Clay for the Potter's Hand

Clay for the Potter’s Hand

Romans 9:20 But indeed, O man, who are you to reply against God? Will the thing formed say to him who formed it, "Why have you made me like this?" 21 Does not the potter have power over the clay, from the same lump to make one vessel for honor and another for dishonor?

 

We cannot save ourselves through the strivings of the flesh, nor be transformed by our own merit. We must get out of the way and yield our lives to Christ, and his transforming Holy Spirit. We are saved by faith in the atonement that Christ provided upon the cross following true repentance. Then the Holy Spirit molds the clay into vessels of honor. We are sanctified by the blood of Christ unto salvation, and transformed (sanctified, set apart) by the Holy Spirit. To walk in the Spirit is to walk away from sin. You must be born again to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.

If you belong to Christ, you are an ambassador for the Kingdom of Heaven, and your life should be a living testimony to those around you. We are not all called to be pastors or evangelists, but there are many members to the body of Christ, and we are called to be faithful to the ministry that God has placed us in. God is the potter, and we are the clay, if we will allow His Spirit to have His perfect work in us, then we will be vessels of honor that He may work through. A potter is an artist that molds, and shapes vessels into many forms, for many different uses.  If we live a sinful lifestyle, then we will be vessels of dishonor to be destroyed by the potter. For the wages of sin is death, but there is forgiveness through Christ if we repent and turn from sin. The Bible also gives us examples of people who were vessels of dishonor, like Pharaoh king of Egypt, whose heart was hardened by the Lord so that God could show the world His miraculous power. Through His foreknowledge, God knows who vessels of honor or dishonor will be, however, we still have a freewill. We must choose this day, whom we will serve.

 

If you do not know where you fit into the body of Christ, I suggest that you pray, as well as fast, for an answer. When a person goes on a fast, they are showing God that they desire heavenly food more than earthly food. When you seek after God, as well as, put his Kingdom first, He will reveal his plan for your life. God’s timing is perfect, but we sometimes get impatient waiting upon the Lord to open doors to ministry. A Christian preparing for a ministry does not need a theological degree, or any training from man- made institutions. However, we are to study God’s Word to show ourselves approved, a workman who is not ashamed. We need to get alone with God and allow his Holy Spirit to teach us the ways of the Kingdom of Heaven. I refer to this time of Spirit led training, as the wilderness experience.

 

 There are many examples in God’s Word of holy men who left their hometowns and spent time in wilderness locations, or foreign lands, being taught by God’s Spirit. After being water baptized, the Spirit led Christ into the wilderness to be tested and tried by the devil for forty days and nights. Christ fasted during this time of testing and fought off the devil by quoting scripture. After this time of preparation, Christ began his ministry. We are not above our master, if Christ was tested and tried by Satan, we will also most surely be tested. When Moses was forty years old, he fled pharaoh and dwelled in the land of Midian for another forty years, before beginning his ministry at the age of eighty. During his forty years in the wilderness God was purging Moses of his former life in Egypt and preparing him to be a vessel of honor that he might work through. The wilderness experience is a time, when the potter molds and shapes his vessel into the object that he desires. Joseph is another example of a man who was hand crafted by God for a great purpose. When Joseph was seventeen years old, he was sold into slavery by his brothers. After the incident with Potiphar’s wife, he was thrown into prison for thirteen years until the day he was brought before Pharaoh. This time of preparation for leadership was necessary for Joseph to be the humble man useable for God’s purpose. When Joseph’s wilderness experience was concluded, Pharaoh made him governor over all of Egypt and he prepared for the time of famine.

      

 After his road to Damascus encounter with the risen Christ, the Apostle Paul also had his time of preparation for ministry. Paul did not confer with any man, nor did he go immediately to Jerusalem to see the apostles. Instead, Paul went into Arabia for three years, to be taught by God’s Spirit before going back to Jerusalem.  When he returned to Jerusalem, he stayed with Peter for fifteen days and also met with James the brother of Christ. Then Paul went into Syria and Cilicia for another fourteen years, before he presented himself to the churches in Judea.  It was by revelation from God’s Spirit, that Paul knew when it was time to present himself to the Judean church. A true vessel that God can work through, is taught and led by God, not man, nor man- made institutions. Man- made theology stifles the Spirit, as well as shuts people out of the Kingdom of Heaven.

