Matthew; 7:13-14
(Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.)
I have been reading 'The Pilgrim's Progress' by John Bunyan. It speaks of the Christians travels as he makes his way to the Celestial City. It talks about the different trials he encounters on his way. Some of these trials were family, vanity, despair, flatterers, doubt, and little faith. I'm sure that all of us have dealt with some of these if not all of these on our Christian journey. If we stray off of the narrow way, we can be putting our self into harms way.
Jesus tells us that we will experience difficulty if we choose to follow Him. You will be ridiculed for your belief and possibly persecuted. It probably won't cost you your life, but it isn't going to be easy.
John; 15:20
(Remember the word I said to you, 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also.)
Jesus was speaking to His disciples here, but it can also apply to us today. If we choose to follow Jesus and obey Him, then we can expect trials and tribulation. They may be physical or they may be spiritual, but they will come.
Our goal as a child of God is to worship Him and obey Him. He has given all of us as His children the mission of spreading the truth and being a witness to the lost. If we let our light shine in this dark world, they will see it. If we allow our self to be entangled by all of the cares of the world, we won't be able to carry out this mission. Satan knows where to put the stumbling blocks. He will cause you to doubt your own salvation at times. He will put your pride in front of you. He will put anything in front of you that will cause you to detour off the straight and narrow path.
We need to keep our eyes focused on Jesus. If we do, then it is much harder to be caught off guard. We need to expect these trials and remember that He who is in us is stronger than he who is in the world. Jesus has already won the war and He is our Rock and our Salvation. We live in a dark world but Jesus is the light of life. Walk in the light!!
John; 8:12
(Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.)"
You want to stay on the narrow path and not stumble? Stay on the lighted path.
God Bless You!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Friday, December 05, 2008
Comfortable And Forgetting!
The United States was a nation that began as a country that acknowledged the hand of God in her founding. God was given a prominent place in the national life and was given credit for the blessings of the nation. But our country has, by and large, left her godly roots and is now believing that our own genius and hard work has been responsible for our success. We are headed for a fall. And if we find ourselves in trouble, perhaps we will turn back to God and once again experience His blessings.
This statement was written in study notes of 'The Word For Today Bible'. The study notes were by Pastor Chuck Smith. The statement was written before the current financial mess we find our country in. As people point the finger of blame at each other, we need to point the finger at ourselves. We have become so comfortable with God's blessings that we have forgotten that it was Him who was blessing us. We didn't give Him the glory or the praise for all that He was doing for our country. We have turned from obeying God to disobeying God. Now we wonder why we're not being blessed. It's very simple, "we've turned our backs on God."
There is only one hope for us and that is Jesus Christ. If we will just turn back to God and ask for forgiveness and help, He will forgive and heal our nation. The government is not going to be able to change the condition of our heart. Only God can change a heart and He is waiting to do just that.
2Chronicles;7:14
(if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.)
He's our only hope for America. We're not going to see change without God's help. The hearts of so many people have turned so wicked, that we have become the present day Sodom and Gomorrah. A nation that promotes abortion (KILLING INNOCENT BABIES), gay marriages, and all forms of sexual sin, is doomed to destruction. God is a holy God, and anything less than holiness in His people is not acceptable.
1Peter; 1:15-16
(but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, "Be holy, for I am holy."
God Bless You!
This statement was written in study notes of 'The Word For Today Bible'. The study notes were by Pastor Chuck Smith. The statement was written before the current financial mess we find our country in. As people point the finger of blame at each other, we need to point the finger at ourselves. We have become so comfortable with God's blessings that we have forgotten that it was Him who was blessing us. We didn't give Him the glory or the praise for all that He was doing for our country. We have turned from obeying God to disobeying God. Now we wonder why we're not being blessed. It's very simple, "we've turned our backs on God."
There is only one hope for us and that is Jesus Christ. If we will just turn back to God and ask for forgiveness and help, He will forgive and heal our nation. The government is not going to be able to change the condition of our heart. Only God can change a heart and He is waiting to do just that.
2Chronicles;7:14
(if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.)
He's our only hope for America. We're not going to see change without God's help. The hearts of so many people have turned so wicked, that we have become the present day Sodom and Gomorrah. A nation that promotes abortion (KILLING INNOCENT BABIES), gay marriages, and all forms of sexual sin, is doomed to destruction. God is a holy God, and anything less than holiness in His people is not acceptable.
