Word became Flesh!

I desire the Deep things of God. I am not satisfied with the basics of Biblical Christianity, even though I am compelled to preach the basics, because many of God's children seem to be illiterate and still sucking on the bottle. By this I am stating that many if not most in the Church today cannot even tell a seeker why they are lost, not to mention how they might be Saved. One of the Deep things of God is the Person-hood of Christ. Who is He? Is He Deity? Just a prophet? Just a Spirit filled man? Is He God in the Flesh? Does it really matter what God’s Word says? Does the Bible only speak to the people mentioned in the Bible? Does Jesus ever claim that He is God? Does Jesus ever claim to be the Messiah? These questions were raised and discussed at Bible Study recently and I wanted to share the Scriptures that clearly speak to the Character of Jesus. I have heard many preachers and teachers that deny that Jesus claimed to be the Christ (Messiah) and say that Jesus was not God in the flesh. So I will simply say, what does Jesus say? Let us hear Him speak and the Holy Spirit speak through the prophets and Apostles. We need not the opinions of man, but the opinion of God! So is Jesus God in the flesh? Our very Salvation Depends on the Deity of Jesus Christ! If Jesus is not Divine, we are still lost in our sins because a Holy God requires a Holy Sacrifice to Atone for sins!

Philippians 2:6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

John 5:18 Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.

John 8:51 I tell you the truth, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death.”
52 At this the Jews exclaimed, “Now we know that you are demon-possessed! Abraham died and so did the prophets, yet you say that if anyone keeps your word, he will never taste death.
53 Are you greater than our father Abraham? He died, and so did the prophets. Who do you think you are?”
54 Jesus replied, “If I glorify myself, my glory means nothing. My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who glorifies me.
55 Though you do not know him, I know him. If I said I did not, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and keep his word.
56 Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad.”
57 “You are not yet fifty years old,” the Jews said to him, “and you have seen Abraham!”
58 “I tell you the truth,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!”
59 At this, they picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus hid himself, slipping away from the temple grounds.
Exodus 3:13 Moses said to God, “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them?”
14 God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. {14 Or } This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’”
15 God also said to Moses, “Say to the Israelites, ‘The LORD, {15 The Hebrew for sounds like and may be derived from the Hebrew for in verse 14.} the God of your fathers– the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob– has sent me to you.’ This is my name forever, the name by which I am to be remembered from generation to generation.
John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2 He was with God in the beginning.
Revelation 19:13 He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God.
John 1:14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, {14 Or } who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Jesus indeed existed before the Creation, not just as a thought or plan!
John 17:1 ¶ These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: 2 As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. 3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. 4 I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. 5 And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.

Matthew 26:60 But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward. Finally two came forward
61 and declared, “This fellow said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’”
62 Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, “Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?”
63 But Jesus remained silent. The high priest said to him, “I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.”
64 “Yes, it is as you say,” Jesus replied. “But I say to all of you: In the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.”
65 Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, “He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy.
66 What do you think?” “He is worthy of death,” they answered.
67 Then they spit in his face and struck him with their fists. Others slapped him
68 and said, “Prophesy to us, Christ. Who hit you?”
Colossians 2:8 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. 9 For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form,10 and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority. (NIV)
Colossians 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. 9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: (KJV)

There is but One God and His Name is Jesus! You may ask, how Can God Die? Well very Simple. God is a Spirit. Jesus through the Incarnation, became flesh. John 1:1 ¶ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God.” John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” Who is the Word? Revelation 19:13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.” When He died on the Cross it was only His Flesh that died. 1Pe 2:24 “Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.” Jesus is God in the flesh and His flesh died and paid for our sins and He arose by His own Spirit on the third day to secure Eternal Life to all who would Repent of their sins and believe in His Sacrificial Death and Resurrection! Hallelujah! I am sure many will deny the Deity of Jesus Christ and will suffer the consequences. I Trust it will not be you dear reader! Don't Listen to mans opinion about who Jesus is or is not, Read the Inspired Word!
Last exhortation in closing:
Jude 1:3 ¶ Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. (KJV)
3 Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt I had to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints. (NIV)
4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. (KJV)
4 For certain men whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are godless men, who change the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord. (NIV)

Time is ticking away!

What! My time is precious! I never thought to much about time, until recently it hit me square between the eyes! Is it even possible that I am having a mid-life crises? That's for old people, right? Not so much. The Bible says that “life is but a vapor” it is here today and gone tomorrow! Time is ticking away whether we realize it or not. So why am I writing about something that is a vapor? To keep it short, so I don't waste your time, let me share a few thoughts with you because time is ticking! We have all heard the cliche', “we are what we eat.” Well, we think and become that which we spent our time consuming! Our physical bodies react to what we feed them. Consume donuts, fatty, greasy, sugary drinks, fast food and so forth, our bodies respond. So our spirit man responds to what we feed upon! If we spend our time watching TV, news, sports, read negative books, negative blogs, nasty websites....and spend our precious time around negative lost people who care nothing about your spirit, well your spirit man responds negatively! Time is wasting, which is most important to you? I can tell you from experience that we become just like the people we spent the most time with, really without even knowing it! Time well spent is not a waste of time! Time slothfully spent is the biggest waste of time! If I am a Christian (follower of Jesus Christ), then my desire should be to spend time with the Lover of my soul! In fact the more time I spend with My Father in Heaven through the relationship with His Son Jesus, the more I become like Him! The less time I spent with Them, the less I ….well you know! I want to share a few Scriptures to culminate this idea of time well spent. Psalm 119:9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. 10 I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. 11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. That will certainly take time to put into practice! Ecclesiastes 3:1 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: Ecclesiastes 3:6 a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, Ecclesiastes 3:14 I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere him. 15 Whatever is has already been, and what will be has been before; and God will call the past to account”. Psalm 37:39 The salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD; he is their stronghold in time of trouble. Hosea 10:12 Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the LORD, until he comes and showers righteousness on you. Proverb 20:4 A sluggard does not plow in season; so at harvest time he looks but finds nothing. You see, all this takes time! We all spend time with those we love, but what about our Creator? Do we spend time with Him? Romans 6:19 I put this in human terms because you are weak in your natural selves. Just as you used to offer the parts of your body in slavery to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer them in slavery to righteousness leading to holiness. 20 When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness.
21 What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death! 22 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.
23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
There is a cause and effect for every action we take. Every moment of time in our lives has had its effect upon us, whether good or bad! I guess the Biblical Principle is “we reap what we sow!” Here are a few more timely passages to consider; 1Peter 4:3 For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do-- living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry.
1Peter 4:17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? Revelation 3:3 Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you. Revelation 22:10 Then he told me, "Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, because the time is near. 11 Let him who does wrong continue to do wrong; let him who is vile continue to be vile; let him who does right continue to do right; and let him who is holy continue to be holy." 12 "Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done.”
I trust this was not a waste of your time? We all have a short time in the flesh, our spirit man is not bound by time, so let us not grow weary in doing good with our time! The Father in Heaven loves for His children to take time to be with Him! Hug Him, love Him and spend time listening to Him! I promise He will speak to you, if you believe in His Son Jesus Christ! Thanks for your time!

