLE

If you don't begin your reasoning with God, you won't end up with God.

If you are unsaved, you BETTER read this.

Isaiah 1:18-20
(18) Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
(19) If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:
(20) But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.

08/10/17 BE CAREFUL WHOSE SIDE YOU CHOOSE

08/10/17 BE CAREFUL WHOSE SIDE YOU CHOOSE

WARNING, NOT FOR THE THIN SKINNED, TUNNEL VISIONED and SHALLOW MINDED.

God said ISRAEL WOULD...
Defame the name of God. FULFILLED
Be scattered. FULFILLED
Be hated worldwide. FULFILLED
Return to the land that...
God promised unconditionally to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and
God reiterated to King David and the Old Testament Prophets, and then CONFIRMED by Jesus, and
The Holy Spirit through New Testament writers.

LOOK OUT JEW AND ISRAEL HATERS. God does not take it lightly when anyone turns against His plan.

Anti-Semitism is more than just racism, it is spiritual rebellion through resistance to God and His eternal plan.

Choose your patterns and models carefully.
Lawrence of Arabia,
Martin Luther,
Islam,
Replacement Movements (including)...
Roman Catholicism,
Mormonism,
The Watchtower Movement (erroneously called "Jehovah's Witnesses"),
The Seventh Day Adventist,
(in some) Reformed Churches (prominent in some Lutheran, Presbyterian)
Episcopal,
(in some) Methodist denominations,
LIberalism (theological and political),
and many other cultural heroes were Jew haters and Bible defiers.

But the Holy Bible says, Let God be true and every man a liar.

Turn to the Holy Bible and the God of the Holy Bible and the Salvation of the Holy Bible.

Don't follow the blind, they will lead you into a ditch.
God's word is God's revelation and believing God's word is enlightenment. Walk in the light.

08/09/17 THANK YOU FATHER, SON AND HOLY SPIRIT

08/09/17 THANK YOU FATHER, SON AND HOLY SPIRIT
(and this is my hope and prayer for all my friends and loved ones who have not yet surrendered their lives to Jesus)

I am so thankful that God loved me while I was unloving and unlovable, the Holy Spirit drew me before I was a believer, Jesus died for me while I was an enemy of God, my salvation was the expression of God's mercy, love and grace, rather than Divine bookkeeping.

I am glad that I get to serve, obey and love Him because He enables me rather than the absurd notion that He programed me as an automaton. I really do get to love Him, trust Him, follow Him.

My salvation is as real as the God who designed it, provided it, offers it and imparts it. He saves me from guilt, rebellion, corruption, indeed He saves me from all sin.

He forgives me, justifies me,  cleanses me, adopts me, regenerates me, empowers me, leads me, enlightens me, encourages me, comforts me, purifies me, leads me from light to light, from grace to grace, from faith to faith, from strength.

08/09/17 PRAISE NOTE...

08/09/17 PRAISE NOTE...

I want to praise Jesus for what He is doing and is about to do. I have been sick with some kind of bug since last Friday. It started as an aggravation but became a real difficulty in just a couple of days, which resulted in my cancelling services on Sunday.

In fact, as much as I do not like to go to doctors, I decided last evening that I was going to go today. Coughing, weepy eyes, sore throat, congestion and a body racked with pain from violent coughing attacks, plus the inability to get any real sleep just about wore me out.

Today I saw a doctor and now I have some meds. I have not been this sick in a long time, but praise the Lord, He has kept me and He is providing relief.

I have missed my time with the grandchildren and the time on the water, and my time writing articles. I have been so strong and active over the past 15 months in Beaufort that I had forgotten what it is like to be sick.

I don't take the blessing of health lightly. I know that God is the giver of every good and perfect gift. Thank you Jesus.

08/07/17 BETWEEN A SCOT AND A LONDONER

08/07/17 BETWEEN A SCOT AND A LONDONER

One of the most notable exchanges in motion picture dialog in movies today will not get the recognition given to,
"Make my day," or
"I'll be back" or
"What we have here is a failure to communicate," or
"Bond, James Bond."

It is a line from, SALMON FISHING IN THE YEMEN, when the two leading actors, Ewan McGregor and Emily Blunt notice Muslims at prayer.

McGregor says to Blunt,
"I don't know anyone that goes to church anymore."
She answers with,
"Hmmm? I don't think I do either."
To which McGregor responds,
"On Sunday we go to Target." (according to the cleaned up version).

MY POINT IS... the British are mostly out of touch with Christianity. If you don't believe it, then all you have to do is look at the surveys and statistics. Also do your own personal study.

This is partly the fault of faulty ministries or doctrines or ceremony. It is also because the British, at large, have turned away from Biblical teaching, preaching, living and faith.

This has led the UK into a deadly maelstrom, taking more and more people, further and further from God, faith in Christ, Salvation and the Holy Bible. Satan uses this to ensnare them in Liberalism, Secular Humanism, Materialism, Naturalism, and other anti-Christian traps, which makes them haters of Jews and lovers of Islam.

