He Has Risen!

"And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus. And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments: And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee, Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again." Luke 24:3-7

He has risen, or should we say, he arose from the dead. Jesus Christ, who the Jews rejected as their Messiah and Savior arose from the dead. Yet, many still didn't believe. When the rich man was in hell, he prayed that Abraham send Lazarus to his five brothers who were yet alive as they would believe if someone rose from the dead.

"Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house: For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead." Luke 16:27-31

Abraham referred to Moses and the prophets or what we know is the Old Testament for is source but today we also have the New Covenant which is Christ as he shed his blood on the cross four our sins because "without shedding of blood is no remission." Hebrews 9:22 "For the life of the flesh is in the blood:" Leviticus 17:11a, and without a perfect sacrifice there could be no permanent forgiveness. Christ was perfect and sinless, the only one born of a woman to be so. "For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin." Hebrews 4:15

Why did it have to be so? Why couldn't man find his way to God some other way? There is no way but through Christ as he said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." John 14:6b The Jews were very religious, somuch so that they let the Son of God pass right under their noses and did not recognize him. Men today are also religious, either having a form of religion outside what we consider the Christian faith, or being what they consider inside the Christian church. Yet, if they are unable to humble themselves and depend on a living savior, than they are lost. Many try to live good lives and do good works. This is commendable but to no avail in eternity without Christ. If you are one of these "good people" humble yourself and bow to the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ who is able to cleanse you from all sins. You say you've never sinned? "All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" Romans 3:23 These can only be blotted out by the blood of Christ applied to your heart.

You can ask him into your heart and depend upon him as Savior and Lord. "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." Revelation 3:20 Ask him into your heart and let him be your best friend. But I'll tell you that he is a perfect gentleman and will not come into your life unless you ask. In closing here is the final scripture for your consideration.

""Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble." James 4:5-6

Eye On The Word

"Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way:" 1 Samuel 12:23

We're living in a presidential election year which means the air is sometimes charged with political tension. The pendants are making their predictions which are sometimes correct, and sometimes not. This has truly ben a political year that has been amazing to say the least and I don't think anyone expected to see things shaping up like they are. But let's get right to it.

Should you vote? Yes. Should you vote if either candidate is truly a Biblical conservative? Yes. I'll explain. First of all, I believe that it is every Christian's duty to vote whenever they can as elections come up. God has placed us in a country where we have a choice and therefore we should exercise that choice. But should be not vote if either choice really fits our basic doctrine of belief? Yes.

Let's take the right to life issue – protecting the unborn. I believe that abortion is wrong and that a soul is born at conception, even though all of the body parts are not there. I also feel scripture bears this out. "And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:" Luke 1:41 "For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb." Luke 1:15 "Did not he that made me in the womb make him? and did not one fashion us in the womb?" Job 31:15 I believe we, as a nation, will fall into judgment for the babies that we've slaughtered so far. However, if neither candidate is for protecting the unborn, the issue, as far as a choice between them, is not on the table. It may be for electing other candidates in various offices where there are differences, but not for president. Do I like this? No, but if both are the same on an issue, there is no choice.

So then we look at other issues and where they are different and make our choices on those grounds. By staying home, you're giving approval for the more liberal candidate by simply doing nothing.

But above all, as I mentioned in another blog, we must pray. We must continue to pray for our nation for I fear we are heading into serious trouble. When a candidate can simply gather followers by charisma and empowerment, we're living in an age where the anti-Christ can easily gain control. (No, I don't think any of these are the anti-Christ.) "And in his estate shall stand up a vile person, to whom they shall not give the honour of the kingdom: but he shall come in peaceably, and obtain the kingdom by flatteries." Daniel 11:21 Christians who pray and study their Bibles need not be fooled. I don't think we have an answer in any of those running for president. We just have to pick the "lesser of two evils" as they say. We need to understand that the government doesn't hold the key to prosperity and peace, but God does and it is his will we have it. "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth." 1 Timothy 2:1-4 So keep your heart with Christ and your eye on the word! "And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits." Daniel 11:32

Revival in the Land

"14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14

I've used this scripture before, I know but I'm going to use it again. It's about revival in the land. It seems that the past few weeks, especially days, the message has been coming through clear through God's spirit and men that we need revival. I knew that and most of you do too but now I sense there is more of an urgency. I was working and had stopped to get a bite to eat and while I was waiting for my food, a brother from Mexico called. He voiced his concern about the need for revival in America and told me that God had kept him up much of the night praying. The other day a brother came through and said that many of the Russian churches here in America are praying for revival in America.

We ere in an urgent state. The climate is being charged by politics and it doesn't look good. It's coming down to the fact that whoever wins----we're heading for trouble in America. America's judgment is near, even at the door. Why? We've slaughtered over 40 million babies in the past 35 years. We've allow our educational system to degenerate into a mockery of God and most of the pulpits are manned by humanists preaching a prosperity and ear tickling gospel. What used to be unthinkable to mention in our groups as teenagers years ago are now main play on our televisions and radios, not to mention the trash that travels through the Internet.

Revival is not a series of meetings, but marks a change in living, a repentance and complete change of direction. Study the great revivals in the past and you will find that in many, who communities and societies changed. God sent waves of revival throughout the years in America and he can do it again, but it will take prayer, and lots of it. We need God to help us and while the priest stepped in Jordon to take the ark across, it took the power of God to move the waters so they could continue.

The brother today expressed concern that he doesn't hear anyone talk about the need for revival. America is in the Laodicean church age: "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:". Revelation 3:17 We really don't feel the need for revival because we have our pockets full and we can solve our own problems, we think. Yet Jesus said we were "wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked." When someone is in a wretched condition, they are serving God but it id a drudgery to them. They are doing it for conscience sake but they have no pleasure in it. The "poor" here does not mean someone who doesn't have a lot of money, but on the contrary means someone who lacks faith, any faith. Someone who is "blind" means one who can't see the condition he is in. And the "naked" are those who have no defense against Satan and are also unholy.

Jesus is coming. Will he find faith on the earth?

America, America, God shed his grace on thee.

In The Manger

"Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us." Matthew 1:23

Yes, this great event in history really did happen. You may not read about it in the secular texts or even hear much about it in the mainstream media but it did happen and it happened as Isaiah said it would about 600 years prior. Mary was a virgin as the Christ child was conceived by the Holy Ghost. "But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost." Matthey 1:20 The King of Kings was born in a manger as he became "God with us." One must believe that the Son of God came to earth as God's son, born of a virgin else he can't be a Christian. To deny the virgin birth is to deny his diety, thus denying his death on the cross for mankind.

Mary was a virgin when Christ was born. Mary was blessed but in no place does the scripture tell us to pray to her or worship her. She does say to her cousin Elizabeth, "For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed." Luke 1:48 The word blessed means "happy." That she was. We know that Mary followed Christ even to the cross and was a follower after his resurrection. She was a wonderful woman.

The Jews, in all of their intellect seemed to miss him completely. The Priests knew the scriptures and the prophets well. They even told Herod where the Christ child would be born but somehow they missed it. Even though the scripture told about a servant King and suffering King, they preferred the prophecies the depicted him as a reigning King. They were looking for him to establish world rule then and get the nation of Israel out from under the hand of the Romans. Even the disciples were looking for it. "When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power." Acts 1:6-7 The Jews as a whole were not looking for inward salvation nor did they feel they needed to examine themselves. They were people of fasting but for the wrong pretenses. They gave many alms to support the poor but only for show. They were intellectuals and studied much but couldn't humble themselves to let Jesus in.

Let him in your hear this Christmas. Let him be your Lord and follow him. Read his word and yield yourself to him. John 4:23 says, "Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him." We cannot keep his words without his continual help, but with him, all things are possible.

Merry Christmas and may God find your soul in peace with him.

Working Together for the Good

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

That scripture has been quoted over and over again by many, and myself included, without real consideration as to the conditions thereof. It is true that all things do work together for the good for some people, but who are they? They are those who "love God" and then are "called according to his purpose," or doing his will. So there is a condition to the promise above as there are conditions to all promises in the Word of God. We have to love God, than do his will.

To love God is to love his son and abide in him, or live with him. To live with him is to live with his Word and have the same purposes as he has. Even in this sinful world that seems to captivate our attention just by living and performing the necessary tasks to survive in it, we are called upon to abide in him. "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." John 15:5 It takes an effort on our behalf to live or abide in him because of the prince of the power of the air, or the devil, therefore we must put forth effort if we are to inherit his blessing and eternal life. Following several "do's and don'ts" will not make us abide in him but to have him in our hearts and lives will. We must keep him and love him and guard against the constant attempts of Satan to intrude.

To love him is to follow and keep his Word. We often try to lay up our own commandments and rules of righteousness but it is in the Bible, the Word of Life that we find truth and are given the proper information for maintaining our love with him. Jesus told his disciples shortly before going to the cross that he would manifest himself to them but not the world. This sounded strange to them and one of them asked as follows: "Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him." John 14:22-23 So we are to keep his word. Since that is essential, we must know what it is that we are to keep, so the only way to know is to read his Word, not once, nor twice, nor three times, but over and over again. We are put to shame by the cults and other religions. Children are taught to memorize several passages of the Quran even written in a foreign tongue but it is doubtful if many can quote five verses in the Bible.

At the workplace we may spend hours discussing methods, procedures and rules only to have everything change within the next few months. We'll spend hours on a paper that will be irrelevant within weeks and work ourselves into a frenzy about procedures that will change almost as soon as the ink is dried in the rule book. While these things may be important at the time, we take great notice of them but forget the book that does not change and the only one that can give use the past, present, and future, the Bible.

It is impossible to love Christ without loving his Word. It is impossible to follow his will without reading his word. It is impossible to get the true meaning of scripture without Christ and his spirit. "But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." 1 Corinthians 2:14

There is much more to this verse but in my effort to keep these blogs fairly short, I'll only be brief. We are lead to believe that when he says "all things work together for the good," is is meant that nothing but good can happen to us as far as we are concerned That's not what it really says. It says, "for the good," meaning that it will work for our good. While me may not see anything good out of what we are in now, God does. It is like a parent spanking their child for misbehaving (I still believe in spanking if done in love) and them saying to the child that it is for their good. The child won't believe them at the time but later in life he will. Are you in a distressful situation? Give yourself to more reading of God's Word and strive to draw closer to the Lamb of Life. Make sure everything's OK between you and him. He loves you and wants to help you through all situations and will help you here as well.

P.S.

I covet your prayers.

The Battle

" No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier." 2Timothy 2:4

Let me just talk freely a bit as I've not posted for several weeks. I've spent most of my time out of town doing various things that are job related. You probably know, that when one travels and is gone, routines are broken, and things that usually are done on a daily basis are not achieved due to schedule changes, different environments, etc. It is Satan's business to get the child of God entangled in this world's affairs so he is not effective in battling the powers of the air, the principalities of darkness, and the god of this world. "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." Ephesians 6:12 We are not effective in prayer, souls that constantly need comforted or strength are left in danger. Those who need the conviction of the Holy Ghost on their lives so they will do right or repent are left open to Satan's demise. And most important, we ourselves are more venerable for Satan's attacks on our souls. I say this is most important because if we are not strong, how can we help others. "But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway." 1Corinthians 9:27

The word "entangleth" or "entangle" means "to inweave, entrap, or twist together in a confusing mess." This is the art of Satan and we allow it to happen, especially in our effluent society. We have become the church of Laodicea as our Lord describes them as follows: "I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot." We justify our activity in a Christian humanism way in that we focus on ourselves instead of trying to gain the closeness of Christ and fellowship of the Holy Ghost in our lives. So if we are not careful, we continue down the path as he goes on and admonishes that church. "So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. 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:" We think we have arrived only to find that our faith is wanting and we are powerless. We fail to see ourselves as we really are. We refuse to take time to examine ourselves in line with the Word of God and spend time afflicting our souls but would rather go on our way. The but consequences are devastating as Christ will vomit a church like this out of his mouth. His advise is as follows: "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." He wants us to have real faith that we can trust in him, holiness that will separate us from the world and identify us as those whose citizenship is in heaven, and have enlightment of the spirit of God in that we may rightly divide the Word of God. "But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." 1Corinthians 2:14

We are in this world to be a blessing and to yet to also help the wayward come to Christ and live for him. We are salt in this world. Salt can add a good taste in food, can preserve, and is also used in judgment "And that the whole land thereof is brimstone, and salt, and burning, that it is not sown, nor beareth, nor any grass groweth therein, like the overthrow of Sodom, and Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboim, which the LORD overthrew in his anger, and in his wrath:" Deuteronomy 29:23 But, if our salt loses is savor, it is good for nothing. "Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men." Matthew 5:13 While we must continue to work in this world, we must always guard our relationship with Christ and cherish it, for it is our life and can have a big difference in the lives of those around us, and even our nation. May the Lord bless you as you seek him.

Ask and It Shall Be Given

"And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you." Luke 11:9

Our Lord wants us to ask, seek and knock. When we ask, we are simply asking him for something or making a request like a child would ask a parent for a piece of bread. We should be reverent in our asking as he is our God and we are his creation. None of this "Hey God" stuff, that's for beginners. Mature Christians don't pray that way.

Then we must seek, which means to investigate. When you seek for something, you look for it or "Try to locate or discover, or try to establish the existence of." The Bible, or God's Holy Word, is the logical place we would seek for an answer. We don't seek for an answer in the newspapers or media although I don't think we should be completely shut out as we are living in times that may be on the brink of the tribulation period. We don't seek the books sold in the Christian bookstores as most of the books published today lack a lot of sound Biblical doctrine. The Bible tells us what God thinks and is saying.

We then must knock. That takes more effort. Continually asking is knocking as well as fasting. Just because we don't hear or get the answer the first time doesn't mean we give up. There are numerous passages in the scriptures that state otherwise. Here is just one found in Luke 18: 1-7.

And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?

The judge didn't fear God nor did he care anything about man but was so tired of her coming that he finally gave her what she asked. God is the same although, unlike the unjust judge, he does love us and cares for us so how much more will he answer if we ask.

We must beware lest we ask for things that are not his will. James 4:3 says, "Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts."

Later, Jesus said the following in verse 13. "If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?" While the Holy Ghost had not fallen yet, it was a promise that it would and that it would be given to all who ask. This has not changed and God will fill a holy vessel with the Holy Ghost today with the evidence of speaking in other tongues as they haven't ceased yet. See I Corinthians 13:8. "Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away." If tongues shall cease, so has knowledge. Tongues are not the only manifestation of the Holy Ghost but it is proof of one receiving the baptism. "And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." Acts 2:4

Lastly, we must pray for our nation. I'm afraid we will be in very serious trouble if we head the way things are looking. It's time for the church to fast and pray either that God would show his hand of mercy on us for a little longer, or that we may endure and stand for Christ to the end.

Keep Your Faith

"Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God." Hebrews 3:12

Can you be lost after once tasting the goodness of eternal life? You certainly can! The above scripture is enough to show anyone that, even though they have once prayed and asked Christ into their heart, they can be cast away because of unbelief. Notice it says "in departing from the living God." You can't depart from something you first aren't a part of. So what causes someone to be lost?

"But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin." Hebrews 3:13

The answer is in the verse above – sin! We are told to exhort, beseech, or entreat each other not to fall back into sin and to watch out for the traps that Satan may be trying to lay for us. We are in a battle and, even though our Lord Jesus Christ has paid the price, we are still warring against the devil and the flesh.

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:" 1 Peter 5:8

"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 5:17

From the above two verses we plainly see that we are fighting the devil and our flesh. Unfortunately most in the church do not realize that this is a warfare and not just something for us to "feel good" or "make us rich." Of course, in this free and easy, self-centered culture that we live in today that is not popular, but true. However, we do have a promise.

"For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;" Hebrews 3:14

We can continue fellowship with him if we hold our confidence and faith in him.

If we keep from falling into a sinful state of unbelief and our love wax cold. "And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold." Matthew 24:12

If we keep in fellowship with him, each other, and walk in the light we can continue in the faith. "But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." 1 John 1:7

If we bear fruit and abide in him we will not be cut off but our prayers can be answered. 2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. 3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you." John 15:2-4,16

It is essential that we keep fellowship with Christ by daily prayer and study. While Satan will do everything to take this from you, you must fight him and your flesh to maintain a life that is close to the Master. Yes, there are times when the heavens seem like brass and the earth as iron but if you and I continue to hold on to the truth and fight the good fight of faith, not only for ourselves but for others, we will be victorious in Him. Remember this one thing, that Christ can help you through any temptation if you let him as he is the faithful high priest.

"Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted." Hebrews 2:17-18

Opposites of the world and the Church:

The world says "live" but Christ says we are "dead".

Colossians 3: 1 ¶ If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

The world looks on gray hair as a bad thing and people spend lots of money to hide it. The Bible says that gray hair is a blessing if it is found with wisdom.

Proverbs 20:29 The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the gray head. 16:31 The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.

The world fosters self-exaltation but God looks for those of a contrite spirit.

Psalm 34:18 The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.

Psalm 51:17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.

Isaiah 57:15 For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.

The world teaches to be proud but Christ's teaches us to have a humble heart.

Matthew 5:5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

The world counsels to "look out for number One" but Christ says to "Love others as I have loved you." He went to the cross for us.

John 15: 12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. 13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

The world measures one's worth on their financial gains but Paul says that "The love of money is the root of all evil."

I Timothy 6:10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

James 2:5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?

The world says that our joys are gotten by prosperity, good times, partying, etc. while only Christ can give us the real joy.

1Peter 1: 7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: 8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:

Psalm 101 IV

“ He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight. I will early destroy all the wicked of the land; that I may cut off all wicked doers from the city of the LORD.” Psalm 101:7-8
I must finish my comments on Psalm 101 so I can move onto other matters. First, this is a wonderful psalm and is worth committing to memory as most scripture is. “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” Psalm 119:11 We should remember that when we read this, it is not just David that is saying this, but God.
“ He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house:”
We have the house of God on earth which is the church, but we will have his house in heaven. Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” John 14:1-2 While many dwell in the church working deceit now, it won’t happen in heaven. Deceit is defined as “a misleading falsehood” or “the quality of being fraudulent.” Another words, it is trying to appear as something that one is not. Is this happening in the church today? Well, it did in the early church and is much more prevalent now. “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.” II Corinthians 11:13-15 We must have our loins gird about in truth and keep on the breastplate of righteousness.
“he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight.”
A lie is simply something that is not true. That may have seemed like a very shallow statement to some but now days we have to define almost everything. “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.” John 8:44 Satan lied to Eve in that while he told part of the truth, he did not tell her all but distorted it. “And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.” Genesis 3:4-5 He lied in that they would not die for they did as well as all of mankind since then except for Elijah and Enoch who were taken up to heaven. Even Jesus had to die for the sins of mankind that started that day of deception by Satan in the garden of Eden, but he has risen! Thank God! There will be no liars in heaven. “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” Revelation 21:8
“I will early destroy all the wicked of the land; that I may cut off all wicked doers from the city of the LORD.”
Christ is coming back to judge the earth and will rule with a rod of iron. “And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.” Revelation 19:15 The deceiver of the brethren shall be cast out. “Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.” John 12:31 One day all shall bow before our Lord and Savior. “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 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.” Philippians 2:9-12

Psalm 101 –Part III

We continue comments on Psalm 101. First, here it is in its entirety.

1 ¶ A Psalm of David. I will sing of mercy and judgment: unto thee, O LORD, will I sing.

2 I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.

3 I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.

4 A froward heart shall depart from me: I will not know a wicked person.

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

6 Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me.

7 He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight.

8 I will early destroy all the wicked of the land; that I may cut off all wicked doers from the city of the LORD.

Now let's l 23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

24 He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.ook at verses 5-6.

5 Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer. 6 Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me.

"Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off:" The word "slander" means, "Words falsely spoken that damage the reputation of another" or "An abusive attack on a person's character or good name." This is familiar and the political arena but it should not be done with Christians. Our tongues are so hard to control, especially when we are upset with someone for any given reason. James 3:6 says, "And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell." We must not be of those that were written about in Psalm 12:3-4 "The LORD shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things: Who have said, With our tongue will we prevail; our lips are our own: who is lord over us?" Here we must continually examine ourselves.

"him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer" When we read scripture such as this, it is like a mirror and we should examine ourselves before examining others. God hates pride, in fact it is one of the seven things he hates as we see in Proverbs 6:16-17. "These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood," Satan fell because of pride. " How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit." Isaiah 11:12-15 It is too lengthy of a subject to continue in here but be certain that there is no place for earthly pride in the Kingdom of God.

"Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me."

We should have our eyes on those who we know are living godly lives and who can be a good influence to us and our children, not the Hollywood stars or the loose talkers and livers in the world. Our eyes should be on those who are faithful to God and his Word, not on them who are only asking for money and who say gain is Godliness. "If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. But godliness with contentment is great gain." I Timothy 6:3-6 While God can and will prosper his people, it is not an end to itself, but the end is to obey and love hime.

John 14:23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. 24 He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.

John 15:10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.

 

 

The Influence of the Wicked

"I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me. A froward heart shall depart from me: I will not know a wicked person." Psalm 101:3-4

Before I continue, let me say that the reasons I've not posted lately is due to several things, but chiefly because of my having to get another computer with Vista. My daughter needed one for college so I gave her my other one which I had just upgraded to 2 GB of RAM. I took the Vista machine so I could learn it as my job currently requires some technical knowledge to that effect. Needless to say, it has been a learning process and I have truly needed the Lord's patience. We should remember to call upon the Lord for everything, including when encountering technical problems. He's smarter than Microsoft and all the rest and he'll either give you the knowledge, provide someone to give you the knowledge, or help you. Remember the scripture in James 5:1-8. " If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways." Enough said about that. I am thinking of starting a technical blog with a Christian prospective but I'm only praying about it as currently I have enough trouble keeping up with this one.

