The Finish Line

The Finish Line

 

Most churches today are not teaching their people the truth in regard to salvation. They are taught that by simply reciting the sinner’s prayer that they are saved and the angels are singing in Heaven. The sinner’s prayer is a great prayer when done in sincerity, but this alone does not save a person’s soul, it is just the beginning. Most churches today are not teaching their people to repent of their sins and to be born again. To be born again, a person must become a new creation in Christ, and this means to be set apart from the world and unto God. The Apostle Paul addressed his letters to the saints in Christ, the word saint means, set apart ones, so Paul’s letters were to the set apart ones. In Romans chapter six Paul teaches that we are not to continue in sin but we must live for Christ. If Jesus Christ is truly the Lord of your life then his attributes will be apparent in your life. Christ said that any tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. Also note, that in the following verse Paul said that we are being saved, therefore we must never become complacent in our spiritual walk .  2 Cor 2:15 For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.

 

This life of probation, may be compared to running a race. We run this race of life hoping to obtain the prize, which is eternal life with God, but if we do not complete the race and cross the finish line, then all is lost. Even Paul said that if he didn’t discipline his body to bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should 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.  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. Christ said that those who endure unto the end shall be saved, if we fail to cross the finish line in victory, then all is lost. 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. The lukewarm church of the end time is preaching a greasy grace message that makes people feel good, instead of  teaching them the truth. When there is no distinction between the sinful world and the saints, then the salt has lost it’s savor and the truth has been turned into a lie. If we live, dress, talk, as well as act like sinners, then we are lost as well. Christ made atonement upon the cross for sins committed in ignorance, as well as for sins that are repented of. If we do not repent of willful sins, then there is no forgiveness. Atonement is not automatic, it follows repentance. No one is perfect of course, but we are called to righteousness, and this means to live right.

 

Many people profess to know God but deny him by their actions. If we know Christ then we should have the mind of Christ, as well as bear good fruit. Christ said that if you love him then you will obey his commandments.   Titus 1: 14 not giving heed to Jewish fables and commandments of men who turn from the truth.  15 To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled.  16 They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work.

 

  Also, consider the parable of the sower of seed.   Matt 13: 18 “Therefore hear the parable of the sower:  19 When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside.  20 But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy;  21 yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles.  22 Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.  23 But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.” In this parable Christ illustrates how many people fall away from the faith because they have no strong root. The seed is the Word of God and many people don’t understand what they read and the wicked one (Satan) will deceive them and steal what was sown in their heart, these have fallen by the wayside. Others who have no root, endure for awhile, then fall away from Christ because of hard times, or persecution, or tribulation, these people may hold prominent positions within the church, or may have been professing Christians for years, but they usually blame God for some tragedy or circumstance in their life and fall away. I have known many people who have fallen away from Christ due to hardship. Others, the deceitfulness of riches or the cares of the world, choke the word and they become unfruitful. God’s Word teaches that the love of money is the root of all evil, but many of the television evangelists, as well as mega church leaders are into money worship and are leading the masses astray, the prosperity gospel is the polar opposite of the teachings of Christ. Christ said, that it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of an needle, than for a rich man to enter Heaven. But he who received the seed on good ground, produced fruit, thirty, sixty or one hundred fold. Not every Christian will produce the same degree of good fruit, some may produce only 30 fold fruit, but they are still doing their best to pursue Christ. If we produce zero fruit then we are in serious trouble. The parable of the sower of seed, very clearly shows us that it is possible to fall away from Christ.

 

The Book of Revelation was given to the Apostle John by the angel of Jesus Christ. Within Revelation, Christ gave warnings to the various churches that they must keep the commandments of God or they would be cast away. In Rev 2:4 Christ told them that they had left their first love, he told them to repent, and do their first works over or he would remove their lampstand from it’s place. He also told the church of Sardis to repent, because their works, were not found to be perfect before God. Christ told the church of Laodicea that because they are lukewarm that he would vomit them out of his mouth. As you can see, the Word of God teaches us that it is very possible to fall from grace, due to sin, or lack of faith. It is time for the lukewarm churches to wake up and stop leading people astray. James states the truth very clearly, when he said that faith without works is dead.

 

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.

 

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

        

Christian Marriage Principles

 

Christian Marriage Principles

 

Satan’s desire is to destroy the Christian family in order to ruin our testimony, as well as render us useless for God’s work. That is why it is important for our marriages to be grounded in Christ, for if Christ is the foundation, then when the storms of life come, our marriages will remain strong and unshakable. It is also important to remain clothed with the armor of Christ to be able to stand against the evil one in these dark times. Our society is trying to redefine marriage by legalizing gay marriage, but God is the author of the marriage covenant and he has determined that it is between a man and a woman. It is sad that in our public schools today, gay marriage is being endorsed, as well as encouraged, I believe that this is a sure sign of the end of the age.

