Pursuing the Fruits of the Spirit, Part 1: Love and Longsuffering

 

Pursuing the Fruits of the Spirit, Part 1: Love and Longsuffering

Written by my wife and Me

(Galatians 5:22-23) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, self-control. 

When we display the fruits of the spirit, we automatically invite a spirit of harmony into our home and outside relationships. 

The root of all the other actions is love.  Think of it as the tree that grows all the other fruits from its magnificent branches.  When you love one another, your actions will (or should) reflect your feelings.  For when your love is sincere, you care more about another person's happiness than your own, and you would never do anything to cause someone else harm, especially when you consider how much God loves that person.

(Matthew 7:12) Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them.  

As Christians, we are called to be a reflection of our Lord Jesus Christ. If we are indwelt with God’s Holy Spirit, then we should have God’s divine nature and attributes present within our lives. As the moon reflects light from the sun, we should reflect the light of the Son. The greatest of all of the fruits of the Spirit is love. It is impossible to be truly saved without love in your heart. For God is love, and those indwelt with his Holy Spirit will be people of love. God’s Word tells us we should love God, as well as love our neighbor as ourselves. Christ is our example of selfless love. Although Christ was God, He left His throne in glory, became a man, and humbled Himself to the death upon the cross. Upon the cross He said, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” Christ taught us to love our enemies, and to do good to those who wrong us. We should imitate Christ and have this same selfless love for our neighbors.

 Christ told us that in the last day’s lawlessness would abound, and the love of many will grow cold. 

(Matthew 24: 12-13) And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end shall be saved. 

Many, within our modern culture consider hardness, and coldness toward others, as a strength to be admired. It is considered fashionable not to smile, but rather to look hard when being photographed. Television, movies, books, as well as our public schools, teach that the strong must walk on others to get ahead in this life. Love, kindness, selflessness, as well as charity, are frowned upon as weakness. It is popular to have sculls and crossbones on adult, as well as children’s clothing. I don’t understand why anyone would want this symbol of death on their clothes, or in their home.

It is truly as the days of Noah today, and the attributes of Satan are visible in most people’s lives. As Christians, we must go against the grain of our cold society, and let the love and light of our Lord Jesus Christ shine through us. 

Longsuffering is another form of love, and it means that we are to be patient with those who are difficult.  The bullies, those who are purposefully antagonistic, the bad drivers, and poorly trained or just plain rude customer service people, etc.   It is learning to have mercy on someone who you want to retaliate against. It is learning to see them through God's eyes of love and compassion.  It is learning to put Matthew 5:43-45 into practice.

(Matthew 5:43-45) "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.

It is sometimes hard to have love for our fellow humans, but with Christ, all things are possible. We live in a fallen world, and we all have faults, that is why it is important not to be critical of others. Longsuffering is love in action. Love keeps no record of wrongs but endures all things. The patient enduring of the character or personality flaws of others is demonstrating true Christ-like love. However, in order to maintain peace, as well as to avoid conflicts, it is sometimes necessary not to associate with certain people. Nevertheless, we are to continue to love that person, and not to allow bitterness into our heart.

If you have bitterness in your heart toward others, I urge you to let the love of Christ melt away the ice on your heart. Even the roots of bitterness are an open door for the devil to have a stronghold in your life. If you have animosity toward someone, let it go, and let the peace of God rule in your heart and mind. Sometimes, it is better not to even speak about a person who stirs up hard feelings. Silence is golden and will help you forgive the person who has offended you. Praying for the offender is the best way to bring a release to your heart.  

(1 Corinthians 13:4-8 & 13) Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

Accept Jesus as your Savior Today!

 

The good news is that Christ made peace between the Father and mankind through his death upon the cross. The Father is a holy God who cannot look upon sin. No person on earth could save himself by his own works because we are a fallen race. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was the spotless, perfect, lamb of God, who took our sins upon himself to wash us clean.

We are justified in the eyes of God and saved by faith alone in the finished work of Christ upon the cross. However, we must repent of our sins and allow the Holy Spirit to transform us from the inside out. Come as you are to Christ and allow his Spirit to make you into a new creation. Also, pray that God will fill you with His Holy Spirit.

