Pray Church, Pray!

"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

 

Those in the church must pray! We must pray as we've not prayed before. It is no longer time for a short prayer when you get up and a "Now I lay me down to sleep" prayer when you go to bed. That' won't make it…it just isn't enough. It's not enough for you or I to lead a fruit bearing Christian life much less to change the world around us. I know we are living in the last days and that Christ's return could be any time. I also know that our country will no doubt face judgment. But when one knows that a storm could be heading his way, does he just fold his arms and say, "whatever will be will be."

 

Pray for our President. That's a commandment. Pray for our leaders, and pray for the elections that are coming upon us. We will decide if we will live under socialism and a Marxist society or one that is free. Why should we pray, "that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty." So we can worship without harassment: So we can send our children to the school of our choice: So we can have the freedom to chose whatever career is best for us: So we can continue to travel safely from one place to another, and the list goes on and on.

 

Not only is it enough to pray for the elections coming up, but we must have revival. Revival will not come in the ballot box but it starts in the heart. What is real revival? Real revival is when men forsake their sins and realize that this world is not their home. It is when they truly understand that all things here are only temporary and that eternal things are more important. It's when they understand that being true to Christ is more important than anything. "So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple." Luke 14:33 Our young men and women go off to a distant country to fight for America and sometimes never return. They are heroes! Yet, it is hard for many to frequent the house of God much less to take up the cross.

 

The church must pray. It is our only hope! God alone has the power to change lives and to move on our nation! "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 PRAY CHURCH PRAY!

Pray

"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

Are you praying for America? If you're a Christian, you should be. You should be praying for her daily. Our country is heading for judgment and I've said that before and still believe it, however God is still prompting many to pray for America and if God is doing the prompting then we must do it. If you hear of a severe storm or hurricane coming your way do you just throw up your hands and say, "Well, let's just sit here and let it run its course. If we live, we live, and if we die, we die." No! If you are a praying Christian you pray that the storm may be diverted or dissolved and you also make preparations for its arrival if it becomes more apparent of is landing.

I know that, in order to fit in the prophetic picture, our country will not be a major player so must be brought down, but that doesn't mean that God can't help us in the process. The above scripture comes from a time in Israel when they had rejected God as reigning over them and wanted a king. They wanted a king like all the other nations because they could no longer trust God, and the judge that he would raise up, to protect them. We could say that it was for security reasons. Samuel the prophet showed them their sin by bringing rain in the time of wheat harvest but even after that, he spoke the above scripture. He would not sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for them. So, those of us who claim to be Christians should not sin in ceasing to pray for America even though we know she is in trouble. There are several things to consider and here are just a few.

Judgment may be held back some: This is always a possibility in that the time frame can be held back although we do not have God's clock. We are looking for Christ's return and as far as I'm concerned, the sooner the better but we don't have any time frame except the coming of the seven year tribulation period.

God may help ease the judgment somewhat: If you have never read the horrible judgment that was placed on Judah in the time of the Babylonian conquest, just read the book of Lamentations. Mothers became so famished that they even ate their own children! Anything that can ease the judgment would be of great help.

God could help the true believers in the time of judgment Even though there may be judgment, God can help his people through it if we pray. He can supply each need and give joy even in the midst of turmoil. Read Psalm 91 and I challenge you to memorize it as it can become a great comfort.

God can help the true believers reach the lost: In this day of prosperity and pride, most don't want to hear the true word of Christ – discipleship, the cross, holy living, spiritual warfare, and not being polluted by the worldly system. They're more interested in the amenities that the church can offer and what will please and pamper the flesh. But in the time of judgment and hard times, many will realize there is more to the Christian religion than a cup of coffee at church, a supper, a ball game, or constant entertainment and songs that make one feel good. They may seek out those true believers who really know and study the Word of God and do their best to live it. They may seek those who are filled with the Holy Ghost and know how to pray in the spirit for deliverance. Will you be one of those?

Are They Brethren?

