10/31/17 RECOMMENDED MOVIE

10/31/17 RECOMMENDED MOVIE

We watched the movie, "Woodlawn," which was made within the past couple of years and starring Sean Astin, on PureFlix.com last night. It really is a great movie, with a super message of true spiritual conflict and real world discipleship and personal victory as well as societal "redemption and lift."

READ THE NEXT PARAGRAPH, PLEASE

One of the things that impressed me the most was that the movie presented the reality of a mighty spiritual movement taking place in the late 60s and into the 70s. It was supernatural, it was incendiary. It was not imaginary or simply emotional, though it does seem dreamlike and fanciful today. (In fact, I think it is that excitement and adventure that appeals to my grandchildren when I tell them about being a Christian five decades ago. It was a great deal like being a Christian in the days of the apostles).

This is what I referred to in an earlier post about Philadelphia and Laodicea. The movement of God did not happen because there was no pressure on the people or because Satan was taking a nap, or because salvation was easy and cheap or because people did not have other things that consumed their time. Those days were tumultuous, and the conflict between light and darkness was real, was evident, was upending. Sin was running rampant with "free and open sex" as never before in America, and the seeds of anti-American, anti-family, anti-Christian movements exploding on the scene (which are now in full bloom in our society).

Sadly, those days of open and bold Christian witness were passing too quickly and today we are in a post Christian society that has no idea what it is like to have an explosive Christian subculture spreading across America, changing entire communities.

10/31/17 A PHILADELPHIAN IN LAODICEA

10/31/17 A PHILADELPHIAN IN LAODICEA

This article is BASED ON MY UNDERSTANDING OF REVELATION 2-3 and the state of current affairs.

YES, there are pockets of believers enjoying Philadelphian outpourings. I believe it. But most of what I see in society and sadly, most of what I encounter at the present time is Laodicean self satisfaction and lukewarmness. I am glad for those who are in Philadelphia. I remember when America and other parts of the world were riding the tidal wave of Philadelphian opportunity. It was like a dream, and in fact, today, it seems more like a dream for those who find themselves living in a Laodicean culture.

It isn't that those in Laodicea are any less faithful than those who are in Philadelphia or the other way around. I continue to witness, pray, preach and teach as though an open door of opportunity might open to us. But it is not my job to "make" it happen. It is my job to be faithful, while the giving of the harvest is God's work.

There are pockets of Ephesus, Smyrna (large regions of the world under persecution), Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia (at least for a while) and the ever expanding Laodicea.

BUT WE NEED TO UNDERSTAND SOMETHING, the Philadelphian Church of the Open Door does not receive its blessing based on its geography or program or talent or wealth. It is primarily related to the anointing of God poured out on a group of people who are open hearted and self denying, who trust and follow God as fully as they know how. The move of the Spirit of God in the 60s and 70s was not due to a godly culture or easy lifestyle. The power of the Spirit of God in those days came because a core of people loved God more than they loved their own comforts and successes.

That kind of focus comes only to those who TURN THEIR EYES UPON JESUS, those who SURRENDER ALL, those who FOLLOW, WHERE HE LEADS.

I am glad for those who are awash with the outpouring of God, and I want other communities to experience it as well. But God won't do it without willing vessels.

10/30/17 PROPITIOUS CYCLE

10/30/17 PROPITIOUS CYCLE

Dedication leads to Meditation leads to Dedication leads to...
It's a propitious cycle. Get on it if you want to go in grace.

10/30/17 MEDITATING

10/30/17 MEDITATING

Meditating (focusing) is essential to success. This is why so many fail at Christian living. It takes time and surrender.

10/30/17 SIMPLE TO UNDERSTAND

10/30/17 SIMPLE TO UNDERSTAND

Ya ain't got, 'cause ya ain't asked, or yer ask'r was messed up.
Get it?

10/30/17 GOOD METAPHOR

10/30/17 GOOD METAPHOR

Computer maintenance limits online time.

Stay up to date with God if you want to be in service to Him.

10/29/17 WHAT WE DO

10/29/17 WHAT WE DO

Hating sin and loving the sinner is what Christians do.

10/29/17 FILLED WITH

10/29/17 FILLED WITH

Psalms 34:8
(8) O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.

Proverbs 1:31 Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.

Proverbs 14:14 The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself.

Romans 1:28-32
(28) And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
(29) Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
(30) Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
(31) Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:
(32) Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

Psalms 71:8 Let my mouth be filled with thy praise and with thy honour all the day.

Psalms104:28 That thou givest them they gather: thou openest thine hand, they are filled with good.

Psalms 126:2 Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them.

Luke 2:40 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.

Romans 15:13-15
(13) Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
(14) And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.
(15) Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God,

2 Corinthians 7:4 Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation.

Ephesians 3:19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

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

Colossians 1:9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

2 Timothy 1:4 Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy;

10/29/17 A METAPHOR FROM LIFE

10/29/17 A METAPHOR FROM LIFE

I don't know about you, but I (as well as my grandchildren) have occasionally taken a bite of something (because it looked good or because I heard how good it was or I wanted to please someone else), and initially I liked it, but very quickly it became distasteful. It could have been the taste or the texture or the smell, but it did not measure up to my first impression.

In fact, there have been occasions that I hurriedly spit it out and rinsed my mouth. (Now you see why I mentioned my grandchildren. It is something that happens more with children than with adults).

Sin (self pleasing, selfishness) is the same way. We do that which is sinful BECAUSE WE WANT TO do it, BECAUSE WE CHOOSE TO do it. Some sins are pleasing from the beginning, however, some sins are initially distasteful, and are more like an acquired taste, requiring us to repeat the action several times before we actually enjoy it. But eventually the sin not only becomes palatable but preeminent, essential, habitual, controlling.

Still, sin is a poison that humans want to throw off because we were not designed to be sinners and also because God's Spirit reminds us of this, even when we choose to ignore His nudgings.

God said it this way...
Proverbs 20:17
(17) Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel.

Sin is not satisfying, though the Bible tells us that there is pleasure in sin for a season. But the season of sinful pleasure eventually comes to an eternal ending.

BEWARE THE WAY OF SIN
The best way to avoid a bitter ending is to never start with tasting sin.
The first revulsion of sin is God warning us to stop immediatly
If a person tastes of sin and continues in it, God convicts him quietly in the inner man.
If a person persists in pursuing prurient pleasures and becomes addicted to his rebellion, God will still call that person to repentance, even as that person drifts further from the call of God.
Eventually the sinner is so thoroughly ensnared by his sin that he seldom recognizes the voice of God calling him.
The grossest and most vile of sins takes possession of the sinner until the sinner will not hear the voice of God.
Ultimately the rebel is in torment forever, unable to enjoy the pleasures of sin, but equally unwilling to turn to God.