Salvation is a free gift that can never be earned by our own works or by religious observations. Ask Jesus into your heart today and make him Lord of your life! When you accept Christ, you need to give up the old sinful life and stop walking in darkness.

You need to grow in Christ through obedience to his Word. The Bible states that God's Word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. In obedience to Christ, you also need to be water baptized. Water baptism proclaims that you are dead to sin and alive to Christ. The baptism of repentance also proclaims that you are born again and have become a new creation.

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. 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. Indeed, we put bits in horses’ mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. 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. Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! 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. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. 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. 

Visions and Dreams of Soviet America (August 31, 2016)

 Here is a link to my post from August 31, 2016. The Lord showed me the formation of a Soviet style police state in America prior to WW3. I will also show the posting here.

Visions and Dreams of Soviet America (August 31, 2016)

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. 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!

Link to 2016 posting:

Final Hour Prophetic Ministries: Visions and Dreams of Soviet America

Visions of the Overcomers: True Grace, False Grace, and Legalism

 

Visions of the Overcomers: True Grace, False Grace, and Legalism

In a recent vision from the Lord, I saw a group of people standing inside the entrance of a fortress of protection. They were shining brightly with stars above their heads. The group was the overcomers who shine like the stars of Heaven who are under God's protection. Then I saw a person that I know who was partying with a group of friends in darkness. The angel spoke the word partying and showed me that this person had no light and was not following Christ. The Lord also showed me another person that I know who supports the LGBTQ lifestyle. The Lord showed me that this person was not under his protection and was spiritually dead.

Many people will be protected by the Lord and kept out of the Great Tribulation in remote locations (Rev 12). Those who are protected will be the overcomers who walk in the light and not in darkness. To walk in the Spirit is to walk away from sin through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Unless you yield to the transforming power of the Holy Spirit you will remain in darkness. Living in obedience to scripture is necessary for spiritual growth. You must be indwelt/baptized/filled with the Holy Spirit to be truly saved. The kingdom of God dwells within us. If you are not filled with the Holy Spirit, you are not part of the kingdom of God.

1 John 3:3-10 And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. 4 Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness.  5 And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin.  6 Whoever abides in Him does not sin. Whoever sins has neither seen Him nor known Him. 7 Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous.  8 He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.  9 Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God. 10 In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother. 

You must be born of the water and born of the Spirit (Born Again) to enter God's Kingdom. Many churches are teaching a false version of Grace. They are not teaching their people to come out of darkness and stop living in sin. Many are not being filled with God's Holy Spirit. Grace is for those who are willing to walk in the light and give up darkness. God gives us grace to grow in him. We come to Christ as we are and then allow his Spirit to transform us from the inside out. We take baby steps at first then we learn to walk in newness of life as a new creation in Christ. 

Grace is defined as unmerited favor. You cannot earn your salvation through trying to be a good or honest person, nor can you transform yourself into the model Christian through the strivings of the flesh. Salvation is a free gift provided by God. God is a holy God who cannot look upon sin. Mankind was separated from God because of sin, so the Father paid the ransom for mankind by giving his only son upon the cross. Christ paid our debts (sins) in full and made peace between the Father and mankind by bridging the great divide through his cross. Redemption and salvation come only through the blood of Christ. The works of the Law, as well as our own works were not enough to bring salvation, so the Father bestowed his love upon us through the gift of his son.  

 

 Salvation begins with repentance of sins. Repentance is a change of mind and heart in regard to the old sinful lifestyle, as well as a desire to become a new creation in Christ Jesus. To be truly saved, you must hunger and thirst for righteousness and turn away from the old rebellious life you once knew.  When you repent and put your faith in the finished work of Christ upon the cross you are saved from perdition (damnation) and have been given eternal life. We are justified by faith alone and saved by grace alone (unmerited favor). Christ will wash you clean and remove all of your sins and grant you a clean slate. Because of Christ's atonement made upon the cross you walk perfectly before him as long as you remain in the light. God gives us grace to grow in him. We come to him as babes on milk and learn to walk by his Spirit.