Now to Psalm 101:3-4

"I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes:" David didn't have TV or the other modern snares we have today. Lucky fellow. But he did have things that were wicked. Those could have been pictures of laud women, idols, and other things that could cause a snare. We have them and more today. This scripture has been used commonly for preaching against television and while I don't have a television in my home, it goes much farther. Those who claim to have Christ need to keep their eyes clear of evil as much as possible. There's enough that will come your way without going after it. The Internet can also be a snare. It would be better for you to unplug it if you can't keep off the porn sites although if you are hooked on porn, just staying off the Net won't completely cure you. You need deliverance! The books that we read, the things we fix our eyes on, and all the rest are important to God. Jesus said in Luke 11:34, "The light of the body is the eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light; but when thine eye is evil, thy body also is full of darkness." While we can't always control what passes before us, we can control what we dwell on.

"I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me." Watching people act out murders, adultery, and all the other sins outlined in the Bible will cause us to pick up these sins. "Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners." 1 Cor. 15:33 The people we hang out with, the friends we pick, and the places we desire to go are all important. While Christ did eat with sinners and publicans, he did it to evangelize them but not to stay for a long period of time. The Apostle Paul said that we would have to keep some company with fornicators else we would have to go out of the world but we gravitate to whom and what is our best interests.

"A froward heart shall depart from me: I will not know a wicked person."

The word "forward" means "crooked" or "perverse." It relates to disobedience and opposition. It's like this: We are Christ's or we're not. You're either all his or none, he won't have half and half. Yes, at times we fight the flesh but it is our job, with his help, to keep the flesh under subjection. See 1 John 2:15-17. "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever." We have to live and work in this world but we must strive to be sanctified through him. "I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth." John 17:15-17 Those were some of the last words of Jesus said in prayer before he went to the garden of Gethsemane. Gethsemane

 

Psalm 101, Verses 1-2

1 A Psalm of David. I will sing of mercy and judgment: unto thee, O LORD, will I sing. 2 I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.

God is a God of mercy and judgment. Jesus rebuked the Pharisees in their over emphasis of tithes and gifts when he said, “But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.” Luke 11:42 Here he shows that God is a loving God showing mercy to those who seek it with a humble heart as well as to those who show mercy themselves as Jesus said in Matthew 5: 7, “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.” James also wrote the following in James 2:13, “For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.” But judgment is also the other side of God. Read what the Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Thessalonians 1:7-8, “And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,
In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ”.

David also said he would sing of mercy and judgment “unto thee, O LORD.” Christian songs need to be those that glorify God and tell of his grace. They should have a clear message and one should not have to guess who the artist is singing about or to. I’m afraid in much of the genres of “Christian” music today that’s not the case. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Colossians 3:16 The word “admonishing” or “admonish” means “to caution or reprove” or to warn. We sing songs to the Lord glorifying Him but we also sing to others, telling of his grace and his judgment that will come upon the earth.

2 I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.

Our behavior is important. How we behave reflects our testimony as a Christian. Many times we become flippant and sensual attitudes and actions are displayed before we realize and our testimony is jeopardized. Paul told the young evangelist Timothy, “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12 Men did not despise Timothy’s youth if he were an example of the things that Paul mentioned, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. David “behaved himself wisely” when he was among the soldiers of King Saul and therefore Saul could not find anything against him. Many times the church suffers reproach but that reproach is brought on by us and not always the Lord in that our actions are not in agreement to God’s Word. The Lord uses men to punish as we read in Psalm 17:13b, “deliver my soul from the wicked, which is thy sword:”

Then he asks the question, “O when wilt thou come unto me?” Do we desire God’s presence in our lives? Do we hunger after his word and spirit or is our desires really in another area or our life? I will tell you that you must continually stir yourself up by praying, fasting, and reading his Word or the devil will be sure to get you cooled off in Christ. It is a constant battle and we will never fully win until we are with him in heaven so get with it and press in! Remember what Christ told the thriving church in Ephesus: “I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” Revelation 2:2-5 I believe that I am correct in saying that the church of Ephesus, although then seemingly a powerhouse for God is no longer. I don’t know about you but this causes me concern. America has lost its first love for the gospel, the church in America has lost its first love for the gospel, and it frightens me to thing that many of us have to. We must go back and “do the first works over again!’

The third thing he says in verse two is that “I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.” The home seems to be the battleground in America. Almost every day we hear on the news about a killing taking place within a family. The number of families still in their first marriages now are less than 50% of the total households in America. How we act in the home will reflect on how we act in public. How we act with our own reflects on how we fare with God. I know the Jesus said “For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.
And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household.” Matthew 10:35-36 But here, he was talking about division because of some believing the gospel and some not. He was trying to tell his listeners that the ones who may try to stop them from serving Christ the most would be those of their own family. But if our actions are base and we treat our family with hatred, that’s a different story. “Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.” Proverbs 14:1 This can apply to men as well. How we act in our homes tells what kind of faith we really have.

Because I try to make these blogs somewhat short, I’ll stop here and will go on next time to verse three.

Harry Potter???