Discipleship through Spiritual Gift of prophecy!

When you think of the Church (the individual believers in the Work of Jesus Christ) and the Great Commission to Go and make Disciples of all Nations, what does that mean? Most Christians first think of Evangelism! While preaching the Gospel is our message and the Holy Spirit moves upon the unrepentant, unbelieving heart, there is another aspect of Evangelism that I desire to share. Listen to this passage and ask yourself this question; does my Church practice this type of evangelism and discipleship? 1Corinthians 14:19 “But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue. 20 Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults.
21 In the Law it is written: "Through men of strange tongues and through the lips of foreigners I will speak to this people, but even then they will not listen to me," says the Lord. 22 Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers; prophecy, however, is for believers, not for unbelievers.
23 So if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and some who do not understand or some unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your mind? 24 But if an unbeliever or someone who does not understand comes in while everybody is prophesying, he will be convinced by all that he is a sinner and will be judged by all, 25 and the secrets of his heart will be laid bare. So he will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, "God is really among you!" Now I am not at this time going to debate Speaking in Tongues verses prophesying, for the text indicates both Spiritual gifts. I am going to point out the verses 24 and 25! The Greek word for prophesying is propheteuo, which means to foretell events, divine, speak under inspiration, exercise the prophetic office. Can you imagine what would happen in our Churches if this Spiritual gift was sought and practiced in our Churches today? If the Spiritual gift was practiced and given by the Holy Spirit to men who are an inspired speaker, unbelievers who visit would be “convinced by all that he is a sinner and will be judged by all, 25 and the secrets of his heart will be laid bare. So he will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, "God is really among you!" Is your Preacher inspired by the Holy Spirit to exercise this gift in your Church? I have preachers and laymen exclaim to me all the time, “where is the power in the Church like that in the early Church”? Well maybe it is because belief in the Power of the Holy Spirit and the use of Spiritual gifts are not sought by believers! Evangelism and Discipleship are brothers. One cannot exist without the other! Both should be and must be implemented in the Church in order to fulfill the Christ mandate to Go! We all want to see lost people come into the Church and “fall down and worship God, exclaiming, "God is really among you!" I for one love to see the Transformation take place in the hearts of lost and unbelieving souls! Let us all stop and pray the Holy Spirit bestow the gift of prophesying in our Church for the Glory of Jesus Christ!

Favorite Quotes

I had a friend on facebook who copied and pasted these quotes from my profile to hers as a way to share with her friends. I have many favorites and thought some of you might like to read my selection of quotes.

Quotations

Repent for Kingdom of God is Near! -Jesus

If you Love me, obey my Commands! -Jesus

I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life, no man comes to the Father but through me! -Jesus

If I had three hundred men who feared nothing but God, hated nothing but sin, and were determined to know nothing among men but Jesus Christ and Him crucified, I would set the world on fire. --John Wesley

There isn't anything quite so chilling, quite so disheartening as a man without the Holy Spirit preaching about the Holy Spirit. -Tozer

The Spirit of God first imparts love; he next inspires hope and then gives liberty; and that is about the last thing we have in many of our churches. -Moody

Don't let scoffers laugh you into hell; they cannot laugh you out of it. -D.L. Moody

Set yourself on fire and people will come just to watch you burn! D.L. Moody

This law tells me how crooked I am. Grace comes along and straightens me out. -D.L. Moody

It is a great deal better to live a holy life than to talk about it. Lighthouses do not ring bells and fire cannon to call attention to their shining-they just shine. -Moody

There may be sin in your life which you will never speak to anyone, but there is no sin for which the Blood of Jesus can't wash away! -Charles Spurgeon

There is no sin for which it is worth your while to be damned. -Spurgeon

Plunge into the "fountain filled with blood, drawn from Immanuel's veins," and in an instant you are whiter than snow. Every speck, spot, and stain of sin is gone, and gone forever. -Spurgeon

Trust Christ and you shall live. The bloody sacrifice of Calvary is the only hope of sinners. -Spurgeon

"If sinners will be damned, at least let
...them leap to Hell over our bodies. And if they will perish, let them
perish with our arms about their knees, imploring them to stay. If Hell
must be filled, at least let it be filled in the teeth of our exertions,
and let not one go their unwarned and unprayed for." - Charles Spurgeon

It is shocking to reflect that a change in the weather has more effect on some men's lives than the dread alternative of heaven or hell. -Spurgeon

True repentance hates the sin, and not merely the penalty; and it hates the sin most of all because it has discovered and felt God's love. -Taylor

Constant complaint is the poorest sort of pay for all the comforts we enjoy. -Franklin

My memory is almost gone, but I remember one thing: that I am a great sinner and Christ is a great Savior. --John Newton, author of "Amazing Grace"

If Socrates would enter the room we should rise and do him honor. But if Jesus Christ came into the room we should fall down on our knees and worship Him. --Napoleon Bonaparte

What God told me last night!

As I ponder tonight about the souls of the people I know and love, I am carried away by emotions of discernment. I am Called and Ordained by Jesus Christ to Proclaiming the Awesome Message of Salvation and Deliverance offered to all mankind, including all I know and love, through the Death, burial and Resurrection of Christ! The discernment came about while pondering Christmas and the mad rush to buy and get more stuff. Jesus gave me this thought by way of the Holy Spirit; “William, there is not enough money or stuff in the World that can fill the vacuum in your heart, That is why I sent the Holy Spirit.” Wow, that was an unexpected proclamation! To a seasoned Christian this proclamation may seem mundane but for someone like me Spectacular! I must share this with everyone. Why seek stuff that is hear today and gone tomorrow? Why not seek Substance that will enrich your life and the lives of those you love? That Substance is the Indwelling Christ! Do you know Him? Do you feel Him moving upon your heart? Do you hear His voice? Does the Holy Spirit speak with your spirit, confirming your are Saved? If you can respond to those questions with an affirmative yes, then you need not this Devotion. If you have not or cannot answer these questions yes, then please read further.

