Reflections on 1 Peter Chapter One

Reflections on 1 Peter Chapter One

The Apostle Simon Peter wrote this book to encourage believers to persevere through tribulation and suffering, without losing hope or becoming bitter. Within this posting we will examine chapter one.

1Peter 1:1,2  Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,  2 elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied.  

During this time of persecution against the church of Christ, many Jewish believers fled Judea, and were dispersed throughout the Roman Empire. Peter addresses them as the elect of God, according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ. Sanctification of the Spirit for obedience, is a reference to the purifying power of God’s Spirit to set the believers apart from the sinful world. In order to be sanctified, it requires obedience to God’s Word, and this is only possible through surrendering one’s will to God. Sanctification does not come through faith alone, but requires denying ourselves daily of sin, and taking up our cross and following Christ. The sprinkling of blood is a reference to being marked by God, through his indwelling spirit.

1Peter 1:3-12  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,  4 to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,  5 who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials,  7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,  8 whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,  9 receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls. 10 Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you,  11 searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ who was in them was indicating when He testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow.  12 To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things which angels desire to look into.

These verses are in reference to our heavenly inheritance, which comes through salvation from our Lord Jesus Christ. In verse 6, Peter tells us to greatly rejoice in our salvation, even though we may be grieved by various trials. He refers to these trials as testing the genuineness of our faith. In the same way that gold is purified in the fire, so our faith is also refined in the fiery trials of this life. The goal of these trials is that our lives may bring praise, honor, and glory to our Lord when he returns. In this life, we all experience suffering in various forms. Sickness, death, unemployment, persecution etc. are examples of trials that may bring about bitterness or backslidings in our lives. We all have the choice to become hard or bitter, or to allow these trials to build character, as well as strengthen our faith. I am well acquainted with suffering, I have experienced the deaths of both of my parents, my brother (my only sibling), my nephew, as well as my wife of fourteen years. I was bitter with God for a period of time, and I had to learn to forgive him. When I forgave God, he granted me visions of the afterlife, as well as explained things to me that brought me great comfort. The Lord has also blessed me with a wonderful new wife that is my perfect match. I have made the choice to reach out to others who are suffering the loss of loved ones, and use my pain to help others get through this dark time. When you help others get through life’s hard times, the Lord will strengthen, as well as bring healing to you.

 

 Verses 10-12 state that the prophets who foretold of this great salvation, have searched carefully into how and when this would take place, and even the angels desire to look into it. There are many messianic prophecies within the Old Testament concerning God’s anointed one who would redeem mankind from the evil one. One of my favorite messianic passages is Isaiah 9:6-7 For unto us a child is born, Unto us a son is given, And the government will be upon His shoulder, And his name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of His government  and peace there will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. This powerful passage clearly identifies the Messiah as the Mighty God, as well as, the Everlasting Father! The suffering servant as depicted in Isaiah 53, is God Almighty. The mystery of salvation is that God himself would leave his throne in glory and become a man, and humble himself even unto the death upon the cross, to redeem a fallen mankind. Both the old, as well as the new testaments are clear that there is only one God, who is both spirit, as well as omni-present. Since God is not bound to locality, he could exist as the eternal Father in the heavens, and at the same time walk the earth in human form.

 

Verses 13-21  Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;  14 as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance;  15 but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct,  16 because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”  17 And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear;  18 knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers,  19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.  20 He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you  21 who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.

 

Verses 14-16, teach us that as obedient children we are no longer to conform ourselves to the former lusts as we did in ignorance, But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all of your conduct;  Because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”  Most churches today, teach a distorted form of grace message that gives people a license to sin. This doctrine of demons is producing a great apostasy within the modern church. Church leaders are not teaching their flocks to repent of their sins and to become truly born again, as well as there is no emphasis put on sanctification. Many churches teach that we are all ragamuffins, and that our lifestyle is no different than that of the world, and the only difference is that we are forgiven. God’s Word is clear that without holiness, no man shall see the Father, and any tree that does not produce good fruit, will be cut down and thrown into the fire. 2 Peter 2:19-22 is in reference to teachers who promise liberty to people, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. Peter  states that those who have escaped the pollutions of the world to again be entangled in them and overcome, to them their latter end is worse than their beginning, and it would have been better if they had never known the way of righteousness. These false teachers, as well as those who heed to their doctrine, are compared to a dog who returns to his own vomit, or to a sow wallowing in the mire (filth). The same is true today of the many grace for everything teachers, that are helping to shut people out of the kingdom of God.