James 1:12-15
(12) Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
(13) Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:
(14) But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
(15) Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

10/29/10 FILLED WITH SIN

10/29/10 FILLED WITH SIN

Sinners are also filled with what they follow.
See it?
SINFULNESS.

10/28/17 UNDERSTAND THIS...

10/28/17 UNDERSTAND THIS...
(This is good for all parents and all children to know, whatever their age.)

Christian parents are at least as concerned about their children's sins of the spirit (such as pride, anger, greed, deceit, envy, jealousy) as they are sins of the flesh (such as boasting, cursing, drugs, mutilation, adultery, homosexuality, violence). Sin is sin, whether in the flesh or in the spirit. If it is not conquered in the spirit, it will take over the person's life. Since sins of the spirit are not always as obvious to the person, it is good for them to listen to mature believers (pastor, parent, friend) who have love and wisdom.

It is LOVE and WISDOM, not age or touchiness or strictness or micromanagement or simply "old school" that causes parents to be concerned.

Consider these words from God.
2 Corinthians 7:1
(1) Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Romans 8:4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Romans 8:5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.

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

Romans 8:13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

Galatians 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

Galatians 5:17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

Galatians 6:8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

10/27/17 GOING TOGETHER

10/27/17 GOING TOGETHER

FULLNESS FOLLOWS FAITH
See it?
FAITHFULNESS

10/27/10 HEART AND HEAD

10/27/10 HEART AND HEAD

REALLY IMPORTANT.

YOU MUST LISTEN WITH YOUR HEART, NOT JUST YOUR HEAD IF YOU WANT FAITH TO TAKE HOLD.

10/26/10 BLIND FAITHLESSNESS

10/26/10 BLIND FAITHLESSNESS

Franklin Graham says a lot of good things, but when it comes to saving America's children from the filth of Public Schooling, he is as nuts and as blind as most other church people. (I know how sensitive some of you are about this subject, but it is time to wake up).

WHEN ARE CHRISTIAN PARENTS GOING TO BE HONEST about the filth factories they send their children to every day? IT DOES NOT MATTER THAT THERE ARE SOME CHRISTIAN TEACHERS, any more than it would matter that there are some good potatoes in a strychnine soup.

In reference to the filth and poison that children are being fed in the Public Schools of America, Graham said to "run to the school boards."
HOW DELUDED CAN HE BE. Parents have been running to school boards until they have worn the soles of their shoes to shreds and thrown the souls of their children to hell.

You don't ask the enemy (Secular Humanism, Liberalism, Naturalism, Socialism, Public Education) to do the right thing for your children unless you just like the sound of your tongue flapping uselessly in the wind (especially in America's advanced case of mindless and godless anti-Christian philosophy).
It is way past time, probably too late, for America to do the right thing and rescue the children from Satan's clutches. I know it is too late for millions of children and young people and adults who were fed to the wicked system over the past decades.
But maybe it is not too late for some of the lambs being led to slaughter today. When will Christians quit sanctifying the corruption being fed to their children?

AND EVEN THEN THE ACADEMICS IS PATHETIC IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM. Christians have bought into the total lie of John Dewey and his Socialist cronies, and look at the results. America has lost millions of children to the Pied Piper of Humanism through Public Education.

10/25/17 WHY SO FEW?

10/25/17 WHY SO FEW?

A DISCIPLE IS ONE WHO LEARNS AND FOLLOWS.

THIS IS WHY THERE ARE SO FEW DISCIPLES.

IT TAKES DISCIPLINE.

10/25/17 THINK IT THROUGH

10/25/17 THINK IT THROUGH

WHEN PEOPLE ARE MORE INTERESTED IN ESCAPING HELL THAN ESCAPING SIN... THEY WON'T.

24/10/17 LIVING BY FAITH

24/10/17 LIVING BY FAITH

LIVING BY FAITH
ISN'T A STATE OF MIND,
BUT A STATE OF BEING,
FORMING A STATE OF MIND.

I wrote this because there are people who are not living in the realm of Divine reality, the realm of the miraculous, the realm of the supernatural. They think of the Christian view as a "Positive Mental Attitude" or a "Pollyanna" mentality. It is not "Possibility Thinking" or the so called "Word of Faith" fallacy.

Living by faith is not that we "create" our world by thinking good thoughts.
Living by faith is a relationship with God, through grace, that trusts Him and acts on that trust by joyful, peaceful, loving obedience, no matter what the circumstance of life may be.

This is faith in action.
This is living by faith.

10/23/17 BEWARE MIXED SIGNALS

10/23/17 BEWARE MIXED SIGNALS

Back in the 80s our small church took a stand when the Public School removed Christ from the Christmas program.

I contacted other pastors (most of whom slid back into the shadows because they did not want to offend Liberals and Public School supporters in their churches, which would have COST THEM MONEY). In fact, I only recall one other pastor who joined with us at that time. He was a well respected believer with long standing influence in the community and led a much larger congregation than our church.

We also informed the grassroots of our community. The man on the street, whether Christian or not, knew that it was absurd to have a Christmas Program that excluded Christ.

One of my former high school classmates called me on the phone to ask about the situation. My friend was not a believer, but he knew that it was wrong to remove and forbid the mention of Christ and singing of Christian songs from the Christmas Program. After I gave him the facts of the case he was irate. He started fuming about how absurd the Public School leaders were.

THEN IT HAPPENED. In his anger at the Liberal gall of ousting Jesus from His own celebration, my friend became so mad that he used God's name in a curse, as he referred to the "educators" in rather unflattering terms. I agreed with his assessment of the Public School action, but addressed his anger and his use of foul language.

HERE IS MY POINT. There are plenty of issues facing our society today. Some are so absurd that a person has to be completely empty of any common sense or moral stability in order support them (as with the gender identity and bathroom fiasco promoted by Liberals and advanced by Governor Cooper). However, the real issue has always been, will people recognize the Supreme authority of God and His word? Will people bow in submission to the Lordship of Christ?

This is why it is dangerous to "side" with a movement, a party, a team, or even a champion. There are those who champion good causes, but they themselves are personally opposed to the rule of Christ in their own lives. As Christians we should stand for the right, for truth, which will also put us in the same group as nonbelievers. However, our loyalty, submission, allegiance should not be to passing or provincial causes or entities, as much as to the eternal cause of Christ and His word. We should stand faithful to the truth of God, but we must try to avoid the appearance of evil, which is caused by us siding with those who resist and reject the message and ministry of Christ.

Yep, I know. It ain't easy.

10/23/17 PROVERB'S VIEW OF FOOLS

10/23/17 PROVERB'S VIEW OF FOOLS

Here is an article I wrote four years ago concerning the Biblical View of Fools. Actually it is primarily a list of verses from Proverbs addressing the characteristics of a fool. I have added short notes to each of these 28 passage. I hope you will take the time to look at this article and I hope it will help you will walk closer to the Lord.