Sadly, the older ones who have taken this course in life are leading the younger people away from God and eternal life.
It is sad.
It is scary.

08/01/17 THIS ISN'T ABOUT TRUMP, NEVER WAS

08/01/17 THIS ISN'T ABOUT TRUMP, NEVER WAS

I find it interesting that people
who promote murdering the unborn,
who promote homosexuality,
who promote adultery,
who promote Islam and the Quran,
call me a follower of Donald Trump, rather than acknowledging that God condemns all of these wicked activities.

I was a follower of Jesus before Donald Trump went to kindergarten.
I was a follower of Jesus when Donald Trump believed in abortion.
I was a follower of Jesus when Donald Trump was courting the homosexual community for votes.
I was a follower of Jesus while Donald Trump was trampling down marriage vows and violating and demeaning women.
I was a follower of Jesus when Donald Trump lionized and legitimized the Islamic State of Saudi Arabia and its Muslim leaders, though they have led the world in persecuting and spilling the blood of Christians.
I became an intentional follower of Jesus around 1950, when Donald Trump was only four years old (and decades before I ever new who Donald Trump was).

People do not want to set themselves against God, so they find some other reason (a straw man) to attack my beliefs.
But for the faint of heart, cheer up. Societies mounting rejection of God and His Son and His word will make it popular to openly attack anyone who chooses to follow Christ.

For those who are concerned about being an enemy of God and spending eternity in torment, TURN TO JESUS NOW. HE IS OUR ONLY HOPE.

08/07/17 REWRITE

08/07/17 REWRITE

As I was going through my writings from seven years ago I came across an article that I have rewritten here today. I did the rewrite, not because the first article was wrong, but it was not clear enough. Sometimes I have written things in a hurry and though they made perfectly good sense to me, they were possibly a little cryptic to others. However, the article is even more disturbing today than it was in 2010. Here is the rewrite.

REWRITE OF 2010 ARTICLE
I have had people try to insult me by saying that my preaching sounds more like conservative radio and news reporting than it sounds like Scripture. The reason I call that a backhanded compliment is that I was foretelling the tragic condition of America decades before America became aware of Limbaugh, or Hannity, or the existence of Fox News (considered by many to have been the champions of conservative reporting).

This is a bitter/sweet/bitter reality.
It is bitter because my preaching does sound to people like I am preaching the popular controversies today, rather than preaching the Bible. Of course, I know that my message is, and always has been founded in Biblical revelation rather than current events.

But then the bitterness becomes sweet because my preaching the unseen realities have actually become the realities that are the present events, which make up our history. It is always sweet to know that you have been a faithful messenger of God.

Then the bitterness returns, not because I was accurate in lifting my voice against the rise of Secular Humanism and fall of America, but because Secular Humanism has taken such monstrous control of our nation. And though there are now a greater number of people who cry out against America's blatant rejection of God, it is (probably) too late for our country and our world to turn to Christ.

We are (probably) now in the Laodicean Period, which is the post Open Door Period of Church prophecy/history. This period of evangelism is more related to the individual who hears Christ and opens the door of his heart to Him, than like the people movements, and the revivals of the past.

ALL IS NOT LOST... YET.
Though I do not believe we will see a National move to God, I know that God is still inviting the lost, and if any man hears His voice and calls on Christ, then God will hear him and save him.

08/03/17 DEATH COMES ALL TOO QUICKLY

08/03/17 DEATH COMES ALL TOO QUICKLY

AND IT IS FINAL, IN SO MANY WAYS.

Don't let this be you...
(the "death" in some of the statements below can either be the death of the person speaking or the death of someone else)

I always wanted to spend time with the family (talking, playing, laughing, praying), but then death ended all possibility.
I never had time for church, but death changed that.
I should have said, "I am sorry," but death took that option away.
I intended to say, "I love you," but death ended that.
I should have asked or given forgiveness, but death makes that impossible.
I wanted to be a faithful follower of Christ, but death came first.
I was going to read and discuss the Bible, but death did not allow it.
I was going to tell someone about Jesus, but death closed that door.
I was going to get saved, but death scratched that from my agenda, FOREVER.

08/02/17 LIBERALISM

Liberals espouse Sharia Law but reject God's grace. Liberalism makes you stupid.

08/02/17 Don't Voice Negativity,

08/02/17 Don't Voice Negativity,

it is a hidden enemy, destroying you and others.

CONSIDER...
The errant movement known as Word Of Faith or Positive Confession is based on the idea that we have creative powers like God, and even more than Jesus. THIS IS A LIE.

However, our thoughts form our words and then our words form our thoughts, and those thoughts influence our lives and the lives of others.

Our words are the carriers of our thoughts as well as the channels through which we receive ideas. We do not create, but we do cultivate our own minds and the minds of others, to either receive truth or receive deception, to accept light or accept darkness.