1Peter; 1:15-16
(but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, "Be holy, for I am holy."
God Bless You!
Thursday, December 04, 2008
God's Word Endures Forever!
The Bible is the inerrant Word Of God. God has told us that his Word will never pass away. Even though people have tried to say that there are errors in the Bible, I have yet to find one or have someone show me one. Someone might try to take a portion of Scripture out of context and say it contradicts itself, but that claim doesn't hold any water. If you want to know what God has for you in your life here on earth, then study the Bible. It is true from cover to cover.
Isaiah; 40:8
(The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever.")
God tells us that his Word is permanent, not to be altered or changed in any way. We're not to add to it or take away from it as some of the cults have done in rewriting their bible. They have done this to make their bible say what they believe. Instead they should believe what the bible says. We are warned in the Book of Revelation the consequences for adding to or taking away from God's Word.
Revelation; 22:18-19
(For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.)
I have never understood why people who want to know God better, turn to books written by man. I'll admit there are a lot of good books out there, but they are just that, books written by man. If you want to know God, then read the book God wrote. Now someone is going to say that the Bible was written by man. Man did write the words in the Bible, but God gave him the words to write. That is why it is the inspired Word of God or God breathed.
2Timothy; 3:16
(All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,)
No where in Scripture does God say "as time goes by, I might have to change My Word to better reach new generations of people". The safest place to be is in the Word of God, not in other books.
Maybe you just don't understand the Bible. The reason you don't understand is that satan has blinded you to the truths of the Word of God. Without the Holy Spirit in you, you will not understand God's Word.
1Corinthians; 1:18
( For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.)
Every person is either in the process of salvation or destruction. To the Christ rejectors who are in the process of being destroyed, the gospel is nonsense. To those who are believers, it is powerful wisdom.
Ask God to remove the blinders that satan has on you and to reveal the truths in His Word. Tell Jesus you believe in Him and that you repent and will turn from your sins. Ask Him to save you and give you eternal life.
God Bless You!
Isaiah; 40:8
(The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever.")
God tells us that his Word is permanent, not to be altered or changed in any way. We're not to add to it or take away from it as some of the cults have done in rewriting their bible. They have done this to make their bible say what they believe. Instead they should believe what the bible says. We are warned in the Book of Revelation the consequences for adding to or taking away from God's Word.
Revelation; 22:18-19
(For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.)
I have never understood why people who want to know God better, turn to books written by man. I'll admit there are a lot of good books out there, but they are just that, books written by man. If you want to know God, then read the book God wrote. Now someone is going to say that the Bible was written by man. Man did write the words in the Bible, but God gave him the words to write. That is why it is the inspired Word of God or God breathed.
2Timothy; 3:16
(All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,)
No where in Scripture does God say "as time goes by, I might have to change My Word to better reach new generations of people". The safest place to be is in the Word of God, not in other books.
Maybe you just don't understand the Bible. The reason you don't understand is that satan has blinded you to the truths of the Word of God. Without the Holy Spirit in you, you will not understand God's Word.
1Corinthians; 1:18
( For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.)
Every person is either in the process of salvation or destruction. To the Christ rejectors who are in the process of being destroyed, the gospel is nonsense. To those who are believers, it is powerful wisdom.
Ask God to remove the blinders that satan has on you and to reveal the truths in His Word. Tell Jesus you believe in Him and that you repent and will turn from your sins. Ask Him to save you and give you eternal life.
God Bless You!
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Saving Faith!
Romans; 10:17
(So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.)
So here is how we gain faith in Jesus Christ. We study the Word of God, we are taught the Word at church, and we can memorize verses. The list goes on but it all has to do with the Word of God. When we read God's Word, we see how the faith of different individuals played out. So what exactly is faith and where does it come from?
Webster's Dictionary explains it this way: belief and trust in and loyalty to God, something that is believed with strong conviction.
You believe or trust something to be true.
In the Book of Hebrews, the 11th chapter, we see how many people in the Old Testament had saving faith. Take Noah for example. He built an Ark to float on water because God had told Him. It took him 120 years to build the Ark. His faith was expressed by his obedience to God's command. When Daniel was thrown into the lion's den, he had faith that God would protect him from the lion's and God did.
We need faith in Jesus to be saved and that faith comes from God.
Ephesians; 2:8
(For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.)
Our faith is given to us by God and without it, it is impossible to please Him.
Hebrews; 11:6
(But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that he is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.)
When Jesus was here on earth, He would heal someone and let him know that his faith had made them well. At other times He would forgive someone of his sins and tell him that his faith had saved them. Not all who Jesus healed were saved, but those who exhibited true faith were saved.
Luke; 17:19
(And He said to him, "Arise, go your way. Your faith has made you well.")
Luke; 18:42
(Then Jesus said to him, "Receive your sight; your faith has made you well.")
When we come to Jesus for forgiveness, we must believe He is who He says He is. We must put our faith in Him and believe that He will forgive us of all our sins and save us. Jesus came to save the lost (sinners) and all of us were lost before we came to Him. If we do not come to Him for salvation, we will remain lost and without eternal life. There is only one way to eternal life and that is through faith in Jesus Christ!
John; 14:6
(Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.)
If you are really searching to know God, be in the Word of God. We can read all kinds of books about God, but what better book that the one He inspired. THE BIBLE
Be in the Word, we don't know how much time there is left. Study it, memorize it, have it written on your heart. If we ever have our Bibles taken away from us, then you will still have the Word of God written on your heart.
God Bless You!
(So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.)
So here is how we gain faith in Jesus Christ. We study the Word of God, we are taught the Word at church, and we can memorize verses. The list goes on but it all has to do with the Word of God. When we read God's Word, we see how the faith of different individuals played out. So what exactly is faith and where does it come from?
Webster's Dictionary explains it this way: belief and trust in and loyalty to God, something that is believed with strong conviction.
You believe or trust something to be true.
In the Book of Hebrews, the 11th chapter, we see how many people in the Old Testament had saving faith. Take Noah for example. He built an Ark to float on water because God had told Him. It took him 120 years to build the Ark. His faith was expressed by his obedience to God's command. When Daniel was thrown into the lion's den, he had faith that God would protect him from the lion's and God did.
We need faith in Jesus to be saved and that faith comes from God.
Ephesians; 2:8
(For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.)
Our faith is given to us by God and without it, it is impossible to please Him.
Hebrews; 11:6
(But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that he is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.)
When Jesus was here on earth, He would heal someone and let him know that his faith had made them well. At other times He would forgive someone of his sins and tell him that his faith had saved them. Not all who Jesus healed were saved, but those who exhibited true faith were saved.
Luke; 17:19
(And He said to him, "Arise, go your way. Your faith has made you well.")
Luke; 18:42
(Then Jesus said to him, "Receive your sight; your faith has made you well.")
When we come to Jesus for forgiveness, we must believe He is who He says He is. We must put our faith in Him and believe that He will forgive us of all our sins and save us. Jesus came to save the lost (sinners) and all of us were lost before we came to Him. If we do not come to Him for salvation, we will remain lost and without eternal life. There is only one way to eternal life and that is through faith in Jesus Christ!
John; 14:6
(Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.)
If you are really searching to know God, be in the Word of God. We can read all kinds of books about God, but what better book that the one He inspired. THE BIBLE
Be in the Word, we don't know how much time there is left. Study it, memorize it, have it written on your heart. If we ever have our Bibles taken away from us, then you will still have the Word of God written on your heart.
God Bless You!
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Many Antichrist Have Come!
1John; 2:18
(Little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrist have come, by which we know it is the last hour.)
In the first part of this verse, Antichrist is a proper name and refers to the final world leader who will be energized by Satan himself. In the second part of this verse, antichrist is used in the plural sense and speaks of many people who are antichrist. We witness this everyday in the world. The number of those who are antichrist, lets us know it is the last hours for mankind. This doesn't mean that the world is coming to an end right now but that we are living in the time between Christ's first coming and his second coming.
Now the world is getting real close to the rapture of the church because of the signs we are witnessing today. God has told us that with Him a thousand years is as a day and a day as a thousand years. The trouble is, we don't know if we are at the end of the end times. We are told to be ready for His return at any time.
Matthew; 24:44
(Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.)
Matthew; 25:13
("Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.)
God has told us in a number of passages in the Scriptures that we don't know the hour but we need to recognize the signs leading up to His second coming. I would recommend you read the 24th chapter of Matthew for some insight. We do know that every day that passes is one day closer to the appointed time. So when someone tells you that they have figured out the day of His return, don't believe them.
Matthew; 24:36
(But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.)
So as we keep getting closer, make sure that you are ready. How do you do this? You repent of your sins and ask Jesus for forgiveness. Ask Him to be LORD of your life and that you are putting all of your faith in Him.
Romans; 10:9-10
(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. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.)
God Bless You!
(Little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrist have come, by which we know it is the last hour.)
In the first part of this verse, Antichrist is a proper name and refers to the final world leader who will be energized by Satan himself. In the second part of this verse, antichrist is used in the plural sense and speaks of many people who are antichrist. We witness this everyday in the world. The number of those who are antichrist, lets us know it is the last hours for mankind. This doesn't mean that the world is coming to an end right now but that we are living in the time between Christ's first coming and his second coming.
Now the world is getting real close to the rapture of the church because of the signs we are witnessing today. God has told us that with Him a thousand years is as a day and a day as a thousand years. The trouble is, we don't know if we are at the end of the end times. We are told to be ready for His return at any time.
Matthew; 24:44
(Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.)
Matthew; 25:13
("Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.)
God has told us in a number of passages in the Scriptures that we don't know the hour but we need to recognize the signs leading up to His second coming. I would recommend you read the 24th chapter of Matthew for some insight. We do know that every day that passes is one day closer to the appointed time. So when someone tells you that they have figured out the day of His return, don't believe them.
Matthew; 24:36
(But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.)
So as we keep getting closer, make sure that you are ready. How do you do this? You repent of your sins and ask Jesus for forgiveness. Ask Him to be LORD of your life and that you are putting all of your faith in Him.
Romans; 10:9-10
(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. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.)
God Bless You!
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
God Says "I Will Heal Their Land"!
2Chronicles; 7:14
(if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.)
Wouldn't it be nice if the American people would seek God's face and humble themselves in prayer and ask God for forgiveness and to heal our nation. I know that is a tall order to ask, but I feel it is the only hope we have. The Christian people have stood by and allowed the nonbelievers to push through their agenda. We have been complacent thinking someone else would stand up for our Christian values. All that we've done was to allow Satan to have his way in our country. Now we can't discipline our children as God has commanded to. We are not allowed to have the ten commandments in a public place without confrontation from the atheist. You're not suppose to say "Merry Christmas", but instead "Happy Holidays." The list goes on and on.
So whats the answer? We need to do as God says and humble ourselves and pray and ask for forgiveness of our sins. Ask Him to heal our nation and our economy. I can see this situation getting continually worse if we don't start be obedient to God. Our nation was formed on Christian values and we prospered. Our nation has been blessed for so many years that we have forgotten that we were bless by God for having Christian values in our nation. God has told us that if we want to see good days and long life, we need to refrain from speaking and doing evil.
1Peter; 3:10-12
(For "He who would love life And see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips from speaking deceit. Let him turn away from evil and do good; Let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, And his ears are open to their prayers; But the face of the LORD is against those who do evil.")
If we hope to reverse this downward trend for our nation, we believers had better stand up for what is right and ask God for help. There is a spiritual war going on in our country in which we need God to fight the battle for us. Without God's help, we are going to lose the battle and our country. I'm urging all believers to take a stand for Jesus and do it today.
God Bless You!
(if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.)
Wouldn't it be nice if the American people would seek God's face and humble themselves in prayer and ask God for forgiveness and to heal our nation. I know that is a tall order to ask, but I feel it is the only hope we have. The Christian people have stood by and allowed the nonbelievers to push through their agenda. We have been complacent thinking someone else would stand up for our Christian values. All that we've done was to allow Satan to have his way in our country. Now we can't discipline our children as God has commanded to. We are not allowed to have the ten commandments in a public place without confrontation from the atheist. You're not suppose to say "Merry Christmas", but instead "Happy Holidays." The list goes on and on.
So whats the answer? We need to do as God says and humble ourselves and pray and ask for forgiveness of our sins. Ask Him to heal our nation and our economy. I can see this situation getting continually worse if we don't start be obedient to God. Our nation was formed on Christian values and we prospered. Our nation has been blessed for so many years that we have forgotten that we were bless by God for having Christian values in our nation. God has told us that if we want to see good days and long life, we need to refrain from speaking and doing evil.