09/21/13 PROVERB'S VIEW OF FOOLS

A Biblical paraphrase from Mark Twain turned me to what the book of Proverbs says about FOOLS. I have compiled a list of those verses below, with DLG notes. It might be wise to spend a little time meditating on these verses. (Ya reckon?)

A person will not necessarily be a fool if he does not read my list (repeat, "not necessarily"), but there is a good chance that the fool will avoid these verses. This is what fools do. How sad, since it is the fool who needs these words... although... the fool will not be convinced, even when he hears these words.
Q. On what kind of cycle will you find a fool?
A. A Vicious Cycle.

An old fool is a young fool who has gotten older.
The complete fool becomes the hopeless fool.

Foolishness is not simply the outward trappings, but it is the internal makeup of the fool's heart, leaving the only possible deliverance for them to be the transplanting of a New Heart.

Ezekiel 18:30-32
(30) Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.
(31) Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel?
(32) For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord GOD: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye.

ONE OF MY PERSONAL AXIOMS IS... SIN MAKES YOU STUPID.
In the parlance of the Bible, I could say, "Sin makes you a fool (stupid, impious)."

Proverbs 10:8
(8) The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall.
DLG note... "prating" means, "lips," thus babbling or chattering. The fool is defined by his lips, a wise man is defined by his heart.

Proverbs 10:10
(10) He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow: but a prating fool shall fall.
DLG note... To "wink with the eye," means to pretend or to deceive or to ignore.

Proverbs 10:18
(18) He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.
DLG note... The fool will hide hatred behind deceitful words but will also speak words that are destructive about other people.

Proverbs 10:23
(23) It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom.
DLG note... A fool considers hurting other people (mischief) to be a game, to be fun (sport).

Proverbs 11:29
(29) He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart.
DLG note... The fool will waste even his family thorugh selfish turmoil, and ultimately end up with nothing (inherit the wind). Regardless of what a fool loses in this life, the final pay day does not come until after the judgment.

Proverbs 12:15
(15) The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.
DLG note... The fool does not listen to or follow wise counsel. The fool is his own source of wisdom, or so he thinks. The fool values his own misunderstanding above the counsel of wisemen. Actually he follows the "wisdom" of other fools, which means ultimately that they follow the lies of Satan.

Proverbs 12:16
(16) A fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame.
DLG note... A fool does not restrain his indignation or weigh the issues of life. Instead he acts or speaks without thinking, because with him, "what comes up, comes out." The fool does not see or care about the havoc caused by his anger or scandalous speech. A fool is actually a very weak minded person, unable to bridle or properly channel his own thoughts, emotions, words or actions.

Proverbs 13:16
(16) Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his folly.
DLG note... Sensible people think and then act, fools react openly, without thinking soundly.

Proverbs 14:16
(16) A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident.
DLG note... The fool does not turn from evil by trusting in God, instead he moves away from God, with misplaced confidence. Speaking of God, Jesus said.
Luke 12:4-5
(4) And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.
(5) But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.

Proverbs 15:5
(5) A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.
DLG note... The fool's disdain for Divine instruction begins with his rejection of parental instruction. The fool may listen to someone, but he does not listen to God's appointed authorities, including father (parent) or pastor or spiritual mentor.

Proverbs 17:10
(10) A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool.
DLG note... A fool is not "brought to his senses" by hardships, suffering and loss, but a wise man learns by listening.

Proverbs 17:12
(12) Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.
DLG note... A she bear, which will fight anything, even a larger male bear, when fighting for her cubs, is less savage than a fool who is fighting for his foolishness. A fool will fight for foolishness, caring not who he hurts or destroys.

Proverbs 17:16
(16) Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath no heart to it?
DLG note... The fool will not get wisdom regardless of his worldly attempts, because his heart is in the wrong place.

Proverbs 17:21
(21) He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy.
DLG note... WOW. But be aware, the fool will attack the parent for being sorrowful, and blame the parent, regardless of all the good the parent has invested in him.

Proverbs 17:24
(24) Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.
DLG note... The fool cannot see the key to life, though it is set clearly before him. He looks past it, searching for anything else but the truth.

Proverbs 18:2
(2) A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.
DLG note... While rejecting truth, the fool proudly proclaims his own perverted perspective.

Proverbs 18:6
(6) A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.
DLG note... Fools start arguments and create antagonism toward themselves.

Proverbs 18:7
(7) A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.
DLG note... Though the fool distrusts everyone else, it is his own mouth that destroys him. He suspects others of conspiracy, but his own lips catch him in error.

Proverbs 19:1
(1) Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.
DLG note... The poor man of integrity is of greater worth than the rich/crooked fool.

Proverbs 20:3
(3) It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.
DLG note... Living in peace and tranquility is desired goal of man, but fools stir up trouble all of the time.

Proverbs 23:9
(9) Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words.
DLG note... Don't waste your breath talking to a fool because he will hate you and your advice.

Proverbs 24:7
(7) Wisdom is too high for a fool: he openeth not his mouth in the gate.
DLG note... A fool cannot grasp wisdom. He is out of his element when wise men discuss.

Proverbs 26:3
(3) A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool's back.
DLG note... A fool is as worthy of a beating as a horse is worthy of a whip. Not because he is a fool, but because he does what a fool does. Obviously he is guilty of deliberate upheaval.

Proverbs 26:4-5
(4) Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.
(5) Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.
DLG note... Two sides to the same problem.
(vs.4) Do not be drawn into and down to the level of the fool. It will prove useless and destructive.
(vs.5) Reach out to the fool by raising him up from his confusion.

Proverbs 26:6
(6) He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off the feet, and drinketh damage.
DLG note... A fool can not be trusted to convey a message and in fact, will create chaos for those who entrust him.

Proverbs 27:3
(3) A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; but a fool's wrath is heavier than them both.
DLG note... The fool is worse than a heavy stone tied around a person's neck or mounds of sand pressing down on a person's chest. The constant and inescapable crushing weight of a fool's anger, tirades, venom is a destroyer.

Proverbs 27:22
(22) Though thou shouldest bray a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pestle, yet will not his foolishness depart from him.
DLG note... The fool has become so much a part of his own folly and evil that nothing, even the judgments of God, can pressure him to repent.
God wants to reach people through acts of kindness.
Romans 2:4
(4) Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

DLG note.. If people will not respond to the kindness of God, He will resort to afflicting them with sorrow.
2 Corinthians 7:9-10
(9) Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.
(10) For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.
DLG note... However, the fool will not allow his wickedness to be driven from him, no matter what tactics God employs.

