The Gospel In Our Time

We are excited to write that we are now on Internet radio. The station is the Pentecostal Voice of Truth. We air at 6:00 EDT on Saturdays, and the same program airs at 4:00 PM EDT on Sundays. You can also get our podcasts of the program which we call The Gospel In Our Time from the podcast page.

Incline My Heart

"Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness." Psalm 119:36

The word "incline" here has a meaning of "to bend," or "to extend." One version says, "Let my heart be turned to your unchanging word, and not to evil desire." Here, it seems the Psalmist is asking God to bend or turn his heart toward the His Word and not unto the covetous practices of the world. What a prayer and what a response God will give if we really mean it. We must stay in His Word in order to keep from the covetous practices and philosophies of the world otherwise our faith will falter and become as the man whose heart becomes withered as said in Psalm 14:1, "The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good." Here, this "fool" has come to the place that he he become so discouraged by the triumphing of the wicked and covetous that he finally throws up his hands and says,, "There is no use."

When we look at the condition of the world itself, there is plenty to be discouraged about. Just watching the headlines each day and the direction our country is heading will give any God fearing person cause to be discouraged. The world is heading for the final judgment and is moving faster and faster each day. As our nation seems to continue to go farther and farther into the depths of sin and rebellion at an alarming rate, anyone that knows the scriptures and is faithful to the God of heaven and his Son can see that judgment is coming. However, this is not the time to back off on God and say there is no use. We are in times that men have prophesied about thousands of years before and if we trust in the living God and keep his Word, he can incline our hearts in the right direction. We sing, "This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." Ps 118:24 That is because God has placed you and I in this time for a reason. Even though you and I may not fully understand, he has put you in this time of history for his purpose. Sometimes we get discouraged because we see some making great strides in the things of God as it seems, or in other areas that we are working in but understand this, we don't know everything that is happening. For God knows the secret things: "He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him." Daniel 2:22 Also,," for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7b Another words, God sees your labor of love and if you are doing it with the love of God and man in our heart, you will be rewarded.

Look further and see how God even sees when we talk about Him in truth. "Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name. And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him." Malachi 3:16-17 You may not fully understand why you are going through what you're going through, but God knows. Keep your faith in Him and let him incline your heart unto his Word for obedience, trust, and faith.

The Reproach of Sin

"Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people." Proverbs 14:34

 

As a country, we are falling, or have fallen already. We have been judged by the Almighty God in heaven who is the supreme judge and have been found guilty. We tried to make our defense but to no avail. We told Him we wanted to make life better for everyone but that didn't work. We said that we would try to make everyone happy on this earth but he didn't listen. We, as a nation and church within the nation, said we'd even help the poor and try to make things better for them. It didn't work. Instead, we were slapped in the face with the very words, "Depart from me, I never knew you." Matt. 7:23b

 

We again tried to make our defense. "Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? And in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? Matt. 7:22 But this was only met by the statement, "I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." Matt. 7:23 Then he made this shattering statement. "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven." Matt. 7:21

 

We asked, "what is the will of the Father?" The answer is to love his Son, Jesus Christ and serve him in sincerity. "That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;" Philippians 1:10 His will is that we are one with him, having him fully in our heart and that we walk in the light of his Word and walk in his Spirit which enables us to love others as ourselves, something that we cannot do in the flesh.

 

But as a church and nation, we have not. The trial continues: Our Lord begins to tell us our crimes. We have been blessed and have not only received the material blessings but a heritage that is unlike any other nation. We rode on the high places of the earth and were placed as the envy of the world, like a shining city on a hill. But now, that shining city has gone dim and is fast going out. We have sold out to humanism that champions only the temporary happiness and leaves out Christ. We have allowed this to infiltrate our body so much that we are more concerned with being like the world than Christ. The ball games have become our god as well as the movies from Hollywood. We have no time for his Word and if we take the time, it is for only a short while. God is no longer the end but the means to happiness. Now, we have been given what we want as a nation, a false god. We stand guilty as a nation before Him and we have no more defense. I can list the sins but you know them already. Darkness will continue to fall on this nation and only those who walk in the light of his word will survive the thrashing that will come upon the church.

 

God will keep his people. "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty." Psalm 91:1 What a promise! But there is a condition, and that is to dwell in the secret place of the most High God and his Son, Jesus Christ. To "dwell" means to stay there. You're not a Christian one day than maybe not so the next, but every day, 24/7. While we do our work, we are Christians ready to serve Him. We care more about time spent with Him than even our recreation. To the true believer, Christ is the end, not the means to an end. Dark times are coming to America, but God will keep you if you want to be kept in Him. "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:" John 10:27 If you are truly one of His, you will hear his voice, which is primarily that of his Word, the Bible. "And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand." John 10:28 You will not perish or be lost but only IF you follow the conditions set out in verse 27 which is to hear his voice and follow him. Will you follow Him and hear the voice of his Word?