Matthew 5:6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” These words from Jesus keep ringing in my ears! Happiness, He says, comes from hungering and thirsting for Righteousness! To be filled with the Holy Spirit is the result of that pursuit! The Holy Spirit is what brings Happiness and Substance into my life, not Material possessions! 1Timothy 6:6 “But godliness with contentment is great gain.
7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.
8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.
9 People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction.
10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
11 But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.” So why do we seek stuff to fill our lives when it shall be gone, soon? Listen to this Wisdom from God's Word; Ecclesiastes 2:22 “What does a man get for all the toil and anxious striving with which he labors under the sun?
23 All his days his work is pain and grief; even at night his mind does not rest. This too is meaningless. 24 A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, 25 for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment? 26 To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.”

Let us not Chase after the wind! Let us find and follow Hard after Christ! Let us seek Him with our whole heart! For He has said you will find! I would like to challenge each of you dear readers to humbly ask God to help you discover His Substance! Take this challenge if you dare. Grab a tablet of paper and right down where you spent your time the previous hour. Do this for a week. This will not be easy, but I can assure you it will show what your Pursuing in your life! Do you want to mature in your Christian faith? Do you want True Joy in your life? Do you really want Happiness? If not, then continue to Chase after the wind!

After Thanksgiving, now what?

Now that Thanksgiving is over what’s next? I would like to suggest something. In America we have a wonderful thing that was set up, maybe by inspiration or not, called the Holiday’s. Think about this: Thanksgiving comes first to turn hearts to giving thanks to God for all His Blessings from the past year. Then comes Christmas, which offers the opportunity for people to focus on the awesome gift of Redemption through the Birth, life and works of the Savior Jesus Christ. Then comes New Year which gives people the opportunity to start afresh. What a great opportunity to finish the year well and look forward to the next Year to worship and seek the Will of God. 1). Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and serve Him in every aspect of our lives. 2). Always give Thanks in every situation that arises in our lives. Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year, what a time to reflect on our relationship with God and our fellow man. Think about this passage of Holy Scripture; Psalm 119:9-18 “How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Praise be to you, O LORD; teach me your decrees. With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth. I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word. Do good to your servant, and I will live; I will obey your word. Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.”
Let us all remember that stuff can never fill the emptiness in our souls but only the indwelling Christ! Happiness comes not in the possession of materials, but in the substance of Faith! People are empty inside, that is why are homes are full of stuff! As I watched the news last night and heard of people camping out at Malls and shopping centers for hours and sometimes days, I felt within my spirit a groaning for their souls. Some of these people never give Thanks for what they do have and would never come to a Church for a Faith lift! Always they have a desire for more stuff! Always have a need to get the best deal, even at the expense of running up debt! I would like to suggest a passage of Scripture to encourage all who will read this blog; 1Timothy 6:6 “But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. 11 But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” There is not enough room in your home to put stuff as you pursue Materialism! Has Christ no place in your life? Mark 8:36 “What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? 37 Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? 38 If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father's glory with the holy angels." I pray we will pursue Christ First in our lives, then material possessions will seem less important! Christ shall provide all our needs according to His Riches in Glory!

Why I am Thankful!

My heart cries out to the Almighty and He answers me! My Soul is downcast and He Lift’s me up! My tears drown my face like a waterfall and He dries my eyes with His Breath! My broken and Contrite heart will never be despised by Him for He Promised! My sins are ever before me and He Washes them away with His Son’s Bloody Sacrifice! My soul feels alienated and He reminds me He will never leave me nor forsake me! My life seems to be filled with Joy suckers and yet He fills my Heart with the Joy of His Salvation!

Today is Thanksgiving 2010, and my heart is soft and humbled by His Presence in my life! I want to thank everyone who prays for life to be a Witness of His Glory and follows this blog! I want to share briefly what I am Thankful for this year.

1. Gospel of Jesus Christ: Good news is always welcome. We don’t have to pay our sin debt, because Jesus already has by His Death on the Cross, His burial and His Resurrection from the dead! We are saved by turning to Jesus and Trusting in His work for our Salvation!

2. God’s Grace: God’s kindness is given to us freely! God gives us what we do not deserve. Eternal bliss! Enjoying Him Forever!

3. God’s Mercy: God’s Mercy is why we are not consumed by the fires of Hell! God does not give us what we deserve! He has pity on us.

4. Privilege of Prayer: It is an Awe inspiring thing to know that God hears us and responds to our request. Without prayer our relationship with the Father in Heaven would be very cold.

5. My family: Thank God for your family! God ordained and created us to be a family. We need our family for many reason’s. One reason is your family knows your weaknesses better than you do. It is tough to have them point out your weaknesses but you would never grow in your Spiritual walk without this important accountability. Our weaknesses becomes our strengths when God’s power is involved. 2Co 12:9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

6. Church family: Thank God every day for the people who sit next to you in Church! It is Christian suicide not to have Christian fellowship. Hebrews 10:24&25 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another__ and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

7. Technology: Can you imagine life without computers? Without a washer and dryer, without electricity or a refrigerator. Think about your life without a car, without a doctor and without antibiotics. Thank God for giving us the knowledge and creativity to improve our lives!

8. America: We need to quit damning our Country and start Thanking God for the Freedoms we all take for granted. America has many faults and we should all be involved in trying to improve our Country, but would you rather be in another Country? Thank God for giving us the rights to Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. He will continue to bless our Country if we turn to Him in repentance, faith and with Thanksgiving in our Hearts.

Be Blessed and Thankful !!

Thoughts on Revival!

Revival! Revival! Revival! Is there any doubt to the need for personal revival? We know as Christians that true Revival can only come to those who are Alive in the first place! We also know Him who said; “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” So I would like to ask a few questions and then share a few thoughts. Do you really want revival? Are you willing to do what is required? What is stopping you from being Revived in the first place? Are you willing to Stand in the Fire of Almighty God?