 

 

Galatians 1:15 But when it was the good pleasure of God, who separated me, even from my mother's womb, and called me through his grace, 16 to reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the Gentiles; straightway I conferred not with flesh and blood: 17 neither went I up to Jerusalem to them that were apostles before me: but I went away into Arabia; and again I returned unto Damascus. 18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas, and tarried with him fifteen days. 19 But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother. 20 Now touching the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not. 21 Then I came unto the regions of Syria and Cilicia. 22 And I was still unknown by face unto the churches of Judaea which were in Christ: 23 but they only heard say, He that once persecuted us now preacheth the faith of which he once made havoc; 24 and they glorified God in me. Galatians 2:1 Then after the space of fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus also with me. 2 And I went up by revelation; and I laid before them the gospel which I preach among the Gentiles but privately before them who were of repute, lest by any means I should be running, or had run, in vain.

 

 

The Power of Forgiveness

 

The Power of Forgiveness

Relationships with family, friends, co-workers, or schoolmates can quite often be difficult. Daily, we interact with many different personality types and that will sometimes lead to conflicts. In this life, you don’t have to look for trouble, for trouble to find you, but God’s Word teaches us how to respond to others.  Forgiving others their trespasses, is sometimes a very hard thing to do. The Lord is still working on me in this area, so this lesson is as much for me, as others. The golden law is, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” God’s Word teaches us, that if we forgive others their trespasses against us, the Lord will also forgive us our trespasses (Matt 6:14). Also, if we show mercy to others, then the Lord will show mercy to us. God’s Word is clear, that the Lord will judge each of us, based on how we treat our fellow man.

 

 Matt 5:22-24, says that if we are angry with our brother without a cause we shall be in danger of the judgment, if we call him Raca (dumb head, or idiot), we shall be in danger of the council, and if we call him a fool, we shall be in danger of hell fire. God expects his children to pursue peace with all men, and name calling, which results from anger, is forbidden with God. God’s Word also says, that it is possible to be angry and not sin, but we are not to let the sun go down upon our wrath. In other words, we are to make peace, as soon as possible with the trespasser. If they refuse to make peace, we are to still forgive them in our heart before the day is ended. Bitterness dries up the bones according to God’s Word. It is also a medical fact, that people who are angry and bitter a lot, are candidates for cancer, heart attacks, strokes, as well as other diseases. The root of bitterness will lead to hate, which is the same, as the sin of murder according to Christ. In verses 23 and 24, Christ said, that when you bring your gift to the alter, and then remember that your brother has something against you, go and be reconciled with your brother then come and offer your gift. This passage shows that grudges against others, will hurt your relationship with the Lord, as well as cut you off from his blessings. Quiet often, not forgiving others will also block a person from healings, as well as, hinder their prayers from being answered.

 

Matt 18:21 Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. In this passage, Christ was telling Peter that we are to forgive our brothers sins against us, countless times. We are to have the mind of Christ, and follow in his footsteps. When Christ died upon the cross, to make atonement  for our sins, he wiped out all of our sins that we have repented of. As he was dying upon the cross, Christ said, “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Christ was a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief, despised and rejected by men, according to scripture. Even though he was taunted, spit upon, as well as rejected by his generation, he still was willing to forgive the sins of all who would come to him, to be born again. If we belong to Christ, we should have the same compassion as he did, for our fellow mankind. Since Christ gives us grace, we should also extend grace to our fellow man, who is also created in God’s image.

 

Matt 18:23-35, Is the parable of the unforgiving servant. Christ said, that the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who had a servant who owed him ten thousand talents. The servant pleaded with the king to have mercy on him, and not to sell him and his family. The king chose to have mercy upon this servant, and to release him, as well as forgive his debt. This servant then went to one of his fellow servants who owed him money, and grabbed him by the throat, and demanded to be paid in full. This servant fell at his feet and begged him to have patience, but he refused to have mercy upon this servant. Instead, he had his fellow servant thrown in jail, until he could be paid in full. Then the king had this wicked servant delivered to the tortures because he refused to have compassion upon his fellow servant. Verse 35 states, “So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.” The greatest commandment is to love the Lord our God, as well as love our neighbor as our self. If we have this Christ like love for one another, then we fulfill the law and the prophets.

 

 I ask the Lord continually, to help me to look beyond the faults of others and see the need. There are many cruel and malicious people in the world, and there is a reason why they are that way. Many people are suffering in their bodies from cancer, pain, sickness, mental illness etc. Others, have experienced the deaths of loved ones, divorce, or unemployment . Quite often people take out their pain upon others. If we keep this in mind when encountering malicious people, then we can have compassion for them, instead of contempt. Christ tells us to pray for those who persecute or mistreat us. If you will pray for those who are offensive to you, then the Lord will open your eyes to their need. If a person is struggling with feelings of anger towards another, it is best to not talk about the situation. The more we talk about the person who made us angry, the more likely we are to add fuel to the flame. Silence is golden if you need to be released from anger. To sum this up, we need to to forgive others, in the same way that Christ has forgiven us.               

  

Matt 6:12 And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors.