A Golden Perachute

Woe to him that coveteth an evil covetousness to his house, that he may set his nest on high, that he may be delivered from the power of evil!" Habakkuk 2:9

We constantly hear commercials advertising gold for sale. They say it is the best security against the future for if the dollar goes, (and I believe it probably will),gold will survive. Christian leaders and financers are constantly telling us to buy gold against the future. You have probably heard the statement, "Have a golden parachute." But what does God say about this.

First, it is certain that we must use wisdom, that's for certain. In Proverbs alone, there are many proverbs that talk of the future. "A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished." Proverbs 22:3 "Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest." Proverbs 6:6-9 There are other verses regarding looking at the future and storing goods as God directs, so that is not a bad thing, but wise. However, for one to put his trust in gold does not seem to be what Christ had in mind when he said in Matthew 6:19-21, "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." First, that gold and silver can be stolen, lost, and even lose value regardless as to what they say. What good is it when you pay a thousand dollars for an ounce of gold but can't find anywhere to sell it? Plus, it becomes a trusting place when Christ is our trusting place and provider.

While it is necessary to have money in this world, we can't love it. Paul wrote this to Timothy in 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." So what should we do if we have resources? The answer is in verses 17-19 of the same chapter. "Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

The church is in the shape it is in today due to the love of money. "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

God has been go to America! We have prospered much as a nation due to God's blessing but now I fear this blessing is coming to an end. It is now time for us to not trust in a "golden parachute" but to trust Christ and his Word and get a firm foundation of faith. Take the suggestion that Jesus gave to the church of Laodicea: "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." Revelation 3:18

Make faith in Christ and his Word your golden parachute! He will not fail!

Response Regarding “Sipping Christians”

I want to respond to a comment made regarding the recent post, Sipping Christians. The best way is to insert comments so I will. I appreciate your response but I feel this deserves a public response. The responder's comments are in quotes.

"I want to respond to this blog post not because I necessarily want to change your mind (though I'd be glad if you did) but because I would like to convince you that there are Bible-believing, Jesus-loving, true-blue Christians who believe that God has not forbidden moderate consumption of alcohol."

First, there is no convincing me of this so forget that. I have been saved for almost thirty-three years now and I plan to stay on the same road I've been on. I've lived in victory in Jesus for the past thirty-three years and plan to continue with God's help. I've had the same wife for thirty-two (and the only one) and four grown children who attend church regularly. I will tell you that some of them are not living like they should but they have not rejected God or his word. Some just don't live all of it. I used to drink and play in the nightclubs in college and after that but when I got saved, the alcohol went. Why would I want to partake in something that even many sinners will not partake in and many others have been delivered of?

"The Bible clearly prohibits getting drunk; I'm not aware of any Christians who disagree with that statement. As for the verses you quoted I believe they are all concerned with the abuse of alcohol, not its moderate use. The statement "wine is a mocker" is the same sort of statement as "knowledge puffs up" in the New Testament. Of course we don't believe everyone with knowledge is arrogant. The verse is saying that knowledge has the potential to make someone arrogant. The same goes for wine. It will mock the one who is deceived by it. And note the language: "mocker" and "raging." Both sound like words used to describe someone who is drunk. Being "deceived" by wine and strong drink sounds like a euphemism for being drunk."

I don't think you can take the scripture regarding "knowledge puffs up" in the same context as "wine is a mocker." Here is the scripture: "Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth." 1 Corinthians 8:1 The last part of the verse sheds more light as to why we should not partake of beer, wine, etc. Paul was talking about eating things sacrificed to idols and his main point was that, the idol is nothing to the believer however to the idol worshipper it was like a deity, therefore the believer's eating things sacrificed to idols would definitely be a bad witness. The same goes for alcohol.

"There are, in fact, positive references to alcohol in the Bible. God has given wine to make men's hearts glad (Psalm 104:14-15). Melchizedek gives wine to Abraham. Wine is a part of various OT sacrifices. We should drink wine with a merry heart (Eccl. 9:7). There are others: Is. 55:1, Amos 9:13-15, Is. 25:6-9."