 If you are truly saved, then you are clean as long as you remain in Christ. You do not need to repent over and over because you are given the power of the Holy Spirit to live a sanctified (set apart) life. When you were saved bankruptcy court occurred, and you were declared debt free! Yield to the Holy Spirit and give him the reins of your life. Make him the governor of your life and he will produce good fruit. You cannot produce good fruit apart from the vine of Jesus Christ (John 15). The love of Jesus will be poured into your heart by the Holy Spirit. To walk in the Spirit is to walk by faith and walk away from sin.

True Grace is for those who walk in the light and Not for those who love darkness and are apathetic toward righteousness. Many profess to know Christ but refuse to give up the darkness in their lives. There is no grace for the majority of television shows and movies that people watch, God himself spoke this to me more than once. Television shows, pornography, adultery, fornication, substance abuse, homosexuality, lying etc. are examples of darkness that will lead to damnation. However, God will forgive these sins if you repent and turn away from them. Cheap grace or greasy grace is a term to describe the junk food gospel being taught in many churches today. The unconditional eternal security doctrine teaches that a saved believer cannot lose their salvation. This doctrine is contrary to scripture and leads many people to Hell. Heb 10:38-39 states that a believer can drawback unto perdition (Hell) if they do not remain in the faith. There are Christians who have lost their faith and died as atheists, Buddhists, agnostics etc. these will not enter the Kingdom of God. 

Legalism is trying to obtain salvation through works or religious observances. Legalism sows doubt in regard to salvation and annuls faith in the power of the blood of Christ to atone for sins. Legalism proclaims that the blood of Christ is not enough to save you, and religious works must be added. Legalism is contrary to faith and is a stronghold of Satan that often leads to damnation. Roman Catholicism, Judaism, Jehovah Witness, as well as many Christian churches are bound by legalism. 

2 Corinthians 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

2 Corinthians 7:1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

John 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

Rev 12:13 Now when the dragon saw that he had been cast to the earth, he persecuted the woman who gave birth to the male Child. 14 But the woman was given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness to her place, where she is nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the presence of the serpent.  15 So the serpent spewed water out of his mouth like a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away by the flood.  16 But the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed up the flood which the dragon had spewed out of his mouth.  17 And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

(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.

(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.

1 Peter 4:7 But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. 8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” 

Matt 22:37 Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”

(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.

Heb10:38-39 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul. 

Gal 5:4 (NKJV) You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.

 Rom 7:4 (NKJV) Therefore, my brethren, you also have become dead to the law through the body of Christ, that you may be married to another—to Him who was raised from the dead, that we should bear fruit to God. 5 For when we were in the flesh, the sinful passions which were aroused by the law were at work in our members to bear fruit to death. 6 But now we have been delivered from the law, having died to what we were held by, so that we should serve in the newness of the Spirit and not in the oldness of the letter.

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Dream From the Lord: Seattle, Denver, as well as other cities shall be Overthrown!

 

In a recent dream from the Lord, I saw an angel of God standing before the city of Seattle Washington. People were waving the rainbow flag in support of perversion issues. A group of people said, "To live here you must support the pride flag." The angel was holding an image of a white rainbow in his hand. The angel said, "The rainbow was God's idea, and they have stolen it from him. He then tossed the object over his head. He was declaring that Seattle will be overthrown. The Lord also showed me that Denver Colorado, as well as many other cities shall be overthrown by the Lord because of wickedness. The Lord is warning his children to get out of the cities and go remote as soon as possible. God will protect many of his children from the judgments coming in his wilderness locations (Rev 12).

Romans 1:24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 27 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.

28 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;

Lev 20:13 If a man lies with a male as he lies with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination. They shall surely be put to death. Their blood shall be upon them.

Deut 22:5 “A woman shall not wear anything that pertains to a man, nor shall a man put on a woman’s garment, for all who do so are an abomination to the Lord your God.

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.