 

 2 Peter 2:18-22  For when they speak great swelling words of emptiness, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through lewdness, the ones who have actually escaped from those who live in error.  19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by whom a person is overcome, by him also he is brought into bondage.  20 For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning.  21 For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them.  22 But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: “A dog returns to his own vomit,” and, “a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire.”

 

Verse 17 states that if you call upon the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear. Many churches teach that our salvation is not dependent upon good works, but God’s Word is clear that faith without works is dead (James 2:14-20). At the great white throne judgment, each man will be judged, according to his works, this includes both sinners, as well as saints. Also, the letters addressed to the seven churches in the book of Revelation state, that the Lord both knows their works, as well as judges each one by his works.

 

Verses 22-25 Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart,  23 having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever,  24 because All flesh is as grass, And all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, And its flower falls away, 25 But the word of the Lord endures forever.” Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you.

 

Verse 22 states, Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart. Our souls are purified, by obeying the truth through God’s Spirit. Christ said that if you love me you will keep my commandments, and his greatest commandment is that we love the Lord our God, with all our heart, mind, body, and soul, as well as love our neighbor as our self. God’s Word states that the law and the prophets are fulfilled, when we have this kind of unconditional love. The hardest thing for most people is to love their enemies, but with God’s indwelling spirit, this is possible. Society tells us to love those who love you, and to hate those who hate you, but God’s Word teaches us to love everyone, as well as to bless those who curse you. As Christians, we are not to render insult for insult, or reviling for reviling, but we are to pursue peace with all men. By displaying the love and peace of Christ, we will hopefully lead people to Christ. 

Visions and Dreams of Soviet America

Visions and Dreams of Soviet America

Since September 11, 2001, I have had many dreams, as well as visions, and words, concerning the new America that is being formed. Since 911, we have been losing our freedoms a portion at a time, and the American people have naively trusted our government. Last month, I had a vision of red strobe lights on top of a law enforcement vehicle, and the Lord spoke the word, “Soviet” to me twice, as the bright red beams shined twice in my eyes. The red beams from the strobe lights were so bright that the vision actually hurt my eyes. I believe that this vision was another confirmation to the police state that will be formed in the very near future.

 On Saturday, I dreamed that I was walking with the Lord, as well as with a group of people in a shopping mall. I noticed a soldier that was dressed in a soviet era Russian uniform with an assault rifle was working as the mall security guard. I asked the soldier for directions and I understood that he was American. I then said to my wife, “America sure has changed since the American people were disarmed; now only the military have weapons.”  I also understood that shopping malls, as well as theme parks, still remained, but the military was now the law enforcement of the land. I believe that this dream indicates that capitalism will continue in the new America, but America will become a police state similar to the old Soviet Union.

 The many shootings across the country, as well as terrorism, and the coming economic collapse, may be the events that bring about the change in our government.  Since 911, our military has gone from being defensive in nature, to offensive (aggressive).  Words like pre-emptive strike are another name for aggression.  The Lord compared both George W. Bush, as well as Barack Obama to Hitler to me in dreams and visions. Also, the patriot act gave the government, as well as the president , and law enforcement, more power than ever before in history. This almost unlimited power, was used in a very abusive, as well as intrusive way against innocent American citizens. Emails, cell phone, and landline conversations, were tapped by the government, and still are to this day.  Not so long ago, it was reported in the news, that many world leaders also had their phones tapped by our government, most notably Merkle of Germany.  Also, many FEMA camps were used as prisons to house innocent people accused of crimes, without evidence, or trial. A few years ago, many involved in the Wall Street protests were also, imprisoned in FEMA camps. These FEMA camps are located all over the country, and they will be used as concentration camps in the future. The Lord showed me that there will be a persecution against Christians that speak out, or don’t go along with, the polices of our government.