Most of my Christian life I have heard preachers, laymen and Pastors say the Church need revival. Many have said revival will only come through prayer. Some have said sing and Praise your way to revival! I am not going to debate their thoughts about revival. However, I would like to share my answers to the previous questions and hope you too will find yourself in a revival as I have found myself! I am a firm believer in the Transforming Power of Jesus Christ and the Fire He gives through the Holy Spirit. If I just pray for revival it will never come, because it has already been made available! You see the Holy Spirit is the Fire of God within the believer and He is Always Present. Do you really want revival? Then you are going to have crucify that which suppresses the Fire! Self, entertainment, pleasures, time, work, family and even Church can actually quench the Holy Spirit's fire in your life! These things listed above are not evil but distract us from the Pursuit Holy Fire Revival! Most are not ready to give these things up to seek true revival. “We are dust and dust settles” is a quote from A.W. Tozer and speaks volumes about our comfort and complacency. If you want revival then you must be stirred up.
Are you willing to do what may be required to receive revival? I can assure you with all the authority of God's Word that revival can and will never come without repentance! We can pray, fast, preach, teach, work in the Church etc. and revival will still not come. Repentance is a prerequisite for revival, just as Salvation. We must turn away from doing the same things over and over and expecting God to revive our mess! Listen to Jeremiah about this topic. Lamentation 3:16 “He hath also broken my teeth with gravel stones, he hath covered me with ashes. 17 And thou hast removed my soul far off from peace: I forgat prosperity. 18 And I said, My strength and my hope is perished from the LORD: 19 Remembering mine affliction and my misery, the wormwood and the gall.
20 My soul hath them still in remembrance, and is humbled in me.
21 This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. 22 It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
Are you willing to be broken and contrite? Revival is always here! Renewal can be new every morning because of the Faithfulness of God!
So what hinders us from being revived in the first place? No time for contrition? Too busy? Fire of God too hot? Some of my hindrances from the past came from my selfish fear of surrender. God may require something from me. He might want me to do something I don't want. Revival will never come until we are surrendered to the Spirit's Fire! Yes, the surrender and contrition do come from much hard prayer and fasting but Revival will not arrive until I Surrender to the Spirit's call. Which leads to the next question.
Are you willing to stand the the Fire of God and not just stand by the fire? The story of Moses has a lot to say about this. Remember when he went to God? He was called by God and had many objections. He had a confidence problem amongst many other self issues like we deal with everyday. He was standing in front of the fire of God as represented by the burning bush. He went to deliver Israel as instructed and came back to the Holy mountain. After much contrition and hardships Moses goes back to meet with God. The Lord gives the Commandments and then Moses spends time with the Lord. Then a really bad thing happened; Ex 32:1 When the people saw that Moses was so long in coming down from the mountain, they gathered around Aaron and said, "Come, make us gods who will go before us. As for this fellow Moses who brought us up out of Egypt, we don't know what has happened to him." Ex 32:6 So the next day the people rose early and sacrificed burnt offerings and presented fellowship offerings. Afterward they sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in revelry.
7 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Go down, because your people, whom you brought up out of Egypt, have become corrupt.” Moses then intercession for Israel and pleads for Mercy. Then Moses did something that we must do if we truly want Revival. We must not stand by the fire but go into the Fire! Ex 33:12 Moses said to the LORD, "You have been telling me, 'Lead these people,' but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. You have said, 'I know you by name and you have found favor with me.'
13 If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is your people." 14 The LORD replied, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest." 15 Then Moses said to him, "If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. 16 How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?" 17 And the LORD said to Moses, "I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name." 18 Then Moses said, "Now show me your glory." 19 And the LORD said, "I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the LORD, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. 20 But," he said, "you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live."
21 Then the LORD said, "There is a place near me where you may stand on a rock.
22 When my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by. 23 Then I will remove my hand and you will see my back; but my face must not be seen." Moses , like us, stood on the edge of the Fire of God. But we, like Moses must jump into the Fire and see the Glory of the LORD! True Revival comes from a God who is like a Fire. Hebrews 12:28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, 29 for our "God is a consuming fire." We need Revival, Yes. But are we willing to pay the price?

Powerful Delusion!

Confusion! Confusion! Confusion! So much confusion and rejection of the Truth has resulted in the “Falling Away of the Church.” How did I come up with this statement? Simply by knowing the Truth as revealed in the Word of God! Consider this Passage of Holy Scripture; 2Thessalonians 2:1 Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him, we ask you, brothers,2 not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by some prophecy, report or letter supposed to have come from us, saying that the day of the Lord has already come. 3 Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. 4 He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God.”

The Return of the Lord Jesus will not occur until the Rebellion (fallen away) and the man of lawlessness (anti-Christ) is revealed! In order for him to rise to power and proclaim himself to be God the last Jewish Temple has to be built. Well is there any doubt the the fallen away has started? Have you been paying attention to the Church? Sin abounds and not much Repentance. The Grace and Forgiveness of God seem to be secondary to the Entertainment offered by the Contemporary Church! Living in Biblical holiness and Loving Christ and our fellow man seem to be crowded out by Narcissism! You now Jesus said this would happen just before His Return. Matthew 24:10 “At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, 11 and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. 12 Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 13 but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.” Jesus also reference the man of lawlessness being revealed before His Return. Matthew 24:15 “So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination that causes desolation,’ {15 Daniel 9:27; 11:31; 12:11} spoken of through the prophet Daniel– let the reader understand–” Well do we understand?

Where does the confusion mentioned earlier come into play? Matthew 24:23 “At that time if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or, ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. 24 For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect– if that were possible. 25 See, I have told you ahead of time. 26 “So if anyone tells you, ‘There he is, out in the desert,’ do not go out; or, ‘Here he is, in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it. 27 For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.” False prophets and false teachers exponentially out number True holy men of God! God is not the author of confusion, Satan is the father of lies! 2Thessalonians 2:9 “The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, 10 and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. 11 For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie 12 and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness.” Confusion, deceit, counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, evil deeds of the flesh all contribute to the fulfillment of the “Rebellion” just before Christ’ Return! Because the “Christian Church” in America has rejected the Truth and turned to the Entertainment god, God has sent a powerful delusion so they will believe a lie and be condemned with all who delights in wickedness!

So what must we do to guard against such powerful delusions and false teachings? 2Chonicles 7:13 “When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, 14 if my people, who are called by my name, will 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.” Titus 3:3 “At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.”

If we as true Christian’s focus on Jesus and walk obediently to the Word of God we will in wise Perish with the ungodly. John Wesley started his societies and when asked by people who wanted to join, he would simply say “do you have a desire to flee from the Wrath to Come?” Well the Wrath of God is Coming and we need to be fleeing to Jesus! The god Entertainment, Satan, anti-Christ, and all the wicked will be destroyed by the Brightness and Glorious Appearing of Jesus Christ! Make sure you are not being deceived by the power in this World!

Are you in Error?