Note that none of these are in the New Testament and you may also want to consider the incident of Noah and Canaan when Noah became drunk and what happened. Please read Genesis 9:20-29. Also, the incident of Lot and his two daughters where wine was used to cause their father to commit insect. Please read Genesis 19:30-38. The positive references are made in that the wine was not fermented as is today.

"It is furthermore pretty clear that Jesus himself drank wine. In Luke 7:33-35 Jesus contrasts himself with John the Baptist, who ate no bread and drank no wine. In Luke 1:15 John is prohibited from drinking wine and strong drink. (Even if you want to argue that wine is not alcoholic I'd say it's pretty clear that "strong drink" is alcoholic. And if God's people were not permitted to drink alcohol then why would there need to be a special prohibition made for John?) Jesus contrasts himself with John by saying that his enemies call him a drunkard. There's a clear parallelism here. John did not drink alcohol but Jesus did. Besides, how could Jesus' enemies call him a drunkard if he never drank alcohol?"

Yes, Nazarites, which is what John the Baptist was, were prohibited from drinking anything regarding wine, even the cernal, that's true. However, once again, wine was a staple that was common among the Jews but the fermentation was not like today.

"I think your concern about alcohol being the appearance of evil is misguided. The only people who think moderate consumption of alcohol is a morally questionable practice are those who have been taught that it is. Here's the kicker: consumption of alcohol has only been an issue among Christians in the past couple of centuries, particularly here in America, because of the prohibitionist movement. Talk to a Christian in the ancient or medieval world and they wouldn't understand your concerns. Your argument about alcohol being the appearance of evil only makes sense to you because we are in a culture that has a history of being uncomfortable with alcohol. If you were born in Ireland or Italy or France you wouldn't be asking these questions. And we are not permitted to bind the consciences of God's people just because we are the descendents of sincere, well-meaning, but misguided prohibitionists."

There is no "kicker." You are correct in that through the centuries many in the church drank wine and such however you are not aware of the progress of the church age given in Revelation 2:3 as in the letters to the churches. The sixth church, which was the previous age, was when much of the missionary work was done and ushered in the revivals of the 1900's.

7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;

8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.

9 Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.

10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.

11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.

12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.

13 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. Revelation 3:7-13 This describes the church up to the recent times.

"Alcoholic wine has always been used in the Lord's Supper throughout church history. Martin Luther, who rediscovered the doctrine of justification by faith alone, was a lover of beer. John Wesley, to whom your own tradition owes so much, is known to have drank wine and beer. (Later Methodists repudiated his example and became prohibitionists.) With all due respect, you're quite wrong that the traditional, Bible-believing church has rejected alcohol. It's quite the opposite.

As I said, I'm not trying to turn you into a drinker. I am troubled, however, by your condemnation of Christians who disagree with you on this issue. Believe me, I know many devout Christians who love Jesus every bit as much as you do, who pray, go to church, read and believe the Bible, and still do not believe there is any sin is drinking a beer or having a glass of wine. But we don't even have to get into that kind of argument. I think the Biblical argument is strongly on my side. At the least I'd for you to acknowledge that there is a possibility that fellow Christians can disagree about this and not condemn each other as false Christians. "

You are right though, about today. Many do believe they can "sip" and still be right with God. That's because we are now in a different age. See below.

But, you may have a point, because now we are living in the Laodicean age where Jesus says, "15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.

16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:

18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

Could it be that we're too busy trying to justify our sins and actions to get that faith needed to make it through? That glass of wine isn't going to help you pray through to salvation and the Holy Ghost! May the Lord Help you as you seek after him in the Spirit of Truth.

Sipping “Christians”

"Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise." Proverbs 20:1

Lately, I have been hearing more and more about "Christians" partaking in "adult beverages" as they have been referred to lately. Not every one who names the name of Christ is one of his, that's for certain but for a Christian to be partaking of wine and other strong drinks is wrong and I truly question their relationship with Christ. I know, there is that old argument that Jesus and his disciples drank wine and that he even made water into wine which was his first miracle but it was also commented by the governor of the feast, "And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now." John 2:10 That's because it was the new wine which was hardly fermented. Paul said the following in Ephesians 5:18, "And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit". Wine was the principle beverage then and even children drank it but that was because it was not as potent as now. But, I'm not an expert on that so I suppose one could argue on the technical aspects of wine.

There is also another problem with wine, whiskey, and other strong beverages" they are the appearance of evil. While the church seems to be slipping ever so much more into decay, the average sinner on the street will still tell you that it is really wrong to partake of a beverage of this type. While they still do it, they know it is really not pleasing to God. They look to the church as a light but, once again, the light in general is getting dimmer. 1 Thessalonians 5:22 says, "Abstain from all appearance of evil." Only a backslidden or carnal Christian by name only will really defend this.