We must not confess error or a lie, even it if seems to be positive. But Christians must also be careful not to confess negativity, even when it seems to be truth. When we confess a lie, an error, we do not glorify God. When we confess negativity we oppose faith.

Positivity and negativity must be subject to truth and faith. Faith and Truth are the SPRING LINES that keep us from slipping too far in either direction.

08/01/17 ONLY ME

08/01/17 ONLY ME

God designed only me to be me. If I don't fulfill my calling, no one else can.

07/31/17 VERY FEW WILL READ THIS, BECAUSE THEY DON'T WANT TO FACE THEIR OWN NEEDS

07/31/17 VERY FEW WILL READ THIS, BECAUSE THEY DON'T WANT TO FACE THEIR OWN NEEDS

It is easy (for other people) to see how drugs (including alcohol) and gambling, and pornography and other addictions control and even consume a person. Sadly, the enslaved one is in denial and is blinded to the tragedy unfolding in his/her own life. This is true for societies as well. Look at the prevalence of alcohol use in Europe. It is part of the daily social structure, and is accepted as readily as consuming a meal, even though it is destroying individuals and families every day.

Satan also enslaves people to anger, pride, lust, greed, deceit, perversion, negativity, illicit pleasures, BUT STILL, people accept and view such thinking and behavior as social norms.

OK, let's just say that all of these things are social norms and acceptable to the religious community. However, that does not indicate that God approves of these viewpoints or actions.

Neither SELF nor SOCIETY nor SCIENCE determines what is right, what is acceptable, what is normal. GOD is the final authority on what is right and what is wrong. The sinful nature of humans will seek the lowest level, but the person who is redeemed by the miraculous saving power of Christ will seek the high and holy ground.

We can either choose our own selfish way, which finds acceptance with the world, or we can choose God's way of righteousness, which is rejected and and objected-to by a world, which is blind and deaf to God's standards and God's word.

Whether our sins are outwardly evident or inwardly hidden, God knows the inclination of our hearts. While there are very disciplined people who can turn from destructive behavior, no one can be free from the control of Satan and sin without the miraculous work of salvation that comes from the death and resurrection of Jesus.

It is time to stop living in the darkness and come into God's marvelous light and newness of life.

Hopefully, someone in need of this truth will see it, and say "yes" to God.

07/30/17 A FEW THOUGHTS ON FAITH THIS MORNING

07/30/17 A FEW THOUGHTS ON FAITH THIS MORNING

Faith (believing God) changes, directs, determines...
our view of life (from the past to the future),
our view of people,
our view of circumstances,
our behavior,
our relationships,
our alliances and
our allegiance.


Faith (trusting Christ) is required for us...
to come to God,
to be God's children,
to please God,
to walk with God.

Faith (walking and living in the Holy Spirit) delivers us from the flesh (carnal mind, old man, double mind).
Faith does not manifest itself in sin, but in Christlikeness (righteousness and love).
Faith is not focused on situations, but on God.

07/28/17 NOW IS THE TIME...

07/29/17 NOW IS THE TIME...

Without a dedicated army, no general can accomplish his task.

Isn't it interesting that the champions of darkness never seem to lack dedicated forces.

Think about what great things could be done with fully committed warriors following Christ.

07/24/17 KNOW THE PLAYERS

07/24/17 KNOW THE PLAYERS

I read that a Jew is planning to rule from the Temple Mount and conquer His enemies.

Brits (and all other "civilized" people) better find themselves on the right side of this equation.

I wrote this because of the ongoing anti-Semitism and and growing hatred for Israel and love of Islam in Europe (in spite of the fact that the Muslims are the violent and vicious ones in the streets of London and other cities).

Jesus came as a Jew, from the Tribe of Judah. Rejection of God's word puts people on the wrong side of the God and history, and aligns them with the enemies of God.

It is not hard to figure the position of Islam. Islam makes it hatred for Jews and Christians and everything western and anything which is not Muslim, clear.

People have been fooled into thinking that the Jew/Israel issue is a political or an economic or an ethnic issue. It is a spiritual and Biblical issue, and the end is already decided.

Still, people will side with 1. 5 billion Muslims, who seek to destroy a measly 7 million Jews in Israel and a total of only 13 million Jews worldwide. Islam also wants to rule the world through violence and perversion, rather than through love and truth, which is what God offers through Jesus, the Prince of Peace, at this time.

Whether people like it or not, God is the enemy of those who are the enemy of Israel. This does not mean that present day Israel as a nation always does the right thing, and it does not mean that all Jews do the right things in life. It does mean that GOD HAS CHOSEN ISRAEL and those who oppose God's plan are the enemies of God.

It is surrender to sin that makes people blind to this obvious reality. Rejection of the authority of the Holy Bible, and rejection of Christ as Lord leads to anti-Semitism. It has been the plan of Satan from the beginning to thwart the plan of God. This is why I say, "Brits (and all other "civilized" people) better find themselves on the right side of this equation."