Choosing the spouse that we will spend our life with is the most important decision that we will ever make, only our relationship with the Lord is of more importance. That is why we should seek the Lord with fasting and prayer concerning whom we choose. It is also very important to thoroughly get to know the person before making that lifetime commitment. I have known young people who were in such a hurry to get married that they hardly knew their spouse and then suffered the consequences. It is a good idea for most people to get pre-marriage counseling from their Pastor or another Christian counselor before walking down that aisle. Spiritual, as well as emotional maturity is very important to a stable marriage. Women want a man to be confident, strong, as well as be a spiritual and physical leader, and men want a woman to be nurturing, loving, supportive, and Christ centered.

A Christian should be loyal to their spouse in every way and should never flirt with the opposite sex. I have witnessed many married people flirt with others in the workplace and it is very disturbing. Many of these people were professing Christians and one was even a pastor in his fifties. We live in a very promiscuous society where people are bound by lust, and believe that there is grace for everything. Many believe that it is okay for a married person to have friends of the opposite sex but this is seldom innocent. I have witnessed these friendships between professing Christians of the opposite sex and it always led to an emotional bonding, and the men always developed feelings for the woman. Your spouse is the person that you should be emotionally bonded to, not Joe or Sally in the workplace. Fraternization is the first step toward adultery.

Our so-called progressive society has blurred the roles of men and women. A man is called by God to be the leader of the family and his wife is called to be submissive to him, but our society calls these old fashioned values archaic. I don’t believe that a husband should be abusive or a dictator to his wife, but should love her as his own body and be willing to give his life for her, Ephesians 5:22-25.  A spouse should put the needs of their mate before their own, as well as be tender hearted towards them. If biblical principles are applied to a marriage there will be harmony. Wives should honor their husbands and allow them to be the leader of the household and never be condescending or controlling. And children should respect their parents and not try to rule over them. A big reason for the dysfunctionality of the family today is due to what people view on television, as well as the internet. The liberal culture is shaping the lives of our children, and many men are addicted to pornography because of this technology.

Another big problem today is that families don’t spend quality time together. Our lives are busy and quite often both parents work and our children are being raised by babysitters, as well as television. Most jobs today require a person to be married to them instead of their spouse. If possible, a mother should stay home and raise her own children and the father should take a job where he has the time to spend with his family. Most kids today seldom see their fathers and this is not God’s plan for the family. Work is honorable but a paycheck cannot replace a parent. Sometimes it is better to live in a smaller house and drive a cheaper car in order to have more time with your family. Below is a list of scriptures on marriage.

 1 Cor 7: 1 Now concerning the things of which you wrote to me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman. 2 Nevertheless, because of sexual immorality, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband. 3 Let the husband render to his wife the affection due her, and likewise also the wife to her husband. 4 The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. And likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. 5 Do not deprive one another except with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. 6 But I say this as a concession, not as a commandment. 7 For I wish that all men were even as I myself. But each one has his own gift from God, one in this manner and another in that.

1 Cor 7: 10 Now to the married I command, yet not I but the Lord: A wife is not to depart from her husband. 11 But even if she does depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband. And a husband is not to divorce his wife.12 But to the rest I, not the Lord, say: If any brother has a wife who does not believe, and she is willing to live with him, let him not divorce her. 13 And a woman who has a husband who does not believe, if he is willing to live with her, let her not divorce him. 14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband; otherwise your children would be unclean, but now they are holy. 15 But if the unbeliever departs, let him depart; a brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases. But God has called us to peace. 16 For how do you know, O wife, whether you will save your husband? Or how do you know, O husband, whether you will save your wife?

Ephesians 5:22  Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. 24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. 25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. 28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. 29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: 30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. 31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. 32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. 33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.

           

The Afterlife

The Afterlife

 

There are two prevailing views of the afterlife. One is called soul sleep, it teaches that the soul/spirit of a person goes into temporary extinction after the death of the body until the resurrection, the other teaches that the soul/spirit goes immediately to Paradise or Hell. Both views, are considered to be orthodox within Christianity. I believe that the Bible clearly teaches that the soul/spirit of a person survives the death of the body and we will examine what the Bible teaches. 

First, I would like to share two visions that I have had of Paradise. After spending some time in prayer, I fell asleep and I found myself standing in the most beautiful garden I have ever seen. The grass was very lush green and full of all types of flowers, and everything glowed with a white celestial light. There were also many trees, of all varieties and I saw butterflies, as well as heard birds singing. The colors were more vivid than anything that I have ever seen on earth. There was a bright blue sky overhead and I heard angels singing above me, but could not see them. I could hear the gentle, soft, strumming of harps, and the angels were singing, “holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come”. I then woke up from this experience wishing that I could remain in this place forever. I understood in the vision that this was the abode of the departed spirits, awaiting their resurrection. 