When Hitler rose to power in Germany, he confiscated the firearms, as well as destroyed them, in order to better maintain control of the people, the same will happen here shortly. After the firearms are confiscated, America will change suddenly into a land that has lost its freedom. Shortly after this, America will go to war with both Russia, as well as China, and will meet its doom. China will also occupy this land for a period of time. The vision of the four horsemen of the Apocalypse, is about this great world war to come. Now is the time to make preparations! 

The Apostasy Part Two: The Prosperity Gospel

Below this article is a link to a video from Channel 6 Orlando News. This video clearly shows Benny Hinn handing a bong to his lead singer Steve Brock who smokes it, then Hinn hands it to another member of his ministry team. The second man to receive the bong died from an heroine overdose later. This man is the second person to die from an heroine overdose within Hinn's ministry. This video reveals how fake these money loving apostate ministers are. They have been corrupted by the love of money, as well as power. Not only do they produce bad fruit based on lies, they also shut people out of the Kingdom of Heaven by teaching unsound doctrine. In one of Benny Hinn's crusades, he growls as he pronounces a curse upon every man, woman or child who comes against his ministry. Is this how a minister of Christ should act?

 Hinn is not alone, many well known television evangelists, as well as mega-church pastors have been rocked with scandal. The late Paul Crouch, founder of the Trinity Broadcasting Network, had an homosexual affair with a man at TBN's Lake Arrowhead property. TBN paid the man 400,000 dollars hush money to keep silent, but the man reported the affair to the Los Angeles Sun newspaper who ran the article. Paul Crouch did not deny the allegations because proof was submitted. The singer Carmen's cousin was head of Hinn's security, and he said that Crouch told Hinn that he was drunk when the affair took place. I could go on and on with other examples of how immoral the lifestyles are of these apostate ministers.

Some of these ministers may have had genuine beginnings, but like I said earlier, they have been corrupted by the love of money and power. They seem to all have one thing in common, they teach the prosperity gospel. The prosperity gospel is a doctrine of demons that teaches that the poor are cursed and the rich are blessed by the Lord. It is true that the Lord does prosper and bless many, but those that he prospers are those who seek the kingdom of God first, and are totally surrendered to the Lord. Job, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, David, as well as Solomon are examples of men that God blessed with riches. But these apostate ministers are not holy men blessed by the Lord, instead they have blessed themselves by fleecing the flock. They all live in extreme luxury, by robbing the poor, widows, and orphans. Some, claim to make their millions off of books or music, but this money should be put back into the ministry and not go into their pockets. It is a fearful thing to use God for dishonest gain. However, there are a few ministries that do put their profit back into the ministry, but only a few. Christ said, that it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle that for a rich man to enter Heaven. A needle was an arch in the gates around Jerusalem for camels to pass through. The camel would have to kneel down and crawl as it was being led through the needle. This was obviously done to limit the number of camels entering Jerusalem. Christ was not saying that it was impossible for a rich man to enter Heaven, but rather that it was difficult to enter, in a similar way to a camel crawling through the gate. The teachings of Christ, as well as the Apostles are polar opposite to the lies of the prosperity teachers. Christ taught, blessed are the poor and woe unto the rich. In Luke 16, we have the example of the poor man Lazarus, who died and was carried by the angels to paradise, and the greedy rich man who refused to help Lazarus, who also died and went into the flames of Hell. This should be a sobering warning to the rich to not neglect the poor. Christ also said that you cannot serve God and money, for only one will be your master. Below is a list of scriptures, followed by stats concerning the wealth of prominent prosperity ministers.


 

1 Timothy 6:6 Now godliness with contentment is great gain.  7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.  8 And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.  9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition.  10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

Matt 6:24 “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.

 Matt 19:21 Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” 22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

Matt 19:23 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.  24 And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

James 5:1 Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you!  2 Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten.  3 Your gold and silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be a witness against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have heaped up treasure in the last days.  4 Indeed the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, cry out; and the cries of the reapers have reached the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth.  5 You have lived on the earth in pleasure and luxury; you have fattened your hearts as in a day of slaughter.