Proverbs 28:26
(26) He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.
DLG note... The fool rejects counsel, wisdom and loving guidance, choosing his own vile and self deceiving thoughts, which will lead to his destruction.

As you can see, the fool comes to the point where nothing will ever turn him from the folly of his way.

THIS LIST and MORE LISTS

THIS LIST has 28 passages. You can take a passage a day for four weeks. Each day focus, meditate on that particular passage and ask God to help you avoid the ways of a fool.

MORE LISTS
I realize that I have not fully covered this subject, even in the book of Proverbs, but I wanted to present something that might be useful.

The Lord willing, I am planning on doing lists that highlight the words, FOOLS, FOLLY, FOOLISH, FOOLISHNESS and SIMPLE, as found in the book of Proverbs. These all address the same subject, but with slight differences. After I do these lists, I hope to compile a single list with all of them together.

10/22/17 TO GOD ALONE

10/22/17 TO GOD ALONE

My allegiance, my submission, my loyalty belongs to God alone. It is in serving him that I fulfill my duty as a man, as a husband, as a father, as a citizen, as a worker, as a contributor to the well being of society.

Ephesians 3:14-21
(14) For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
(15) Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
(16) That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
(17) That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
(18) May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
(19) And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
(20) Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
(21) Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

10/22/17 TOO GOOD TO PASS UP From my 2013 posts.

10/22/17 TOO GOOD TO PASS UP
From my 2013 posts.

09/16/13 OVERVIEW OF ADULT S.S. LESSON...
Continued to examine the Doctrine of Sin.

Sin is...
#1 Transgression of the Law;
1 John 3:4
(4) Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.

#2 All Unrighteousness;
1 John 5:17
(17) All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death.

#3 Failure to do What We Know to be Good;
James 4:17
(17) Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

#4 Failure to Live by Faith.
Romans 14:23
(23) And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.

Origin of Human Nature and Sinful Nature

Adam was created with Human Nature (body, soul, spirit), which is the nature to be human.

The BODY is our "other awareness," through

Seeing,

Hearing,

Feeling,

Tasting,

Smelling.

These are the "gates" through which sin enters.

The SOUL is our "self awareness," through

#1 Reason,

#2 Desire,

#3 Emotion,

#4 Conscience and

#5 Will.

The SPIRIT is our "God awareness," which is

Dead in sins and tresspasses, but

Regenerated, Reconciled, Redeemed through Christ.

Adam was created without Sinful Nature, which is the nature to be sinful, and it is also known as,

The Old Man, 

The Carnal Mind,

The Evil Heart of Unbelief,

The Double Mind,

The Flesh

The Root of Bitterness

Sin (in the singular)

Adam's Sin...

1. Weakened human nature and

2. Introduced the sinful nature to the human race.

Sin is State of Being and Action.
#1 State of Being (our nature) is what we are.

It is the Root of our sinfulness.
#2 Action is what we do (our behavior).

It is the Fruit of our sinfulness.

Justification removes our sinful actions, which we personally committed.
Entire Sanctification removes our sinful state of being, which we inherited from Adam.

The Unsaved Man has

Human Nature and

Sinful Nature.

The Saved Man has

Human Nature,

Sinful Nature and

Divine Nature (which he received at salvation).

Sinful Nature and Divine Nature are at war with one another (Double Mindedness), as two driving forces (laws) contending for control of the Human Nature.

The Entirely Sanctified Man has

Human Nature (with its weaknesses and infirmities) and

Divine Nature, but

has been cleansed from the Sinful Nature.

"Sin," in the singular often refers to the propensity to rebel (nature).
"Sins," in the plural refers to the acts of rebellion.

God provides deliverance from all sin, both the nature and the behavior, through the blood of Christ.

God says,

Cleanse your hands sinners... the unsaved need forgiveness for what they have done.

God also says,

Purify your hearts, you double minded... the saved man needs deliverance from the carnal mind.

James 4:8
(8) Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

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

10/21/17 JOIN ME

10/21/17 JOIN ME

I CHALLENGE YOU TO BECOME A PART OF THE DON KEY MINISTRY TEAM.

10/21/17 NAME THE REAL DONKEY

10/21/17 NAME THE REAL DONKEY

It is better to be Balaam's donkey that gets ridiculed and beaten for telling God's message than to be Balaam, who does not listen to God's message.

10/21/17 A GREAT, BUT NEGLECTED TRUTH

10/21/17 A GREAT, BUT NEGLECTED TRUTH

As I was transferring my old articles, I came across this post from a little over 4 years ago. On its own merit it is worth sharing, but it has added significance because two of the people mentioned in this article will be visiting with us in church this weekend. YOU CANNOT GET SAVED AT TOO YOUNG OF AN AGE.

08/29/13 Wednesday Study NEVER TOO YOUNG

Praise the Lord for a good study/fellowship last evening. I addressed these issues...

1- Being where God wants us... NOW, While It Is Easy and LATER, When We Are Under Fire.

2- The wisdom of man denies the glory of God and robs believers of their Blood Bought Freedom From Sin and their Spirit Endowed Power Of God.

3- Sharing Our Testimony With Others.

Concerning Personal Testimony, I gave each person an opportunity to tell about the occasion that they first received Christ into his heart/life. I was not asking for just the human act of repentance or prayer or consecration or commitment to be a better person; I was asking for the time Christ entering their lives.

Every adult had a testimony and every child acknowledged their own real relationship with Christ. Even the five year old was eager to tell his story. He remembered (about) a year ago when the Lord spoke to him and he asked Jesus to forgive him and come into his heart, and help him be a good boy. He says Jesus came into his heart. Each of the children present know that there was a time that they became a Christian.

Remember, we do not push and pressure anyone for decisions or commitments, even our children. There is no value in a false salvation, or confession under human duress. In fact, there is great danger of the child resenting the gospel and rejecting the call of God. If God does not convict, convince and convert a person, then it is futile for me to try to do it for Him.

If I remember correctly, each child actually came to their parent on their own and told them they needed Jesus (between the ages of 4 and six, I believe).

Two young adults shared their testimonies of childhood salvation. It was Daniel and Nancy. (their sister Cathryn was not here).
Daniel remembers being alone in his room when the Lord spoke to him, when he was about 7 years old. He then sought the Lord and gave his life to Christ.

Nancy remembers coming to the altar at The Church On Higher Ground (our ministry on the mountain). Nancy was very young also.

How wonderful is this for a pastor; to be with them since they were born and then 20+ years later hear them give witness to the saving power of Christ.

This reminds me of a song, which I will not quote, except for the words of the chorus.

IT'S REAL

But it’s real, it’s real;
Oh, I know it’s real;
Praise God, the doubts are settled,
For I know, I know it’s real!