It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink: Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted. Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts. Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more. Proverbs 31:4-7

It was advised for kings not to drink strong drink, so much the more for Christians who are to be filled with the spirit. Another reason is that the traditional church, that is the Bible believing church, has never embraced social drinking until the past few years when Hollywood stars suddenly became Christians and yet never came out of that filth they were in. It's time we get back to the Bible and the things that bring the church forward instead of constantly making excuses for the things we now allow. Christ will not take part with the devil and we can't be part Christ's and part Satan's. "Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit." Matthew 12:33 May we that are truly Christians strive to bring forth good fruits. May the Lord bless you as you follow Him.

A Child is Born!

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this." Isaiah 9:6-7

 

Merry Christmas! Christ was born in a manger, died on the cross, rose again, ascended into heaven, and will one day come back as King and Lord to reign on the earth. We know that the events recorded in Luke 2 are real and historic. However, like prophesy does in so many placed, there are at least two thousand years between the phrases "unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder." The government of the world is not yet given to him, however he does govern the church.

 

His name is "Wonderful" which denotes a marvelous thing that has happened. When looking at the events of his life, it is wonderful and a miracle! However not everyone will understand as most of the Jews for it is written, "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

 

He is also the "Counselor." He can give counsel through his Word, the Holy Ghost, and his servants. The question is, do we wait and follow his counsel? He is the Supreme Counselor, the one who is qualified to give counsel and advice to all created beings. Proverbs 3:5-6 gives good advise: "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." The Apostle Paul admonishes in Ephesians 5:17, "Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is."

 

He's the "Mighty God" or the conquering God. Many love to think about him as a baby in a manger because that is harmless and not threatening. They even like to think of him on the cross or when he was walking on the face of the earth because that is historic. But few care to consider that he is also the conqueror and judge. "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: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day." 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10

 

He's the Everlasting Father," the Father of eternity; the Planner of the ages; and Father of all time. It does not mean that Jesus the Messiah is the one known as God, the Father, the first person of the Divine Trinity, for He is another person known in many places as The Ancient of Days.. He has been with the Father and always will be as the second Person of the trinity. "Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world." John 17:24 "I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty." Revelation 1:8 God the Father is the Ancient of Days. "I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him." Daniel 7:13

 

He's also the Prince of Peace. While there is not peace on the earth nor shall there be until his reign, one can have peace in his heart with Him as ruler. Does he rule in your heart this Christmas or are you full of turmoil and regret? Let the Prince of Peace rule in your heart by asking him to come in and rule you and taking away your sins! That would be the best Christmas present you could ever get.

 

 

 

 

 

Ye Are Bought With a Price

"For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's." 1 Corinthians 6:20

We are facing judgment as a nation because the church did not take this scripture seriously, and if the church wouldn't take it seriously, how much more the rest of the country. I don't need to go into the string of sins that our nation is guilty: killing over 50 million babies, adultery and fornication, homosexuality, wholesale pornography, lovers of money, rebellious against God and his scriptures, and it goes on and on. The church hasn't been far behind. Adultery is rampant in the pulpit yet scripture is very clear about this. "A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;" 1 Timothy 3:2 The same goes for a deacon. "Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well." 1 Timothy 3:12 Adultery and fornication is practiced within the church without even a blink anymore. Many are living in this state in America. I do not know for sure what these should do if they truly become converted to Christ: Some say they should depart and others say not. That is between them and God. There isonly one thing to remember here, "Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge." Hebrews 13:4

Our teenagers know little or nothing about prayer and consecration but they do know how to "party for the Lord." They don't know scriptures but they can sing the latest Christian rock song that has little or no substance, if you can even understand all the words. Yet, the Muslims teach their children the Koran even from a language they don't understand and they can quote much of it. We are to be shamed as a church.

It is time to take God's Word seriously and quit trying to go around the scriptures. This is not the time to fool around on God. It's time for us to examine our lives and keep ourselves pure. It's time for us to pray for revival that must first begin within ourselves then spread to others around us. I don't think America as a whole will heed God's warnings even when things really begin to happen. They may respond in the form of political opposition and rally around those who believe the "conservative point of view." While I understand that in itself, it is not the thing that will move the hand of God. We are the ones that can do that as the body of Christ. Championing conservative causes is fine but we must also realize that without God's help, only a temporary healing will come, if any. We must realize that it is God that controls the destiny of nations as he showed Jeremiah when he went down to the potter's house.