I will sing unto the Lord a new song! I will shout and Praise His Name! Bless the Lord o my soul and all that is within me, Bless His Holy Name! I shall Glory in the Cross of Christ! I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ for it is the Power of God for Salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew then for the Gentiles! I Believe! I Believe! I Believe! My Soul cries out with Joy knowing that I am Declared Righteous in the eyes of the Only Holy God, through Faith in the Blood of Jesus shed on the Cross! My Soul rejoices because God assures me of Eternal Life by showing me the Resurrection of His Son!
Now that was my testimony of my Soul as I woke this morning! I want to now share a few thoughts for reflection. Last night I heard a “famous” lady preacher speak about the power of the Resurrection and the audience was moved to cheering! It seemed to me as a hyper emotional event. I must admit speaking about the Resurrection gets the spirit within me jumping! So what was wrong and why am I writing this blog? Simply to point to an error. The lady took a passage out of context by omitting a key component. This is the Passage; Philippians 3:10 I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.” By omitting the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings she deflated the Power of the Resurrection! Shall we as believers just speak and glory in the resurrection? Did the Apostle Paul, John or Peter? Absolutely NOT! So many Contemporary preachers and churches Proclaim victory in Jesus through the Resurrection without even mentioning the Power of the Cross! Galatians 6:7 “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. 11 See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand! 12 Those who want to make a good impression outwardly are trying to compel you to be circumcised. The only reason they do this is to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ. 13 Not even those who are circumcised obey the law, yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast about your flesh.
14 May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.”
So many today fall into the category of verse 12. Trying to make a good impression outwardly by only sharing the resurrection with their hearers and avoiding the persecution that comes from preaching the Cross is a disgusting sin! “The cross is the only ladder high enough to touch Heaven's threshold.” -Boardman “No Cross, No Crown.” --Thomas Fuller “To remember Jesus is to remember first of all his Cross.” -John Knox “Jesus has many lovers of His crown, but few bearers of His cross.” -Spurgeon “Trust Christ and you shall live. The bloody sacrifice of Calvary is the only hope of sinners.” -Spurgeon “Plunge into the "fountain filled with blood, drawn from Immanuel's veins," and in an instant you are whiter than snow. Every speck, spot, and stain of sin is gone, and gone forever.” -Spurgeon
The Resurrection of Christ makes the Soul rejoice and emotions soar, but a soul is dirty and must first pass through the Cleansing Power of the Bloody Cross! Without the Cross of Christ there is no True Resurrection Victory! Let us know the Power of Christ' Resurrection by sharing in His Sufferings!

Such a Fear Monger!

O what a fear monger! O you just hate poor people! O you are just trying to manipulate and control people who disagree with you! O you are a bigot! Did I miss anything? I am not sure how or what your response will be after reading this blog but I will simply tell you to get in line for name calling! The topic? The New World Order! O it is coming fast and furious! Some Christians are convinced the Rapture of the Church will happen before the Anti-Christ takes control in the New World Order. It is not my intention to debate the timing of the Rapture, but to simply encourage you to be prepared! I have often pondered the question; what is the most important Prophecy concerning the Return of Jesus? I believe the answer is hope for the best and plan for the worst, which is the message Jesus gave us in the Parable of the Ten Virgins in Matthew 25:1-13. As we wait for Jesus, we need to be prepared by having enough oil in our lamps and not be caught off guard as the Lord tarries! What does this Parable have to do with the New World Order? Everything! Jesus told us in Matthew 24:15 that the Anti-Christ (abomination that causes desolation) would rise to power before His Return. The Anti-Christ' New World Order is described in the following passages of Scripture. Revelation 13:13 And he performed great and miraculous signs, even causing fire to come down from heaven to earth in full view of men. 14 Because of the signs he was given power to do on behalf of the first beast, he deceived the inhabitants of the earth. He ordered them to set up an image in honor of the beast who was wounded by the sword and yet lived. 15 He was given power to give breath to the image of the first beast, so that it could speak and cause all who refused to worship the image to be killed. 16 He also forced everyone, small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on his right hand or on his forehead, 17 so that no one could buy or sell unless he had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of his name.
18 This calls for wisdom. If anyone has insight, let him calculate the number of the beast, for it is man's number. His number is 666.
China, Japan, Germany, Russia, Brazil, France, England and Saudi Arabia have all stated recently the World needs a single Leader and a new Global currency! Some have stated they want Barack Obama to be that Leader! All I can say is look what is happening with the US dollar. The dollar has been the Global standard for years but now the dollar is collapsing and America debt has climbed beyond comprehension. In fact Americas debt is greater than the entire Worlds wealth combined! Look it up as see if this is true. This simply means a New Global currency is on the horizon. Also listen to this Scripture concerning economic collapse. Revelation 6:5 “When the Lamb opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, "Come!" I looked, and there before me was a black horse! Its rider was holding a pair of scales in his hand. 6 Then I heard what sounded like a voice among the four living creatures, saying, "A quart of wheat for a day's wages, and three quarts of barley for a day's wages, and do not damage the oil and the wine!"
Be prepared! Be Alert! Trust in Christ Jesus! I think the passage Jesus preached in the Sermon on the Mount speaks volumes. Matthew 6:24 "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money. 25 "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
28 "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
31 So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
With the collapse of the US dollar comes great economic stress! Food, cloths, water and the necessities of life will be difficult and may even be scarce! Notice what Jesus says in verse 33. The Father in Heaven will provide for His children as we seek His Kingdom first!
The New World Order is Coming soon! Are you Trusting and seeking His Kingdom first in your life? Are you a Wise Virgin and have enough oil in your lamp? Are you Prepared? Jesus died on a Cross and Rose from the dead! Believe in Him and Repent! That is the first and most important step we can take to be prepared for what is Coming! Turn to Jesus now before you are deceived by the False Prophet and the Anti-Christ!

Lover of my Soul!

Let us look upon the Author of our Faith! The Lover of our souls. The Master Teacher. The Prophet, Priest and King! The Holy One of Israel. The Righteous Redeemer! The Lord above all lords and the King Above all kings! The Wellspring of Righteousness! The giver of Wisdom and Knowledge. The Obedient Servant who Died on a Cross for your sins and mine! Do you know Him? What keeps us from loving Him and serving Him with all our hearts? Pride? Arrogance? Ignorance? Self-righteousness? False humility? Are the things in this world so appealing to your flesh that you see not your need for Saving Grace and Mercy? Has sin so served you well to the point that your heart is so hard not even the Holy Spirit can penetrate? Hebrews 3:7 So, as the Holy Spirit says: "Today, if you hear his voice, 8 do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion, during the time of testing in the desert,
9 where your fathers tested and tried me and for forty years saw what I did.
10 That is why I was angry with that generation, and I said, 'Their hearts are always going astray, and they have not known my ways.'
11 So I declared on oath in my anger, 'They shall never enter my rest.'"
12 See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God.
13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.”