And think about all of the sin and shame and heartache a young person avoids by following Jesus early. Which causes me to break out with the doxology. PTL.

It was a really moving time. We ended the service by singing...

INTO MY HEART
"Into My Heart, into my heart; come into my, heart Lord Jesus. Come in today, come in to stay. Come into my heart, Lord Jesus."

THANK YOU LORD
"Thank You Lord, For Saving My Soul. Thank You Lord, for making me whole. Thank You Lord, for giving to me, Thy great salvation so rich and free."

THINGS ARE DIFFERENT NOWThings Are Different Now, Something happened to me, When I gave my heart to Jesus,
Things are different now; I was changed, it must be, When I gave my heart to Him.

Things I loved before have passed away,
Things I love far more have come to stay.
Things are different now; Something happened that d ay
When I gave my heart to Him.

I hope the words to this old song blesses you
GIVE ME THY HEART...

by Eliza E Hewitt (1898).

1- “Give Me thy heart,” says the Father above—
No gift so precious to Him as our love;
Softly He whispers wherever thou art,
“Gratefully trust Me and give Me thy heart.”

Refrain
“Give Me thy heart, give me thy heart”—
Hear the soft whisper, wherever thou art;
From this dark world He would draw thee apart,
Speaking so tenderly, “Give Me thy heart.”

2- “Give Me thy heart,” says the Savior of men,
Calling in mercy again and again;
“Trust in Me only, I’ll never depart—
Have I not died for thee? Give Me thy heart.”

Refrain

3- “Give Me thy heart,” says the Spirit divine;
“All that thou hast to My keeping resign;
Grace more abounding is Mine to impart—
Make full surrender and give Me thy heart.”

Refrain

DLG closing thought.

Something to Think About...
The longer you wait to get saved, the harder it is and the less likely you will.

10/21/17 ADDRESSING ONCE SAVED, ALWAYS SAVED two passages

10/21/17 ADDRESSING ONCE SAVED, ALWAYS SAVED

two passages

Here are two articles I wrote concerning the belief in Once Saved, Always Saved.

The first article, 08/27/13 HE THAT DOES EVIL HAS NOT SEEN GOD?, addresses the passage that seems to say that a person who does evil was never saved.
The second article, 08/28/13 DO NOT TURN FROM RIGHTEOUSNESS, addresses the passage that says God will not remember the righteous deeds of a person who turns back from redemptive righteousness to sin.

# 1 of 2 articles.
08/27/13 HE THAT DOES EVIL HAS NOT SEEN GOD?
I just got a theology lesson from my grandson, Timothy, who is 5 years old. This morning, as his mom was reading from 2 and 3 John, he sat and listened. When she finished he asked about 3 Jn. 1:11, which says, "Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God." Timothy said that the devil has done evil, but has seen God. Hmm?

Great question.

Here is my answer.
It is relational, not historical. When a person gets saved, in the eyes of God, it is as if the person has never sinned. God knows everything, so God knows the person has sinned, but God does not count his sins against him, because they are atoned for in Christ.

LIKEWISE, when a person, even a person who has previously had a right relationship with God; even the devil (prior to his fall), when he was the angel Lucifer, he had "seen" God, that is, had known God (as in 1 Jn. 3:6; please read vss. 6-9), but he obviously did evil afterwards. As far as God is concerned, Satan had no prior relationship with God or the prior relationship has no bearing on the present reality.

In the same way, when a person becomes a believer in Christ, but then returns to sin, God does not recognize the previous relationship any more than He recognizes previous sins of a saved person (see Ezekiel 33:11-29). Our present relationship either "hides" our sins (Ja. 5:20; 1 Pe. 4:8) or "hides" our previous right relationship with God. Here is what Jesus said to his followers.

Matthew 7:16-23
(16) Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
(17) Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
(18) A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
(19) Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
(20) Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
(21) Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
(22) Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
(23) And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Timothy's question gave me the example of someone who has seen God, but is in sin, yet from God's point of view, the sinner (or the sinning devil) has never seen God.

1 John 3:4-10
(4) Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.
(5) And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.
(6) Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.
(7) Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.
(8) He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
(9) Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
(10) In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.

Ezekiel 33:11-20 (vss, 11-20, not through 29)
(11) Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?
(12) Therefore, thou son of man, say unto the children of thy people, The righteousness of the righteous shall not deliver him in the day of his transgression: as for the wickedness of the wicked, he shall not fall thereby in the day that he turneth from his wickedness; neither shall the righteous be able to live for his righteousness in the day that he sinneth.
(13) When I shall say to the righteous, that he shall surely live; if he trust to his own righteousness, and commit iniquity, all his righteousnesses shall not be remembered; but for his iniquity that he hath committed, he shall die for it.
(14) Again, when I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; if he turn from his sin, and do that which is lawful and right;
(15) If the wicked restore the pledge, give again that he had robbed, walk in the statutes of life, without committing iniquity; he shall surely live, he shall not die.
(16) None of his sins that he hath committed shall be mentioned unto him: he hath done that which is lawful and right; he shall surely live.
(17) Yet the children of thy people say, The way of the Lord is not equal: but as for them, their way is not equal.
(18) When the righteous turneth from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, he shall even die thereby.
(19) But if the wicked turn from his wickedness, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall live thereby.
(20) Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. O ye house of Israel, I will judge you every one after his ways.

James 5:20
(20) Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.

1 Peter 4:8
(8) And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.

# 2 of 2 articles
08/28/13 DO NOT TURN FROM RIGHTEOUSNESS
Ezekiel 33:13
I started to make this a comment in my previous post, but it is important enough to stand by itself.

God tells us in Ezekiel 33:13 that a truly righteous man (by redemption) can lose that righteousness.
God can tell a man that he SURELY has life, and then tell the same man that he would die for his sins.

Ezekiel 33:13
(13) When I shall say to the righteous, that he shall surely live; if he trust to his own righteousness, and commit iniquity, all his righteousnesses shall not be remembered; but for his iniquity that he hath committed, he shall die for it.

DLG note...
God told Ezekiel to tell the righteous man (the man who is righteous by God's redemptive work)...

1- He (the righteous man) would surely live. This indicates that the "righteous man" was truly righteous and not self righteous, otherwise God would not tell him that he would surely live. Also...

2- God told the righteous man that IF he (the righteous man), should then trust in his own righteousness (which is not true righteousness), and the man should then commit sin, God would not remember that man, based on the man's former redemptive righteousness. God would remember none of the man's righteousnesses (the good works he did as a believer) any more than God will remember the sins of a person who turns from sin and truly trusts in God.

The "righteousnesses" in this passage refers to the righteous deeds done in the flesh (by the righteous man during his earthly life). Remember, in Revelation 19:8 the righteousness of the saints refers to the righteous deeds of the believers.