The Rich Man and Lazarus 

Luke 16:19 “There was a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and fared sumptuously every day.  20 But there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, full of sores, who was laid at his gate,  21 desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell[d] from the rich man’s table. Moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.  22 So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried.  23 And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. 24 “Then he cried and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.’  25 But Abraham said, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented.  26 And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us.’

27 “Then he said, ‘I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father’s house,  28 for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.’  29 Abraham said to him, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.’  30 And he said, ‘No, father Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’  31 But he said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.’”

 

 

Prosperity Gospel Ministers Wealth

 

Benny Hinn - Net Worth- 42 million

In 1997 he admitted to making between $500k & $1 million dollars per year

 

Joel Osteen - Net Worth - 40 million  Stopped taking his $200,000 salary several years ago. Makes tens of millions off of his numerous books. Joel & family live in a $10.5 million – get this – 17,000 square foot mansion.

John Hagee has a $2.1 million dollar 7,969 acre ranch with not one, but FIVE lodges, a managers house, a gun locker, a smoke house, a skeet range and three barns. In the year 2001, John Hagee received $842,000 in salary and $414,485 in benefits making him one of the best paid pastors.

John Hagee had an adulterous affair and divorced his wife and two children to  remarry a much younger woman from his own former congregation back in 1975.

 

Kenneth Copeland – Copeland Ministries

Flies around in a $17.5 million dollar Jet, lives in a $6 million lakefront mansion with a 1,500 acre campus and a private airstrip. He and his wife make over $655,000 a year in salary alone. It’s not clear whether this includes speaking fees, book royalties, and “love offerings.” 

Creflo Dollar – World Changers Church International

Drives a Rolls-Royce and lives in a Million dollar home in Atlanta, and a 2.5 million-dollar apartment in Manhattan. Dollar will not release his salary information.

 

Charles Blake – West Angeles Church of God in Christ

Owns a 10,000 square foot mansion in Beverly Hills (btw his congregation hails mostly from impoverished South Central LA)

His year salary is $900,000 per year.

Bishop Eddie Long – New Birth Missionary Baptist Church

Long made over $3 million in a three year period from 1997 to 2000. He drives a Bentley, and lives in a 1.4 million dollar home on 20 acres. An investigation into his non profit showed he made more than $1 million dollars from them on top of his church income. 

Ed Young – Fellowship Church Dot Com 

Lives in a 10k square foot 1.5 million dollar home. He gets paid $1 million dollars a year, plus a $240,000 parsonage allowance.

 

Franklin Graham – Billy Graham Evangelistic Association 

In 2008 he reportedly made 1.2 million dollars.

 

 

Joyce Meyers :  Asset 2013 -  The value of the atrium ranch lakefront home in Porto Cima which the Meyer family bought  $500,000. The value of the Crownline boat which the Meyer family named as Patriot 105,000 . The value of Meyer's Corporate Jet $10,000,000. The value of furniture, artwork, glassware, and the latest equipment and machinery found in her headquarters; $5,700,000 . The value of Meyer's house: $2,000,000 .

 

Link to video of Benny Hinn passing a bong around the table in Jordan.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6SvSjaU62M

Are You Born Again?

Are You Born Again?

NKJV John 3:3  Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

Many churches today teach that faith alone is all that is required for salvation, but this lie is contrary to the teachings of Christ, as well as the Apostles.  Saying a prayer alone does not save a person's soul but surrendering all to the Lord will. Christ said that unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God. To be born again is to become a new creation in Christ and that starts with repentance. Repentance is confessing your sins to God and then turning away from them in order to allow the Holy Spirit to begin his work of sanctification (to be set apart from the sinful world). With God all things are possible and if we will truly make him Lord over our lives then we will reflect his attributes, rather than the worlds. The carnal nature of the world will lead to spiritual death but obedience to Christ will lead to eternal life. Christ said that if you love me you will keep my commandments, to live in habitual sin is to deny Christ. We live in a fallen world and no one is perfect by any means, but when we sin we must repent and turn away from the sins and bear good fruit (Galatians 5). Christ said that any tree which does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. The Lord is willing to forgive us of all of our sins, no matter how big they are, if we will repent of them. The Lord is very patient, as well as merciful with each of us, he gives us time to grow in our Christian walk. We enter the Kingdom of God as a baby, we learn to walk by taking baby steps at first, we also start off on milk, then eventually we mature to strong meat. But, if there is no evidence of a transformed life, and a person continues to live, dress, talk and act like the sinful world then you are on the broad road that leads to destruction. This may sound harsh to some, but it is what God's Word teaches.