“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.” Ephesians 5:11

At midnight, Saturday July 21, 2007 the final Harry Potter book was released. People stood in line for hours just to be there when the 12th hour struck so they could get their copy. I hope you weren’t in the line! This book, nor any of the Harry Potter series that have been so widely read and used have no place in the Church of Jesus Christ. We have no fellowship with darkness. One reviewer wrote the following, “Overall, this book was the darkest in series, which makes sense because it's time for the final showdown.” While this is thankfully the last of this series, one wonders what will come next. Titles such as Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – the latest book, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire should be enough to indicate what’s inside.

If you are a disciple of Christ you should not even consider reading such things. Sound old fashioned? Perhaps, but remember this, we make our entrance into heaven not on new ideas and how our world changes but by obeying the Bible, God’s Word. I realize that this is a little scathing but this should be very obvious to a true Bible believing Christian. I wasn’t going to mention this on the blog but God dealt with me to do so as I know the climate of the “church.” I have encountered those who claim to be “Christian” but read this trash! We, has Christians, have NOTHING to do with witchcraft, sorcery, or anything else that is pushed by the devil. This is not the time of reason but a time to obey God’s Word and proclaim his promises for all those who will serve him.

In Psalm 101, David writes the following: “I will sing of mercy and judgment: unto thee, O LORD, will I sing.” There are two sides to God, one of mercy, and one of judgment. Which side will you be on?

“But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” Rev. 21”8 (underline mine)

The apostle Paul writes the following in Galatians: “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” Galatians 19-21 That’s a bad lot and sounds like a pretty unpleasant bunch to be around. So how would you like to be around this group?

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23 Doesn’t the second group sound better? Then why do some constantly want to read material that flaunts the first when they can have the second? The answer is one of two reasons. They have never really become Christ’s, or they have given back over to the flesh and have lost out with him.

Friend, if you in either of these groups, come to Christ. Give your life to him and he’ll give you that peace that passes all understanding.

America! America!

Oh beautiful, for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain!
America! America! God shed His grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood, from sea to shining sea.

Oh beautiful, for pilgrims' feet
Whose stern, impassioned stress
A thoroughfare for freedom beat
Across the wilderness!
America! America! God mend thine ev'ry flaw;
Confirm thy soul in self control, thy liberty in law!

Oh beautiful, for heroes proved
In liberating strife,
Who more than self their country loved
And mercy more than life!
America! America! May God thy gold refine,
'Til all success be nobleness, and ev'ry gain divine!

Oh beautiful, for patriot dream
That sees beyond the years,
Thine alabaster cities gleam
Undimmed by human tears!
America! America! God shed His grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood, from sea to shining sea!
Samuel Ward: From wikipedia.com

I love our country. I was born here, grew up here, and will probably die or ascend into heaven (the rapture) from here. My memory stretches back about fifty years to this date and I can’t help seeing what has become of our nation. What was only a whisper and kept in closets for shame is now openly supported and taunted nation wide. But it is not my intent here to show forth our nation’s sins but to exhort those who believe in the power of prayer and who will do so to pray for our nation, not only today on this Independence Day, but on a daily basis.

Pray for our leaders:
I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” 1 Timothy 1-4

We should pray for them for the obvious reason stated, “that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.” This means we should pray for them so we can have peace in our streets; peace in our homes; the privilege of free speech, the right to preach and teach the whole Word of God without government harassment or their “framing mischief by a law” “Shall the throne of iniquity have fellowship with thee, which frameth mischief by a law?” Psalm 94:20

A ruler’s heart can be changed and turned as mentioned in Proverbs 21:1: “ The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.” The “rivers of water” mentioned here are small channels of water as used in irrigation which can sometimes be changed with just the moving of dirt with the foot.

Seek the peace of the city:
Jeremiah wrote to those who were in captivity in Babylon the following: “Build ye houses, and dwell in them; and plant gardens, and eat the fruit of them; Take ye wives, and beget sons and daughters; and take wives for your sons, and give your daughters to husbands, that they may bear sons and daughters; that ye may be increased there, and not diminished And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the LORD for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace. ” Jeremiah 29: 5-6 This is like the first admonition but it is here up to us to try to seek the peace of the city and live peaceable lives. Sometimes, doing the work of God is anything but peaceful in that we fight Satan and his followers but in general terms, we are to live peaceably and treat others as we want them to treat us. “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:” Hebrews 12:14

Do our best to obey the laws of the land:
We are exhorted to obey the laws that we are under. I feel that this should be done as long as Biblical teachings teach otherwise, but this is rare. An example would be if there was a law forbidding Bible reading, then we would have to stand for Christ and read our Bibles or find another solution. This is my opinion and this also comes with conviction but let me make it very clear that many use the Bible as an excuse to disobey the law when in fact it is not so.

“ Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.” Romans 13:1-4

By reading the above scripture, it should be very clear why we need to pray for our rules. We should pray for the elections that will be coming up in 2008. It is important who will be ruling us. I’m not on a political soap box because right now I don’t know who I’d vote for….it’s more who I wouldn’t. But we, as a church, as a nation, need to pray. We get who we ask for according as to who God ordains. God is the judge but he makes judgment in light of what we are as a nation.

“For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another. For in the hand of the LORD there is a cup, and the wine is red; it is full of mixture; and he poureth out of the same: but the dregs thereof, all the wicked of the earth shall wring them out, and drink them.” Psalm 75:6-8

One more scripture that many are very familiar with……and it is true!

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14

Homosexuality

Let’s get right to the point.

Is homosexuality a sin according to God’s word? Yes. (By using the word “homosexual” we are talking about “gays” and “lesbians.”)