The second vision that I have had of Paradise occurred around a year later. Both visions, were given me due to the death of family members. The second vision also occurred while I was asleep. I dreamed that I was standing on a cliff overlooking a beautiful sea that was smooth as glass in appearance. There was a very comforting warm breeze blowing on me from this sea. The sky was glowing with many colors similar to a sunset, but without a sun, because God gives the light upon his celestial kingdom. I saw people dressed in white robes conversing with one another, in what appeared to be an amphitheater next to the sea. I recognized some of the people to be departed family members. Everyone appeared to be in their twenties, as well as perfect in appearance. These night visions confirmed to me what many others have shared with me over the years. I have had six co- workers share with me their near death experiences at varies different jobs that I have worked, also my late mother had many visions of the afterlife. 

I do not believe in eternal torment, because God is not a monster, he will not torture a person for all eternity. I believe that Hell (Sheol, Hades), is the prison where unsaved souls are kept until judgment day. I believe that this prison may have different sections or levels of punishment. I have talked to different people who experienced Hell during a near death experience, and they all described Hell as a very cold, dark pit. Although the apocryphal books are not canon, they show us that the Old Testament Jews very much believed that the soul of a person went to Sheol at death, to either Paradise or prison to await their resurrection. 

  The Bible teaches that after the thousand year reign of Christ on earth, Hell will give up it’s dead for the great white throne judgment. Every man will be judged according to his works, and everyone who’s name is not written in the Lamb’s book of life will be cast into the lake of fire, which is the second death. It says that both Hell, as well as the unsaved will experience this second death. I believe that this destruction of Hell, as well as the unsaved souls is extinction, not eternal torment. The words forever or eternal in the original Greek language of the New Testament, is better translated as a final decree or an irrevocable judgment. In other words, when you read eternal fire or being tormented forever, it is referring to a judge lowering his gavel and decreeing his final judgment, not literally burning forever. The Bible mentions smoke ascending forever and ever in the description of the destruction of Babylon, but we know that Babylon is not still burning, this is indicating a final judgment or eternal decree. In Jude, we read of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, as described as suffering the vengeance of eternal fire, but we know that these cities are not still burning today. 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. Once again, eternal fire means an irrevocable decree. The Bible mentions the destruction of the unsaved souls many times within both the old, as well as the new testament, and this will occur at the great white throne judgment.  Ezekiel 18: 4 “Behold, all souls are Mine; The soul of the father As well as the soul of the son is Mine; The soul who sins shall die. Matt 10:28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. 

 

I would now like to give scriptural evidence against the soul sleep doctrine. The Apostle Paul said that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.  2 Cor 5:6 So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord.  7 For we walk by faith, not by sight.  8 We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. 9 Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him.  10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. Paul also said that he was hard pressed whether to remain in the flesh, or to depart and be with Christ. Philippians 1:22 But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell.  23 For  I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.  24 Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. These scriptures prove that Paul believed that the soul of the Christian went immediately to Christ at death. Paul also mentions a man who was caught up into Paradise in the third heaven. 2 Cor 12: 2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago—whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows—such a one was caught up to the third heaven.  3 And I know such a man—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows—  4 how he was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. 

Our Lord Jesus Christ said to the thief on his right hand, “Today, you will be with me in Paradise”. Luke 23: 39 Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, “If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.”40 But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation?  41 And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.”  42 Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.”43 And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” The Lord also gave us the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. Lazarus died, and was carried by the Angels to Abraham’s bosom (Paradise). The rich man also died, and was tormented in a flame in Hell. Abraham and the rich man carried on a conversation and Abraham said to him, “They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. And he said, ‘No, father Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent. 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.’” This passage is clearly speaking of conscious souls having dialogue in Sheol. Abraham even mentions that some will not be persuaded even though one rise from the dead. Yet some Christians claim this passage is speaking of after the resurrection, but anyone who reads this literally knows otherwise.   

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 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.’”  

When Christ died, he descended into Sheol and preached the gospel to the souls in prison who were disobedient during the time of Noah. These unsaved souls died during the flood of Noah but were given the chance of salvation after death.  1 Peter 3: 18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: 19 By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; 20 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.

1 Peter 4: 6 For this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.

These scriptures prove that the soul/spirit survives the death of the body and goes directly to Paradise or prison to await the resurrection of the body. God Bless!

 

              

The Judgment Upon Gay Marriage

The Judgment Upon Gay Marriage

 

A major sign of the end of the age is the legalization of same-gender marriage. Every great empire in history that has accepted the homosexual lifestyle as being normal has fallen within a generation. Marriage is a holy union between a man and a woman that is sanctioned by God and should not be perverted. Around four years ago, the Lord spoke to me that gay marriage was a slap to his face and that the Supreme Court would make gay marriage the law of the land and judgment would soon come thereafter. Today, I am seeing this word come to pass, Barrack Obama asked the Supreme Court to legalize gay marriage nationwide, and this will soon happen. Already we are seeing states override the will of the people and legalize gay marriage. It is unconstitutional for a federal or a state judge to override an issue that the citizens of a state have voted against; this is tyranny. The states are gradually losing their autonomy to a federal government that has no regard for the constitution or the will of the people.

The Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, as well as the surrounding cities because of their wickedness, Genesis 19:1-29. The Bible tells us that the men of Sodom lusted after the angels of God who were sent to deliver Lot and his family out of Sodom; they demanded that the angels be brought to them so that they might have sexual relations with them. In response to their wickedness, the angels smote them with blindness, then led Lot and his family out of Sodom prior to God raining fire and brimstone upon the city. The New Testament book of Jude tells us that God destroyed these cities specifically because of the sin of homosexuality (strange flesh), to make them an example for all time.  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.

 God does not consider homosexuality to be a small issue, but rather a grave sin. God’s Word teaches us that homosexuality is an abomination to God, this means that it is detestable or an insult to God. Many people today say that God made people homosexual and that God does not make mistakes, God does not make anyone homosexual; homosexuality is a perversion like pedophilia or bestiality. This is like saying that God made people adulterers or sex addicts. We live in a fallen world where people allow themselves to be corrupted by entertaining sin. Homosexuality is a spiritual bondage from which people can be delivered. I have met people that were delivered from homosexuality and are now straight, as well as married. Christ died upon the cross to set the captive free and through sincere repentance, the bondage of homosexuality can be broken. A person can be saved, delivered, and made clean through faith, repentance, and perseverance.

Homosexuality is not a civil rights issue, as some believe. Many liken it to the racial inequality issues of the sixties, but it is an issue of sexual perversion, not race. Christians however, should show the love of Christ to homosexual people in order to win them over to the truth, which can set them free. Hate, name-calling, or violence should be condemned, as well as abhorred. Below, is a list of scriptures that address homosexuality.

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,p 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.

The truth about the Rapture.

There is much controversy as to the timing of the rapture, but God’s Word is very clear on this subject and we will explore what it really teaches. This is not a subject that should divide us, but it is critical that we be informed of the truth. The pre-tribulation rapture viewpoint is very dangerous because it teaches people that there is no need to prepare for the tribulation, or hard times ahead, because God is going to rapture you up to Heaven for seven years, then return again to establish his kingdom. This man made doctrine is contrary to God’s Word, and was created by taking scripture out of context, as well as making scriptures jump through many hoops in order to bring about a man pleasing belief.

The Lord Jesus Christ himself told us exactly when he will return, as well as when he will send forth his angels to gather the elect. Christ said that immediately after the tribulation of those days he would return and gather his elect unto himself. NKJV Matt 24:29  “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. ³⁰ Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. ³¹ And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.  Christ said what he meant and was not speaking metaphorically. The pre-trib doctrine teaches that this passage is in reference to the second coming of Christ, seven years after the ingathering of the saints, but Christ said that at this time, he would send out his angels to harvest the elect. This passage alone is enough to establish that the rapture and the second coming of Christ are the same event and that this will occur immediately after the tribulation.

 The Apostle Paul taught that we will not be caught up to meet the Lord in the air until the the dead are raised first, then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them. Paul did not say that we will be caught up to Heaven, but that we will meet the Lord in the air as he returns, this is our transformation into immortality. 1 Thess 4:13  But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. ¹⁴ For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.¹⁵ For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. ¹⁶ For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. ¹⁷ Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. ¹⁸ Therefore comfort one another with these words.

1 Cor 15:51  Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed— ⁵² in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. ⁵³ For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.   If we establish when the dead are raised, then we will know when the remnant who are alive, will be caught up and transformed. Christ said that he will raise the dead on the last day. John 6:39  This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day. ⁴⁰ And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.”  Paul said that the dead are raised, and that we are caught up with them at the last trump. The last trump is a reference to the sounding of the seventh angel in the book of Revelation.  Rev 10:7  but in the days of the sounding of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound, the mystery of God would be finished, as He declared to His servants the prophets. Rev 11:15  Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!” When the trump is sounded then it is said, “ The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ”. As you can see, God’s Word clearly teaches that the dead are raised on the last day, at the last trump.

Another interesting fact is that all those martyred within the Great Tribulation will have part in the first resurrection (resurrection of the righteous). If the rapture/resurrection occurred before the tribulation then they would have no resurrection. Rev 20:4  And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. ⁵ But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. ⁶ Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.

God’s Word teaches us that he will protect many of his children in the wilderness during this time of tribulation, these will be the remnant that overcome and that will never see death.  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.