If you feel the Holy Spirit tugging at your heart, LISTEN and Respond! God never wants to do us harm. He is our Creator and He knows best! Psalm 103:11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him;
Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
1Co 2:9 However, as it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him" Hebrews 13:5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."
6 So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?"

These verses are Irrevocable Promises from Almighty God for those who choose to listen the Holy Spirit's voice! Will you listen today? You may never have another chance to respond in humble repentance to the Only True and Living God who Loves your Soul! 1Peter 2:22 "He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth."
23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.
24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.
25 For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

All Saints Day!

All Saint’s Day is today and I am filled with Awe remembering all the Hero’s of the Faith found in Hebrews 11. Every time I read this chapter I am struck with humility and grief. Not because of how they all suffered for faith but because of my lack of following Hard after God! Am I acting out my Faith as I should? Am I giving God lip service? Am I offering my life as a testimony of the Glory of Christ my Savior? Am I so comfortable in this life that I am unable to advance the Kingdom of God? Am I Standing where God wants me to Stand? Here is a portion of the Scriptures that I am remembering;

Hebrews 11:32 And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets,33 who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions,34 quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies.35 Women received back their dead, raised to life again. Others were tortured and refused to be released, so that they might gain a better resurrection.36 Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison.37 They were stoned; they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated–38 the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground.39 These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised.40 God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.

Directly following these verses of Holy Scripture we find these passages; Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

What excuse will I find for not following their example? Is Jesus not WORTHY? I want to challenge every Christian who finds their eyes gazing upon this blog entry! Meditate upon these Great passages and ask yourself the same questions that the Holy Spirit brought to my mind during this devotion! I want to close with the Words of Jesus. Mark 8:31 He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again. 32 He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. 33 But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. “Get behind me, Satan!” he said. “You do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.” 34 Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 35 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it. 36 What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?37 Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? 38 If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.”

Christianween!

As many Christians embark the paganism of Halloween, trying to bring the knowledge of Christ to worldlings, another more important event happened in History on this date, The Reformation! Many in the Christian communities do not even know what this event entails, let alone its importance to Christian theology. Here is a brief history if you find the desire to continue:
WHAT IS REFORMATION DAY?
Reformation Day is an important liturgical festival that is celebrated by Lutherans and Christians of many Protestant denominations. It commemorates Dr. Martin Luther’s posting of his Ninety-five Theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany on October 31, 1517. This act triggered the movement in world history known as the Reformation. While the historical date for the observance of Reformation is October 31st, most churches celebrate it on the last Sunday in October.
WHAT WAS THE REFORMATION?
While it had profound and lasting impacts on the political, economic, social, literary, and artistic aspects of modern society, the Reformation was at its heart a religious movement. The Reformation was the great rediscovery of the doctrine of justification, that is, the good news of salvation by grace through faith for Christ’s sake.
WHY WAS THE CHURCH IN NEED OF REFORM?
For centuries, the Roman Catholic Church had been plagued by false doctrines, superstition, ignorance, and corruption. Since most ordinary Christians were illiterate and had little knowledge of the Bible, they relied on their clergy for religious instruction and guidance. Tragically however, monks, priests, bishops, and even the popes in Rome taught unbiblical doctrines like purgatory and salvation through good works. Spiritually earnest people tried to justify themselves by charitable works, pilgrimages, and all kinds of religious performances and devotions, but they were left wondering if they had done enough to appease God’s righteous anger and escape His punishment. The truth of the gospel — the good news that God is loving and merciful, that He offers each and every one of us forgiveness and salvation not because of what we do, but because of what Christ has already done for us — was largely forgotten by both clergy and laity. The Holy Spirit used an Augustinian monk and university professor named Martin Luther to restore the gospel to its rightful place as the cornerstone doctrine of Christianity.
DOES THE CHURCH TODAY NEED REFORMATION?
Some Theologians say the Church is in need of another Reformation. It is the opinion of the one writing this that the Church doesn’t need Reformed but Renewed! The Church needs Revived and empowered by the means of Repentance! The Church needs to stop entertaining sinners and start preaching and living the faith in the Person and Works of Jesus Christ. Salvation by Grace alone through Faith alone should be the catalyst by which Christianity thrives! Remember this event in the past as we reach lost souls for the sake of Jesus Christ!

Homophobia, really?

Waking up this morning was a delight! I know my Redeemer Lives! Since I gave my life to the Only Savior Jesus Christ, life has been tough but very rewarding. The only and greatest thing I have ever experienced is seeing my sins Washed away in the Divine Blood of Jesus shed on the Cross! As I drank my coffee this morning I was reading an article written by a Christian concerning homosexuality. He was debating and lamenting over the so called scientific evidence that homosexuals are born that way. I desire not to rant and rave about whether homosexuality is a sin or not, because that is a non issue with God! He says that it is a sexual sin, Period! What I do desire is to make a few comments that hopefully will clarify, for any Christian who reads this post, will agree with God. It matters not at all if you agree or disagree with me on any issue that God's Word clearly tackles. A preacher friend of mine read the article about the scientific evidence that homosexuals are born that way and was somewhat perplexed stating; “if they are born homosexual then they are not responsible and we as preachers cannot address this issue because they cannot help themselves.” My jaw about hit the floor! After a few moments lamenting his ignorant statement I was compelled by the Holy Spirit to rebuke Him with the Truth in Love! Romans 3:20 “Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin. 21 But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22 This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference,
23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” We are all born sinful and are in need of Redemption regardless of scientific evidence! Homosexuality is a sin, just as lying, cheating, stealing, idolatry, hatred, unforgiving, drunkenness and coveting. We must understand as Christians that homosexuals are born sinful just as you and I are born sinful. We all Must repent of sin and be Born again in Christ! There is an argument about whether homosexual is a choice. Well, hello! We all have a choice! Continue to live in sin and refuse New Birth in Christ and go to Hell or choose repentance and be Born Again! Many people try to justify their behavior by pointing to other behavior. Sin is Sin regardless! Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." 1John 3:8 “He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work. 9 No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God's seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God.” So the Truth is we Christians must Preach and Teach there is a New Life in Christ through Repentance and Rebirth! We Christians must not be homophobic or bashing them with Bible verses, for they cannot understand the Truth until they are Born again. We must Point them to Jesus! Show them how Jesus has changed your life! Show them they can also receive forgiveness. Tell them the Truth in Love. Tell them they Must be Born Again!

America: On the path to Rome!