The saved person who performs righteous deeds (by the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit) will be rewarded for his deeds, just as the unsaved person will be judged and recompensed for his evil deeds, done in the flesh.

3- God told the man who had been truly righteous (but who then trusted his own righteousness and sinned), that He (God) would judge the man, based on the man's sins and he would die for his sins.

Our previous sins do not condemn us, if we are presently redeemed.
Our previous redemptive righteousness does not save us, if we are presently in sin.
This is quickly reiterated in Ez. 33:18-19.

Ezekiel 33:18-19
(18) When the righteous turneth from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, he shall even die thereby.
(19) But if the wicked turn from his wickedness, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall live thereby.

We have two examples of free moral beings turning from righteousness to rebellion and being cast off from God.

Lucifer, the archangel of God, willfully rebelled against God and became Satan, the archenemy of God. This righteous angel, along with all the other rebellious angels, lost his righteousness. Remember, Lucifer was created righteous. I will come back to this later.

Adam, the first man, was created in the image of God, therefore he was righteous, without sin, yet Adam willfully disobeyed God and was separated from God. Adam became sinful, along with his wife, Eve, who had also been created as a righteous person. Adam fathered an entire race of sin corrupted children. Adam's (and Eve's) separation from God could only be reconciled if they came into a personal and living relationship with God through faith.

Created Righteous
Lucifer, as an angel, as well as Adam and Eve, as the first human beings, were righteous from the time they were created by God. However, they lost their righteousness because of rebellion, sin.

Believers are made righteous by the atonement. Therefore a person may be tempted to think that redemptive righteousness is different from created righteousness, and would not allow the possibility of someone abandoning their right relationship with God. NO. NOT THE CASE.

If anything, it would be harder to conceive that an inherently righteous being, created by God as righteous, could abandon his nature, than to believe that a sinful creature could abandon a righteousness that was obtained by faith. After all, the righteousness of salvation is the gift of God and received by faith, therefore, faith is a condition of righteousness. Redeemed people are children of God by faith (Galatians 3:26) and they are righteous by faith (Romans 4:19), whereas Lucifer, Adam and Eve were righteous by nature.

But also consider this. Believers are not simply seen as righteous, or called righteous by God, in spite of their actual condition, believers are righteous, even as God is righteous, because believers are created in righteousness and true holiness.

Ephesians 4:24
(24) And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

God does not remember (hold against us) our sins if we trust in Christ to forgive and cleanse us from our sins.
In the same way, God does not remember (recognize, honor) the righteousness a person had though faith in Christ, once that person turns from faith.

The Bible clearly teaches that a created being can turn from natural righteousness, and that a redeemed person can turn from righteousness by faith.

This addresses the meaning of the New Testament passages that tell us God does not remember or recognize a person's former state of righteousness, if that person turns from trusting God to trusting his own righteousness.

10/19/17 NOT THE SAME

10/19/17 NOT THE SAME

BEING MORAL DOES NOT MAKE YOU CHRISTIAN, BUT BEING CHRISTIAN DOES MAKE YOU MORAL.

10/19/17 SOLITUDE ESSENTIAL

10/19/17 SOLITUDE ESSENTIAL

WE'RE NOT FIT TO BE IN PUBLIC UNLESS WE SPEND TIME ALONE WITH GOD.

10/19/17 PRIVATE TIME

10/19/17 PRIVATE TIME

We all need intimate time with God, so we can cry, shout, sing, pray aloud.

10/19/17 From my FB 07/26/13 TAKE NO CHANCES

10/19/17 From my FB
07/26/13 TAKE NO CHANCES

Some people risk the loss of their soul,
Because of one part they want to control.
Grasping with passion the pleasure of sin,
While losing the treasure, found only in Him.
(by DLG)

Matthew 16:24-27
(24) Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
(25) For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
(26) For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
(27) For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.

10/19/17 ROBBED

10/19/17 ROBBED

HOW SAD. THIS MORNING SOME CHRISTIANS DON'T KNOW THEY CAN BE VICTORIOUS OVER SIN.

10/19/17 GOD MAKES THE DARKNESS LIGHT

10/19/17 GOD MAKES THE DARKNESS LIGHT

Lots of good has come out of Liberalism. But it wasn't good until it came to Jesus.

10/19/17 DON'T CROWD HIM OUT

10/19/17 DON'T CROWD HIM OUT

If I loom large in my own mind, there no room left for the Lord of Life.

10/18/17 BUT THERE AIN'T NO THIRD GENDER

10/18/17 BUT THERE AIN'T NO THIRD GENDER

ok, just for the record, there is no such thing in the human race as a third gender. That is science fiction stuff concerning green creatures from somewhere like Gliese 581 d.

There are people with physical maladies related to their genitalia, and there are people who are emotionally disturbed and confused about their actual gender identity, and there are people who are so rebellious and resistant to normality that they deliberately claim to be something that they know they are not.

All of these disturbed and afflicted people need help in dealing with their particular problem, whether it is physical treatment or counseling, BUT THERE AIN'T NO THIRD GENDER.

This ride to the looney bin has taken us way too far already, but it is going to take this nation further, because there is no end of Satan's resistance and rejection of God's rule and revelations.

If you are seeing that this world has lost its way and you want to come back to sanity, you need to repent of your own rebellion and pride, and turn your life over to Jesus. Don't wait. There will come a time when it will be impossible to abandon this ship of fools, and you may go down with it to perdition.

10/18/17 JUST ADD AN ISH

10/18/17 JUST ADD AN ISH

Hey, y'all know how some people add "ish" as a suffix to a word, which indicates that the the term means it is "something like" the root meaning of the word, but definitely not the same as the root meaning. For instance...

I will be there at seven thirtyish (meaning close to 7:30).

He will be coming back Friday-ish (meaning that he will return some day close to Friday).

His shirt was bluish (meaning that it was not true blue, but it was some shade of blue).

I think people who don't really believe the Bible (Liberals and other cultists) should not call themselves Christians, because that is not honest, but rather should refer to themselves as being Christian-ish (meaning that they have some behavior or beliefs that resemble true Christianity).

10/17/17 RIGHT RELATIONSHIP

10/17/17 RIGHT RELATIONSHIP

A RIGHT RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD TAKES AWAY OUR SINS AND GIVES US HIS LIFE AND LEADING.

10/17/17 REVISIONISTS REVOLUTION

10/17117 REVISIONISTS REVOLUTION

To make unpopular history disappear, leads to hiding all truth.

Revisionists history hides both good and bad, depending on whose history it is.

10/17/17 THREE REASONS I "HARP ON"

10/17/17 THREE REASONS I "HARP ON"

I am certain that some folks wonder why I "harp on" and on about "religion." Just for the record, it is not about religion that I am "harping on," it is about a right relationship with God because there is nothing more important for anyone, and nothing more neglected by most people.