  God did not rapture Noah out of the earth, nor did he build the ark for him, rather he instructed him how to build the ark.  Noah was obedient to God and although it took him 120 years to build the ark, he did not give up. Because of Noah’s obedience to the Lord, we are here today. Like Noah, we need to be making preparations for the soon coming tribulation. I believe that the Lord is instructing people to prepare communities in remote wilderness areas for the time of trouble ahead. We all need to be seeking the Lord with much fasting and prayer concerning where to relocate. The cities, as well as populated areas are destined for judgment. This is not a time for fear but action. If we trust God as Noah did, then we will be obedient to him and follow his voice. God Bless!

Trusting God

 

 

Trusting God!

In our modern world we face many trials and tribulations that can produce anxiety and often it is hard to trust God. But the Lord has promised to never leave us or forsake us, he is faithful even when we are unfaithful. He ha...s not left us alone in life but has given us a comforter, his Holy Spirit. If we put our faith in him he will deliver us from the attacks of the enemy, as well as the problems that we face in life. We have the choice to trust the Lord and walk in faith, or to live in fear which is the opposite of faith. Fear empowers the enemy in our life, but faith moves the hand of the Lord for us. Let us take a look at God's Word for understanding.

2 Cor 4:7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. 8 We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed— 10 always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.

2 Cor 4:16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, 18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

It is hard to understand the trials and sufferings that we face in life, but we must understand that God has a purpose in everything and that purpose is to refine us like pure gold. 2 Cor 4 states that we are hard pressed on every side yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed. The Lord will not put more on us than we can bear, but he will always make a way out. The Bible states that God's ways are as high above our ways as the heavens are above the earth. For truly, our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. This life is as a vapor which appears for a little while then vanishes away and gives way to eternal life.

(NKJV) Psalms 91:
1 He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High
Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress;
My God, in Him I will trust.”
3 Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler
And from the perilous pestilence.
4 He shall cover you with His feathers,
And under His wings you shall take refuge;
His truth shall be your shield and buckler.
5 You shall not be afraid of the terror by night,
Nor of the arrow that flies by day,
6 Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness,
Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.
7 A thousand may fall at your side,
And ten thousand at your right hand;
But it shall not come near you.
8 Only with your eyes shall you look,
And see the reward of the wicked.
9 Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge,
Even the Most High, your dwelling place,
10 No evil shall befall you,
Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling;
11 For He shall give His angels charge over you,
To keep you in all your ways.
12 In their hands they shall bear you up,
Lest you dash your foot against a stone.
13 You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra,
The young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot.
14 “Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him;
I will set him on high, because he has known My name.
15 He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble;
I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life I will satisfy him,
And show him My salvation.”

Psalms 91 is worded so perfectly and describes the Lord's protection of those who put their trust in him. It states that he who dwells in the secret place of the most high shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.” The secret place of the most high, is a place of God's protection, comparable to a chick being hidden under it's mother's wing. The Lord is truly our refuge and fortress. In Biblical times many cities were surrounded by high walls to keep the enemy out, this was referred to as a fortified city. The Lord has his walls of protection around those who fear him. The fear of the Lord is a term that means, "awe or respect" for the Lord. Psalms 91 also states that no evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways. In their hands they shall bear you up,
Lest you dash your foot against a stone. This is an amazing promise that God will protect his trusting children from evil, plagues, as well as give his angels charge over us.

I would also like to say that through disobedience and backsliding, we can remove ourselves from God's protection. We must abide in the vine (Jesus Christ) to be sheltered under God's wing. To do this, we must make Jesus Christ Lord over every area of our lives, and this means to be born again. To be born again is to put off the old sinful nature and to become a new creation in Christ. God's Holy Spirit gives us the power to live a sanctified (set apart) life. We are not perfect and sanctification is a life long process, but we are called to bear good fruit and press forward in him as his Spirit teaches us of the ways of the Lord. God desires obedience rather than sacrifice.


Luke 12:22 Then He said to His disciples, “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; nor about the body, what you will put on. 23 Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing.

24 Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap, which have neither storehouse nor barn; and God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds? 25 And which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?

26 If you then are not able to do the least, why are you anxious for the rest? 27 Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

28 If then God so clothes the grass, which today is in the field and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith?

29 “And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind. 30 For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things. 31 But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you.

In Luke 12, Christ teaches us not to worry about life's problems but to put our faith in God to supply our needs. The Lord knows that we have need of food, water, clothing, as well as a roof over our heads and as long as we seek the kingdom of God first he will supply those needs. Many of us worry about paying bills or employment issues, but does that anxiety help the problem? I have seen the Lord provide for me in situations that looked hopeless, because God was bigger than all of my problems. After all, did he not create the universe?

Philipp 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

In Phillipians 4, Paul teaches us the secret to having peace of mind, and that is to meditate upon all that is true, noble, just, pure, lovely, things of good report, virtue, and praiseworthy. It is a medical fact that if you dwell upon depressing thoughts for a long period of time that it will cause a chemical reaction in your body that may result in long term depression. Trusting in the Lord of hope and dwelling upon positive things will produce peace. Believing God's Word and quoting scriptures with faith will produce favorable results.