The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying, Arise, and go down to the potter's house, and there I will cause thee to hear my words. Then I went down to the potter's house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels. And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it. Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the LORD. Behold, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel. At what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, and to pull down, and to destroy it; If that nation, against whom I have pronounced, turn from their evil, I will repent of the evil that I thought to do unto them. And at what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to build and to plant it; If it do evil in my sight, that it obey not my voice, then I will repent of the good, wherewith I said I would benefit them. Jeremiah 18:1-10

Those who God uses to judge our nation will go as far as God will let them, but no farther. "When I made the cloud the garment thereof, and thick darkness a swaddlingband for it, And brake up for it my decreed place, and set bars and doors, And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed?" Job 38:9-11 We must realize that we are looking for a better place and though it is our duty to pray for the peace of our nation and seek the peace thereof, we are looking at being with Christ forever. The wicked only have a short time to work as we read in Psalm 17:13-15. " Arise, O LORD, disappoint him, cast him down: deliver my soul from the wicked, which is thy sword: From men which are thy hand, O LORD, from men of the world, which have their portion in this life, and whose belly thou fillest with thy hid treasure: they are full of children, and leave the rest of their substance to their babes. As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.

Be and stay pure for your redemption draweth nigh! "And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. " Luke 21:28

Come to the Water

"And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to shew in thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth." Exodus 9:16

Judgment of America is eminent. I believe it's at the door. We have seen the results of what the American people have chosen. They have chosen a man to lead the country that will have unbridled power due to the vast majority his party in congress. His associations and ideals fit a man raised up by God to judge a nation that has wondered away from God. The majority of Americans care nothing about liberty or even about freedom of religion or speech so long as their bellies are full. This has been proven in the past but is now magnified. We are now in a post-Christian which will pave the way for God's judgment, not only on the United States, but the entire world which will culminate in the final battle of Armageddon.

Let the heathen be wakened, and come up to the valley of Jehoshaphat: for there will I sit to judge all the heathen round about. Put ye in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe: come, get you down; for the press is full, the fats overflow; for their wickedness is great. Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision. Joel 3:12-14

Men's rebellion against Christ and the authority of his word has been brewing since the first sin in the Garden of Eden. The rulers of this world have no time of Christ and haven't for some time as we read in Psalm 2: 1-3. " Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us." But their rebellion will one day be culminated as we see God's reaction in verse 4-6. He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure. Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion." We must keep in mind the final outcome and take care we are on the right side, that is the winning side, which is the King of Kings' side who is the creator of the earth, the first and the last. "I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last." Revelation 22:13

As God raised Pharaoh of Egypt, he has raised up Obama. Pharaoh's stubbornness to let the children of Israel go allowed God to send plagues on Egypt and judgment on their gods. "For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD." Exodus 12:12 So will God do to the United States to raise judgment against the lukewarm church who is drunk on the cares of this life and care nothing about the things of God. They care more about their Sunday afternoon ballgame than about preparing for the service Sunday night, if they even have a service. They are more concerned about planning the next eat and will turn out in the droves for a social occasion but will pray for only a minute or two at the end of the service, if they even do that. American churchgoers by and large have sold the children to the people who care nothing for God nor his Biblical standards, even with such basic institutions as the traditional family. I could go on and on! Is there any wonder why we're facing what we're facing? I've said this was coming for years and I'm not alone. Many others have said it as well….that judgment of America was coming. Now I'm afraid it is at the door, even the very door! I wish I could tell you something else but I can't.

I will tell you that after the results of this election I was devastated for awhile. My last blog shows it! I had fasted and prayed that it wouldn't turn out this way and so did others, I'm sure. But now that I've had some time to stand back, pray, and study the situation, I realize what has happened. God has done this. Look at Psalm 75: 5-7. "Lift not up your horn on high: speak not with a stiff neck. 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."

But, Christ is still in control and if you are one of his followers you can still trust in him. If you are not, then it's time to fully trust in him and let him do a work in your life. Jesus said in Revelation 21:6, " And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely." Come to the water my friend and drink! The well is still flowing!

False Prophet?

I recently received a comment regarding the blog I posted entitled Ester. The comment was this, "Looks like we have a false prophet here since McCain/Palin lost. Apparently she wasn't chosen to reign." Jeremy

First, let me mention that I was passing this on and wanted to give you something to think and pray about. Second: Maybe he is and maybe he isn't. You say, well McCain lost the election didn't he? Yes, but we must remember that sometimes God does things different than we do. The big thing is that, when you look at what he said, there is not a clear cut statement saying that they were to win the election, only that they should stand strong. Being an Ester can have many applications and can mean that she will be used later. So Jeremy, don't be so quick to label someone a false prophet until you look closely to what is said.