Matt 6:14 “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.  15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

 

Matt 5:22 But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell fire.  23 Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you,  24 leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.

 

The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant

 

Matt 18:21 Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.  23 Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants.  24 And when he had begun to settle accounts, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents.  25 But as he was not able to pay, his master commanded that he be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and that payment be made.  26 The servant therefore fell down before him, saying, ‘Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’  27 Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt. 28 “But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and he laid hands on him and took him by the throat, saying, ‘Pay me what you owe!’  29 So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’  30 And he would not, but went and threw him into prison till he should pay the debt.  31 So when his fellow servants saw what had been done, they were very grieved, and came and told their master all that had been done.  32 Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me.  33 Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?’  34 And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him. 35 “So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.”

 

 

 

The Power of the Tongue

The Power of the Tongue

James 3:1-12 My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment.  2 For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body.  3 Indeed, we put bits in horses’ mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body.  4 Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires.  5 Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles!  6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell.  7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind.  8 But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.  9 With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God.  10 Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so.  11 Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening?  12 Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh.

 

The tongue of man is capable of great evil, as well as of great kindness. Verse two, says that we all stumble in many things, and if anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. At times, I can be outspoken, and I often remind myself of this teaching of James. The control of the tongue is a very difficult thing to be mastered. James compares the small tongue who boasts of great things, with bits put into horses mouths, as well as a rudder on ships, in order to show how the tongue steers the direction of the body. It is very true, that relationships are both formed, as well as, destroyed by our words. As ambassadors for Christ in this fallen world, it is important for us to reflect his light to others. You may be the only lifeline to Heaven that someone has in their life, and your words may lead them to Christ.

 

 James also compares the tongue to a little fire capable of starting a forest fire, as well as an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. I have met many people that consider Christians to be offensive, because of words they spoke, that reflected vanity, arrogance, or cynicism. I have also known people who claimed to know Christ, but used all forms of swearing, as well as profanity, and that will most certainly push people away from Christ. God’s Word speaks against filthy talk, course jesting, and swearing. James states that bitter water cannot come from the same spring that produces fresh water. God’s Word also states that out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. Even in jesting, many people reveal how they really feel about someone, and have damaged relationships.

 

 The Lord gave me a dream recently, about those who claim to know Christ, but swear like a sailor. I dreamed that I was standing in an office building lobby, and there were around a dozen elevators that led to Heaven, but only two were in use. There was a man standing there that was using God’s name in vain, as well as, cussing like a sailor. He walked away and then was replaced by a lady, who represented the modern church. I told the lady, that if this guy does not repent of his swearing he will go to hell. She said, that this man was saved, and his salvation was secure, but his swearing would cut him off from the Holy Spirit. I told the lady that the grace message that is being taught by most churches, is way out of bounds, and does not line up with the Word of God. I also told her, that holiness preaching has been replaced, by a lukewarm message. As I walked away from her, she exclaimed in a loud voice, “ Thank you Lord for your grace!” and she repeated herself several times. I then was walking through the lobby in a large crowd of people, who were following a famous evangelist, who has been preaching the eternal security doctrine for many decades. The large crowd of people refused to take the two elevators that led to Heaven, and were content to follow this evangelist to Hell. Although there were twelve elevators, the two that were functional, were symbolic of the few churches left that preach holiness. There is grace for those who repent of their sins, as well as turn from them, but grace is not automatic. The Lord has given me many dreams, as well as visions, concerning how serious sin is in the life of the Christian. The Lord shows me people wearing clothes covered with spots and wrinkles, as well as their skin covered in layers of dirt. The Lord then tells me to instruct people to take a spiritual shower and get their lives in order. Without holiness, no man will see the Father.

 

The words that we speak, will also reflect the level of faith that is in our lives. The old saying that misery loves company is very true. I have known people that are continually pessimistic, and their words reflect the fear that consumes them. God’s Word says that perfect love will cast out all fear. Even when we feel faithless, we need to speak words of faith, as well as stand upon the promises that are in God’s Word. Regardless of how we feel, or what we are going through, God’s promises for us will remain true. When we are under spiritual attack, we need to quote scripture with faith, because God’s Word is the sword of the Spirit. I have entered homes after family members have quarreled, and you can feel a tense atmosphere within the home. An evil tongue that attacks others, is an open door to demonic spirits. I have also entered homes with anointed praise and worship music playing, and you can feel the presence of the Lord, for the Lord inhabits the praises of his people. If a person needs a breakthrough from the Lord, or is in need of healing, speak words of faith, combined with scripture. Don’t  claim your illness or distress, because words produced from fear are the opposite of faith. Fear will empower the enemy in your life, but faith will move the hand of God.           