1Peter; 3:10-12
(For "He who would love life And see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips from speaking deceit. Let him turn away from evil and do good; Let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, And his ears are open to their prayers; But the face of the LORD is against those who do evil.")
If we hope to reverse this downward trend for our nation, we believers had better stand up for what is right and ask God for help. There is a spiritual war going on in our country in which we need God to fight the battle for us. Without God's help, we are going to lose the battle and our country. I'm urging all believers to take a stand for Jesus and do it today.
God Bless You!
Monday, November 24, 2008
Use Discernment!
With everything going on today, the Christian needs to be in the Word and using discernment. You have a number of cults who have totally rewritten the Bible so that it says what they want to hear. One such cult is the Jehovah's Witness. One way they have done this is to take away the Deity of Jesus Christ. The Mormons have the Bible but prefer to teach out of the Book of Mormon. God gave us specific warnings about altering His Word.
Revelation; 22:18-19
(For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.)
In the second book of Peter, we are told that these false teachers will bring in destructive heresies even denying the Lord Jesus Christ. They come into the church with some form of teaching that sounds good, but when filtered through the Scriptures, we find it is wrong. This is why it is so tragic when a church makes a virtue out of tolerance for unscriptural teaching in the name of unity. One of these is sexual immorality. They want you to tolerate sexual immorality so that we can get along with each other. Take what is going on in California today. The people voted not to allow same sex marriages. Now they are rioting saying that the Christian right is not tolerant and they should be allowed to do what is forbidden in Scripture. God doesn't hate the homosexual, but He does hate the sin of homosexuality. We need to pray for them that they will turn from this immoral lifestyle.
Leviticus; 18:22
(You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. It is an abomination.)
How are we going to be discerning if we don't know what is in the Word of God. If we don't read and study God's Word, we leave ourselves open to deception. Anytime someone tells you that they have the only true way to worship God, filter it through the Scripture as see if it lines up. God has given us His Word so that we can be prepared for the false teachers. He doesn't send us to battle without the Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. As a good soldier, we need to be preparing ourselves for the battle ahead. As we get closer to the end times, the battles will increase in number and in intensity. Satan knows his days a numbered and he is fighting hard to destroy the church. Let's stand up for Jesus and what's right and not allow him any victories. We already know the outcome, because Jesus has won the battle.
Matthew; 16:18
(And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.)
Stand fast in your faith and thank God for the victory, for the battle belongs to the Lord.
God Bless You!
Revelation; 22:18-19
(For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.)
In the second book of Peter, we are told that these false teachers will bring in destructive heresies even denying the Lord Jesus Christ. They come into the church with some form of teaching that sounds good, but when filtered through the Scriptures, we find it is wrong. This is why it is so tragic when a church makes a virtue out of tolerance for unscriptural teaching in the name of unity. One of these is sexual immorality. They want you to tolerate sexual immorality so that we can get along with each other. Take what is going on in California today. The people voted not to allow same sex marriages. Now they are rioting saying that the Christian right is not tolerant and they should be allowed to do what is forbidden in Scripture. God doesn't hate the homosexual, but He does hate the sin of homosexuality. We need to pray for them that they will turn from this immoral lifestyle.
Leviticus; 18:22
(You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. It is an abomination.)
How are we going to be discerning if we don't know what is in the Word of God. If we don't read and study God's Word, we leave ourselves open to deception. Anytime someone tells you that they have the only true way to worship God, filter it through the Scripture as see if it lines up. God has given us His Word so that we can be prepared for the false teachers. He doesn't send us to battle without the Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. As a good soldier, we need to be preparing ourselves for the battle ahead. As we get closer to the end times, the battles will increase in number and in intensity. Satan knows his days a numbered and he is fighting hard to destroy the church. Let's stand up for Jesus and what's right and not allow him any victories. We already know the outcome, because Jesus has won the battle.
Matthew; 16:18
(And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.)
Stand fast in your faith and thank God for the victory, for the battle belongs to the Lord.
God Bless You!
Friday, November 21, 2008
Salt Water And Fresh Water!
In the third chapter of James, He discusses the tongue and the damage that can be inflicted with one that is out of control. All of us have said things that we later regretted. Once the words come out of our mouth, there is no taking them back. The damage is done and all we have left is regret. We are told in the scriptures that we need to think before we speak.
James; 1:19-20
(So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.)