Does that mean that we hate the homosexual? Absolutely not! Even though we live in a day that we are accused of being hate mongers by anyone who may not like our viewpoint, we do NOT HATE THEM NOR SHOULD WE, in fact, our heart should go out to them. But again, let’s be VERY clear on this. WE DO NOT HATE HOMOSEXUALS!!!

Let me also say that I know some who hold this lifestyle who I think very highly of in other areas. Most are not the militant type that you would see on TV but are polite, peace loving people. But if God’s word does not OK this lifestyle, are we, as a church, justified by condoning this practice? Is it fair to them? No. Will some be offended? Yes, they will but just because someone is offended doesn’t make the truth of God’s word wrong. There is a law snaking its way through congress that poses strict panatelas against hate crimes. While this may seem good on the surface, it only paves the way to stop the church from preaching the unadulterated Word of God which should be the right of the church. It is not the mission of the church to always make people happy but to get them to heaven.

Let look at the scripture.

Romans 1: 27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
31 Without understanding, covenant breakers, 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.

A simple reading of the above text can show that God is not in favor and will judge this type of behavior. Also, it does not support the fact that one is naturally born a homosexual. GOD IS SMARTER THAN SCIENCE!

1 Corinthians 6:9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,

That seems clear to me.

1 Timothy 1: 9 Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,
10 For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;

The word “whoremongers” is taken from the Greek word “por’nos” meaning a prostitute bus specifically a “male” prostitute. It is derived from the Greek word “pop-ras”-ko” meaning “to sell.” This same “whoremonger” is used in Revelation 21:8 which says, “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.”

This was also forbidden in the Old Testament as we read in the following scriptures.

Deuteronomy 23:17 There shall be no whore of the daughters of Israel, nor a sodomite of the sons of Israel.

1 Kings 14:24 And there were also sodomites in the land: and they did according to all the abominations of the nations which the LORD cast out before the children of Israel.

This does not take in account the judgment of Sodom for this sin as well. See Genesis chapter 19.

This is very clear in the Word of God and leaves little to argue with when rightly dividing the word of truth. While it may be argued that empowers in Rome and some Greek philosophers favored and even practiced this, it doesn’t validate in light of the Word of God. While we are not the final judge, we do have the obligation of bringing out the truth of God’s Word. Acts 20:27 “For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.” We must do it in love and not in malice, reaching for their souls so they may have deliverance and eternal life.

Jude 21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
22 And of some have compassion, making a difference:
23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.

Note Jude says “hating the garments” and not them.

The Oneness Crowd

I get emails from folks that of what is commonly referred to as the “Oneness Movement.” ( I had mentioned to one that I was waiting a couple of weeks to respond but I’ve decided that I’d get this out of the way before I left.) Those in this movement believe that Christ is all in one, another words there is not a trinity but Christ is God and the Holy Ghost. They site scriptures out of context to support their claim and if you follow their arguments, the result is only confusion. I have debated with them on occasion, personally and via email but I will tell you that it is a waste of time. They are like lions waiting to pounce on your every word and twist it to their liking and they also are good at not answering a question with a direct answer but giving some other unrelated answer. If you debate with them long, you will be led down a meandering road of confusion which is what they really want, as the devil is the author of it. I’m not writing this just for my own behalf but for those of you who may come in contact with these people.

The Oneness doctrine was contrived in a campmeeting back in the 1900’s by a man who supposedly prayed all night and received this revelation. Later, they realized it was in error but by that time it had already grown out of control and could not be stopped as error always multiplies. They will say Paul was a Oneness or whatever term they want to use but that’s not so.


1. I do not hate those who are a part of this doctrine. I have run into many good people who are sympathetic to this and have enjoyed some short times of fellowship. But I have also run into those who are nothing but contentious and are on a crusade to promote this.
2. Debating them is useless for two reasons. They will not change as this is a spirit of error and only deliverance can change them. I have seen some come out of this oneness movement and realize the error they were made to believe. But when a man or woman has been in this movement for many years, it is very difficulty to get them out. The second reason is that I certainly am not going to change my view of the Trinity after being saved for over thirty-one years.
3. Their emails are long, so long that it is laborious to even read through them. They take you down winding roads turning in one path than to another. If one takes the time to respond such a long article, they will pounce on your words and even your terminology. It just takes too long to mess with them. I work a job, pastor a church, and have a wife, children who are married and grandchildren. I just don’t feel I want to waste my time fooling with them. Don’t you either.
4. Their spirit is a very hard spirit to deal with….probably one of the hardest because it is so close to the real thing. Remember though, Satan can appear as an angel of light.
5. Finally, I will always email or even talk with anyone who has questions or some disputes on sanctification or other points I raise. I don’t mind that as I feel I can help. You are always welcome to write, but to those of this doctrine, don’t bother. I just won’t spend the time with you as I feel there are others who are really sincere about the Word of God and need my attention. I will not answer your emails and if you try to post, I’ll take it off. I have learned that the biggest thing the Oneness people want is a good argument and row. You’re not getting it here! It’s finished!! No more!! Take your heresy somewhere else because I don’t buy into it and it won’t have a spot here in this blog.

To the rest ----- May God help you and keep you.

What's Up

I’ve tried to enter a blog, if not weekly, on a bi-weekly basis. Many times I’ve had the Lord prompt me as to what to say. However, sometimes, I’ve had the urge, when not getting any special leading, just to make comments. I’ve finally fallen to that urge.