  God's Word teaches that without holiness no man shall see the Father. We are called to be a holy, righteous, set apart (sanctified) people. The work of the Holy Spirit is to purify or sanctify us, and this is a lifelong process that begins when we are born again. When we sin, we have an advocate (attorney) to the Father and he is Jesus Christ. Christ's atonement upon the cross wiped out all of our sins when we repented of them at our conversion, he paid our debt in full. But God's Word also teaches that we are not to continue in sin, but we are to become a new creation in Christ. Habitual sins, like pornography or alcoholism, are known as spiritual bondages and they will lead to spiritual death, unless a person repents and turns from them. Christ's blood is applied to sins that we repent of, or commit in ignorance, but it is not automatic. Christ said multiple times, that those who endure unto the end shall be saved. The Apostle Paul also said that even he, after preaching to others, could be disqualified from the race if he doesn't keep his flesh in subjection. In other words, if  Paul did not endure unto the end and cross the finish line, he could lose his salvation. 1 Cor 9:24    Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. ²⁵ And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. ²⁶ Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. ²⁷ But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.

Below is a list of scriptures on repentance.

 2 Cor 7:9 Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly manner, that you might suffer loss from us in nothing. 2 Cor 7:10  For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.

Matt 3:8 Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance, ⁹ and do not think to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones. ¹⁰ And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

Matt 9:13  But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”

Mark 2:17 When Jesus heard it, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”

Luke 15:7 I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.

Luke 24:47 and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 

Acts 11:18 When they heard these things they became silent; and they glorified God, saying, “Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life.”

Acts 20:21 testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

Acts 26:20 but declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance.

Romans 2:4 Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?

2 peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

1 Timothy 6: 11 But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.


 Romans 10: 9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. 13 For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

1 John 1: 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 

John 15:1 “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.

 





  

Don't Exchange the Truth for a Lie (Written by my wife)

 

I have been praying about what God wanted me to write about next.  He gave me two phrases: "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil." And "They traded the truth for a lie." God also told me very clearly not to be afraid of anyone who might reject me for my writings because it is important to share the Truth.

 

In January, I wrote a blog called, "Darkness and Light Cannot Coexist" that had to do with the dangers of watching movies/TV shows and reading books that have any form of witchcraft in them. In that blog, I quoted the scripture in Isaiah.

 

Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil;
Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness;
Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! 

Isaiah 5:20 

 

Keep those words in mind as they go along with the theme of this blog.

 

The second phrase God gave me, I knew I had heard before, but could not remember where it was in the bible nor what the context of that scripture was.  I had to look it up.  It is in Romans 1.  Because the context of scripture is long, I will post it at the end of this writing.

 

I realize that a portion of Romans 1 has to do with the sin of homosexuality, but I do not believe that is what God is specifically calling me to write about at this time.  The theme God wants me to focus on is the backsliding of saints. Those that have been taught the Truth and have rejected it.

 

If you have taken the time to read the blog attached to the above link, or if you have read it before, then you know that I am just as guilty of knowing not to watch things God considers evil even though I knew better. 

 

So, if we are taught at an early (or not-so-early) age to avoid witchcraft, drugs, alcohol, sexual immorality, etc., then why do we choose to sin?  It is because we have been hurt to the very core and we blame God.  We think He should have intervened and saved us from a miscarriage, a divorce, a death of a loved one, the loss of a home, etc.  We may think we have gotten over the anger towards God, but in all reality, we choose to rebel against the scriptures we have heard for many years, and probably even memorized.  We choose this as a child rebels against a parent they think is being unfair.  In all honesty, I was a good kid.  But, when my parents set a curfew I did not agree with, I simply chose to come home whenever I wanted and suffer the consequences later.  Sound familiar?  Our attitude may sound something like this, "God, I think it was pretty heartless of you to allow my wife to cheat on me, so therefore, I am going to smoke this joint."  or "God, I don't understand why I have lost a child, and since you don't seem to care, neither do I."