1 John 4:17 Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. 19 We love Him because He first loved us.

20 If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? 21 And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also.

2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

God's Word teaches us that perfect love casts out all fear. It is sometimes hard to love our enemies as ourself, but with the help of God's Holy Spirit this is possible. When we learn how to forgive one another their trespasses and walk in love rather than bitterness, we will see fear go. According to God's Word it is impossible to love God and hate your brother. Finally, 2 Tim 1:7 states that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. Fear, as well as mental illness are of Satan and it is God's will to set the captives free.

Psalms 23:1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters. 3 He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
Forever.

Psalms 23 says it all, the Lord is our shepherd and it is his desire to give us rest. He desires to lead us to green pastures, as well as to the calm waters of life. He wants to restore our soul and lead us to the path of righteousness. The Lord is our comforter, our shield, our provider and our ever present help in the time of trouble, we need to trust in him. God Bless!

Old Testament Scriptures about the Messiah

 

 

Evidence which demands a verdict.

From our vantage point today, we can see how the Old Testament corresponds to the New Testament through miraculous Messianic prophecy fulfillment. Distinct aspects of the ancestry, birth, life, ministry, death and resurrection of the Messiah were all prophesied in the Old Testament and their historical fulfillment was recorded in the New Testament, primarily the four Gospels. The Old Testament points toward “the anointed one,” which was translated Christos in Greek, the language of the inspired New Testament Scripture and much of the Roman world. Therefore, Christ was the term used by Christians to refer to the Messiah.

Prophecy fulfillment is powerful evidence that validates the credibility and supernatural inspiration of the Old Testament, where human beings are told specific predictions by God to be fulfilled many hundreds of years in the future. While Christian apologists do not arrive at the same number of messianic prophecies, most agree they are numerous. Jewish biblical scholar Alfred Edersheim (1825-1889), a convert to Christianity, wrote a classic work affirming there are 456 passages in the Old Testament that refer to the Messiah. His work is entitled, " The Life and Times of Jesus The Messiah" . Edersheim also stated that there are 558 Messianic references in Jewish rabbinic writings.

(NKJV) Luke 24:44 Then He said to them, “These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.” 45 And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures.

In Luke 24:44-45, Christ appears to some of his disciples after his resurrection and explains to them the many old testament prophecies that were fulfilled through him. Moses, many of the Prophets, as well as David wrote of him centuries before his birth. The evidence found in Scripture clearly suggests that Jesus Christ is indeed who he claimed to be.

Flavius Josephus was a first century Jewish historian to three Roman Emperors. In his book, Antiquities of the Jews, written around 93–94 AD, he includes two references to Jesus, as well as a reference to John the Baptist and the origins of Christianity. Here is an excerpt from his book about James the brother of Christ.

And now Caesar, upon hearing the death of Festus, sent Albinus into Judea, as procurator. But the king deprived Joseph of the high priesthood, and bestowed the succession to that dignity on the son of Ananus, who was also himself called Ananus... Festus was now dead, and Albinus was but upon the road; so he assembled the sanhedrin of judges, and brought before them the brother of Jesus, who was called Christ, whose name was James, and some others; and when he had formed an accusation against them as breakers of the law, he delivered them to be stoned.

(NKJV) Deuteronomy 18:15 “The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your midst, from your brethren. Him you shall hear, 16 according to all you desired of the Lord your God in Horeb in the day of the assembly, saying, ‘Let me not hear again the voice of the Lord my God, nor let me see this great fire anymore, lest I die.’
17 “And the Lord said to me: ‘What they have spoken is good. 18 I will raise up for them a Prophet like you from among their brethren, and will put My words in His mouth, and He shall speak to them all that I command Him. 19 And it shall be that whoever will not hear My words, which He speaks in My name, I will require it of him.

Deu 18:15-19, was written by Moses in reference to Christ. Moses said that God would raise up a Prophet like himself from among the Hebrew people that would speak to them ALL that he commanded him. God gave the first covenant through Moses to the Israelites. Christ brought us the new covenant through his death and resurrection, as well as taught us the ways of God. Like Moses, Christ was a Prophet and teacher, but unlike Moses he was God in the flesh.

Although there are hundreds of Scriptures about Christ within the old testament, I have listed only the prominent ones below. These Scriptures foretell of his virgin birth, place of birth, ministry, betrayal, crucifixion, as well as resurrection. Isaiah 53, as well as the Psalms, goes into detail about his crucifixion. Isaiah wrote this over 600 years before the birth of Christ and David wrote of him approx. 1000 years before his birth. If anyone doubts who Christ is, I encourage you to review the evidence cited and make your verdict! God Bless! Pastor Mel

(NKJV) Micah 5:2 “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
Though you are little among the thousands of Judah,
Yet out of you shall come forth to Me
The One to be Ruler in Israel,
Whose goings forth are from of old,
From everlasting.”