Most of the time when we say things we wish we hadn't, we are probably mad or tired or just plain vengeful. That's why we should stop and ask ourselves if what we're going to say is edifying or destructive to the hearer.
How are we walking? Are we walking in the flesh or the Spirit? This also can have a very big impact on what flows out of our mouth. Which one is in control of our mouth at the time we speak? What are we trying to accomplish with our words? Are we trying to inflict pain or comfort? If we are walking in the Spirit, then what we say should be edifying to the hearer.
Galatians; 5:22-23
(But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.)
God is the only one who can tame the tongue and we need to let him have total control. If we think for a minute we have our tongue under control, then we are fooling ourselves. God tell us that NO man can control the tongue.
James; 3:8-9
(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.
So we see that if we are trying to control it without God's help, it will be a losing battle. The question we need to ask our self is, "are we producing fresh water (edification) or salt water (damage)?" We shouldn't be producing both out of the same mouth.
James; 3:11-12
(Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening? Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh.)
The next time before we speak, we need to be sure that what we say will be edifying and not hurtful to the hearer.
God Bless You!
James; 1:19-20
(So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.)
Most of the time when we say things we wish we hadn't, we are probably mad or tired or just plain vengeful. That's why we should stop and ask ourselves if what we're going to say is edifying or destructive to the hearer.
How are we walking? Are we walking in the flesh or the Spirit? This also can have a very big impact on what flows out of our mouth. Which one is in control of our mouth at the time we speak? What are we trying to accomplish with our words? Are we trying to inflict pain or comfort? If we are walking in the Spirit, then what we say should be edifying to the hearer.
Galatians; 5:22-23
(But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.)
God is the only one who can tame the tongue and we need to let him have total control. If we think for a minute we have our tongue under control, then we are fooling ourselves. God tell us that NO man can control the tongue.
James; 3:8-9
(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.
So we see that if we are trying to control it without God's help, it will be a losing battle. The question we need to ask our self is, "are we producing fresh water (edification) or salt water (damage)?" We shouldn't be producing both out of the same mouth.
James; 3:11-12
(Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening? Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh.)
The next time before we speak, we need to be sure that what we say will be edifying and not hurtful to the hearer.
God Bless You!
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Tares And Wheat!
When I was younger, I worked on the farm during the summer. The farm belonged to one of my Sunday School teachers. He grew wheat and corn along with some alfalfa. My job was to take care of the alfalfa fields and help with other chores. When the wheat was coming up it all looked like wheat, but as it got closer to producing the heads, then the rye started to show up. The way we could tell it was rye was that it was taller than the wheat. My job was to go through the field and pull up the rye and lay it down on the ground. The reason for doing this was that when you harvest the wheat and take it to the co-op, they would run a probe down into the bed of wheat and pull out some for testing. If they found any rye mixed in with wheat, it would lower your pay because it was contaminated with rye.
In the parable of the wheat and tares, Jesus told the disciples that the enemy had planted tares among the wheat. The tares very hard to tell from the wheat until they both start to produce work. The wheat will produce good works for the kingdom of God while the tares will produce wicked works for the evil one. The wheat are the believers of God and the tares are the unbelievers. The field is the world and we are growing as we speak.
When the end times come, God will instruct His angels to gather all of the tares out of the field so that at the harvest will be pure. There won't be any unbelievers left mixed in with the true believers in Christ. The believers will have eternal life with God while the unbelievers will be cast into the lake of fire to spend eternity separated from God.
If you are an unbeliever, we may not be able to tell unless you profess your unbelief to us. God can tell because He know the condition of your heart. He also knows where you will spend eternity unless you repent and ask for forgiveness of sin.
Matthew; 13:41-42
(The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness, and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth.)
Hell is a furnace of fire, kindled by the wrath of God, and kept burning by the tares cast into it. If you end up there, you will be ever in the consuming, but never consumed. It will be the eternal punishment for all of those who choose not to believe in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
For the believer, our destiny will be opposite of those who chose not to believe.
Revelation; 21:3-4
(And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.)
That's where I'm going to be and I hope you will be there too.
God Bless You!
In the parable of the wheat and tares, Jesus told the disciples that the enemy had planted tares among the wheat. The tares very hard to tell from the wheat until they both start to produce work. The wheat will produce good works for the kingdom of God while the tares will produce wicked works for the evil one. The wheat are the believers of God and the tares are the unbelievers. The field is the world and we are growing as we speak.
When the end times come, God will instruct His angels to gather all of the tares out of the field so that at the harvest will be pure. There won't be any unbelievers left mixed in with the true believers in Christ. The believers will have eternal life with God while the unbelievers will be cast into the lake of fire to spend eternity separated from God.
If you are an unbeliever, we may not be able to tell unless you profess your unbelief to us. God can tell because He know the condition of your heart. He also knows where you will spend eternity unless you repent and ask for forgiveness of sin.
Matthew; 13:41-42
(The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness, and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth.)
Hell is a furnace of fire, kindled by the wrath of God, and kept burning by the tares cast into it. If you end up there, you will be ever in the consuming, but never consumed. It will be the eternal punishment for all of those who choose not to believe in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
For the believer, our destiny will be opposite of those who chose not to believe.
Revelation; 21:3-4
(And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.)
That's where I'm going to be and I hope you will be there too.
God Bless You!
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
More Than Words!
We've raised our hand, we've walked down the isle, we've said all of the right words, but are we saved? You can do all that seems right and still not be saved because your heart wasn't right. Only God knows the condition of our heart and if we really meant all the words we say. Scripture says that God wants a personal relationship with us that we must be obedient to His commands. How do we know if we are truly saved?
Matthew; 24:13
(But he who endures to the end shall be saved.)
God secures our perseverance through His power through faith for salvation. Part of His saving work is to secure our perseverance. We need to rely on God's power rather than our own to hold fast to the faith.
Hebrews; 10:23
(Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.)
Our holding fast to our faith is one evidence of our salvation. This is not speaking of how to be saved but rather evidence of true faith.
We are saved by faith in Jesus Christ, not anything we have done. We never can earn or work enough to merit salvation.
Ephesians; 2:8-9
(For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, least anyone should boast.)
I'm not trying to scare you into thinking that maybe you're not saved but rather to point out Scripture that says your are saved. Holding fast to your faith, abiding in Christ Jesus, are just some of the proofs of genuine salvation. There are many different passages that address this issue and I encourage you to look them up.
We are told that when we come to Jesus for salvation, we are given the Spirit of Christ and we are born again into the family of God. You have become a new creation in Christ and you should start to see some change in your life. It refers to regeneration or new birth.
2Corinthians; 5:17
(Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.)
Our goal now should be to do the will of God rather than do the will of the flesh. People will see a change in you and wonder what happened to you.
1Peter; 4:2-4
(that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lust of men, but for the will of God. For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles-when we walked in lewdness, lust, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries. In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you.)
Two more Scripture to consider.
Matthew; 7:21
("Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.)
We are encouraged to check ourselves to see if we are truly in the faith.
2Corinthians; 13:5
(Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?-unless indeed you are disqualified.)
God Bless You!
Matthew; 24:13
(But he who endures to the end shall be saved.)
God secures our perseverance through His power through faith for salvation. Part of His saving work is to secure our perseverance. We need to rely on God's power rather than our own to hold fast to the faith.
Hebrews; 10:23
(Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.)
Our holding fast to our faith is one evidence of our salvation. This is not speaking of how to be saved but rather evidence of true faith.
We are saved by faith in Jesus Christ, not anything we have done. We never can earn or work enough to merit salvation.
Ephesians; 2:8-9
(For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, least anyone should boast.)
I'm not trying to scare you into thinking that maybe you're not saved but rather to point out Scripture that says your are saved. Holding fast to your faith, abiding in Christ Jesus, are just some of the proofs of genuine salvation. There are many different passages that address this issue and I encourage you to look them up.
We are told that when we come to Jesus for salvation, we are given the Spirit of Christ and we are born again into the family of God. You have become a new creation in Christ and you should start to see some change in your life. It refers to regeneration or new birth.
2Corinthians; 5:17
(Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.)
Our goal now should be to do the will of God rather than do the will of the flesh. People will see a change in you and wonder what happened to you.
1Peter; 4:2-4
(that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lust of men, but for the will of God. For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles-when we walked in lewdness, lust, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries. In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you.)
Two more Scripture to consider.
Matthew; 7:21
("Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.)
We are encouraged to check ourselves to see if we are truly in the faith.
2Corinthians; 13:5
(Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?-unless indeed you are disqualified.)
God Bless You!
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