 

Satan absolutely loves it when we allow our minds to wander down such paths of what we consider logical rebellion.

 

But, don't be fooled...  God does care!  He does not will bad things to happen to us.  Bad things often happen due to poor choices we make, and God will not save us when we jump off a cliff without a parachute just because we say we have faith.  He expects us to be proactive.  You cannot expect God to heal you of high blood pressure if you continue to pig out on chips and ice cream (note to self).  You cannot expect God to save your marriage if you refuse to put down the sin of pornography.  Or bless your business if you treat your employees unfairly.  We have to take care of our marriages, our bodies, and other people if we want God's blessings.  We cannot hold someone responsible that did not pull the trigger.  Unfortunately, our mistakes can cause others hurt.  If you refuse to have your vehicle serviced on a regular basis and it breaks down on your wife and she gets stranded in the middle of nowhere, that is not God's fault.

 

I am well aware that bad things happen to people who live life as clean as they can.  They are devout in their faith and love God with all their hearts.  Do they have a reason to be mad?  Sure.  In fact, even those that are victims of their own fault have reason to be mad.  The bible says it is okay to be angry as long as we do not sin in anger(Ephesians 4:26)  But don't stay mad; pray that God helps you heal by the power of His Holy Spirit as it is impossible to heal on our own.  We live in a fallen world where man chooses to alienate God.  Therefore, God does not always intervene.  I have very serious asthma to the point where doctors say I could die if it does not improve.  Is that my fault or God's?  No.  Has God chosen to heal me?  No.  But He had lead me to the proper doctor and proper medication and my asthma is improving.  If I was still obsessing over "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and knowingly watching a show that was displeasing to God, I would have no right to even ask God to heal me.  Anymore than you could expect a boss to give you a raise if you are always late to work and have a bad attitude. 

 

I think I'm getting off subject. 

 

Anyway, my point was that we choose to dishonor God with our rebellions because we blame Him for our unfortunate circumstances.  We justify glorifying witchcraft or drinking alcohol because it is fun or makes us feel better.  I have heard people often say, "Oh, I know there's swearing, violence, and sex in that movie, but overall I really loved it."  And they watch it again and again.

 

 

 Verses 20-21: For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.

 

This sounds to me like they were well aware of God's power, rebelled, and God was absolutely going to hold them accountable because they knew better.  In fact, I believe God holds us more accountable when we know the Truth and trade it for a lie than when our sins are a little bit more ignorant. 

 

 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, if they fall away,to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame.  Hebrews 6:4-6

 

 Verse 22 states that, Professing to be wise, they became fools.  To me, this sounds like they knew better and justified their actions with false logic, and therefore, became foolish.   

 

But there is good news for those that have rebelled and chosen to backslide.  I see a lot of people who choose to do wrong still going to church, calling themselves Christians, and reading their bibles.  The hope lies in prayers. We can pray this all sinks in once and for all.  That God will ultimately open their eyes, or re-open as the case may be.  Or if it is us that has fallen away, we need to repent and start over.

 

I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.  Revelation 2:4-5

 

Please prayerfully consider all I have said.  Remember my goal is never to condemn anyone, but if the Holy Spirit speaks to your heart and convicts you, please listen and obey.

 

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,  because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them.  For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,  because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.  Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.
Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.
For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.
And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting;  being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality,wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers,  backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.  Romans 1:18-32

Don't Expect to be Popular (Written by Mel and Julie)

Written by Mel and Julie

We try to never shy away from writing about controversial subjects.  But why are they so controversial?  The topics God calls us to write about are directly from the bible.  The reason why these subjects often become heated is because people have been taught wrong for so long.  Or not taught at all.  We speak out against things that make people angry and we have received backlash and have ultimately lost friends.  We have even had people among our own church, and even at a Christian tent revival meeting, turn their backs on us.

If you are a regular reader of either of our blogs, then you know our topics range anywhere from the dangers of so-called Christian entertainment, our belief in a post-tribulation rapture, dressing modestly, the evils of pornography, and the list goes on.  The last time Julie put a link on her Facebook page to her blog speaking out against Christians watching/reading anything with witchcraft in it, she received very negative feedback from a friend.  We have both lost likes off our Facebook pages whenever we have posted anything "controversial." 