(NKJV) Isaiah 7:4 Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.

(NKJV) Psalms 110:1 The Lord said to my Lord,
“Sit at My right hand,
Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.”

(NKJV) Psalms 110:4 The Lord has sworn
And will not relent,
“You are a priest forever
According to the order of Melchizedek.”

(NKJV) Isaiah 9:6 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.

(NKJV) Isaiah 53:
1 Who has believed our report?
And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?
2 For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant,
And as a root out of dry ground.
He has no form or comeliness;
And when we see Him,
There is no beauty that we should desire Him.
3 He is despised and rejected by men,
A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.
And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him;
He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.
4 Surely He has borne our griefs
And carried our sorrows;
Yet we esteemed Him stricken,
Smitten by God, and afflicted.
5 But He was wounded for our transgressions,
He was bruised for our iniquities;
The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,
And by His stripes we are healed.
6 All we like sheep have gone astray;
We have turned, every one, to his own way;
And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.
7 He was oppressed and He was afflicted,
Yet He opened not His mouth;
He was led as a lamb to the slaughter,
And as a sheep before its shearers is silent,
So He opened not His mouth.
8 He was taken from prison and from judgment,
And who will declare His generation?
For He was cut off from the land of the living;
For the transgressions of My people He was stricken.
9 And they made His grave with the wicked—
But with the rich at His death,
Because He had done no violence,
Nor was any deceit in His mouth.
10 Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise Him;
He has put Him to grief.
When You make His soul an offering for sin,
He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days,
And the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in His hand.
11 He shall see the labor of His soul, and be satisfied.
By His knowledge My righteous Servant shall justify many,
For He shall bear their iniquities.
12 Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great,
And He shall divide the spoil with the strong,
Because He poured out His soul unto death,
And He was numbered with the transgressors,
And He bore the sin of many,
And made intercession for the transgressors.

(NKJV) Psalms 22:14 I am poured out like water,
And all My bones are out of joint;
My heart is like wax;
It has melted within Me.
15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd,
And My tongue clings to My jaws;
You have brought Me to the dust of death.
16 For dogs have surrounded Me;
The congregation of the wicked has enclosed Me.
They pierced My hands and My feet;
17 I can count all My bones.
They look and stare at Me.
18 They divide My garments among them,
And for My clothing they cast lots.

(NKJV) Psalms 16:10 For You will not leave my soul in Sheol,
Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.
11 You will show me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

(NKJV) Psalms 68:18 You have ascended on high,
You have led captivity captive;
You have received gifts among men,
Even from the rebellious,
That the Lord God might dwell there.

(NKJV) Psalms 2:6 “Yet I have set My King
On My holy hill of Zion.”
7 “I will declare the decree:
The Lord has said to Me,
‘You are My Son,
Today I have begotten You.
8 Ask of Me, and I will give You
The nations for Your inheritance,
And the ends of the earth for Your possession.
9 You shall break them with a rod of iron;
You shall dash them to pieces like a potter's vessel.’ ”
10 Now therefore, be wise, O kings;
Be instructed, you judges of the earth.
11 Serve the Lord with fear,
And rejoice with trembling.
12 Kiss the Son, lest He be angry,
And you perish in the way,
When His wrath is kindled but a little.
Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him.

Godly Relationships

 

 

Godly Relationships.

There are many types of relationships,( work, family, friends, marital, etc.). And we are influenced, as well as shaped by those people in our lives. As Christians, it is very important to choose our friends carefully ...so that the enemy of our souls doesn't have an opportunity to snare us. I have seen family members, as well as friends corrupted by bad company. As Christians, we should be a light to those people in our lives, but instead of pulling people up toward God, many compromise and are pulled down into sin in order to be accepted. Our acceptance should be with God and not men. We are called to be God pleasers and not man pleasers. God's Word tells us to not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers.

(NKJV) 2 Corinthians 6:14 Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? 15 And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? 16 And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God.

When oxen are yoked together to plow a field, they turn and walk together in unison as the plowman directs them, they do nothing apart. It is the same with us with our friendships, friends have the same interests and spend time together. What fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? Drinking, drugging and partying is lawlessness and should have no place in the life of the believer. We should establish Godly friendships with like minded believers.

(NKJV) 1 John 2:15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. 17 And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.

(NKJV) 1 Corinthians 15:33 Do not be deceived: "Evil company corrupts good habits."

God's Word teaches us that we are not to love the world or the things of the world, if anyone loves the world the love of the Father is not in them. The world is a term that refers to the carnal nature of sin (lust of the flesh and eyes, pride of life). The wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus. This fallen world of sin is temporal and is passing away like a worn out garment, but he who does the will of God abides forever. By studying God's Word and getting to know our Father in Heaven we bear good fruit and develop good habits, but evil company corrupts good habits. Not only is a sinful lifestyle detrimental to us, but wasting time on vanity leads to spiritual stagnation, as well as backsliding. We need to spend time with God to get to know him and his Word so that we may live a victorious life in this dark world.