Also, I do not know the man so I have no reason to defend him except that I want to be fair to him. Personally, I'm of the current attitude that God has forsaken his people and that there is no hope. Now they have enough votes in congress to pass whatever bill they want and have a president more than willing to sign them. They will pass the Fairness Doctrine (don't be fooled by its name) and that will silence any conservative voice on talk radio, even the Christian voices in most cases. They will pass the Card-check bill which puts most workers into unions (I know that is simplified) and they no longer can vote secretly. Knowing the make-up of the unions I don't think I need to tell you how they will vote since Big Brother will be looking over their shoulder. They will also make Christian education illegal and possibly force the true church underground due to massive bureaucracies. They will hike taxes so there's little money left and prices will go up. Obama wants a civil army which will function as a tattle-tale army telling Big Brother if someone speaks out against him or his government. I'm not prophesying so if God is gracious enough to stop some of these things then well, but this is what I see now. There will be total control by a people who has no love for the truth or our traditional values. I'm afraid judgment is coming to America and very fast!

We are truly like the Jews in Ester's time, waiting for the slaughter. I'm not trusting in anyone here so don't get me wrong but if God can somehow raise up an Ester, so be it!

Quiet and Peaceable Life

"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;" 1 Timothy 2:1-3

 

I've probably used this scripture before but it bears repeating in light of the coming election. Why do we want good rulers and what is their main responsibility? It is simply that we lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness, or that we have peace in our streets and are protected from our enemies. That is the main responsibility of government and anything beyond that is extra. Will our country go into anarchy or will we have peace in our streets and throughout our land? Will we be protected for the ever-looming terrorists or will they run freely throughout our country doing their will. Prayer will decide this more than you think. Pray! Pray! Pray!

Esther?

Below is a copy of an email I recently received. I thought I'd pass it on. It's well worth the reading. Keep in mind that God can use someone even if they don't quite fit into our doctrinal system. This will give you something to think and pray about and maybe encourage you.

***********

 

Pastor Mark Arnold in Lebanon , Ohio wrote the below account. This account is true. He sent this out first to just a tiny handful of friends and relatives, never dreaming that, thanks to email, it would soon travel around the world.

 

As of 3:30 p.m. today, September 25, he's heard back from 49 states, 11 nations, several major Christian ministries and news networks and is receiving 70-100 emails an hour. He is refusing money from the news networks for the story even though he's a "tent-maker" pastor of a little church.

He works 50-hour weeks in addition to his church duties.

 

He was asked what he felt the value was in letting this story go public.He said he is seeing people moved and coming out of the "caves" they've been in, coming alive and realizing that they need to get back involved in the affairs of the nation and not sleep through this season like the church did when they allowed prayer to be removed from schools. "God asked me if I would obey and I did," he said. "I was a "Mordecai for her (Sarah Palin), I did my part. Now the church has to do their part."

 

So, dear praying friends, read the story below - be encouraged and get to work - on your knees, with your testimony and in the voting booth. And, whether you agree with the idea of this story going public to non-believers or not, it already has, so please pray for protection for him as well as for John McCain and Sarah Palin.

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Note from Pastor Mark Arnold (PLEASE READ ENTIRE STORY BELOW) This past Tuesday, the McCain/Palin Bus came through a little town called, Lebanon, Ohio . The LORD allowed me to go to the Rally giving them a message that He wanted personally delivered.

Here's how it happened.

 

Sunday Night - a burden hit me that would only shake me to my knees – I prayed and wept for our Nation. Never has my heart been so broken before God. I literally interceded for these wonderful people who do not deserve all the hate against them. The GOD-Haters are going to try everything to

stop them, but they will not succeed! God is not pleased with the "bashing" in the News of this "Anointed" person. He has called her for this time! I promised God that I would pray and hold them up in prayer. I would "listen" and be mindful of where they were.

 

Monday - The following day is important in this time-line because I didn't even know until God spoke to me Monday and into Monday Night – the burden of prayer was so heavy that I was literally shaking and could not stop weeping.

I didn't know that they were coming to Ohio . I prayed and walked and wept and walked. I prayed and prayed and wept and prayed.

 

Tuesday at 2:00 A.M. - God spoke these words to me - "Go turn the Radio on!" Immediately the Reporter's Words were - "McCain & Palin Bus to be in Lebanon later this morning for a 10:00 A.M. Rally!" Immediately upon hearing that news, I heard God again. God said, "You are to go. You will meet

Them and give them a message for Me!"