We are fighting a war – a spiritual one. I don’t want to make it sound like many are not aware of it but I really don’t think we, as a whole, really understand how important it is. There is a war in the heavens and on earth that will one culminate in Christ’s return and his setting up of his 1,000 years reign on earth. These things are spelled out in prophesy. Before this happens however, the Antichrist will arise and deceive many and will one day dominate the entire world for, it is believed, three and a half years. Antichrist forces and spirits have been loose since the begging of time but are now ramping up as they prepare for the final showdown against God and Satan. All of this is clearly outlined in scripture, however there is disagreement among Bible scholars as to when Christ will return for his church, or as we know as the “rapture.” There will come, what Bible scholars believe as the seven year tribulation period with the last three and a half years being ruled by the antichrist and false prophet. It is not completely certain as to when the “rapture” will take place: before the tribulation, in the middle, or after. I personally feel it may occur before however I refuse to be dogmatic about this because prophesy is so tangled and I am convinced that most of us do not have the complete picture of things.

For example, let’s look at what was happening during the time our Lord walked on the face of the earth. The disciples believed, as told by many scholars and even indicated in scripture, that when the Lord arose, the kingdom of God would appear. They felt like they were going to be in a place of prominence in it. That’s why they asked him in Acts 1:6 what they did. “When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?” This was right before the his ascension into heaven. He put them to rest on this by saying the following. “And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” This has been two thousand years ago and we are looking for his appearing.

If all of this sounds strange and foreign to you than you are not familiar with basic prophesy and I urge you to study the scriptures. There are numerous places in the Bible that you can study but I would suggest you start with the book of Daniel and Revelation. You will not understand everything in there, in fact much of it may leave you wondering upon the first reading but as you continue to study, you will begin to find the truths of God’s word.

But you and I can do nothing without Christ in our hearts. If he doesn’t live in yours, please invite him in. He’s a perfect gentleman though…..He won’t come in unless you ask him.

Lack of Knowledge

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge:” Hosea 4:6

That verse has been used many ways. I’ve heard some preach it in regards to those lacking prosperity. They would say that because the poorer lack the necessary knowledge to succeed, they don’t. That’s partially true. I’ve heard others say that the knowledge that people lack is knowledge of the gospel and Christ’s saving power. That is even more true. Many people, even in this United States, are not aware that Christ can save them and make them a new creature in him. They may have experienced some religion, but not that saving, changing religion that only Jesus Christ can give. But to get the true meaning of this verse, we must read a little further.

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.

Israel’s problem was that they lacked knowledge, like many in the world, and even in the church. But the reason was that they had rejected the knowledge that was once available to them. When you read the rest of the verse, God is telling them that they forgot the law so he would forget their children. After this, the northern kingdom of Israel went into captivity about one hundred years before the southern kingdom of Judah. They stayed in that condition for centuries and now the entire nation is still struggling. We know that God is not finished with Israel but rejecting knowledge has a great price.

We, in America, have been given much knowledge of the scriptures. We have available to us an inexhaustible supply of materials that can help provide the knowledge of God’s Word. The Old Testament law had several parts; governmental, ceremonial, moral, cleanliness, and holiness. While the law was a schoolmaster to bring us to Christ, it was also provided in order to make the Jews a separate people who could live in harmony with God and be effective for him on the earth. The moral aspects of the law re still with us and are translated into the New Testament. The church has this knowledge available to keep it a separate body, but is rejecting it. We are seeing the church so close to the world today that it is very difficult to tell which is which. Preaching against sin is becoming less and less and the knowledge of the Word of God is being rejected in place for modern teachers who can make us feel good. Paul was right when he wrote about the perils of the last days.

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 2 Timothy 4:3-4

The flesh likes what makes it feel good. We all like someone to pat us on the head and tell us we are doing good. What we don’t like is someone telling us we are doing something wrong. This is why Paul continues to admonish Timothy in the following verse. “But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.” Timothy would endure afflictions for preaching the gospel just like today. But we must trust in his Word and do our best, with God’s help, to obey it. Living the Christian life is not just a Sunday thing. No where in the Word of God do I find that, but living for him is a 24x7 thing. If we want to be able to call on him anytime 24x7, we should expect we are going to have to be his 24x7.

The Mothers in the Church

“Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.” Proverbs 31:30

This is the time we honor our mothers which is right. It’s a wonderful time when the family, the oldest institution, is exalted and the mother being the keeper of it. A godly mother is priceless. She teaches her children the things of God and how to interact in this sinful world using God’s principles and commandments in his word. Here’s what the Apostle Paul wrote Titus about the mothers and their conduct.

We are living in a horrible time when we are hearing more and more where mothers are killing their own offspring. Truly this is the type of thing the Apostle Paul was referring to when he wrote Timothy saying that people in the last days would be “without natural affection.” It can only be a demo possessed woman who can go the lengths to kill her own children.

What is the older women’s responsibility to the younger who are just starting a family. The answer is in Titus 2:4, “That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children”. It seems a little strange that someone would have to be “taught” to love their children and husbands, but if it were so in those days, how much more in this evil time where sin will look for you instead of you having to look for sin. But a mother’s job is a never finished. Many times they come home from work each day only to have to do another days work at home. And while us men can do some things, lets be honest, the ladies are the “keepers of home” and those who “guide the house.” 1 Timothy 5:14

You mothers who are reading this are extremely important! The values you set for them and the character you build will be with them throughout their lives and eternity. Be strong! Raise your children to fear God and keep his Word. Teach them to hide the word in their heart that they might not sin against God. “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” Psalm 119:11 May the Lord help the mothers in our land who fear God raise a generation of God-fearing youths who will be able to fight the battles on their knees so we may not have to fight as much on the battlefield. God help our mothers!