“And said, I pray you, brethren, do not so wickedly.” Genesis 19:7
The above verse is from a very familiar story in the Bible, the story of Sodom and Gomorrah. You can read it in Genesis chapter 19 and if you haven’t done so, you’ll find it a very interesting read. Lot was Abraham’s nephew and they once traveled together but parted ways when there was contention between Abraham’s herdsman and Lot’s. The result was Abraham (or Abram than) choosing to dwell in the land of Canaan and Lot choosing to dwell in the plains of Jordan, (Genesis 13:5-12. But in Genesis 13:13 Moses writes the following: “But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly.” We learn later of their sin when two men, who were angels, came to Lot after Abraham intercedes for the city in chapter 18. This brings us to the verse first mentioned above. Them men gather around the door and say the following: “Where are the men which came in to thee this night? bring them out unto us, that we may know them.” Genesis 19:5b Now the word “know” can be defined as having knowledge or knowing someone carnally, and there are more meanings so one could argue that they were only wanting to get to know them in the form of greeting or handshake. But when we continue the story and see Lot’s resistance, other things are definitely in mind and not just a handshake. Lot refuses to let the two men come out and even offers his two virgin daughters in their place. This did not satisfy the men and they tried to break the door down to get Lot and the two men. They were smitten with blindness by the two men or angels so the attack was stayed. These men saw some new flesh and lusted after them to commit fornication or homosexual acts. The disturbing thing is that Lot calls them “brethren.” Lot had gotten so deep in the city that, even though he didn’t commit such acts himself, he became sympatric and felt in league with those who did.
This is where we are going as a nation and much of the church is going down this road too. We need to tell the homosexual, whether they are gay or lesbian, that it is sin but with love so they may be delivered and their souls saved from eternal damnation. The following passage sets this pretty clear.
See Romans 1:21-32
“21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:
32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
I don’t see how this can be any clearer. While we do not hate the homosexual, we must tell them that they will surely be lost unless they are delivered. It is our duty as a church. Revelation 21:8 says the following: “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.” The word “whoremongers” can have several meanings but Strongs provides three which are the following: 1) a man who prostitutes his body to another’s lust for hire 2) a male prostitute 3) a man who indulges in unlawful sexual intercourse, a fornicator. In the Old Testament, the following appears: Deuteronomy 23:17-18 “There shall be no whore of the daughters of Israel, nor a sodomite of the sons of Israel. 18 Thou shalt not bring the hire of a whore, or the price of a dog, into the house of the LORD thy God for any vow: for even both these are abomination unto the LORD thy God.” That was God’s attitude towards those who lusted for their own sex then and it is still his now as we read in Revelation 21:8, and Romans 1:24-32.
Here are more scriptures to prove the God does not approve this conduct today.
“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,” t1 Corinthians 6:9
“Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.” Jude 1:7
There are more but this is enough. God is a God of mercy and love and yet he is also a God of judgment. Excusing conduct of someone just because he/she is a loved one is also unfair to them as they will never repent if favor for their actions are shown. But there is good news. There can be deliverance. After all of this Paul says the following: “And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.” 1 Corinthians 6:11 This includes the homosexual, he/she can be delivered from homosexuality and set free from sin and have eternal life in heaven by God’s power. May God work his power!

Fathers

" 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

 

This is a promise for revival if a country backslides into corruption and turns away from God. If God's people will humble themselves and pray, seek his face and turn from the evil, he will forgive their sins and heal the land. In short, he will bring revival. The church is not doing this. Much of what is going on in America in the way of "church" is nothing but a joke. There is no conviction of sin, no separation, no consecration, and no repentance. If a convert is won, there is no real change as they are simply told to be baptized and then they are in. They fail to grow, than fail to bring forth fruit, wither and die. "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." John 15:2 They go on in their same bondages, sins and lusts and there is no change because, while they may have really had some experience with God, they were never encouraged to grow in grace. They never again felt the Holy Ghost and the soon were won back by the world, and then they are lost.

 

Where are the men who will take time for Christ? Where are those who will spend time with him in fasting and prayer? Where are those who will preach the word of god with unction and the authority of the Holy Ghost? There are some, but few in this adulterous land that is waiting for God's judgment. Men today are the subject of ridicule in commercials, the media, and in all around society. As a whole, the man has left his spiritual place in the family and woman and filled their place. The woman's liberation movement would not have been as profound if men would have been in their rightful place in the family as the spiritual head. But now woman have come to the front and many are now rocking the cradle alone. This is not God's will but is what we have reaped. This is a land that is ripe for judgment. Read Isaiah 3 but especially verse 12. "As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, they which lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths." Men are to love their wives and to treat them as the weaker vessel. Gone are the days when the fathers put their family before them. Gone are the days when the man was expected to be, not only the head of the home but also the lead provider. Gone are the days when men make it a priority to teach their children and wife the scripture. Yet, there are still a few good men. May I be one of them and may you stive to be so also.

Follow Peace and Holiness

 

"Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:" Hebrews 12:14

 

Everyone wants peace. Americans spend millions of dollars to get it, but it really never comes Christians don't have peace, but they should. Why, because there is no holiness. Isaiah had the answer when he said, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:" Isaiah 26:3-4 While it is impossible for us to totally have our minds on Christ and his Word all the time, he can be in the back of our minds which can provide peace. But the mind can't be stayed on him when it's involved in everything that is displeasing to him and when it is constantly thinking of thoughts of wrath, strife, sedition, sensuality, coveting, envy, and anything else contrary to God's Word. With all of this going on in the mind, Christ is crowded out and there is no more room for him. He will eventually leave you!

 

We should have peace with all men as much as lies within us is which is coupled with holiness. Holiness means sanctification which basically means "set apart." The church should be set apart from the world. It should not look like the world, act like the world, or even feel like the world. However, the modern church has tried so hard to be like the world that there is no difference. There is no holiness and there is no peace. God means what he says, without it, we can't see the Lord and make heaven. This means separation from fornication and all things that may cause it, including dressing immodestly to show much of the body. Do you know that to reveal the thigh is considered a shame to God! Isaiah 47:1-3 says the following: "Come down, and sit in the dust, O virgin daughter of Babylon, sit on the ground: there is no throne, O daughter of the Chaldeans: for thou shalt no more be called tender and delicate. Take the millstones, and grind meal: uncover thy locks, make bare the leg, uncover the thigh, pass over the rivers. Thy nakedness shall be uncovered, yea, thy shame shall be seen: I will take vengeance, and I will not meet thee as a man." Yes, I know he was talking about Babylon but he was comparing Babylon to a whorish woman who had uncovered the thigh. Has God changed?????????

 

We have taken many things so common place in our wicked society that we no longer think about them. That is due to the backslidden church in America who will not cry out against them nor speak of separation, faith, the power of God, and the certain judgment of America and of the world as well as the promises to the overcomer in Christ. Christ is coming soon. Let us be ready!

1

The Light

"But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God." John 3:21

If you wonder why so many refuse to come to the knowledge of the truth and truly trust Christ as Savior and follow him, the above scripture is the answer. Jesus is the light of the world and in turn his followers are commanded to be lights in this dark world.

 

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. John 1:1-4

 

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Mat 5:14-16

 

Much of the known church has lost its light today, no more having the true authority of the Holy Ghost to teach or preach the gospel. They are like the Pharisees. This is the difference between who are His and who are not. "And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. Matthew 7:28-29 So as today, the church is doing everything to keep its people what having the true anointing of the Holy Ghost. It has lost its authority even in our American culture. No more does it have a large voice in the political arena as it did. No more does it have the ability to keep the wave of wickedness and darkness that is rolling across our country. No more can it stop the epidemic of family breakups and crumbling of the home. No more can it stop the "abusers of themselves with mankind" or homosexuals from gaining control. No more can it stop the certain judgment that is to befall America.

 

Yes, we have big churches. Yes, we have large congregations. Yes, we have well-delivered sermons. So did the Pharisees. Yes, there are church bodies doing good. Yes, there are people that know the scripture. So did the Pharisees. But the true hunger for God is not there…to dwell in his presence…abide in the vine….to partake of his word and let it become a pare. Jesus said to those who believed on him, "….Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day." John 6:53-54 The Jews tried to take this literally but they should have known what he meant, not in a literal sense but that his teachings should dwell in them and be a part of them. To simply partake of the Lord's Supper each Sunday morning is not what he intended although this can be commendable at times so long as it is taken with reverence. (See 1 Corinthians 11 verse 17 and on for more information). In order to be a part of him, we must truly be his children and have his anointing abiding in us. It must be in us and stay. His desires must be our desires and his wishes ours. That's not always easy, I agree but we must strive to be in his presence and let his Word abide in us. If we do, we will have that authority we need. The results may not always bring in the thousands in this evil time, but you will surely have the peace to know that you're name is written down in heaven and that you will be rewarded for your works. "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord." 1 Corinthians 15:58

Commit Your Spirit Unto God

"Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O LORD God of truth." Psalm 31:5

 

What a wonderful thing it is to be able to commit your spirit unto the Lord. You are made of three elements; the body, soul, and spirit. The body is your flesh, the soul is the seat of your appetites, while your spirit is your intellect but can also be linked some to your desires. It is sometimes difficult to differentiate between the soul and the spirit. To commit your spirit unto the Lord you must know what he is saying and the only way you can do that is through reading and understanding his Word. You'll never understand it all and the treasures in it are so many that you can read a chapter over and over again and still gain something out of it. Too many today claim Christ but know little about his Word nor do they spend time in it. It is the most important piece of literature you can read, even more important than that newspaper or textbook. Yes, there are other things important as well, but not like the Bible that doesn't change and is your roadmap to eternal life. These other things are temporal and must be attended to but they are second place compared to the Bible.

 

You also must be willing to spend time with him in prayer. The church as a whole really don't know what prayer is anymore. True soul travailing prayer is hardly ever heard and spiritual warfare is not even mentioned. In order to tear down the strong holds of Satan, one must be able to pray in the spirit and be yielded to Christ else not much will happen. We are losing great battles in our nation because people are no longer doing this. Need I point out some? I five minute prayer in the morning doesn't cut it friends. You may think it does but it only makes you feel a little religious. A little short devotional in the morning won't do it. Oh it will sooth the conscience but that's all, nothing more. Many who think God is answering their prayers are really only having things fall as they would and they are duped into thinking that he is honoring them. I challenge you to study some of the lives of those who have gone on before us and sparked great revivals, even going back fifty or sixty years to those in your denomination if you have one that is centered around God's Word.

 

I know I'm sounding a little tart here but I must tell the truth. Let me also say that I am more and more aware of my shortcomings and that I must continue to strive as well. I realize that I've let God have second place at times when he needed and demands first. I also know that if we must do everything in love or it will avail nothing. I must continue to examine myself as I know that Satan walks about as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. Our nation is in trouble. The church is in trouble and much of it will fall into the one world church of the false prophet written about in Revelation but God will always have a remnant. Are you a part of his remnant? I hope so. We must "Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are." (Luke 13:23-24) Let's strive together so we'll be ready when the Master comes!

Self Righteousness

"Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?" Proverbs 20:6

Finding someone who is faithful is hard to find. In the days of "doing our own thing" and no absolutes faithfulness to almost anything but self indulgence is thrown out the window. Faithfulness is no longer a big part in the work ethic, in family, and especially to God. And while we, as Christians, must be aware that we are required to be faithful to God and his Word, we must continue to examine ourselves to that extent. Are we really being faithful?

There is a real temptation to become as the Pharisee in Luke 18:9-14 who, no doubt was a pretty good fellow but yet despised that poor publican who was standing by him.

And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. Luke 18:9-14

First the Pharisee listed all the things he wasn't than all the things he did. But we must understand that, like the Pharisee, we can easily become hardened to sin and God's Holy Spirit wooing. First of all, understand this: without Christ, we are evil. Yes, we may seem like pretty good folk but in God's eyes that is not the case. Remember that we have all sinned and come short of the glory of God and that there is none righteous, no not one. See Romans 3:10, 23. Only through bowing to Christ as Lord can we become what he wants us to be, and it doesn't just stop at conversion but continues on until death or the rapture. Proverbs 20:9 says, "Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?" God knows our motives from the very beginning as pointed out in the eleventh verse. "Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right." God knows why we do the things we do and he can reveal it to us if we want to listen. He can do it through his Word, the preaching, the Holy Ghost, through a friend, or just a still small voice. "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" Jeremiah 17:9 Much more can be written about motives and you are invited to read 1 Corinthians 3:11-15 for more information.

But we live in a time when everyone blames on their shortcomings on someone else. "I got it from my dad." "She rubbed off on me." I could go on and on but the end is that we are responsible for our own actions and god holds us so. Know another thing: God searches the hearts. Read what King David told his son Solomon when he was about to take the throne. "And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever." 1 Chronicles 28:9 See what he told the church in Thyatira about a prophetess named Jezebel. "And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works." Revelation 2:23

The third point is that we must measure up to God's standard. It's one thing for us to proclaim our on goodness but it avails nothing if we are not right before God. Our hearts can easily become hardened without our recognizing it. "Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. 13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin." Hebrews 3:12 We must humble ourselves before God and sometimes even in fasting and let him examine us.

Where Have All The Families Gone?

Where Have All The Families Gone?

Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. Genesis 2:24

The family is the oldest establishment ordained by God. It was established before any nation or government system, even before man had sinned and fallen from God's perfect fellowship. While it has continued several thousand years, the institution which is the glue that holds a civilization and country together is crumbling in America and has been under attack for several years. Recently we were all shocked by learning that 11 third grade students had plotted to kill their teacher. They were so organized that each had an assignment, even one to clean the floor after the ordeal. It's not certain what types of homes these children are from so we can't pass judgment on specifics, but when we hear of appalling incidents such as this occurring in our schools and homes, we have to wonder what's happening to our families and nation. According to the U. S. Census Bureau in 2000 the American family which consists of two parents and one or more children under 18 represented only 23.5% of all American households, down from 45% in 1960. Families maintained by women with no husband present increased by 21% while married-couple families only increased by 7%. Also, it is a well-known fact that at least half of the marriages are ending in divorce. Of course we must take into consideration that Americans are living longer therefore there are more homes with one person, but that doesn't account for all. What's happening?

First, immorality in our nation is a serious problem. For example 41% of American women ages 15-44 have cohabited or lived with an unmarried different-sex partner at some point. According to the U. S. Census Bureau the number of unmarried couples living together increased 72% between 1990 and 2000. Holy matrimony is less regarded and sex outside of marriage unfortunately is basically the norm. Secondly, the persistent love for money, pleasure, and things are also killing us as a nation. With both man and wife pursuing full time careers and the children being steeped in all kinds of activities, there is rarely a time when they all can sit down to a meal together, so much of the time even "normal" families just cohabitate. Thirdly, Hollywood has little regard for the family and what scraps are thrown our way is only to satisfy and keep some of the audience. The divisiveness of pornography and dating services on the Internet have done their part to divide and put asunder many homes. The fourth and most important is the liberalizing of the church to fit into this current society. This is the main factor and reason for our country's downhill slide. Because of compromise, the power of God is lost. The Bible is not preached as the authoritative Word of God and there is less and less regard for it as a rule for everyday living. It has been replaced by a type of Christian humanism which is humanism with a "Christian" slant.

What is the solution? The male should be the spiritual leader in the home. This is ordained by God and the man should love his wife and children like Christ loved the church, which is a sacrificial love. If he isn't the spiritual leader, it's left to the woman but this is not God's real plan. Much has been placed on our ladies today that God did not intend. Finally, both husband and wife have the responsibility to teach the children right from wrong and the principles of Scripture. This is God's simple plan and one that works when applied, This is the reason Satan is fighting it so hard. He knows that strong families make strong churches, and strong churches can make a strong nation.

We must recognize that there are many single parents that have become that way not always by choice. They need encouragement and moral support. Our seniors have a great deal of wisdom and can be an example to the younger and teach the young women to love their husbands as scripture calls for. But Jesus Christ must be the head of all no matter what type of household, and without him we will not stand in this life or in the judgment. No matter if you are alone or have a large family, please surrender your heart to Jesus Christ and ask him to become your savior. If you have not been on speaking terms with him, re-open the relationship before it's too late. He's waiting for you.

Supper with the 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

This is the call of our Lord, Jesus Christ today. He said this in the context of talking to a lukewarm church who thought that they were "rich and had need of nothing." But yet, they were and are "wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked". Revelation 3:17 It's a church as we have today. One man described this type of church perfectly several years ago and it fits directly with today.

Ye are neither heathens nor Christians-neither good nor evil-neither led away by false doctrine, nor thoroughly addicted to that which is true. In a word, they were listless and indifferent, and seemed to care little whether heathenism or Christianity prevailed. Though they felt little zeal either for the salvation of their own souls or that of others, yet they had such a general conviction of the truth and importance of Christianity, that they could not readily give it up. I would thou wert cold or hot¥ That is, ye should be decided; adopt some part or other, and be in earnest in your attachment to it. If ever the words of Mr. Erskine, in his Gospel Sonnets, were true, they were true of this Church:— 'To good and evil equal bent, I'm both a devil and a saint." They were too good to go to hell, too bad to go to heaven. Like Ephraim and Judah, Hosea 6:4: O Ephraim, what shall I do unto thee? O Judah, what shall I do unto thee? for your goodness is as a morning cloud, and as the early dew it passeth away. They had good dispositions which were captivated by evil ones, and they had evil dispositions which in their turn yielded to those that were good; and the Divine justice and mercy seem puzzled to know what to do to or with them. Adam Clark

This is why many works start out well but end in confusion while others start in a sense of confusion but seem to end up well. We are caught in this cycle and live in a day of lukewarmness. This is the reason that Jesus is now looking at individuals specifically and not to whole bodies of believers as he has before. Oh yes, I know salvation is an individual experience and always has been, but through the history of the church, God has raised up movements to accomplish his purposes. Now in these very last days, he is looking straight at us, you and I. This does not mean that we should stay out of the church as we know it. Definitely not! When studying the life of Christ, he always followed the protocol of that day so long as it did not involve sin. An example is when he healed the ten lepers and told them to "Go shew yourselves unto the priests." Luke 17:13 While he was the one that did the healing, he told them to go show themselves to the priest so the priest could give them their certificate of healing which allowed them to again circulate among society. See Luke 17:13-19 and Leviticus 13:2-3. But we can't look to the ills in the church and claim that as an excuse for not living for Christ or having fellowship with him or those in the church. However, God has many people and we are not the only ones. Be thankful for that. I will say that if the Bible is not being preached consistently in the church you are in, than you should go where it is preached and lived.

But after this, we must then look to the Lamb of God who wants to "sup" with us. The word "sup" means to have supper and when you partake of the evening meal with someone, you enjoy the tasty meal as well as conversation. When the meal is completed at the end of the day, if the meal was good and the company pleasant, you arise from your chair refreshed and uplifted. That is the communication that is needed with Christ. It is health for our body and soul. Unfortunately, most families now days don't even take the time to sit down in the evening to enjoy a meal and conversation together, much less take time with the Master. If you claim to be a believer, he wants your fellowship and your attention. You and I need his as well. Abide with him and he'll abide with you.

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