 

I prayed as an intercessor and went to a place in prayer that I don't think I've ever been because the LORD had just visited me and I knew I was on a " Mission ." I had now been up since Sunday Night and now it's Tuesday and I've got to go on the "WORD of the LORD." He sure became My Strength as

This unfolds. I didn't stop praying until I drove over to the town and parked the car. The News would later report they were expecting 5,000 people and the actual head-count of those who had been scanned was more than 10,000 people.

 

I simply obeyed and God actually told me where to stand, who to talk to and when to be on the move. I had learned on the Mission Field, when God wants to open a door, He will do it at the appropriate time. He always has someone to assist and even those standing beside you may just be an Angel.

I struck up a conversation with an agent on the ground - he simply said, "I can't allow you to stand here!" This is where the bus was going to actually pull up. They had to make a much larger perimeter, so the entire area was now being moved back several blocks. The only other thing he told me to

Do was to go through the metal detector zone and just watch from the back. So, that's what I did.

 

Due to sensitivity of the Internet, I can't share much of the story, as to what happened next, but it was definitely a GOD THING ALL THE WAY. Looking over the shoulders and backs and heads of all the people, I knew it would take a miracle for what GOD told me to do. As I was standing there, two Boy Scouts came running up my back-literally, they almost knocked me to the ground because they were running so fast

behind me up my back and over to the right. These Boy Scouts were about Junior High Age. Their Scout Leader and several others were behind them, but as the two out front were trying to push through the crowd, saying they were late. The

smaller scouts were left in their dust. The Scout Leader, who was with a McCain Rep from the State, grabbed me and told me bring the other Scouts up front as they tried to keep up with the first two that just came through. I just became the leader of the rest of the Scouts to lead them right up

front and center. As the Rep was shouting back at me to bring the Scouts forward, the people parted just like God parted the Red Sea . I marched those boys right up front and to the right of the stage as one was looking from the back. When I got there I was fifteen feet from the podium. GOD said, "Stand

here, and don't move from this spot."

 

Within five minutes, the bus pulled up and around the other side McCain, Sarah Palin and her husband Todd stepped up and the speeches took off. I was where God placed me. And even Sarah Palin and Todd were standing on my side

of the stage. I made eye contact, I gave them thumbs up gestures and I knew they were just happy to see me standing there. Ha Ha! When they came around the podium and started on the other side, I knew they were coming right toward me, a little lady who stood by me, reached up

and told the Rep that they had promised a Picture with her because she was the one who had lost a son in Iraq, recently. The Rep confirmed she would get a picture with them and they would talk to her. When McCain came to hug the lady, he immediately shook my hand and following his moment with her, I shook his hand as he grabbed my hand, now for the

second time, and I said, "God wants you to know that I'm praying for you, Sir!" He thanked me and kept smiling. I repeated that phrase to him five times. He grabbed my hands and looked right into my eyes and said, "I won't make it without prayer. Sir, thank you for praying for me, and don't let

one day go by that you don't pray for me. I need all the prayers that I can get. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!" As he moved to my right, Sarah Palin came over to my left side, standing over the crowd, and then looking at the

little lady who had lost the son. It took a moment for her to shake some hands and people were pushing in all around. Sarah came and got on her hands and knees on that side of the stage and hugged that little Mom, telling her, "It was not in vain." She promised her support. It was at this moment that Sarah Palin reached out for me to help her up and as I was assisting her to stand I was now face to face with her and GOD said, "Open up your Mouth and I will fill it."

Here is what came out... "God wants you to know that you are a present day Esther! [She immediately began to cry]!

God wants to tell you that you are Chosen for such a time as this! You are called, and chosen to be a leader. Don't lose heart and don't fear man. The news and naysayers and criticizers are going to be very hateful toward you and in the days ahead they are going to turn up the heat...but do

Not fear. You are a present day Esther. You are an Esther. You are an Esther! Keep your eyes on GOD and know that He has chosen you to Reign! Stay strong. Be strong. Don't tire. Don't be weary in well-doing. Be strong." Her husband Todd came over and I told him what I told her. He began to

cry. "I emphasized the fact that he was to guard her at this time and know that she is GOD-CALLED and GOD-ANOINTED." This is a GOD-THING and your wife

is a Present day Esther. She is for God to use at this time. She is an Esther. She is an Esther. She is an Esther. You will be hated, but stand strong. GOD has called both of you to stand!" We are praying and I am praying for you!