(NKJV) Proverbs 12:26 The righteous should choose his friends carefully, For the way of the wicked leads them astray.

(NKJV) 1 Peter 3:8 Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; 9 not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.

I have witnessed the way of the wicked leading many astray that is why we need to be the salt of the earth, as well as examples of the new birth. We may be the only lifeline that someone may have. We need to be like Christ to a dying world. Satan is very aggressive in his work to snare our souls, we need to be equally aggressive in sharing our faith with others.

God's Word also teaches us to be loving, tenderhearted, as well as courteous with those in our lives. We are not to return evil for evil or reviling for reviling but instead we are to bless those who curse us because we are to be an example of righteousness to the lost. We need to bear the good fruit of God's Spirit because he dwells within us. If he dwells within us then his attributes should be present in our lives.

(NKJV) Ephesians 4:31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. 32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

(NKJV) Matthew 5:23 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.

(NKJV) Matthew 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.

(NKJV) Matthew 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.

Finally we need to put away all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking and learn to love one another and forgive one another even as Christ loved and forgave us. God's Word teaches that if we do not forgive our brothers their trespasses then our heavenly Father will not forgive us our trespasses. Peter asked the Master how often we should forgive our brothers who sin against us, he asked seven times? Christ replied, seventy times seven. In other words, Christ was saying that our forgiveness towards our brothers should be limitless. We need to choose our relationships very carefully and treat others as we would have them treat us. God Bless!!

The Testing of our Faith

 

 

The Testing Of Our Faith.

(NKJV) Romans 5:1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope... of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

As Christians, we face many trials and temptations in life that we don't always understand. The Christian life is not an easy one for a person who truly is walking the walk. Many people ask, "why do good people suffer"? Romans 5 states that the tribulations that we face in life produces perseverance and perseverance produces character, as well as hope. In many ways this life is like a military boot camp, our character is developed through the hard knocks of life. We can allow hardships to create bitterness or we can learn patience and learn to trust in the Lord.

(NKJV) 1 Peter 1:6 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,

1 Peter 1:6,7 says that the various trials that we face is for the testing and refining of our faith. Our faith is more precious than gold and it will be tested with fire. What fires in life tests your faith? The death of a loved one or loosing a job or dealing with an illness are among the many trials that we face. I have known people that became very hard and bitter because of their hard knocks in life. They allowed bitterness to become hatred and were filled with jealousy and every other form of bad fruit. But I have also known people with terminal illnesses that turned to Christ and were overflowing with love, compassion, kindness and good works. The choice is ours how we deal with hardships. As Christians, we are called to bear good fruit and to let our light shine before men so that they will glorify our Father in Heaven.

(NKJV) 2 Peter 1:5 But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, 6 to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, 7 to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. 8 For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins. 10 Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; 11 for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

2 Peter 1:5-11 Says that we are to add to our faith, virtue, knowledge, self control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love. These fruits of the Spirit should be evident within the life of the believers. If God's Spirit truly dwells within us then his attributes should be present within our lives. Christ said that any tree that does not bring forth good fruit will be hewn down and cast in the fire. The testing of our faith should lead to a lifestyle that brings honor to God.

(NKJV) James 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

It can be very hard to count all of our trials as joy, but when we have an eternal perspective in regard to this temprol life it all comes into focus. God is a loving Father who wants what is best for his children. He doesn't want to spoil us with materialism, position or power which corrupts, but he wants to produce righteousness which leads to eternal life.

(NKJV) James 1:12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.

We truly are blessed when we endure temptation and we overcome it by the power of God's Spirit living within. God's Word is clear that no one is tempted by God, each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and is enticed and gives birth to sin. The wages of sin is death but by the power of the Holy Spirit we can crucify our flesh (sinful nature) and live lives pleasing to God bringing him honor. But we must stand strong against the schemes of the devil.

(NKJV) Ephesians 6:14 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—

Finally, in order to stand strong for our Lord in this fallen world we must be fully clothed with the armor of the Lord. Having our waist girded with truth and wearing the breastplate of righteousness, feet shod with the gospel of peace and above all having the shield of faith to quench the fiery darts of the wicked one. Wearing the helmet of salvation and using the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, when the enemy comes against me I fight him by quoting scriptures with faith. God's Word is alive and it is powerful. It truly is sharper than any two edged sword. I encourage all of you to lift that shield of faith against all of the trials in your life. Replace your anxiety and fears with faith, because we serve a big God who is happy to take our cares from us. Let your faith overcome illness, hardship, despair and all of the attacks from the evil one. God Bless!!