Here is what we have been trying to remind ourselves:

1) Don't take it personally.  After all, our posts are never directed toward one specific person, they are a direct result of something God has placed on our hearts to write about.  Therefore, when someone gets angry, they are not angry at us.  It is their conscience at war within them that is being poked.  And they don't like it!  They take their confusion and guilt out on us. 

Also, we must remember that most people have been taught only one way their entire lives.  For example, we are both preacher's kids.  We were taught to believe in a pre-tribulation rapture.  That's nothing against our wonderful, Godly fathers because they were teaching what they had been taught as well.  We both love to study our bibles and came to the conclusion on our own (years apart) that Christ says He will return after the tribulation.  But speak about this issue with most people, and they get angry and walk away.  It is because they feel you are attacking them, but we are not attacking anyone - on this or any other subject.  And they are not directly angry with us.  They just don't like rethinking something they have been taught their whole lives.

The good news is that sometimes they may even come back with questions and we can point them to further scriptures to explain why we believe the way we do.

2) Don't stop preaching!  Whenever one of us loses a like on Facebook or gets a negative comment, it is tempting to shut it all down.  It is easy to feel discouraged.  That is exactly what Satan would love for us to do.  But don't stop being obedient to the ministry God has called you to.
 
3) We are not called to be men-pleasers, but God-pleasers.
 
Most people will judge a person by their appearance, intelligence, or personality, but that is not true with God. God looks upon the heart of the individual, and he chooses the humble ones to be vessels in which he may show forth his attributes. I Corinthians 1:26-29 states that God has chosen the foolish, weak, base, as well as despised ones for his work, so that no person may take glory in their flesh. The mighty of this world are normally very arrogant and will not give honor to their creator. Many of the Apostles that Christ chose were simple, uneducated fisherman, but they learned from Christ himself.  Acts 4:13 "Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus." The Lord is looking for humble vessels that he may work through. The seminaries of man-made doctrines are producing pastors that are void of God's Spirit and quite often help to shut people out of the Kingdom of Heaven. Popularity with the world, and in some cases the church, is enmity with God. God is looking for selfless individuals who are willing to put the needs of others before their own. The apostles Paul, Luke, and Matthew were examples of educated, humble men, who gave up the riches of the world, and even endured torture, and imprisonment for the cause of Christ. But not many of the rich and powerful are like these men.

 Many people are looking for ways to find themselves. They feel the need to be important, or achieve goals that give them a sense of self worth. They will strive at sports, or for a university degree, or a certain career to find that self worth. But we need to find our self worth in Christ, and identify with him. Christ said, to deny ourselves daily and take up our cross and follow him. There is no greater work than that of the Kingdom of God, and we should pursue his work according to what we have been given. Christ said that if you want to be great in his kingdom, then you need to become a servant. Although Christ was God in the flesh, he became a servant and even washed the feet of his disciples as an example for us to follow. We are not above our master, since Christ was an example of humble servant hood, we should do likewise.
 
Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

I Corinthians 1:26  For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. ²⁷ But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; ²⁸ and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, ²⁹ that no flesh should glory in His presence.

Do Works Matter?

Matt 16:24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. ²⁵ For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. ²⁶ For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? ²⁷ For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works.

Matt 5:16  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.


Many churches today downplay the significance of good works in the Christian walk. They refer to holiness as works salvation, and they are leading many astray with their unsound doctrine. The truth of God's Word is not popular with most people today, because most people want a feel good message that does not require moral accountability. The Bible has quite a few verses about the necessity of good works in the Christian lifestyle, but the churches have demonized the word according to the great deceiver's plan. Matthew 16:27 states that when the Lord returns he will reward each person according to his works. Also, at the great white throne judgment the books will be open and each person will be judged according to his works. Christ said that any tree which does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. When we come to Christ by faith, we must repent of our sins and become born again in order to be saved. If a person is truly born again, then good fruit, accompanied by good works will be the natural result. If you have faith, but there is no evidence of a transformed life, then you are not truly born again.