1 Timothy 1:8 Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully, 9 understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, 10 the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine,

Jude 1:7 as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities around them in a similar manner to these, having given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh, are set forth as an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.

Wildfires, Killer Tornadoes, 100 mile per hour winds: These Judgments from the Lord are a Wakeup call!

There have been 660 reports of severe weather across 12 states since Friday. There have also been 52 tornadoes in eight states that have killed 36 people. 100 m.p.h. winds were reported in Kansas City and wildfires have ravaged Oklahoma, North and South Carolina, as well as other states recently.

The record-breaking weather patterns are judgments from the Lord, as well as a wakeup call to repentance for many. Please be in prayer for those affected by these storms, also pray that people will repent of darkness and come into the light of Jesus saving grace.

Link to video:

Major tornado outbreak hits the South | Watch 

Hell is Real!

 

Luke 16:19 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:

20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,

21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.

22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;

23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.

24 And 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 thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.

26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.

27 Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house:

28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.

29 Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.

30 And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.

31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

Abiding in Jesus the Vine

 

Abiding in Jesus the Vine

To abide in Christ is to walk by faith and allow the Holy Spirit to make us into a new creation. We must surrender all to Christ and let his love shine forth to others. To know Christ, is to know and show love. Christ is the vine, and we are the branches. Apart from Christ no one can bear fruit. The fruit of the Spirit (see Galatians 5:22-25) is the evidence of a transformed life. We come to Christ as we are, salvation is a free gift that can never be earned through holiness or works. We are saved by grace alone following true repentance. God gives us grace to grow in him. We take baby steps at first and require milk. However, we need to grow spiritually and allow the Holy Spirit to teach us, guide us, as well as transform us from the inside out. What Christ is looking for in his bride is faith and love. There are nine fruits of the Spirit, the greatest is love, and the other eight revolve around love (see 1 Corinthians 13:1-8). 

It is truly as the days of Noah, and the attributes of Satan are visible in most people’s lives. As Christians, we must go against the grain of our cold society and let the love and light of our Lord Jesus Christ shine through us. If you have bitterness in your heart toward others, I urge you to let the love of Christ melt away the ice on your heart. Even the roots of bitterness are an open door for the devil to have a stronghold in your life. If you have animosity toward someone, let it go, and let the peace of God rule in your heart and mind.

We have all heard of the golden rule, but did you know that it was coined by Jesus? (Luke6:31) "And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise." How many of us truly obey it? Would you want someone to cheat you out of your money or lie to you? Would you want someone to deny you a warm place to stay, or a hot meal if you were in need? Do you desire to have someone give you the cold shoulder in your home or workplace? The answer of course is no. We all want to be loved and showed kindness from those around us. Regardless, of how others treat you, as Christians, we are to show unconditional love toward all, including the unlovely. You may think this is impossible, but with Christ all things are possible. If God's Holy Spirit dwells within you, you have the power to overcome the evil society, and show forth God's attributes. If the church will reflect Christ to the world, we will save many from Hell. Hypocrisy will destroy your testimony, and push people away from Christ. Be real and let the good fruit of God's Spirit shine forth in your life.

(James 2:14-17) What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 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? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

(Luke 6:27-36) “But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also. And from him who takes away your cloak, do not withhold your tunic either. Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back. And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise. But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful."

(John 15:1-13) "I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.

"Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. 

"If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. 

"Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

"This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."

Do Not be Influenced by the Majority!

 

2 Corinthians 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?

16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.

18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

2 Cor 7:1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins

 

The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins

In the parable of the ten virgins, Christ makes the comment, “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.” Christ gives us an analogy of five wise and five foolish virgins, in order to stress the importance of being prepared for his return. The five wise virgins were prepared to meet the bridegroom, because they took oil in their vessels with their lamps. The five foolish virgins took their lamps, but no oil to keep their lamps burning. As the bridegroom tarried, they all slept until they heard the midnight cry, “Behold, the bridegroom is coming, go out to meet him!”