 

At this moment, McCain came right to where I was finishing talking to Todd and I told Mr. McCain exactly what I told to Sarah and Todd Palin. "Mr. McCain, they are called of God and she is an Esther. Don't lose hope and don't lose heart. We are praying for all of you!" He shook my hand and with a deep look of understanding of what I had just said, he said, "Thank

you for your prayers and support. I really do mean that!"

And he turned and shook more hands and I watched them as they went through the crowd. When I got to my car, I sat there for quite a long time...knowing the GOD of the Universe had just used me to deliver a message confirming to Sarah and Todd to realize they are truly chosen vessels of God. I wept.

I have not stopped praying and crying. My heart is full knowing they had all the staging, and all the hype, and all the crowd, but the GOD of Heaven and Earth wanted to give them a Divine-God-Appointment!

To God be all the GLORY and HONOR.

 

Pastor Mark Arnold

MEA31975@aol.com

LIFE COVENANT CHURCH

Monroe , Ohio

Urgent Times

"Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish." Esther 4:16

 

This is going to be short but I'll try to write another one later. In the time of Esther the Jews were praying for their very lives. It was urgent times. My friends, this is an URGENT TIME! It is time to get VERY SERIOUS with God. I challenge you to push back the plate within the next few days before election day and do the following:

Pray for the sins of America

Pray that God will give mercy to America

Pray that God will allow those who stand most on Biblical principles be elected, from President on down.

 

You who are sensitive to God's spirit will read and understand. The rest will not. This is a wake up call for the church and if she doesn't rise now, judgment is at the door.

Thou Art Mine

"But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee." Isaiah 43:1-2

God knows his people and who are his. Not everyone that is of the church are really in the church as was Israel as the Apostle Paul points out in Romans 9:6, "Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel:" Many frequent the house of God but are not his. They will not obey his Word and cast it behind their backs. They sit and close their ears to what scripture is being given and leave the same way they came, in fact in worse case because their hearts are being more hardened each time they refuse to receive instruction or wisdom from his Word. "He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy." Proverbs 29:1 To them, church is an "experience" or a social gathering where they can meet others in the community to advance whatever cause they may deem important.

But Christ knows who are his. He knows his sheep. "I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine." John 10:14 "Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity." 2 Timothy 2:19 They are hungry for God's Word and for communing with the Master. They are those who yearn when their prayer lives are being invaded by whatever Satan would chose to invade them with. They are those who will stand against adversity and do it with courage but yet love for the adversary which can only be done through God's grace. "44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;" Matthew 5:44 And while the above verses in Isaiah pertains directly to Israel and their future trials with the coming kingdoms including Babylon, Mede-Persia, Greece, and finally Rome, it is also looking at the church. God will keep his own. He will keep his people in troubled times and will not cause his elect to go astray if they hold on to Him. The saints will be briefly overcome during the tribulation by the anti-Christ as we read in Revelation 13:7 "And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations." But again remember friends, that is during the tribulation. That will last for only a short time for "These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful." Revelation 17:14. Christ will overcome the super church and the anti-Christ. He knows his people. Remember what Jesus said. "And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect's sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days." Mark 13:20 Remember that God "calls the shots." He is still in control and will have his way. Since the believer knows that, we should rest in him. If you are a true follower of Christ, rest in Psalm 91. Read it, memorize it, meditate it! Notice the promises in it as well as the conditions for these promises!

1 ¶ He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

2 I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.

4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;

6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.

7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.

8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.

9 ¶ Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;

10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.

11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.

12 They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.

13 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.

14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.

15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.

 

The Lip of Truth

"The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment." Pr 12:19

God's word is truth. It's the only book that you can rely on that speaks perfect truth. Because the church has strayed away from it and turned to other things, it has become non-potent in this last day. But God will have a people! He always has and always will. Are you one of them? We are in the time of a national election and we wonder who is telling the truth. We have a chance to vote for a president and their word should depend on our decision. Are they speaking truth about themselves or are they lying. Many have lied their way into public office but after their time of glory are swept aside by history. Remember, the devil is a liar and the father of lies.

It is time for us to pray seriously for our country…to even set aside a day of fasting and repentance for America for her sins. We know that America is set for the judgment of God as the whole world is but we don't know the timeline. When we read of the financial panic throughout the world and talk of world leaders of "a new world order," we must realize that the end may be near. We must know in whom we believe in and have our faith grounded on the Rock! Is your faith rooted and grounded in Him? Should the rapture take place, would you go? I hope so. Politicians may not tell the truth, but God will always speak truth!

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!

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