What I am about to talk about is grievous to my heart. I have spent many nights praying and lamenting. The topic is America! The land of the Free and home of the brave. The greatest most prosperous Nation this world has ever seen. Anyone who says that America was not founded on Biblical Christian Principles are ignorant and has not studied the founders own words! I love my Country and the Constitution as founded. Now for the Lamentations. Depravity! Depravity! Depravity! What is meant by depravity is found in the Bible. If you look and read the following passage with the Holy Spirit, the reader must see the the pattern of destruction. Romans 1:18 “The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, (Truth in America has become relative instead of absolute!)
19 since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them.
20 For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities-- his eternal power and divine nature-- have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. This statement includes Atheist!
21 For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Is America Thankful for Divine Providence and Protection as its founders were?
22 Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools
23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles. Does this not sound like the Global warming, environmental fascist. Who think more of a little fish or an animal than a baby in the womb!
24 Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another.
25 They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator-- who is forever praised. Amen. America once celebrated our Creator but now it is politically incorrect or bigoted to even mention Him or His Son Jesus the Christ.
26 Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones.
27 In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion. If this is not talking about Homosexuality then what is it talking about?
28 Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. This means people who do not think it worthwhile to keep knowledge have lost their ability to act on their own best interest. People who fit in this category do not realize the harm they are causing themselves and others.
29 They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips,
30 slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents;
31 they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless.
32 Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them. “Woe to a Nation that calls evil good and good evil!”
America needs Salvation that comes through repentance and the Gospel of Jesus Christ! Our Nation is collapsing from the inside out! Truth is no longer sought. Money and power are the focus of most of our leaders. By the way, America deserves the leaders they elect! This simple Truth should raise awareness of the fact that people elect leaders that reflect their own character. America needs for its God fearing, law abiding peace loving citizens to awake from their slumber and repent and seek the Face of God to bring America back from its Depravity and restore our foundation upon the Rock of Truth! One of founders stated that this Republic could not stand unless its people are a religious and moral people! So, Lamentations and prayers will continue to go up to the Father of Truth. May Jesus Christ speak to many through this blog, that America will not dread the way of Rome!

What will you choose?

As I sit on the front porch and enjoy the beautiful weather, I wonder how many Christians will read this post and even consider what is being addressed? The issue I would like to address is Halloween. For many years growing up this was an exciting and enjoyable time. But as I grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ I am somewhat disturbed by this concept. What is Halloween? You know what it is and what it is not! All of us Christians have knowledge of right and wrong, good and evil. I have learned that just because something is “fun” does not make it right. Let us listen with fresh ears what the Scripture has to say and then ask some simple questions to consider. 2Corinthians 6:14 Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?

15 What harmony is there between Christ and Belial (Satan)? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?

16 What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.”

17 “Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.”

18 “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” Is not Halloween the celebration of darkness? Is Halloween not the celebration of the World of evil? Is Halloween not the celebration of pretense? Is Halloween righteous or wicked? Can we as Christians have fellowship (participation) with unbelievers and be a good witness for Christ at the same time? Some Christians say Halloween is a good time to witness for Christ. Let me ask this question with a Scripture in mind. James 4:4 You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.” Am I condemning Christians for participating in this Pagan celebration? No! But Scripture sure did! To live as the World and to do as the World put’s you in direct conflict with the Word of God! 1John 2:6 “Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.” Would Jesus celebrate Halloween? 1John 2:15 “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For everything in the world– the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does– comes not from the Father but from the world. 17 The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.” Just a few things to ponder and pray about as Halloween approaches. May we all surrender to the Calling and moving of the Holy Spirit in our lives! This may be difficult, but the things in life that are easy usually end up being Carnal. Blessings to all!

Three question's to ponder.

Three questions that were discussed between three friends. I thought it might be of interest to some who follow this blog!
Question one: Why do you suppose that God sent Jesus at the exact time that He did?
Erick and Glady did a great job. I would simply add this; Daniel 9:26 After the sixty-two ‘sevens,’ the Anointed One will be cut off and will have nothing. {26 Or ; or } The people of the ruler who will come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end will come like a flood: War will continue until the end, and desolation’s have been decreed.” He saw when Christ was coming to Atone for sin. Precise timing of God’s Revelation. Jesus mentions this; Luke 19:41 As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it 42 and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace– but now it is hidden from your eyes.
43 The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side.
44 They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.” Notice Jesus said they did not recognize the timing of His Coming.

Question two: Why not be tolerant of other religions such as Muslim, Buddhist, etc as long as it does not effect how we believe?
Again Erick and Glady speaks volume’s on this issue. My input is this; Did the Prophet Elijah tolerate the Baal worshipers idol? NO. Did Moses tolerate the idolatry of Egypt and the idolatry of Israel? NO! Did Jesus ever teach His disciples to tolerate Pagans religions? NO! Does Jesus state any where that there are other religions that are valid? NO! He said John 14:6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Listen to Paul”s teaching in 2 Corinthians 6. 14 Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?
15 What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?
16 What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.”
17 “Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.”
18 “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” We a Bible Christians cannot tolerate what God does not tolerate, PERIOD! Love them and proclaim the Gospel but never tolerate religions offered by the World!

Question three: Do you believe smoking is a sin? if yes or no, what scripture backs your beliefs.
Again Erick and Glady spoke well on this issue. But I do disagree with their personal conviction on this issue. The reason I say this is simple. God defines what sin is and what it is not. The passage used by Paul is 1Corinthians 6:13 “Food for the stomach and the stomach for food”– but God will destroy them both. The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. 14 By his power God raised the Lord from the dead, and he will raise us also. 15 Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself? Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? Never! 16 Do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, “The two will become one flesh.”
17 But he who unites himself with the Lord is one with him in spirit.
18 Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body.
19 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;
20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.” Context is important. Paul is talking about Sexual sin. If we as believers tell people that anything that is bad for our bodies would be a sin against the Temple of God, we would be opening Pandora’s box. Caffeine, sugar, salt, eggs, trans fat, soda, most meat, too much sun….have all been determined to be bad for our bodies. So if we practice this passage we must abstain from all these things as well. Right? If a Christian has a conviction that smoking is a sin, stop smoking. Remember, saints of old thought woman should not wear pants because they thought it was a sin. Sin is well defined by God’s Word, we don’t need to add our own convictions on others. If a person is enslaved by smoking or any other substance not describe as a sin in God’s Word, then they need to ask God to help them.
Great discussion! Peace and Love to all!

Pass through the Transformer!