Here are the three reasons for my persistence.
1. I believe that the world at large, and individuals in particular, are separated from God because of sin and will eventually suffer for their resistance and rejection of God's offer to save them from sin and bring them into a right relationship with Himself.

2. I believe that the only hope for this world (which will not be reconciled to God), and the only way for any individual to be reconciled to God is to accept the death and physical resurrection of Christ as the sacrifice for our sins, and to follow Him as our Lord (God, King, Master).

3. I spend my life trying to help folks see their need and the benefits of salvation through Christ because some folks may never have anyone else warn them of the dangers of sin, or tell them of God's solution to their eternal needs.

In a word, "LOVE."

10/16/17 DON'T GET UPSET WITH ME, I JUST ADDRESS THE MADNESS, I DID NOT CREATE IT.

10/16/17 DON'T GET UPSET WITH ME, I JUST ADDRESS THE MADNESS, I DID NOT CREATE IT.

I am often told by those who advance the doctrines of sinning religion that God is not glorified if man has any part in his own salvation; that God is only or best glorified by saving a person aside from any human effort or participation. They claim that the will and actions of man have no effect on their salvation.

If that is true (but it is not, since it contradicts the clearly revealed word of God), then why wouldn't a believer in sinning religion deliberately NOT confess, NOT believe, NOT repent, NOT follow Jesus, NOT obey God since doing any of those things is considered to be "works of the flesh?" (At least that is what they tell me when I tell them that man is required by God to believe, confess, repent, follow Jesus and obey God). If they really believe that God unilaterally and unconditionally elects people to eternal life, then they should have no problem just allowing God to save them without any personal response to the gospel message.

Many of them who claim they believe that anything a person may do to receive salvation is an act of "self righteousness," but they are not willing to live by their claims, because they know differently, down deep inside. They are willing to play games with other people's souls, so why won't they just swear off all "works of the flesh," such as believing, confessing, repenting and obeying Jesus?

Yes, I understand that people subscribe to different tenets of sinning religion. But like the feller said, when he heard it was just a small rat that fell into the stew, "I'll just do without."

10/16/17 WESLEY AND CALVIN IN HEAVEN?

10/16/17 WESLEY AND CALVIN IN HEAVEN?
Through the years I have heard people refer to the differences between sinning religion and Biblical salvation in a lighthearted and frivolous way, as if the differences are simply perceived rather than actual. People will say that Wesley, along with Arminius will be sitting with Calvin, laughing about the silly arguments over doctrine, while people were on earth.

THOSE PEOPLE ARE MISTAKEN (I actually was thinking, they are nuts. Please read the rest of this article to see why I say this).

FIRSTLY, we don't know that any of them will in heaven, though we hope all three will be there.

SECONDLY, the disagreement may bear the name of the men I just mentioned, but the disagreement is not about the doctrines of those men, it is about the doctrines of light and darkness.

THIRDLY, no one will be in heaven who trusts in the doctrines of (a) unilateral and unconditional election, no one will be in heaven who trusts in the doctrine of (b) irresistible grace, no one will be in heaven who trusts in the doctrine of (c) so called perseverance of the saints (aka once saved always saved and "eternal security").

If a person trusts in unilateral unconditional election, then he is not believing the Biblical revelation of God concerning his responsibility, obligation to willingly exercise saving faith, confess his sins, confess Christ before men, turn from sin and turn to God, and to follow Jesus. A person may give lip service to those false doctrines, but actually follow Biblical directives.

If a person trusts in irresistible grace, then he is believing "another gospel" and does not take the revelation, the commands, the requirements of God concerning holiness, obedience, faithfulness and judgment seriously. A person may give lip service to the doctrine of being "saved by presumption" rather than "saved by faith," but actually obey God.

If a person trusts in "eternal security," then he is presuming on God rather than trusting in God. That person will sin and deny that repentance for that sin is essential, and that person will walk in darkness, falsely thinking that God has "paid his penalty" and therefore he is not accountable.

FOURTHLY, the belief in Limited Atonement (along with the belief in the attending false doctrines) will convey to other people that it is not essential for them to act in saving faith to the call of God. Sadly, there are those who will claim to believe the doctrines of presumption, but then they will personally walk in what light they have, while misleading and damning those who take their errant words seriously.

I am sure I have a FIFTHLY, SIXTHLY, SEVENTHLY, but let me give 2 FINAL points.

FINALLY #1, if Calvin did not repent of his own sins, such as murder in the name of Jesus, then Calvin will not be in heaven and he won't be laughing in hell. Likewise, if anyone has sin in his or her own life when they die they will not be in heaven and they won't be laughing about anything, much less damnable doctrines.

FINALLY #2, if, by the grace of God, Calvin did repent of his sins, and if he did get to heaven, he will not be laughing about the false doctrines he preached and taught, which became stumbling stones that withheld the light of salvation from millions of people. Neither will Wesley, Arminius nor anyone else be thinking that the damnable heresies that are espoused by sinning religion are simply mistakes of human perception. Too many people have believed these lies and therefore presumed on God for the salvation that required actual, active living, saving faith.

I am sure I have a FINALLY #3 and #4, but you should get my point.

Sinning religion is not the same as Biblical salvation. It is another doctrine and it is the same old lie of the Serpent in the Garden, which says, "Disobedience Will Not Separate You From God."

And that is not simply perception and it ain't funny either.

10/16/17 GOD'S PLAN TO SAVE MAN

10/16/17 GOD'S PLAN TO SAVE MAN

You cannot devise your own salvation or election.
You cannot earn your own salvation or election.
But you can...
NO NO NO, let me restate this...
YOU MUST work out your own salvation and YOU MUST make your calling and election sure,
BY WHAT YOU DO.

When we are saved, God enables us to WILL and TO DO His good pleasure.

Philippians 2:12-13
(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.

AND

2 Peter 1:10-11
(10) Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
(11) For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

BECAUSE JESUS TAUGHT

Matthew 22:13-14
(13) Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
(14) For many are called, but few are chosen.

AND JESUS TOLD WHO WOULD BE SAVED

Matthew 7:13-14
(13) Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
(14) Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

AND JESUS DESIGNATED HIS FAMILY

Matthew 12:48-50
(48) But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren?
(49) And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!
(50) For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.

DLG...
These passages blatantly contradict some errors taught by sinning religion.
1. The Bible clearly teaches that we can obey God.
2. The Bible clearly teaches that we are Divinely directed to work out our own salvation by seeking, following, obeying God
3. The Bible clearly teaches that we have a part in our election and must make our calling and election sure.
4. The Bible clearly teaches that God calls some who never get chosen.
5. The Bible clearly teaches that we must decide, and must be determined to enter salvation.
6. The Bible clearly teaches that only those who do the will of God are the family of God.