Understanding Spiritual Warfare

 

Understanding Spiritual Warfare

Ephesians 6:10-12

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.  11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

 

It is very important for the Christian to understand spiritual warfare, since we have an adversary seeking our destruction. God’s Word tells us that Satan is like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Satan is also referred to as, the thief who comes to steal, kill, and destroy. One of Satan’s tactics is to stir people up in anger towards God. Many people blame God for the problems that they experience in this life, and they are oblivious to the fact, that there are two opposing kingdoms at work in the earth. Ephesians 6:12 states that we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. The truth is that we live in a war zone, and the battle is over the souls of men. If you belong to Christ, then you are in the Lord’s army, and Satan’s kingdom has declared all out war against you. But, the good news is, greater is he that is within you than he that is in the world, and if you remain in Christ until the end, you will inherit eternal life. If you have received the baptism in the Holy Spirit, then you have the power to live an overcoming life, as well as the authority to put the devil to flight. In these last days, it is crucial that all Christians receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit, in order to be able to stand firm in Christ, against the many snares of the devil.

Ephesians 6:13-18

13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness,  15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;  16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.  17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;  18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints

 

In order to survive spiritual warfare, we must be clothed with the full armor of God. Verses 14-18 states that we are to stand, having girded our waist with truth. According to God’s Word, no liar shall inherit the kingdom of Heaven. In regard, to the swearing of oaths, Christ said that our yes should mean yes, and our no should mean no, and anything else comes from the evil one. God holds the truth in high regard and so should we. Next, we are told, to put on the breastplate of righteousness. Righteousness does not mean perfection, but it does mean that we are to live right, and this is a reference to sanctification (being purified by God’s Spirit, as well as set apart from the sinful world). The breastplate is the most important part of the warrior’s armor because it guards the heart, lungs, as well as other vital organs. God’s Word teaches us, that without holiness no man shall see the Father. Satan’s desire is to morally corrupt a person, in order to give a spiritual death blow to the Christian, that is why the breastplate of righteousness is the most vital piece of armor for our survival. We are also, told to have our feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. God’s Word says, blessed are the feet of those who bring the good news. If you belong to Christ, then you are commissioned to share your faith with others. It is very important to have our theology straight, before sharing our faith, because we are held responsible by God for what we teach. That is why we need to not only read God’s Word, but to study it, to show ourselves approved. Christ made peace, between us and the Father through his death upon the cross, and we are to share this gospel of peace with others.

 

 We are also, told to take the shield of faith to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. Fear is the opposite of faith and fear can quite often empower Satan’s attacks against us. That is why faith is vital for our protection against the many on slots and snares of the evil one. In battle, the shield repelled the blows of the enemies weapons, and the same is also true in spiritual warfare, it is the shield of faith that stops the attacks. If we have faith that our Lord is bigger, as well as stronger than any of our enemies, then our prayers will be answered, and victory will be the result. Faith is the key for many breakthroughs in the Christian walk. Healings, deliverance from demonic activity, as well as everyday life situations, require faith to get results. We are also, told to wear the helmet of salvation. Paul was saying that we must remain in Christ, and continue to keep the helmet of salvation on, because it is possible to fall away from Christ, because we have a free will. We are also, told that the sword of the Spirit is the Word of God. God’s Word is our weapon against the enemy of our souls. When the enemy attacks, we are to lift our shield of faith, and stand on God’s Word to stop the attacks. When the enemy attacks me, I quote scriptures with faith in response. If you rebuke the enemy in Christ’s name, as well as quote Bible verses with faith, you will put the enemy to flight.

 

The enemy looks for open spiritual doors in our lives, so that he may gain access to us. An open door to the enemy may result in harassment, nightmares, sickness, poverty, or even spiritual backsliding. Television is the biggest open door to the enemy in most people’s lives. I refer to television as Satan’s throne in the home, and I recommend getting rid of the beast. Books, movies, video games, or even images that contain content of the occult, are a definite open door to the enemy. Witches, fairies, ghosts, leprechauns, tree or water spirits, elves, as well as Santa Claus, are all based off of the occult. Most people are unaware that the legends of fairies, leprechauns, elves, water and tree spirits etc. are based off of spiritual apparitions that have appeared to people. Like ghosts, these apparitions are really demons that are deceiving people, in an effort to turn people away from God. Law enforcement officers will tell you that ignorance of the law is no excuse when you commit a crime. The same is true with God, ignorance of God’s Word, as well as of spiritual laws, is no excuse with God. I am in the deliverance ministry (casting out demons), and I know for a fact, that spiritual doors must be closed for deliverance to be successful. To successfully survive spiritual warfare, we must remain clothed with the full armor of Christ, as well as close all spiritual doors to the enemy in our lives.  

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.