Consider this passage of Scripture; Romans 12:1 “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-- this is your spiritual {1 Or } act of worship. 2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-- his good, pleasing and perfect will.” I am going to bring testimony of the Transforming power of the Holy Spirit! As I had devotions with my sister last night, thoughts flooded my cranium. I started to think about the Holy Spirit’s Presence and how He has brought conviction and Salvation to some family members through the teaching and Preaching of the Glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ! My dad for instance, used to be full of bitterness and anger, until knowledge of Jesus came to him by the Holy Spirit. My dad has changed so much in recent years. His life is full of joy and peace. His face is happy! His love for others has changed to the point where he is always talking with people about Jesus. This is a testimony of how Jesus can change a persons life from the inside out! The phrase, “in view of God’s Mercy” has a defining place in my dads lie now. He seeks to please God now through offering himself to the Holy Spirit to enable him to live a holy life. To know that the Almighty God has forgiven his offenses fills his lips with gratitude. You know, if you dear reader need a new start, surrender to Jesus. God wants to fill your heart with peace and joy as well. The second part of the verse we are considering brings to mind the mindless folly this world system offers. You can have it if you choose. Paul the Apostle tells us not to conform any longer to the pattern of this world. What does that mean? Glad you asked! 1John 2:15 “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For everything in the world-- the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does-- comes not from the Father but from the world.
17 The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.” The world system leads to misery, deception, lust and the ultimate destruction of your soul! Everything this world has to offer pulls us away from the Living God! Another reason Paul tells us to not conform to the worlds system is you will become God’s enemy. James 4:4 “You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.” Now lets look at the rest of Paul”s instruction. Being Transformed by the renewing of your mind can only happen by the Inspired Word of God as taught by the Holy Spirit. To illustrate this concept let us view God’s Word as a plow. Your heart is hard and fallow. Sin and the world system is pounding at your heart daily. For we know Scripture says that sin hardens the heart. The Word of God will soften our hearts and bring nourishment. Listen to an Old Testament Prophet. Hosea 10:12" Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the LORD, until he comes and showers righteousness on you.” That is precisely what happened to my dad! That can happen to you as well! Unless of course you continue to reject the Holy Spirit’s conviction and remain a Worldling! Another illustration could be an electric pole. If you go out and touch the wires, your dead! That electricity is powerful and deadly. So is sin! If you ran the wires directly to your house it will burn it down. In fact the electricity must pass first through the transformer then into your home before it can be used in a useful and constructive way. Well the Gospel of Jesus Christ ( death, burial and Resurrection of Christ) as made known by the Holy Spirit is the Transformer! Be like my dad and give your life to Jesus. He will bring a new life and new start. The Holy Spirit will give you understanding beyond that of a thousand Theologians! Just a few thoughts. Peace!

Who is Jesus? Do you even care?

Does it really matter what God’s Word says? Does the Bible only speak to the people mentioned in the Bible? Does Jesus ever claim that He is God? Does Jesus ever claim to be the Messiah? These questions were raised and discussed at Bible Study resently and I wanted to share the Scriptures that clearly speak to the Charactor of Jesus. I have heard many preachers and teachers that deny that Jesus claimed to be the Christ (Messiah) and say that Jesus was not God in the flesh. So I will simply say, what does Jesus say? Let us hear Him speak and the Holy Spirit speak through the prophets and Apostles. We need not the opinions of man, but the opinion of God! So is Jesus God in the flesh?

John 8:51 I tell you the truth, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death."
52 At this the Jews exclaimed, "Now we know that you are demon-possessed! Abraham died and so did the prophets, yet you say that if anyone keeps your word, he will never taste death.
53 Are you greater than our father Abraham? He died, and so did the prophets. Who do you think you are?"
54 Jesus replied, "If I glorify myself, my glory means nothing. My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who glorifies me.
55 Though you do not know him, I know him. If I said I did not, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and keep his word.
56 Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad."
57 "You are not yet fifty years old," the Jews said to him, "and you have seen Abraham!"
58 "I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "before Abraham was born, I am!"
59 At this, they picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus hid himself, slipping away from the temple grounds.

Ex 3:13 Moses said to God, "Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, 'The God of your fathers has sent me to you,' and they ask me, 'What is his name?' Then what shall I tell them?"
14 God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM. {14 Or } This is what you are to say to the Israelites: 'I AM has sent me to you.'"
15 God also said to Moses, "Say to the Israelites, 'The LORD, {15 The Hebrew for sounds like and may be derived from the Hebrew for in verse 14.} the God of your fathers-- the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob-- has sent me to you.' This is my name forever, the name by which I am to be remembered from generation to generation.

John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2 He was with God in the beginning.

Re 19:13 He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God.

John 1:14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, {14 Or } who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 4:24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth."
25 The woman said, "I know that Messiah" (called Christ) "is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us."
26 Then Jesus declared, "I who speak to you am he."

Mt 26:60 But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward. Finally two came forward
61 and declared, "This fellow said, 'I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.'"
62 Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, "Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?"
63 But Jesus remained silent. The high priest said to him, "I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God."
64 "Yes, it is as you say," Jesus replied. "But I say to all of you: In the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven."
65 Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, "He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy.
66 What do you think?" "He is worthy of death," they answered.
67 Then they spit in his face and struck him with their fists. Others slapped him
68 and said, "Prophesy to us, Christ. Who hit you?"

John 14:1 "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.
2 In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.
4 You know the way to the place where I am going."
5 Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?"
6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
7 If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him."
8 Philip said, "Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us."
9 Jesus answered: "Don't you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'?

Col 2:8 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.
9 For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form,
10 and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority.

Pr 30:1 The sayings of Agur son of Jakeh-- an oracle: This man declared to Ithiel, to Ithiel and to Ucal:
2 "I am the most ignorant of men; I do not have a man's understanding.
3 I have not learned wisdom, nor have I knowledge of the Holy One.
4 Who has gone up to heaven and come down? Who has gathered up the wind in the hollow of his hands? Who has wrapped up the waters in his cloak? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and the name of his son? Tell me if you know!

Hebrews 1:1 In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways,
2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe.
3 The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.
4 So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.
5 For to which of the angels did God ever say, "You are my Son; today I have become your Father"? Or again, "I will be his Father, and he will be my Son"?
6 And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says, "Let all God's angels worship him."

Now that the Bible has spoken clearly about the Person of Jesus Christ, what are you going to do with this knowledge? Are you going to continue in unbelief and doubt? Are you going to continue listening to man rather than God? Make your free will choice! Your decision will have Eternal consequences. If you choose to believe the Bible and know who Jesus is according to the Bible then listen to what Jesus says you need to do right now. “Mt 4:17 From that time on Jesus began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near."