No matter how people twist and turn these passages, they still tell us, as believers, to work out our own salvation.
We are given a Divine responsibility, we have a part in our own salvation.
This is not a plea for "works salvation," but for a salvation that works.
I don't obey in order to earn salvation, I obey because I have salvation.
I don't do good works in order to get saved, I do good works because I am saved.

"I owe God nothing for what I've done to Him,
For on the cross, Christ made the sacrifice for sin.
I'll give my life to serve HIm faithfully,
I owe Him everything for what He's done for me"

10/15/17 WE ARE ALL NUTS

10/15/17 WE ARE ALL NUTS

NOTHING WRONG WITH BEING A NUT, AS LONG AS YOU ARE SECURED TO THE RIGHT BOLT.

10/15/17 PUBLIC RE-EDUCATION

10/15/17 PUBLIC RE-EDUCATION

FOR THOSE WHO THINK THAT PUBLIC EDUCATION HAS NOT LED AMERICA'S YOUTH AWAY FROM GOD, CONSIDER THIS..
(this ain't gonna make me any friends)

God never intended for parents to send their children anywhere that trained them in unrighteousness. NO MATTER HOW HARD SOME TEACHERS MAY HAVE WORKED, the Public School System is built upon and dedicated to an antiChrist, anti-Bible, anti-family foundation of Secular Humanism, Statism.

Good teachers, or teachers with good intentions have been no match for the anti-God, government funded, university trained. unionized system of brainwashing.

If well meaning teachers were doing such a great job in "reaching" or "helping" the children find the truth of Christ (which is what every Christian educator should be doing), then why has the LIberal agenda of destroying the faith of so many young people been so effective? And why have the youth moved further from God and the Bible and salvation and family values and Christian morals and American ideals?

You have been salving your darkened conscience with Satan's lie. You have led the lambs to slaughter, and excused it by claiming to help the lambs as you led them to their destruction.

The sacrificing of children and youth on the altar of Skepticism, Naturalism, Materialism, Socialism has been evident since at least the 1960s. We have seen the academic standards go down, the morals degenerate, the patriotism vanish, the family values erased. All of the well meaning parents and Christian teachers who turned a blind eye and deaf ear to the mounting assault have contributed to the stealing of every generation since that time.

They did not mean to do this, but they did it. And some did it while being warned by fanatics like me. Don't continue the sacrificing of children and youth on the altar of self justification.

What the world needs is a generation of spiritual champions, thoroughly trained in Extreme Biblical Discipleship. The enemy is about to intensify its attack on the children and youth of our country, and those who are naive enough to support the Liberal and Humanist beast will have to answer God on why they chose the easy way out while demonic darkness flooded the halls of Humanist education.

If you want to know what America will look like as it follows the European model of Statism and Humanism just consider Europe today.

10/15/17 ROUTE CHOICES EVERYDAY

10/15/17 ROUTE CHOICES EVERYDAY

I posted this on 06/01/13, but I thought it might be helpful to someone here today.

06/01/13 ROUTE CHOICES EVERYDAY

There are many travelers and there are various ways to go through life.

When a Traveler begins his journey to heaven, he decides to walk...
The way of his Savior,
The way of self sacrifice and self denial,
The way of service to others.

Each day Traveler comes to forks in the road, requiring him to remain firm in his initial commitment or wander from the Way of the Master.

Three choices TRAVELER faces daily are...
1. All For Me Avenue, the road taken by Selfish Traveler, who wants others to make him feel good and look good.

2. Some For Me Street, the road taken by Half Hearted Traveler, who wants to serve God and others, without denying his own desires or shortchanging his own fulfillment.

3. Total Surrender Trail, the road taken by Truth Traveler, who wants to please God in everything and serve others in every way.

If we did not have help beyond our own knowledge, wisdom and strength, we might wonder about which road to take.

However, the Eternal Cartographer gives us...
a map to follow (the Holy Bible),
the counsel of a Personal Guide to lead us (the Holy Spirit),and
the recorded exploits of those who have gone before us (the lives of faithful followers of Christ),
to encourage us, so that we will not take the wrong path.

What a shame, to miss the way of life and then to miss eternal life.

10/15/17 HEARTBREAKING LOSSES

10/15/17 HEARTBREAKING LOSSES

As I transfer my posts, I am saddened by those who have broken from our ministry and left our message.message.

10/15/17 TWO REASONS THEY TURN

10/15/17 TWO REASONS THEY TURN

TWO main reasons people and nations turn from Christ: FEAR and PLEASURE (Mt. 13:20-22).

Matthew 13:20-22

(20)  But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it;

(21)  Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.

(22)  He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.

10/14/17 HUSSEIN'S LEGACY (undermining America's foundation)

10/14/17 HUSSEIN'S LEGACY

(undermining America's foundation)

DON'T FORGET, OBAMA SCOFFED THE HOLY BIBLE AND LAUDED THE KORAN.

10/14/17 HUSSEIN'S LEGACY (forcing Christians to pay for promiscuity)

10/14/17 HUSSEIN'S LEGACY

(forcing Christians to pay for promiscuity)

DON'T FORGET, OBAMA WANTED US TO PAY FOR SINGLES HAVING SEX WITH PROTECTION.

10/14/17 HUSSEIN'S LEGACY (beheading children)

10/14/17 HUSSEIN'S LEGACY

(beheading children)

DON'T FORGET, OBAMA PROMOTED BEHEADING INFANTS, AND WANTED CHRISTIANS TO PAY FOR IT.

10/14/17 HUSSEIN'S LEGACY (Christian ministries named as HATE GROUPS)

10/14/17 HUSSEIN'S LEGACY

(Christian ministries named as HATE GROUPS)

DON'T FORGET, OBAMA'S MILITARY LABELED CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES AS DOMESTIC HATE GROUPS

10/14/17 THE ENEMY OF GOD

10/14/17 THE ENEMY OF GOD

WHEN YOU HOLD TO YOUR OWN IDEAS AND REJECT THE BIBLE, YOU ARE THE ENEMY OF GOD.

10/14/17 HUSSEIN'S LEGACY (kidnapping)

10/14/17 HUSSEIN'S LEGACY

(kidnapping)

Don't forget that Obama's Justice Department tried to steal your children from you.

10/14/17 FROM SANITY TO INSANITY

10/14/17 FROM SANITY TO INSANITY

AMERICAN EDUCATION LED THE CHILDREN FROM THE SANITY OF SCRIPTURE TO INSANITY.

AMERICAN EDUCATION built upon Humanism, Evolution and now promotes homosexuality, same gender marriage, gender confusion, and now a genderless society.