 Many people get confused by a few of  Paul's verses that many take out of context. Paul said, that we are justified by faith, not by the works of keeping the Law of Moses, that anyone should boast. Paul was addressing Christians who felt obligated to keep the mosaic law, in addition to having faith in Christ, to be saved. Paul went to great length  to teach the new converts that we are now living under a new covenant, but Paul also taught that if we continue in sin, we know not God, or his Son. Paul also said, to come out from among them and be ye separate saith God, and touch not the unclean thing and I will receive you, 2 Cor 6:17. James the brother of Christ, was the leader of the Christian Church at Jerusalem, and he taught that faith without works is dead (James 2:14-26). He makes the point that even the demons believe and tremble. James states that if we see our brother or sister, naked or destitute and without food, and refuse to give them what they need, then our faith is dead. Christ also taught that if we don't feed and clothe our brother in need, that we have denied the faith and will be cast into hell. It is very clear that our works do matter, and without them our faith is dead.
 

God's Word teaches that without holiness no man shall see the Father. We are called to be a holy, righteous, set apart (sanctified) people, but this doesn't mean that we are perfect. This means that we are obedient to the teachings of Christ and are bearing good fruit (Galatians 5). The work of the Holy Spirit is to purify or sanctify us, and this is a lifelong process that begins when we are born again. When we sin, we have an advocate (attorney) to the Father and he is Jesus Christ. Christ's atonement upon the cross wiped out all of our sins when we repented of them at our conversion, he paid our debt in full. But God's Word also teaches that we are not to continue in sin, but we are to become a new creation in Christ. Habitual sins, like pornography or alcoholism, are known as spiritual bondages and they will lead to spiritual death, unless a person repents and turns from them. Christ's blood is applied to sins that we repent of, or commit in ignorance, but it is not automatic. Christ said multiple times, that those who endure unto the end shall be saved. The Apostle Paul also said that even he, after preaching to others, could be disqualified from the race if he doesn't keep his flesh in subjection. In other words, if  Paul did not endure unto the end and cross the finish line, he could lose his salvation. 1 Cor 9:24    Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. ²⁵ And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. ²⁶ Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. ²⁷ But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.


In Revelation chapters two and three, we read of Christ's warnings to the seven churches. Christ both praises the churches, as well as brings correction to them. Christ says repeatedly, that he knows their works.  Christ tells the church at Pergamos, to  repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth. To the church at Thyatira, Christ said that he will give to each one of you according to your works. To the church at Ephesus, Christ said, in Rev 2:  ⁵ Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent. And to the church of the Laodiceans he tells them that because they are lukewarm, he will vomit them out. As I have pointed out, it is very clear that we will all be judged according to our works. 

 

Faith Without Works Is Dead

James 2:14 What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? ¹⁵ If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, ¹⁶ and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? ¹⁷ Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
¹⁸ But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. ¹⁹ You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! ²⁰ But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?  ²¹ Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? ²² Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? ²³ And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God. ²⁴ You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.
²⁵ Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way?
²⁶ For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.


The Church At Ephesus

 Rev 2:2    “I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; ³ and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. ⁴ Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. ⁵ Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.

The Compromising Church

Rev 2:12 “And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write,
‘These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword: ¹³ “I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. And you hold fast to My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. ¹⁴ But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality. ¹⁵ Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. ¹⁶ Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth.

The Corrupt Church

Rev 2:18 “And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write,
‘These things says the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet like fine brass: ¹⁹ “I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first. ²⁰ Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols. ²¹ And I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent.  ²² Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds. ²³ I will kill her children with death, and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works.

The Dead Church

Rev 3:1 “And to the angel of the church in Sardis write, ‘These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: “I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. ² Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God. ³ Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you. ⁴ You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. ⁵ He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.

 

The Lukewarm Church

 Rev 3:14 “And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write,
‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: ¹⁵ “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. ¹⁶ So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. ¹⁷ Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked— ¹⁸ I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. ¹⁹ As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. ²⁰ Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. ²¹ To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.
 

 

 2 Cor 6:17 Therefore “Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you.”

1 John 1: 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
 

John 15:1 “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.
 

1 Timothy 6: 11 But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
 

2 Cor 7:10 For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.
 

Luke 15:7 I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.

 

1 Cor 6: 9 Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, 10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.