 The five wise virgins were prepared for the Lord’s return, because they were the overcomers who kept their light burning until the end. The oil they took for their lamps, is symbolic of being filled with the Holy Spirit. It is essential for all Christians, to be baptized in the Holy Spirit, in order to be prepared for the Lord’s return. You are not truly saved unless you are filled with the Holy Spirit. The kingdom of God dwells within us according to Christ, and the Holy Spirit is the living water from above that gives eternal life. The foolish virgins were once born-again Christians; however, they let their lamps grow dark because they were empty vessels. Christians must remain faithful to Christ until the end, as well as filled with God’s Holy Spirit (God’s oil). To remain faithful to the Lord, is to be obedient to him by keeping his commandments and ridding our lives of sinful living. 

Matt 25:1-13 “Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. ² Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. ³ Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, ⁴ but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. ⁵ But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. ⁶ “And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’ ⁷ Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. ⁸ And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ ⁹ But the wise answered, saying, ‘No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’ ¹⁰ And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut. ¹¹ “Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ ¹² But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ ¹³ “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.

 The Lord is returning for a bride without spot or wrinkle. I believe that the Great Tribulation will be a time of purification for the body of Christ. When people no longer have electricity to power their televisions or internet, then they may get serious about cleaning their lives up. Some of the greatest revivals in history have occurred during times of persecution or distress. Many communist nations have seen these great revivals spring up from the persecuted home churches. I believe that the time of the great testing and shaking, will once again bring about true revival. A true revival is marked by repentance of sins, and mass conversions.

The counterfeit revivals of today, where people act like drunks, and fall on the floor laughing, as well as make animal noises, are a mockery to a holy God. There is no true repentance, or genuine conversions occurring in these flesh fests. In fact, most of their revival leaders, have been caught in sexual immorality. The modern church of today is dyeing spiritually, because of the grace for everything theology, which produces big tithers. When you tell people what they want to hear, they will fill the offering plates up. A healthy church where God’s Spirit is still present will preach holiness (to be set apart from the sinful world by God’s Spirit).

 While the foolish virgins went to buy oil for their lamps, the bridegroom came and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut. Afterward the other virgins came also,  saying, “Lord, Lord, open to us!” but he said, “Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.” Spiritual unfaithfulness will lead to divorce with God; that is why the Apostle Paul taught that we must cross the finish line in order to receive the crown of eternal life. 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.

We need to keep our lamps burning with the oil of God’s Spirit until the end, to inherit the Kingdom of God. Even Paul said that if he didn’t discipline his body to bring it into subjection, that after preaching to others, he could become disqualified. Paul was saying that like a runner in a race keeps his body in good physical condition, we must also keep our spiritual body in good condition, so that we might be able to cross the finish line and win our crown. 

 Matt 10:22 And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.

 Matt 24: 12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.  13 But he who endures to the end shall be saved.  14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.

 Rev 2: 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.

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.            

   

Mark 13:3-8, 13-14, 21-27, & 32-37: "When shall these things be?" (Written by my wife)

 Mark 13:3-8, 13-14, 21-27, & 32-37: "When shall these things be?"

Mark 13 speaks of Christ's return.  This chapter, as well as Matthew 24 and Luke 21 all make it very clear that it will be "after the tribulation." 

**Fellow believers, please let's not divide on this issue. Prayerfully study God's Word and love one another whether you agree or disagree.**

The Bible gives instructions on what the Christians should do during the tribulation to stay safe.  Verse 14 says, "flee to the mountains." When you read Revelation 12:6, it also says we must flee to the wilderness to be safe.  If we follow God's instructions, we will be kept safe.  If we realize there is not a pre-tribulation rapture and prepare now, we can be safe during times even more perilous than we are seeing now (this will include storing food before the great famine comes mentioned in Revelation 6:5-6).

(Mark 13:3-8, 13-14, 21-27, & 32-37) And as he sat upon the mount of Olives over against the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately, "Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled?"

And Jesus answering them began to say, "Take heed lest any man deceive you: For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled: for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains. And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, lo, he is there; believe him not: For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect. But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things."

"But in those days, AFTER that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken. AND THEN shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. AND THEN shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven. But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. For the Son of Man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch."